This week’s top stories: iPhone 13 rumors, March Apple event expectations, iOS 14.5, more

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 |

• Brydge unveils multi-touch support for its iPad Pro+ keyboard, new 10.2-inch iPad case

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’s ‘Welcome home’ launch announced, 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 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. Sponsored by Roborock: Fall Prime Day is here—with up to $1,600 off Roborock’s smartest cleaning lineup, plus exclusive limited-time deals and gifts. Find the right cleaner for your home and save starting now. 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 to launch touchscreen MacBook Pro and more on October 27: report Apple’s new ‘second-party’ accessories for Home are bigger than we thought, per leak Apple announces special event for October 13: ‘Welcome home’ Report: Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro production due to 'soft demand' 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 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’s ‘Welcome home’ launch announced, more 08:31
2. iPad mini rumors, iCloud+ 08:52
3. iOS 27.2 beta 3, Apple + LG smart home partnership 08:43
4. John Ternus’s role in design, Apple Cash changes 08:10
5. macOS privacy changes, more 08:31

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

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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Apple home event imminent, OLED MacBook Pro details, Full Disk Access changes – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance talk about this week’s Apple news, ahead of a bevy of product announcements coming later this month. Apple is reportedly partnering with LG on a range of smart home accessories, and changes are coming to Full Disk Access permissions. Note: This episode was recorded before Apple officially announced its ‘Welcome home’ event. And in Happy Hour Plus, our family members get new phones. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Roborock: Fall Prime Day is here—with up to $1,600 off Roborock’s smartest cleaning lineup, plus exclusive limited-time deals and gifts. Find the right cleaner for your home and save starting now. Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/happyhour for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. 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 Keeper: Get 60% off personal and family plans at keepersecurity.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 This tool frees up Apple Intelligence storage on macOS, but think twice before using it AT&T claims iOS 27.0.1 fixes iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, but users disagree [U] Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T cellular issues, affected devices require hardware replacement Report: Apple’s smart home push includes LG-made doorbell, lock, thermostat, more Leaked images reveal Apple’s new Home smart lock, thermostat, more for LG Apple’s new Home cameras and doorbell with LG revealed in leaked images Apple’s new ‘second-party’ accessories for Home are bigger than we thought, per leak Redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED to feature 'significantly lighter' design: report Apple reportedly planning second wave of product announcements later this month iOS 27.2 beta 3: Here’s everything new Apple says it’s tightening macOS privacy controls amid the rise of AI agents

1. Apple home event imminent, OLED MacBook Pro details, Full Disk Access changes 01:00:25
2. HomePad launch nears, Apple Watch Readiness score, Ternus wants to make Apple more nimble 59:47
3. M6 Mac mini review, Apple fitness band rumors, Apple AI servers 01:04:34
4. iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 hands-on review, iOS 27 released 01:13:48
5. iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 event 01:57:49

Stacktrace Podcast |

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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! 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.

Way too many apps are sitting outside SSO protection – Apple @ Work

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1. Way too many apps are sitting outside SSO protection 13:18
2. Solving the patch management problem for Apple admins 18:04
3. Phishing simulations for the AI era 21:07
4. Breaking down the improvements and benefits of Parallels Desktop 27 17:12
5. The printer is the least secure piece of equipment you have 16:22

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