Hi!

A few times on Threads, I posted photos of my desk with the new ultrawide monitor I bought this year. A lot of you asked what it is and why I picked it over other options. So I did the research properly and finally wrote it up — including why I skipped the Apple Studio Display this time.

Today's issue also covers a buried iPhone setting for turning any phone into a distraction-free device for kids, what Apple Notes' new AI features can actually do, and my favorite way to add a reminder using the Action Button.

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If you use Apple Reminders as your main inbox (a concept I cover in my guide here), this is my favorite way to capture new tasks fast:

Settings → Action Button → Controls → New Reminder

A long press opens a quick-entry panel right where you are — no need to unlock and open the app.

Works on iPhone 15 Pro and later: every iPhone 16 and 17 model, plus the 16e, 17e, and iPhone Air.

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I'm back from a short break and back to a regular writing schedule. Over the next few weeks I'm working through reader requests, starting with a guide on using the Eisenhower Matrix and Getting Things Done (GTD) inside Apple Reminders.

After that, I want to dig into everything Smart Lists and tags can automate for you.

If there's something specific you've been wanting a system for, just reply to this email — I read every one.

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See you soon!

-Robin

P.S. You can find all past newsletter issues on my website here.