Top Stories: New MacBook Pros and AirPods 3 Launch, macOS Monterey Released, and More

[MacRumors]

Following last week's big Apple event, this week saw some of the fruits of the announcements we saw there, with Apple releasing macOS Monterey and the new MacBook Pro models and third-generation AirPods making their way into customers' hands.

With the new MacBook Pro models out in the wild, we're learning more about the notched display with ProMotion, the impressive M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and more. And with Apple moving forward on its next set of operating system updates with macOS 12.1 and iOS 15.2, there's more to come, so read on for all of the details on this week's biggest stories!

Apple Releases macOS Monterey With AirPlay to Mac, Live Text, Safari Updates, Shortcuts App and More

Alongside the launch of new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models this week, Apple released macOS Monterey to the public. The software update has several new features, ranging from AirPlay to Mac to an Erase All Content and Settings option that lets you restore a Mac to factory settings without needing to reinstall the operating system.

Apple has since seeded a macOS 12.1 beta to developers for testing with additional features such as SharePlay and bug fixes.

10 Great macOS Monterey Features Worth Upgrading For

We've put together a list of 10 new macOS Monterey features that are worth upgrading for, but keep in mind that some features like Universal Control and SharePlay are not coming until a later version.

Also keep in mind that some macOS Monterey features are not available on Intel-based Macs, such as Portrait Mode in FaceTime and on-device keyboard dictation, and this is likely because Intel-based Macs lack Apple's Neural Engine.

Hands-On With the New MacBook Pro

Following the launch of new MacBook Pro models, we got our hands on the 14-inch model and have shared a video with our first impressions.

The first reviews of the new MacBook Pro models were also shared by other websites and YouTube channels, with many reviewers agreeing that the new 14-inch and 16-inch models are impressive upgrades with fast performance, added ports, longer battery life, and mini-LED displays with ProMotion.

iOS 15.1 Features: Everything New

In addition to macOS Monterey, this week also saw the release of iOS 15.1, and as usual, there are quite a few new features and changes.

We've rounded up everything new in iOS 15.1, including SharePlay, ProRes video recording on iPhone 13 Pro models, the ability to add COVID-19 vaccination cards to the Wallet app, and more.

Apple has also released the first beta of iOS 15.2 and here's everything that is new.

Video Comparison: AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro

With the third-generation AirPods now available to purchase, we've picked up a pair and shared a hands-on video with our first impressions.

The third-generation AirPods have a similar design as the AirPods Pro, but lack silicone ear tips and active noise cancellation. Key features include adaptive EQ, spatial audio, longer battery life, a water-resistant MagSafe charging case, and more.

Apple Reveals Setting to Prevent a Mac App's Menu Bar Items From Being Hidden Under Notch

Apple has shared a new support document that explains how users can ensure that an app's menu bar items do not appear hidden behind the notch on the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

In the support document, Apple says users can turn on "scale to fit below built-in camera" for an app to adjust the active area of the display, ensuring that the app's menu bar items appear below the notch and are always visible.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

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Article Link: Top Stories: New MacBook Pros and AirPods 3 Launch, macOS Monterey Released, and More

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

This was a very good week.

 

[dannynjoni]

I just need to pick up one of these new MacBook Pro’s already. I haven’t wanted a new Apple product this much since the original iPhone. But dammit I was at the Apple store yesterday and looked at both sizes. They’re both amazing in their own way. Thought I was firm on the 14” but that screen looks SO good on the 16. It’s like the Max size of the phone; I want the screen but not the phone size. Grrr 1st world decision time!

 

[yellow8]

These are exciting times!
Let's hope the software quality makes a bump!

 

[Realityck]

It's getting to be harder not to own multiple Macs thanks to this week.

 

[dannynjoni]

Started off today saying I needed to just go get the new MacBook Pro. So I went to our local Costco and checked that off the list. Oh boy! And I stuck with the 14" because I knew I should, as tempting as that beautiful 16" screen is. And you're so right about owning all of them being so tempting. We just love our iPad Pro 12.9 and 5k iMac from 2017. But Apple is giving me $1,000 for the iMac - and I've had it for several years. I felt like it was going to be so hard to part with it until I saw the rumors about an updated model. After today I may just get that one but will more likely get a monitor to plug this sweet laptop into first, and and then see how it all feels. Certainly amazing breakthroughs are continuing to come our way!

 

[h00ligan]

I just need to pick up one of these new MacBook Pro’s already. I haven’t wanted a new Apple product this much since the original iPhone. But dammit I was at the Apple store yesterday and looked at both sizes. They’re both amazing in their own way. Thought I was firm on the 14” but that screen looks SO good on the 16. It’s like the Max size of the phone; I want the screen but not the phone size. Grrr 1st world decision time!

I just went through this decision and at the end of the day it’s about effective resolution, as nice as a 3.5 lb machine would be - the resolution isn’t enough and I don’t want to use scaling. Sure you can add an external screen but if doing anything substantive on the move it’s too small (for me). The price difference is minimal. An extra pound, while certainly tangible when transporting for an hour each way per day, isn’t a lot for me (6’4” 235lbs).

How much do you really move around your laptops? How often do you connect an external display / will you be happy not using the max screen as a primary display?

If you would need a display connected more than you’d carry the machine (calculate per day) then the answer is ready.

They look amazing and I haven’t had My own Mac in about 8 years (having switched to a surface pro, regrettably). Decide though because the ship times suck!


Having written that I just saw you got the 14… at Costco? Enjoy it!

 

[dannynjoni]

I just went through this decision and at the end of the day it’s about effective resolution, as nice as a 3.5 lb machine would be - the resolution isn’t enough and I don’t want to use scaling. Sure you can add an external screen but if doing anything substantive on the move it’s too small (for me). The price difference is minimal. An extra pound, while certainly tangible when transporting for an hour each way per day, isn’t a lot for me (6’4” 235lbs).

How much do you really move around your laptops? How often do you connect an external display / will you be happy not using the max screen as a primary display?

If you would need a display connected more than you’d carry the machine (calculate per day) then the answer is ready.

They look amazing and I haven’t had My own Mac in about 8 years (having switched to a surface pro, regrettably). Decide though because the ship times suck!


Having written that I just saw you got the 14… at Costco? Enjoy it!

Yes, Costco. It’s $50 off, and hard to beat their 90 day return policy and double warranty when using the Costco/Citi Visa card.

I have grown accustomed to using an iPad and it’s portability is fantastic. I wanted the power of Mac OSX and a similar feeling of portability with the Macbook, but after only a day I can see that I’m dreaming. It’s heavier, bigger and (I think) more fragile. I very well may exchange it for the 16, as my usage is likely to be a lot less mobile than I previously imagined. You just can’t beat the iPad as a portable device.

But the new MacBook Pro does live up to the hype. Everything about it has gotten really good. Power, speakers, keyboard, screen, connectivity are all excellent. It’s a joy to use!

 

[Mirachan_007]

iPadOS 15.1 is really DISASTROUS AND contains UNACCEPTABLE bugs.
My iPad Pro 9.7’s battery drain is DRAMATICALLY FASTER than the previous version.
Apple SHOULD BE FIX IMMEDIATELY!!