MacBreak Weekly 997: Dunkin' and Dodgin'

Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Leo Laporte
Panelists: Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, Jason Snell

Main Theme:

This episode centers on the latest Apple software updates (iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.1 "Tahoe"), Apple's Q4 financial results, the rumored low-cost "iPhone chip" MacBook, Apple TV+ strategy, notable moments in automation history, and industry shifts around AI and hardware. As ever, the team blends deep analysis, personal anecdotes, and cheerful banter.

1. OS Update: iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.1 ("Tahoe")

Timestamps: 00:45 – 16:00, interspersed
Main Topics:

The release addresses user complaints about UI changes, security, and more.
Features added: Slide Over (multitasking), customization of the "liquid glass" effect, refined clipboard management, and significant Shortcuts enhancements.

Key Points:

Apple responded to user outcry about transparency and legibility:

"Okay, you babies, we heard you complain enough. Fine, you can have slide-over back. Fine, you can have the slide to lock and unlock thing back. Fine, you can turn off liquid glass if you don’t like it. Happy now?" – Andy (02:03)
New setting to adjust the liquid glass background:

"So clear or tinted. That's the two choices." – Leo (03:54)
Clipboard management granularity (saves history for 30 mins, 8 hours, or 7 days) for privacy/security.
Shortcuts: Mac now supports full automation triggers, previously only possible on iPhone/iPad.
Security: Recommended to update ASAP, especially for those already on version 26.

Memorable Moment:

Users wanting different clipboard histories:

"Some people said eight hours is not enough… Have a week." – Jason Snell (08:11)

2. Automation & Production Anecdotes

Timestamps: 12:38 – 26:44

The panel reminisces about Mac automation, AppleScript, and the legendary Sal Soghoian’s role in pushing Mac scripting.
Alex shares the origin story of MacBreak Weekly's video production—buying Lucasfilm’s $82,000 cameras (!) and struggles in early HD content.
The importance of AppleScript and pipeline stability to the Mac's survival and publishing industry history.

Standout Quote:

"One of the reasons that Macs stayed in use when Windows 95 especially was taking over was that people had written these enormous production systems that were automated with AppleScript and they literally couldn’t move off the Mac." – Jason (16:51)

Memorable Throwback:

Early MacBreak episodes shot in HD, avant la lettre, with technical chaos, expensive gear, and bleeding-edge green screen tests.

3. Apple’s AI Partnerships – Gemini, Foundation Models & Industry Challenge

Timestamps: 28:11 – 34:55

Apple rumored to partner with Google for a white-label Gemini AI model running on Apple's private cloud compute.
Won’t openly send user data to Google—focus is on privacy and modularity.
The deal is both a strategic acknowledgment of Google’s AI prowess and a move to keep pace, as Apple’s own models lag.
Industry-wide, Microsoft and Google are investing in nuclear energy to power AI data centers—electricity is becoming a true bottleneck.

Quotes:

"Aren’t you kind of relieved at… at least this rumor that Apple is saying, ‘We don't want to delay this into infinity. We would much rather— we don't have so much ego that we’re not going to basically hire somebody to help us out.’" – Andy (29:33)

“In six months it'll be a totally different model that’s ten times better. That's just sort of how it goes.” – Jason (32:37)

4. Apple Financials: All-Time Highs & Subtle Warnings

Timestamps: 38:31 – 57:06

Apple set an all-time Q4 revenue record: $102.5 billion.
Services are up, Mac up, iPod and wearables flat.
The next quarter (Q1, holidays) expected to smash records, especially in iPhone sales.
Mac sales anticipated to drop due to fewer product updates this year.
Apple continues to invest in Apple Intelligence infrastructure, raising capital expenditures.

Notable Moments:

Tim Cook on supply constraint:

"Cook was like, it's not a ramp problem. It's… demand. I mean, he just said it… we made a lot and still wasn’t enough." – Jason (43:04)
Analysts prodding about ad/search revenue (Google deal):

“I’m going to dodge that question intentionally. That’s literally what he said.” – Jason (54:39)
Apple’s "dunking and dodging": Genuine confidence, refusing to give granular numbers.
Services and recurring revenue are now vital, delighting analysts. The “frosting on top of the iPhone.”
Apple’s positioning: high-margin hardware + ongoing services + ecosystem lock-in.

