Apple names best apps and games of 2021

GET MORE FROM YOUR MAC

It’s been a while since Monterey came out.

>>>THE TEAM

Matt Lochrie Art Editor Matt’s screen time this

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Mac|Life has done a good job of evaluating

> THE SHIFT

MATT BOLTON knows that the MacBook Pros are truly for pros again, because for once he isn’t tempted to get one

CRAVE

THE GEAR WE’RE LUSTING AFTER

MAC SECRETS REVEALED

We unlock what’s hidden in macOS Monterey’s menus to help us work, relax, and play

AIRPLAY EVERYTHING

AirPlay is amazing! And here’s why

REVIEWS

TOUGH TESTING, TRUSTED RATINGS

WATCHOS 8 MASTERCLASS

watchOS 8 takes everything that’s great about watchOS 7 and makes it even better, with some important new features and even better integration with Apple services

Liene 4x6 photo printer

The perfect photo printer for your iPhone shots?

Brydge MAX+ for iPad Pro

The largest trackpad in an iPad keyboard case

8–in–1 USB–C Mobile Hub

A compact and versatile portable hub for MacBook owners

Pro Click Mini

A versatile portable mouse — but Mac support is limited

Anker PowerConf H700

Power up your conference calls

Branch Ergonomic Chair

A stylish office chair with plenty of adjustability

Vissles LP85

An ultra–thin alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard

Razer Seiren V2 Pro

A good mic with a major drawback

The best Apple Pencil alternatives

Complete your iPad with one of these less expensive options

Insta360 Go 2

A tiny action camera with some clever tricks

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku’s latest device really sticks it to Apple TV

Marshall Motif A.N.C.

Marshall brings its new noise cancellers to the table

FastScripts 3.0.3

Quickly find, execute, or edit scripts using this handy menu bar utility

Tasks: Reminders & To–Do List

Manage your tasks in style

The Ramp.

Solid skateboarder, but lacking real depth

Townscaper

Build your perfect town in tranquility

Chronicle 10

Make sure you never miss a bill payment again

Len’s Island

An experimental taste of island life

Six apps for walking and hiking

Get active this new year and see nature at its finest

GROUP TEST

ON TEST... > Airma > Email –

SPARK

Thoughtful design with nearly everything you could want

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

TECH SUPPORT & TECHSPLANATIONS

EXPERT ADVICE Our resident genius solves your Mac

Get to grips with Passwords

HOW TO DO ANYTHING ON YOUR MAC, iPHONE & iPAD

Sort out your people pictures

How to identify, name, and manage faces in macOS Photos

Sync your family tree online

Add new facts and people to your tree with the help of FamilySearch

Tailor your exercise

Take a more measured approach to fitness with Gentler

Use the new Focus features

Fed up with distractions? Apple’s new Focus feature is here to help

Master Pages on iPhone

How to get the best from Apple’s pocket publishing powerhouse

Hide your email address

Create one–off email addresses in iOS and iPad OS for any purpose

Control the Weather

See the future, stay dry, and avoid UV with Apple’s excellent app

Inside the tech of Thread

The HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K support it… but what is Thread?