9to5Mac Happy Hour – Details, episodes & analysis

Benjamin and Chance get hyped for Apple’s upcoming ‘Glowtime’ September event, discussing some last-minute rumors and leaks about the products on deck. They discuss the market for the rumored plastic body Apple Watch SE, the latest on the M4 Mac mini redesign, and the iOS 18 Sports app gets a feature it should have had from the beginning. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin checks in with Chance’s Vision Pro usage and rallies against the narrative that “AI” has somehow supplanted “AR”.

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Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Apple Watch SE might switch from aluminum to plastic
• Report: Apple testing next-gen Apple Watch SE made with plastic to cut costs
• This is probably the new gold titanium iPhone 16 Pro color
• M4 Mac mini likely to lose support for USB-A, keep internal power supply
• Apple Music adds five new personalized 'Mood' stations
• Apple Sports brings live scores to your iPhone lock screen with iOS 18

The September iPhone event is official! Benjamin and Chance break down what they expect to see on September 9. Also, Apple releases iOS 18.1 beta 3 with the new AI photos Clean Up feature, an expansion of notification summaries, and Apple SVP Luca Maestri announces he is transitioning out of the CFO role. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance marvels at how Homebridge is more reliable than the official Matter integration for HomeKit. And Ted Lasso season 4 is all but confirmed.

• Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladderlife.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved.
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Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Chance on The Talk Show
• Apple officially announces iPhone 16 event
• Apple event coming soon: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and more
• iOS 18.1 beta 3 lets you remove distractions from pictures with new 'Clean Up' feature
• iOS 18.1 beta 3 brings Apple Intelligence notification summaries to all apps
• iOS 18 adding default app controls for messaging, phone calls, navigation, and more in the EU
• Rumor: AirPods Pro 3 coming ‘soon’ with ‘much better’ noise cancellation
• Apple announces CFO transition coming soon, names Luca Maestri successor
• Gurman: Apple issues fourth known round of layoffs this year with Services job cuts

Benjamin and Chance react to all the new features in iOS 18 beta 2, and the fact that most of those features won’t be available in the European Union as Apple worries about DMA compliance concerns. In other EU legal news, the commission threatens fines for Apple’s anti-steering policies, and is officially investigating the Core Technology Fee. Also, Chance reviews the new Beats Solo Buds and relaunched Beats Pill portable speaker. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance’s Mac low storage bug returns, and Benjamin tries the Connected Cards feature in the Apple Wallet app. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
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Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Review: Beats Solo Buds set a new standard
• Hands-on: The Beats Pill is back and better than ever
• US carriers enabling RCS for iPhone users running iOS 18 beta 2
• EU App Store changes for iPad now available to test with second iPadOS 18 beta
• Hands-on with iPhone Mirroring with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
• Hands-on with SharePlay Remote Control on iPadOS 18 [Video]
• Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring to Mac, and SharePlay Screen Sharing won’t be available in the EU at launch
• EU says Apple anti-steering rules in breach of DMA, officially investigating Core Technology Fee terms
• Apple TV app adds new 'Catch Up' feature for live streaming sports in MLS Season Pass
• Apple announces first premium podcast, available to listen early access with Apple TV+ subscription

Benjamin and Chance are back with a review of this week’s Apple news, including thoughts on the rumored bigger watch sizes coming this fall, Apple’s plans to design thinner iPhone and MacBook Pro models, and the abrupt cancellation of Apple Pay Later. We also have unearthed even more interesting changes found in the first iOS 18 beta. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, we predict what iOS 18 features will have the most impact, positive or negative, on the public at large when the software update lands on customer iPhones  later this year. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladderlife.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved.
• Sponsored by Happy Hour Plus: Subscribe for $5/month to unlock ad-free episodes and bonus content, and to support Chance and Benjamin directly.

