With the rollout of iOS 18.2 in December, Apple has made a delightful addition to the Apple News app: Sudoku puzzles. This classic puzzle game, known for its potential benefits in enhancing cognitive function, is now easily accessible for users of all ages, particularly those over 50.
While anyone can enjoy a few Sudoku puzzles for free, Apple News Plus subscribers gain access to fresh puzzles daily. At $13 a month, the subscription not only unlocks Sudoku but also offers a variety of other engaging puzzles and premium stories from renowned publications.
Accessing Sudoku on Your iPhone
Getting to the Sudoku puzzles is easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Open the News app.
2. Tap Following at the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap Puzzles.
4. Select Sudoku.
You’ll find three free puzzles displayed at the top, labeled as Free to Play. These puzzles are usually a week old and categorized by difficulty: Easy, Moderate, and Challenging. Below these, daily puzzles are available for subscribers, alongside an archive for leisurely play.
Understanding Sudoku on iPhone
Sudoku requires placing the numbers 1 through 9 in a 9-by-9 grid, structured into nine 3-by-3 blocks. The key rule is to avoid duplicate numbers in any block, row, or column. To fill a space, tap on the Pen option below the puzzle, then select the grid space and choose the corresponding number from the screen’s bottom. If you’re unsure about the possibilities for a square, the Notes option lets you track multiple numbers by selecting them all at once.
Using Autocheck for Validation
To check your number placements, follow these steps:
1. Open News.
2. Tap Following.
3. Tap Puzzles.
4. Select Sudoku.
5. Choose a puzzle.
6. Tap the checkmark button in the top right.
7. Select Autocheck.
This feature will highlight incorrect placements with a red slash, helping you spot mistakes before finalizing your answers.
Restarting a Puzzle
Need to start over? Here’s how:
1. Open News.
2. Tap Following.
3. Tap Puzzles.
4. Select Sudoku.
5. Choose a puzzle.
6. Tap the checkmark button in the top right.
7. Select Clear Puzzle.
This action resets the puzzle, allowing you to tackle it anew.
For more insights on the latest updates, check details about iOS 18.5, iOS 18.4, and a comprehensive cheat sheet for iOS 18.