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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 |

iPhone |

Apple Watch |

Mac |

iPad |

Apple Car |

Top Apple stories, retail |

Apple TV |

Apps |

AAPL Company |

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This week’s top videos |

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.

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Apple/Google AI partnership, AirPods 4 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 DirecTV Stream: The best way to watch every single NCAA March Madness game on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Save $30 and start watching now.  Introducing 9to5Mac Daily Plus! Support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock:  Ad-free versions of every episode Monthly bonus episodes  Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join.  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: Mass production of two new AirPods models to start in May, targeting fall release Walmart begins selling the Mac for the first time: M1 MacBook Air for $699 [Updated] Apple might use Google Gemini to power some iPhone AI features Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Overcast RSS Spotify TuneIn Google Podcasts Catch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes! Don’t miss out on our other daily podcasts: Quick Charge 9to5Toys Daily 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. Also, connect with us in the official 9to5Mac Discord server with forums, chatrooms, and more!
  1. Apple/Google AI partnership, AirPods 4 rumors
  2. M4 MacBook Pro rumors, Apple AI acquisition
  3. Potential TikTok ban, Apple Sports update
  4. The latest iPad Pro and iPad Air rumors
  5. New App Store changes, Apple Car specs

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.

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
  2. With guest Sigmund Judge
  3. Week 5
  4. Week 4
  5. Week 3

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Apple’s latest DMA changes, new iPad Pro details, Apple AI ads platform  9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance analyze the latest round of Apple’s changes to appease the EU, get hyped for the impending 2024 iPad Pro features, and news that Apple is testing an AI platform for advertising. Apple Arcade is the topic in Happy Hour Plus, as we discuss how the service stacks up today compared to how it was presented in 2019. Sponsored by Fast Growing Trees: Fast Growing Trees makes it easy to order online, and your plants are shipped directly to your door in 1-2 days. Get an additional 15% off with code HAPPYHOUR at checkout. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladderlife.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus Introducing 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 Monthly bonus episodes Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join.  Hosts Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller on Twitter @chancehmiller@mastodon.social @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 Feedback Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads Email us feedback and questions to happyhour@9to5mac.com Links Epic says Apple will reinstate developer account, clearing path for Epic Games Store on iPhone Apple will allow users to download apps directly from a developer’s website, in latest EU App Store rule change Apple revises App Store rules in the EU in response to developer feedback Here are the full dimensions of the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro A new iPad Pro is coming: Here are four things to expect What to expect from the new iPad Air New iPad Air will feature landscape front-facing camera, new rumor says iOS 17.4 beta hints at new iPad with landscape Face ID camera Apple developed chip equivalent to four M2 Ultras for Apple Car Apple talks with Mercedes detailed in new Apple Car report Report: Apple testing AI-powered ads platform Apple ramps up work on ad-supported Apple TV+ plan Apple Arcade criticized by developers for falling payouts and more
  1. Apple’s latest DMA changes, new iPad Pro details, Apple AI ads platform 
  2. M3 MacBook Air, iOS 17.4 released, Apple TV+ content catalog
  3. Apple Car canceled, iOS 18 design changes, AirPods with cameras
  4. Apple AI coming to Spotlight search, new Sports app, iPhone 15 battery re-rated
  5. HomePod with a screen leaks, foldable iPhone rumors, visionOS 1.1 features

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

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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!
  2. 178: “Let’s try something new”
  3. 177: “The stand is included!”
  4. 176: “Extra Keynote Poker”
  5. 175: “A Bluetooth fanboy”

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 lasting impact of the iPhone 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, I talk with Weldon Dodd about the iPhone's impact, history, and future. Connect with Bradley Twitter LinkedIn Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes
  1. The lasting impact of the iPhone
  2. Vision Pro and device management support
  3. Webex comes to Apple TV and Vision Pro
  4. Intro to declarative device management and Apple devices
  5. Planning and executing an MDM migration

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com