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• iOS 18 brings math and conversions support to your iPhone's keyboard
• iOS 18 lets users choose their preferred Home Hub device
• watchOS 11 removes Siri face on Apple Watch
• Apple planning redesigned iPhone, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch that are significantly thinner
• Kuo: Apple Watch Series 10 to feature larger display and thinner chassis, approaching Ultra screen size
• Apple discontinuing Apple Pay Later, ahead of new features launching this fall
• Apple Pay Later withdrawal likely because of a law passed in 1968
• Report: Apple halts work on Vision Pro, aims to release cheaper Vision headset next year

In this bumper edition, Benjamin and Chance react to everything Apple announced at WWDC 2024, including all the new features in iOS 18, visionOS 2, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11 and tvOS 18, and the suite of announcements under the banner of Apple Intelligence, as Apple sets its AI strategy. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, we have even more thoughts on WWDC and some of the surrounding press interviews taking place this week. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
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• Sponsored by iMazing: Discover iMazing 3, the ultimate solution for managing your iPhone and Apple devices with powerful backup options, effortless media transfers, comprehensive message extraction, and Apple Vision Pro support, all in a sleek, redesigned interface.

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• WWDC 2024 live blog and news hub: iOS 18, 'Apple Intelligence' debut, more - 9to5Mac

Benjamin and Chance run down the WWDC expectations, and debate whether reality will match the hype. There’s certainly a lot expected, with major new features for the iOS 18 home screen, Control Center, and a veritable AI infusion across Apple’s platforms. We give our thoughts on what we are most excited to see announced. Plus, Apple accidentally miscounted the number of GPU cores in the M2 iPad Air, and the Apple TV app may finally be coming to Android. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance embarked on a 3,500-mile road EV trip to his new house, and loves CarPlay more than ever before. He also updates us on how good the Vision Pro is as a travel holiday computer, and his smart home plans. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today.
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Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Apple says M2 iPad Air performance claims are accurate despite GPU mix-up
• Apple downgrades new M2 iPad Air, now says it features a 9-core GPU instead of 10-core
• Report: Apple working on bringing Apple TV app to Android phones
• Apple held talks to launch Apple TV+ in China, would become the only US streaming service to be available in the region
• Rumor: iPhone 16 Pro to feature world's thinnest smartphone bezel
• Here’s everything to expect from Apple’s AI-focused WWDC 2024

Benjamin and Zac discuss the curious rumors about a 20-inch foldable iPad/MacBook, and the latest Vision Pro content developments. iOS 18 may let users change the icons of the apps on their home screen, but how exactly? We also have more insight into Apple’s AI plans and its approach to handling user data privacy while remaining feature competitive.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Zac talk more about the genuine utility of ChatGPT in daily life.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
• Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR.

Introducing 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes:

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Apple’s WWDC opportunity: why iOS 18 may prove pivotal to taking AI mainstream
• iOS 18 Siri will better understand people, events, locations – report
• Vision Pro Marvel app reviews: ‘Best experience’ or ‘flimsy and meh’
• OpenAI is helping Apple fix Siri, and that has Microsoft worried
• Apple’s artificial intelligence servers will use ‘confidential computing’ techniques to process user data while maintaining privacy
• Apple’s WWDC opportunity: why iOS 18 may prove pivotal to taking AI mainstream
• Apple confirms WWDC keynote details for AI-focused iOS 18, Platforms State of the Union, and more
• Customizing iOS app icons could be more impactful than it seems
• Apple may label iOS 18 artificial intelligence features as a beta preview, signaling Apple is still playing catch-up
• Rumor: iOS 18 will let users create custom emoji using generative AI
• Report: iOS 18 will let users recolor app icons, and place them wherever they want on the home screen
• Apple elaborates on rare iOS 17.5 bug that resurfaced deleted photos
• Welcome to the Ultra era, where Apple is making iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads more luxury than ever

Benjamin and Chance react to the surprise reports of a major form-factor change coming to the iPhone in 2025, with the addition of a new redesigned ‘Ultra’ model priced above the current Pro Max. The Plus is also expected to go away next year. iOS 17.5.1 includes a fix for the deleted photos bug but Apple yet again neglects to explain what happened. And, Apple Music causes a stir with their Best 100 albums list. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance discuss the appeal of the newly announced Peacock, Apple, and Netflix Comcast ‘StreamSaver’ bundle.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
• Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladderlife.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved.

