Best Monitors Compatible with Your New Mac: Revised Guide

# Top External Mac Monitors

If you’ve recently acquired a new Mac, such as the latest models, you may be in search of top-notch display options. Below are my suggestions, encompassing a variety of product types, price ranges, and more.

**Last Updated December 10, 2025**: Pricing and availability updated, added Samsung M9 Smart Monitor.

## Apple Studio Display (Save over $230)

You can’t compile a list of the finest displays available without highlighting Apple’s Studio Display. Although it comes with a higher price tag, it boasts an exquisite Apple design featuring a 27-inch 5K display. Additionally, it comes equipped with one Thunderbolt 3 port for connecting your Mac, plus three extra USB-C ports.

– **Display**: 27-inch 5K Retina display (5120×2880 resolution) at 218 pixels per inch
– **Brightness**: 600 nits
– **Color Support**: Wide color (P3) accommodating 1 billion colors
– **Refresh rate**: 60Hz
– **Webcam**: 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage functionality
– **True Tone Technology**: Adapts the color temperature of the display to fit ambient lighting
– **Ports**: One Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port for host connection (delivering up to 96W host charging) and three USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s) for peripherals, storage, and networking

The Studio Display is offered in various configurations at different price points. If you want an iMac-like experience with your Mac, the Apple Studio Display is your best bet.

## Samsung M9 Smart Monitor

The 32-inch Samsung M9 Smart Monitor is a strong contender for Mac users due to its 4K OLED screen.

– **Panel**: 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Quantum Dot OLED with anti-glare coating
– **Refresh rate**: 165Hz
– **Ports**: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, 2x USB-A
– **Built-in camera**: Yes, 4K
– **HDR support**: Yes (HDR10/HDR10+)

While it doesn’t deliver the sharpness of 5K or 6K resolution found in some alternatives, it offers the advantages of OLED technology, including richer blacks and enhanced color accuracy and contrast.

## LG UltraFine 6K

The LG UltraFine 6K has been eagerly awaited as a budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.

– **Display**: 31.5″ 16:9 IPS Black Panel
– **Resolution**: UHD 6K 6144 x 3456 at 60 Hz
– **Brightness**: 450 Nits, 600 Nits in HDR
– **Contrast Ratio**: 2000:1
– **Color Coverage**: 98% DCI-P3 & 99.5% Adobe RGB
– **Ports**: Integrated USB-C Hub & KVM, 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 5) with USB PD 96 W, 3x USB-C

## Asus ProArt 5K Display

The Asus ProArt (PA27JCV) Display 5K offers the same 5K resolution (5120×2880) in a comparable 27-inch size to the Studio Display, but at half the cost.

– **Display**: 27-inch 5K resolution (5120×2880 pixels) at 218 PPI with a matte finish
– **Brightness**: Standard brightness of 400 nits and peak brightness of 500 nits
– **Webcam**: None
– **Ports**: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a standard DisplayPort 1.4

## Asus ProArt 6K Display

For a larger and higher-resolution option, the new Asus ProArt Display 6K (PA32QCV) features a 32-inch display with a native resolution of 6016 x 3384.

– **Display**: 31.5-inch 6K (6016 x 3384) IPS display
– **PPI**: 218
– **Refresh rate**: 60Hz
– **Connectivity**: Dual Thunderbolt 4
– **HDR support**: HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR™ 600
– **Color Gamut**: 98% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB

## Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K

Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 5K is another appealing choice to pair with your new Mac, currently offered at $999.99.

– **Display**: 27

AirPods Pro 3 Assessment: Three-Month Analysis and Upgrade Observations

**AirPods Pro 3: An In-Depth Review After Three Months of Usage**

Three months have passed since Apple launched the AirPods Pro 3, and despite a challenging initial period with the device, numerous users are discovering it to be a remarkable upgrade.

### Early Fit Issues Have Diminished

The AirPods Pro 3 have delivered a distinct upgrade journey for certain users. Initial feedback was predominantly positive, indicating that Apple had effectively improved upon the features of the AirPods Pro 2. Nonetheless, individual experiences varied greatly.

