
AppStories
AppStories is a weekly exploration of the world of apps by MacStories' Federico Viticci and John Voorhees. Each week, they discuss the best new apps, the impact of apps on our culture, and cover the stories behind popular apps. Hosted by Federico Viticci and John Voorhees.
Latest episodes

Sep 24, 2023 • 27min
Widgets Everywhere
In this episode, Federico and John discuss their favorite apps with interactive widgets for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma. They cover Widgetsmith and its interactive music playback, Home Widget for controlling home kit devices, third-party apps like Hue Widgets and TV Remote, and interactive podcast and game widgets on iOS.

6 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 11min
iOS and iPadOS 17: The MacStories Review
The hosts discuss the completion of their annual review and the additional extras available for club members. They express their appreciation for Federico's review and discuss the enhancements made to iPadOS 17. They explore the potential of an always-on screen on the iPad and the new features of iOS 17 including widget interactivity and standby mode. They also discuss updates to the Reminders app, improvements in the Notes app, and the role of AI in Apple's products. Finally, they discuss stability and performance issues with the Shortcuts app and the future of widgets and shortcuts in iOS and iPadOS.

Sep 13, 2023 • 60min
Apple's 2023 Watch and iPhone Event
The hosts discuss Apple's recent event, release dates for Apple operating systems, and their excitement. They talk about the convenience of using Zachtok for finding and booking doctors. The absence of a major redesign in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is explored, along with potential advancements in language models. They discuss compatibility with iOS 15, Apple's environmental initiatives, and satellite feature testing. The USB-3 speeds of iPhone 15 Pro and 4K display connectivity are discussed. They also explore different modes and functionalities of the Apple Watch and iPhone.

19 snips
Sep 3, 2023 • 46min
Bookmarking Apps Revisited
Federico and John explore the history of bookmarking apps, their relationship to read-later apps, and their favorite modern bookmarking apps. They discuss the evolution of bookmarking, types of bookmarks, and the benefits of using a standalone bookmarking service. They also review GoodLinks as a bookmarking system and reflect on Raindrop as a flexible and accessible app.

7 snips
Aug 20, 2023 • 44min
Gadget Show & Tell
In this podcast, Federico and John discuss their summer gadgets, including Wi-Fi routers, batteries, headphones, chargers, and game controllers. They also talk about smart plugs, Raspberry Pi setup, Zyxel network switch, Acara ecosystem upgrade, and a compact game controller for iOS and macOS integration.

6 snips
Aug 13, 2023 • 31min
A Classic Pick 2
This week, Federico and John each share two app recommendations in a classic Pick 2 episode.
This episode is sponsored by:
Fitbod: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.
Links and Show Notes
A Classic Pick 2
Peak
Matter
MarkEdit
Also mentioned:
Typewriter
Home Assistant
Also mentioned:
Eve
Home+ 6
Home Assistant Yellow
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4 snips
Aug 6, 2023 • 29min
Why The Way Apps Are Made Has Changed
This week, Federico and John look at how making apps has changed along with the evolution of Apple’s hardware lineup and what that means for the future of apps on those platforms.
This episode is sponsored by:
Concepts - Sketch, Note, Draw.
Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
Links and Show Notes
Why The Way Apps Are Made Has Changed
Read-it-later app Pocket to shut down its Mac app on August 15th
John’s Mastodon post about Pocket discontinuing its Mac app
Modern Life is Rubbish by Blur
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Jul 30, 2023 • 33min
Where Is The App Economy Heading?
This week, Federico and John look at the latest app trends and where Apple’s system apps are heading to try to answer the question of where the world of apps is heading.
This episode is sponsored by:
Vitally – A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
Links and Show Notes
Where Is The App Economy Heading?
Apps Discussed
Mona
Mona: A Unique Mix of Customization Options and Features You Won’t Find in Any Other Mastodon App
Ivory
Ivory for Mac Review: Tapbots’ Superb Mastodon Client Comes to Apple Desktops and Laptops
Ivory for Mastodon Review: Tapbots Reborn
Reeder
Reeder 5 Review: Read Later Tagging, iCloud Sync, and Design Refinements
Fiery Feeds
Fiery Feeds for iOS Added an In-App Split View Mode That I Wish More iPhone Apps Offered
Matter
Matter: A Fresh Take on Read-Later Apps
Why Are Read-It-Later Apps Suddenly Hot?
Readwise Reader
AppStories, Episode 312 – Read-Later Apps
Using Readwise Reader as My RSS Client
iA Writer
iA Writer 6 Adds Cross-Document Linking, Metadata, and More
Obsidian
My Obsidian Setup, Part 1: Sync, Core Plugins, Workspaces, and Other Settings
Marvis Pro
Marvis Review: The Ultra-Customizable Apple Music Client
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Jul 23, 2023 • 41min
macOS Sonoma and iOS and iPadOS 17 Public Betas
This week, Federico and John to talk about Safari, videoconferencing, Messages, and gaming on macOS Sonoma, plus stickers and widgets on iOS and iPadOS 17.
This episode is sponsored by:
Concepts - Sketch, Note, Draw.
Notion – Do your most efficient work with Notion Projects. Try it free today.
HelloFresh – Use code appstories50 for 50% off plus free shipping.
Links and Show Notes
macOS Sonoma Public Beta Preview Continued
macOS Sonoma: The MacStories Preview
iOS and iPadOS 17 Public Beta Preview
iOS and iPadOS 17 After One Month: It’s All About Widgets, Apps, and Stage Manager
iOS and iPadOS 17 After One Month: It’s All About Widgets, Apps, and Stage Manager
With iPadOS 17, Stage Manager Is (Finally) Moving in the Right Direction
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Jul 16, 2023 • 54min
watchOS and macOS Sonoma Public Beta Previews
This week, John is joined by Alex Guyot to talk about the watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma public betas.
This episode is sponsored by:
Concepts - Sketch, Note, Draw.
Fitbod: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.
Links and Show Notes
watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma Public Beta Previews
watchOS 10: The MacStories Preview
macOS Sonoma: The MacStories Preview
Follow us on Mastodon
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Federico Viticci
John Voorhees
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Federico Viticci
John Voorhees
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Federico Viticci
John Voorhees
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