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.

iPhone 15 Pro Max’s rumored immersive screen – 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 Mkeke: Since 2015 Mkeke has been a  top iPhone case brand specializing in designing exquisite, diverse and comfortable iPhone cases.  Get 20% off for a limited time. 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: Spotify exec says HiFi is still coming, blames 'other players in the industry' for delays iPhone 15 Pro Max to feature ultra-thin bezels Save $99 on Apple’s just-released M2 Mac mini 512GB at new $700 all-time low New low makes Apple’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro a better buy at $1,499 (Save $500) Apple Magic Trackpad 2 is a must-have for new M2 Mac mini owners at $104 on Amazon Follow Chance: Twitter: @ChanceHMiller Mastodon: @chancehmiller@mastodon.social Follow Rikka: Twitter: @rikkaaltland Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Overcast RSS Spotify TuneIn Google Play Enjoy the podcast? Shop Apple at Amazon to support 9to5Mac Daily! Catch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes! Don’t miss out on our other daily podcasts: Quick Charge 9to5Toys Daily The Buzz 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. iPhone 15 Pro Max’s rumored immersive screen 09:55
2. Exclusive details on Apple’s AI plans for Siri 06:44
3. Apple budget cuts, Siri baggage 06:29
4. AirPods health features, the latest headset rumors 07:31
5. HomePod with a built-in display rumored for next year 07:59

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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HomePod with screen rumored, Apple exec turnover, AR/VR headset market fit – 9to5Mac Happy Hour

Benjamin bought a new keyboard, and talks about the ‘magic’ found within. Zac is excited for a new rumored HomePod model coming next year with a 7-inch display. And the pair evaluate whether it makes sense for Apple to enter the AR/VR headset market now, or whether the company should have held off, as some members of Apple’s design team purportedly argued for internally. Sponsored by Factor: Factor has everything I need for a week of flavorful, nutritious eats. Head to factormeals.com/happyhour50 and use code happyhour50 to get 50% off your first box. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@lunarpunk.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More MACBREAK WEEKLY 861: THE NUMBER BEFORE TWO Want Touch ID for Mac with any keyboard? Developer finds a way Kuo: New HomePod with built-in 7-inch display to be announced in early 2024 Report: Tim Cook and Jeff Williams push forward with AR/VR headset launch this year, design team wanted to hold off until AR glasses Bloomberg: Apple reshuffling its sales organization 'to put a bigger focus on India' Apple shareholder meeting: investors approve Tim Cook’s $50 million pay cut, more Apple's Head of iCloud heading out the door in latest executive exit Subscribe or Follow Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify

1. HomePod with screen rumored, Apple exec turnover, AR/VR headset market fit 01:18:28
2. Apple Music Classical announced, iPhone 15 mute switch, M3 Mac schedule 01:06:32
3. iOS 16.4 beta 2, 2018 iPad Pro in hindsight, MLS Season Pass experience 01:24:53
4. iPhone 15 Pro design leaks, iOS 16.4 new features, non-invasive glucose monitoring progress 01:20:52
5. iPhone 15 USB-C, 15-inch MacBook Air coming soon, Apple headset delayed again 01:00:43

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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Cisco and Apple – better together – Apple @ Work

Apple @ Work is brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that fully integrates 5 different applications on a single Apple-only platform, allowing Businesses to easily and automatically deploy, manage & protect all their Apple devices. Over 38,000 organizations leverage Mosyle solutions to automate the deployment,  management, and security of millions of Apple devices daily. Request a FREE account today and discover how you can put your Apple fleet on auto-pilot at a price point that is hard to believe. In this episode of Apple @ Work, Kristyn Hogan from Cisco joins the show to talk about their latest iPad announcement, the Apple partnership, and more. Links: Cisco Webex on iPad: Better Together General Overview Cisco and Apple Strategic Partnership Apple and Cisco: Wireless Partnership Cisco and Apple: a collaboration steeped in technical innovation Case Studies Today's Collaboration Strategy Needs a Mobile First Approach Webex App | Use iPhone Continuity Camera in a call or meeting Bringing More Flexibility in Hybrid Work Making hybrid work more magical: Webex devices now support Apple AirPlay Connect with Bradley Nostr Twitter LinkedIn Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

1. Cisco and Apple – better together 28:24
2. What are the latest K-12 IT trends? 29:22
3. Where did the name Meeting Owl come from? 25:02
4. Microsoft Policies are just IT Policies 22:38
5. Building a healthy password management ecosystem 27:11

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