This week’s top stories: Apple Car rumors, new Apple TV in 2021, and more

In this week’s top stories: New details on Apple Car, more developments in the ongoing battle between Apple and Facebook, tips and tricks for getting started with your new Apple devices, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.

Apple Car

A new report this week from Reuters offered some of the newest details on Apple’s ongoing quest to build a self-driving electric car. The report claimed that Apple Car could enter production by 2024 with “breakthrough battery technology” and self-driving capabilities powered by LiDAR.

The timeline, however, has been controversial, with some people thinking it is too optimistic. The report cautioned that pandemic-induced delays could push production of Apple Car into 2025 or later.

New Apple TV

A new Apple TV is still on track to be released in 2021, Bloomberg reported this week. The new Apple TV is expected to focus on gaming and include a new processor inside. The Siri Remote is also expected to change, with Apple reportedly planning to add integration with the Find My application.

Further details on the revamped Apple TV, such as pricing and availability, remain unclear. Nonetheless, the project does still appear to be on track for sometime in 2021.

Apple vs Facebook

In the ongoing battle between Apple and Facebook over upcoming iOS 14 privacy changes, the Electronic Frontier Foundation notably sided with Apple this week. The EFF called Facebook’s argument “laughable” and said that the changes Apple is making should be considered the bare minimum for privacy protection.

Finally, the actual privacy prompt in iOS 14 that Facebook is upset about has slowly started rolling out to users. Find more details in our full coverage right here.

Holiday buying guides

We also have a brand new collection of guides on 9to5Mac to help you get the most out of the new Apple devices you might have unwrapped this holiday season.

• Here are some of the best features to try on your new Apple Watch
• Best tips and tricks for using your new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, more
• These are some of the best camera and photo editing apps for your new iPhone
• Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your new AirPods or AirPods Pro
• The best apps and games to buy with the Apple gift card you just unwrapped
• Getting started with Apple TV: How to set up Apple TV for the best experience
• New Mac for Christmas? Here are some of the best apps to download

These and the rest of this week’s top stories below.

iOS | tvOS |

• How to check who can see your iPhone location
• Some iOS 14 users now seeing Apple’s new tracking pop up, full rollout expected in early 2021

iPhone |

• One of the first third-party MagSafe battery packs for iPhone 12 is now available to order
• iPhone 12 mini Diary: Overnight ICU stay shows the limitations of the smaller battery
• Apple begins shipping ‘rooted’ iPhones to members of the Security Research Device Program
• PSA: If you’re on Verizon, you might want to turn off 5G to get faster speeds
• iPhone 12 is the world’s best-selling 5G phone – Counterpoint

Apple Watch |

• Here’s how and why you should set up Cardio Fitness on iPhone and Apple Watch
• How to use Apple Fitness+: Apple Watch requirement, sign up, start workouts, more
• watchOS 7.2 now available with Apple Fitness+ and new cardio fitness notifications
• Apple Watch ‘Ring in the New Year’ Activity Challenge officially set for January 2021
• Concept: With Fitness+, Apple should expand its Apple Watch lineup with a true Fitbit killer

Mac and iPad |

• Apple asks for M1 MacBook feedback, what would you change? [Poll]
• Nintendo Switch games have been successfully emulated on M1 Macs
• Apple says fix coming for using an M1 Mac with ultrawide monitors

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Download festive wallpapers from The 12 Days of Apple Stores
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

AirPods and Apple TV |

• WaterField Designs launches the AirPods Max case that Apple should have shipped
• Concept: How Apple could differentiate the Apple TV and supercharge tvOS in the process
• The best accessories for AirPods Max: Headphone stands, AirFly, and more
• New gaming-focused Apple TV with updated remote reportedly still on track for 2021
• Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
• ‘Ted Lasso’ creator says hit Apple TV+ show is likely to end after season 3

Apple Car |

• Reuters: Apple Car could begin production in 2024 with ‘breakthrough battery technology’
• Comment: I’ll believe in the Apple Car launch when the first customer takes delivery
• AAPL and LiDAR stocks up on latest Apple Car report
• Goldman Sachs says Apple doesn’t care about a car, rather the in-car experience

