MacBreak Weekly 983: The Saggy Quarter
Released on July 29, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, Jason Snell

1. Introduction to Public Betas and Initial Impressions

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing the arrival of macOS Tahoe and iOS 26 public betas. Leo Laporte shares his enthusiasm about installing the betas on his Macs and iPads, although he's holding off on the iPhone due to concerns over device performance.

Notable Quote:
Leo Laporte [04:17]: "I'm torn between the devil on my right shoulder and the angel on my left. But you know what I decided? Oh, heck, just do it."

2. iOS 26 Multitasking Enhancements on iPad

The conversation delves into Apple's revamped multitasking features in iOS 26, particularly the shift towards a Mac-like tiling window system on the iPad. While some appreciate the enhanced productivity tools, others, including developer Harry McCracken, express concerns about losing unique iPad experiences like Slide Over.

Notable Quote:
Andy Ihnatko [09:26]: "Slide Over was like the easy little basic multitasking that you could do. And now that they've got this, they don't need it anymore."

3. macOS Tahoe Public Beta: Features and Critiques

Andy and Jason provide an in-depth analysis of macOS Tahoe’s new features, highlighting improvements in Spotlight search, Automation via Shortcuts, and the introduction of a more flexible Control Center. However, they critique the implementation of Liquid Glass, describing it as "amateurish" and "half-finished."

Notable Quote:
Andy Ihnatko [15:03]: "I turned off Lunch Bar, which I've used for 15 years and I still haven't gone back."

4. Apple's Enhanced AppleCare One: A Multi-Device Warranty Solution

Leo introduces Apple's new AppleCare One program, designed for users with multiple Apple devices. The hosts discuss its cost-effectiveness, especially for those who frequently use AppleCare+ services. While Leo considers it beneficial, others like Alex remain skeptical, emphasizing the need to evaluate based on individual device usage.

Notable Quote:
Andy Ihnatko [71:59]: "If you're a regular AppleCare person, you know, you got to look at this because it will probably save you money."

5. Privacy Enhancements in iOS 26 and Political Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers around iOS 26’s new feature that filters out texts from unknown senders by default. This change has stirred controversy among political campaigns, particularly Senate Republicans, who fear it could impede their outreach efforts.

Notable Quote:
Jason Snell [40:34]: "It's like, oh, dear, what are you going to do?"

6. Vision Pro Segment: Excitement and Future Prospects

The hosts briefly touch upon Apple's Vision Pro, expressing excitement about its potential. However, there are reservations about how it will integrate with existing workflows and the centrality of the smartphone in Apple’s ecosystem.

Notable Quote:
Andy Ihnatko [82:49]: "I think the smartphone is too good. I think the smartphone is such a great product that it will be very hard to get more likely to build accessories on top of it than to kick it to the curb for a decade at least, if not more."

7. Rush Drummer Tribute and Copyright Discussions

In a heartfelt segment, the hosts pay tribute to Rush drummer Neil Peart, discussing his contributions and the band’s legacy. This segues into a discussion about copyright issues, particularly how YouTube’s Content ID system mistakenly flagged public domain works, leading to frustrations among creators.

Notable Quote:
Jason Snell [131:40]: "I have an enormous amount of respect for Mike Seymour. We've been friends for a long time."

8. Recommendations and Pick of the Week

Andy recommends the Rocket app for seamless emoji insertion, replacing the functionality he previously relied on with LaunchBar. Leo shares his positive experience with Perplexity’s new AppleScript integration, enhancing productivity through automation.

Notable Quote:
Andy Ihnatko [126:42]: "Rocket is the answer."

9. Closing Remarks and Community Shout-Outs

The episode concludes with the hosts acknowledging their club members, promoting upcoming events, and encouraging listeners to join the TwitTV Club for exclusive benefits. They also tease upcoming segments, including deep dives into Apple’s financials and new software features.

Notable Quote:
Leo Laporte [124:07]: "If you're looking for ways to upcharge, I need to know a little bit more about how much they're spending for whatever they're using for compute."

Key Takeaways

• AppleCare One: A new multi-device warranty program that could offer savings for users with multiple Apple devices. Evaluation based on individual needs is recommended.
• iOS 26 Multitasking: Enhanced window tiling on iPad brings Mac-like productivity but may sacrifice unique iPad experiences.
• macOS Tahoe: Introduces powerful tools for power users but faces criticism for inconsistent UI elements like Liquid Glass.
• Privacy Features: iOS 26’s default filtering of unknown texts strengthens user privacy but poses challenges for political campaign communications.
• Vision Pro: Promises innovation but its integration with current Apple products and workflows remains uncertain.
• Community Tools: Apps like Rocket and Perplexity are highlighted for enhancing productivity through seamless integrations and automation.

This episode of MacBreak Weekly offers a comprehensive overview of Apple’s latest software updates and services, blending technical insights with community-focused discussions. Whether you're a power user evaluating AppleCare One or a developer interested in the nuances of Liquid Glass, this episode provides valuable perspectives to navigate the evolving Apple ecosystem.