Chet Davis Tech Tutor, San Rafael, CA (2026)

Through on-line lessons, workshops & tutorial DVDs Chet Davis provides expert training & instruction in today's technology tools - from personal computers and the iPhone to internet tools, digital photography, and videography.

10/03/2026

How to best prepare for your new iPhone

Once you’ve decided on your new iPhone, you want to take a few steps to ensure your transition to the new device is smooth. First - give yourself time to get into the new iPhone before you really need it. For example, you don’t want to do it the day or even a few days before a big trip. I’ve worked with people who wanted to purchase a new iPhone on the way to the airport. Big mistake.

��While the process of setting up a new iPhone and transferring your data into the new device has become more smooth, it’s still a process, and you want to make sure everything is set up the way you expect (and want) before you’re in another country or on a big trip, etc.

1. Make sure your current iPhone is backed up. I recommend using iCloud. I know some people think it’s risky or unsafe, but with all I know and have experienced, it remains a safe and secure way to back up (and sync) your data on your iPhone. �
A. To do this, go into the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone,
B. click on your name at the top (opens your Apple account page)
C. Click on ‘iCloud”
D. Scroll down and click on ‘iCloud Backup’
D. Make sure the green slider is enabled by ‘Back Up This iPhone’,
‘Back Up Now’ in blue letters allows you to create a backup in the moment, underneath this it tells the last time you had a successful back-up.

2. Ensure you know your Apple Account Password (sometimes called your Apple ID, iCloud, or iTunes password). This is the key to your backup and many other Apple settings and functions. If you want to set up your new iPhone at the Apple Store - or anywhere else, make sure you bring this with you.

��If you don’t know your Apple Account password or have an incorrect password, you can use the steps on this page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102656 .
Note: as long as you have an Apple device signed into your Apple Account (iCloud), the easiest method to change or reset your password is on that device. The webpage above can help with those steps.

3. Make sure you also know your passwords to your email account/s and any other apps or accounts you use regularly. You will very likely need to sign into these apps/accounts on your new device (to verify and ensure you’re really you trying to access your stuff).
NOTE: Transferring Gmail and Google accounts is _way_ easier when you have both the old and new iPhone in your possession, before erasing the old one, to set up the new one.

4. There are some third-party apps and services you may have on your iPhone that you depend on or need. Here are just a few that can be important to ensure you have backed up or transferred onto your new iPhone BEFORE you erase/trade-in your current device:
* WhatsApp - make sure your data is backed up.
* If you use an e-key (electronic key) for your vehicle, make sure you transfer that to your new iPhone.
* Cryptocurrency - not my speciality, but I have heard you could possibly lose $$ if not properly addressed.

5. I strongly recommend trading in your current/old iPhone _after_ you have time to verify that all that is important has successfully moved over to your new iPhone. This is why I prefer Apple’s methods of getting into a new iPhone… whether it’s the iPhone Upgrade, iPhone Payments, or iPhone Lease program. You have 14 days (2 weeks) to keep your old iPhone before trading it in and receiving value for your old device.

09/30/2026

Which size (storage/capacity) should I get on my new iPhone?

I would answer this question with two questions for you:�
1. What storage capacity do you have on your current iPhone?
2. How full is your current iPhone?��If you don’t know the answers to these questions, here’s how to find out:

- Go into the ‘Settings” app on your iPhone (the little silver gears)
- Click on ‘General’
- Scroll down and click on ‘iPhone Storage’ (you’ll see the screen posted on the right below)

In this diagram, you’ll notice the phone is using 178.73 GB out of its 256GB capacity. The device has a 256GB capacity, and it currently has about 77GB of free space.

If this is your iPhone, I’d recommend getting a device with at least 256GB. You can’t buy a new iPhone with less storage than you’re using on your current one.

If you’re close to the device’s capacity, like if this iPhone was using 245GB out of 256GB, I’d strongly suggest getting a new iPhone with more than 256GB.

Why? Because a new iPhone probably has a higher resolution camera, which means each image will take up more space. You want plenty of storage for your photos, videos, and other data. It’s a real pain if your phone doesn’t have enough storage.

I’ve helped many people over the years try to clear out their phones to make more space, and honestly, it’s not worth saving a few dollars to get a smaller phone. Good news if you have an older phone; it likely has much less capacity than the current iPhone models (which start at 256GB).

09/29/2026

Which iPhone should I purchase?

If you’re thinking about upgrading because it’s something you need or want, I usually suggest getting the newest model. Just a heads-up: when Apple releases a new iPhone series, the older ones usually get cheaper. Right now, Apple still has the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e—last year’s models at a better price than the new iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo.

