This week’s top stories: iOS 14.2 emoji, debunking an iOS 14 conspiracy, iPhone 12 rumors, more

In this week’s top stories: The latest rumors on the iPhone 12, new emoji coming with iOS 14.2, a major expansion of HomeKit and AirPlay 2, and debunking an iOS 14 conspiracy theory. Read on for all of this week’s top stories.

Apple this week released the second developer and public betas of iOS 14.2. In addition to the previously known changes in iOS 14.2, the second beta also includes new emoji for users to choose from. In total, there are 117 new emoji coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users this year, with different skin tone options, new gender-inclusive options, and many others.

Check out all of the new emoji coming in iOS 14.2 in our full coverage right here.

In other news, iOS 14.2 also includes yet another indication that the iPhone 12 will ship without EarPods in the box. iOS has a radio frequency exposure disclaimer within the Settings app that includes safety warnings for users. In iOS 14.2, that warning has been updated to reference only “headphones” instead of “supplied headphones.” This is another small but notable piece of evidence that Apple could ditch the EarPods and wall charger with the iPhone 12 this year.

Roku announced that it will add support for Apple’s HomeKit and AirPlay 2 platforms later this year. Roku says that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality will come to “select 4K Roku” later this year. Roku’s announcement is particularly notable because of the company’s popular lineup of set-top boxes that don’t require smart TV capabilities. More details are available in our detailed coverage.

Last but not least, a conspiracy theory being spread on Facebook and other social media platforms this week claims that iOS 14 widgets are actually serving as key loggers and stealing your iPhone data. This is unequivocally not true, and there are technical limitations and protections in place. Learn more in our full debunk right here

iOS 14 |

• Apple releases iOS 14.0.1 with bug fixes for widgets, default app settings, more
• iOS 14: How to stop your AirPods automatically switching from iPhone to iPad
• PSA: No, iOS 14 widgets can’t secretly steal private info with your keyboard
• Apple releases iOS 14.2 beta 2, macOS Big Sur beta 9, and more to developers
• iOS 14.2 beta 2 adds new emoji including bubble tea, a transgender flag, ninjas, and more
• Apple releases second public beta of iOS 14.2 with new emoji and more
• Feature Request: Offer more iOS themes than just Light and Dark
• How to set up Apple Cash Family in iOS 14

iPhone |

• Everything we know about the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 production at full-tilt: 24H operation, mandatory overtime, no holidays
• iOS 14.2 beta removes mention of included earbuds in iPhone box ahead of iPhone 12

Apple Watch |

• Apple Watch Series 3 users complain of random reboots, other bugs after updating to watchOS 7
• Apple Watch Series 3 vs Apple Watch SE: Which should you buy?
• Masimo escalates Apple Watch lawsuit after Series 6 debuts with blood oxygen sensor
• PSA: watchOS 7.1 beta doesn’t include new watch faces and Blood Oxygen app yet [U: Fixed]

iPad and Mac |

• Apple releases latest macOS Big Sur public beta
• Supply chain report affirms 12.9-inch iPad Pro with miniLED screen
• Craig Federighi explains how the Apple Pencil Scribble feature in iPadOS 14 was developed

Top Apple stories, retail |

• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?
• The Apple Store online is now available in India
• Today at Apple and Girls Who Code hosting virtual Sisterhood Story Sessions in October
• QR codes bring helpful context to the Apple Store experience

Apps |

• These iOS 14 apps offer home screen widgets, App Clips, and much more
• Hands-on: Widgetsmith brings ultra-customizable widgets to your iOS 14 home screen
• How to give your iOS 14 home screen a custom aesthetic with unique app icons
• Smart Tasks app lets you easily organize your entire week, now with iOS 14 home screen widgets
• Sticky Widgets lets you put a virtual Post-It on your iPhone home screen

Apple TV |

• Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
• [Update: PlayStation too] Report: Apple working with Microsoft to bring Apple TV app to Xbox consoles
• Apple TV+ acquires movie rights to ‘Cherry’ with Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo for $40 million
• iPad Air 4 benchmark results emerge on the web as Apple reportedly prepares A14 Apple TV

Top Apple stories, company |

• Judge expects Epic vs. Apple trial in July 2021, says Epic was ‘not honest’ with its tactics
• Apple updates Leadership webpage to add Greg Joswiak, change Phil Schiller’s title to Apple Fellow

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This week’s top videos |

• Hands-on with iOS 14.2 beta 2 changes and features [Video]
• Hands-on with the top 10 watchOS 7 features for Apple Watch [Video]
• Review: Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock [Video]

