Happy Hour

Benjamin and Zac react to the rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro mute-switch button may actually be a customizable action button a la Apple Watch Ultra. Apple Pay Later is now available for a select random few. The strategically-confusing Apple Music Classical app is released, and WWDC 2023 is official! Sponsored by Fast Growing Trees: Join 1.5 million happy customers and save 15% off your perfect plants, shrubs, and trees! Sponsored by Mkeke: Since 2015 Mkeke has been a top iPhone case brand specializing in designing exquisite, diverse and comfortable iPhone cases. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or lunarpunk.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple Pay Later launching today: Here's how it works WWDC 2023 confirmed: iOS 17, Reality Pro headset, more iPhone 15 to integrate proximity sensor into the Dynamic Island, could lead to improved Face ID iPhone 15 Action button in testing; new super-low energy mode Apple Music Classical video tour; listen

Benjamin and Zac discuss all the cool features coming in iOS 16.4, and what old macOS habits they’ve carried across to the modern day. Zac gives his thoughts on the Kindle Scribe, and Apple dips its toe into the neural network language model hype train with a new Siri framework hidden in the tvOS beta. Plus, Apple TV+ wants to make a big splash in cinemas with plans for wide theatrical distribution of its original films going forward. Sponsored by Mkeke (Em-Key Key): Since 2015 Mkeke has been a top iPhone case brand specializing in designing exquisite, diverse and comfortable iPhone cases. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Sponsored by Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you go to Wildgrain.com/happyhour to start your subscription. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@lunarpunk.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo

Benjamin bought a new keyboard, and talks about the ‘magic’ found within. Zac is excited for a new rumored HomePod model coming next year with a 7-inch display. And the pair evaluate whether it makes sense for Apple to enter the AR/VR headset market now, or whether the company should have held off, as some members of Apple’s design team purportedly argued for internally. Sponsored by Factor: Factor has everything I need for a week of flavorful, nutritious eats. Head to factormeals.com/happyhour50 and use code happyhour50 to get 50% off your first box. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@lunarpunk.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More MACBREAK WEEKLY 861: THE NUMBER BEFORE TWO Want Touch ID for Mac with any keyboard? Developer finds a way Kuo: New HomePod with built-in 7-inch display to be announce

Benjamin and Zac react to the announcement of Apple Music Classical, and recent rumors about the new design for the iPhone 15 mute ‘switch’ and the rollout for the next generation M3 Apple Silicon Macs. Plus, we discuss the experience of using HomePods as your TV speakers. Sponsored by Headspace: You deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to Headspace.com/HappyHour30 to try it free for 30 days. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved. Sponsored by Kolide: Kolide ensures that if a device isn't secure, it can't access your cloud apps. It's Zero Trust for Okta. Watch an On-Demand Demo today! Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple Music Classical launching on March 28, here's a first look Use HDMI ARC or eARC with your Apple TV 4K Apple launches new yellow color for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via satellite featu

iOS 16.4 changes include the return of the much beloved Book page curl, the EU commission continues its anticompetitive case against Apple Music, and Benjamin and Zac reflect on just how good the 2018 iPad Pro was, and still is. Plus, Apple boosts the trade-in values for many of its products, TV+ hires another ad executive, and Benjamin gives his impressions of the MLS Season Pass launch. Sponsored by Kolide: Kolide ensures that if a device isn't secure, it can't access your cloud apps. It's Zero Trust for Okta. Watch an On-Demand Demo today!  Sponsored by Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you go to Wildgrain.com/happyhour to start your subscription. Sponsored by Factor: Factor has everything I need for a week of flavorful, nutritious eats. Head to factormeals.com/happyhour50 and use code happyhour50 to get 50% off your first box. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple/Spotify bat