5. Apple TV+ Strategy & Competition

Timestamps: 60:30 – 66:02

Apple’s original content strategy leans into quality over quantity, with careful human curation.
Key acquisitions (F1, MLS, MLB) and original shows have set a new “HBO-like” bar.
Apple execs are now touting an “all originals” model rather than library licensing.

Quotes:

“It’s the new HBO where they just, you know, money is— it feels like money is no object.” – Alex (61:15)

“We are bringing in people switching from other platforms at rates that we've never seen before.” – Andy (49:51)

6. Low-Cost MacBook With iPhone Chip Rumored

Timestamps: 69:15 – 84:19

Multiple sources confirm Apple is prepping a ~$599-699 MacBook, possibly using an iPhone-class chip (A18 Pro).
Expected in first half of 2026, possibly targeting education and budget markets.
Panel speculates on Apple’s minimal acceptable quality: aluminum case, display, enough RAM for light duty.
Debate about how much Apple will sacrifice (ports, screen quality, RAM) and whether this will drive upgrades or dilute premium image.

Standout Exchanges:

“What if we put a $500 MacBook in the product line… are we going to sell enough of them to offset the sabotage of people who… were willing to spend $1,000 because they had to?” – Andy (75:55)

"Eight gigs of RAM, five years old. It feels like for 200 bucks more, you get 16 gigs, you get an M4." – Leo (75:52)

7. Vision Pro – First Immersive Commercials & Ecosystem Realities

Timestamps: 89:29 – 98:54

Sharing and viewing 3D/immersive video is still painful outside the Apple ecosystem. YouTube, Meta don’t support consumer-friendly uploads natively.
The "Sandwich Video" team produced the first immersive commercial—innovative but difficult with current tools.
As more immersive cameras get out there, expect a surge of creative, experimental content.

Quotes:

"You actually have to make it easy to do… you can't require like— It… I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I’m not the dumbest guy in the world either. For me to spend two or three hours trying to figure out why this thing isn’t coming out the other end, you know, was kind of crazy." – Alex (91:14)

8. Apps and Platform Evolutions

Timestamps: 99:12 – 121:24

App Store web redesign is out, but lacks key features like pushing installs to devices (unlike Google Play).
WhatsApp now supports Apple Watch calls/messages.
Canva has made Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher free for Mac—no subscription, just a (free) Canva account.
IconFactory’s Tapestry: Leo’s pick for best multi-feed newsreader, now works on Mac and iPad.
OmniOutliner: New universal version in beta, remains a power tool (“I was born into the Mac ecosystem with BBEdit and OmniOutliner strapped to my back. I will die… with BBEdit and OmniOutliner strapped to my back.” – Andy, 149:36)

9. Leadership, Ethics, and Market Realities

Timestamps: 122:43 – 131:19

Tim Cook turns 65, triggers speculation about succession (which the panel debunks).
Wall Street Journal and others praise Cook’s navigation of geopolitics, tariffs, DOJ challenges, and company performance.
Panel briefly debates corporate responsibility versus political reality (re: Apple’s dealings with both US and international governments).

10. Picks of the Week

Timestamps: 142:09 – End

Andy:

Logoer: Open-source macOS app that restores the six-color classic Apple logo to the menu bar.
MTV Logo History Article

Alex:

Shutter Encoder: Free, donationware Swiss-army knife for media file encoding, batch conversion, and metadata handling. More advanced than Handbrake; supports Mac, Windows, Linux.

Leo:

Tapestry: RSS + newsreader for iPad and Mac, excellent for collecting and reviewing tech news and more, supports YouTube, Mastodon, Reddit, etc.

Notable Quotes & Moments

1. On Apple’s Responsive Updates

"It is Apple's retrenchment." – Leo (02:18)

2. On Leadership & Earnings Bluster

“I’m dodging that question intentionally. Intentionally.” – Tim Cook (via Jason, 54:39)

3. On Apple’s AI Tactics

“If it’s bad for Apple, it’s bad for all AI models everywhere… Apple’s going to rise or fall with the boats.” – Jason (30:24)

4. On Apple’s TV+ Identity

“We’re not building on the back of a pre-existing IP or library.” – Jamie Ehrlicht (per Andy, 63:33)

5. On Low-Cost Mac Strategy

“If Apple can sell an inexpensive laptop that still feels premium, then they’re not really compromising the brand much, right?” – Leo (82:59)

Tone and Style

Warm, humor-laced, conversational, and deeply informed.
Long-standing camaraderie among hosts/panelists brings out rich anecdotes, off-topic asides, and friendly ribbing.
Willingness to tackle both the technical (OS features, hardware specs) and the philosophical (corporate ethics, platform lock-in).

