This week’s top stories: New iOS 14.5 features, iPhone 13 roundup, Apple Silicon vs Intel, more

In this week’s top stories: Apple Car talks with Hyundai and Kia break down, Intel gets paranoid about Apple Silicon, new iOS 14.5 features, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.

Apple Silicon vs Intel

The first M1 Macs have been out in the wild for nearly three full months, and the fear is setting in at Intel. This week, the company shared a detailed slideshow of benchmark results aiming to show that its top-of-the-line processors can outperform Apple’s entry-level, low-power M1 processor.

Intel has also started running a variety of social media advertisements targeting Mac users. The new Intel ads mock Apple and claim that there are some things that you can only accomplish on a PC. In one of the new ads, Intel says that “only a PC offers tablet mode, touch screen and stylus capabilities in a single device,” which is similar to what Microsoft does in Surface ads.

More iOS 14.5 features

In addition to the iOS 14.5 features we covered last week, additional new features have emerged this week. As part of iOS 14.5, Apple is testing the ability to set Spotify as your default music player for Siri commands. This was previously only available on HomePods.

The new behavior appears in the beta of iOS 14.5. The first time you ask Siri to play something, it lists all the streaming services you have installed on your device and ask you which of them you want to use. Once you have done so, Siri then defaults to that service for subsequent requests.

Secondly, Apple is also testing new Waze-like features for Apple Maps in iOS 14.5. The update gives users the ability to report speed traps, accidents, and other road hazards using Siri, CarPlay, or through the Apple Maps app on iPhone. Learn more in our full coverage right here.

Apple Car talks break down

Hyundai and Kia Motors have confirmed in new regulatory filings this week that the companies are not in talks with Apple regarding Apple Car production — at least talks that they are willing to make public. In the filings, Hyundai and Kia Motors acknowledged that they “have been talking with multiple companies about autonomous electric car development,” but no decision has been made.

macOS Big Sur update

On Tuesday, Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 to the public alongside supplemental updates for macOS Catalina 10.15.7 and macOS Mojave 10.14.6. First off, Apple says that macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 fixes an issue that prevented some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models from being able to charge. The company has also launched a new repair program for affected users.

The updates also include important security fixes, which we covered in detail here.

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

iOS |

• You can set Spotify as your default music player in iOS 14.5 beta
• Apple Maps adding new Waze-like features for speed traps, accidents, and other road hazards
• Apple testing new ad spot on homepage of App Store Search tab

iPhone |

• Everything we know so far about the iPhone 13/iPhone 12s lineup
• Apple argues new North Dakota Senate bill targeting the App Store could ‘destroy the iPhone’
• What to do with old and dying AirPods: Recycling, replacing, and selling
• Review: Anker PowerWave charges your iPhone 12 and AirPods with 2-in-1 MagSafe compatible mount

Apple Watch |

• Apple Watch users can exercise to unlock a virtual trophy on Valentine’s Day
• Apple Watch anniversary gift credited with detecting invisible heart condition in 58-year-old
• Apple releases watchOS 7.4 public beta with new ‘Apple Watch Unlock’ feature for iPhone Face ID
• Limited-edition Black Unity Apple Watch Series 6 and Sport Band now available to order

Mac |

• Intel mocks Apple in new campaign highlighting things users can’t do on a M1 Mac
• Intel picks and chooses benchmarks as the threat from Apple Silicon grows
• How to check if your MacBook Pro is eligible for a free battery replacement due to a charging bug
• Apple offering free battery replacement for 2016/2017 MacBook Pro that won’t charge past 1%
• Apple once again starts blocking M1 Mac users from side loading iPhone and iPad apps
• Apple releases macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 with MacBook Pro charging bug fix
  

iPad |

• iPadOS 14.5 brings emoji search and new landscape boot screen to the iPad
• [Update: Now available] Kensington unveils StudioDock hub meets stand for iPad Air/Pro with tons of I/O