Benjamin and Zac explore the rumors swirling about a 15-inch MacBook Air supposedly coming soon, and how it would fit into the current MacBook lineup. They also discuss the latest news that the AR/VR headset has once again been delayed, and ponder whether Apple would limit the capabilities of the iPhone 15 USB-C port on purpose. Sponsored by Things: The award-winning to-do app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple holds press event showing off its ‘latest advances in gaming’ What happened at Apple's AI summit for employees - 9to5Mac Exclusive: iPhone 15 CADs reveal larger 6.2-inch display, Dynamic Island, and more - 9to5Mac Exclusive: Fir

Benjamin and Zac explore the rumors swirling about a 15-inch MacBook Air supposedly coming soon, and how it would fit into the current MacBook lineup. They also discuss the latest news that the AR/VR headset has once again been delayed, and ponder whether Apple would limit the capabilities of the iPhone 15 USB-C port on purpose. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More iPhone 15 USB-C port may have some features limited to Apple certified cables and accessories 15-inch MacBook Air set for an ‘early April’ release, new report says Bloomberg: Apple delays AR/VR headset launch again, now expects to unveil the device at WWDC Apple fixes annoying HomePod bug that caused HomeKit requests to time out and fail the first time you ask iOS 16.3.1 now available for iPh

Benjamin shares his hands-on thoughts with the new second-generation HomePod after about a week of testing. Apple changes up the executive ranks with a new Chief People Officer, and news that they won’t replace the industrial design position when Evans Hankey leaves. There is also a report that Apple isn’t planning on releasing a new Mac Studio for the M2 generation. Sponsored by Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you go to Wildgrain.com/happyhour to start your subscription. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More iOS 16.2 expands AirDrop 10-minute limit for ‘Everyone’ from China to everywhere Apple to eliminate ‘industrial design chief’ position; team will now report to COO Jeff Williams Apple names its first-ever ‘Chief People Officer’ as part of leadership shakeup Report: Apple unlikely to launch new Mac S

Benjamin and Zac process some new Apple rumors including foldable iPads in 2024, the availability of the periscope zoom lens on iPhone 16 and beyond, and how Siri will maybe help users make content for the upcoming Reality Pro headset. Plus, we digest the official reviews for HomePod (second-generation). Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More M2 Mac mini reviews: ‘Mac Studio junior’ with impressive performance, versatile prices iOS 16.3 lets iPhone users add lock screen widgets to a classic wallpaper if you still have it Folding iPad launch next year, says Kuo, ahead of a folding iPhone Kuo: Upgraded optical zoom to be exclusive to iPhone ‘Pro Max’ cameras until at least 2025 Apple wants everyone to create ‘Reality Pro’ headset apps using Siri, internal demos focused on health and storytelling

Benjamin and Zac discuss a change to Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch, Apple’s newest TV+ ad, and reviewers have gotten a chance to go hands-on with the new M2 MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Plus, there’s new rumors about the iPhone 15 Pro chassis redesign and insights into exactly how Apple’s upcoming AR headset will work from a software perspective. Sponsored by Factor: Factor has everything I need for a week of flavorful, nutritious eats. Head to GO.FACTOR75.com/happyhour60 and use code happyhour60 to get 60% off your first box. Sponsored by Private Internet Access: Right now, go to PIAVPN.com/happyhour to get a whopping 82% off your VPN service… PLUS, four free months with a two-year plan! Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple Watch Ultra never really turns off Advanced Data Protection h

Benjamin and Zac discuss Apple’s hardware announcements this week including the new lineup of MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and the return of the original big HomePod. Plus, there’s more rumors about the AR headset roadmap and Apple TV+ presents its spring slate of shows. Sponsored by Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you go to Wildgrain.com/happyhour to start your subscription. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More New MacBook Pro now official: M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, 8K HDMI, Wi-Fi 6E Apple launches new Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chip, lower $599 starting price Bah, humbug! MacBook Air’s midnigh

