Top Stories: iPhone 13 Launch, iOS 15 Features, iPhone 14 Pro Rumors, and More

Following Apple's big media event last week, this week saw users able to get their hands on much of the new hardware and software, headlined by the iPhone 13 lineup and iOS 15.

Top Stories 42 Thumbnail 77
This week also saw some new rumors, including a fresh report about next year's iPhone 14 Pro and our own discovery of what are likely to be the display resolutions for Apple's upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models, so read on for all of the details!

First Impressions From New iPhone 13 and 13 Pro Owners

All four iPhone 13 models are now available, and we've had just a short bit of time with them to put together our initial thoughts on the new devices, so stay tuned for more as we spend additional time with them.

iphone 13 unboxing thumb
For a more thorough look right now, check out some of the early media iPhone 13 reviews and iPhone 13 Pro reviews that were published online earlier this week.

Key features across the iPhone 13 lineup include a faster A15 Bionic chip, camera improvements, longer battery life, and a smaller notch. The two Pro models also feature a ProMotion display with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and additional camera features like Night mode portraits and ProRes video recording.

The Ultimate iOS 15 Walkthrough: Guides and How Tos for Every New Feature

This week marked the release of iOS 15 following over three months of beta testing, and we've put together an ultimate walkthrough with guides and how-to articles for every new feature.

Ultimate iOS 15 Guide Feature
iOS 15 is packed with new features, so make sure to check out our list of the top features to get started. Keep in mind that some iOS 15 features are not coming until later this year or next year, and there are also certain features that are not available on the iPhone X or older.

iOS 15 is compatible with the same devices that can run iOS 14, including older devices like the iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE.

Upcoming 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Display Resolutions Likely Revealed in Latest macOS Monterey Beta

The latest macOS Monterey beta references two new built-in display resolutions that likely correspond to the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The new display resolutions are listed as "3456 x 2234 Retina" and "3024 x 1964 Retina," which would represent an increase in pixel density for a sharper image if the displays are the expected sizes.

M1X MBP Feature
Apple is rumored to be introducing the redesigned MacBook Pro models before the end of the year, likely at another media event in October or November.

First Look Inside iPhone 13 Reveals Face ID Changes, Smaller Taptic Engine, and Larger Battery

With customers around the world finally getting their hands on the iPhone 13 lineup, some users are starting to open up their devices to see what's inside. Sonny Dickson from Australia was one of the first to share photos that provided an early look inside the devices.

iphone 13 internal images notch
The photos reveal changes that Apple made to the TrueDepth sensor system for Face ID to accommodate for the iPhone 13's smaller notch, in addition to a smaller Taptic Engine, a larger battery, and more.

Other teardowns have confirmed the battery capacities on all four models, and iFixit has shared an initial one-hour teardown video, with its traditional thorough teardown with photos and parts identification coming later.

iPhone 14 Pro Models Said to Feature Hole-Punch Display and 48MP Wide Camera

While the iPhone 13 is only just launching, rumors about next year's iPhone 14 models are already starting to circulate. This week, we heard from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that iPhone 14 Pro models will feature a new hole-punch display design without a notch, as well as a 48-megapixel Wide lens for the rear camera system.

iPhone 14 Mock Feature Pruple 2
Kuo also said that the first iPhone with under-screen Touch ID has been delayed until the second half of 2023, and that the first foldable iPhone has been delayed until 2024.

Everything New in the iOS 15.1 Beta

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 15.1 this week, and there are a handful of new features and changes that we've rounded up here, including SharePlay being reenabled and the ability to add a COVID-19 vaccination card to the Wallet app.

General iOS 15
Apple also released a new macOS Monterey beta, as well as a HomePod software version 15.1 beta that adds Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support.

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!

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 Features Revealed in New Leak

Friday December 12, 2025 10:56 am PST by
Macworld's Filipe Espósito today revealed a handful of features that Apple is allegedly planning for iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and even iOS 28. The report said the features are referenced within the code for a leaked internal build of iOS 26 that is not meant to be seen by the public. However, it appears that Espósito and/or his sources managed to gain access to it, providing us with a sneak peek...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone

Thursday December 11, 2025 8:49 am PST by
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.2 With Alarms for Reminders, Lock Screen Changes, Enhanced Safety Alerts and More

Friday December 12, 2025 10:10 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, the second major update to the iOS 26 operating system that came out in September, iOS 26.2 comes a little over a month after iOS 26.1 launched. ‌iOS 26‌.2 is compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ 11 series and later, as well as the second-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings >...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3

Thursday December 11, 2025 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3 and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B30, up from 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 firmware is 8B28, up from 8B21. There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are getting expanded support for Live Translation in the European Union in iOS...
macOS Tahoe 26 Thumb

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light

Friday December 12, 2025 10:08 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.2, the second major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out in September. macOS Tahoe 26.2 comes five weeks after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.1. Mac users can download the macOS Tahoe update by using the Software Update section of System Settings. macOS Tahoe 26.2 includes Edge Light, a feature that illuminates your face with soft...
AirTag 2 Mock Feature

Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:31 am PST by
The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products. Here's what's supposedly coming: An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already...
ipados 26 1 slide over

Apple Releases iPadOS 26.2 With Multitasking Improvements

Friday December 12, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iPadOS 26.2, the second major update to the iPadOS 26 operating system released in September. iPadOS 26.2 comes a month after iPadOS 26.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iPadOS 26.2 continues with the multitasking improvements that were added with iPadOS 26.1. You can now drag and...
bug security vulnerability issue fix larry

Update Now: iOS 26.2 Fixes 20+ Security Vulnerabilities

Friday December 12, 2025 11:11 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, and macOS 26.2, all of which introduce new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Apple says that the updates address over 20 vulnerabilities, including two bugs that are known to have been actively exploited. There are a pair of WebKit vulnerabilities that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute code or cause memory...

Top Rated Comments

4jasontv Avatar
55 months ago

Saw Dan's first impressions. He never really addressed the update from an iphone 8/x or xs max. From an iphone 12, sure I can understand maybe it's not that of an exciting upgrade.
I’d like to see reviews use the previous model, the model three years prior (since many carriers do 30 month payment plans), and the device most recently obsolete by Apple (for people who hold off as long as possible).
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
55 months ago
This was a good week. The best headline for the week is the article MacRumors posted below:

Upcoming 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Display Resolutions Likely Revealed in Latest macOS Monterey Beta
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Freeangel1 Avatar
55 months ago
New iPhone 14 Max for me next year with 48Mp camera and finally USB C instead of the crappy lighting cable.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
centauratlas Avatar
55 months ago
I used the 13 Pro cinematic mode last night at friend's 4 year old's birthday party. I liked it. I learned a few thing about the focus and how close to be, but literally got it set up from the previous phone just a few minutes before leaving so didn't have time to try before the party. I like the 3x zoom too.

Even coming from the 12 Pro, I like the camera improvement.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sviato Avatar
55 months ago
With how big the iPhone 13 camera bump is, there's no way we'll get a flat phone next year. Apple will also for sure milk the smaller notch for another 2 years before removing it completely.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SAIRUS Avatar
55 months ago
The new resolutions will not be enabled upon launch, requiring Apple to first fix the bug in the deployment software, followed by the manual visit to the Apple store and $299 fee to update the cable…which will eventually be refunded upon the lawsuit that another developer finds that the Boolean for enabled resolution was just set to false…only if you kept the carbon friendly company’s 23rd page of the cable replacement…which might be 24th on certain languages….which will only will be found by someone online…
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)