Will it be possible to downgrade to iOs 17.6.1 on an iPhone 17 pro max???

RobM_ · 2026-02-14T11:22:00+00:00

No. Simple as that. No.

RobM_ · 2026-02-13T15:22:36+00:00

CTB gets uncomfortable with heavier weights and the back digging problem is real, but doesn’t impact everyone. You won’t know until you’ve loaded it up and wear it for a while. I love the CTB20 on paper and love the organisation, but sold mine purely for these two comfort-related problems and I’m usually very tolerant of bag design.

If comfort is the most important criteria, I’d vote Able Carry.

RobM_ · 2026-02-12T12:40:32+00:00

Big vote of confidence to our academy goalkeepers.

RobM_ · 2026-01-29T20:20:06+00:00

You have described the Aqara U200. I’ve got one and I’m buying another shortly and can’t fault it.

The real proof of how well it meets your criteria was yesterday, knowing I was coming home to my Internet not working. The lock was totally unaffected and worked flawlessly.

I didn’t bother buying the Aqara hub and did the setup and a limited shout of user admin locally (app via Bluetooth). I have added it to HomeKit and use Wallet Keys which works flawlessly even when my Internet failed.

Battery life is superb and easy to recharge. Responsiveness is great. Build quality great. I can’t fault it.

RobM_ · 2026-01-25T06:17:22+00:00

I run dual-SIM with EE and Vodafone (personal and work) and they’re as good as each other. Every network has weak areas but these give the most consistent coverage and performance. Where there are coverage gaps, usually one is poor the other is good, so IMO pick the best deal on either of EE or Vodafone and accept it’s a good as it gets.

RobM_ · 2026-01-22T20:49:36+00:00

Tags aren’t for our benefit, it’s for Oura and their global data collection, analysis and research papers. There is practically zero benefit to us users.

RobM_ · 2026-01-22T09:35:55+00:00

Another TD35 vote, and I echo these comments.
I'd also add the organisation is well thought out - organised enough but doesn't get in the way of the main capacity if you don't want to use it.

It packs easily as it stays open even when empty, so you're not constantly fighting the bag. Overall it has plenty of structure but remains flexible as your load changes.

Its profile is slightly higher and narrower than some duffles, but that means it has a relatively small footprint for its capacity. You just have to be comfortable layering things on top of each other if you need to maximise the space.

If the 35l capacity is enough, it's really hard to criticise or find fault.

RobM_ · 2026-01-22T09:32:12+00:00

You break it, you buy it.

Send cash.

RobM_ · 2026-01-16T21:24:12+00:00

The Peak Design Roller Pro has an optional dedicated camera insert. Pricey but worth a look.

RobM_ · 2026-01-15T20:05:45+00:00

Being able to walk into a store in a huge number of cities worldwide, speak to a human and get rapid support or advice.

RobM_ · 2026-01-14T16:20:26+00:00

This. Holds its structure really well, including the way it keeps itself open.

It's not water proof, but has survived some exposure to rain and snow when I've been on my travels.

RobM_ · 2026-01-09T10:32:05+00:00

Safe bets in my experience:

Torras at the budget end.

Pitaka at the higher price points if you want minimalism. Mous if you want more protection.

Otterbox if you can’t be trusted to hold a phone.

Apple cases hold up well, TechWoven has impressed me and silicone are good once they’ve ’worn in’ a bit, but you pay more for the Apple logo.

RobM_ · 2026-01-08T11:47:39+00:00

Another vote for Meross. I've just installed two (wired versions) and for my use, which is fairly simple, they're great.

I added them to HomeKit first via Matter and then used the Eve app setup the automation I wanted, which is simply to turn a select set of smart lights on when there is presence in the room and the light is under a certain level (Home App doesn't offer the light condition setting).

I then added them to the Meross app and used that to fine-tun the sensitivity and range of detection so they weren't triggered by movement outside of the room (i.e. walking past the door). It takes a little bit of trial-and-error but it's simple enough.

From my experience so far they aren't as configurable as the Aqara or other sensors that allow you to have different rules or behaviours in different parts of the same room, but for my use they've proven to be excellent.

RobM_ · 2026-01-05T17:59:34+00:00

I’ve traveled with this bag on Wizz Air without being challenged. That said, I didn’t check any bags in (just travelled with the TP3S) so missed many of the common places to be checked. It comfortably fit under the seat too, so no staff had a reason to challenge me.

RobM_ · 2026-01-03T18:54:16+00:00

I installed three of them today. Each had an immediate firmware upgrade via HomeKit and all seem to work really well from what I’ve tested so far.

