This week’s top stories: 2021 MacBook Pro and iMac details, Apple’s REJI announcements, more

In this week’s top stories: Apple unveils new REJI announcements, 2021 MacBook Pro and iMac details emerge, Apple accessory announcements at CES, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.

2021 Mac rumors

This week brought some of the most specific details yet about what to expect from Apple’s 2021 MacBook Pro refresh. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple has some major changes in store for the 2021 MacBook Pro, which will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch variations.

The new MacBook Pro is rumored to adopt a flat-edged design similar to the Phone 12 and iPad Pro, add more IO ports on the side, bring back MagSafe charging, and ditch the controversial Touch Bar.

Bloomberg also corroborated many of these changes, and added that MagSafe will allow MacBook Pro machines to charge faster than USB-C. The report also added that a redesigned MacBook Air is in the works at Apple.

Bloomberg also added new details on the redesigned iMac, new Mac Pro information, and said that Apple has a lower-cost external display in the works.

Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiatives

Apple announced this week that it will be investing $100 million in  its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which it hopes will help tackle systemic racism.

1. Apple is working with Southern Company to support the launch of the Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind innovation and learning hub for the HBCU community, with a $25 million investment.
2. Second, Apple has chosen downtown Detroit for its first US Developer Academy. The academy is designed to empower young Black entrepreneurs, creators, and coders, helping them cultivate the skills necessary for jobs in the rapidly growing iOS app economy.
3. Apple will invest invest $10 million with Harlem Capital — an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York — to support its investments in 1,000 companies with diverse founders over the next 20 years.
4. The company will also invest $25 million in Siebert Williams Shank’s Clear Vision Impact Fund, which provides capital to small and medium-size businesses, with an emphasis on minority-owned companies.

Learn more in our full coverage right here.

AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone SE 3

Apple is rumored to have two new products in the works for an announcement as early as April: AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone SE 3.

The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to feature a redesigned charging case, but other details are unclear. Previously, Bloombergreported that the second-gen AirPods Pro would feature a “more compact” design that removes the stem that current sticks out from the bottom of the AirPods Pro. 

Rumors have suggested that Apple is working on a larger version of the iPhone SE, likely with a 5.5-inch display and a design similar to the iPhone 8 Plus.

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

iPhone |

• Bloomberg: Apple testing in-screen Touch ID for 2021 iPhone, AirTags coming this year
• Bloomberg: Apple developing foldable iPhone prototypes, launch is still unclear
• Rumor: Apple to release AirPods Pro 2 and third-generation iPhone SE in April
• Rumor: iPhone 13 to be slightly thicker, feature smaller notch and same camera bump
• User successfully runs Ubuntu on a jailbroken iPhone 7
• Johns Hopkins security researchers ‘shocked’ at Android and iOS vulnerabilities
• Medical study suggests iPhone 12 with MagSafe can deactivate pacemakers
• iPhone 12 Pro prototype shows early ‘Pacific Blue’ variant and nonUI version of iOS 14
• Apple releases iOS 14.4 beta 2 and more for developers

Apple Watch |

• Here’s how to use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder and remote for your iPhone’s camera

Mac and iPad |

• Kuo details 2021 MacBook Pro: new design with squared-off sides, MagSafe connector and IO return, Touch Bar removed
• Rumor: New iPad mini to feature 8.4-inch display with smaller bezels, release in March
• M1 Mac Bluetooth problems finally set to be resolved, says Apple
• Bloomberg: 2021 MacBook Pro to charge faster via MagSafe, ‘redesigned MacBook Air’ also planned
• Bloomberg: New iMac with Pro Display XDR design coming this year, cheaper external display also planned

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Washington, D.C. Apple Stores close ahead of Inauguration Day
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

Apps |

• Parler app and website go offline; CEO blames Apple and Google for destroying the company
• WhatsApp clarifies privacy changes and Facebook data sharing as Signal and Telegram soar
• AT&T TV Now shutting down to new subscribers: Here’s what you need to know
• With support officially ended, Adobe ‘strongly recommends’ removing Flash now, here’s how
• Netflix reportedly testing spatial audio support for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
• Apple working to release Music and Podcasts apps on Microsoft Store

Apple Car |

• Report: Apple and Hyundai hope to reach deal for Apple Car by March, begin US production in 2024
• Apple’s strict approach to secrecy in the spotlight after Hyundai walks back Apple Car statement

CES 2021 |

• Pioneer announces modular receiver to bring wireless CarPlay to more vehicles
• Scosche launches three iPhone 12 MagSafe mounts for car and home
• Kensington unveils StudioDock productivity hub meets stand for iPad Air/Pro with tons of I/O, more
• Intel unveils new 12th-generation Alder Lake chips as it plays catch up to Apple’s M1
• Satechi launches low-price MagSafe compatible 2-in-1 charger, but there are caveats
• Qualcomm unveils larger and faster in-screen fingerprint reader, coming to smartphones this year
• PopSockets reveals new MagSafe-compatible PopGrips for iPhone 12, more
• Belkin’s new ‘SoundForm Freedom’ AirPods competitors can integrate with Apple’s Find My app
• Belkin launches more affordable 2-in-1 MagSafe charger, coming in March/April
• Pioneer announces modular receiver to bring wireless CarPlay to more vehicles
• LG unveils 4K UltraFine OLED Pro display, Dell reveals 40-inch 5K2K ultrawide with Thunderbolt 3
• Lutron unveils durable Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug with HomeKit, adds new features to Smart Motion Sensors
• Philips Hue wall switch module finally solves problem; new outdoor lights too

Top Apple stories, company |

• Apple CEO Tim Cook joins ‘CBS This Morning’ ahead of ‘big announcement’ coming Wednesday
• Apple announces major new REJI projects to tackle systemic racism
• CBS interview: Tim Cook talks REJI projects, Parler possibly returning to the App Store, goals for 2021

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This week’s top videos |

• How to create dynamic wallpaper on iOS 14.3 and disable Shortcuts banner notifications [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.

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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Mac enterprise growth continues to surge – Apple @ Work

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1. Mac enterprise growth continues to surge 22:38
2. Fleet launches iOS device management 17:42
3. Digital signage on Apple TV check-in 17:44
4. FIDO Alliance's plan for Passkey migration 15:26
5. Apple's role in telemedicine 24:52

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