The Latest From Kevin The Tech Guy For Sept 26 2025

In this issue I look at why some PC cleaners are still worth considering, some great early video tips for iOS 26, and give a summary of early reaction to it.

It’s been a rough week. I’ll say this much: we rarely realize the work and preparation that goes into something, and we often take the result for granted as a result. I haven’t had the opportunity to get much work done. So I wrote a rebuttal to a recent newsletter I received, and you’ll find links to useful videos below as well. Enjoy.

Why I Don’t Call Every PC Cleaner a Scam

Chris Hoffman recently wrote in his Windows ReadMe newsletter that PC cleaning apps are scams. I tend to be a fan of his work, but I very much dislike blanket statements like that. I agree with him on many points, especially when it comes to scare tactics and overpriced “Pro” features. Registry cleaning in particular is pointless and even risky, if you see that option in Advanced SystemCare or CCleaner, leave it alone.

That said, not all cleaners are worthless. I’ve used the paid version of Advanced SystemCare [paid post] for years and still find it incredibly useful. I cannot recommend the free version due to the upsells and nagging notifications, but the paid app is solid and worth using.

Its System Optimization features make startup management and background processes much easier, and the spyware scanner is far less intrusive than those of other products, such as Malwarebytes, which is for some reason a go-to recommendation by many techs that I will never understand.

Registry cleaning is not something anyone should do. Disable that feature in any app you use. It’s never worth the minimal gain for the risk involved. The registry does not need to be touched. Any tech that recommends doing it should be ignored. Huge red flag.

I am beyond annoyed at how often generally so-called PC experts in general mention resetting or reinstalling Windows like it’s no trouble at all. Unbelievable.

CCleaner [paid post] is more basic, but that’s also its strength. For clearing out junk files and keeping startup items under control, it works well, and it’s free. I would not recommend most PC cleaners on the market, but these two are exceptions. Just don’t use them blindly, tweak the settings, skip the registry tools, and they can actually make life easier.

If you want help setting them up properly, check out my paid subscriber How To Guides where I walk through the settings in detail.

A Quick Note On iOS 26

The reaction to iOS 26 is mixed, but I’m liking the various changes outside of Liquid Glass, which is a gimmick. Some like the new look, but criticize it for being too translucent and difficult to read. Check out my YouTube Shorts for how to mostly disable it, in addition to Home Screen Dark Mode. Look for that Short on Dark Mode soon.

People with older iPhones are experiencing slower performance, increased battery drain, and minor bugs, although some of these issues may resolve in minor updates in the weeks to come.

On the positive side, features like call screening, Hold Assist, clearer charging information, and Apple Intelligence tools are getting good feedback. Overall, many view iOS 26 as an update with useful improvements, but a design change that requires refinement, and some users are waiting before upgrading.

What’s on Tap

• Fix iPhone Battery Drain on iOS 26
  A quick walkthrough on stopping your battery from slipping away faster than it should.

• Shut Down Your iPhone Once a Week – Here’s Why
  A simple habit that can save you from random slowdowns and quirks.

• iOS 26 Customization and Hidden Features
  From Liquid Glass tweaks to Messages updates, plus 30+ hidden gems you’ll actually use.

• Something Useful: How Do QR Codes Work?
  A short, practical explainer you can use the next time someone asks, “What’s actually inside one of these things?”

Fix iPhone Battery DRAIN Now on iOS 26

Shut Down Your iPhone Once a Week - Here’s Why!

iOS 26 NEW Features you NEED to try! | customisation, liquid glass, messages

iOS 26 - 30+ Best HIDDEN Features!

Something Useful

How Do QR Codes Work?

Closing Thoughts

That’s everything for this week. I took the time to delve into my thoughts on the debate surrounding PC cleaners, explaining why I don’t view them all as scams and where tools like Advanced SystemCare and CCleaner can still be useful, provided they’re set up carefully. Blanket statements just aren’t accurate. It’s a topic where strong opinions are common, so I wanted to share a perspective based on real use, not just assumptions. Reply to this email with your thoughts, or comment on the post below.

Additionally, I included several highlights from iOS 26. If you’ve noticed faster battery drain, there are concrete steps to bring it under control. I also explained why shutting down your iPhone once a week makes a difference and pointed out customization options and hidden features that Apple hasn’t exactly gone out of its way to promote.

Finally, I added something useful yet a little different. An examination of how QR codes actually work. They’ve become part of daily life, and it helps to know what’s really happening when you scan one.

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