MacBreak Weekly (Audio) – Details, episodes & analysis

Apple had plans to launch full satellite services. President Trump is threatening Apple with a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured overseas. Former Apple designer Jony Ive enters a new partnership with Sam Altman of OpenAI. And what is 'Solarium,' Apple's rumored unified interface that the company could announce at WWDC25?

• Apple's satellite ambitions threatened by Elon Musk, internal resistance.
• Trump threatens 25 percent tariff on iPhones manufactured overseas.
• Tim Cook's 'off-ramp' to placate Trump.
• Tim Cook called Texas Governor Greg Abbott last week urging a veto or changes to a bill that would require Apple to verify users' ages on its devices.
• Apple & Epic agree no in-person court necessary after 'Fortnite' restored to App Store.
• Sam and Jony and skepticism.
• Apple prepares iOS 19, macOS 16 'Solarium' UI overhaul for WWDC.
• App Store protected users from $9 billion in fraud over five years.
• Tap to Pay on iPhone lands today in eight new countries.
• Global wearable band market up 13% in Q1 2025 as Xiaomi takes top spot.
• Apple absolutely cannot miss its smart glasses swing.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: TotalMount
• Leo Picks: Clic for Sonos & WhatsApp iPad App
• Alex's Pick: Tiles for Zoom
• Andy's Pick: pico-mac-nano

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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Apple's struggles to get AI right, and what Apple could do to correct itself. A never-ending update with Epic Games and Apple. Can China kill the iPhone overnight? And a new original Peanuts special is coming soon!

• Why Apple still hasn't cracked AI.
• Apple to open AI models to developers, betting that it will spur new apps.
• Apple developer app updates with WWDC 2025 iMessage stickers.
• How will Apple re-think AI features for WWDC 2025?
• Epic asks judge to reinstate Fortnite on the App Store.
• New 'Apple in China' book convincingly argues that the iPhone could be killed overnight.
• Apple Maps gets in on F1 hype with Monaco update.
• Trump praises Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at Saudi Summit.
• Trump says he doesn't want Apple building products in India.
• Apple is 'dying to make' Vision Pro affordable, says Bono.
• The Price is Right' contestants were off by thousands when guessing the cost of Apple's Vision Pro.
• Universal Music Group and Apple Music announce Sound Therapy.
• Apple TV+ announces "Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical," new original Peanuts special premiering globally July 18, 2025.
• CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, begins rolling out today.
• Oops! I accidentally vibe-coded a ChatGPT client for my Apple Watch.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: Pushover
• Leo & Andy's Pick: NotebookLM
• Alex's Pick: Murderbot

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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Apple unveiled many things at WWDC25 this year, including the newest versions of iPadOS and visionOS, with a new unified naming convention across its OS's. Apple Intelligence gets a slew of new capabilities across Apple devices. And the panel remembers Bill Atkinson.

• iPadOS 26 introduces powerful new features that push the capabilities and versatility of iPad even further.
• visionOS 26 introduces powerful new spatial experiences for Apple Vision Pro.
• Apple Intelligence gets even more powerful with new capabilities across Apple devices.
• macOS Tahoe 26 makes the Mac more capable, productive, and intelligent than ever.
• The iPad just got a lot more like a Mac thanks to these 20+ new features.
• Bill Atkinson, hypercard creator and original Mac team member, dies at age 74.

Picks of the Week:

• Mikah's Pick: Hidden Folks+
• Andy's Pick: Astro Pinball by Kyle Sylvestre
• Alex's Pick: Small Rig's Wireless Video Monitor for iPhone
• Leo's Pick: Mitxela Clock

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, and Andy Ihnatko

Guest: Mikah Sargent

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Apple gives a 'Sleek Peek' to WWDC 2025 next week. Is Apple changing its naming convention for its OSs? Slowly, more content is being released for Apple's Vision Pro. And is Apple looking to acquire streaming rights to MLB Sunday Night Baseball?

• Apple shares new 'Sleek Peek' teaser ahead of WWDC 2025 next week.
• Apple developer event will show it's still far from being an AI leader.
• Apple to launch iOS 26, macOS 26 in major rebrand tied to software redesigns.
• Shortcuts app to get revamp with Apple Intelligence integration.
• Google Gemini integration in Siri might be a bigger deal than we initially thought.
• Apple acquires RAC7, its first-ever video game studio.
• "Stories of Surrender" is spectacular (and somewhat immersive).
• TIME Studios and TARGO unveil WWII doc for Apple Vision Pro.
• Apple appeals EU law that requires it to share sensitive user data with other.
• 28 Years Later director Danny Boyle goes big with the horror sequel: 'If you're widescreen, the infected could be anywhere'.
• Apple could buy Apple TV+ with MLB Sunday Night Baseball streaming rights.
• Apple Design Awards - 2025 winners and finalists.

