This week’s top stories: WWDC 2021 confirmed, iOS 14.5 beta 6 changes, more

In this week’s top stories: Apple officially announces WWDC 2021, a massive Apple Arcade expansion, iOS 14.5 changes, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top Apple stories.

iOS 14.5 beta 6 changes

Apple this week released the sixth developer and public betas of iOS 14.5. The update continues to introduce new features and improvements, this time related to Siri and battery heath.

With iOS 14.5 beta 6, Apple has added two new Siri voices from which users can choose. iOS will also no longer default to a female voice starting with this update. Instead, users will be able to pick which voice they’d like to use.

iOS 14.5 beta 6 also introduces a new battery recalibration tool for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and IPhone 11 Pro Max. This means that users will be able to recalibrate their battery if they believe things like battery health data and maximum capacity are incorrect.

Be sure to check out our full video right here for a look at everything new in iOS 14.5 beta 6.

Apple Arcade expansion

On Friday, Apple announced a massive expansion for its Apple Arcade game subscription service. The company is now offering two new categories of games: Timeless Classics and App Store Greats.

As part of this expansion, Apple has added more than 30 new titles to Apple Arcade, including hit iOS hits like Threes!, Cut the Rope, and Fruit Ninja, as well as classics including Good Sudoku and Chess.

You can find the full breakdown of all of the new Apple Arcade titles right here.

WWDC 2021

Finally, Apple has officially set the dates for WWDC 2021. This year, the annual Worldwide Developers Conference will be held as a digital event from June 7 through June 11.

At the event, we expect Apple to introduce iOS 15, watchOS 8, macOS 12, and more. Apple says that WWDC 2021 “will offer unique insight into the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.”

Apple says that WWDC 2021 will include keynote and State of the Union events, online sessions, 1:1 labs for developers, and new ways for developers to interact with Apple engineers and designers.

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

iOS |

• Concept: 50+ ways Apple could refine the iPhone experience with iOS 15
• Apple introduces battery recalibration tool for iPhone with iOS 14.5 beta 6
• Hands-on: Here’s how iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5
• Apple Maps speed camera feature now rolling out to more countries [U]
• iOS 14.5: Siri no longer defaults to a female voice, two new choices added
• Apple references unreleased iOS 15 and macOS 12 updates in WebKit code
• Research shows Google collects 20x more data from Android than Apple collects from iOS [U]
• Hands-on: Here’s how to find the new Siri voices in iOS 14.5
• Apple releases iOS 14.5 beta 6 to developers, public release nears

iPhone |

• Belkin reveals new MagSafe compatible iPhone 12 accessories, including battery packs and more
• iPhone 12 Mini Diary: Anker’s new MagSafe compatible battery pack is a must-have accessory
• iPhone 12 mini: Best for people who don’t love phones, but love what they can do
• iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max: Which should you buy in 2021?
• Verizon will give you up to $1000 for your broken iPhone, claims it’s not an April Fools’ Day prank
• Apple patent opens the door for future iPhones to use Mac Pro’s cheese grater design
• iPhone 13 Pro Max will have slightly better main lens than rest of lineup – Kuo

Apple Watch |

• Stanford study finds Apple Watch can accurately assess ‘frailty’ using activity data
• watchOS 7.4 beta 6 brings iPhone mask unlock feature for Apple Watch closer to launch

Mac and iPad |

• Opinion: The 2018 iPad Pro was one of the most future-proof computers ever made
• Feature Request: The 2021 iPad Pro will need iPadOS 15 to unleash its full potential
• New first-gen iPad prototype images detail how Apple considered a ‘dual dock’ design
• Apple knowingly sold defective Macs, says judge, in ‘stage light’ case
• Poll: Which rumored 2021 iPad Pro feature are you most excited about?

Top Apple stories, retail |

• Inside Apple Downtown Nashville: Music City in motion
• 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

Apps |

• How-to: Create NFTs on iPhone or iPad with S!NG app
• Personal data from over 500M Facebook users leaked online
• Microsoft Teams Mac performance improvements promised; M1 app unclear
• Final Fantasy VIII Remastered launches for iPhone and iPad
• Apple Arcade gets massive expansion with 30 new games, including hit iOS classics and more

Apple TV |

• Here is Apple’s ‘B519’ remote for Apple TV, designed in cooperation with cable companies 
• Report: Apple in talks with SK Telecom to distribute Apple TV+ content in Korea
• Apple TV+ expands creative team with hire of veteran entertainment exec

WWDC 2021 |

• Apple officially announces virtual WWDC 2021 for June, iOS 15 and more expected
• With WWDC confirmed, catch up on our iOS 15, macOS 12, and watchOS 8 concepts here
• Apple references Craig Federighi meme for WWDC 2021 artwork, but with a twist
• Poll: Which new OS are you most excited to see unveiled at WWDC 2021?

