This week’s top stories: 2021 MacBook Pro rumors, MagSafe battery for iPhone 12, AirPods 3, more

In this week’s top stories: AirPods 3 leaked images, more details on the 2021 MacBook Pro update, Apple takes action against a macOS malware, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple Stories.

AirPods 3

AirPods 3 are rumored to offer an all-new design in the entry-level AirPods, similar to the AirPods Pro. The biggest change here is that this means AirPods 3 would feature an in-ear design, rather than resting on your ear like the current AirPods do.

Leaked images this week offered a potential real-world look at the redesigned AirPods 3. Check out our full coverage right here.

MagSafe battery for iPhone 12

Bloomberg reported last week that Apple is developing a new MagSafe battery pack accessory for the iPhone 12. This week, however, Anker beat Apple to market with its own MagSafe compatible battery pack for iPhone 12.

The new Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless Power Bank features a 5,000mAh battery that can charge the iPhone 12 mini from 0 to 100% with a little to spare, the iPhone 12 from 0 to 95%, the iPhone 12 Pro from 0 to 97%, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max from 0 to 75%.

Whether or not Apple’s MagSafe battery pack for iPhone 12 ends up seeing the light of day remains to be seen, but the MagSafe-compatible Anker is available to order from today.

macOS malware

Last week, a piece of macOS malware was discovered in the wild with optimization for Apple Silicon. Silver Sparrow forces infected Macs to check a control server once per hour, and it includes a self-destruct mechanism, but researchers have yet to actually observe its malicious intent.

Apple this week took action to prevent further spread of Silver Sparrow by revoking the security certificates of the developer accounts used to sign the packages, which will prevent it from being installed on any further Macs.

MacBook Pro ports

Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this month that the new MacBook Pro models coming this year would feature additional I/O options compared to the current models. The analyst followed up on that report this week to be more specific. Kuo says that he expects Apple’s 2021 MacBook Pro models to feature an HDMI port and an SD card slot. This is a significant change compared to the current MacBook Pro models, which feature exclusively Thunderbolt connectivity.

You can find our full expectations for the 2021 MacBook Pro update right here.

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

iOS |

• iOS 14.5 makes zero-click exploits ‘significantly harder’ according to security researchers
• Apple updating the subscription sheet in iOS 14.5 with clearer pricing and trial information
• Apple confirms there will never be an Apple Music free tier

iPhone |

• Anker beats Apple to market, new iPhone 12 MagSafe-compatible battery pack now available
• T-Mobile launches a real unlimited 5G plan with no throttling and 4K video streaming

Apple Watch |

• Everything we know so far about Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch users can workout to unlock a virtual trophy on International Women’s Day

Mac |

• Kuo: New form factor MacBook Pro to feature HDMI port and SD card slot
• Mysterious macOS malware discovered with M1 optimization, threat remains unclear
• M1 Mac users report excessive SSD usage, potentially affecting the component’s lifespan
• macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 released with fix for using MacBooks with ‘non-compliant’ USB-C hubs
• First M1 MacBook Pros now available from Apple Refurbished Store
• Apple begins selling first refurbished M1 MacBook Airs, save up to $250
• Apple acts to prevent further spread of Silver Sparrow Mac malware
• Everything we know so far about 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro updates with Apple Silicon
• Rumor: Redesigned Apple Silicon iMac might be available in iPad Air-style colors
• Final Cut Pro subscription might be on the way as Apple updates trademark
• Opinion: 2021 MacBook Pro ports could be an IO dream or nightmare
• Apple now selling refurbished M1 Mac mini, some iMac models currently unavailable

iPad |

• Should you buy the iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Pro?
• More supply-chain evidence of upcoming mini-LED iPad Pro
• Chick-fil-A turns to iPads and FaceTime to help speed up drive-thrus

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Apple Stores offering free sign language interpreter appointments
• Interactive: Explore the new Apple Cherry Creek in Denver
• Gallery: Apple Yeouido celebrates grand opening in Seoul
• Apple confirms MacArthur Center store in Norfolk will permanently close
• Fayette Mall Apple Store moving to The Summit at Fritz Farm
• Studio Dumbar shares animated map created by Today at Apple artists around the world
• Target launching new ‘Apple shopping destinations’ in stores and online
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

