Braden Newell-Reporter

Braden Newell

Reporter

Contributor Since June, 2024
Qualifications Nearly 10 years working in consumer and enterprise Apple tech. MBA from the Univeristy of Fredricton. BComm in CIS from Saint Mary’s Univeristy.
Expertise
Apple, Tesla, Smart Home
  • 97
    articles
  • 38
    Features
  • 29
    Lists
  • 16
    Guides
  • 5
    Reviews
Pocket-lint logo Profile

About Braden Newell

Braden Newell is an Atlantic Canada-based technologist providing expertise and education on the Apple ecosystem, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. With a life mission to make technology easier to understand, Braden is a talented writer, award-winning videographer, and experienced public speaker and facilitator, both in-person and virtually, known for giving off "moderator energy." 

Over his decade in technology, Braden has developed a talent for translating complex technical topics into similar speak by creating modern and engaging learning experiences. Braden has worked as a Creative Pro at Apple, helping people learn about their technology, as a Learning Experience Designer at Jamf, creating content focusing on the company's security portfolio, as a reporter for MobileSyrup and Pocket-lint, consumer technology publications where he focused on Apple, and as a freelance writer, videographer, and presenter covering technology, digital productivity, cybersecurity, personal finance, and crypto, among much more. 

Braden holds a Master of Business Administration, concentrating in technology innovation, from the University of Fredericton and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in computing and information systems, from Saint Mary's University. Braden also holds over two dozen professional certifications, badges, and certificates from organizations such as Apple, Jamf, and CompTIA, among many others, proving his technical and industry knowledge. 

Outside work, Braden sits on Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia's board of directors and Park View Education Centre's School Advisory Council. He also enjoys practicing karate, building LEGOs, and walking his dogs, Sniper, Simba, and Honey.

Feel free to visit his website (bradennewell.ca), connect with him on LinkedIn (/bradennewell), and subscribe to his YouTube channel (@bradennewell).

What was your first phone?

The first cellphone I ever owned was a Samsung slider that I bought because it was $0 down at my local carrier store. A year later I bought an iPhone 4S, the first phone that introduced me to how amazing technology can be. I distinctly bring it home with excitement to try Siri...only for Siri to tell me it wasn't yet supported in Canada. That was a sad day. 

When did your interest in technology begin?

It's hard for me to say exactly when my interest in technology began. It might've been when I got my first smart device, an iPod Touch but more likely started when I bought my first MacBook when I was in middle school. That was the point that I began falling into being the school "techie." I once even had a teacher pull me from math call to fix her MacBook. 

What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?

Apple is my first passion. Easily. Everything from the hardware to the software to the services, you can often find me being the first in line for my in store pick up on launch days. I also love talking about electric vehicles, I drive a Tesla Model 3, smart home, I have 100+ HomeKit devices running my house, and cybersecurity.  

Latest

An iPhone with maps up next to a lightbulb icon.
Travel smarter, not harder: 9 iPhone apps that do the heavy lifting
Phones

These nine apps smooth out any kinks before they even happen.

Jan 5, 2025
An iPad Pro.
7 roles, 1 tool: My iPad Pro does more than you'd expect
Tablets

Apple's iPad Pro is a powerhouse, but these are the seven best things I personally use it for.

1
Jan 5, 2025
A MagSafe accessory.
I don't know how I lived without these 14 MagSafe accessories
Phones

I use these MagSafe accessories in my car, the gym, and for way more than just charging.

Dec 8, 2024
A MacBook Pro with a silver flexing arm coming out of it.
These 13 free Mac apps take my workflow to the next level
Laptops

These light-weight apps completely changed my workflow, and they're all free.

3
Nov 16, 2024
macbook
My 9 favorite Safari extensions in the App Store
Laptops

From protecting your privacy to never being bothered by cookie notifications again, these Safari extensions are worth considering.

1
Nov 3, 2024
A hand holding an iPhone 16 Pro with the iCloud+ settings window open.
Somehow, iCloud+ is the subscription I rely on the most
Phones

iCloud+ offers several robust features that provide so much value to me that I cannot fathom cancelling it.

1
Oct 15, 2024
ipad-pro-1
Why there's never been a good time to get an iPad Pro
Tablets

Despite its powerful hardware, the iPad Pro is hard to justify -- it's own operating system is holding it back.

3
Oct 13, 2024
4:47
how-to-pick-what-airpods-are-right-for-you
Which AirPods should you get? Let me help you choose
Headphones

All the way from the 3rd-gen AirPods to the AirPods Max, there's a pair of Apple AirPods out there that are the best for you.

Oct 6, 2024
4:47
how-to-pick-what-airpods-are-right-for-you
Which AirPods are right for you?
Headphones

All the way from the 3rd-gen AirPods to the AirPods Max, there’s a pair of Apple AirPods out there that are the best for you.

1
Oct 6, 2024
An iPhone XR, 6, 5S, and original in a fanning position on the grass.
Ultra, Slim, Air, Fold: All the iPhone variants Apple is rumored to be working on
Phones

Apple still struggles to find the right fourth phone for its lineup and several experimental designs are reportedly in development.

Oct 4, 2024
0:59
product-review-ugreen-145w-battery-thumb
Ensure you never run out of power with this beast of a power bank
Phones

The UGREEN 25,000mAh 145W Power Bank is the perfect on-the-go battery able to charge up to three devices fast and simultaneously.

Oct 1, 2024
iPhone Setup Screen in front of rocks
10 annoying gaps I've noticed in the iPhone's set-up process
Phones

Apple is known as the "it just works" company, yet setting up a new iPhone, while better than years past, still isn't perfect. 

Oct 1, 2024
0:59
product-review-ugreen-145w-battery-thumb
Ensure you never run out of power with this beast of a power bank
Phones

This power bank is the perfect on-the-go battery that can charge up to three devices fast and simultaneously.

Sep 27, 2024
iOS 18 on iPhone
Apple's operating systems are finally dropping together, and I'm grateful
iOS 18

For the first time, Apple is releasing all its OS updates -- iOS, macOS, watchOS, and more -- on the same day, enabling a much better user experience.

1
Sep 27, 2024
Eero Max 7
Eero Max 7's is a great mesh router, but only if you're living in the future
Smart Home

Expect to pay a lot to own the latest and greatest in Wi-Fi tech.

Sep 26, 2024
1:00
ugreen-magnetic-power-bank-thumb
This is the MagSafe battery pack you need to get through the day
Gadgets

Ever since Apple discontinued its MagSafe battery, I've been on the hunt for another. I think the UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank officially measures up.

Sep 26, 2024
AirPods Pro 2 against a multi-coloured backdrop of Apple playing cards.
How to pick what AirPods are right for you
Headphones

There are several budget-friendly options to the latest active noise cancellation tech, but what AirPods are the best for you?

Sep 23, 2024
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