AAPL Company |

• On Apple’s 45th birthday, here are some of the most memorable moments in the company’s history
• Tim Cook invokes Steve Jobs in company-wide memo celebrating Apple’s 45th anniversary

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This week’s top videos |

• Hands-on: iOS 14.5 beta 6 changes and features – new Siri voices, and battery recalibration [Video]
• iOS 14 rewind review – a look back at the most compelling features for iPhone

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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More changes in the EU for App Store and iPad – 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. Supported by Setapp: Get access to 240+ apps on your Mac for just $9.99. Sign up today for a free 7-day trial.  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: These changes are coming to the iPad in the EU this year Apple will protect indie developers in Europe from the bankruptcy risk of DMA changes iOS 18 rumor: New integration between Reminders and Calendar Apple's 'Let Loose' iPad event said to include a special event in London as well 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 Monthly bonus episodes  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. Also, connect with us in the official 9to5Mac Discord server with forums, chatrooms, and more!

1. More changes in the EU for App Store and iPad 06:25
2. New ‘Repair State’ Mode in iOS 17.5, more 06:14
3. Beats Solo 4 and Solo Buds, next-gen CarPlay update 08:16
4. M4 iPad Pro, iOS 18 rumors 06:28
5. The latest on the possible US TikTok ban 06:33

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
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Beats Solo Buds, surprising iPad Pro specs, and iOS 18 rumors – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin and Chance assess the final iPad rumors ahead of next week’s ‘Let Loose’ event. Beats launches an incredibly compelling new addition to their headphones lineup, the Beats Solo Buds. At the same time, Apple fails to acknowledge what happened with people getting locked out of their Apple IDs over the weekend, in the same week as it releases a statement promising to fix an issue with iPhone alarms.  And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance discuss what podcast client they currently use and why, and how their listening habits reflect their app preferences. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladderlife.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved. Sponsored by Incogni: Limit public access to your private information, mitigate the risks of identity theft, and keep your data from being sold. Use code “happyhour” at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/happyhour Sponsored by Kolide by 1Password, the device trust solution that ensures that if a device isn’t secure, it can’t access your apps. Close the Zero Trust access gap for Okta. Learn more or watch the demo. 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 Introducing 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 Monthly 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 Beats Solo 4 hands-on: the most iconic Beats headphones just got better Apple debuts new Beats Solo Buds with 18-hour battery life for $79 Apple's Beats Pill speaker could be about to make a comeback Apple users are being locked out of their Apple IDs with no explanation Apple working on fix for bug causing iPhone alarms to not play sounds iOS 18 rumor: These new AI features are coming to Safari EU will force Apple to add app sideloading, alternative browser engine support to iPad Report: iOS 18 to update many of the built-in apps, home screen updates, 'modular' design tweaks Gurman: New iPad Pro may actually be powered by the M4 chip, touting AI features M4 iPad Pro: Will Apple put a brand new chip in its next iPad? New Apple Pencil to include haptic feedback and new gestures

1. Beats Solo Buds, surprising iPad Pro specs, and iOS 18 rumors 59:52
2. iPad Apple event announced, FineWoven winding down, Apple TV FIFA deal 01:16:56
3. iOS 17.5 beta 2, M4 Mac schedule, Humane Pin reviews 57:58
4. iOS 18 rumors, game emulators in the App Store, Vision Pro camera access 47:25
5. Apple home robots, Spatial Personas on Vision Pro, iOS 17.5 beta 58:38

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1. Stacktrace has moved! 01:00
2. 178: “Let’s try something new” 01:03:25
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4. 176: “Extra Keynote Poker” 01:19:00
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Security and productivity in the age of AI – Apple @ Work

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1. Security and productivity in the age of AI 29:54
2. Configuration Profile surgery 28:27
3. Dongles need not apply 25:44
4. The iPad's legacy 36:30
5. AI will transform network management 24:48

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