Episode Structure (Chronological Segments with Timestamps)

00:45—OS 26.1 Changes, accessibility, and retrenchment
12:38—AppleScript history and production anecdotes
28:11—Apple–Google AI partnership, data center energy, industry impact
38:31—Apple Q4 results, segment breakdown, strategic insights
60:30—Apple TV+ strategy, service expansion, and content philosophy
69:15—‘iPhone chip MacBook’ rumors, market strategy, cannibalization risks
89:29—Vision Pro segment: real-world uses, storytelling, limitations
99:12—App Store web, WhatsApp for Watch, Affinity goes free
122:43—Leadership and ethics debate, Cook’s legacy
142:09—Picks of the week

Conclusion

A rich episode brimming with tech history, future speculation, sharp observations on Apple’s business and product moves, and loving digs into the quirks that only long-time Mac fans will understand. Whether you care about the bleeding edge of macOS, the fate of Apple in the AI age, or simply want great tool recommendations, this episode delivers.

Final Note:

“We will see you next week. And it has been my sad and solemn duty for the last 20 years—I must tell you it is time to get back to work, because break time is over.” – Leo, closing (161:37)

MacBreak Weekly 997: Dunkin' and Dodgin'

Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Leo Laporte
Panelists: Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, Jason Snell

Main Theme:

1. OS Update: iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.1 ("Tahoe")

Timestamps: 00:45 – 16:00, interspersed
Main Topics:

The release addresses user complaints about UI changes, security, and more.
Features added: Slide Over (multitasking), customization of the "liquid glass" effect, refined clipboard management, and significant Shortcuts enhancements.

Key Points:

Apple responded to user outcry about transparency and legibility:

"Okay, you babies, we heard you complain enough. Fine, you can have slide-over back. Fine, you can have the slide to lock and unlock thing back. Fine, you can turn off liquid glass if you don’t like it. Happy now?" – Andy (02:03)
New setting to adjust the liquid glass background:

"So clear or tinted. That's the two choices." – Leo (03:54)
Clipboard management granularity (saves history for 30 mins, 8 hours, or 7 days) for privacy/security.
Shortcuts: Mac now supports full automation triggers, previously only possible on iPhone/iPad.
Security: Recommended to update ASAP, especially for those already on version 26.

Memorable Moment:

Users wanting different clipboard histories:

"Some people said eight hours is not enough… Have a week." – Jason Snell (08:11)

2. Automation & Production Anecdotes

Timestamps: 12:38 – 26:44

The panel reminisces about Mac automation, AppleScript, and the legendary Sal Soghoian’s role in pushing Mac scripting.
Alex shares the origin story of MacBreak Weekly's video production—buying Lucasfilm’s $82,000 cameras (!) and struggles in early HD content.
The importance of AppleScript and pipeline stability to the Mac's survival and publishing industry history.

Standout Quote:

"One of the reasons that Macs stayed in use when Windows 95 especially was taking over was that people had written these enormous production systems that were automated with AppleScript and they literally couldn’t move off the Mac." – Jason (16:51)

Memorable Throwback:

Early MacBreak episodes shot in HD, avant la lettre, with technical chaos, expensive gear, and bleeding-edge green screen tests.

3. Apple’s AI Partnerships – Gemini, Foundation Models & Industry Challenge

Timestamps: 28:11 – 34:55

Apple rumored to partner with Google for a white-label Gemini AI model running on Apple's private cloud compute.
Won’t openly send user data to Google—focus is on privacy and modularity.
The deal is both a strategic acknowledgment of Google’s AI prowess and a move to keep pace, as Apple’s own models lag.
Industry-wide, Microsoft and Google are investing in nuclear energy to power AI data centers—electricity is becoming a true bottleneck.

Quotes:

"Aren’t you kind of relieved at… at least this rumor that Apple is saying, ‘We don't want to delay this into infinity. We would much rather— we don't have so much ego that we’re not going to basically hire somebody to help us out.’" – Andy (29:33)

“In six months it'll be a totally different model that’s ten times better. That's just sort of how it goes.” – Jason (32:37)

4. Apple Financials: All-Time Highs & Subtle Warnings

Timestamps: 38:31 – 57:06

Apple set an all-time Q4 revenue record: $102.5 billion.
Services are up, Mac up, iPod and wearables flat.
The next quarter (Q1, holidays) expected to smash records, especially in iPhone sales.
Mac sales anticipated to drop due to fewer product updates this year.
Apple continues to invest in Apple Intelligence infrastructure, raising capital expenditures.

