AppStories

In a forward-looking discussion, Federico and John explore the future of apps in 2026. They predict a rise in AI-driven mobile development tools and user-generated apps. Insights include Apple's potential shift to support third-party wearables and the evolution of Siri into a more personalized assistant. They debate the impact of text versus voice interaction on app adoption and touch on the need for engaging features to make voice control stick. The conversation is packed with exciting predictions for technology's next chapter!

This week, the hosts celebrate the winners of the MacStories Selects Awards, showcasing the best apps and features across Apple platforms. Quick Reviews takes the title of Best New App, while Drafts claims App of the Year. The Mac app Bloom shines as a Finder replacement, and Athlytic is recognized for its fitness insights on the Apple Watch. Notable features include Matter's TTS voices for productivity. Unread receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for its timeless design. Tune in for app recommendations and tips!

This week, the hosts dive into the intriguing concept of 'vibe coding,' exploring its origins and implications for coding without strict rules. They discuss the risks of relying solely on vibe coding for commercial software and compare it to more structured LLM-assisted programming. Listeners get insight into tools that support vibe coding, along with practical tips on scoping and API usage. They also share their own coding projects, including a chic macOS app and Python scripts, while forecasting future trends in app development.

Discover the intriguing world of design with a focus on apps embracing Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. Highlights include Denim's stunning playlist editor, Locally AI's sleek model management features, and Longplay's creative album display. Federico and John explore Matter's exceptional reading experience and delve into automation with agentic browsers like Manus. They also review wellness app Gentler Streak's vibrant visuals and Todoist's thoughtful UI enhancements. Join their engaging conversation on innovative indie apps!

Discover the evolving landscape of the App Store as hosts dive into recent changes and the rise of mini apps, including fascinating AI integrations. They discuss the shift from one-time purchases to subscriptions, altering developer strategies and user experiences. The duo also explores how Web commerce was centralized by app ecosystems and the impact of design standardization with iOS updates. With venture capital flooding into AI categories, predictions of consolidation and the future of app development are buzzing with excitement!

This week explores exciting app and automation experiments as Federico and John delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding Claude Skills. They discuss the complexities of self-hosting AIs and highlight the impressive speed of Kimi K2 on Grok. John shares insights on using Bloom for efficient file management and revisits Superhuman for faster email workflows. Federico introduces Firecrawl as a top-notch web parser and outlines his automation strategies with Pushover and Notion. Don't miss their take on browser testing and the future of Shortcuts!

This week, the hosts dive into the nitty-gritty of digital decluttering. They discuss strategies for managing app overload and the nuances of cloud versus local backups. Frustrations with Backblaze lead to recommendations for Carbon Copy Cloner and SSDs for efficient backups. Tools like DaisyDisk and Hazel are highlighted for visualizing disk use and automating junk cleanup. The conversation wraps up with insights on personal file organization preferences and the balance between manual cleanup versus AI automation.

Explore the exciting world of AI browsers with a deep dive into advanced options like Comet and Atlas. Learn about the impact of Claude and Gemini on workflows, and hear a debate on the practicality of agent modes amid security concerns. The hosts share insights on creating a seamless user experience, fostering a debate on whether AI integration will redefine browser features. With predictions on agents evolving into essential tools, this discussion sheds light on the future of browsing and AI's role in it.

Explore whether the M5 iPad Pro truly supports local LLMs and gaming. Discover Apple's claims about a 3.5x performance boost, as the hosts dive into the technicalities of MLX. They highlight the current limitations of iPadOS for gaming, discussing why major titles like Cyberpunk are absent. Federico shares insights on gaming performance and the necessity for Apple to enhance compatibility. Finally, find out who should consider upgrading to the M5, weighing the real benefits against existing models.

Discover the exciting possibilities of Apple Intelligence as the hosts explore its role in the ever-evolving AI landscape. They dive into Apple's perceived lag in AI, discuss AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than replacing creativity, and examine the balance between deterministic and non-deterministic models. Key topics include the future integration of smarter Siri, specialized AI models tuned for Apple's services, and the potential paths Apple could take in the AI space, from web search integration to third-party collaborations.