This week’s top stories: AAPL earnings, Apple Watch Series 7 rumors, iOS 14.4, and more

In this week’s top stories: iOS 14.4 released, Apple Watch Series 7 rumors, ‘Time to Walk’ feature now available, AAPL’s record-breaking Q1 earnings, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.

Time to Walk

Apple this week officially launched its new Time to Walk feature for Apple Watch and Fitness+ subscribers. . Time to Walk offers “an inspiring new audio walking experience on Apple Watch for Fitness+ subscribers,” Apple announced.

Time to Walk is launching with four episodes with guests including Country music star Dolly Parton, NBA player Draymond Green, Musician Shawn Mendes, and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba. New episodes will be released with a different guest each Monday through the end of April.

iOS 14.4

After beta testing with developers and public beta users, Apple this week officially released iOS 14.4 to the public.

Apple says that iOS 14.4 includes support for recognizing smaller QR codes in the Camera app, as well as the option to classify Bluetooth device types in Settings. Notably, the update also adds new notifications for when your iPhone can’t verify if you’re using a “genuine Apple camera.”

iOS 14.4 also includes a handful of bug fixes related to HDR photography, the Messages app, and more. There is a fix for keyboard lag, which is an issue that has been plaguing many iPhone users since iOS 14 was first released.

In addition to the new features, iOS 14.4 also brings a trio of notable security improvements. In a new Support document, Apple said that iOS 14.4 fixes a kernel vulnerability and two WebKit vulnerabilities, all three of which “may have been actively exploited.”

iOS 14.4 is available to users via an over-the-air update in the Settings app. Simply open the Settings app, choose General, then choose Software Update. With these major security improvements included, we highly recommend updating as soon as possible.

HomePod Software 14.4

Alongside iOS 14.4, Apple also released HomePod Software 14.4 with new features for HomePod mini users this week.

The leading change with HomePod Software Version 14.4 is an all-new Handoff experience powered by the Ultra Wideband, or U1 chip, in the iPhone. Now, when you bring an iPhone near the HomePod mini to use Handoff, you’ll feel physical feedback from the iPhone’s Taptic Engine, as well as a card on the iPhone’s display and a visual indicator on the top of the HomePod mini.

You can learn more in our full coverage right here.

Limited-edition Apple Watch

Apple published a new press release this week detailing the multiple ways it will be celebrating Black History Month in February. The company is launching new editorial collections, Apple Maps Guides, limited-edition Apple Watch hardware, and more.

Apple is introducing the Black Unity Collection for the Apple Watch. This collection includes a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6 as well as a Black Unity Sport Band. Through this collection, Apple is supporting global organizations to help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights.

The Black Unity Sport Band uses colors inspired by the Pan-African flag with the words “Truth. Power. Solidarity.” laser-engraved onto the closure. Meanwhile, the limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6 features “Black Unity” laser-etched onto the back crystal.

Apple Watch Series 6 Black Unity and the Black Unity Sport Band will be available starting February 1. The Watch starts at $399 for the GPS and the cellular model starts at $499. The Black Unity Sport Band is $49.

AAPL Earnings

Apple (AAPL) has officially reported its earnings for Q1 2021, covering the lucrative holiday shopping season. For the first fiscal quarter of 2021, Apple reported a record-breaking $111.44 billion in revenue and profit of $28.76 billion.

For comparison’s sake, Apple reported revenue of $91.8 billion and profit of $22.2 billion during Q1 2020 last year. This time around, there are a handful of different factors. For instance, the Mac and iPad businesses have seen major growth because of the work-from-home trend driven by the pandemic.

Learn more in our full coverage

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

iPhone |

• iOS 14.4 now available with Apple Watch Unity face support, bug fixes, and more
• Apple adopts new ‘BlastDoor’ security system on iOS 14 to reinforce iMessage integrity
• Apple says iOS 14.4 patches 3 security flaws that ‘may have been actively exploited’
• iOS 14.4: How to label Bluetooth devices as a speaker, headphones, hearing aids, more
• Apple releases HomePod Software Version 14.4 with new Handoff experience, more
• Apple support document adds new details on how iPhone 12 and MagSafe can impact pacemakers

Apple Watch |

• watchOS 7.3 now available with new Unity watch faces, ECG in more countries, more
• Apple Watch blood sugar measurement coming in Series 7, claims report
• Apple Watch credited with helping police locate kidnapped Texas woman
• Apple officially launches new ‘Time to Walk’ feature for Apple Watch and Fitness+
• Apple Watch credited with helping cyclist call for help after being swept into flooded river
• A look at the iconic watches which inspired five Apple Watch faces
• Apple unveils limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6 and more for Black History Month
• Here’s how Apple Watch blood glucose monitoring could work, with a skin tag
• Apple airing fun new Apple Watch Series 6 ad showing ECG use in everyday life

