Top Stories: More iOS 14.5 Beta Changes, iPhone 13 Rumors, Apple Watch Charging Issue Fixed

[MacRumors]

Apple is continuing to tweak things during the iOS 14.5 beta testing period, and it looks like there will be some nice changes coming in the update when it's released to the public in a month or so.

This week also saw the release of a watchOS bug fix update for Series 5 and Series SE owners, addressing a serious issue where their watches may not charge after entering Power Reserve mode, while some iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini hardware repairs will no longer require whole-unit replacements. Read on below for details on these stories, iPhone 13 rumors, iPhone tips and tricks, and more!

Everything New in iOS 14.5 Beta 2

Apple this week seeded the second betas of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 to developers and public beta testers. The second betas add some new features, including new emoji, an option for Apple Music subscribers to share song lyrics on platforms like iMessage and Instagram, a new action for taking a screenshot in the Shortcuts app, and more. We've rounded up everything new in this beta, including hidden code changes.

iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 are packed with many other features, such as the ability to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch while wearing a mask, support for 5G in Dual-SIM mode on iPhone 12 models, new Waze-like features in Apple Maps, and AirPlay 2 streaming for Apple Fitness+ workouts, which became functional in the second beta.

iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 should be released to all users in late March or early April, but anyone can sign up to be a public beta tester for free to gain early access to all of these new features.

watchOS 7.3.1 Released With Fix for Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE Charging Issue

In a new support document this week, Apple said a "very small number of customers" with Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE models running watchOS 7.2 or 7.3 have experienced an issue with their watch not charging after it enters Power Reserve.

Apple says customers with an Apple Watch that is exhibiting this issue can contact Apple support to set up a mail-in repair free of charge. Apple has also released watchOS 7.3.1, which prevents this issue from happening to Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE units that have yet to be impacted.

The second betas of watchOS 7.4 and tvOS 14.5 have also been seeded to developers and public beta testers.

iPhone 13 Rumored to Include Always-On Display With 120Hz ProMotion, Astrophotography Capabilities, Stronger MagSafe, and More

While we're still many months away from the so-called iPhone 13 lineup, rumors are beginning to surface about potential features for the devices.

The latest word comes from leaker Max Weinbach, who teamed up with YouTube channel EverythingApplePro to share some alleged iPhone 13 features, including an always-on display with a long-awaited 120Hz refresh rate, improved camera capabilities for astrophotography, stronger MagSafe magnets, and an improved frosted glass finish that is "grippier" and "more comfortable" to hold compared to iPhone 12 models.

Weinbach has a hit-and-miss track record with Apple rumors. He was among the several sources who incorrectly claimed that iPhone 12 models would feature a 120Hz display, and his rumor about 4K video recording at up to 240 fps also failed to materialize last year, but he did accurately reveal that iPhone 12 models would be available in a new dark blue color.

Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Replacing the Entire Device

In an internal memo this week, obtained by MacRumors, Apple informed service providers that it will be introducing a new same-unit repair method for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models exhibiting certain issues that would typically require a whole-unit replacement.

Apple said technicians will be able to offer same-unit repairs starting Tuesday, February 23 for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models that are unable to be powered on or are experiencing issues with the logic board, Face ID system, or the enclosure of the device, such as cracked rear glass. The new repair method will be available in all countries and regions where the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are sold.

Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers will have a new "iPhone Rear System" part available to them that consists of the rear enclosure of an iPhone with all components except the display and rear camera, including the battery, logic board, Taptic Engine, Face ID system, and so forth.

If a customer has an iPhone 12 mini with cracked rear glass, for example, technicians will be able to replace the entire rear portion of the device, with the new enclosure affixed to the original display and rear camera. For this reason, the customer's display and rear camera must be free of damage or functional failures in order for their device to qualify.

Useful iPhone Tips You Might Not Know

In one of our latest YouTube videos, we've rounded up some useful iPhone tips and tricks, and they are worth checking out for both new and longtime users.