Notable Moments:

Tim Cook on supply constraint:

"Cook was like, it's not a ramp problem. It's… demand. I mean, he just said it… we made a lot and still wasn’t enough." – Jason (43:04)
Analysts prodding about ad/search revenue (Google deal):

“I’m going to dodge that question intentionally. That’s literally what he said.” – Jason (54:39)
Apple’s "dunking and dodging": Genuine confidence, refusing to give granular numbers.
Services and recurring revenue are now vital, delighting analysts. The “frosting on top of the iPhone.”
Apple’s positioning: high-margin hardware + ongoing services + ecosystem lock-in.

5. Apple TV+ Strategy & Competition

Timestamps: 60:30 – 66:02

Apple’s original content strategy leans into quality over quantity, with careful human curation.
Key acquisitions (F1, MLS, MLB) and original shows have set a new “HBO-like” bar.
Apple execs are now touting an “all originals” model rather than library licensing.

Quotes:

“It’s the new HBO where they just, you know, money is— it feels like money is no object.” – Alex (61:15)

“We are bringing in people switching from other platforms at rates that we've never seen before.” – Andy (49:51)

6. Low-Cost MacBook With iPhone Chip Rumored

Timestamps: 69:15 – 84:19

Multiple sources confirm Apple is prepping a ~$599-699 MacBook, possibly using an iPhone-class chip (A18 Pro).
Expected in first half of 2026, possibly targeting education and budget markets.
Panel speculates on Apple’s minimal acceptable quality: aluminum case, display, enough RAM for light duty.
Debate about how much Apple will sacrifice (ports, screen quality, RAM) and whether this will drive upgrades or dilute premium image.

Standout Exchanges:

“What if we put a $500 MacBook in the product line… are we going to sell enough of them to offset the sabotage of people who… were willing to spend $1,000 because they had to?” – Andy (75:55)

"Eight gigs of RAM, five years old. It feels like for 200 bucks more, you get 16 gigs, you get an M4." – Leo (75:52)

7. Vision Pro – First Immersive Commercials & Ecosystem Realities

Timestamps: 89:29 – 98:54

Sharing and viewing 3D/immersive video is still painful outside the Apple ecosystem. YouTube, Meta don’t support consumer-friendly uploads natively.
The "Sandwich Video" team produced the first immersive commercial—innovative but difficult with current tools.
As more immersive cameras get out there, expect a surge of creative, experimental content.

Quotes:

"You actually have to make it easy to do… you can't require like— It… I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I’m not the dumbest guy in the world either. For me to spend two or three hours trying to figure out why this thing isn’t coming out the other end, you know, was kind of crazy." – Alex (91:14)

8. Apps and Platform Evolutions

Timestamps: 99:12 – 121:24

App Store web redesign is out, but lacks key features like pushing installs to devices (unlike Google Play).
WhatsApp now supports Apple Watch calls/messages.
Canva has made Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher free for Mac—no subscription, just a (free) Canva account.
IconFactory’s Tapestry: Leo’s pick for best multi-feed newsreader, now works on Mac and iPad.
OmniOutliner: New universal version in beta, remains a power tool (“I was born into the Mac ecosystem with BBEdit and OmniOutliner strapped to my back. I will die… with BBEdit and OmniOutliner strapped to my back.” – Andy, 149:36)

9. Leadership, Ethics, and Market Realities

Timestamps: 122:43 – 131:19

Tim Cook turns 65, triggers speculation about succession (which the panel debunks).
Wall Street Journal and others praise Cook’s navigation of geopolitics, tariffs, DOJ challenges, and company performance.
Panel briefly debates corporate responsibility versus political reality (re: Apple’s dealings with both US and international governments).

10. Picks of the Week

Timestamps: 142:09 – End

Andy:

Logoer: Open-source macOS app that restores the six-color classic Apple logo to the menu bar.
MTV Logo History Article

Alex:

Shutter Encoder: Free, donationware Swiss-army knife for media file encoding, batch conversion, and metadata handling. More advanced than Handbrake; supports Mac, Windows, Linux.

