Connected

Big changes are rocking Apple with the exits of top designers Alan Dye and John Giannandrea. Discussions around Dye's legacy and the polarized community response to Liquid Glass reveal deep divides. The hosts analyze Tim Cook's unusual statement and muse over leadership dynamics as succession looms. With Stephen LeMay stepping in, expectations for design philosophy shifts are tempered. Meanwhile, AI strategies are in play, hinting at Apple's future direction, while the hosts debate what truly defines the modern iPhone.

Federico and Myke dive into the speculation surrounding iOS 27 and its Snow Leopard-like focus on AI features. They explore Jony Ive and Sam Altman's new AI hardware prototype, questioning the balance between design and practical details. Discussions on the M5 iPad Pro reveal its impressive AI capabilities, while thoughts on Apple's need for private cloud computing surface. In a Thanksgiving twist, they share tech they’re thankful for, from the iPhone Air's versatility to the benefits of AI-powered search and parenting tools.

The hosts dive into their use of Apple Intelligence, debating its benefits and quirks. Myke reviews the iPhone Pocket, linking its design to Issey Miyake's work, while reactions to its fashion appeal spark lively discussions. Federico shares his first impressions of Google’s Gemini 3, praising its performance but criticizing its blandness. The group explores app pricing challenges on iPad and contemplates the evolution of multitasking features. They also touch on hiring opportunities at Widgetsmith and their excitement for upcoming projects.

The hosts celebrate the iPad Pro's 10th anniversary, dissecting its evolution and missed opportunities. They dive into the frustrating changes in CarPlay's Messages feature and debate the balance of convenience and security with 1Password's new Mac-unlock capability. A spirited discussion unfolds about Apple's new iPhone Pocket designed in collaboration with fashion designer Issey Miyake, reflecting on its cultural significance and pricing. Ultimately, the team weighs the iPad's strengths as a media device against the Mac's superiority for professional tasks.

Joining the discussion is Mike Early, a frequent Relay.fm contributor and podcast co-host who brings his expertise on Apple hardware and software. They explore the intriguing future of Siri powered by Google's Gemini model. The conversation dives into the latest Apple OS updates, highlighting the new Liquid Glass transparency toggle and improved clipboard features. They also hash out the arrival of WhatsApp on Apple Watch and the implications for user experience. Plus, insights on iPhone 17 Pro Max and keyboard shortcut quirks add to the tech talk.

Federico and Stephen dive into the exciting comeback of the Pebble smartwatch and its revamped features, discussing its charging options and app ecosystem. They tackle rumors about OLED displays coming to iPads and MacBooks, weighing the benefits against potential user trade-offs. Conversations shift to the new Vision Pro accessories and their initial impressions of comfort. They also explore the challenges of using third-party smartwatches with iOS notifications, while contemplating whether an iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth the hype.

The hosts dive into the fascinating capabilities of the new M5 iPad Pro, exploring its fast charging and 4K support. Myke shares a quirky story about his iPhone replacement that arrived with an unexpected US model twist. The discussion shifts to Apple's AI strategy, including challenges in verifying their ambitious claims. They also debate the new Liquid Glass appearance toggle in iOS 26.1, weighing its role as an accessibility feature versus user preference. Plus, quirky quizzes test everyone's knowledge on iPad history and specs!

Apple's discontinuation of the Clips app sparks a lively debate on the need for a modern mobile video editor. The hosts dive into their experiences with fitness apps, specifically contrasting Athletic with Gentler Streak and WHOOP-style trackers. They also break down the new M5 chip, highlighting its impact on the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, discussing performance claims and connectivity enhancements. Furthermore, there's an engaging discussion on using LLMs for seamless data transfer between apps, showcasing the future of app interactions.

Federico and Myke dive into the intriguing new features of iPadOS 26.1 beta, including the return of Slide Over and battery management tips for the iPhone Air. They celebrate a whopping $753,756 raised for St. Jude and humorously discuss the yearning for a year dedicated to bug fixes. The conversation takes a turn to the latest developments in OpenAI, particularly the introduction of ChatGPT apps, which could revolutionize how we interact with technology. They also speculate on OpenAI's hardware ambitions and the implications for the app ecosystem.

Hosts dive into juicy Apple hardware leaks that have surfaced, sparking speculation about new iPad Pro and MacBook models. They also discuss the quirky allure of Windows XP Crocs and their personal experiences wearing them. The conversation shifts to Apple's shift in strategy, prioritizing smart glasses over refining the Vision Pro. A segment on sleep automation highlights using grayscale settings for reduced distractions at night. Plus, they weigh the pros and cons of the iPhone Air versus the Pro, covering everything from camera quality to design.