Geared Up

This episode features special guest Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile) and explores why foldable smartphones remain a niche, with less than 2 percent of buyers ever having used one. Major barriers include Android exclusivity, iPhone user lock-in, limited mainstream interest, and high prices. Apple’s reputation for turning obscure categories mainstream raises the question of whether a future iPhone Fold would legitimize the segment or simply reveal how little consumer appetite there really is for foldables. Hosts:  @Andru  &  @jon4lakers  Guest:  @TheMrMobile  Apple’s arrival in any product category can rapidly shift consumer perception, lending instant credibility to what was once seen as a novelty. Despite six-plus years and multiple iterations from Samsung and others, foldables have struggled to gain widespread traction, even as innovation continues. Real-world statistics show that adoption is slow and interest is still tightly linked to brand loyalty and ecosystem lock-in, rather than just hardware features. Hands-on experience with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 highlights key improvements in ergonomics, camera systems, outer screen usability, and battery life. However, fast charging remains a notable weakness compared to competitors. Other technical debates include the ongoing value of S-Pen support, the importance of thinness versus durability, and how Chinese brands are advancing the market, though often at the cost of software polish or US market compatibility. A major segment covers Apple’s lawsuit against Jon Prosser over leaked iOS 26 details and device trade secrets. The panel discusses the legal and ethical lines between tech journalism, leaks, and trade secret theft, contrasting the current case with past experiences and lawsuits in the industry. Topics include privacy expectations for employees, Apple’s approach to leaks, and the impact such lawsuits have on creators, reporters, and the broader tech community.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple’s AI ambitions hit a major speed bump at WWDC this year. From last-minute delays on Siri features to Mark Gurman’s revelations about internal alarm bells, this episode takes you behind the scenes of Apple’s AI crisis. We’ll break down how Craig Federighi’s hands-on testing exposed critical flaws and why Apple’s lean investment strategy may have backfired.  The conversation reveals how internal decisions, such as delaying AI feature rollouts by a full year, signaled a broader leadership disconnect within the company. Federighi’s own tests showed a startling disparity between what was promised and what was actually working. That gap in execution has placed Apple behind rivals like Google and OpenAI. What role does Tim Cook play in this? As the CEO, his direction - or lack thereof - has now come under scrutiny. The podcast unpacks how executive decisions from the top have rippled across departments, affecting everything from product timelines to public trust. Apple's frugal approach, while often seen as financially prudent, may have hindered critical innovation. We also dive into what Apple’s AI roadmap must look like to stay competitive. From launching a working Siri upgrade to developing a true chatbot under the internal codename "Knowledge," Apple needs a foundational reboot in how it views and builds AI experiences. Failure to act swiftly could result in a loss of consumer and developer confidence. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, Apple watcher, or concerned investor, this episode sheds light on the high-stakes decisions shaping Apple’s future in AI. With clear takeaways and expert insights, it’s your best guide to understanding how Apple can, and must, course-correct.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Straight from Apple Park at WWDC 2025, Andru Edwards, TechMe0ut, Kevin the Tech Ninja, Stephen Robles break down everything Apple just announced. This episode is a full debrief on the major platform shifts: iOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe), iPadOS 26, VisionOS 26, and the all-new Liquid Glass design language that transforms how every Apple platform looks and feels. iOS 26 brings a mix of practical upgrades and AI-infused enhancements. We talk about the new call screening and Hold Assist features that are tailor-made for anyone who hates phone trees, the smarter and more private Apple Intelligence tools that live entirely on-device, and how group chat just got an upgrade with polls, read receipts, and background customizations. Plus, there's the redesigned Camera app and a dedicated Games app finally making iOS more fun and flexible. macOS 26 Tahoe is all about productivity. Spotlight got a serious brain upgrade: you can now launch shortcuts, summarize PDFs, and trigger AI workflows right from the search bar. The new customizable folders and Live Activities make the desktop more dynamic, while Liquid Glass touches give everything a more fluid, transparent look. It's macOS reimagined to be both more powerful and more approachable. iPadOS 26 finally delivers the windowed multitasking experience we've been waiting for. You get Mac-style app windows, a draggable menu bar, better file management, and background exports in Final Cut. For people who want desktop-level productivity with tablet portability, this is the iPad update to watch. visionOS 26 pushes the spatial computing envelope. From lifelike Personas to persistent, room-anchored widgets, Vision Pro feels more immersive and personal than ever. We dive into the new Jupiter environment, support for 360-degree video playback, spatial scenes, and a better system for sharing environments in real-time with people in the same room or across the world. And Liquid Glass is a whole new visual language. Think depth, translucency, and UI that responds to light and motion. Whether it’s in widgets, the lock screen, or native apps, this new design makes Apple’s platforms feel unified and futuristic. Stick around for a sharp, honest take on what’s hype, and what’s actually going to change your workflow.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Geared Up dives into the state of Apple Intelligence and the larger implications of Apple's AI strategy - but that's just the beginning. Jon Rettinger and Andru Edwards open with a passionate breakdown of why Apple’s long-awaited foray into AI has become one of its most disappointing product efforts to date. With features like Genmoji and writing assistance that feel underwhelming, and more ambitious tools like Siri’s personal context still missing in action, they argue Apple has lost its AI credibility, and possibly its lead in consumer trust.  