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

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.

Top Stories 82 Thumbnail
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.

macos monterey tidbits feature copy
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.

10 monterey tips
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.

MBP 2021 hands on thumb
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.

iOS 15
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.

AirPods 3 vs Pro Thumb
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.

scale to fit notch setting macos
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.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ? Avatar
19 months ago
This was a very good week.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannynjoni Avatar
19 months ago
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!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
18 months ago
It's getting to be harder not to own multiple Macs thanks to this week. :)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
h00ligan Avatar
18 months ago

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!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 17 on Phone Feature

Gurman: iOS 17 to Provide Several 'Most Requested Features'

Sunday March 26, 2023 6:05 am PDT by
Apple changed the strategy for iOS 17 later in its development process to add several new features, suggesting that the update may be more significant than previously thought, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In January, Gurman said that iOS 17 could be a less significant update than iPhone updates in previous years due to the company's intense focus on its long-awaited mixed-reality...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 Will Add These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:06 am PDT by
Following nearly six weeks of beta testing, iOS 16.4 is expected to be released to the public as soon as this week. The software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone 8 and newer. To install an iOS update, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap General → Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. Below, we have recapped eight new features and...
apple mixed reality headset concept by david lewis and marcus kane

Some Apple Employees Seriously Concerned About Mixed-Reality Headset as Announcement Draws Closer

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:25 am PDT by
Some Apple employees are concerned about the usefulness and price point of the company's upcoming mixed-reality headset, The New York Times reports. Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane Initial enthusiasm around the device at the company has apparently become skepticism, according to eight current and former Apple employees speaking to The New York Times. The change of tone...
iOS 16

Apple Releases iOS 16.4 With New Emoji, Safari Web Push Notifications, Beta Changes, Voice Isolation for Calls and More

Monday March 27, 2023 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 16.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 16 operating system that initially came out last September. iOS 16.4 comes two months after the launch of iOS 16.3, an update that added Security Keys for Apple ID. iOS 16‌.4 and iPadOS 16.4 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It can take a few minutes...
Steve Jobs Theater dusk

Apple Reportedly Demoed Mixed-Reality Headset to Executives in the Steve Jobs Theater Last Week

Sunday March 26, 2023 5:53 am PDT by
Apple showcased its mixed-reality headset to the company's top 100 executives in the Steve Jobs Theater last week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that the "momentous gathering" is a "key milestone" ahead of the headset's public announcement planned for June. The event was intended to rally Apple's top members of...
top stories 25mar2023

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Design Leak, iOS 16.4 Coming Soon, and More

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00 am PDT by
We're still almost six months away from the official unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup, but it seems like every day we're learning more about what to expect from the next-generation models. Notably, this week gave us our clearest look yet at what appear to be some changes for the volume and mute control hardware. iOS 16.4 and associated releases are also right around the corner with some new ...
apple tv 4k red image

Apple Releases tvOS 16.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD

Monday March 27, 2023 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today released tvOS 16.4, the fourth major point update to the tvOS 16 operating system that came out last September. Available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, tvOS 16.4 comes two months following the release of tvOS 16.3. The tvOS 16.4 update can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the ‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌ by going to System > Software Update....