Introducing 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes:

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Apple Music 'best albums of all time' countdown reveals the top 10
• Apple Music kicks off 10-day '100 Best Albums' of all time countdown
• Rumor: iOS 18 to include new 'smart song transitions' feature for Apple Music
• Apple launches iPhone trade in promotion, get boosted credit for a new iPhone for a limited time
• Apple says iOS 17.5.1 fixes 'rare' bug that caused deleted photos to return
• iOS 17.5 is allegedly resurfacing pictures that were deleted years ago
• Apple Plans a Thinner iPhone in 2025 — The Information
• iPhone 17 rumors: New design, 'Slim' model to replace 'Plus’, more
• All-screen M5 MacBook with foldable display and Vision Pro price now rumored for 2026
• Netflix, Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle priced at $15/mo for Comcast Xfinity customers

Benjamin gives his thoughts on his brief experience using the new M4 iPad Pro hardware, while Chance ponders a purchase. Apple previews some exciting new iOS 18 accessibility features, and we gist more insight into Apple’s AI plans with reports that the company is already hosting Apple Silicon chips in its server farms.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance react to the increasing likelihood that John Ternus becomes Apple’s next CEO, in the fullness of time. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Incogni: Limit public access to your private information, mitigate the risks of identity theft, and keep your data from being sold. Use code “happyhour” at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/happyhour
• Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR.

Introducing 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Here’s how the new iOS Cross-Platform Tracking Detection works
• Apple announces new accessibility features, including Eye Tracking - Apple
• iOS 17.5 is now available: Here's everything you need to know
• Apple previews iOS 18 accessibility features including eye tracking and music haptics
• CarPlay in iOS 18 will add these new accessibility features
• iOS 18 will let you use custom voice phrases to trigger actions
• Vision Pro will soon be able to show live captions of everything being spoken around you
• M4 iPad Pro reviews praise OLED display; criticize price, software
• Hands-on with the nano-texture M4 iPad Pro [Video]
• Here's how much lighter the iPad Pro's new Magic Keyboard actually is
• Not an iPad Pro Review: Why iPadOS Still Doesn’t Get the Basics Right
• Apple reportedly developing new dedicated chip for AI data centers
• Bloomberg: iOS 18 AI tech to rely on data centers with Apple silicon
• iOS 18: Apple finalizing deal to bring ChatGPT to iPhone
• Apple to unveil brand new Siri at WWDC powered by generative AI
• iPhone 17 rumors: New design, 'Slim' model to replace 'Plus’, more
• Apple allegedly planning foldable 20.3-inch hybrid for 2025, foldable iPhone in 2026
• John Ternus emerging as most likely successor to Tim Cook as Apple CEO

Benjamin and Chance react to all the announcements out of the spring ‘Let Loose’ event, including the radically thin new iPad Pro, the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air lineup, what to expect from the M4 chip, and how the event compared to their expectations going in overall.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance reflect on how they feel the video event format is performing for Apple, and whether it makes sense for the company to return to the live keynote style, sometimes. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
• Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today.
• Sponsored by iMazing 3: The world’s most trusted tool to manage Apple devices and transfer data from a Mac or PC. Redesigned for the future. 

Chance Miller

• @ChanceHMiller on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @ChanceHMiller on Instagram
• @ChanceHMiller on Threads

Benjamin Mayo

• @bzamayo on Twitter
• @[email protected]
• @bzamayo on Threads

• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Spotify

Introducing 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes: 

• Ad-free versions of every episode 
• Pre- and post-show content
• Monthly bonus episodes

Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads
• Email us feedback and questions to [email protected]

• Here's what Apple announced at its iPad-focused ‘Let loose’ event
• iPad Air 6: Redesigned model available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, landscape front camera, more
• Apple announces new iPad Pro: OLED display, M4 chip, thinner redesigned chassis
• Apple unveils M4: Its first chip made for AI from the ground up
• New versions of Final Cut and Logic Pro for iPad take advantage of the power of the M4 chip
• Apple doubles down on AI virtual musicians, adds intelligent stem splitting, more in new Logic Pro for iPad and Mac
• Apple debuts Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro with larger trackpad, function row, aluminum palm rest
• Apple Pencil Pro launches, with squeeze gesture, roll, FindMy
• Apple reduces iPad 10 price to $349, discontinues iPad 9 with Home button