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 |

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iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro rumors – 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 Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. A simple to-do list for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with powerful tools that make organizing, tracking, and checking off your tasks a whole lot more satisfying. Get Stuff done. 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 tells Mac App Store developers they can now drop Intel support New iPhone Ultra details arrive for specs, multitasking, launch timing, more Apple paying 400% more for iPhone 18 Pro memory, says TrendForce OpenAI calls trade secret dispute 'a mess of Apple's own making' 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! 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. iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro rumors 08:11
2. More Apple executive news, Apple Maps 07:10
3. Apple vs OpenAI update, more 07:52
4. Tim Cook steps down, Ternus takes over 07:23
5. August 31, 2026 – Apple TV price hikes, more 07:07

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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
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John Ternus is now Apple CEO, last-minute iPhone event rumors, Apple TV price increase – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance talk about John Ternus’s first week in the job as Apple CEO, and how much Tim Cook will still be involved. Also, it’s the last chance for iPhone event rumors, with details about some health updates for the Apple Watch Series 12 coming to the fore. And there was an Apple TV subscription price hike, for the second time in as many years. And in Happy Hour Plus, on the eve of iPhone 18 Pro, we reflect on our overall positive experiences using the iPhone Air for the entire year. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour. Sponsored by Bitwarden: Register for the free, virtual Open Source Security Summit on September 17, featuring cybersecurity leaders David Sanger and Joseph Menn — and check out Bitwarden for trusted open source password, passkey, and secrets management, with end-to-end encryption and seamless autofill across all your devices. Sponsored by Gusto: The online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at gusto.com/happyhour. Sponsored by Notion: Learn more about how Notion can support your business, at notion.com/happyhour. 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 Today is Tim Cook's last day as Apple CEO, Ternus takes over Read Tim Cook's full memo to Apple employees on his last day as CEO Here’s how much Apple is paying John Ternus as CEO, Tim Cook as executive chairman Read John Ternus's full memo to Apple employees on his first day as CEO New Apple CEO John Ternus now has his own X account Apple executive changes continue as Ternus becomes CEO Apple leadership page updated as John Ternus becomes the new CEO John Ternus just revealed his priorities in first introduction as Apple CEO Phil Schiller steps down from App Store and Apple events Report: Apple Watch Series 12 may feature always-on heart-rate tracking, new Fitness app Apple reportedly considered launching a new Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra Unusual timing of Mac mini and Mac Studio updates all about AI, claims report Apple announces price increase for Apple TV and Apple One subscriptions

1. John Ternus is now Apple CEO, last-minute iPhone event rumors, Apple TV price increase 01:04:09
2. New Mac mini, new Mac Studio announced as iPhone 18 Pro event confirmed 54:09
3. AirPods with camera leak, iOS 27 beta 6, iPhone 18 Pro cases 56:28
4. Future Apple wearables, iOS 27 beta 5, iPhone 20 details 53:40
5. Apple earnings, universal clipboard interoperability, iPhone event chatter 57:21

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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 human side of AI adoption in the enterprise – Apple @ Work

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1. The human side of AI adoption in the enterprise 23:40
2. Breaking down Apple's bug bounty cap and cool down period 14:00
3. Agentic networking actions 14:52
4. 300 devices later – thoughts on ChromeOS vs macOS 14:00
5. The state of digital signage on Apple TV in 2026 23:14

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