Podcast Summary: This Week in Tech 1036: Apple Reflux
Released June 16, 2025
Hosts:
- Leo Laporte – Host of TWiT
- Harry McCracken – The Technologist at Fast Company
- Jason Heiner – Editor-in-Chief at ZDNet
- Jason Snell – Contributor at SixColors.com
Introduction
In Episode 1036 of This Week in Tech, titled "Apple Reflux," Leo Laporte and his panel of seasoned tech journalists dive deep into the latest developments in the technology landscape. The discussion covers significant announcements from Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the release of Android 16 by Google, advancements in quantum computing, and the tumultuous journey of genetic testing company 23andMe.
Apple’s WWDC Announcements
New Design Language
Apple unveiled a "liquid glass" design language at WWDC, sparking mixed reactions among tech enthusiasts and critics alike.
- Harry McCracken highlighted the opinionated design, noting, “What if ChatGPT can write code in Basic?” [04:03]
- Jason Snell expressed his initial skepticism but found the new design "ambitious and interesting," especially praising its performance on iPhones versus Macs. [08:58]
- Leo Laporte remarked, “It really is like they needed a reset,” observing that the new design feels more integrated across all Apple devices. [10:41]
Windowing Model Improvements
Apple introduced an entirely new windowing model for iPadOS and macOS, moving away from previous iterations like Split View and Stage Manager.
- Jason Snell appreciated the shift, stating, “They built an entirely new windowing model that just works basically like Mac Windows do.” [19:09]
- Harry McCracken voiced concerns about the usability for those not fond of managing multiple windows, saying, “I feel like windows that float and overlap... computing's original sin.” [20:54]
AI Integration and Apple’s Approach
Apple’s strategy towards artificial intelligence (AI) was a focal point, emphasizing measured integration rather than over-promising capabilities.
- Jason Heiner discussed Apple’s approach: “Apple’s strategy is not to have chatbots dominate but to integrate AI features where they make the most sense.” [28:17]
- Jason Snell added, “Apple is focusing on features like better translation and smarter tools integrated into the OS,” highlighting Apple’s commitment to privacy and on-device processing. [28:17]
Vision Pro and Future Technologies
The panel touched upon Apple’s Vision Pro, an augmented reality (AR) headset, and its implications for the future.
- Harry McCracken affirmed, “They are fully engaged by Vision OS,” indicating ongoing investment despite its current market position. [103:25]
- Jason Heiner expressed optimism, “The software is not the problem with that product line. It’s the heavy, expensive hardware that’s the issue.” [105:32]
Spotlight Updates on macOS
Apple revamped Spotlight on macOS, introducing new features to enhance productivity.
- Jason Snell was excited about the new Spotlight capabilities, including keyboard and clipboard history: “It’s like the big missing piece of productivity built into the system.” [105:11]
- Leo Laporte anticipated further integrations, stating, “It’s only a matter of time before they bring it to the iPad too.” [105:03]
Google’s Android 16 Release
Google launched Android 16, focusing on incremental updates rather than a major overhaul.
- Leo Laporte mentioned, “You’d be hard pressed to see a whole lot of differences,” noting Google’s strategy of releasing features through monthly Pixel updates. [38:28]
- Enhancements include live update notifications mimicking iPhone’s live activities and advanced protection features for security. [38:28]
Harry McCracken commented on Google's lack of prominent AI integration compared to Apple, expressing, “It seems like Android is not one of their top priorities these days.” [38:57]
Quantum Computing Developments
The discussion shifted to quantum computing, with a spotlight on IBM’s ambitious plans.
IBM’s Starlink Quantum Computer
IBM announced plans to build Starlink, the world’s first large-scale error-corrected quantum computer, by 2028.
