MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

Shelly Brisbin, a reporter and host on the Texas Standard, joins to dive into Apple's past and future strategies. The discussion highlights the unmet expectations of 2025 and what improvements we might see in 2026, including AI developments and a potential folding iPhone. They emphasize the importance of user-friendly designs over gimmicks, express concerns about Apple's accessibility features, and ponder the impact of design philosophy shifts following leadership changes. Plus, insights into upcoming innovations in sports streaming and hardware offerings!

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.

The panel discusses a developer's harrowing loss of access to their Apple ID after a compromised gift card incident. Apple gains approval to activate hypertension detection on the Apple Watch in Australia. Italy slaps Apple with a $115 million fine over App Tracking Transparency violations. Meanwhile, the team reflects on the farewell of a beloved panelist and dives into upcoming features in iOS 26.3. Rumors about a potentially smaller foldable iPhone spark interest, as do the implications of increased ads in the App Store.

Apple’s OS 26.2 launches just in time for the holidays, featuring major security fixes and a rollback option for Liquid Glass visuals. Pluribus becomes a hit, dominating Apple TV's viewership charts. The panel discusses the implications of Apple's legal setbacks in the iOS payments case and Japan's new law allowing multiple app stores. The importance of local backups in safeguarding digital data is emphasized, amidst a story of a lost 20-year-old account. Lastly, there's buzz about a potential folding iPhone in future designs.

Alan Dye's surprising move to Meta raises eyebrows about executive turnover at Apple. Justin Bieber's unexpected critique of Apple’s Messages UI adds a humorous twist to the tech landscape. Discussions about the potential brain drain at Apple spark debates on talent retention and leadership dynamics. Meanwhile, Australia’s controversial social media laws and Russia's FaceTime restrictions highlight global tech challenges. Plus, the exciting announcement of Apple's F1 streaming rights promises thrilling new viewing experiences.

John Giannandrea is retiring, prompting discussions on Apple's shifting AI culture compared to Google. Apple recently surpassed Samsung to become the world's top phone maker, showcasing its strong market growth. The panel delves into Apple's potential collaboration with Intel for manufacturing M-series chips amidst strategic supply decisions. They also explore legal tensions over India's demand for a state-run app preload and react to Apple’s charming holiday ad. Plus, insights on Apple's reduced bounties for Mac security and a tribute to TechServe founder David Lerner.

The hosts celebrate a milestone with the 1000th discussion, diving into iOS 27's potential as a 'Snow Leopard' update. They explore a promising breakthrough in foldable iPhone technology and ponder the future of Apple’s leadership amidst conflicting reports on Tim Cook. Expect exciting partnerships like Delta's innovative baggage tracking with AirTags and the cross-platform file sharing between Pixel and iPhone. Plus, they unveil the latest in immersive sports content for Vision Pro and reflect on the whirlwind of Apple news.

In this discussion, journalist Shelly Brisbin shares insights on Apple's future, including speculation around Tim Cook's potential retirement and the implications of Jeff Williams's departure. The panel dives into a federal jury's significant ruling against Apple, ordering a hefty payment to Masimo for patent infringements. They also explore Apple's innovative 3D printing techniques for the new Apple Watch, examining both environmental impacts and increased manufacturing efficiency. Plus, exciting updates on the iPhone market and upcoming product releases!

Stephen Robles, also known as 'the bearded tutor,' joins the conversation to share insights on podcasting and Apple developments. They discuss the newly unveiled iPhone Pocket accessory and its design implications. A major $1 billion annual deal between Apple and Google for Siri's AI raises privacy questions. The panel reflects on a decade of iPad Pro, exploring its untapped potential. They also debate the impact of the new Apple TV show, Pluribus, on the platform's stability and speculate on the future of Apple Fitness+.

The latest updates for iOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1 introduce new Liquid Glass controls and enhancements to the Shortcuts app. Apple impressively caps off a record fiscal Q4, sparking talks of a new low-cost laptop to take on Chromebooks. Excitingly, the App Store now launches on the web, expanding accessibility. The hosts also explore immersive media through the Vision Pro and the implications of OpenAI's acquisition of a software automation company. Lastly, Tim Cook's recent birthday raises discussion about Apple's leadership and future direction.