A weekly podcast discussing the latest in Apple and technology.
9to5Mac’s Happy Hour podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Castro, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play Music, or through our dedicated RSS feed.
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Hosts:
Benjamin and Chance react to all the new accessibility features Apple previewed for iOS 19, like Magnifier and vehicle motion cues for Mac. This week also saw the surprise debut of next-gen CarPlay, now called CarPlay Ultra, arriving first in partnership with Aston Martin. We’ve also got some more rumors about some software features to expect at WWDC.
And in Happy Hour Plus, HBO corrects the Max branding mess. Should Apple follow suit? Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance talk about all the big Apple news of the week, including Apple’s latest earnings report, the new 2025 Pride band and wallpaper, and several rumors about the upcoming iPhone roadmap. Apple is apparently going to shift some of its phone releases to the spring going forward, and the 17 Air might not have the battery life we originally hoped.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Eddy Cue makes provocative claims about the future of the iPhone in court testimony. We discuss what he meant. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance react to the huge developments in the Epic vs. Apple case, with Apple now compelled to allow free rein links out to the web, with no commission. Also this week, we get our best look yet at the super-slim iPhone 17 Air, there are intriguing rumors about iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, and Apple quietly launches a bizarre new microsite on its website.
And in Happy Hour Plus, understandably, Chance gives up on Mac support for HomePod audio output. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance reflect on the history of the Apple Watch on its ten year anniversary. Also, the EU slaps Apple with its first ever fines under the DMA. Rockwell is said to already be making waves with big Siri leadership changes, and Chance appreciates the flexibility of modern Photographic Styles.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin dives into the bizarre UI world of the five-levels-deep iCloud+ settings screen. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance talk about the news and rumors of the week, including a report that iPadOS 19 will gain Mac-like productivity and multitasking features, the claim that Tim Cook is laser focused on beating Meta to AR glasses, and there’s profiles about some of the internal management dysfunction in the AI groups. Also, Apple has kicked off a rare sales promo at its stores in celebration of Earth Day.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin used public EV charging for the first time this past weekend, and hit a rather unfortunate snag. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance react to the unfolding trade tariffs and Apple’s uncharacteristically silent stance on matters. Also, there’s a bunch of new purported renders of iOS 19 design changes, and Apple is said to be working on bold new iPhone designs for next year’s 20th anniversary. Also, Chance comes away super impressed with the new Vision Pro Yankee Stadium tour.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin preps his iPad for an upcoming road trip, and bemoans Plex’s latest app update. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance start with a catch-up on changes to Friday Night Baseball, before diving into the software updates of the week, with the launch of iOS 18.4 and the first iOS 18.5 beta launching. Also, thoughts on Apple’s rumored AI Health service plans, and the latest on finding a new partner for the Apple Card.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin embarks on a mission to convert baby videos from old camcorder tapes, to digital files. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance get excited for iOS 19, off the back of WWDC 2025 being officially announced this week. Also, Siri fallout continues with newly announced leadership changes, with Vision Pro lead Mike Rockwell taking over the voice assistant. We debate whether that’s a good thing. Also, AirPods Max gets a software update out-of-the-blue, and Bloomberg reports Apple is considering adding a camera to the Apple Watch.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin gets his first real experience with electric car ownership, and the quirks of the cables and charging apps that it entails. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance react to the biggest stories of the week, including Apple’s commitment to support encrypted RCS, the rumored launch of a new live translation feature for AirPods, and the ongoing fallout of the Siri feature delays. Apple is also forced to add a variety of APIs to let third-party devices access iOS notifications and other system features, thanks to the latest EU decree.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance rocks out to Metallica in the Vision Pro, and Apple finally announces Ted Lasso season four. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance react to the disappointing news that Apple officially delayed the ambitious AI Siri features indefinitely, and what the ramifications are on Apple’s product line in the near term. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports Apple is preparing the biggest redesign to iOS since iOS 7, and Kuo has some details about Apple’s first foldable iPhone coming in 2026.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance experiments with Benjamin’s external monitor arrangement, and we discuss the popularity of Safari’s “Compact” tab layout option. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance recap the newly announced lineup of iPads and Macs. The new iPad Air and base iPad offer even better value for money, while Apple pushes the performance edge with the surprising launch of the M3 Ultra in the Mac Studio, and makes the best MacBook yet with the new M4 MacBook Air. Also, iOS 18.4 beta 2 brings even more new features to discuss.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Apple takes a swing at a home run with a trio of baseball content announcements. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance wrap up the iPhone 16e reviews that dropped this week, and bemoan the UK forcing Apple to remove Advanced Data Protection in the region, before turning their attention to the fun news of the week that is the new beta season. iOS 18.4 and visionOS 2.4 include a bunch of features, from new Apple Intelligence updates to an entirely Food section in News+.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin finally has a new standing desk set up. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance discuss the newly announced iPhone 16e, some peculiarities in feature omissions, and exactly what market a lower-cost iPhone actually serves. There’s also exciting new rumors about a second-generation Studio Display, and more doubts about whether Apple will be able to deliver Siri intelligence features in the short-term.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Humane shuts up shop and sells to HP. We reflect on the failings of the Ai Pin idea. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance talk about the long-awaited launch of the Apple TV app on Android, Apple partners with Alibaba for AI in China, and Apple adds a better-late-than-never feature for merging Apple Accounts. Also, Chance kicks off the show with a hands-on review of the brand new Powerbeats Pro, with heart rate monitoring.
