Apple gives up on MLS, the Mac Pro, and an iPhone designer on this week's AppleInsider Podcast
AppleInsider Podcast
Japan's Virtual Assistant Rule and iOS Change
Wesley explains Japan-driven iOS changes allowing side-button assignment to third-party assistants as launchers.
Apple's sports media strategy is up in the air, the Mac Pro may actually be dead this time, and Apple's doom won't be found in a single employee departure on the AppleInsider Podcast. This week's bonus segment in AppleInsider+ covers podcasts William and Wes listen to.
Contact your hosts:
- @williamgallagher_ on Threads
- @WGallagher on Twitter
- William's 58keys on YouTube
- William Gallagher on email
- Wes on Bluesky
- Wes Hilliard on email
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Links from the Show:
- Tyler, the Creator seals his biggest year yet as Apple Music Artist of the Year
- Joe Rogan beats The Daily to top Apple Podcasts' Top Charts for 2025
- Apple TV subscribers will get Major League Soccer games for free in 2026
- MLS & Apple TV deal ends in 2029, years ahead of schedule
- Apple TV will offer Friday Night Baseball through 2028, contrary to rumors
- iOS 26.2 Side button virtual assistant settings were actually meant for Japan
- Mac Pro may never be updated, Apple backs Mac Studio instead
- In with a bang, out in silence — the end of the Mac Pro
- Expect big changes in iPhone release timing in 2026 and 2027
- iPhone Air isn't annual, iPhone Air 2 was never coming in 2026
- Next Apple Watch refresh may not happen until 2028
- Industrial designer & iPhone Air video narrator departs Apple for AI startup
- How Pixar avoided becoming 'Sillywood' when Steve Jobs took over
- HidrateSpark Pro 2 review: motivational drinking with lights, chimes, & Find My
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- (00:00) - Intro
- (08:47) - Apple Podcast charts
- (26:31) - Apple Sports strategy
- (36:59) - Siri changes in Japan
- (41:49) - RIP Mac Pro?
- (50:38) - Apple's new product schedule
- (01:00:47) - Apple DOOM™
- (01:08:12) - Pixar and Toy Story
- (01:12:47) - Closing comments
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