For instance, did you know that you can create a quick shortcut for turning on Low Power Mode when the battery dips to a specific percentage? Or did you know that the Apple Watch can be used as a viewfinder when recording a video with your iPhone? Check out our full list of tips and tricks.

Mark Zuckerberg Reportedly Told Facebook Staff to 'Inflict Pain' on Apple Over Privacy Dispute

Starting with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5, Apple will be enforcing a new privacy measure that requires apps to request and receive permission from users in order to track their activity across other apps and websites for targeted advertising purposes.

Facebook has been a vocal critic of the move, claiming that Apple's tracking change will hurt small businesses financially. In fact, The Wall Street Journal this week reported that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told internal aides and team members that his company needs to "inflict pain" on Apple in response to the tracking changes.

Some other advertising companies have decided to move on and accept Apple's change, forming a new "Post-IDFA Alliance" to help advertisers understand how to use user data in an "Apple-friendly manner."

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: More iOS 14.5 Beta Changes, iPhone 13 Rumors, Apple Watch Charging Issue Fixed

 

[nanosaur]

It does make sense for iPhone rumours to start about now - I remember when I last got a launch day phone (iPhone 5) it had the sleep button issue within a few months and went in to the Genius Bar where I saw my phone’s manufacturing date as January the year prior for a sept launch on the geniuses iPad. Assuming hey still start production that far out, it’d explain the leaks.

personally I’m so used to the tick rock update of phones, none of the new features interest me too much except under screen Touch ID - Face ID was a massive mistake, hopefully apple will be going back to touch. Actually with the escape key, and reinstating the startup chime... could modern apple be a little bit more ready to acknowledge when they messed up?

but yeah other good news has to be more repairable phones at the Genius Bar right? I think I’m right in saying all the phones up until now were built against the back or the front, so if you damaged that side you had to buy a replament device from Apple.

oh and Apple: I won’t be buying another phone without USB-C.

 

[FightTheFuture]

It does make sense for iPhone rumours to start about now - I remember when I last got a launch day phone (iPhone 5) it had the sleep button issue within a few months and went in to the Genius Bar where I saw my phone’s manufacturing date as January the year prior for a sept launch on the geniuses iPad. Assuming hey still start production that far out, it’d explain the leaks.

personally I’m so used to the tick rock update of phones, none of the new features interest me too much except under screen Touch ID - Face ID was a massive mistake, hopefully apple will be going back to touch. Actually with the escape key, and reinstating the startup chime... could modern apple be a little bit more ready to acknowledge when they messed up?

but yeah other good news has to be more repairable phones at the Genius Bar right? I think I’m right in saying all the phones up until now were built against the back or the front, so if you damaged that side you had to buy a replament device from Apple.

oh and Apple: I won’t be buying another phone without USB-C.

TouchID isn’t coming back to flagship iPhones, and more articles point to ditching the port completely. These devices keep getting smaller, with more features built-in. Not bigger to accommodate older ports or concepts.

 

[nanosaur]

TouchID isn’t coming back to flagship iPhones, and more articles point to ditching the port completely. These devices keep getting smaller, with more features built-in. Not bigger to accommodate older ports or concepts.

Honestly I didn’t think they’d turn around on the Face ID thing, even with under screen biometrics being better, but I guess with COVID - I’ve seen a few reports now apple finally giving in and going back to touch, but I guess we won’t know until September.

sadly I fear you may be right on the port lol. Man that’d suck, but we know it’s what apple want to do. I’d rather take lightning than nothing, but until September I can keep hoping for USB-c lol

 

[jdoll021]

TouchID isn’t coming back to flagship iPhones, and more articles point to ditching the port completely. These devices keep getting smaller, with more features built-in. Not bigger to accommodate older ports or concepts.

If what you say is true, I’ll either have to look at an SE (if they ever come out with a plus/max version) or just use passcodes from now on.

 

[jdoll021]

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told internal aides and team members that his company needs to "inflict pain" on Apple in response to the tracking changes.