Apple Car |

• Hyundai and Kia confirm they are no longer in talks with Apple regarding Apple Car production
• Apple Car: Bloomberg report rounds up multiple possible assembly and production partners
• Another day, another Apple Car maker suggested: Today it’s Nissan’s turn
• Apple doubled California self-driving test miles in 2020, disengagement rate improves
• Apple Car manufacturer could be BMW or Magna, say analysts

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Apple Store displays take HomePod mini to the max
• Apple Store suppliers describe being ‘squeezed’ by more stringent payment terms, consignment model
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

Apple TV |

• First Apple TV+ AR app launches with ‘For All Mankind’ backstory through mixed reality
• Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
• CBS and Showtime bundle no longer available through Apple TV app, ahead of Paramount+ launch
• For All Mankind S2: Come for the alternative space timeline, stay for the character drama [Interview]

Apps |

• Developer exposes multiple scam apps on the App Store, some bringing in millions of dollars in revenue
• Apple and Shazam team up with Dolly Parton to offer 5 months of Apple Music for free to new users
• Microsoft officially launches ‘Autofill’ password manager for iOS and other platforms
• ‘Nudget’ budgeting app updated with all-new iPad app, iCloud syncing, Face ID, and more
• How an Apple Music Radio show has amplified music discovery for me

AAPL Company |

• Apple and Prepear reach an agreement on pear-shaped logo trademark
• The crazy journey of empty iPad boxes halfway across the world and back
• Comment: Four ways Apple could follow Tesla’s lead and make its move into Bitcoin
• Security researcher hacks Apple, Tesla, Paypal, more, in clever open-source software attack

Subscribe to 9to5Mac’s YouTube channel for more videos.

This week’s top videos |

• ChargeFast MagSafe Battery Pack – MagSafe’s finally becoming useful! [Video]
• iPhone: How to set Spotify as your default music app with the iOS 14.5 beta [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.

Sponsored by Crypto Pro: Bitcoin/cryptocurrency tracking app for iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple Watch.

iOS 26.5 now available, 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 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 releases iOS 26.5 with 3 key features including new wallpapers for your iPhone iOS 26.5 adds end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, rolling out now Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone in the United States and Canada – Apple Support macOS 26.5 now available, here’s everything new macOS 26.5’s new setting might solve Mac mini power button complaints visionOS 27 will bring these new Vision Pro upgrades: 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. iOS 26.5 now available, more 07:48
2. macOS 27, Apple-Intel deal 07:34
3. Apple EDU store changes, AirPods with cameras 09:00
4. MacBook Neo production rumors, more 07:23
5. Apple settles Siri lawsuit for $250M, more 07:38

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

9to5Mac Happy Hour Podcast |

9to5Mac Happy Hour is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play Music, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by TextExpander: Visit textexpander.com/podcast and select 9to5Mac Happy Hour to save 20% off your first year!

Sponsored by ExpressVPN: Take back your Internet privacy today and get 3 months free with a 1-year package at ExpressVPN.com/HappyHour.

Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: Go to LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR and get $50 OFF toward your first job post!

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.

Sponsored by Funn Media: Live a healthier life with Funn Media’s collection of apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, including Calory, WaterMinder, and more. 

Sponsored by Kandji: A modern, cloud-based platform for centrally managing and securing your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices, saving IT teams countless hours of manual work with features like one-click compliance templates and 150+ pre-built automations, apps, and workflows. Request access.

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.

Sponsored by Kandji: A modern, cloud-based platform for centrally managing and securing your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices, saving IT teams countless hours of manual work with features like one-click compliance templates and 150+ pre-built automations, apps, and workflows. Request access.

The 2026 trends around Apple device management – 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, Jaron Bradley and Michael Covington from Jamf join the show to talk about the latest trends around macOS system management. Links Mac Security 360: Annual Trends Report Mobile Security 360: 2026 Annual Trends Report Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

1. The 2026 trends around Apple device management 18:27
2. This is why you can't delay macOS updates 19:24
3. Securing mobile apps in the age of vibe coding 20:12
4. The world runs on spreadsheets 19:22
5. PocketMDM brings Apple Business Manager to your pocket 20:05

Subscribe to get all 9to5Mac’s stories delivered to your inbox daily. And to 9to5Toys for the best deals from around the web.