Black Lives Matter, USB-C iPad Air, a new stock record: Here's all the Apple news you should have read this week

The news this week has rightfully been dominated by George Floyd, protests in the U.S., and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It's no surprise then that much of our Apple news this week comes through this lens, as Apple took to making statements, suspending Apple Music for a day and more, all in support of the cause. In between, we heard about a big potential change in the next iPad, a new stock record, and more. Here's all the Apple news you should have read this week.

Apple closes retail stores... again

Unfortunately, protests about George Floyd and police brutality in the U.S. have been marred by rioting, violence, and looting. Following attacks on several Apple stores, Apple decided to close some stores, in particular ones damaged by looters.

Riots, looting push Apple and others to shut down retail stores ... again

"We must do more"

Tim Cook sent a memo to all Apple employees, describing the killing of George Floyd as senseless, and saying that Apple must do more.

Tim Cook says "we must do more" in memo to employees about George Floyd

Black Out Tuesday

Apple changed the programming of Apple Music in solidarity with 'Black Out Tuesday', playing a curated playlist of music by black artists.

Apple Music observing 'Black Out Tuesday' to support #BlackLivesMatter

Apple News+ Audio

A new audio feature for Apple News+ stories has been spotted in the latest iOS 13 beta.

Apple News+ Audio feature leaked in iOS 13.5.5 beta

USB-C iPad Air

A new report suggests the new iPad Air might feature USB-C.

New report claims the next iPad Air will switch to USB-C just like iPad Pro

A new record

Apple's share price broke a new record of nearly $328 on Friday. The landmark also represents a full recovery from Apple's COVID-19 induced slide, which began in February.

Apple share price cracks new all-time high marking full recovery from COVID-19 slide

Open letter

Finally, Tim Cook posted an open letter titled 'Speaking up on racism', which was shared on the homepage of Apple's website.

Tim Cook pens open 'Speaking up on racism' letter

From the Editor's desk

Editor's Desk: We've got a lot to look forward to in the next few months

The fall Apple event is just a few weeks away now, and there's a lot to look forward to, including new iPhone 13, iPads, and more. Let's dive in!

Microphone review

Review: The HyperX QuadCast S looks and sounds pretty

While it bills itself as a gaming microphone, the HyperX QuadCast S is a great USB microphone for Mac, even though you can't quite benefit from all the features.

Responsible!

Review: Incase's Compact Sleeve w/BIONIC® is made from recycled plastic

Incase makes a high-quality, protective laptop sleeve for your Macbook out of plastic pollution that's been recovered from the ocean. This lets you feel good while protecting your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro.

Attach your tracker

How will you attach your AirTag to the item you wish to track?

Apple's AirTag doesn't have any hooks or adhesive for attaching to your precious items. Luckily there are plenty of accessories for that purpose, both from Apple and third parties.