This week’s top stories: iOS 14.5 release, AirPods firmware update, AirTag launch, more – 9to5Mac

In this week’s top stories: iOS 14.5 is officially released to the public, a firmware update for AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple’s record-setting earnings, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories and more.

iOS 14.5 now available

After a beta testing cycle that spanned nearly three months, iOS 14.5 is now available to everyone alongside iPadOS 14.5. You can update your iPhone or iPad by going to the Settings app, choosing General, then choosing Software Update. Read on for details on everything new in iOS 14.5.

The biggest change in iOS 14.5 is a new feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch when you’re wearing a face mask. The update also includes Apple’s new privacy-focused App Tracking Transparency feature.

You can find more details about what’s new in iOS 14.5 in our detailed hands-on video right here.

AirPods and AirPods Pro firmware

Apple followed up the release of iOS 14.5 with a small update for AirPods and AirPods Pro users. The new firmware is version 3E751, and it comes seven months after the previous firmware version was released for AirPods and AirPods Pro users

Unfortunately, there are no release notes for AirPods firmware updates. Apple does not have a very robust update mechanism in place for AirPods software, which often leaves users in the dark about changes.

You can learn more about how to update your AirPods in our full guide.

AAPL earnings

On Thursday, Apple reported another record-setting round of earnings. For the second quarter of 2021, Apple reported $89.6 billion in revenue and profit of $23.6 billion. This compares to the revenue of $58.3 billion and profit of $11.25 billion the company posted for the same quarter last year.

• $47.94 billion: iPhone (Up 65%) 
• $9.1 billion: Mac (Up 70% YOY)
• $7.81 billion: iPad (up 79% YOY)
• $7.84 billion: Wearables, Home, and Accessories (Up 24% YOY)
• $16.9 billion: Services (Up 26% YOY)

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

iOS |

iPhone |

Apple Watch |

Mac and iPad |

Top Apple stories, retail |

Apps |

Apple TV and AirPods |

AirTag |

AAPL Company |

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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.

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April 30, 2021 – iMac, iPad Pro, and Apple TV pre-orders

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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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Stories discussed in this episode:  

Redesigned iMac with Apple Silicon now available to order, first shipments arrive May 21
M1 iPad Pro now available to pre-order starting at $799
You can now pre-order the new Apple TV 4K and redesigned Siri Remote
M1 iPad Pro shipping times begin slipping to mid-to-late June
Apple says the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro will work with the old Magic Keyboard, but ‘may not precisely fit when closed’
M1 iMac deals take up to $147 off alongside iPad Pro discounts
Apple’s new AirPods Max on sale for the first time at Amazon, now $532
Apple Pencil 2 returns to 2021 low at $104 just in time for today’s iPad Pro refresh (Reg. $129)
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1. April 30, 2021 – iMac, iPad Pro, and Apple TV pre-orders 09:50
2. April 29, 2021 – Apple’s record earnings, AirPods firmware update 08:37
3. April 28, 2021 – AirPods demand, Epic vs Apple 08:12
4. April 27, 2021 – iOS 14.5 officially released 09:02
5. April 26, 2021 – iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard tidbits, more  07:26

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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
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1. With guest Sigmund Judge 42:59
2. Week 5 52:45
3. Week 4 57:20
4. Week 3 56:40
5. Week 2 01:04:46

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133: “A flowchart in your head”

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Stacktrace

Organizing Combine-based code, the security of smart home devices, whether the Apple TV is gaining eARC support, and how to use compiler directives and launch arguments to customize an app at both compile time and runtime.
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Links

Combine
John’s 2017 conference talk “Everyone is an API designer”
August Smart Lock Pro
Apple TV might be getting eARC support
Using compiler directives in Swift
Launch arguments in Swift

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1. 133: “A flowchart in your head” 01:02:52
2. 132: “The ‘M’ stands for ‘Marketing’” 01:15:14
3. 131: “Apple product therapy” 01:18:54
4. 130: “A comedian with code” 01:15:30
5. 129: “Dependencies gone wild” 01:01:53

Apple @ Work Podcast |

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Secure K-12 iPads with Spin Safe Browser

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Apple @ Work

In this episode of the Apple @ Work podcast, Bradley is joined by Justin Payeur from Spin Safe Browser to talk about their kid-friendly iOS browser, and how iOS 14 made it a reality for organizations. Sponsored by DEVONthink 3: Manage documents the smart way on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple @ Work listeners get 10% off with this link. 

Links

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1. Apple @ Work Podcast: Secure K-12 iPads with Spin Safe Browser 19:20
2. Mac backup technology with pCloud 23:34
3. Zero-Touch deployment and why it’s a key part of IT security 28:06
4. Apple @ Work Podcast: Transforming iOS data entry and integrations with JotForm 19:10
5. Apple @ Work Podcast: Stephen Hackett on leveraging podcast tech in the workplace 21:50

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