MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

It's not surprising that Apple announced the iPhone 16e the day after last week's MacBreak Weekly. Already, some information about the upcoming iPhone 17 is being leaked, including some information about the rumored slim iPhone 17. And Apple is removing encrypted security features for your cloud data within the UK following the UK government ordering Apple to leave backdoor access to users' data.

• iPhone 16e: all the news on Apple's new $599 phone.
• Apple officially bids farewell to the Lightning port after 13 years.
• Per Ming-chi Kuo: all iPhone 17 models will use Apple's in-house Wi-Fi chips, enhancing connectivity and cutting costs; only the slim iPhone 17 will use the C1 modem chip.
• Apple removes cloud encryption feature from UK after backdoor order.
• Apple currently only able to detect Pegasus spyware in half of infected iPhones.
• Apple to invest $500 billion in U.S. as Trump tariffs loom.
• MacBook Air stocks start to dwindle ahead of M4 update.
• Apple Vision Pro immersive video 'Arctic Surfing' available now.
• Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Vision Pro in April.
• Apple prepares to add Google Gemini to Apple Intelligence.
• Steve Jobs Archive marks Apple co-founder's 70th birthday.
• The new Beeper app combines all of Automattic's messaging systems.

Picks of the Week:

• Leo's Pick: Hyperspace
• Jason's Pick: Framous
• Alex's Pick: Blackmagic 2110
• Andy's Pick: Desert Island Discs, with Johnny Ive.

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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The MacBreak Weekly crew discusses the latest Apple rumors and news, including the impending iPhone SE release, a potential new M4 MacBook, and the brief integration of Netflix with Apple TV. The panel also debates Apple Intelligence's importance in the overall Apple ecosystem.

• Rumors suggest Apple may soon release an updated iPhone SE, possibly called the iPhone 16E, with an A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence
• Speculation about a redesigned iPhone 17 with a camera bar similar to Google Pixel phones
• Apple's progress in Apple Intelligence and its potential impact on various aspects of the ecosystem.
• The brief integration of Netflix with the Apple TV app, which was quickly pulled back, possibly due to ongoing negotiations or a planned rollout
• A potential new 27-inch mini-LED backlit Studio Display and updates to the MacBook Air with an M4 chip.
• China's efforts to hamper iPhone production in India by tightening control over key technologies and limiting engineer travel
• TikTok is back on app stores after a letter from the US Attorney General, though the hosts question if the letter provides sufficient reassurance
• Apple is finally letting users merge two Apple IDs to consolidate purchases, though the process has many caveats and limitations
• The panel's perspective on the iPad vs. Mac debate, inspired by Matt Gemmell's article detailing his switch back to the Mac after 8 years of iPad-only use
• The NBA's updated Apple Vision Pro app features a 3D tabletop view, offering an immersive experience for fans
• Apple Intelligence, a new Spatial showcase app, and an enhanced Guest mode are rumored to be coming to the Vision Pro with the visionOS 2.4 update as soon as April

Picks of the Week:
• Andy's Pick: Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Backpack
• Jason's Pick: Bellroy Transit Workpack
• Leo's Pick: TUMI Backpacks
• Alex's Pick: Tactical 5.11 Rush24 Backpack

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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Apple pushes out iOS and iPad 18.3.1 to fix a security flaw. Could the iPhone SE 4 be released soon, possibly after this episode of MBW goes out? A bug has re-enabled Apple Intelligence in the recent iOS 18.3.1 and macOS 15.3.1 updates when some users opted out of using the service. And Apple released new Powerbeats Pro 2 with new features, including heart rate monitoring.

• About the security content of iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1.
• U.K. orders Apple to let it spy on users' encrypted accounts.
• Apple removed apps infested with screen reading malware.
• Apple's long-awaited overhaul of iPhone SE nears release.
• Spigen accidentally reveals iPhone SE 4 design: bigger screen, action button, and more.
• Bug in macOS and iOS updates re-enables Apple Intelligence for some who'd opted out.
• Powerbeats Pro 2 debut with heart rate monitoring, H2 chip, active noise cancellation, and more.
• Apple reportedly 'passed over' DeepSeek as Apple Intelligence partner.
• Could the trade fight take a bite out of Apple?
• Unlocking Apple Immersive video quality for all.
• One year with the Vision Pro.
• Apple's F1 movie teaser debuts during Super Bowl pregame.

