The MacRumors Show

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's recently rumored "personal robotics" projects, iOS 17.5, and the third-generation Apple Pencil, and more. Apple is reportedly looking into personal robotics, such as a "mobile robot" that would "follow users around their homes" and an "advanced table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around." In the long term, Apple apparently wants to create machines that can "handle chores, like cleaning dishes in a sink," but the robotics projects are said to be in the very early stages of research, and it is unclear if any of them will ever be released. We also talk through the Beats Solo 4 headphones and Apple's upcoming iOS 17.5 update, which introduces web distribution in the EU, a color-changing Apple Podcasts widget, hints about next-generation iPad battery monitoring features and an upcoming ‌Apple Pencil‌ model, and third-party item tracker alerts. 

This episode is sponsored by Notion. Try Notion for free by visiting https://www.notion.com/macrumors On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss all of the rumors surrounding WWDC 2024 and iOS 18. Earlier this week, Apple announced that its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place between June 10 and June 14. The event is almost certain to see the introduction of ‌iOS 18‌ and all of Apple's other major upcoming software updates. ‌iOS 18‌ is expected to focus on artificial intelligence features, likely powered by Google's Gemini. New AI capabilities are rumored to come to Siri, Messages, Shortcuts, Spotlight, Health, Apple Music, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, but the company is expected to stop short of offering a full-fledged AI chatbot.  Beyond AI, ‌iOS 18‌ will reportedly bring more flexible Home Screen customization, custom routesand topographic maps in the Maps app, "scenes" in the Freeform app, RCS support, new accessibility features such as a hearing aid mode for the AirPods Pro, and potentially a slight redesign inspired by visionOS. The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's rumored plan to refresh the entire AirPods lineup with a series of new models. The fourth-generation AirPods will reportedly feature a new design with a better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. For the first time ever, Apple is also apparently planning to offer a higher-end version of the AirPods with active noise cancelation and a speaker in the charging case to play a sound for easy location via Find My. The second-generation AirPods Max are expected to be a minor refresh, simply swapping the Lightning port of the current model for USB-C and adding Bluetooth 5.3 support. New color options are also a possibility, but it looks like Apple's most premium audio device will continue to miss out on the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, improved Active Noise Cancellation, skin-detect sensors, sweat and water resistance, the ultra wideband chip, Precision Finding, and support for additional charging methods. Both the fourth-generation AirPods and the second-generation ‌AirPods Max‌ are expected to launch in late 2024. Further in the future, Apple is expected to launch the third-generation AirPods Pro with an updated design that is focused on improved comfort and a faster chip.

Discussion on upcoming iPad Air models with M2 chip and new sizes, possible announcement alongside new iPad Pro models. Speculations on iPad workflows, MacBook Air, and placement in iPad lineup. Comparisons between Apple and Samsung tablets, speculation on new iPad release date and supply chain issues.

Discussion on the new MacBook Air with M3 chip, exploring upgrades like improved microphones and external display support. Comparisons with MacBook Pro, rumors of OLED display upgrades. Speculations on future Apple announcements including OLED iPad Pro models and Magic Keyboard redesign.

On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple’s decision to cancel its long-rumored electric vehicle project.  Despite Apple’s reputation for innovation, the company struggled to achieve the breakthroughs necessary to offer a viable self-driving car. The project’s ambitious scope and shifting focus led to repeated setbacks. Earlier this week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman broke the news that Apple has officially canceled its plans to launch a car, informing approximately 2,000 employees working on the project of the decision. Many of the staff working on the car will apparently move to Apple’s artificial intelligence division. The company apparently spent over $10 billion on the project over the period of a decade. We discuss the multifaceted reasons behind the Apple car’s cancelation and its implications for the future of the company and the wider automotive industry. We talk through the strategic missteps and missed opportunities that characterized the vehicle’s development, such as Apple’s failure to secure a partnership with an established automaker or to acquire a company like Tesla. Our conversation also touches on the competitive dynamics of the automotive industry, such as the reluctance of some automakers to adopt the next-generation CarPlay experience. Despite these challenges, the project’s cancelation opens new avenues for Apple to reallocate its resources toward improving its existing product lineup and emerging technologies such as generative AI.

This episode is sponsored by Notion. Try Notion for free by visiting https://www.notion.com/macrumors Use code THEMACRUMORS at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/themacrumors YouTuber Brian Tong joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to talk about the Vision Pro, the new Apple Sports app, enhanced iMessage security, and more. Brian shares his in-depth thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro headset, including travel scenarios, where it fits in with his other devices, and his favorite features. We take a look at the newly announced Apple Sports app, reflecting on its usefulness, design and future features that could further enrich the user experience, such as integrated play recaps, highlights, and news related to followed teams. We also reflect on the possibility of a "mini"-sized Pro iPhone, support for post-quantum cryptographic security in iMessage, Apple's venture into electric vehicles, and new enhancements to Apple CarPlay in the instrument cluster. See more of Brian's work over on his YouTube channel or follow him on X @briantong. The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward.

This podcast discusses rumored features for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro, including a tetraprism telephoto camera, 'Capture' button, new thermal design, AI features, larger displays, denser batteries, and faster charging. Speculation on size, design changes, and AI advancements. Also covers debates on purchasing AirPods Max and Apple Vision Pro return rate.

Quinn Nelson, tech reviewer and founder of Snazzy Labs, joins the show to discuss their first week using Apple's Vision Pro headset. They cover the technical aspects like display quality, brightness, and hand gestures. They compare the Vision Pro with other VR headsets in the market, highlighting its distortion correction capabilities and productivity suitability. They explore the potential for third-party headbands, future customization, and Apple's unique approach to VR. They also discuss the challenges current VR headsets face and the optimistic outlook for technological improvement.

This episode is sponsored by Notion. Try Notion for free by visiting https://www.notion.com/macrumors On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's potential March event to unveil new iPad and Mac models, iOS 18 as the "biggest" ever iPhone software update, and the first reviews of the Vision Pro headset. We explore the major products Apple is expected to unveil in March, including a new 12.9-inch iPad Air model, redesigned iPad Pros with OLED displays, and refreshed MacBook Air models featuring the M3 chip, as well as some of the rumored accessories due to arrive at the same time, such as an all-new, "laptop-like" Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. We consider whether Apple will opt for a fully fledged event, or a simple series of press releases to announce these updates. We also discuss ‌iOS 18‌, musing about some of the potential redesigns and improvements that could be in store for the software update. Following the release of the first reviews of Apple's Vision Pro headset, we dissect the varying reactions to the device, examining its form factor, user experience, and the unique approach Apple has taken to mitigate the traditionally insular experience of VR/AR headsets. We address some of the limitations currently faced by headsets, such as the absence of a direct touch experience, the market's apparent skepticism towards the device, and where it could go next. Follow The MacRumors Show on: 𝕏: https://twitter.com/macrumorsshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrumorsshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themacrumorsshow