TechLinked Podcast Summary
Episode: Apple WWDC 2025 Round-up, ROG Xbox Ally X + more!
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group

In this episode of TechLinked, Riley delves deep into the announcements from Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025, explores the collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld, and touches on other notable tech news. The discussion is rich with insights, updates, and opinions that cater to tech enthusiasts eager to stay informed about the latest developments in the tech and gaming world.

1. Apple’s Major OS Renaming and Unified Design Language

Riley begins by discussing Apple's bold move to rename their operating systems post-2026. This shift means iOS will transition from version 18 directly to version 26, effectively skipping versions 19 through 25. He humorously remarks, “So please a moment of silence for iOS 19 through 25. It just sucks cause I knew 23 was gonna be good” ([00:30]).

The renaming signifies a unified design language across all Apple platforms called Liquid Glass. This new design reintroduces skeuomorphic UI elements, aiming to create a more immersive and intuitive user experience. According to Riley, Liquid Glass "brings back some skeuomorphism UI elements" and "warp and refract light," making the interfaces behave "just like glass in the real world" ([00:45]).

2. Enhanced Dynamic Controls and AI Integration

Apple is introducing more dynamic controls that appear when needed and disappear otherwise. Riley notes, “an approach that has caused frustration in the past. But we have AI now, so” ([02:10]). The integration of AI is expected to mitigate previous user frustrations by making the interface more adaptive and responsive to individual user needs.

3. Biggest iPadOS Release Ever

One of the standout announcements is the new window management system for iPads, which rivals traditional desktop operating systems like macOS and Windows. Riley explains, “multiple windows can be resized with what Apple calls a grab handle and repositioned anywhere or flicked to snap to the side” ([04:20]). This enhancement includes:

• Tiling Options: Under each window's controls, users can minimize, maximize, or close windows, similar to desktop environments.
• Improved Mouse Pointer: A new mouse pointer that closely resembles a traditional one, enhancing usability for desktop-like tasks.
• Menu Bar and Dock Enhancements: Introduction of a menu bar with dropdowns and folder stacks in the dock, bridging the gap between iPadOS and macOS ([05:15]).

Riley emphasizes the significance of these updates by stating, “I keep saying it. 2019 Riley, reviewing iPads online as tech tips, is losing his the Mac OS ending doesn't stop there” ([06:00]).

4. Spotlight Search and macOS 26 Upgrades

Apple’s Spotlight Search receives a substantial upgrade in macOS 26, which Riley describes as “a glorious angel from heaven compared to the wart covered troll under the bridge that is Windows Search” ([07:05]). Key enhancements include:

• Actionable Searches: Users can describe actions and execute them directly from Spotlight, such as sending emails with specific parameters.
• Clipboard History: Now accessible without third-party apps, allowing seamless integration across workflows.
• Integration with Shortcuts: Supports adding Apple’s AI models or ChatGPT into automation workflows, enabling advanced customization and functionality ([07:45]).

Riley highlights, “macOS will soon have more customization for icons, folder colors and control center options,” noting the increasing flexibility and personalization options for users ([08:00]).

5. iOS 26 New Features

iOS 26 introduces several user-requested features and AI-driven functionalities:

• Photos App Tabs: Separate tabs for library and collections acknowledge user feedback on previous UI changes. Riley comments, “which I think is the first time Apple has directly acknowledged complaints about one of their changes” ([09:10]).

• Visual Intelligence: Enhanced capabilities to search and interact across multiple apps based on the iPhone screen content. For instance, extracting event details from posters and adding them to Calendar seamlessly.

• AI-Powered Features:

  • Live Translation: Integrated into Messages and FaceTime.
  • Apple Music Enhancements: Includes lyrics, translation, and pronunciation guides to improve user experience.
  • Auto Mix: Utilizes AI to seamlessly blend songs like a human DJ, albeit without any physical gestures ([10:30]).

Riley also touches on the new Games App, which aggregates games from various platforms and introduces a Play Together tab for social gaming experiences ([11:00]).

6. Updates to WatchOS, Vision OS, and TVOS

Beyond iOS and macOS, Apple updates its other operating systems:

• WatchOS: Introduction of Workout Buddy, an AI-driven feature that provides motivational support during workouts.

• Vision OS: Now supports accessories like the Logitech Muse Pen and PlayStation VR 2 controllers, expanding the ecosystem and enhancing user interaction.

• TVOS: Features a new API aimed at improving the sign-in process and includes a trailer for several Apple TV originals, which Riley notes are “statistically pretty good” ([12:15]).

7. ROG Xbox Ally X: Microsoft and ASUS Collaboration

Shifting focus to gaming hardware, Riley discusses the ROG Xbox Ally X, a joint venture between Microsoft and ASUS. This handheld device is described as an Xbox with enhanced capabilities:

• Specs Variants: Two models were announced—the standard Ally X and the Ally Non-X with weaker specs. Both benefit from Microsoft’s customization of Windows to optimize performance, skipping the traditional desktop interface to boot directly into the Xbox app.

• Game Library Integration: Features an aggregated library that includes games from Xbox, Steam, and other platforms, providing a unified gaming experience. Riley shares a quote from a Microsoft executive stating, “this is really the device that galvanized those teams and got everybody marching and working towards a moment that we're just really excited to put into the hands of players” ([13:45]).

• Future Prospects: Microsoft plans to extend this full-screen Xbox experience to other Windows handhelds next year, despite Riley’s humorous skepticism about the prevalence of Linux in handheld gaming devices by then ([14:30]).

8. Other Notable Tech News

Riley wraps up the episode by touching on various other tech news highlights:

• Gaming Announcements: Coverage of Sony’s PS5 State of Play, the kickoff of Summer Games Fest, and the recent Xbox Games Showcase, which teased Black Ops 7 featuring the original character Alex Mason.

• Scam Alert: An Amazon customer reported receiving an Aorus RTX 5090 package that contained macaroni rice and a dusty old GPU instead of the advertised high-end graphics card. Riley humorously adds, “At least these scammers were nice enough to include some carbs” ([16:00]).

• Tech Overload: Concluding with a light-hearted note, Riley mentions being overwhelmed by the day's tech news and suggests taking a one-day recess before the next episode ([16:45]).

Conclusion

This TechLinked episode provides an in-depth analysis of Apple's significant updates unveiled at WWDC 2025, highlighting the company's shift towards unified design and enhanced AI integration across its ecosystem. Additionally, the collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally X showcases the evolving landscape of handheld gaming devices. Riley's engaging commentary, peppered with humor and critical insights, offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and developments in the tech and gaming industries.

Notable Quotes:

• “So please a moment of silence for iOS 19 through 25. It just sucks cause I knew 23 was gonna be good” – Riley ([00:30])
• “a glorious angel from heaven compared to the wart covered troll under the bridge that is Windows Search” – Riley ([07:05])
• “which I think is the first time Apple has directly acknowledged complaints about one of their changes” – Riley ([09:10])
• “this is really the device that galvanized those teams and got everybody marching and working towards a moment that we're just really excited to put into the hands of players” – Microsoft Exec ([13:45])
• “At least these scammers were nice enough to include some carbs” – Riley ([16:00])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the discussions, insights, and key points covered by Riley in the TechLinked podcast.