Leo:

Tapestry: RSS + newsreader for iPad and Mac, excellent for collecting and reviewing tech news and more, supports YouTube, Mastodon, Reddit, etc.

Notable Quotes & Moments

1. On Apple’s Responsive Updates

"It is Apple's retrenchment." – Leo (02:18)

2. On Leadership & Earnings Bluster

“I’m dodging that question intentionally. Intentionally.” – Tim Cook (via Jason, 54:39)

3. On Apple’s AI Tactics

“If it’s bad for Apple, it’s bad for all AI models everywhere… Apple’s going to rise or fall with the boats.” – Jason (30:24)

4. On Apple’s TV+ Identity

“We’re not building on the back of a pre-existing IP or library.” – Jamie Ehrlicht (per Andy, 63:33)

5. On Low-Cost Mac Strategy

“If Apple can sell an inexpensive laptop that still feels premium, then they’re not really compromising the brand much, right?” – Leo (82:59)

Tone and Style

Warm, humor-laced, conversational, and deeply informed.
Long-standing camaraderie among hosts/panelists brings out rich anecdotes, off-topic asides, and friendly ribbing.
Willingness to tackle both the technical (OS features, hardware specs) and the philosophical (corporate ethics, platform lock-in).

Episode Structure (Chronological Segments with Timestamps)

00:45—OS 26.1 Changes, accessibility, and retrenchment
12:38—AppleScript history and production anecdotes
28:11—Apple–Google AI partnership, data center energy, industry impact
38:31—Apple Q4 results, segment breakdown, strategic insights
60:30—Apple TV+ strategy, service expansion, and content philosophy
69:15—‘iPhone chip MacBook’ rumors, market strategy, cannibalization risks
89:29—Vision Pro segment: real-world uses, storytelling, limitations
99:12—App Store web, WhatsApp for Watch, Affinity goes free
122:43—Leadership and ethics debate, Cook’s legacy
142:09—Picks of the week

Conclusion

Final Note:

“We will see you next week. And it has been my sad and solemn duty for the last 20 years—I must tell you it is time to get back to work, because break time is over.” – Leo, closing (161:37)

MacBreak Weekly 997: Dunkin' and Dodgin'

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Summary

MacBreak Weekly 997: Dunkin' and Dodgin'

Main Theme:

1. OS Update: iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.1 ("Tahoe")

Key Points:

Memorable Moment:

2. Automation & Production Anecdotes

Standout Quote:

Memorable Throwback:

3. Apple’s AI Partnerships – Gemini, Foundation Models & Industry Challenge

Quotes:

4. Apple Financials: All-Time Highs & Subtle Warnings

Notable Moments:

5. Apple TV+ Strategy & Competition

Quotes:

6. Low-Cost MacBook With iPhone Chip Rumored

Standout Exchanges:

7. Vision Pro – First Immersive Commercials & Ecosystem Realities

Quotes:

8. Apps and Platform Evolutions

9. Leadership, Ethics, and Market Realities

10. Picks of the Week

Notable Quotes & Moments

1. On Apple’s Responsive Updates

2. On Leadership & Earnings Bluster

3. On Apple’s AI Tactics

4. On Apple’s TV+ Identity

5. On Low-Cost Mac Strategy

Tone and Style

Episode Structure (Chronological Segments with Timestamps)

Conclusion

Summary

MacBreak Weekly 997: Dunkin' and Dodgin'

Main Theme:

1. OS Update: iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26.1 ("Tahoe")

Key Points:

Memorable Moment:

2. Automation & Production Anecdotes

Standout Quote:

Memorable Throwback:

3. Apple’s AI Partnerships – Gemini, Foundation Models & Industry Challenge

Quotes:

4. Apple Financials: All-Time Highs & Subtle Warnings

Notable Moments:

5. Apple TV+ Strategy & Competition

Quotes:

6. Low-Cost MacBook With iPhone Chip Rumored

Standout Exchanges:

7. Vision Pro – First Immersive Commercials & Ecosystem Realities

Quotes:

8. Apps and Platform Evolutions

9. Leadership, Ethics, and Market Realities

10. Picks of the Week

Notable Quotes & Moments

1. On Apple’s Responsive Updates

2. On Leadership & Earnings Bluster

3. On Apple’s AI Tactics

4. On Apple’s TV+ Identity

5. On Low-Cost Mac Strategy

Tone and Style

Episode Structure (Chronological Segments with Timestamps)

Conclusion