But that’s only part of the show. The conversation expands to a fascinating look at the latest iPhone 17 hardware leaks, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and the controversial new visor design. What are the tradeoffs of a 5.5mm thick smartphone? Can Apple maintain battery life and camera quality in such a thin device? John and guest Quinn Nelson dissect what this design direction means, especially for power users and iPhone Max fans. Quinn also shares firsthand insights into the self-driving space with his deep dive into the Comma 3X - a DIY, open-source driving assistant that’s outperforming most built-in systems. He explains how it works, what it’s capable of, and why it represents a fascinating alternative to Tesla’s FSD. This isn’t just theoretical tech - he’s installed it in his Rivian and shares real-world results, strengths, and limitations. Rounding out the episode is an alternate history segment that explores a tantalizing what-if: what if Apple had bought Android in 2005? The discussion considers how mobile tech could have evolved, the role of Samsung, the collapse of competition, and the future of platform control. It’s a blend of speculation and strategy that will fascinate any student of tech history. If you care about smartphones, AI, autonomy, or the decisions that shape the tech industry, this episode packs all of it in. From present-day failures to future visions and speculative histories, it’s one of our most thought-provoking yet.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri. Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple is making big moves, and the latest rumors suggest a foldable iPhone is on the way - possibly called the iPhone Ultra! With reports indicating that Apple is working on a book-style foldable design, this could be one of the most significant products in company history. We explore the rumors, including potential specs, design choices, and how Apple’s take on foldables may stand out from the competition with Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Beyond the iPhone Ultra, Apple is also revamping its entire product lineup. From the latest iPad updates to upcoming MacBook changes, we analyze how Apple’s broader hardware strategy is evolving. Additionally, Apple Intelligence - a key component of the company’s AI push - has faced significant delays. Could this impact Apple’s competitive edge against companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI? On the software side, Apple is planning a massive redesign of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 this year at WWDC to create a more unified experience. With changes inspired by visionOS, Apple’s approach to UI consistency could reshape how we interact with their devices. But is Apple merging its operating systems too aggressively, or is this the right move to future-proof its ecosystem?Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI has been hyped up like the world’s next superstar athlete, but when it comes time to perform, has it actually stuck the landing? In this episode, we dive into the state of AI today, breaking down what’s working, what’s failing, and how companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI are shaping the future. We discuss Apple Intelligence, its delayed rollout, and whether Apple’s privacy-first approach is actually hurting its AI capabilities. Plus, what’s going on with AI-generated images, the evolution of Siri, and the battle between Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s attempts to keep up. And of course, we analyze whether companies are just slapping "AI" on everything from bird feeders to massage chairs to sell more products. On top of that, we discuss T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink and the conspiracy theories running rampant about Elon Musk tracking everything. Also, are we witnessing the slow demise of TikTok in the U.S.? Taylor Lorenz joins the discussion to break it all down.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive deep into how the iPhone 15 reveals Apple may not have anticipated the rise of AI. Did the company get caught off-guard, and what does this mean for future products? We discuss whether Apple’s frugal hardware approach left them unprepared for the AI revolution. Join us as we break down Apple’s response to AI’s rapid growth, the future of Apple Intelligence, and what this means for upcoming devices like the iPhone SE. Sponsored by Thinkie: Train your brain in under 60 seconds! https://www.thinkiesystem.com  Jon Prosser on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@frontpagetech Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/1YOi0r3vptQ We dive deep into Apple’s privacy policies and features with exclusive insights from Katie Skinner, Apple’s User Privacy Engineering Manager, and Sandy Parakilas, Apple’s Privacy Product Marketing Lead. Andru Edwards went to Apple Park to get the answers to some of the most pressing questions about privacy, security, and how Apple integrates these elements into every product. As Apple often says, privacy is a fundamental human right, and this video will give you an understanding of how that stance impacts you as an everyday user.We go over key features like App Tracking Transparency, which gives you control over which apps can track your activity, and the detailed privacy nutrition labels that provide transparency about app data usage. From Face ID’s secure authentication to the data minimization principle, Apple is committed to protecting your personal information at every level. We also tackle some common misconceptions head-on. Are apps listening to you all the time? Does Apple store your Face ID and Touch ID data? The conversation also touches on how Apple handles requests from governments for user data and their firm stance on not creating backdoors for law enforcement, reinforcing their commitment to user privacy. When it comes to new features, we get into the privacy assurances of the recently announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024. Learn how these advancements continue to prioritize privacy without compromising on convenience. Whether it’s through on-device intelligence or private cloud compute, Apple ensures that your data is used responsibly and transparently. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding how Apple is setting the standard for privacy in the tech industry.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Geared Up, Jon and Andru are joined by Lexy Savvides from CNET for an in-depth discussion on the latest advancements in technology and AI. Lexy shares her insights into the process of creating engaging tech content at CNET. Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers Lexy Savvides on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lexysavvides Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter The episode also explores the latest Apple developer beta releases, featuring the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Jon, Andru, and Lexy discuss the implications of these AI enhancements, debating whether Apple’s approach will successfully integrate AI into everyday user experiences. In addition, Jon shares his recent home automation makeover, detailing his efforts to streamline his devices to get everything into HomeKit using HOOBS and the Matter protocol. We also go over the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch Ultra, as well as predictions for the next big thing in smartphones.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.