Picks of the Week:

• Andy's Pick: Phoenix Slides
• Alex's Pick: Sensibo
• Jason's Pick: Theater by Sandwich

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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This week's episode dives deep into the post-WWDC hangover, exploring Apple's remarkable software improvements across platforms. The hosts examine the first third-party immersive video production using Blackmagic's new camera, celebrate major Vision Pro persona upgrades, and discuss Apple's complete re-architecture of iPad windowing. The conversation reveals how Apple's software teams seem to have hit their stride after years of criticism, delivering substantial improvements from terminal apps to AI integration.

• Canal+ MotoGP Documentary for Vision Pro - First third-party Apple immersive video production shot entirely with new Blackmagic URSA camera, featuring French motorcycle racer Johann Zarco
• Spatial Personas Get Major Upgrade - visionOS 26 delivers dramatically improved personas that actually look like real people, though beards still cause mouth-tracking issues
• Geographic Persistence and Room Mapping - visionOS 26 features allow virtual objects to stay in place across reboots and sessions
• Apple Home Hub Smart Display Discovery - Code found in iOS 26 dev beta reveals upcoming HomePod with screen, expected by the end of year
• iPad Multitasking Revolution - Craig Federighi explains the complete re-architecture of iPadOS 26 windowing system, bringing full Mac-style window management to iPad
• Background Task Processing - iPadOS 26 introduces finite background tasks for exports and file operations, finally allowing users to switch apps during long processes
• Software Quality Renaissance - Discussion of Apple's apparent software turnaround, from improved backend infrastructure (40% improvement moving from Java to Swift/Rust) to new developer APIs
• New Speech-to-Text APIs - Apple provides developers access to on-device transcription that's twice as fast as Whisper, though slightly less accurate
• Third-Party App Integration Improvements - Apple now allows music apps to show animated artwork on lock screen and provides access to various ML models
• Terminal and Spotlight Updates - macOS 26 features the first meaningful Terminal app update in years, plus pro features added to Spotlight, including clipboard history
• F1 Movie Marketing Blitz - Deep dive into Apple's $200+ million investment in the F1 film, including custom iPhone cameras built for race cars and haptic trailer experiences

Picks of the Week:

• Leo's Pick: Classic Sega iOS games going free before delisting on the App Store, including Crazy Taxi, Sonic titles, and Super Monkey Ball
• Jason's Pick: PlugShare app for electric vehicle owners to find compatible charging stations across all networks and plug types
• Andy's Pick: Usagi Yojimbo comic collection Humble Bundle featuring Stan Sakai's acclaimed samurai rabbit series, with proceeds supporting the Hero Initiative
• Alex's Pick: Perla iOS camera app designed to give iPhone footage an authentic 16mm film look and feel

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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Apple silicon was announced five years ago this week. Apple held internal talks about purchasing AI startup Perplexity. New camera features could be coming to the iPhone 17 Pro later this fall. And why did Apple pull its recent ad campaign video after just one day?

• Intel to Apple silicon transition for Mac was announced five years ago.
• The infamous Apple typewriter memo is 40 years old.
• RIP Mickey Mouse glove: macOS Tahoe has a new set of cursors.
• FireWire may finally be dead in macOS 26 & Apple isn't looking back.
• Apple executives have held internal talks about buying AI startup Perplexity.
• A few notes on iPadOS 26 audio and video capture.
• Apple pulls ad campaign fronted by SNL star just one day after its debut.
• Apple read your mean tweets about Liquid Glass and Finder.
• iPhone 17 Pro: Four new camera features are coming this fall.
• NFC Release 15 protocol announced, next-gen devices could see quadruple the operating range.
• Creative clash halts production of Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson Apple TV+ show.
• Apple wins appeal to overturn $300 mln US patent verdict.
• Feds wise up and ban WhatsApp, might shift to Apple Messages.
• EU ecodesign for smartphones including right to repair now In effect.
• F1' immersive video takes you around the track with Brad Pitt on Apple Vision Pro.
• Fly around Vast's Haven-1 space station using the Apple Vision Pro.

Picks of the Week:

• Andy's Pick: Project Indigo
• Alex's Pick: F1 Movie
• Jason's Pick: AI Shortcuts on macOS 26

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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iOS 26 Beta 3 dials back its liquid glass look in this current beta. Which Apple devices could be affected by Trump's planned August tariffs? Is Apple planning to launch its own Public Cloud model? And an Apple AI executive leaves the company, lured by Meta's AI hiring spree backed by big bucks.

• iOS 26 beta 3 dials back Liquid Glass.
• Apple seeds third developer betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date: When to expect the new model.
• Foxconn tells hundreds of Chinese staff to return from its Indian iPhone factories.
• Trump advisor Navarro rips Apple's Tim Cook, saying he's not moving production out of China fast enough.
• Macs and Apple Watch to be hit by Trump tariffs starting on August 1.
• Apple considers launching public cloud.
• Apple just released an interesting coding language model.
• Apple loses top AI models executive to Meta's hiring spree.
• iPhone 17 Pro to reverse iPhone X design decision.
• iPhone 17 models rumored to feature redesigned Dynamic Island.
• Apple puases work on foldable iPad.
• Apple acquires digital avatar company TrueMeeting to bolster Vision Pro personas.
• Ed Sheeran, Drake, the Weeknd lead Apple Music's top 500 streamed songs of the past decade.
• 'F1' is Apple's highest-grossing theatrical film ever.
• Two years in, Apple is now officially on Threads.
• Apple's 5th Ave store spray-painted to protest 'climate hypocrisy'.
• You can use sous vide to help iPhone repairs, but please don't.

