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.

August 12, 2022 – Apple vs Facebook, iPhone 14 demand

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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 Kolide: With Kolide, you can make your team into your biggest allies for endpoint security. Solve problems, right within Slack. Learn more here.

New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/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 reportedly wanted ‘a slice of Facebook’s revenue’ prior to privacy feud Bloomberg: Apple tells suppliers to make at least 90 million iPhone 14 units iPad mini 6 is finally back in stock with $99 cellular discounts to all-time lows of $550 Apple’s all-new M2 MacBook Pro back on sale with $200 in savings from $1,149 Synology’s popular DS220j 2-Bay NAS is perfect for Time Machine backups at 2022 low of $150

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1. August 12, 2022 – Apple vs Facebook, iPhone 14 demand 08:47
2. August 11, 2022 – iPhone 14 prices, more 06:26
3. August 10, 2022 – AirPods updates, more on Apple Card 08:26
4. August 9, 2022 – iOS 16 beta 5, AirPods with USB-C 07:20
5. August 8, 2022 – iPhone 14 event, M2 iPad Pro rumors 07:36

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

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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

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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

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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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iOS 16 beta 5 new features, iPhone 14 price rise and new iPad Pro rumors

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9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Zac discuss all the new features and changes in iOS 16 beta 5, including the new battery percentage option. Also, the iPhone 14 Pro is rumored to get more expensive, and the 2022 iPad Pro might have a new 4-port connector. Sponsored by Helix Sleep: Learn more and take the Helix Sleep quiz at helixsleep.com/9to5mac. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Sponsored by Kolide: Is your Service Desk struggling with remote work and a mix of Mac, Windows, and Linux devices? Kolide can help. Learn more here.

Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo Read More

The good news about Apple’s rumored iPhone 14 Pro price hike Bloomberg: Apple tells suppliers to make at least 90 million iPhone 14 units Here’s everything we know so far about the 2022 iPad Pro Apple expands original podcasts investment as it hunts for compelling stories to adapt into TV+ shows Kuo: iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max to get more expensive NASA is sending an iPad around the moon to help test Alexa in space Third iOS 16 public beta now available with new battery percentage icon, more Kuo: iPhone 14 series not facing impacts on supply chain as mass production and shipment schedule are on track Apple and Kim Kardashian collaborate on unique Beats Fit Pro line Kuo: AirPods to switch to USB-C for charging alongside iPhone 15 in 2023 Find My has a new sound alert with iOS 16 beta 5, here’s how it sounds iOS 16 beta 5 adds ‘Copy and Delete’ option for sharing screenshots without clutter AAPL acquisitions fell dramatically in 2021 and 2022, show regulatory filings iPhone 14 event: Apple begins production of virtual keynote for September Rumor: 2022 iPad Pro to feature two new ‘four-pin connectors’ for accessories

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1. iOS 16 beta 5 new features, iPhone 14 price rise and new iPad Pro rumors 01:10:33
2. iPhone 14 always-on details, more App Store ads, iPadOS 16 delayed 01:07:34
3. iOS 16 beta 4 changes, more Apple Watch Pro info and AR’s uncertain future 01:04:30
4. MacBook Air hands on, Apple TV+ Emmys, Apple Health whitepaper 01:08:53
5. iOS 16 public beta is out, macOS Ventura System Settings, Apple Car details 01:31:51

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Stacktrace has moved!

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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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Tailscale rethinks how VPN and SSH work for remote teams

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Apple @ Work

Apple @ Work is brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that fully integrates 5 different applications on a single Apple-only platform, allowing Businesses and Schools to easily and automatically deploy, manage & protect all their Apple devices . Over 32,000 organizations leverage Mosyle solutions to automate the deployment,  management and security of millions of Apple devices daily. Request a FREE account today and discover how you can put your Apple fleet on auto-pilot at a price point that is hard to believe. Apple @ Work is brought to you by Kolide. Kolide can help you nail third party audits and internal compliance goals with endpoint security for your entire fleet. Learn more here. In this episode of Apple @ Work, Brad Fitzpatrick from Tailscale joins the show to talk about creating a better VPN solution, the new SSH tool, and how the company got started.

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1. Tailscale rethinks how VPN and SSH work for remote teams 21:04
2. iOS 16 brings Passkey support to the enterprise 20:04
3. What are the benefits of Apple Certifications? 17:14
4. The Mac Admins Foundation 29:48
5. The news out of WWDC is seamless integration for enterprises 30:44

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