In this episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss topics such as Tim Cook's European vacation, Apple's search-engine strategy, and the review of macOS Sonoma. They also cover subjects like smart lock brands, the potential impact of Vision Pro on Quest 3 sales, Apple's interest in Formula One rights, challenges with Apple's search engine, and the new features in Mac OS Sonoma.
The Vision Pro may face high demand and backorders despite its high price point.
Apple may experience difficulties in developing a cheaper version of the Vision Pro, resulting in a delayed release.
The demand for 2024 MacBooks and iPads may fall below expectations due to a decline in work-from-home device sales.
Apple is rumored to be negotiating for worldwide rights to Formula 1, potentially expanding its presence in the sports entertainment industry.
Widgets on the Mac offer added value, but limited screen real estate on laptops and scaling issues may affect their usefulness.
Deep dives
Ming-Chi Kuo predicts production capacity of 400-600k units for Vision Pro
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the production capacity for the Vision Pro in the first year is expected to be between 400,000 and 600,000 units. While these numbers have been mentioned before, they provide further insight into the limited availability of the device. This suggests that the Vision Pro may face backorders and high demand, despite its high price point.
Ming-Chi Kuo suggests challenges in creating a cheaper version of the Vision Pro
Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is facing difficulties in developing a cheaper version of the Vision Pro. Due to the need to maintain a certain experience and the limitations in the supply chain, a lower-cost option may not be viable for Apple at this time. This may result in a delay in offering a more affordable model and a longer timeline for releasing a Vision Pro 2.
Ming-Chi Kuo expects decline in demand for 2024 MacBooks and iPads
Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the demand for the upcoming 2024 MacBooks and iPads may fall below expectations. He suggests this is due to a lack of growth drivers, specifically noting a decline in work-from-home device sales. The impact of remote work on device demand has shifted, which could influence sales figures moving forward.
Apple rumored to pursue worldwide rights for Formula 1
There are rumors that Apple is looking to secure worldwide rights for Formula 1. This potential deal, estimated to be worth $2 billion per year, would give Apple exclusive broadcasting rights for the popular motorsport event. As the negotiations continue, Apple could enter the world of Formula 1 and expand its presence in the sports entertainment industry.
Widgets on the desktop provide additional functionality
Widgets on the desktop offer interactive features that can enhance the user experience. While they may be more impactful on iOS and iPadOS, they still provide added value on Mac OS. However, the limited screen real estate on most Mac laptops may affect the usefulness of widgets. Additionally, the scaling of widgets on the Mac can appear larger than necessary. Nonetheless, the ability to run iPhone widgets on a Mac is beneficial, especially for accessing apps that are not available on the Mac platform.
Video screensavers transition smoothly to the desktop
Mac OS Sonoma introduces a seamless transition between video screensavers and the desktop. Rather than experiencing a sudden change, the screensaver video slowly fades into the background and becomes the new desktop wallpaper. The fit and finish of this feature demonstrate Apple's attention to detail and their commitment to creating a pleasant user experience, even in minor areas of the operating system.
Safari's new video controls and effects offer enhanced user experience
Safari in Mac OS Sonoma showcases an array of video controls and effects. Leveraging Apple's machine learning technology, the browser can detect the foreground and background of video streams, enabling features like portrait mode and studio lighting effects. Additional enhancements include gesture detection and the ability to choose specific areas for zoom and pan. These additions demonstrate Apple's dedication to improving Safari's capabilities and providing users with more control and options.
Safari profiles allow for better organization and separation of accounts
Safari profiles in Mac OS Sonoma enable users to create different profiles for various purposes, such as personal, work, or specific brands. This feature allows for easy separation of accounts and streamlines the process of switching between different user environments. However, the implementation of Safari profiles on the Mac differs slightly from iOS, as it requires opening new windows for each profile instead of toggling within the same window. While the setup process may take some time, the feature is useful for managing separate accounts and enhancing privacy.
Mac OS Sonoma combines stability with continuous improvement
While Mac OS Sonoma may not introduce groundbreaking changes to the overall operating system, it prioritizes stability and delivers various refinements and enhancements. Apple's focus on improving the user experience and attention to detail is evident throughout Sonoma's features, such as video screensavers, Safari optimizations, and the implementation of predictive text. The release showcases Apple's commitment to continuously improving Mac OS while maintaining stability and reliability, a balance that many users appreciate.
Subtitle: Aerospace, Golden Gate Bridge, and Engineering
As a very busy September turns over into October, we've got an episode packed with follow-up: Tim Cook takes another European vacation, the Vision Pro product roadmap recedes, Apple considers its search-engine strategy, and we review macOS Sonoma.
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