The MacRumors Show

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95: Apple's Next BIG Thing Apr 05, 2024

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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.

94: WWDC Officially Announced & the Latest iOS 18 Rumors Mar 29, 2024

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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.
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93: Apple’s FOUR Upcoming AirPods Models Mar 22, 2024

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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.

92: Where Are the New iPads?!? Mar 15, 2024

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Use code THEMACRUMORS at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/themacrumors
On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple’s upcoming iPad Air models, which are expected to be announced in just a matter of weeks. The sixth-generation ‌iPad Air‌ is rumored to feature the M2 chip, a redesigned rear camera, and specification upgrades like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Most significantly, the ‌iPad Air‌ is expected to come in two sizes for the first time, just like the Apple Watch, iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. One of the size options will be the same as the previous two generations at 10.9-inches, while the new addition to the lineup will mirror the ‌iPad Pro‌’s 12.9-inch model. The new devices should be announced alongside new ‌iPad Pro‌ models in late March or April. We also discuss iPad workflows, the new ‌MacBook Air‌, and the positioning of each of the models in the current ‌iPad‌ lineup.

91: Is the M3 MacBook Air a Good Upgrade? Mar 08, 2024

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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 new MacBook Air featuring the M3 chip. We delve into the new machines' features, exploring upgrades such as the M3 chip, improved microphones, and more versatile external display support. We discuss the MacBook Air's ideal configurations and key buying decisions, weighing the new machines up against the MacBook Pro, and take a look at where the ‌MacBook Air‌ could be headed next amid reports of an significant upgrade to OLED display technology in the future.
We also discuss the rest of Apple's rumored announcements for March, which include new OLED iPad Pro models, a new Apple Pencil, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.

90: RIP Apple Car Mar 01, 2024

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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.

89: Talking Vision Pro and Apple Sports ft. Brian Tong Feb 23, 2024

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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.

88: iPhone 16 Pro's Rumored Features and Improvements Feb 16, 2024

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of the major features and improvements rumored for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models. With the iPhone 16 lineup likely just seven months away and after over a year of rumors, we discuss the tentpole features expected on the upcoming devices, such as a 5x tetraprism telephoto camera, an all-new "Capture" button, a new thermal design, exclusive AI features, and larger displays, as well as denser, larger batteries and faster charging.
For a full breakdown of all of the differences the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max are expected to bring to the table compared to the current models, see our detailed guide. What do you think about how the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ is shaping up according to rumors? Let us know in the comments.

87: One Week With Apple Vision Pro ft. Quinn Nelson (Snazzy Labs) Feb 09, 2024

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On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, Snazzy Labs’ Quinn Nelson joins us to talk about the first week using Apple’s long-awaited Vision Pro headset.
Now that they each have one, Quinn and Dan discuss whether the Vision Pro meets their expectations. A significant portion of our dialogue is dedicated to the technical aspects of the Vision Pro, including its display quality, brightness, and the challenges users might face with hand gestures and text selection. The conversation progresses to evaluate the device’s text sharpness, its implications for productivity, and how comfortable it feels with the two headband options.
An interesting part of our discussion compares the Vision Pro with other VR headsets in the market. We highlight the distinct features of the Vision Pro that set it apart, especially its distortion correction capabilities and suitability for productivity tasks, contrasting it with the Meta Quest’s gaming prowess. We also explore the potential for third-party headbands, future customization, and design possibilities, emphasizing Apple’s unique position in the VR landscape and its differing approach from rivals.
We ponder the coexistence of Apple and Meta within the VR space, acknowledging the competition but also recognizing the distinctive strengths and target audiences each company caters to. This leads to a broader discussion about the challenges current VR headsets face, such as eye strain, and the optimistic outlook for technological improvements over time that could mitigate these issues.
A considerable part of our discussion tackles the technicalities and challenges surrounding Personas and face scanning with the Vision Pro, including the influence of factors like face shape, hair, and lighting conditions on the accuracy of these features. Quinn also shares insights on the integration of iPad apps with the Vision Pro, highlighting how this has transformed his workflow in certain instances and the potential it unlocks for productivity.
Despite the mix of frustrations and amazement the Vision Pro has brought, we come to a consensus acknowledging the exciting possibilities the device offers for the future of VR and productivity, considering whether or not we would recommend Apple’s headset to others.
See more of Quinn’s work over on his YouTube channel, Snazzy Labs, and follow him on X @SnazzyLabs.

86: March Apple Event Rumors and iOS 18's 'Biggest' Ever Update Feb 02, 2024

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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.
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