iPhone 6 Quirks

The 8th-generation iPhone models, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, are the biggest models yet—literally. Their larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens make room for extra features, but also pose new usability challenges. The larger screens have room for more keyboard keys, with Undo and arrows on the 6 and even more on the 6 Plus ①.

① The iPhone 6 Plus landscape keyboard offers extra function keys: (A) Cut, (B) Copy, (C) Paste, (D) Bold, (E) Undo, and (F) cursor arrows.

Beside the expanded keyboard, let’s look at more features brought to life in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: Reachability and Apple Pay.

Reachability

The taller screens of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus make it harder to reach the top of the screen with one hand while that hand’s thumb is near the Home button.

To solve this problem, Apple has introduced Reachability:

Double-touch the Home button while in portrait orientation—not a double-press, but a light touch like you’d use with Touch ID. The screen drops down so you can access interface elements near the top with your thumb ②.

② Reachability lowers the interface, making items at the top easier to reach with your thumb.
To exit Reachability, tap the empty space at the top.

Tip: You can disable Reachability in Settings > Accessibility.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay lets you use your iOS device to pay for things in physical stores and in apps. To learn about its advantages over credit cards, see the TidBITS article Apple Pay Aims to Disrupt Payment Industry.

In-store Apple Pay requires an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. The iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 can use Apple Pay to pay within apps.

Apple has announced that the Apple Watch will support Apple Pay, as long as it’s connected to an iPhone 5 or later (for details, see the Apple Watch Features page on the Apple Web site.

Note: Wondering if your credit or debit card is compatible with Apple Pay? This Apple support article may help.

Setting up Apple Pay

Go to Settings > Passbook & Apple Pay.
Tap Add Credit or Debit Card.
Either enter your credit card details ③, or tap the camera button to scan your card with the camera. (You will still need to enter the security code from the back of the card when you make purchases.)

③ You can either enter your credit card information manually, or tap the camera icon to scan your card.
Verify your card per your financial institution’s requirements. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Using Apple Pay in a Store

You should be able to use Apple Pay with any credit card reader displaying the NFC or Apple Pay icon ④. Also, it should work at any Apple Pay partner location. Here’s what to do:

④ Look for these symbols to see if you can check out with Apple Pay.

Tap the credit card reader with your iPhone.
If you’ve set up multiple cards with Apple Pay, select the one you want to use.
Enter your passcode or touch the Home button to activate Touch ID.
The cashier may require additional steps, such as signing a receipt.

Using Apple Pay in an App

Tap the Apple Pay button ⑤.

⑤ When buying physical goods in an app, look for the Apple Pay icon, which lets you check out without setting up an account with the retailer.
At the next screen, review the information and edit as needed.
When you’re ready to pay, enter your passcode or touch the Home button to activate Touch ID.

Note: For an in-depth look at Apple Pay in the real world, see my TidBITS article How to Use Apple Pay.