This week's top stories: Apple Watch Series 7 expectations, App Store changes, and more - 9to5Mac (2024)

In this week’s top stories: Apple Watch Series 7 rumors and expectations, App Store changes, MacBook Pro details, and much more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories and more.

App Store changes

Apple this week announced a $100 million settlement in response to a class-action lawsuit from small developers in the United States. Notably, Apple says that developers can “use communications, such as email, to share information about payment methods outside of their iOS App.” This means that a company or developer can email users, with their consent, to inform them about subscribing outside of the App Store.

You can find the full details on the changes right here.

Apple Watch Series 7

As we are just weeks away from the official announcement of the Apple Watch Series 7, rumors this week began to pain a clearer picture of what to expect. A pair of leaks have suggested the Apple Watch Series 7 will be available in two new sizes:41mm and 45mm, up from the current 40mm and 44mm.

Apple Watch Series 7 clones have also surfaced, offering a closer look at the new flat-edged design in the wild.

MacBook Pro

In addition to the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7, Apple is also expected to release a new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup this fall. This week, a leaker with a good track record says that the upcoming Apple Silicon 14-inchMacBook ProCPU will be identical to that of the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Check out the full report right here for all of the details.

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

iOS |

• Apple release iOS 15 beta 7 as public release nears
• Analysts: Google to pay Apple $15 billion to remain default Safari search engine in 2021
• iCloud+ custom email domains now available in beta; here’s how to use them
• Hands-on: Here’s how the all-new Safari in iOS 15 works
• Comment: SharePlay won’t be available when iOS 15 releases, but there’s plenty to be excited about
• iCloud Private Relay now considered a ‘beta’ feature, comes disabled by default with iOS 15
• Apple Maps native ratings and photo system now available in the US

iPhone |

• Should you buy an iPhone now or wait for the iPhone 13?
• Rumored iPhone 13 feature could be a huge relief for the mask-wearing world
• Gurman: Apple tested iPhone 13 with Touch ID, but it’s unlikely to launch this year
• Review: AirPods Max have become as important for music to me now as the iPod in the 2000s
• Apple rolling out new firmware version for AirTag item trackers
• Leaker corroborates ‘iPhone 13’ name, Foxconn hiring additional 200,000 workers to ramp up production
• New Pegasus zero-click iPhone attack defeats Apple’s Blastdoor protections

Apple Watch |

• Concept: watchOS 9 should redesign the home screen, add fun new faces, and let developers make widgets
• Apple Watch Diary: Why the Series 7 might be my first premium model
• Another leaker corroborates Apple Watch Series 7 coming in new 45mm size
• Apple Watch saves man’s life after he fainted and hit his head on the floor
• New leaked image shows Apple Watch Solo Loop in 41mm size for Series 7
• How to reset your Apple Watch fitness calibration for more accurate Workout and Activity data
• Leaker suggests Apple Watch Series 7 with two new sizes
• Apple Watch Series 7 clones offer closer look at new flat-edged design

Mac |

• 14-inch MacBook Pro CPU will be identical to 16-inch; price will reflect this, says leaker
• Apple wins patent for dual-display MacBook with virtual keyboard and wireless charging capabilities
• Gurman: Updated Mac mini with new design and more ports coming in the ‘next several months’

iPad |

• Apple to launch iPad 9 in September, considering Titanium finish for new models

Apps |

• You can now play ‘Super Mario 64’ in a web browser on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• WhatsApp for Desktop launches public beta for macOS users
• WhatsApp for iPad coming as the company works on multi-device support 2.0
• Instagram ditching swipe up gesture to access links, will replace with stickers next week
• WhatsApp working on iMessage-like reactions; Zoom details new features for iPad

Apple Stores |

• Today at Apple Creative Studios London launches for aspiring musicians and radio producers

Tech Industry |

• T-Mobile hacker speaks out in WSJ interview, says carrier has ‘awful’ security
• Electrify America rolling out CarPlay and Android Auto apps for finding EV charging stations

AAPL Company |

• Tim Cook’s 4 a.m. starts explained; former exec says Apple less exciting under Cook
• Princeton University says it knows Apple’s CSAM system is dangerous – because it built one
• Apple already scans iCloud Mail for CSAM, but not iCloud Photos
• FBI: California man accessed thousands of iCloud accounts in search for nude photos and videos
• Tim Cook set to receive $750M worth of AAPL in final payout from 10-year pay deal
• Remembering Steve: 10 years ago today, the legendary cofounder of Apple resigned his post as CEO
• The Information: How Slack has led to Apple’s workplace issues becoming public
• Apple announces App Store changes: New communication rules, Small Developer Assistance Fund, more

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This week’s top videos |

• iOS 15 beta 6 changes and features – No SharePlay + Safari Tweaks AGAIN!

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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• 9to5Mac Daily: August 27, 2021 –App Store changes and more
• 9to5Mac Daily: August 26, 2021 –iOS 15 beta 7 changes and iCloud Private Relay
• 9to5Mac Daily: August 25, 2021 –iCloud+ features rolling out, more
• 9to5Mac Daily: August 24, 2021 –Apple Watch Series 7 rumors and sizes
• 9to5Mac Daily: August 23, 2021 –M1X Mac mini, iPhone 13 rumors

9to5Mac Happy Hour Podcast |

This week on Happy Hour 9to5Mac’s Benjamin and Taylor assess the difference iPadOS 15 makes for iPad productivity, and tackle the state of Apple TV+. Plus, a bonus review of the LiveWire motorcycle.

• TK TK

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.

Stacktrace Podcast |

On this 150th episode of the show, John and Rambo go on a series of accidental deep dives into universal links, how Catalyst and AppKit can be integrated, and more. Also, what does being a technical leader entail, and what’s the current state of Swift Evolution?

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Stacktrace by 9to5Mac is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast andother podcast players.

Apple @ Work Podcast |

Apple @ Work by 9to5Mac is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and via RSS for other podcast players.

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