Apple TV and AirPods |

• Leaked images purportedly show new AirPods 3 with in-ear design and smaller case
• What to expect from the rumored AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 updates
• Apple TV+ Guide: Here are all the Apple TV shows and movies available now
• Belkin planning AirPlay 2 and HomeKit audio adapter for retrofitting smart features

Apps |

• Spotify counters Apple Music with new HiFi tier, expands to 80 new markets, more
• These are the best iPhone apps for converting images and screenshots to text
• Twitter reveals ‘Super Follow’ paid service, new groups feature, more at Analyst Day event
• Are your ears good enough for Spotify HiFi? Take this test to find out
• Genius Scan for iPhone gets overhaul with next-gen AI, shadow removal, smart renaming

AAPL Company |

• Will Apple hold a March event this year? Here’s everything we know right now
• US DOJ investigating antitrust complaints regarding the ‘Sign in with Apple’ button
• Apple tells Epic Games it doesn’t have Scott Forstall’s phone number
• Facebook’s new PR blitz touts benefits of personalized ads ahead of Apple’s privacy feature
• Apple begins showing repairability index for iPhones and Macs in France

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This week’s top videos |

• The Rewind: M1 Mac mini diary – my favorite Apple product of the moment
• 2021 “M1X” Mac Leaks! – MacBook Pro w/ HDMI & Multi-colored iMacs

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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iOS 27 expectations, AI products – 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. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year. 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 Music and TikTok team up on new 'Listening Party' feature, more iOS 27 to include code cleanup and interface tweaks in hopes to boost battery life: report Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per 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! 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.

1. iOS 27 expectations, AI products 08:19
2. iOS 26.4 beta now available, what’s new? 07:58
3. New Apple hardware is imminent 06:48
4. Apple TV news, YouTube on Vision Pro 07:31
5. Siri features delayed once again 07:48

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 event confirmed, iOS 26.4 features, Apple AI devices  – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance discuss all the new features in iOS 26.4, which turned out to be a pretty packed release, even with the Siri features missing in action. Also, Apple confirms a product event for March 4, with rumors of new Macs and more in the air. Finally, Bloomberg reports Apple is advancing work on a suite of new AI devices, including glasses and a clip-on pendant.  And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin plans his tech packing for his trip to Japan. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.  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 Quince: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Visit quince.com/happyhour for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 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. 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 Apple’s March 4 launch event: New products and what to expect Apple special event announced for March 4 Apple’s March launch may include multiple days of press releases with no keynote, per rumor Report: Apple's upcoming low-cost MacBook will come in 'fun colors,' launch next month Are people updating to iOS 26? Here's Apple's official data Tesla is still working on CarPlay support, but here’s why it hasn’t launched yet iOS 26.4 beta 1: Here are the new iPhone features Apple Podcasts app gaining 'enhanced video podcast experience' in iOS 26.4 iOS 26.4 beta adds support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging iOS 26.4 beta adds new 'Playlist Playground' AI feature for Apple Music iOS 26.4 adds support for a new category of CarPlay apps Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per report The new F1 channel has appeared in the Apple TV app ahead of first race

1. Apple event confirmed, iOS 26.4 features, Apple AI devices  01:07:07
2. More Siri delays, imminent new hardware, and Apple’s upcoming 50th birthday  01:03:17
3. iPhone 17 leads Apple earnings record, new MacBooks near, and a mysterious $2B acquisition  01:01:45
4. Creator Studio bundle, AirTag 2, new Siri features coming soon 01:10:05
5. iOS 27 chatbot, Apple AI pin, iPhone 18 Dynamic Island rumors  57:00

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.

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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 |

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SaaS sprawl is a real problem for Apple IT admins – Apple @ Work

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1. SaaS sprawl is a real problem for Apple IT admins 21:28
2. Apple @ Work Podcast: Zero Trust is really a little trust 21:06
3. The reality of macOS malware in the enterprise 19:53
4. Vendor collaboration will be required in the AI era 14:48
5. The state of AI and networking 12:21

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