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 Music AI, hardware changes – 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 Bitwarden: Make your life easier with Bitwarden, featuring a secure, open source password manager with end-to-end encryption and seamless autofill across all your devices. 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: Here's how Johny Srouji plans to speed up Apple's product development: report Apple Music shares what it is doing to ‘keep music fair’ in an AI world Apple Sports app launches World Cup support, expands availability worldwide 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! 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 Music AI, hardware changes 06:58
2. iPhone Ultra leaks, more 07:11
3. New Apple accessibility features, Apple Watch rumors 07:41
4. WWDC invites, iOS 27 expectations 06:50
5. Apple Card promo, Siri rumors 07:03

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.

Sponsored by HabitMinder: Change your habits, change your life. HabitMinder helps you form healthy habits and stay accountable. Get started for free on iOS, Mac, and Apple Watch.

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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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WWDC invites, iOS 27 accessibility features, new Siri will be a ‘beta’ – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance return for another week in Apple news and rumors. As is tradition, the company unveiled a slate of new accessibility-focused features designed for iOS 27, with a strong theme of Apple Intelligence this year. Also, the WWDC keynote is official with invites going out to press, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman brings us even more details about the upcoming Siri revamp. And in Happy Hour Plus, the two discuss a new rumor that says Apple might switch back to titanium on future iPhones. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Bartender: Bartender Pro is a new option for users who want to take things up a notch. Visit macbartender.com/happyhour to check it out. Sponsored by Shopify: See less carts go abandoned and more sales. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by IM8: Go to IM8HEALTH.com/happyhour and use code happyhour to get a free welcome kit, five free travel sachets, and 10% off your order.  Hosts Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller on Twitter @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 Links Apple sends invites for WWDC26 keynote, iOS 27 and more coming soon Coming Up Bright Apple announces AI-powered accessibility features and eye-control of wheelchairs Standalone Siri app to offer auto-deleting chat history, launch with beta label: report Report: Apple to upgrade Genmoji in iOS 27 with new automatic suggestions iOS 27 to add new custom wallpaper feature, more: report Here's how Johny Srouji plans to speed up Apple's product development: report OpenAI preparing ‘legal action’ against Apple over Siri partnership: report Apple might replace aluminum with titanium in future iPhones again, per leak

1. WWDC invites, iOS 27 accessibility features, new Siri will be a ‘beta’ 56:20
2. iOS 27 design changes, AirPods with cameras, Apple education store changes 57:21
3. New Pride wallpapers, $599 Mac mini goes away, Apple earnings call tidbits 57:44
4. iOS 27 to bring AI inside the Camera app, Tim Cook’s biggest mistake, iPhone shutdown problem  01:03:30
5. John Ternus is officially Apple’s next CEO, iPhone 18 colors, iOS 27 rumors 55:38

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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Apple @ Work Podcast: The future of security training – 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, Frederic Rivain from Dashlane and Erich Kron from KnowBe4 join the show to talk about their new integration and the future of security training. Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

1. Apple @ Work Podcast: The future of security training 16:09
2. How NeXT built the foundation for Apple in the enterprise 34:44
3. The 2026 trends around Apple device management 18:27
4. This is why you can't delay macOS updates 19:24
5. Securing mobile apps in the age of vibe coding 20:12

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