If you haven’t upgraded in a while and you don’t use your iPhone much, the iPhone 17e might be just what you need (probably for the next 5-6 years *) and it’s the most affordable, newly available iPhone. I should also mention that even though Apple no longer sells the Pro and Pro Max models from the prior year, you can often find them at other retailers or through your carrier (but avoid a carrier

I take lots of photos with my iPhone, so the camera features are super important to me. That’s why I always go for the “Pro” model—this year, I’ve got the iPhone 18 Pro. Some friends love the bigger screen on the Pro Max models, but it’s too big for me. If you’re not sure, try them out at the Apple Store (or another store) and see which size feels best in your hand.

Also, Apple has the iPhone Duo this year. It’s basically a Pro Max that’s doubled in size. It folds in the middle and has what they say is an invisible seam between the two halves. It’s a bit pricey for what looks like a really cool device. If you’re not worried about the cost, you might want to check it out at the Apple Store. ��

If you’re not sure which iPhone model is right for you, that’s perfectly okay! You can check out the company website (www.Apple.com) and click on ‘iPhone’ at the top. Then, from the options below the big word ‘iPhone’, click on ‘Compare’. This will let you compare up to three different iPhone models. You can even enter your current iPhone model to see how the new one stacks up in terms of hardware specs.

And don’t hesitate to swing by the closest Apple Store to chat with one of the sales folks. I’d suggest skipping the other retailers or your phone carrier store, as they might have some personal preferences and not be as familiar with Apple’s latest models.
�* Historically, Apple provides software/Operating System upgrades to devices up to 6 or 7 years after release.

In the next article, I’ll share my thoughts on what size (capacity) you should go for in your new iPhone.

09/29/2026

Which iPhone should I (you) purchase?

If you’re thinking about upgrading because it’s something you need or want, I usually suggest getting the newest model. Just a heads-up: when Apple releases a new iPhone series, the older ones usually get cheaper. Right now, Apple still has the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e—last year’s models at a better price than the new iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo.

If you haven’t upgraded in a while and you don’t use your iPhone much, the iPhone 17e might be just what you need (probably for the next 5-6 years *) and it’s the most affordable, newly available iPhone. I should also mention that even though Apple no longer sells the Pro and Pro Max models from the prior year, you can often find them at other retailers or through your carrier (but avoid a carrier

I take lots of photos with my iPhone, so the camera features are super important to me. That’s why I always go for the “Pro” model—this year, I’ve got the iPhone 18 Pro. Some friends love the bigger screen on the Pro Max models, but it’s too big for me. If you’re not sure, try them out at the Apple Store (or another store) and see which size feels best in your hand.

Also, Apple has the iPhone Duo this year. It’s basically a Pro Max that’s doubled in size. It folds in the middle and has what they say is an invisible seam between the two halves. It’s a bit pricey for what looks like a really cool device. If you’re not worried about the cost, you might want to check it out at the Apple Store.

��If you’re not sure which iPhone model is right for you, that’s perfectly okay! You can check out the company website (www.Apple.com) and click on ‘iPhone’ at the top. Then, from the options below the big word ‘iPhone’, click on ‘Compare’. This will let you compare up to three different iPhone models. You can even enter your current iPhone model to see how the new one stacks up in terms of hardware specs.

And don’t forget to swing by the closest Apple Store to chat with one of the sales folks. I’d suggest skipping the other retailers or your phone carrier store, as they might have some personal preferences and not be as familiar with Apple’s latest models.

�* Historically, Apple provides software/Operating System upgrades to devices up to 6 or 7 years after release.

In the next article, I’ll share my thoughts on what size (capacity) you should go for in your new iPhone.

09/29/2026

Now that Apple has announced and made available their latest iPhone (iPhone 18 series) I want to share suggestions and tips for those considering whether and how to upgrade their iPhone.

In the first of 5 articles, today I answer the simple question:
Do you need a new iPhone?

I’ve been saying for years that if your iPhone (or any other gadget) is doing what you need it to, maybe you don’t need to replace or upgrade it just yet. But if there are things you want to do with it that you can’t, it might be time to think about upgrading.

Some folks think it’s all about planned obsolescence, but I don’t see it that way. The reality is that software developers (including the apps you use every day) update their websites or apps each year to make the most of the new hardware. Plus, the device you bought 3-7 years ago doesn’t have the same features or capabilities anymore.

This is becoming more important for many people who use technology to access their health care info and schedule things (like banking).

And if your current device is always saying it’s full and running out of storage, or if the battery doesn’t last a full day when you need it to, I’d definitely suggest upgrading to a new one. Sure, you could just get a battery replacement (make sure to do it at the Apple Store, not some shop in the mall), but you’re essentially investing in older technology.

09/29/2026

I'm back!

After leaving Apple as a Manager at two different locations (including managing the Genius Bar-service side of the operation) I am happy to share with folks relevant technology info, tips and suggestions.

Address

San Rafael, CA
94903

Website

http://www.YourTechnologyTutor.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chet Davis Tech Tutor posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Chet Davis Tech Tutor:

Chet Davis Tech Tutor

10/03/2026

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request