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

Apple continues to tweak things during the iOS 14.5 beta testing period, and it looks like there will be some nice changes coming to the update when it releases to the public in a month.

A watchOS bug fix update was also released this week for Series 5 and Series SE owners, addressing a serious issue where their watches may not charge after going into Power Reserve mode, while for some iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini hardware repairs whole unit replacements. Continue reading below to learn more about these stories, iPhone 13 rumors, iPhone tips and tricks, and more!

Everything new in iOS 14.5 Beta 2

Apple seeded the second betas of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 for developers and public beta testers this week. The second betas add some new features, including new emoji, an option for Apple Music subscribers to share lyrics on platforms like iMessage and Instagram, a new screenshot action 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 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 for free as a public beta tester to get early access to all 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 that 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 a problem with their watch not charging after entering Power Reserve.

Apple says customers with Apple Watch exhibiting this problem can contact Apple support to arrange an email repair for free. Apple has also released watchOS 7.3.1, which prevents this issue from happening on Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE devices that have not yet been affected.

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

IPhone 13 is rumored to include Always-On Display with 120Hz ProMotion, astrophotography capabilities, stronger MagSafe and more

While we are still many months away from the so-called iPhone 13 series, rumors are starting to surface about possible features for the devices.

The final word comes from leaker Max Weinbach, who partnered with YouTube channel EverythingApplePro to share some purported iPhone 13 features, including an always-on display with a long-awaited 120Hz refresh rate, enhanced astrophotography camera capabilities, 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 shaky track record of rumors about Apple. He was one of several sources who falsely claimed that iPhone 12 models would have a 120Hz display, and his rumor of 4K video recording at up to 240fps didn’t get out last year either, but he accurately revealed that iPhone 12 models would be available. in a new dark blue color.

Apple says some hardware issues with the iPhone 12 no longer require an entire device replacement

In an internal memo this week obtained by MacRumors, Apple informed service providers that it will introduce a new repair method for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models with the same unit, which has certain issues that typically require a replacement of the require whole unit.

Apple said technicians will be able to offer repairs to the same unit starting Tuesday, Feb. 23 for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models that won’t turn on or are experiencing issues with the logic board, Face ID system, or device case, such as cracked rear window. The new repair method is available in all countries and regions where the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are sold.

Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers have a new ‘iPhone Rear System’ part at their disposal which consists of the back case of an iPhone with all components except the display and rear camera including the battery, logic board, Taptic Engine, Face ID System and so on.

For example, if a customer has an iPhone 12 mini with a cracked rear window, technicians can replace the entire back part of the device by attaching the new case to the original display and the rear camera. For this reason, the customer’s display and rear camera must be free from damage or functional defects for their device to be eligible.

Helpful iPhone Tips You May Not Know About

In one of our latest YouTube videos, we’ve collected some useful iPhone tips and tricks, and they’re worth checking out for new and old users alike.

For example, did you know that you can create a quick shortcut to turn on power saving mode when the battery drops to a certain 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 employees to ‘hurt’ Apple over a privacy dispute

Starting with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5, Apple will enforce a new privacy policy that requires apps to request and obtain user consent to track their activity in other apps and websites for targeted advertising purposes.

Facebook has been an outspoken critic of the move, claiming that Apple’s tracking change will hurt small businesses financially. Actually, The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told internal assistants and team members that his company must “inflict pain” on Apple in response to the tracking changes.

Some other ad companies have decided to move forward and accept Apple’s change by creating a new “Post-IDFA Alliance” to help advertisers understand how to use user data in an “Apple-friendly way.”

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