Apps |

• TikTok for iOS adds new year-in-review feature, here’s how to find it
• Developers report Apple is already charging lower commission on App Store sales
• [Update: Now available] Zoom to roll out native support for Apple Silicon Macs on December 21
• ‘Flex Widgets’ lets you create and customize your own widgets for the iOS home screen

Top Apple stories, company |

• EFF sides with Apple, slams Facebook’s criticism of iOS 14 privacy features as ‘laughable’
• Epic Games continues ‘Free Fortnite’ campaign with Apple-inspired press pack sent to influencers
• Even Facebook employees call criticism of Apple’s privacy rules ‘hypocrisy’
• MGM up for sale for $5B after ‘preliminary talks’ with Apple failed

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This week’s top videos |

• How to run Windows for ARM on M1 Macs using Parallels 16 Technical Preview [Video]
• watchOS 7 recap review: Thoughtful upgrades make Apple Watch better [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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AirTag rumors, Shazam features – 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 Backblaze: Give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Till the end of the month, 9to5Mac listeners get 30% off with code 9to5Xmas.  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: Shazam’s new feature reveals which song moments grab user attention Apple facing regulatory scrutiny in Switzerland over iPhone NFC chip Apple defeats ban on charging commission on linked-out purchases from iOS apps New AirTag 2 leak reveals five improved features coming 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 Catch 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. AirTag rumors, Shazam features 07:17
2. New Studio Display rumors, more 06:14
3. The best iPhone apps and games of the year 07:33
4. Fitness+ expansion, Apple and Google team up 07:24
5. Apple’s chip exec considers leaving, iPhone rumors 07:28

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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Apple executive tumult continues, Apple Studio Display leaks, Fitness+ AI dubbing – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance talk about two more Apple executive departures since last week’s episode, and a rumored third that appears to be staying for now. There’s also exciting details about the next Apple Studio Display, Apple might be able to enlist Intel to manufacture Apple Silicon chips, Fitness+ is using AI for language dubbing, and more.  And in Happy Hour Plus, the duo talk about Netflix’s attempt to acquire Warner Bros, and why Apple would never interested in a deal like this. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.  Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/design and use code HAPPYHOUR for a free month. Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by 1Password: Take the first step to better security for your team by securing credentials and protecting every application at 1password.com/happyhour. Hosts Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller on Instagram @ChanceHMiller on Twitter @ChanceHMiller on Threads Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo on Twitter @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 Links Meta Partners with iHeartMedia to Bring Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour to Meta Horizon Apple announces departure of two more top executives Report: Johny Srouji contemplating leaving Apple, considering career elsewhere Apple Silicon chief Johny Srouji reportedly commits to staying at Apple for now New Apple Studio Display rumored to upgrade three key features Apple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included Apple announces biggest Fitness+ expansion ever with help from AI Apple and Google team up to make iPhone and Android switching easier EU says easier iPhone-Android switching is proof the DMA is working Apple might turn to Intel for its upcoming M-series chips, per report Future iPhone chips might be produced by Intel, per report Netflix is buying HBO Max, Warner Bros. in blockbuster $83 billion deal Netflix plans to keep selling Warner shows to Apple TV, like Ted Lasso

1. Apple executive tumult continues, Apple Studio Display leaks, Fitness+ AI dubbing 01:04:10
2. Two key Apple executives depart, App Store dealings, and Apple Music Replay 2025 01:10:48
3. Apple Black Friday, AirDrop on Android, macOS Tahoe thoughts  01:07:46
4. Slide Over improvements in iPadOS 26.2, Tesla CarPlay, Tim Cook retiring rumors 01:05:03
5. iPhone Pocket, iOS 26.2 beta 2, and the iPhone Air’s future 55:56

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

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The impact of AI on Apple IT departments – Apple @ Work

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1. The impact of AI on Apple IT departments 22:22
2. What's driving 1Password's $400M ARR momentum? 18:40
3. How the agentic browser changes the game for IT 25:48
4. State of the union for passkeys 26:08
5. SupportApp 3.0 makes remote Mac support even easier 36:04

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