9to5Mac Daily |

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors, more – 9to5Mac Daily

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 50%. New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available. Stories discussed in this episode: Apple wants you to start 2025 off strong with new Apple Watch Activity Challenge Here are all the airlines that support the new AirTags feature in iOS 18.2 Apple Watch Ultra 3: Three new features are coming next year Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Overcast RSS Spotify TuneIn Google Podcasts Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock: Ad-free versions of every episode Bonus content odCatch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes! Don’t miss out on our other daily podcasts: Quick Charge 9to5Toys Daily Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at happyhour@9to5mac.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

1. Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors, more 06:19
2. TikTok ban, Vision Pro content 07:43
3. TikTok ban, Vision Pro content 05:52
4. Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.3 beta 06:39
5. Foldable iPhone and Mac, more 06:37

9to5Mac Watch Time |

Jeff Benjamin joins Zac Hall to give Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 an exit interview before new models are announced. 9to5Mac Watch Time is a podcast series hosted by Zac Hall. In this series, we talk to real people about how Apple Watch is affecting their lives.

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Week 6 – 9to5Mac Watch Time

This week on Watch Time join 9to5Mac's Zac Hall and Tempo developer Rahul Matta in the final episode of this podcast "season". 9to5Mac Watch Time is a podcast series hosted by Zac Hall. In this series, we talk to real people about how Apple Watch is affecting their lives. Subscribe now to catch up with each episode and automatically hear new episodes as soon as they’re released every two weeks: 🟣 Apple Podcasts | 🟠 Overcast | 🟢 Spotify Follow Zac Instagram @apollozac Twitter @apollozac SpaceExplored.com Follow Rahul Matta Twitter @rmatta Twitter @TempoLog Blog indie.sh Follow 9to5Mac Instagram @9to5mac Twitter @9to5mac Facebook YouTube.com/9to5Mac Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast RSS Read More Toning down the Apple Watch: Tips and feature requests to avoid being overwhelmed Apple releases watchOS 7.4.1 with security improvements Apple Watch blood sugar and blood pressure measurement could be a step closer watchOS 7.4 brings iPhone mask unlock feature for Apple Watch Enjoy the podcast? Shop Apple at Amazon to support 9to5Mac Watch Time!

1. Week 6 46:48
2. With guest Sigmund Judge 42:59
3. Week 5 52:45
4. Week 4 57:20
5. Week 3 56:40

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2024 Apple hardware: year in review – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

From now through December 31, save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up. Benjamin and Chance reflect on Apple’s 2024 products, focused on all the product announcements from the past twelve months. From the lows of AirPods Max to the highs of M4 iPad Pro, and the mixed reception to Apple Vision Pro. We break it all down in our last episode of the year. And in Happy Hour Plus, we talk about what we are most excited for in 2025 as rumors swirl for the iPhone 17 lineup and Apple’s deeper foray into the smart home. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Hosts Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller on Twitter @chancehmiller@mastodon.social @ChanceHMiller on Instagram @ChanceHMiller on Threads Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo on Twitter @bzamayo@mastodon.social @bzamayo on Threads Subscribe, Rate, and Review Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes:  Ad-free versions of every episode  Pre- and post-show content Bonus episodes Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join.  Feedback Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads Email us feedback and questions to happyhour@9to5mac.com

1. 2024 Apple hardware: year in review 01:02:51
2. Foldable iPads, Apple Intelligence blowback, new Apple Music Radio stations 58:25
3. Apple modem roadmap, Apple Watch satellite connectivity, OLED MacBook Pro 47:37
4. Vision Pro stadiums, ‘Heartstrings’ ad, and holiday tech support 55:18
5. iPhone 17 details, smarter Siri roadmap, Apple Black Friday  43:43

Stacktrace Podcast |

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Stacktrace has moved! – Stacktrace

As we've mentioned in the last episode, the Stacktrace podcast is no longer a part of the 9to5Mac network. If you're seeing this entry in your podcast player, then you probably need to unfollow Stacktrace and follow the podcast again. Start by unfollowing the show in your podcast player, then just search for "Stacktrace" and follow the show again. You'll notice that the updated show has a new artwork and that episode 179 has already been released there. To learn more about how to listen to Stacktrace, check out our new website. Thanks for listening!

1. Stacktrace has moved! 01:00
2. 178: “Let’s try something new” 01:03:25
3. 177: “The stand is included!” 01:09:24
4. 176: “Extra Keynote Poker” 01:19:00
5. 175: “A Bluetooth fanboy” 54:35

Apple @ Work Podcast |

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Keeping your fleet healthy – Apple @ Work

Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with the team from CleanMyMac X about keeping your fleet healthy with a sneak peek at a 2025 business tool from MacPaw Connect with Bradley Twitter LinkedIn Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

1. Keeping your fleet healthy 24:19
2. Mac enterprise growth continues to surge 22:38
3. Fleet launches iOS device management 17:42
4. Digital signage on Apple TV check-in 17:44
5. FIDO Alliance's plan for Passkey migration 15:26

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