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 |
iPhone |
Apple Watch |
Mac |
iPad |
Top Apple stories, retail |
Apple TV |
Apps |
AAPL Company |
Subscribe to 9to5Mac’s YouTube channel for more videos.
This week’s top videos |
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.
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.
Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today.
9to5Mac Happy Hour Podcast |
9to5Mac Happy Hour is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play Music, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Sponsored by TwoBird —one inbox for all your tasks- Write emails, create notes, set reminders, view events, and collaborate live. Learn more about Twobird and download it for free at twobird.com.
Sponsored by Unite4: Take any website and make a stand-alone app out of it. Get 20% off when you purchase Unite4, go to bzgapps.com/happyhour, and use promo code happyhour at checkout.
Sponsored by Sun Basket: Save $35 off your order when you go to sunbasket.com/happyhour and use promo code happyhour.
Sponsored by Ladder: Check out ladderlife.com/happyhour to see if you’re instantly approved.
-
Ads in Apple software, iOS 14.5 changes, Apple Music shareable lyrics
-
iOS 14.5 Maps, Apple Glasses rumors, first TV+ AR app
-
iOS 14.5 beta features, Apple Car dealmaking, Ted Lasso award season
-
Premium MacBook Air, iOS 14.4 release, AAPL earnings
-
Apple’s first AR device, iPhone 13 notch, Unity Apple Watch face
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.
Apple @ Work Podcast |
Apple @ Work by 9to5Mac is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and via RSS for other podcast players.
Sponsored by Kandji: A modern, cloud-based platform for centrally managing and securing your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices, saving IT teams countless hours of manual work with features like one-click compliance templates and 150+ pre-built automations, apps, and workflows. Request access.
Subscribe to get all 9to5Mac’s stories delivered to your inbox daily. And to 9to5Toys for the best deals from around the web.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