At first, some users found the “upgraded fit” of the AirPods Pro 3 to be uncomfortable, with accounts of minor discomfort during use. Over time, however, numerous users have indicated that the fit problems have significantly improved, leading to a more pleasurable experience. After several weeks of usage, the discomfort has decreased, enabling users to fully appreciate the upgrade.

### Key Features Are Superior to Previous Versions

The fit of AirPods is essential for user satisfaction, and although some continue to find the AirPods Pro 3 less fitting than their earlier models, many have adapted to the new shape.

Battery life was another early concern. The AirPods Pro 3 provide 8 hours of battery per charge compared to 6 hours on the AirPods Pro 2, but the overall battery life with the charging case has dropped from 30 hours to 24 hours. Despite this trade-off, users have adjusted by charging the case more often, resulting in a more manageable battery experience overall.

With fit and battery life becoming non-issues, users can focus on the outstanding features of the AirPods Pro 3. The enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been a notable improvement, effectively minimizing more background noise, which is especially advantageous for individuals who rely on ANC throughout their working day.

Audio quality has also experienced significant enhancements. Users have reported a more vibrant sound experience, attributed to a snugger fit and the next-gen Adaptive EQ, which improves bass response and vocal clarity across a variety of audio formats.

Additional enhancements such as heart rate tracking, USB-C compatibility, and enhanced water resistance are features that users find advantageous.

### Conclusion: AirPods Pro 3 After Three Months

In summary, after a mixed beginning, the AirPods Pro 3 have matured into the upgrade many users were hoping for. Building on the robust foundation of the AirPods Pro 2, the new model improves essential features like ANC and audio quality.

While there is optimism for future versions to further enhance the fit experience, the current model enables users to enjoy its numerous excellent features without compromise. The AirPods Pro 3 have demonstrated to be a valuable investment for those in search of an upgraded audio experience.

What has your experience with AirPods Pro 3 been like? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Recall Alert: Amazon-Only Power Banks Recalled Because of Fire Risk

**Recall of Inui BI-B41 Portable Power Banks Due to Fire Hazards**

Approximately 210,000 budget portable power banks, namely the Inui BI-B41 model, sold only on Amazon USA for around $18, are being recalled. This action comes after reports of 11 incidents where the devices ignited fires, leading to injuries and damage to property. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has verified that these power banks present a notable fire hazard.

### How to Check Your Power Bank

To find out if your power bank is affected by the recall, inspect the serial number found on the back of the device. It is essential to understand that the serial numbers are not unique to individual units but correspond to particular production batches.

The impacted model is the BI-B41, and the following serial numbers (SN) are part of the recall:

– 000G21
– 000H21
– 000I21
– 000L21

If your power bank does not correspond to the BI-B41 model or the serial numbers listed, it is not subject to the recall, and you can continue using it securely.

### What to Do If Yours Is Affected

If your power bank is one of those recalled, take the following actions:

1. **Cease using or charging the power bank immediately.**
2. **Keep it in a cool, dry area.**
3. **Follow the instructions provided

Homey Pro Boosts Speed and Intelligence for Matter Homes Without Raising Prices

**Homey Pro 2026: The Future of Smart Home Hubs**

Today, Homey has introduced the latest Homey Pro 2026, signifying a major advancement in smart home technology. The highlight of this new iteration is the boost in RAM, now at 4GB, while keeping the same price of $399. This improvement is especially significant for users aiming to enhance their smart home configurations.

**What is Homey Pro?**

Homey Pro is an adaptable local smart home hub that accommodates a broad range of communication protocols such as Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and even infrared (IR) devices. This versatility enables users to oversee their entire home through a single interface, making it a compelling choice for those desiring a holistic smart home experience. A primary benefit of Homey Pro is its capacity to execute automation locally, ensuring that routines remain operable even during internet disruptions. This emphasis on privacy ensures that user data stays within the home environment unless directly linked to cloud services.

