This week’s top stories: A14X chip and iPad Pro rumors, Apple Watch ‘Explorer Edition,’ more

In this week’s top stories: New iPad Pro details, Apple Silicon iMacs coming soon, iOS 14.5 beta 5, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple stories.

A14X Procesor

Apple this week released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 beta 5 to developers, and there are new references to an unannounced A14X processor included in these betas This comes as rumors suggest Apple could release new iPad Pros as soon as next month.

9to5Mac was able to discover that the A14X is likely to be based on the M1 processor currently used in the Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Check out our full report right here for more details.

Apple Watch Explorer Edition

A new report from Bloomberg this week indicated that Apple is developing a more rugged variant of the Apple Watch. This model could be released as soon as this year, and it would be positioned as being more durable than other Apple Watch models.

Internally, Apple is reportedly referring to this device as the “Explorer Edition” Apple Watch. While it could be coming this year, the report also noted that the project could be canceled altogether.

Apple Silicon iMacs

In the latest macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta, 9to5Mac discovered references to new unreleased iMac models. This comes as rumors indicate new Apple Silicon iMacs could be coming soon.

The new iMacs are identified within macOS as “iMac21,1” and “iMac21,2.” Unfortunately, we can’t discover much else about what to expect, but this is yet more evidence that new models are looming.

HomePod

A new teardown this week revealed that the HomePod mini has a hidden and unused humidity and temperature sensor. As reported by Bloomberg, this sensor could be activated through a software update to provide new functionality to HomePod mini users.

The same Bloomberg report also mentioned in passing that Apple is developing new HomePod models with a screen, but details here remain unclear.

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

iOS |

• Apple claims iOS developers can bypass the App Store by creating web apps
• iOS 14.5 beta 5 now available to developers as public release nears
• Apple releases iOS 14.4.2 and iOS 12.5.2 to fix critical security vulnerability

iPhone |

• Brazil’s consumer protection regulator fines Apple $2M for not including charger in iPhone 12 box
• Rumor: New matte black color option for iPhone 13 Pro, LiDAR-enhanced Portrait mode
• Leaked image claims to show iPhone 13 front glass panels with smaller notch
• Apple once again highlights Ceramic Shield benefits in new iPhone 12 ‘Fumble’ ad
• iPhone 13 rumored to use LPTO displays from Samsung with 120Hz support

Apple Watch |

• OnePlus debuts its first Apple Watch competitor touting 2-week battery life and $159 price
• watchOS 7.4 beta 5 brings iPhone mask unlock feature for Apple Watch closer to launch
• Apple Watch reviewed in 2015, revisited in 2021

Mac and iPad |

• iOS code reveals ‘A14X’ processor ahead of rumored iPad Pro upgrades
• Poll: Which rumored Apple Silicon iMac are you most excited about?
• Intel shows exactly what we expect from the next-generation MacBook Pro
• New Apple Silicon iMacs referenced in latest macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta
• MacBook university fraud sees sister and brother pocket $4M
• On 20th anniversary of Mac OS X, ‘an act of desperation’ at the time
• Judge certifies class action lawsuit against Apple over infamous MacBook butterfly keyboard
• Everything we know about Apple’s rumored 2021 iPad Pro update
• Former Apple VP Scott Forstall celebrates the 20th anniversary of Mac OS X on Twitter

Top Apple stories, retail |

• All 270 US Apple Stores are open for the first time since March 2020
• COVID-19: Which Apple Stores have reopened?