And in Happy Hour Plus, there’s a grab bag of topics with Benjamin’s follow-up on Announce Notifications in CarPlay, the Sports app adds NASCAR, and the UK takes a bad stance on encryption. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance review the newly-launched Apple Invites app and despite how well made the app is, debate whether anyone will actually use it. Also, AltStore makes headlines about hosting the first ‘Apple approved’ NSFW app, Apple reportedly cancels another AR hardware initiative and TikTok spreads fake news about the iOS 18.3 support for T-Mobile Starlink service.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance bemoan the lack of advancement in CarPlay in recent years, and suggest a few easy wins Apple could add to the platform. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance review the 2025 Apple Unity watch band, watch face and wallpaper. They talk about some compelling leaked iOS features currently in internal testing, and Apple reportedly redoubles its AI efforts. Also, T-Mobile and Starlink launch a seemingly better satellite connectivity offering, than Apple’s in-built SOS feature.
And in Happy Hour Plus, the pair debate if it is time for the Apple Watch hardware lineup to expand. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance give their thoughts on Apple’s attempts to placate the BBC’s complaints about notification summaries with iOS 18.3. Also, the rumored iPhone 17 Air design has a divisive camera bar on the back, and this week also saw an intriguing leak showing apparent design changes for the iOS 19 Camera app.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance struggles to find new things to watch and — much to Benjamin’s delight — brings his own Apple TV app complaints to the table. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance react to Mark Zuckerberg’s recent comments about Apple having not done anything good recently … as we also look forward to everything Apple is set to announce this year. Apple gets in hot water about ‘Enhanced Visual Search’, and the iOS 18.3 beta cycle continues, if a little bare.
And in Happy Hour Plus, as Apple ramps up its marketing effort for Severance, Benjamin tries to convince Chance to give the show another chance. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance talk about the current ongoing controversies with Apple Intelligence notification summaries and the reaction to the settlement of the Siri privacy lawsuit, and how Apple is managing the negative PR. LG announces a new 6K display, but does it actually exist? And Benjamin is thrilled to hear that Apple News+ Puzzles may finally be coming to the UK.
And in Happy Hour Plus, we appreciate the seamless integration of iPhone, AirPods and Watch in the current cold winter months. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
Benjamin and Chance kick off the new year with a catch-up on Apple missing its deadline for next-gen CarPlay to be released in an actual vehicle, and assess the response to picking the Vision Pro as 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. There’s also rumors of an Apple-branded smart doorbell to discuss, and TV+ tries a new marketing gimmick with a free weekend promotion.
And in Happy Hour Plus, the duo make some fun predictions about Apple-related news headlines that could happen sometime this year.
From now through December 31, save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up.
Benjamin and Chance reflect on Apple’s 2024 products, focused on all the product announcements from the past twelve months. From the lows of AirPods Max to the highs of M4 iPad Pro, and the mixed reception to Apple Vision Pro. We break it all down in our last episode of the year.
And in Happy Hour Plus, we talk about what we are most excited for in 2025 as rumors swirl for the iPhone 17 lineup and Apple’s deeper foray into the smart home. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
From now through December 31, save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up.
Benjamin and Chance react to the recent controversy around AI notification summaries, and how Apple could improve the situation. Also, Benjamin is frustrated with the lack of Apple Music Radio improvements, and the pair discuss the latest rumors about the company’s foldable plans.
And in Happy Hour Plus, we debate what is Apple’s 9to5Mac product of the year for 2024. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
From now through December 31, save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up.
Benjamin and Chance discuss why Apple is so keen on ditching Qualcomm and using its own modems in the iPhone, why the natural progression for the Apple Watch Ultra is satellite connectivity and get excited over rumors that the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro will replace the notch with a hole-punch cutout screen design. Also, Apple is rumored to be partnering with Sony to bring VR controller support to Vision Pro.
And in Happy Hour Plus, iOS 18.2 has a lot of cool non-AI features to highlight as Apple’s latest operating system updates finally roll out to the public. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
From now through December 31, save 20% on all 9to5Mac Daily Plus, 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, and 9to5Mac Pro annual subscriptions with promo code HOLIDAY! Visit 9to5mac.com/join to sign up.
Benjamin and Chance reflect on their tech support anecdotes during Thanksgiving, and also praise the new Apple ‘Heartstrings’ holiday ad. Meanwhile, Apple quietly dropped a few little features on the floor as we await the iOS 18.2 release candidate. In other news, Apple is rumored to be negotiating for rights to stream immersive content from the seat of a football stadium, in its latest Vision Pro content efforts.
And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin gets an 11-inch iPad Pro to review. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.