In this week’s top stories: iOS 14.5 beta 2 released with even more new features, iPhone 13 rumors, March Apple event expectations, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.
iOS 14.5 beta 2
Apple this week released the second developer and public betas of iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, tvOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3, and iPadOS 14.5.
In iOS 14.5 beta 2, the Music application has gotten a variety of new features, including the ability to share lyrics, new swipe gestures, redesigned pop-over menus, and more. iOS 14.5 beta 2 also includes over 200 new emoji for iPhone users.
Check out our full video on all of the changes in iOS 14.5 beta 2 and our video on the new changes and features in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 2.
March 16th Apple event? Nah.
Over the last week, March 16th gained traction on social media as a potential date for an Apple event. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, however, tweeted that Apple will not hold an event on March 16th — and that AirTags won’t be announced on that day.
Notably, Gurman’s tweet did not rule out the possibility of an Apple event in March, or the possibility of announcements in March. Here’s our full roundup of everything Apple could announce this spring.
Microsoft all-in-one Office app
If you’ve wanted to use a Microsoft Office iPad app, you’ve been able to run the individual Word, Powerpoint, and Excel apps for many years. This week, however, Microsoft has officially launched its new all-in-one Office app for iPad.
This app combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps you know into a single, iPadOS-optimized app. Microsoft also says hat it has added additional tools to keep you more productive. Learn more in our full coverage right here.
MagSafe battery for iPhone 12
Bloomberg reported this week that Apple is developing a new MagSafe battery pack accessory for the iPhone 12. With previous iPhone models, Apple has released Smart Battery Cases, but this year it’s planning this modular MagSafe battery pack instead.
Bloomberg says the accessory will be similar in design to MagSafe leather wallet accessory, and it would attach using MagSafe to the back of the iPhone 12 lineup.
However, Bloomberg says that the accessory has faced development issues such as software issues, and the product could be scrapped altogether.
These and the rest of this week’s top stories below.
iOS |
- Hands-on: These are all of the new Music app features in iOS 14.5
- iOS 14.5 adds over 200 new emoji to iPhone, including AirPods Max-inspired headphone design
- What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 2? Music app changes, new emoji, more
- iOS 14.5 adds new Shortcuts actions for taking screenshots, changing orientation lock, more
- Apple updating the subscription sheet in iOS 14.5 with clearer pricing and trial information
- iOS 14.5 beta 2 now available with Apple Watch Unlock, new Apple Maps features, more
- Apple releases second public beta of iOS 14.5 with new emoji, Music app changes, more
iPhone |
- iPhone 13 rumored to feature ‘refined matte back,’ always-on display, more
- New images of prototype Lightning cables suggest Apple wasn’t always planning a reversible design
- Apple will soon be able to repair iPhone 12’s rear glass without replacing the entire device
- Everything we know so far about the iPhone 13/iPhone 12s lineup
- Poll: Would you prefer a MagSafe battery pack or a traditional Smart Battery Case for iPhone 12?
- Apple reportedly developing MagSafe battery pack for iPhone 12
- Report: iPhone 12 Pro Max wins most popular 5G US smartphone
- iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro: Which should you buy in 2021?
- Concept imagines multiple possibilities for the iPhone 13’s rumored always-on display [Video]
Apple Watch |
- Didn’t get the ‘2021 Heart Month Challenge’ Apple Watch achievement? Here’s how to fix it
- watchOS 7.3.1 now available for Apple Watch with Power Reserve bug fix
- Apple Watch bricked in Power Reserve? Here’s how to check if you’re eligible for a free repair
- Apple releases watchOS 7.4 beta 2 for Apple Watch to developers
Mac |
- First Apple Silicon optimized malware discovered in the wild
- OWC introduces new all-in-one Thunderbolt 4/USB-C Cable to help solve confusion
- M1 MacBook Pro photo editing test beats ‘beast’ of a desktop PC
- Mysterious macOS malware discovered with M1 optimization, threat remains unclear
iPad |
Top Apple stories, retail |
- Portland Apple Store ready to reopen after nearly nine months
- Redesigned Apple Cherry Creek opens February 22 in Denver
- Photos: New Apple Southpoint opens in Durham, North Carolina
- COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?
Apple TV |
- Apple TV+: ‘Ted Lasso’ season 2 coming this summer alongside ‘The Morning Show’ and more
- Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
Apps |
- Clubhouse reaches 8 million downloads on the iOS App Store
- A year on, all-in-one Microsoft Office iPad app finally available
- A sneak peek at VLC 4 user interface doesn’t look good…
- Apple cracks down on apps with ‘irrationally high prices’ as App Store scams are exposed
- Matterport iOS app adds iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro LiDAR support for creating 3D models
- Office 2021 for Mac planned to launch later this year for consumers and businesses
- Plex begins beta testing integration with Apple’s TV app [U]
- Apple Music Replay 2021 now available to help track your top songs of the year
AAPL Company |
- Mark Gurman: No March 16th Apple event or AirTags launch
- Hand-written job application by Steve Jobs up for auction
- Will Apple hold a March event this year? Here’s everything we know right now
- Music streaming services pay $424 million in licensing fees, $163 million coming from Apple
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This week’s top videos |
- Hands-on with iOS 14.5 beta 2 changes and features [Video]
- Hands-on: macOS 11.3 beta 2 changes and features [Video] – autoplay for Music goes live
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 announces significant price increases – 9to5Mac Daily
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.
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Week 6 – 9to5Mac Watch Time
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iOS 27 beta 2, Apple price increases, Apple Watch OS support – 9to5Mac Happy Hour
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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
Apple @ Work Podcast |
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WWDC 26 Recap – Apple @ Work
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