AirPods and HomePod |

• Apple discontinues original HomePod
• Comment: Farewell HomePod, Apple’s most misunderstood product
• Comment: The state of Apple TV and end of HomePod warrants a Home strategy roundtable
• Apple promotes AirPods Pro in new ‘Jump’ ad ahead of rumored AirPods 3
• Poll: Do you think Apple will release a replacement for the discontinued HomePod?
• Concept: How Apple could combine the best of HomePod, Apple TV, and iPad to create the perfect smart display
• Apple AirPods 3 not launching until Q3, says Ming-Chi Kuo
• Leaker indicates AirPods 3 not launching in March, AirPods 2 to continue being sold
• Here are 5 smart speaker alternatives to fill the void left by Apple’s HomePod
• Apple turns AirPods Pro ‘Jump’ campaign into viral trend with new TikTok challenge

Tech Industry |

• The FCC no longer trusts ISPs: It wants you to describe your broadband service
• Experts say the giant ship stuck in the Suez Canal could affect supply of ‘anything you see in stores’

Apps |

• PSA: Disney+ is getting more expensive; here’s how to lock in the original rate
• Apple releases Pages, Numbers, and Keynote updates with precise editing controls, updated media browser, more
• WhatsApp for iOS testing different playback speeds on voice messages
• ‘Reflector’ AirPlay mirroring app updated with M1 Mac and Big Sur support, new device frames, more
• Spotify updating iOS/Android app home screens with recently played, discover, and podcasts
• ‘Hue Sentiment’ is a new iOS app for adjusting Philips Hue smart lights based on your mood
• Magic the Gathering Arena now available for iPhone and iPad

AR/VR Headset |

• Kuo: Apple headset to have ultra-short focal length lenses and weigh less than 150 grams
• Kuo: 2022 Apple headset will track eye movement, blinking, and possibly authenticate users with iris recognition

AAPL Company |

• What to expect from Apple in Spring 2021: New iPad Pro, AirTags, and more
• HomePod mini reportedly includes room temperature and humidity sensor, could be enabled through software update
• Apple to pay more than $300 million after infringing DRM patent
• Opinion: Now is the time for Apple to release a new Apple TV
• Apple doubling down on supply chain security to prevent leaks, including biometric data collection

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This week’s top videos |

• Review: Satechi Slim X1 – better than the Magic Keyboard in several ways [Video]
• Hands-on: Moment’s upcoming MagSafe accessories for iPhone 12 [Video]

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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AAPL Q4 earnings – 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 Dreametech: Industry-leading smart cleaning products, available now with massive savings. 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 reports record Q4 2024 earnings with nearly $95 billion in revenue Tim Cook: iPhone users adopting iOS 18.1 twice as fast as iOS 17.1 Apple expands iPhone satellite services deal, commits $1.1bn to expand capacity iOS 18.1: All of the features other than Apple Intelligence 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. AAPL Q4 earnings 07:06
2. Apple’s health projects, more 06:19
3. The new MacBook Pro lineup with M4 06:48
4. The all-new Mac mini is here 07:33
5. New M4 iMac announced, iOS 18.1 now available 07:51

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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New M4 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac reactions – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance react to this week’s trio of Apple announcements, with the exciting launch of the newly redesigned M4 Mac mini, and all the changes in the updated M4 MacBook Pro and iMac lineups.  And in Happy Hour Plus, we consider how successful this three-day event format was for Apple, and whether we’d like them to do it again. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/HAPPYHOUR 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 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 unveils M4 iMac in new colors, nano-texture display option, 16GB base RAM, more  Apple unveils redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro, Thunderbolt 5, more Apple launches entry MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 chip, 16GB RAM, better battery life, more Apple unveils new MacBook Pro line with M4, nano-texture display, Center Stage camera, more Watch: Hands-on with M4 MacBook Pro, iMac and the new Mac mini

1. New M4 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac reactions 56:58
2. New Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2, iPad mini reviews, Apple gaming app 01:05:34
3. New iPad mini announced, cheaper Vision Pro, more executive departures 50:14
4. M4 MacBook Pro leaks and release date, iOS 18.1 beta 6, more Apple execs retiring 51:43
5. Apple smart display rumors, new Apple products in early 2025, and cheaper Vision Pro details 46:34

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 |

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AirPods Pro 2 and hearing aid technology – Apple @ Work

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1. AirPods Pro 2 and hearing aid technology 15:08
2. MacStadium delivers Citrix enhancements 17:26
3. Hacker Rangers 14:20
4. Surviving System Extensions 15:09
5. Parallels Desktop turns 20! 20:38

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