- Harry McCracken explained the technical challenges, emphasizing the importance of logical qubits over physical ones: “If you want to look at numbers that relates to these computers, look at how many logical qubits they have rather than physical qubits.” [49:09]
- Jason Heiner highlighted the unpredictability of quantum computing's progress, stating, “It's extremely hard to get a qubit to respond exactly the same way every time.” [48:29]
- Leo Laporte noted, “Starling will have 200 logical qubits,” and discussed the skepticism around its economic viability: “Some experts say 100 million is a tenth of what you need.” [49:09]
Harry McCracken offered a balanced view, acknowledging progress while noting, “They are getting there. We are not yet at the point where quantum computers are doing the kind of stuff that people envision.” [46:23]
23andMe's Bankruptcy and Reacquisition
23andMe, a genetic testing company, faced financial struggles leading to bankruptcy and an attempted acquisition by Regeneron, which was ultimately outbid by founder Ann Wojcicki.
- Jason Snell provided background, noting, “The company, according to the Wall Street Journal, never made a profit. They burned cash across DNA testing and drug development.” [64:34]
- Leo Laporte raised concerns about data privacy, stating, “Some customers have already deleted their data from 23andMe.” [61:21]
- Harry McCracken questioned, “Why did they fail in the first place?” suggesting that companies haven’t figured out post-test services for customers. [61:34]
- Jason Heiner discussed legal implications, highlighting a lawsuit by 27 states and D.C. over unauthorized data sales: “The lawsuit is expected to help settle who owns the data.” [71:25]
The panel emphasized the critical issue of data ownership and privacy, with Leo Laporte summarizing, “This lawsuit could be significant in helping to establish who actually owns that data.” [74:20]
Market Trends and Industry Implications
Layoffs and Hiring Challenges
The tech industry continues to navigate through massive layoffs, partially influenced by changes in the tax code affecting Research and Development (R&D) expenses.
- Leo Laporte introduced the topic: “The tax code allowed companies to write off R&D expenses in the same year, but now it changes to amortizing over five years.” [44:38]
- Jason Heiner connected this to recent layoffs, stating, “More than half a million tech workers have been laid off in the last two years because of Section 174.” [43:17]
AI Bubble and Public Perception
The panel discussed the burgeoning AI industry bubble, noting a discrepancy between public enthusiasm and technological readiness.
- Jason Snell remarked, “There is a lot of hype, but also a lot of limitations,” cautioning against overestimating AI’s capabilities. [112:51]
- Harry McCracken shared personal experiences with AI tools, highlighting their limitations in practical applications: “They are not good at pinpointing one thing and can create more problems than they solve.” [116:34]
Leo Laporte expressed concern over governmental AI adoption without full understanding, comparing it to historical tech overextensions: “They are using AI to find fraud in Social Security applications. I hope they understand its limitations.” [120:54]
Quantum Computing and AI Intersection
The panel delved into the potential synergy between quantum computing and AI, debating whether quantum advancements could revolutionize AI training and applications.
- Harry McCracken suggested, “Quantum and AI will work together,” with quantum aiding in specialized tasks like drug discovery rather than supplanting AI. [52:51]
- Jason Heiner remained skeptical but acknowledged the potential: “There is tremendous hype, but reality ensures limitations,” emphasizing the need for realistic expectations. [73:30]
Light-Hearted Segments and Personal Notes
Throughout the episode, the hosts shared personal anecdotes and lighter topics, including:
- Cat Discussions: Tales of cats following visitors and the joys of being a cat owner.
- Curling Conversations: Insights into the sport and personal experiences with curling competitions.
- Nintendo Switch Release: Excitement and frustrations surrounding the new Nintendo Switch 2 availability, highlighting supply chain issues. [132:30]
Conclusion
Episode 1036 of This Week in Tech provided a comprehensive look into the current state of technology, with a particular focus on Apple's strategic decisions amidst evolving trends in AI and quantum computing. The panelists offered balanced perspectives, acknowledging both the advancements and the challenges facing the tech industry today. From the intricate updates at WWDC to the legal battles of 23andMe, this episode encapsulated the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of technology.
Notable Quotes:
- Leo Laporte: “This is MAYBE what Vision Pro's full-fledged ecosystem is going to look like.” [07:04]
- Jason Snell: “Apple is remembering who they are and focusing on what makes their devices great.” [31:02]
- Harry McCracken: “Quantum computing is extremely hard to get a qubit to respond exactly the same way every time.” [48:29]
For More Information:
- Harry McCracken: fastcompany.com
- Jason Heiner: ZDNet.com
- Jason Snell: SixColors.com