MacBreak Weekly Episode 978: "Half-Baked Bread Is Still Dough" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, Jason Snell
Format: TWiT.tv MacBreak Weekly Podcast

Introduction and Overview

In the latest episode of MacBreak Weekly, host Leo Laporte welcomes regular panelists Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, and Jason Snell to discuss the latest developments in the Apple ecosystem. The episode, titled "Half-Baked Bread Is Still Dough," delves into Apple's recent software betas, significant anniversaries, and the company's strategic shifts over the past five years.

Beta 2 of iOS 26 and macOS 26

The panel kicks off by discussing the release of Beta 2 for iOS 26 and macOS 26. Compared to the initial beta, this version appears more refined and stable.

Andy Ihnatko remarks on the stability:

"I've been running, I think all the betas are actually surprisingly stable."
(Timestamp: 04:29)

Jason Snell adds enthusiasm for the improvements:

"It's a work in progress, and it's making good progress."
(Timestamp: 04:35)

Celebrating Apple Silicon's 5th Anniversary

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the fifth anniversary of Apple Silicon. Five years prior, Apple announced the transition from Intel processors to its proprietary Apple Silicon, a move that has since been hailed as a monumental success.

Leo Laporte highlights the seamless transition:

"It's been an amazing success."
(Timestamp: 03:55)

Alex Lindsay compares this shift to previous architecture transitions:

"The transition from PowerPC to Intel wasn't nearly as smooth as this. And it was pretty smooth. Good job."
(Timestamp: 04:10)

The panel acknowledges that Apple Silicon has not only enhanced performance but also spurred significant changes in the broader PC industry, challenging giants like Intel and invigorating competitors such as Qualcomm.

Rosetta 2 and Application Compatibility

With the phasing out of Rosetta 2, Apple's compatibility layer that allowed Intel-based applications to run on Apple Silicon, there's a push to transition developers towards native Apple Silicon applications.

Andy Ihnatko expresses concerns:

"They like to use that and try to clear out the old software that's not being updated anymore."
(Timestamp: 04:39)

Jason Snell adds:

"Either the app developer can fix it, but it's not unusual. I've seen a few Apps say, well, okay, that's good, we're done, goodbye."
(Timestamp: 04:51)

Despite potential challenges, the panel believes that most essential applications have adapted effectively, minimizing the impact on users.

Apple's Vertical Integration and Industry Leadership

The conversation shifts to Apple's vertical integration, emphasizing how the company's control over hardware, software, and services positions it uniquely in the tech landscape.

Andy Ihnatko states:

"Apple can make a decision with... ARM processors that they're designing are going to be able to handle Mac workloads."
(Timestamp: 08:07)

Jason Snell concurs, noting that such integration is rare outside of Apple:

"Doing something that's completely vertical like that is crazy. Unless you're Apple."
(Timestamp: 09:05)

This integrated approach has allowed Apple to set industry standards, compelling other manufacturers to innovate in response to Apple's advancements.

Potential Acquisition of Perplexity and AI Developments

Speculation arises around Apple's interest in acquiring the AI company Perplexity. This move, reported by Bloomberg, could signify a strategic expansion of Apple's AI capabilities.

Alex Lindsay discusses the implications:

"How Apple could integrate a unit like Perplexity into their culture... it would be weird to figure out how the team could continue to function that way inside Apple."
(Timestamp: 34:48)

Andy Ihnatko critiques the potential acquisition:

"Perplexity is a product company, not an LLM company... it doesn't solve their underlying problem."
(Timestamp: 34:55)

The panel remains skeptical, questioning whether acquiring Perplexity would address Apple's core AI development needs or merely serve as a surface-level enhancement.

Changes in macOS 26 Beta Features

Delving into the macOS 26 Beta 2, the hosts explore new features and user interface adjustments. Notably, the menu bar now defaults to being transparent, with options to modify its appearance based on user preference.

Andy Ihnatko shares his experience:

"They added a setting where you can put the stripe up there, which is good because some people want the menu bar to be visible."
(Timestamp: 65:27)

Additionally, a new system-level recording feature for higher-quality podcast recordings on devices like iPads is introduced, enabling users to capture losslessly compressed audio during VoIP sessions.

Leo Laporte praises the functionality:

"It's the highest quality audio that you can get."
(Timestamp: 48:03)

Apple Presentation Video Incident

An internal Apple presentation video intended for parents to advocate for Mac purchases by their children was briefly available on YouTube before being pulled. The hosts humorously discuss the challenges of presenting such content without legal repercussions.

Leo Laporte muses:

"I've got to find out why Apple put up the presentation and then take it down."
(Timestamp: 52:16)

The incident sparks a light-hearted debate on Apple's marketing strategies and their attempt to control content distribution.

Product Picks of the Week

Alex Lindsay's Pick: Adobe's Project Indigo

Alex Lindsay introduces Project Indigo, a new camera app by Adobe that leverages advanced AI for computational photography, aiming to deliver more natural and detailed images compared to standard camera apps.

"It's more like we're building a conventional mirrorless camera with computational AI features built into it."
(Timestamp: 128:48)

Despite being computationally intensive—causing devices to overheat during use—Project Indigo offers impressive image processing capabilities, making it a valuable tool for both casual users and photography enthusiasts.

Andy Ihnatko shares his use case:

"I've got a whole thing that it resizes and optimizes my images... now I've got alt text in all of my image tags."
(Timestamp: 142:00)

The panel anticipates that such integrated AI features will become standard, enhancing user workflows without the need for additional applications.

Jason Snell's Pick: "F1: The Movie"

Jason Snell recommends watching the Apple TV+ movie "F1: The Movie" for its exceptional visual and auditory experience. Filmed at Skywalker Sound and featuring stars like Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey, the film offers an immersive portrayal of Formula 1 racing.

"It's an incredible movie. I'm probably going to go back and see it on... in an IMAX theater."
(Timestamp: 136:54)

The hosts emphasize the film's high production quality, seamless integration of visual effects, and the authentic racing experience it delivers, making it a must-watch for tech and racing enthusiasts alike.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Leo Laporte encourages listeners to join the TWiT Club for exclusive content and community engagement. The hosts also briefly mention upcoming shows and events, highlighting the collaborative and dynamic nature of the TWiT network.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Ihnatko on Apple’s chip transitions:

  "Apple has nailed it all three times."
  (Timestamp: 10:35)

• Jason Snell on AI and Apple’s potential acquisitions:

  "Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you."
  (Timestamp: 34:55)

• Alex Lindsay on Project Indigo’s impact:

  "There is something next level about having features that are part of the stock build of an operating system."
  (Timestamp: 14:33)

Conclusion

Episode 978 of MacBreak Weekly offers an insightful exploration of Apple's ongoing evolution, from celebrating Apple Silicon's milestones to scrutinizing strategic moves in the AI domain. The hosts provide a balanced view, appreciating Apple's successes while critically examining its challenges and future directions. Whether discussing software betas, hardware transitions, or innovative new tools like Adobe's Project Indigo, the episode delivers rich, engaging content for tech enthusiasts and Apple users alike.

For more in-depth discussions and the latest Apple news, subscribe to MacBreak Weekly on your preferred podcast platform or join the TWiT Club for exclusive access.