The Latest from Kevin The Tech Guy for Sept 12 2025
A look at the iPhone apps I pay for, how to set up emergency contacts, satellite messaging, Windows cleanup tips, and what the end of Windows 10 support means for you.
I ended up taking this week off work due to unexpected personal reasons. So, I was not able to record any YouTube Shorts or write any blog posts. I apologize for that. I’ll pick up on that again next week.
So, this newsletter will focus on past blog posts, some of which include videos, and will focus on both iPhone and Windows. I am no longer focusing on Windows-based content, but I did so for over 20 years, so yes, that exists on my website as well. It’s just not featured prominently on the home page anymore.
This week I’m going back in the archives a bit, from the apps I pay for on my iPhone and why they’ve earned their spot, to setting up emergency contact info that could save time when it matters most. I’ve put together a mix of practical guides and a couple of things just for fun. You’ll also find answers to the biggest Windows 10 questions answered, a clear list of what’s safe to uninstall on your PC, and a look at the new features coming to iOS and iPadOS 26.
What’s On Tap
Every iPhone App I Actually Pay For — costs, uses, and why they’ve earned a spot on my phone
How to set up Emergency Contact info on your iPhone Lock Screen — so someone can reach your people when you can’t
Sending texts via satellite on iPhone or Pixel — yes, even beyond emergencies (paid subscriber post)
What’s Safe to Uninstall on your Windows PC — and what you should leave alone to avoid breaking things
Windows 10 support ending in 2025 FAQ — what it really means for your files, apps, and security
Something Useful: A quick video on iOS 26 & iPadOS 26 — what’s new, what matters
Something Fun: A quick video on How ChatGPT actually works — explained like you’re five
Here's Every App I Pay For On My iPhone. Are They Worth Your Money?
The Short Version: Here’s a detailed look at every app subscription on my iPhone, what they cost, and why I keep them. If it’s on my list, it’s earned it's place on my phone.
Know More: People often ask me what iPhone apps I pay for and why. It’s a fair question, especially when subscriptions pile up faster than we realize. I regularly review my subscriptions to make sure I’m not wasting money, but the ones that stick around are apps I truly rely on, either for my work or personal routines.
Let me walk you through the apps I’m currently paying for, their costs, what I use them for, and why I think they’re worth it.
How To Setup Set Up Emergency Contact Information on your iPhone Lock Screen
The Short Version: Make sure your emergency contacts can be reached even if your phone is locked. This quick setup could help others help you when you can’t unlock your phone yourself.
Know More: In this blog post, I will walk you through setting up Emergency Contact Information on your iPhone Lock Screen to save valuable seconds when you may, God forbid, be seriously injured and unable to unlock your phone and call for help in the usual way.
This is also very useful in situations where you may be unconscious. Someone else can call your Emergency Contact without needing to unlock your phone. You could also simply hand your phone to someone, who can do this in unsafe situations.
How To Send Text Messages via Satellite Using Your iPhone or Pixel (not just during emergencies) [Paid Subs]
The Short Version: When cell service drops for any reason, your iPhone or Pixel can still reach emergency services or loved ones. Here’s how to use satellite messaging.
Know More: Imagine this: you're caught in the aftermath of a natural disaster like Hurricane Milton. Cell towers are down, Wi-Fi is out, and you're completely cut off from the outside world. It's a terrifying scenario, but what if you could still reach out for help or let your loved ones know you're safe?
That's where the magic of satellite messaging comes in. This incredible technology, available on newer iPhones and Pixels, allows you to connect with emergency services or family and friends even when traditional networks fail.
It's worth noting here that although satellite messaging should be reserved for emergency situations to avoid overwhelming that network, it can now be used to message people in your contacts when cell reception isn't ideal during non-emergency situations.
What’s Safe to Uninstall on Your Windows PC (and What to Leave Alone)
The Short Version: Not sure what’s safe to uninstall on your Windows PC? Here’s a plain-English guide with examples I remove on nearly every system I clean up.
Know More: If your PC feels bloated or sluggish, one of the easiest ways to speed things up is by uninstalling programs you don’t need. But knowing what’s safe to remove and what to leave alone can be stressful when you don’t know what they are, or what they do.
Delete the wrong thing, and you could break something important. Leave too much, and your system stays cluttered.
So, where do you start?
After more than 20 years of helping people clean up their computers, I’ve compiled a clear, plain-English guide to help you determine what to uninstall. It’s written for regular users, not power users.
What You Need to Know About Windows 10 Support Ending FAQ
The Short Version: Regular support for Windows 10 is ending in 2025, but your computer doesn’t have to be replaced. Here’s what to know and how to keep it secure for another year.
Know More: Windows 10 support officially ends in October 2025. Historically, that means that Microsoft stops providing updates to its current Operating System at the end of a 10-year “lifecycle”. But given the continued heavy use of Windows 10, they’re making some concessions.
That’s raising a lot of questions, and for good reason. People are wondering what will still work, whether their files and apps are safe, and what options they have moving forward. I’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions by clients, those I’ve heard on podcasts, and those I've read in blog posts. I have answered them below, based on my own use and recommendations.
Something Useful
A Quick Look at iOS 26 & iPadOS 26: What You Need to Know!
Something Fun
Breaking Down How ChatGPT Actually Works - Explained Like You're Five
Closing Thoughts
That wraps up this week’s mix. You’ve got a clear look at the iPhone apps I pay for, a simple way to set up emergency contacts, and how satellite messaging fits in when service drops. On the Windows side, you’ve got guidance on what’s safe to uninstall and what the end of Windows 10 support really means. And for a change of pace, there’s a quick look at iOS 26 and a plain-English breakdown of how ChatGPT works.
Thanks for checking out my newsletter this week. If you’d like to see me continue doing this work, I need your support. Please consider $5 per month or $30 per year.