A wave of M4 Macs is on the horizon, with a mini Mac mini that's set to be unbelievably small. The latest beta of iOS 18 brings exciting new features as Apple gears up for major hardware updates. The hosts hilariously recount tech troubles, including a mishap with a water-resistant iPhone, while discussing innovations like a kid-friendly Apple Watch. They also dive into intriguing comparisons of tech designs and share the quirks of their podcast production journey, blending nostalgia with humorous anecdotes.
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Quick takeaways
Apple is expected to launch M4-powered MacBook Pro and Mac Mini upgrades later this year, with a redesign for the Mac Mini.
The iOS 18 beta introduces user-friendly features like distraction control in Safari and improvements to the Photos app's accessibility.
A frustrating customer service experience highlights the need for empathy and effective support when addressing hardware issues with Apple products.
Deep dives
Water and Dust Resistance Features
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are designed with significant water and dust resistance, boasting an IP67 protection standard. This resilience ensures that accidental contact with water or dust should not adversely affect their functionality, providing peace of mind even for the less coordinated users. To achieve this, Apple reengineered components internally, utilizing new seals and adhesives to create a robust barrier against environmental factors. This design allows users to enjoy the classic feel and functions of their iPhones while ensuring durability in everyday situations.
Apple’s Upcoming Product Lineup
There are exciting updates on Apple's upcoming product lineup, particularly with the anticipated M4 Macs. The MacBook Pro and Mac Mini are expected to receive significant upgrades soon, potentially arriving late this year. The shift to the M4 chip is set to enhance performance across all device categories, including a major redesign for the Mac Mini. This redesign could present a smaller form factor that appeals to a wider audience, especially for those who already have their own peripherals.
iOS 18 Beta Features and Updates
In the latest iOS 18 beta iteration, several new features have been introduced that enhance user experience. Among them is a distraction control option in Safari, enabling users to manually remove distracting elements on web pages, although the feature's practical utility may raise questions. Additionally, improvements to the Photos app include a more accessible recently saved photos section and the removal of the often-criticized carousel feature. Overall, these updates appear to reflect Apple's responsiveness to user feedback and aim to streamline interface usability.
Customer Experience with Apple Support
An unfortunate encounter with Apple support highlighted frustrations regarding customer service protocols when addressing hardware issues. A user reported persistent water damage in their iPhone 15 Pro Max, which led to a contentious exchange with a store technician who dismissed claims of faulty seals. This interaction underscored the importance of empathy in customer support, as accusations of dishonesty hindered resolution efforts. The user expressed disappointment not only in the product's performance but also in the lack of support during a challenging situation.
Maintenance of Older Apple Devices
The conversation surrounding the upkeep of older devices was notably sparked by tales of reviving the iPhone 7 after navigating issues with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Despite its age, the iPhone 7 proved to be a viable option when the newer model experienced problems, showcasing the durability of earlier Apple products. Users also discussed the potential for older models to serve essential functions with appropriate maintenance, which could ensure they remain useful in a tech landscape that continues to evolve. This desire to maintain older devices points to the deeper issues of repairability and longevity in consumer electronics.
Samsung's Shift in Design Philosophy
Samsung has recently faced internal criticism for its tendency to imitate Apple’s design, prompting a change in strategy to foster greater originality. The company's chairman has emphasized the need for innovation rather than relying on existing Apple product aesthetics, such as the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This shift could signal a desire to distinguish Samsung's offerings in a saturated market while responding to customer concerns about product authenticity. Creating unique designs not only enhances brand identity but also may improve customer loyalty and perceptions of quality.
This week, a wave of M4 Macs is on the way — including the miniest Mac mini ever! Also, the latest on iOS 18, a plastic Apple Watch, the tragic tale of Erfon’s iPhone, and an all-new Under Review!
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Apple will reportedly launch M4-powered MacBooks and iMacs later this year. But the company will wait until 2025 to refresh its entire Mac lineup with its latest M-series chip.
Apple is going to shrink the next Mac mini when it adds an M4 processor, according to an often-reliable source of insider information. The desktop could be the size of an Apple TV.
The fifth beta of iOS 18 is here, with Apple following its two-week release cycle for beta releases. While the last few betas were light on changes, that’s not the case with iOS 18 beta 5.
The Apple Watch SE 3 reportedly will come in a plastic casing. Skipping the usual aluminum case will allow the wearable to come in a broad array of colors, potentially making it more appealing to younger buyers.
You can add Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong to the list of people who think his company’s new smartwatch and wireless earbuds are much too similar to Apple’s products.
