iPhone Tweaks

WhatsApp users are normally notified when a sent message is read by the recipient. Much like iMessage shows the time that an outgoing message was read, two blue check marks appear after a WhatsApp message is read. While Messages can be configured to keep read status private, disabling read receipts in WhatsApp is a more complicated proposition.

Those with stock iOS 8 devices can use a trick to prevent WhatsApp from reporting read receipts. Once a new message notification arrives, switch the device into Airplane Mode. Read the message in WhatsApp, then quit the app. Finally, turn Airplane Mode off.

Individual apps can be protected with the jailbreak tweak Asos, recently updated for iOS 8. Asos prevents an app from running without authentication, making it possible to add a passcode to apps or use Touch ID for access. Asos also protects its own settings page, and can do this with Touch ID.

Once installed, settings can be configured to determine when an app prompts for authentication. Apps can request a passcode or Touch ID every time they run, once after reboot, or at timed intervals. Each app installed on iOS 8 can be secured or left unprotected by Asos, based on user preferences.

Advertisements are generally unobtrusive in iOS, however one place where this can be an exception is in the web browser. Many apps use built-in Safari functionality, and ads served via web pages can crop up anywhere. The jailbreak tweak AdBlocker has been updated for iOS 8, and is now available in Cydia as AdBlocker 2.

AdBlocker operates like similar desktop-based ad blocking software, by optimizing the spaces where ads normally appear in the web browser. Once installed, settings include options to enable banner ad blocking in Safari and apps that use the default iOS 8 web browser view (UIWebViews).

Good news for anyone who enjoys spoofing their iPhone location to trick friends and apps alike. The jailbreak tweak LocationFaker has been updated to work with iOS 8. For those who purchased the previous version of LocationFaker, the update is free of charge.

LocationFaker8 replaces GPS-sourced location data with a fake location chosen by the user. Once installed, the LocationFaker app will appear on the iOS 8 home screen. Locations can be searched, and a list of favorite spoofed locations can even be kept for later use.

There are many ways to add icons to the iOS 8 dock, but the tweak betterFiveIconDock keeps things simple. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have more spacious displays, so this tweak takes advantage of the extra room on these two devices.

Once installed, a fifth app icon can be dragged and added directly to the dock. Going back to four icons means simply dragging the extra icon back onto the main home screen. The best part is what happens when the iPhone 6 Plus is rotated into landscape mode.