**Enhanced Performance with Homey Pro 2026**

The Homey Pro 2026 is equipped with a 1.5 GHz quad-core ARMv8 processor, which, alongside the increased RAM, guarantees better performance for larger setups and more intricate automations. The enhancement is anticipated to improve the responsiveness of sophisticated Flows, making the smart home experience more seamless and effective.

Stefan Witkamp, CEO of Athom, highlighted the significance of this upgrade, stating, “By increasing the RAM in Homey Pro 2026, we’re providing users with even greater capacity to expand their smart homes.” This statement reflects the increasing trend of integrating additional devices and automations into smart home ecosystems.

**Matter Bridge for Apple Users**

For Apple users, the Homey Pro acts as a Matter bridge, enabling non-Matter devices like Z-Wave blinds and Zigbee sensors to be incorporated into the Apple Home app. This feature is particularly advantageous for those looking to keep their current devices while reaping the rewards of the most recent smart home innovations.

**Conclusion**

The introduction of the Homey Pro 2026 represents a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the market for a smart home hub. With the rising expenses of RAM due to heightened demand from AI data centers, the extra memory in this model is a significant benefit. Homey has pledged to provide support for both the new Homey Pro and the Early 2023 model with software updates and security enhancements until at least June 2031, ensuring durability and dependability for users.

The new Homey Pro can be purchased at

Improving the Messages Functionality in iOS 26: An Essential Configuration for Better Performance

# Apple’s Messages App: Upgrades in iOS 26 with ‘Screen Unknown Senders’

Apple’s Messages app has seen considerable enhancements with the arrival of iOS 26, bringing a range of new features aimed at improving user experience and minimizing unwanted spam. A prominent addition is the ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ option, created to effectively filter spam texts. While early encounters with this feature may differ, tweaking certain settings can enhance its effectiveness.

## ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ Organizes Your Messages for Spam

As part of its continuous battle against spam, Apple has included the ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ functionality in the Messages app. This feature detects potential spam messages and separates them into a specific section, accessible through an icon located in the upper-right corner of the Messages interface.

A key feature of this tool is that messages marked as spam do not generate push notifications. Instead, they are kept in the ‘Unknown Senders’ section, enabling users to review potential spam at their own pace without interruption from alerts.

Users are free to deactivate ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ altogether, returning to the prior messaging setup. Nevertheless, Apple offers helpful filtering options to customize the feature according to personal preferences.

## Adjusting a Crucial Setting Enhanced Messages Filters for Me

At first, upon utilizing iOS 26, several users, including myself, enabled ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ with its most limiting settings. This setup permitted notifications only for messages considered urgent, such as verification codes or critical alerts.

Gradually, I found it frustrating as I overlooked significant messages from senders I wished to hear from. While considering turning off the feature, I remembered the filtering settings offered within the app’s settings.

By going to Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Messages, I stumbled upon the ‘Allow Notifications’ menu under the Unknown Senders category, which only shows up when ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ is activated.

In this menu, users can switch on alerts for four different types of screened messages:

– **Time Sensitive**: Alerts for urgent inquiries and verification codes.
– **Personal**: Messages not sent by businesses or organizations.
– **Transactions**: Updates on orders, receipts, and confirmations.
– **Promotions**: General offers and communications sent to multiple recipients.

Initially, I had simply activated the ‘Time Sensitive’ option, but I recognized that turning on ‘Personal’ would help resolve my issue with missed messages.

Since making this change, the Messages app’s screening capabilities have greatly improved my experience. I now get notifications for messages from genuine contacts while still filtering out undesirable spam. This equilibrium keeps me informed without being bombarded by unnecessary alerts.

## Conclusion

The newly introduced screening tools in Apple’s Messages app, launched in iOS 26, provide an effective method for handling spam while ensuring essential communications aren’t missed. By personalizing notification settings, users can improve their messaging experience and maintain better control over their inbox.

Are you taking advantage of the new screening tools in Messages? Share your thoughts and any tips in the comments.