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👍 or 👎 ? First Apple gear reviews are in.

March 19, 2022

The early reviews are pretty great across the board for the new Mac Studio and iPad Air 5. The new Studio Display and iPhone SE 3, on the other hand, elicit a few complaints.

We rounded up the best reviews (and latest news) about all these new Apple products to give you a full-spectrum view of the situation.

Also this week:

  • Rundowns on new features in the latest iOS and macOS updates.

  • How-tos for getting the most out of iOS 15.4.

  • Plenty of fresh Apple leaks and rumors.

  • Another round of Apple TV+ recaps, including this week's disastrous new series WeCrashed. (We suggest you watch Samuel L. Jackson rip it up in the fabulous The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey instead.)

Enjoy your weekend reading!

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Review roundups

Initial reviews answer any lingering questions about the latest Mac. This is supposed to be Apple’s new midrange machine, but hands-on tests show it beats the 2019 Mac Pro hands down.

Plus, more on Mac Studio:

Just as expected, reviewers have some terrific things to say about the new monitor. But they've also got some serious reservations.

Plus, more on Studio Display:

The first reviews describe the new tablet as a moderately improved version of the already excellent fourth-generation model.

The first reviews have plenty of great things to say about Cupertino’s most affordable handset — and more than a few complaints.

News and opinion

The new versions of macOS and iPadOS finally give Mac and iPad users access to the long-delayed Universal Control, which lets you seamlessly use a single keyboard and mouse across multiple Apple machines.

The latest version of iOS, released Monday, arrives a little late for the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, it also includes some other new features.

iPhone 14 Pro is expected to come with big design changes — like the removal of its notch — this fall. But the same tweaks seemingly won’t be extended to regular iPhone 14 models.

Plus, more Apple leaks and rumors:

The group at Apple developing a self-driving electric car has been “dissolved for some time,” according to a reliable source of insider information. But the project supposedly hasn’t been canceled.

The new Mac's three front-facing ports look a bit ... off. They aren‘t arranged like they should be, and it's an unusual miss for a company that’s typically obsessed with tiny design details.

How-tos

It’s now possible to set your iPad’s volume buttons to reflect that you are holding the tablet in landscape rather than portrait mode. It’s an optional change, but one many iPad users have been asking for.

Apple developed the gender-neutral voice in response to criticism for using female voices as the default for the virtual assistant. If you want Siri to use a voice that is not explicitly female or male, now you have the option.

The new feature increases the reliability and the number of situations in which Face ID works. Better late than never.

Deals

When you’re tired of all the tangled cords and lost chargers, there are modern solutions at hand. We recommend one that effectively consolidates your needs. Like, for instance, this 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, which is on sale for just $29.99 (regularly $49).

Plus, more deals on charging solutions:

How often do you clean your AirPods? If your answer is simply, “I don’t,” we need to talk. This AirPod Cleaning Pen will keep your earbuds (and their case) clean, and it’s on sale for just $14.99.

Square Off Pro is an interactive electronic chessboard that lets you play in person or online with the same physical pieces. Dubbed “the world’s first rollable tournament e-chessboard,” the Square Off Pro is on sale now for $225 (regularly $249).

Wouldn’t it be nice to work out without needing the “out” part? Well, thanks to modern technology, you can. Burn calories without changing your routine with the Cubii Smart Sit Bundle, on sale for $299.99 (regularly $447).

Reviews and recommendations

For some reason, Apple TV+ paid actual money for WeCrashed, the deeply inessential story of WeWork founder Adam Neumann and his wife, Rebekah. The tale’s already been told as a documentary, a podcast and a series of investigative pieces for various publications. But as we all know, the idea isn’t totally wrung dry until a couple of Oscar winners have their say.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time.

The latest version of the wireless networking standard we all love is so much better than its predecessor that you should think about upgrading your router just to get it. Especially because the change won't be as expensive as you might expect.

If you love swapping bands on a regular basis, you’ll want to carry more than one while traveling. Keep them organized and protected with the handy Canvas Strap Roll from BluShark.

The Targus Antimicrobial Active Stylus for iPad resists up to 99.9% of bacterial growth for the life of the product. That’s one less thing to worry about while you’re taking notes or sketching.

Setups

The young New Yorker’s 3D renderings of Macs and other leaked tech products continue to amaze viewers. He recently switched things up with the gear he needs to get the job done.

There’s nothing like taking your work outside on a nice day, especially if it’s a Friday — if you live somewhere that allows it, weather-wise.

College students' setups typically feature entry-level gear, hand-me-down equipment, doors on cinderblocks serving as desks — that sort of thing. But today’s featured setup, owned by a college student, comes with some frills.