Apple One For Dummies introduces you to the Apple One ecosystem. I tell you what Apple One is, how to get it, and how it works. I discuss each of the six services included in Apple One and show you how to take advantage of all they offer, using whatever Apple device you might use for your Apple content. I even help users of non-Apple devices learn how to access Apple One products — no discrimination here. If your product supports an Apple One service, I tell you how to access and use it.
I’ve written this tome in such a way that you can either read it cover to cover or, if the fancy strikes you, skip around to topics that most interest you. Dummies books are famous for their organization, information, and levity, and I strove to bring these qualities to this book as well.
Some items in the book, such as sidebars and Technical Stuff, are simply there because I thought they were cool to know about. Just because I like them or find them interesting doesn’t mean they’ll be your cup of tea, so feel free to bypass them or revisit them at a later date, if you prefer.
You’ll find a slew of URLs (web page addresses) that you can use to further check out the services I discuss and learn more about them. All of these URLs worked at the time of this writing, but they can change as often as a politician’s opinion.
Foolish Assumptions
You rightly picked up this volume with the expectation that I, the author, had something valuable to impart regarding Apple One. However, for you to take full advantage of my expertise, I must assume a few things about your technical acumen, too.
For example, because Apple One is entirely Internet based, I must assume that you know what the Internet is. If you have no idea what I mean by the term, you might lose interest quickly as you continue reading.
Another assumption I must make is that you use at least one Apple device in your day-to-day activities. Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches are all Apple devices that will grant you purchase into the world of Apple services. Without at least one of these (preferably more), your foray into Apple One will be limited at best.
I assume you know how to successfully operate your device. If you’re a seasoned user of computers, smartphones, and tablets, you should be fine, even if you’re new to Apple devices. However, if the aforementioned devices are entirely foreign to you, I suggest checking out a Dummies title that caters to the device(s) in question before proceeding with this book.
I must also assume that you’re familiar with web browsers, which are generally considered the main way to access the wonderful (and sometimes the not-so-wonderful) things the Internet has to offer. Understanding how to navigate a website and enter a URL are basics you’ll want to be familiar with.
Icons Used in This Book
From time to time, you’ll see one of the following icons, which will help you discern the type of topic I’m discussing.
Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book comes with an access-anywhere cheat sheet that provides information on how to get the most out of Siri on your Apple TV remote, as well as which browsers will give you the best experience with iCloud.com. To get the cheat sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for Apple One For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
Where to Go from Here
I’ve written this book with the intention that you, dear reader, would be able to approach Apple One either in the order that I’ve presented here or in any order you desire. No rule demands that you read this book sequentially, especially if online content services aren’t new to you. However, if you are new to the concept, you may be best served to start at the beginning and work your way forward. At the very least, if you are indeed a total newb, read the chapters in Part 1 before skipping ahead.
Although I do sometimes yearn to sit back in a recliner with my newspaper, listening to vinyl records, this new digital services craze is right up my alley. The ability to access the things I love the most, or the news I want to hear, or to work from just about anywhere using the devices in my pocket or backpack is a thing of beauty to my mind. The Jetsons would be so proud of where we’re headed.
Part 1
Services, Please!
IN THIS PART …
Introducing Apple Services
Learning which devices you can use with Apple Services
Chapter 1
Getting a Handle on Apple Services
IN THIS CHAPTER
Apple’s known for their capability to surprise us. Remember the small all-in-one computers that looked like lollipops on people’s desks? Surprise! iMacs were a HUGE hit and helped pull Apple from the brink of obscurity. How about that little white rectangle with the circular dial on the front that held thousands of songs on it? You know, the thing Steve Jobs called an “iPod,” which made you toss your CD Walkman in the trash? Surprise! Or how about the surprise of surprises: this time a black rectangle with a touchscreen that could not only hold your songs but also let you place phone calls while you surfed
