The iPhone 16 Pro is already an extremely powerful tool for both photographers and videographers alike, thanks to its stellar rear cameras and ProRes Log video support. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman — an Apple analyst with a reliable track record — writes that for the iPhone 17 Pro line, Apple «will stress improvements to video recording» in a move to «get the vlogging community away from stand alone cameras.» As a YouTube creator and professional photographer myself, I’m intrigued. 

Sadly, Gurman hasn’t offered any details on what these video improvements might be. And to be fair to Apple, it’s already leading the way with some of its video production capabilities. The combination of ProRes recording and Log color profiles on the last couple of iPhone Pro models has made them not just great video cameras for everyday vloggers, but powerful enough to be the primary cameras for Hollywood films. Samsung clearly took note of Apple’s video dominance in the creative space as it equipped the recent S25 Ultra with Log color, too. 

Given the already top-end video skills of the iPhones, it’s difficult to know exactly what Apple might do to make its devices even more appealing to content creators. I produce videos for CNET and I operate a YouTube channel, so I spend a lot of my time shooting video and vlogging on a variety of equipment from mirrorless cameras like my Canon R5 and BlackMagic Cinema Camera to more mobile options like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Yet I rarely use my iPhone 16 Pro as part of my production. So, why don’t I?

In all honesty, there’s no specific reason beyond that I feel I have my bases adequately covered by what’s already available. When I want cinematic production quality, I use my main cameras. When I want a lightweight mobile setup for photowalk vlogging, I use my Osmo. So I’m left wondering what Apple would need to do to make me leave my Osmo at home and head out to shoot my YouTube videos using just my phone. I do have a couple of thoughts.

First, it needs to make the main camera app easier to use with Bluetooth microphones. While the iPhone’s built-in microphones are decent enough in quiet environments, external mics can offer more professional sound quality with better wind resistance. They allow you to stand further away from your camera while capturing crystal clear sound. 

While it’s possible to pair the DJI Mic 2 with the iPhone, I’ve only been able to get it to work when using the BlackMagic Camera app, but not in the iPhone’s default camera app. It’s possible that Apple will try to push the AirPods Pro 2 as the better option for creators, but I don’t like wearing headphones when vlogging, so this isn’t a workaround I’d be happy with. 

I also want to see Apple offer more editing options for its Log footage on the phone. Log video looks grey and low contrast by default as you typically take that footage into editing software like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve and adjust the colors and contrast to suit — a process called color grading. But that adds a lot of time and effort. 

If Apple wants its high-level video skills to appeal to fast-paced YouTubers and social media creators, adding color presets (often called LUTs) to the iPhone’s video editing workflow would be a welcome addition.

I’m definitely excited to see what Apple has in store for the iPhone 17’s cameras. As someone who spends a lot of time producing videos, I’m keen to see whether its new updates will be enough to tempt me away from my own tried-and-tested setup.

Getting calls from an unknown source can be unsettling, especially if you’re trying to dodge scams or avoid talking to someone you can’t identify immediately. But there are two different ways those unspecified numbers can be labeled on your iPhone: No Caller ID and Unknown Caller. So, what’s the difference?

Here’s what to know about each label and how to keep yourself safe from potential caller scams.

No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller

A call labeled «No Caller ID» means the caller has blocked their number from appearing on your screen. In other words, they want to keep their identity under wraps. This can be a privacy measure, but it’s also a tool used by scammers — if you can’t quickly verify who the caller is based on their number, it can be easier to fall for their trap. 

«Unknown Caller,» on the other hand, is the message that appears when your phone service provider doesn’t recognize who’s calling. This can come down to several factors, including network or technical issues, or receiving calls from foreign numbers. Oftentimes, these callers aren’t intentionally trying to hide their identity, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious. Scammers can also use this method to hide their identity by using a phone that isn’t registered with the phone company, for instance. 

What to do if you get anonymous calls

You should always proceed with caution if you can’t identify a caller. This is especially important if someone rings you and «No Caller ID» appears on the screen, as they have intentionally kept their number hidden. But an Unknown Caller is also something to be wary of, since it becomes harder to truly identify who’s at the other end of the line. 

Letting the call go to voicemail is often a good idea. Answering a call signals to scammers that your number is active, which could lead to more similar calls in the future. The Live Voicemail feature is particularly helpful for these situations because it allows you to pick up the call if the voicemail transcript indicates it’s someone you want to speak with.

Silence unknown callers on your iPhone

You can even go a step further and silence unknown callers on your iPhone. That way, those mystery callers won’t disturb you, and they can just leave a voicemail for you to check later.

In your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Apps followed by Phone and go to Silence Unknown Callers. Hit the toggle to turn it on.

Use apps to block unidentified calls

Though there isn’t a way to block these anonymous calls within your iPhone’s settings, your wireless carrier may offer apps to help with this. 

AT&T ActiveArmor, for instance, has a free version that blocks spam and fraud calls, and also lets you block all unknown callers. The advanced version, which costs $4 a month, includes tools like reverse number lookup and caller ID for unknown numbers. ActiveArmor is available for iOS and Android.

Verizon’s Call Filter app also offers spam detection, a spam filter and the option to report numbers, all for free. For an additional $4 a month, you’ll also get caller ID, spam lookup, a personal block list and a spam risk meter. Call Filter is automatically enabled for Android users on a postpaid plan, and is available in the App Store for iPhone.

T-Mobile’s Scam Shield has a free option that includes full caller ID, scam reporting and scam blocking. There’s also a premium option for $4 a month per line, which offers reverse phone number lookup and voicemail transcriptions that are automatically texted to you. You can download the Scam Shield app in the App Store or Google Play.

Be sure to check with other wireless carriers to see if they offer something similar. Some wireless carrier plans may include access to the premium features as well.

For more third-party apps to help limit robocalls and general tips, check out our guide on stopping spam calls. 

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is an easy one. Usually, I’m thrown off when the puzzle pulls a meta-question, and wants you to fill in circled letters to solve an extra clue, but this one, 2-Down, was super-simple. But a couple other clues required some more thinking — unless you’re super familiar with the population ranking of Caribbean nations (8-Across). Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: The «A» of MoMA
Answer: ART

4A clue: Like steak tartare and carpaccio
Answer: RAW

5A clue: Attire for wizards and judges
Answer: ROBES

7A clue: Warm shade of yellowish-orange
Answer: AMBER

8A clue: Most populous country in the Caribbean
Answer: HAITI

9A clue: Messy room, so to speak
Answer: STY

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Noted features of bakeries and candle shops
Answer: AROMAS

2D clue: What a magician might pull out of the [circled letters]
Answer: RABBIT

3D clue: «I tawt I taw a puddy tat!» speaker
Answer: TWEETY

5D clue: «Go team!»
Answer: RAH

6D clue: ___ Lanka
Answer: SRI

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.