Picks of the Week:

• Leo's Pick: Arteck iPad Mini Keyboard Case
• Andy's Pick: Anker 548 Power Bank
• Jason's Pick: Suika Game+
• Alex's Pick: Turtle AV Downtown

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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Are people furious about the F1 Movie Apple Wallet ad? Apple could look to using Anthropic or OpenAI to power Siri AI features. The EU could miss out on new iOS 26 features when it rolls out later this year. And Pixelmator Pro gets new updates that integrate Apple Intelligence features!

• More on Apple's trust-eroding 'F1 The Movie' Wallet ad.
• Apple weighs using Anthropic or OpenAI to power Siri in major reversal.
• iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, watchOS 11.6, tvOS 18.6 and visionOS 2.6 get second betas
• Apple tells EU to forget about getting all the new iOS 26 features.
• Germany asks Apple and Google to pull DeepSeek app.
• Brazil wants its piece of the App Store anti-competition fines Apple faces worldwide.
• Senior Vision Pro engineer allegedly took a 'massive volume' of secret plans to Snap.
• Apple surveys Vision Pro users about competing headsets and smart glasses.
• Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive powers Apple Vision Pro's next leap.
• The eight reasons people upgrade Mac or PC, as shipments surge.
• Apple plans low-cost MacBook based on iPhone processor.
• Pixelmator Pro gains better RAW images, Accessibility — and Apple Intelligence.
• Apple loses bid to dismiss US smartphone monopoly case.
• Apple finally has a box office hit with 'F1.' What's next for the studio's movie strategy?
• Apple's Swift working to support Android app development.

Picks of the Week:

• Leo's Pick: ICE Block
• Jason's Pick: MacWhisper
• Andy's Pick: Neon Ichiban
• Alex's Pick: Lingo

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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When will iOS 26's public beta will be made available? Is Apple losing ground in the AI talent war? Apple's first foldable iPhone could arrive next year. And a unique color could be coming with the iPhone 17 Pro.

• macOS Tahoe Public Beta Available for Some Users [Update: Pulled].
• TSMC US chip production may soon only be three years behind Taiwan.
• UK backing down on Apple encryption backdoor after pressure from US.
• Bigfoot, Orca, and a Trombone, are among new emoji coming to iOS 26.
• Apple's Emoji Game is now out for News+ subscribers in the US and Canada.
• Why Apple Is Losing Ground in the AI Talent War (It's Not Just Money).
• The first foldable iPhone will arrive next year in Un-Apple-Like fashion.
• One of the iPhone 17 Pro colors might literally be Liquid Glass.
• 'Ted Lasso' Season 4: Juno Temple & Brendan Hunt return; new cast includes Tanya Reynolds, Faye Marsay & Ted's son.
• Apple warns Iranians of iPhone spyware attacks ahead of Israel conflict.
• Earth will spin faster today to create 2nd-shortest day in history.

Picks of the Week:

• Andy's Pick: MDR Dasher Keyboard
• Alex's Pick: Flipboard
• Jason's Pick: Longplay

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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Apple has reportedly offered $150 million for exclusive streaming rights for F1, Apple executive shake-ups are looming within the company, Apple is committing $500 million to a rare earth recycling firm, and more Apple products, including its infamous 'trash can' Mac Pro, have been added to its vintage products list.

• Apple is offering 150 million to stream F1.
• Tim Cook isn't going anywhere soon, but an Apple shake-up looms.
• Apple backs US rare earth magnets supply chain with $500 million deal.
• EU likely to shelve digital tax plan that would target Apple and other Big Tech companies.
• Apple plans new MacBook Pro, iPhone 17e and iPads by early 2026.
• iPhone 17 Pro models rumored to have all-new unique color option.
• Fine M-Tec: leading beneficiary of SDC's crease-free display solution for foldable iPhone.
• Study: Apple's newest AI model flags health conditions with up to 92% accuracy.
• Apple Silicon machine learning code may become more easily portable to Nvidia hardware.
• 'Ted Lasso' star Hannah Waddingham says season 4 is like a 'beloved dog that was buried, and now we've exhumed it'.
• Steve Jobs lived in this counterculture commune in Oregon when he dreamed up Apple.
• Frame of preference: A history of Mac settings, 1984–2004.
• AirPort Base Stations: Will Apple ever return to Wi-Fi router market?
• Iconic 'Trash Can' Mac Pro is now on Apple's vintage products list.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition' coming to Apple Silicon Macs on July 17.
• Apple has its best Emmy nomination cycle ever, with 81 nominations.

Picks of the Week:

• Andy's Pick: Blip
• Alex's Pick: AppleTV
• Jason's Pick: PlayDate Season 2

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

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