Is the Apple Watch Series 7 worth the money? (iPhone News #43)

Apple released a bunch of new software updates last week. We have also extensively tested the new Apple Watch. This is the most important iPhone news from last week.

macOS Monterey is finally available for download

Apple announced macOS Monterey in June, but as of last week you can finally download the new Mac software. Monterey succeeds Big Sur and is clearly building on this foundation.

For example, the design of macOS remains about the same, but you can get started with all kinds of new functions. For example, consider AirPlay. SharePlay will also be coming to the Mac later this year, a feature you know from iOS 15.

→ How to download macOS Monterey
→ And these are the coolest features of macOS Monterey

Also new: iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1

Speaking of iOS 15, Apple also released an update for the iPhone last week. iOS 15.1 introduces, among other things, SharePlay, which allows you to enjoy the same content with friends.

SharePlay is in FaceTime. For example, if you listen to Apple Music, you can share this song with friends via SharePlay. Then you listen together (synchronized) to the same song. Apple is also releasing iPadOS 15.1 at the same time.

→ Here’s what you need to know about iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1

Unfortunately: ‘No more Apple event in 2021’

There will no longer be an Apple event in 2021 in which the company makes important product announcements. This is what Apple insider Mark Gurman says of Bloomberg, which also reports which Apple products we can expect to see in 2022.

Based on sources, he knows that Apple will launch a new MacBook Air in six to eight months. It has a completely new design and an M2 chip. When the new iPhone SE will be announced, Gurman does not know.

→ No Apple event in November?

Apple Watch Series 7 review: large screen, (too) small upgrade

The Apple Watch Series 7 is a major upgrade, at least in a literal sense. The new Apple watch has a larger and brighter screen, but offers few extras. Is this the smartwatch you need?

You can read the answer to that question in our review. As far as we’re concerned, it mainly depends on which smartwatch you have now. The switch is especially tempting when you’re wearing a Series 3, or older model.

→ This is our Apple Watch Series 7 review

With iOS 15.2, your iPhone gets four new features

Apple released the developer beta (a test version) of iOS 15.2 this week, so we already know what the next major interim update to iOS 15 will bring. There are four innovations in iOS 15.2.

You can get started with privacy reports for apps, among other things. This allows you to see per app how often they request your location, for example. Furthermore, iOS 15.2 also improves the SOS emergency notifications. From then on you can activate the emergency services faster by pressing the side button five times.

→ These features are in iOS 15.2

Concept: this is what the Apple Watch looks like with a notch

The notch has been around for a while with the iPhone. Now the MacBook Pro has the signature bite out of the screen too. Will the notch also find its way to the Apple Watch? At least in this concept, yes.

Images of the Meta smartwatch appeared on Thursday, which has a notch with a built-in camera. For news site 9to5Mac reason to create a concept. What if Apple also brings the notch to the Apple Watch?

→ This is what the Apple Watch looks like with a notch

Video of the week: did you already know about the AirPods 3?