ONE MORE THING…

After last issue’s reveal of the new Apple–powered

AirPods Max arrive

Apple’s first over–ear headphones

> THE SHIFT

MATT BOLTON on yet another feature that makes the iPhone doomed if it doesn’t have it — which it doesn’t — but it will survive…

LETTER OF THE MONTH

In answer to the last issue’s question on

CRAVE

THE GEAR WE’RE LUSTING AFTER

The best free apps for Mac and iOS

From powerful desktop publishing to easy–to–use video tools, there’s something for everyone in our no–cost software collection

Must–have freebies for your Mac

Boost your Mac’s toolset without spending a penny

More free Mac apps

There are plenty more completely gratis options to choose from

Indispensable additions to your iPhone

Our selection of the very best apps for iPhones, from creativity to organization

Useful apps for your iPad

Make your iPad more capable without having to splash the cash

NEW USES FOR YOUR APPLE GEAR

Got some old Apple devices lying around gathering dust? Don’t just throw them away! These creative ideas will breathe new life into them

Us e an old Mac as a file server

Store and send files from a central hub using the devices you already have

Use an old iPhone as a home security camera

Save your cash while protecting your home

Boost your webcam with an iPhone

It’ll be better than the camera on your Mac

REVIEWS

TOUGH TESTING, TRUSTED RATINGS

MacBook Air (13–inch, late–2020)

Apple’s first post–Intel MacBook is here — and it flies, mostly…

MacBook Pro (13–inch)

Apple’s flagship is no longer the big upgrade it once was

Mac mini

The M1-powered desktop that’s much faster than you think

Ulysses 21

The ultimate writing app?

Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock

A stylish, diminutive dock for power and connectivity

Sparkle 3 for Mac

It’s like Pages for websites

Wifi Explorer

Scan and fix Wi–Fi networks

Logitech Circle View

A high–quality security camera with HomeKit support

AirBuddy 2

Better integration of AirPods and Beats with macOS

Belkin SoundForm Elite

A compact spea ker with wirel ess charging

Adobe Premiere Elements 2021

Create slickly edited videos for friends, family, and social media followers

GAN CHARGERS

We compare the new breed of powerful and portable chargers for all your Apple devices

RAVPower PD Pioneer 65W

The ultimate balance of power and portability

APP LIFE

THIS MONTH’S MOST INTERESTING iPHONE & iPAD APPS

Flow 2 by Moleskine Studio

An endless canvas for artists

HEY Email

Screen email and be more productive

6 apps for online privacy

Apps to ensure your private life stays that way

Best of the best

Can’t find the hardware or app you’re looking for in our reviews section? Then check in here — we’ve highlighted the best in every major category, as voted for by us

THE SMART HOME DREAM

We’ve been promised a united smart home, so why does it seem to be fracturing even more?

ASK

TECH SUPPORT & TECHSPLANATIONS

Get the best from Safari

Discover all the new features of Apple’s updated web browser

Master the Photos app

Adjust background blur, enhance video clips, and remove unwanted objects

Customize Control Center

How to add features to Control Center in Big Sur

Smart Stacks in iOS 14

Spruce up your Home screen with this clever little widget

One clipboard to rule them all

Discover how to store multiple items on your Mac’s clipboard with CopyQ

Organize your media with iMazing 2

Photos, music, and more brought under control

Change the default apps

Want to swap Safari for Chrome? In iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, you can!

Apple One

Are the Apple One bundles really worth it, or are there cheaper alternatives?

Adam Banks

It is with great sadness that we say