OmniTech Newsletter 04

👋 Hello!

It’s Tom Koch from OmniTech: Apple/Mac Tech, Security and Tutoring. Welcome to the 5th edition of the OmniTech Newsletter!
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Also, if you’d like to access any of my past Newsletters:
👉 Click the link near the bottom of this Newsletter for the archive.
Feel free to share with anyone who may find these Newsletters helpful.

And if you have topics you’d like me to cover, I’d love to hear your suggestions!

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📰 Tech Update: Apple’s New Operating Systems (Fall 2025)

Apple’s New Naming System Apple has changed how they name their Operating Systems (OS). Instead of using version numbers like MacOS 15 or iOS 18, the new versions now use the year of release — similar to how car model years are named.
All the new systems are called “26”, since they were released in September 2025:

MacOS 26
iOS 26 (for iPhones)
iPadOS 26
AppleTV OS 26

Should You Upgrade?
Apple will suggest you upgrade to the new OS, but you don’t have to do it right away.

I recommend waiting a few months before upgrading. This gives Apple time to fix any early bugs or security issues.
Apple will never install a new Operating System without your permission.
(See Newsletter #2 for the difference between updates and upgrades.)

A New Look
Apple’s 26 OS releases have somewhat radically changed the look and feel of the interface, using a very fluid “Liquid Glass” interface which takes some time to get used to, and they have changed the fundamental way some of their apps work.
If you have upgraded and have questions, let me know.

⚠️ A Friendly Reminder About Online Scams
Scammers are very clever—they use false billing, fake computer exploits, or pressure to get you to share passwords, give remote access to your computer, or send them money. These people are not really “hackers.” They don’t break into your computer — instead, they trick you into letting them in by using clever social engineering tactics.

Scammers are getting smarter and more convincing.
Recently, fake messages have been circulating saying things like:

Your iCloud (or just “cloud”) is full
Your Norton Antivirus has expired
You were charged by Square, or Amazon, or UPS
Or even sending fake party invitations

If you receive any odd email or text message:

Stop and take a breath. Think about what you’re reading, and what they’re asking.
Check with someone you trust before doing anything.

You can always forward any suspicious messages to me and I’ll let you know if it is real or fake.

⚠️ Security Reminder: Never let anyone into your computer remotely unless you absolutely know who they are.

🛡️ Keeping Your Information Safe
Since none of us can be sure what information scammers have, we can try make it harder for them to cause us trouble.

Here are some easy tips to help protect yourself:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
⁉️ What is 2FA? Two-Factor Authentication is a second layer of security, like having a double lock on your door. The first lock is your password, the second is a temporary code that is sent to your mobile phone number or email address, making sure you are the one logging in — not a scammer.

Use two-factor authentication on your email and financial accounts.
⭐️ (I help clients with this process all the time, so email me if you feel like you might need extra help)

Click the link below to find Newsletter #1 – Security & Scam Awareness for a review on how to stay internet-safe, including some of the scams out there and the importance of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

👉 OmniTech Newsletter 01: Security & Scam Awareness

2. Freeze Your Credit
* Freeze your credit files at all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
* This will prevent thieves from opening credit cards, loans, or other new accounts in your name by blocking lenders and other entities from pulling your report without your permission.
* Once your credit accounts are frozen, you can temporarily lift the freeze when applying for a loan, insurance, or a new credit card, and then set your account to re-freeze afterward.

👉 usa.gov info on how to freeze your credits

3. Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
* Apply for an IRS Identity Protection PIN in January for filing your federal tax return. It will be good for the next calendar year, and they will automatically mail you a new one before the next tax year filing is due.
* This prevents fraudulent returns and stolen tax refunds. (Ironically, this happened to me some years ago and I still use an IRS-issued PIN).

👉 Learn more and apply here: irs.gov Get a new PIN
* Share the PIN only with your tax preparer when your tax return is ready to file. Tell your preparer not to (store the PIN or your bank account and routing numbers in their software before or after your return is filed.

☝️ One More Thing: Scan Documents with Your iPhone or iPad

You can use the Notes app on your iPhone to scan and save documents easily.

Here’s how (using iPhone/iPad OS 18 and above):

1. Open the Notes app.
You can open an existing note or tap the New Note button to start a fresh one.
2. Tap the Paperclip (📎) icon.
Choose Scan Documents from the list.
3. Hold your iPhone over the paper.
The camera will find the edges and scan automatically.
Or, tap the shutter button to take the scan yourself.
4. Need to scan more pages?
When it says “Ready for next scan,” hold up the next page and repeat.
5. Tap Save when finished.
It will show how many pages you scanned.
You’ll see a small preview in the corner—tap the ✔︎ at the top right to finish.
6. Your scan is saved in that note.
Tap the Share button (the box with an arrow ↑) to email, text, or print it.

That’s it for now. I hope you found this Newsletter informative and enjoyable.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
-t

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