And here I was thinking no one could ever be a bigger d*** than Bezos. But I guess Zuck loves to keep proving people wrong!

 

[JosephAW]

It looks like iOS 14.5 will require 64 bit apps that meet a new criteria. I’m using an older version of an app and iOS 14.5 public beta 2 will no longer open it. It looks like another purge.

I’m wondering when the official release occurs if a lot of people are going to find out that apps no longer work that they’ve kept on their iPhone.

I tried sideloading other apps that are old or no longer available but configurator 2 doesn’t work anymore with Mojave and iOS 14.

it would be nice for Apple to list all the incompatible apps before installing this iOS update but I’m not gonna hold my breath.
It’s possible many users are going to have to remain on iOS 14.4 for the time being.

 

[The Game 161]

TouchID isn’t coming back to flagship iPhones, and more articles point to ditching the port completely. These devices keep getting smaller, with more features built-in. Not bigger to accommodate older ports or concepts.

Do you have sources inside supply chain then? People who do are very confident Touch ID is returning this year.

 

[KOTN91]

Do you have sources inside supply chain then? People who do are very confident Touch ID is returning this year.

It’s never coming back. It’s not 2015 anymore lol. Face ID is a much better solution. Literally, why do you want them to bring back something that is older, inferior and less premium

 

[The Game 161]

It’s never coming back. It’s not 2015 anymore lol. Face ID is a much better solution. Literally, why do you want them to bring back something that is older, inferior and less premium

Face ID is very good but there’s many situations where Touch ID is needed and would be very useful. Why not have both? Less premium whatever that means...as i said many sources are saying it’s returning this year under the display and the iphone would be far better off with it than without.

 

[SamB_]

And here I was thinking no one could ever be a bigger d*** than Bezos. But I guess Zuck loves to keep proving people wrong!

Zuckerburg has been a d-bag from birth. Nothing is going to change, except hopefully more people will wake up and delete their facebook accounts altogether. I couldn't be happier after deleting my account three months ago. As a photographer, I unfortunately still use instagram due to business considerations, but I would happily ditch that too if an strong alternative were created.

We need new 'digital ownership' and digital rights laws to protect us both from corporate and government surveillance. The government isn't allowed to open our mail (or tap phone lines) without a warrant, and there's no reason they (or corporations) should be able to see any of our communications without one. It's way past time for it.

 

[19callum93]

I put my watch on charge last night, woke up and it’s broke! Won’t turn on at all. Looked at what iOS I’m running and it’s iOS 7.3 🤦‍♂️ Rang Apple support and they are sending me a replacement. Annoying that I’ve been on a 105 day fitness streak that I’ll now lose 🥲

 

[Dark_Omen]

It’s never coming back. It’s not 2015 anymore lol. Face ID is a much better solution. Literally, why do you want them to bring back something that is older, inferior and less premium

In screen fingerprint readers are definitely more cool and more practical than Face ID.

 

[e-coli]

Please for the love of god release the Apple Watch Face ID workaround already. Face ID has made me loathe my iPhone during COVID. It’s like a slow, maddening death. The fact that it’s even taken this long to develop a workaround is ludicrous.

 

[jdoll021]

Zuckerburg has been a d-bag from birth. Nothing is going to change, except hopefully more people will wake up and delete their facebook accounts altogether. I couldn't be happier after deleting my account three months ago. As a photographer, I unfortunately still use instagram due to business considerations, but I would happily ditch that too if an strong alternative were created.

We need new 'digital ownership' and digital rights laws to protect us both from corporate and government surveillance. The government isn't allowed to open our mail (or tap phone lines) without a warrant, and there's no reason they (or corporations) should be able to see any of our communications without one. It's way past time for it.

I 1000% agree!

Btw, how do you delete your Facebook account? I saw somewhere a long time ago that there was a permanent way to delete everything but it most certainly has changed since then.

I too will have to keep Instagram, unfortunately. Some of my martial arts instructors post training vids on there so it's the only way I can see them. Apparently Instagram and Youtube video formats don't like each other.