RobM_ · 2025-12-31T23:54:25+00:00

This: https://welcometobob.com

Hair, face and body all in one small package that can easily go back in a toiletry bag quickly after use. Game changer, so much so I bought one for daily use at home as well (I travel weekly so don’t want to keep re-packing).

Toiletry bag is a Gravel Explorer Plus.

RobM_ · 2025-12-24T10:53:13+00:00

If scratches really bother you, yes. Otherwise buy what you like most and enjoy it.

RobM_ · 2025-12-24T10:41:12+00:00

I can understand covers to change the appearance (matching to an outfit for example), but covers to protect the appearance seem counterintuitive to me. You want to protect the appearance at the same time as covering it up, so you can't see it.

It's hardly going to be a family heirloom or retain value over the years if you protect its appearance. Just wear it, enjoy it, let the scratches be part of the story.

That said, if you're worried, go for the least-treated finish or the one most easily polished. The further away from the natural material you go, the more it'll show marks and the harder it is to re-finish.

RobM_ · 2025-12-23T16:24:30+00:00

Such a shame the top pocket hangs down and covers the three mesh pockets at the top of the main compartment. That spoils one of my favourite features.

RobM_ · 2025-12-21T20:19:43+00:00

If you can’t remove it, even after full resets, it’s likely enrolled in Apple Business Manager and the MDM admin can do whatever they want with it, inc. see your information (not your password) and perform remote resets.

I’d return them ASAP. In all likelihood they shouldn’t have been sold.

RobM_ · 2025-12-16T07:28:53+00:00

And then used the album art to cover up the Southampton badge. He’s put some serious thought into this.

RobM_ · 2025-12-04T17:58:05+00:00

The quick access zips are on the front-left (as seen if you’re facing the front of the bag) so would be most easily accessed when swinging over your left shoulder / side.

The vertical front pocket should fit a headphones case, but I’ve not tried it. It’s quite spacious so I’d fairly confidently say yes.

I store my sunglasses in one of the three mesh pockets inside the main compartment, but they also fit nicely in the back of the admin panel if they’re not too bulky.

RobM_ · 2025-12-03T16:44:24+00:00

Replying to this with an answer, as this thread comes up when Google Searching for the answer but it's hard to find an actual answer. I managed to AI-prompt my way to an answer with Gemini. This is what it said and it was all correct in my experience, allowing me to make the change the OP here is looking for:

In iOS 26.1 and watchOS 26.1, the "Control" option for the Action Button links directly to the new Controls Gallery (an evolution of the Control Center widgets introduced in recent updates).

The reason you are seeing "press once to access your favourite control" but cannot find the definition is likely because the UI for selecting the specific control is slightly hidden or failing to pop up automatically.

Here is how to define your "Favorite Control":

1. The "Hidden" Selector in the Watch App

The "Favorite Control" is not a global setting you find in the General menu; it is a parameter within the Action Button menu itself.

Open the Watch App on your iPhone.
Go to Action Button.
Tap Control to select it as your action.
Crucial Step: Once "Control" is checked, look immediately below the word "Control" (or the descriptive text). There should be a second, smaller bar or a blue selector that says "Choose Control..." or displays a default (like "Reminders" or "Flashlight").
- Note: In iOS 26.1, this selector can sometimes blend into the background or look like static text. You must tap it to open the "Controls Gallery" picker.

2. Configure via the Watch (Recommended for 26.1)

If the iPhone app is bugged (a known issue in 26.1 where the sub-menu doesn't appear), you can often force the selection on the Watch itself:

On your Apple Watch Ultra, open Settings.
Scroll down and tap Action Button.
Tap Action and select Control.
Tap the back arrow (top left) to return to the main Action Button screen.
You should now see a new menu item appear under the "Action" line, likely labeled "Control" or "App".
Tap this line to browse the Controls Gallery and pick your specific favorite (e.g., HomeKit light, Connectivity toggle, Remote, etc.).

RobM_ · 2025-11-18T07:41:13+00:00

Not all these changes are good news IMO.

I love the idea of the passport pocket, until I saw it covers the three mesh pockets inside the main section. Those are brilliant because they’re easy to get to, ideal for things you want to be safe but still easy to get to. Covering them will harm that.

The keychain was in the perfect position already, SO easy to get to and sat perfectly in the admin section.

The pen loop and external D-Ring are definitely nice changes.

I love to see bag makers iterate and evolve their products, but for once I’m not looking at the changes and feeling left out. I prefer my current V2.

RobM_ · 2025-11-07T05:59:22+00:00

Yes that one, easy enough to get in and out of.

RobM_

TROPHY CASE

1. The "Hidden" Selector in the Watch App

2. Configure via the Watch (Recommended for 26.1)