Picks of the Week:

• Alex's Pick: Magic Room
• Andy's Pick: Forklift 4
• Jason's Pick: TRMNL

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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Apple releases its first-quarter results. Apple has reportedly canceled work on Mac-connected augmented reality glasses. What is Hot Tub, an app that was approved in the EU through the approved alternative app store, AltStore PAL? And you can listen to Dr. Ricken's book, 'The You You Are', from Severance.

• Apple reports first quarter results.
• Apple's Invites invites you to send invitations.
• Apple in 2024: The Six Colors report card.
• Apple and SpaceX link up to support Starlink satellite network on iPhones.
• Apple scraps work on Mac-connected augmented reality glasses.
• Mark Gurman on X: "A notable change coming to AppleCare+ next week..."
• Hot Tub, the first native iPhone porn app, arrives in EU.
• 25 years of The Sims turning players into gods.
• Twitterrific team launches new 'Tapestry' iPhone app for Bluesky, Mastodon, RSS, more.
• Everyone knows your location.
• How Apple Vision Pro is finding a home in medicine.
• Dr. Ricken's Severance book, 'The You You Are,' now available in free excerpt.
• Stage adaptation of AppleTV+ show "Schmigadoon!" opens at Kennedy Center, with new songs.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: Hazel 6
• Alex's Pick: Sennhesier Ambeo + Sound Devices MixPre
• Andy's Picks: New Pebble!

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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What's going on with Siri? iOS 18.3 update is out now, along with a fix to a zero-day flaw. You can buy iPhones on eBay with TikTok installed on them as TikTok is still not available for download on the App Store. And on January 27th, 2010, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad at an Apple event.

• Siri is super dumb and getting dumber.
• iOS 18.3 is now available for everyone.
• Apple makes a change to its AI team and plans Siri upgrades.
• Apple fixes zero-day flaw affecting all devices.
• iPhone's with TikTok installed.
• Update now: iOS 18.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3 include 20+ security updates.
• Apple Music pays artists more than 2x Spotify's average rates, per report.
• Trump's chip tariff threat takes aim at Apple's TSMC partnership.
• iPhone SE 4 appears in new photos and video, notch and all.
• Apple releases tvOS 18.3, HomePod 18.3, and visionOS 2.3 for all users.
• Apple earnings are coming.
• Office printer mishap sparks landmark gender pay discrimination lawsuit at Apple.
• Apple buys Boylston Street building for $88 million.
• Apple's next immersive Vision Pro film involves bull riding and arrives soon.
• Apple introduces the 2025 Black Unity Collection.
• Apple Watch bands are safe to wear, says Apple, after lawsuit filed.
• Oscar nominations completely snub Apple TV+.
• Severance - Tim C.
• Apple announced the iPad 15 years ago today.

Picks of the Week:

• Mikah's Pick: LARQ Bottle PureVis 2
• Alex's Pick: Power Prompter
• Andy's Picks: Retrobatch 2

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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TikTok is back up but unavailable for download in the App Store and Google Play Store. Could Apple be making Wi-Fi routers again? Is Goldman Sachs eyeing an early exit from Apple's partnership with the Apple Card? And it's been nearly one year since the Vision Pro was available for pre-order.

• TikTok is partially back online in the US, but it's not back in the App Store yet.
• Apple might start making Wi-Fi routers again, but in a way you wouldn't expect.
• Redesigned Apple Mail app coming to Mac and iPad in April.
• Apple Card's future in question as Goldman Sachs CEO eyes early exit.
• 'Severance': Apple TV+ series has made more than $200M for streamer.
• He didn't respond... so they kicked the door down – Tim Cook reveals how the Apple Watch saved his father's life.
• Tony Fadell wanted Apple to buy Sonos; Steve wanted to sue it.
• Apple makes it easy to donate to Red Cross's LA Wildfire relief efforts.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: SuperWhisper
• Alex's Pick: nuphy Air75 v2 Portable
• Andy's Picks: Letterboxd and the 500th episode of the Material Podcast

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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Leaked CarPlay 2 UI Widgets were discovered in an EU database, Apple is planning a plethora of products to be launched in 2025, and TSMC's Arizona chip plant is nearing Apple certification.

