Main stories: iOS 14.5 Beta release, macOS 11.2 release, VR headsets and Apple Car rumors

This week was a big week for software, with Apple launching a new beta round for its operating systems with many changes and changes in iOS 14.5 and related updates. We also saw the public release of macOS 11.2, which followed last week’s release of iOS 14.4.

In other news, we’ve received some significant rumors about the Apple VR Headset and Apple Car project, while on our YouTube channel we put the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in a blind camera test . Read on for details on these stories and more below.

iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 Betas released with many new features

This week, Apple has released the first versions of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 to public beta developers and testers. These updates include new features for iPhone and iPad users, including the ability to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch while wearing a mask, 5G support in Dual-SIM mode on iPhone 12 models, compatibility with the latest PS5 and Xbox series versions. X controllers, AirPlay 2 transmission for Apple Fitness + and more.

We shared a handy video unlocking an iPhone with the Apple Watch, which is a welcome solution for Face ID not working properly with masks. We have also completed the news of the first versions iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, including hidden changes to the code level.

Starting with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, Apple also enforces its application tracking transparency privacy measure, which requires app developers to obtain user consent to track their activity in other apps. and websites for specific advertising purposes.

Apple later released a revised version of the early iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 versions with minor fixes.

MacOS Big Sur 11.2 released with bug fixes for Bluetooth, external displays, iCloud Drive and more

MacOS 11.2 has been released this week, which improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes several bugs, including an issue where external displays may display a black screen when connected to an M1-based Mac mini using an HDMI to DVI converter .

Note that some users still experience other external display issues in macOS 11.2.

The release of macOS 11.2 was quickly followed by the first beta of macOS 11.3, which introduces more customization options to Safari, adds improved sorting options to the Reminders app, improves the Warranty Coverage Support tab in As for this Mac, it allows paired HomePods to be set as the default sound output for a Mac and more.

Other beta releases released this week include watchOS 7.4 and tvOS 14.5.

Blind Camera Comparison Video: iPhone 12 Pro Max Vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Samsung released its latest flagship mobile phone line in January, which includes the Galaxy S21 Ultra, a direct competitor to the iPhone 12 Pro Max that Apple unveiled in October. In our latest YouTube video, we pitted the two smartphones against each other to compare a blind camera.

The idea is to look at the images and decide which aesthetic you prefer (“A” or “B”) before revealing which camera is which at the end of the video. Share your options in the comments section.

Apple’s mixed reality headphones claim to include 8K screens, priced at $ 3,000 and more

Apple is rumored to be working on virtual reality headsets and a report this week from Alex Heath and Wayne Ma of The Information outlined several potential features and other details.

The report stated that the headphones will be equipped with more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements, along with two high-resolution 8K screens and advanced eye tracking technology. Cameras would be able to pass real-world video through the visor and show it to the user, providing a “mixed reality effect” that is a step beyond virtual reality.

The report also stated that the headphones would have interchangeable headbands, with one with space audio technology like the AirPods Pro for a surround sound-like experience, and another that would provide additional battery life on the go. Similar to AirPods Max replacement ear pads, head bands may also be offered in a variety of colors.

Apple has debated internally about the price of headphones at around $ 3,000, according to the report. That price would certainly make Apple’s headphones a high-end niche product, and apparently the company would set an internal goal of shipping just 250,000 units of the headphones in the first year of launch. Several reports have said that the headphones will be released in 2022 at the earliest.

According to reports, Apple plans to invest $ 3.6 billion in Kia for the production of Apple cars

There are still many rumors surrounding the so-called Apple Car, with a collaboration between Apple and Korean carmaker Hyundai that seems increasingly likely based on a couple of reports this week.

The first report came from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said Apple’s electric vehicle chassis will be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, which could allow a scope over 300 miles, acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds, top speed of 160 miles per hour, up to 80% load in 18 minutes, and more.

A second report from Korea claimed that Apple plans to invest the equivalent of $ 3.6 billion in Hyundai’s subsidiary, Kia, as part of a planned manufacturing partnership between the two companies that would see Kia build Apple Cars in its American facilities in Georgia.

It is believed that the Apple Car is still years away from being launched, with projections ranging from 2024 to 2028.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this that highlights Apple’s best stories, making it a great way to get a small-sized summary of the week that touches on all the major topics that we have dealt with and put together related stories for a great one. image view.

So if you want featured news items like the previous summary in your email inbox to be published each week, subscribe to our newsletter!