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 |
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- Holiday tech support, Hold Assist, Ask9to5Mac
- Apple 2025 Review of the Year
- iPhone roadmap rumors, iOS 26.2 released, Apple Music in ChatGPT
- Apple executive tumult continues, Apple Studio Display leaks, Fitness+ AI dubbing
- Two key Apple executives depart, App Store dealings, and Apple Music Replay 2025
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