Mac and iPad |

• Video: Microsoft takes shots at Apple’s MacBook Pro in new ad for Surface Pro 7
• macOS Big Sur 11.2 RC 2 now available as a public release nears
• M1 Mac mini power consumption and thermal output figures highlight Apple Silicon efficiency

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Apple Pioneer Place mural donated to nonprofit Don’t Shoot PDX
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

AirPods |

• How to use Apple’s ‘Find My AirPods’ feature to locate your lost headphones
• AirPods in 2021: What to expect from the rumored AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 updates

Apps |

• Developer modifies 4th-gen iPod with built-in Wi-Fi and Spotify
• Facebook says a ‘configuration change’ mistakenly logged iPhone users out of their accounts
• Robinhood users petition Apple to remove it from the App Store after blocking trades of GME
• Signal is the most private messaging app, but staff say it has no plans to prevent misuse
• Robinhood app controversy grows, with likely motive now revealed [U]
• GameStop and Elon Musk send Reddit and Robinhood to the top of the App Store charts
• Carrot Weather receives major overhaul with new design and customization, now free to download

AAPL Company |

• Apple (AAPL) reports record-breaking Q1 2021 earnings with $111.4 billion in revenue
• Tim Cook condemns Facebook business model, says valuing engagement over privacy leads to ‘polarization’ and ‘violence’
• Report: Facebook building antitrust lawsuit against Apple over iOS 14 privacy features

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This week’s top videos |

• iPad Air 4: Three Months Later – Was I wrong..?
• iOS 14.4 Changes and Features! What’s new?

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 EDU store changes, AirPods with cameras – 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: Apple pressed by lawmakers over closure of first unionized store Apple now requires verification for Education Store, adds Apple Watch with discounts Apple hits milestone in development of AirPods with cameras: report 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 EDU store changes, AirPods with cameras 09:00
2. MacBook Neo production rumors, more 07:23
3. Apple settles Siri lawsuit for $250M, more 07:38
4. iOS 26.5 RC, Apple chip partners 07:33
5. Mac mini changes, more 07:20

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 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.

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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New Pride wallpapers, $599 Mac mini goes away, Apple earnings call tidbits – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance give their opinions on the new Pride wallpaper and watch band lineup for 2026, as well as talk about a new watch face supposedly coming with watchOS 27. Also, in our seemingly-recurring segment on Mac desktop supply constraints, Apple stopped selling the $599 Mac mini altogether this week. Also, the company shares some curious tidbits about its future strategy in its first quarterly earnings call to feature incoming CEO John Ternus.  And in Happy Hour Plus, Apple loves to talk about the customer satisfaction numbers for its products, but we give our personal takes on how the product lines stack up. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Bartender: Organize and control your Mac’s menu bar so it stays clean and uncluttered. Visit macbartender.com/happyhour and use code HAPPYHOUR to save 10% on Bartender 6. 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 iOS 26.5’s new Pride wallpaper revealed, plus Apple Watch face Apple unveils Pride Edition Sport Loop for Apple Watch, order today iOS 26.5 adds beautiful wallpapers for your iPhone, here’s what’s new Here’s the next Apple Watch face coming in watchOS 26.5 and how to customize it How Will John Ternus Run Apple as CEO? With More Investments, Fewer Buybacks – Bloomberg Apple discontinues base Mac mini, now starts at $799 with 512GB storage Apple's most powerful Mac Studio loses its last remaining RAM upgrade option John Ternus joins Apple’s Q2 2026 earnings call, touts ‘incredible roadmap ahead’ Apple says iPhone 17 lineup is officially the ‘most popular’ in its history Tim Cook says iPhone 17 demand is 'off the charts', but supply constraints impacted sales Apple’s R&D spending hits new record as AI investment ramps up Apple considers Intel and Samsung to diversify chip manufacturing away from TSMC iOS 27 will let you choose between Gemini, Claude, and more for AI features: report

1. New Pride wallpapers, $599 Mac mini goes away, Apple earnings call tidbits 57:44
2. iOS 27 to bring AI inside the Camera app, Tim Cook’s biggest mistake, iPhone shutdown problem  01:03:30
3. John Ternus is officially Apple’s next CEO, iPhone 18 colors, iOS 27 rumors 55:38
4. Apple Glasses design, iOS 27 features, Creator Studio updates 56:41
5. iPhone Fold visualized, HomeKit Adaptive Temperature, MacBook Neo shortages 01:00:33

Stacktrace Podcast |

Stacktrace by 9to5Mac is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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 |

Apple @ Work by 9to5Mac is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and via RSS for other podcast players.

This is why you can't delay macOS updates – 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, Ray Canzanese from Netskope joins the show to talk about the latest news around the macOS ClickFix campaign. Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

1. This is why you can't delay macOS updates 19:24
2. Securing mobile apps in the age of vibe coding 20:12
3. The world runs on spreadsheets 19:22
4. PocketMDM brings Apple Business Manager to your pocket 20:05
5. Apple means Business 31:57

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