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 |
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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
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Apple increases iPhone 13 prices in Japan ahead of iPhone 14 launch this fall Should anyone actually buy the new M2 MacBook Pro? iFixit teardown shows M2 MacBook Pro is just a recycled laptop with a new chip inside Apple 5G chip problem in iPhone 15 is likely legal, not technical iOS 16 Home app: Hands-on with the overhauled HomeKit experience [Video] Apple says iPad can still be a home hub in iOS 16, as long as the new HomeKit features don’t Matter to you Kuo: Apple in-house 5G modem faces development woes, will use Qualcomm chips for iPhone 15 Apple TV 4K (2022): Rumors, release date, features, Siri Remote, more Apple Watch Series 8 rumored to feature new Low Power Mode A new full-size HomePod could be a hit, as long as Apple doesn’t overthink it US Supreme Court puts Apple vs Qualcomm battle to rest (for now) Entry-level M2 MacBook Pro has a slower SSD than M1 model AirPods Pro 2: Design, features, release date, price, more
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- 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro quirks, HomePod rumors, new HomeKit architecture
- iOS 16 beta 2 new features and changes, Apple + MLS streaming deal
- Stage Manager hardware restrictions, 15-inch MacBook Air and big HomePod rumors
- iOS 16, watchOS 9, macOS Ventura and new MacBook Air impressions
- Apple Event Preview: iOS 16 wishes and hardware predictions for WWDC 2022
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