• Talking about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that is rumored to be coming out later this year.
• CarPlay 2 custom widgets UI revealed as Apple continues development.
• Vision Pro 2 won't release in 2025, but lower-cost headset is 'ramping up'.
• Apple's 2025 Plan: iPhone Overhaul, Smart Home Push and AI Catch-up`.
• Mark Zuckerberg slams Apple in Joe Rogan interview: 'They haven't invented anything great in a while'.
• Apple's board recommends shareholders vote against proposal to eliminate diversity programs.
• TSMC's Arizona chip plant nears Apple approval, but will never rival Taiwan.
• Apple donating to LA wildfire recovery & allowing affected Apple Card holders to delay payments.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook's total compensation rose 18% to $74.6 million last year.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: CalDigit TS4 Dock
• Andy's Pick: Pentel Prestol Correction Pen
• Alex's Pick: Air Table

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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The MacBreak Weekly crew celebrates the 25th anniversary of Mac OS X, discusses Apple's $95 million settlement over Siri privacy concerns, and shares their thoughts on new gaming capabilities coming to the Vision Pro headset. The hosts also debate the future of Google search in light of the US government's antitrust case and touch on the possibility of non-invasive glucose monitoring coming to the Apple Watch.

• Release of iOS and iPadOS 16.3.1 with important bug fixes and security updates
• 25th anniversary of Mac OS X and its importance in providing a modern, Unix-based foundation that became the basis for Apple's other operating systems
• Apple's $95 million settlement over Siri privacy concerns related to accidental recordings, while maintaining that user data was never sold or used for marketing
• Speculation on why Apple is unlikely to create its own search engine, particularly due to its lucrative deal with Google and the economic risks involved
• Concerns over Apple's AI-generated news summaries sometimes being wildly inaccurate, prompting calls for the company to suspend the feature until it can be improved
• Expansion of Apple Fitness+ with new workouts and integration with the Strava workout tracking platform
• The gang discusses the ethical implications of Apple potentially securing exclusive rights to non-invasive blood glucose monitoring on the Apple Watch
• Nvidia announcing upcoming support for its GeForce Now game streaming service on the Vision Pro headset, plus the ability to use the device for capturing movement to train AI for robotics
• 'Wicked' director Jon M. Chu used Apple Vision Pro during the film's post-production process

Picks of the Week:
• Leo: Ghostty - a macOS terminal with metal integration
• Jason: Govee Christmas Lights 2, programmable LED lights for festive decoration
• Alex: iPhone Cinematic mode, which allows for impressive video capture and post-production focus adjustments
• Andy: Anker's new 140W 4-port charger, offering fast charging capabilities for multiple devices simultaneously

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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Join us as we take a look back at some of MacBreak Weekly's best moments from 2024:

• The Vision Pro finally arrives, but someone on the panel is less than enthuastic about it.
• The Apple Car is suddenly no more!
• Department of Justice files an Antitrust Lawsuit against Apple.
• Apple announces the M4 chip.
• Apple's finally makes its foray into AI with Apple Intelligence.
• The Vision Pro Jingle is born.
• People finally started receiving their settlement payments over the butterfly keyboard lawsuit. Plus, the last recording of MacBreak Weekly in the Eastside Studio and the retirement of Jammer B.
• Why is Apple waiting to release Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1.
• Apple announces the new M4 Mac mini with a much smaller form factor.

Host: Leo Laporte

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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Blackmagic debuts a new 3D camera to capture video for the Vision Pro, which gets Alex Lindsay very giddy. King Charles III visits Apple's headquarters in the U.K. What does the panel think of iOS 18.2? And is Apple working on a new, folding iPad?

• Blackmagic debuts $30K 3D camera for capturing video for Vision Pro.
• His Majesty King Charles III visits Apple's U.K. headquarters.
• Tim Cook dines with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
• Tim Cook impressed King Charles with this specific iOS 18.2 feature.
• iOS 18.2/macOS 15.2 Review: Picture not so perfect?
• BBC complains to Apple over misleading shooting headline.
• Keynote, Pages, and Numbers get Apple Intelligence features.
• Apple's new vision for computing is a giant foldable iPad.

Picks of the Week:

• Jason's Pick: Mic Drop
• Alex's Pick: Shokz OpenSwim
• Andy's Pick: 'Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas"

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

Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly.

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