MacBreak Weekly (Audio) MBW 1005: Best of 2025 - MacBreak Weekly's Favorite Highlights from 2025
10 snips
Dec 28, 2025 
Alex Lindsay, a producer and technologist known for his work on Office Hours, announces his new role in Apple developer relations. The panel discusses the iPhone 16e's pricing strategy and Apple's latest products, including the thin iPhone Air and its intriguing features. They dive into a UK legal battle over Apple's encryption and critique the amusing yet lackluster 'Celebrity Snapshot' page. Alex shares insights on 3D projects and live stereoscopic concerts, all while reflecting on his memorable 19-year journey with the show.
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Why Apple Raised The Budget iPhone Price
- Apple raised the entry iPhone price because OLED, Face ID and Apple Intelligence raised bill-of-materials costs.
- Apple preserves hardware margins rather than eroding profits to keep product positioning and global pricing stable.
Check Carrier Deals Before Buying
- Consider carrier upgrade programs and trade-ins before judging Apple's entry pricing.
- Many buyers obtain phones via carrier deals, so out-of-pocket price matters less for upgrade-eligible users.
Hardware Parity Over Low Price
- Apple moved the product line to OLED and Face ID, increasing production cost and complexity.
- That hardware shift plus AI support explains why a true low-cost SE-class phone no longer fits Apple's strategy.