A whole bunch of rumors this week as Apple’s plans for 2023 products become clearer. Further ahead, there’s a new report out that Apple is readying its first touchscreen Mac. Apple is also preparing to replace the modem, WiFi and Bluetooth chips in its device with custom parts of its own design. Plus, AI-narrated audiobooks in Apple Books and Apple Services VP Peter Stern announces he is leaving the company. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you're instantly approved. Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Tim Cook taking $50 million pay cut in 2023 at his own request Apple to lean on LG for production of its first A

Benjamin and Zac start the new year off with Jeff Pu reporting on Apple’s upcoming product roadmap, from iPhone 15 to Apple Watch to AirPods. The Information has a big story about the latest tech specs of the Apple AR/VR headset. Plus, Apple announces price increases for iPhone battery replacement and the new HomeKit architecture rollout is paused, for now. Sponsored by Private Internet Access: Right now, go to PIAVPN.com/happyhour to get a whopping 82% off your VPN service... PLUS, four free months with a two-year plan! Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Kuo: Apple AR/VR headset development behind schedule, expect late fall release Apple mixed reality headset may require AirPods for audio, H2 chip includes secret low-latency mode iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus rumored to feature 48MP rear ca

Benjamin and Zac review the year in Apple news, discussing all the major stories from the last twelve months, including reflecting on all the new 2022 hardware products, from the Mac Studio in March through to the iPhone 14 lineup in the fall. Happy New Year everyone! Sponsored by Factor: Factor has everything I need for a week of flavorful, nutritious eats. Head to GO.FACTOR75.com/happyhour60 and use code happyhour60 to get 60% off your first box. Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More January AAPL hits $3 trillion market cap, Apple now first company to reach milestone valuation AAPL lost a trillion dollars this year as iPhone shipments forecasted to drop into 2023 iPhone 14 Pro now rumored to feature ‘hole + pill design’ instead of notch iOS 15.4 enables Face ID support while wearing a mas

Benjamin and Zac dive into the reports that Apple is preparing to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act, with alternative app stores and sideloading becoming a possibility on the iPhone for the first time. Also, there’s rumors that Apple has cancelled plans to release an iPhone SE 4 next year, and we have more clarity on the final specs for the upcoming Apple Silicon Mac Pro. Sponsored by Private Internet Access: Right now, go to PIAVPN.com/happyhour to get a whopping 82% off your VPN service... PLUS, four free months with a two-year plan! Sponsored by Pillow: Pillow is an all-in-one sleep-tracking solution to help you get a better night’s sleep. Download it from the App Store today. Sponsored by Chargeasap: The world’s first and smallest 270W USB-C GaN Charger-- Chargeasap Zeus-- is available now with early bird pricing for a limited time. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @bzamayo@mastodon.social Read More Apple VR headset is probably to blame for Google picking o

iOS 16.2 is out with a raft of new features, including Advanced Data Protection in the US, the Freeform app, HomeKit architecture changes, and more. Also, Zac and Benjamin praise the incomparable-yet-discontinued OG HomePod, Tesla cars get Apple Music and there’s rumors of an OLED MacBook Air coming in 2024. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Sponsored by Tailscale: A frustratingly simple VPN. Get 12 months of Tailscale Personal Pro for free with code 9TO5MAC. Sponsored by Chargeasap: The world’s first and smallest 270W USB-C GaN Charger-- Chargeasap Zeus-- is available now with early bird pricing for a limited time. Sponsored by SecuritySpy: Check out SecuritySpy- CCTV (video surveillance software) for macOS. SecuritySpy allows customers to easily set up CCTV systems in their home or business, with just a Mac and some IP cameras. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benj

Chance Miller joins Zac and Benjamin to discuss all of Apple’s surprise announcements from the past week, including Apple Music Sing karaoke mode, new privacy and security features such as iCloud Advanced Data Protection, and new App Store price point options. Also in the headlines is a big — if unsurprising — change to the ambitions for the long-rumored Apple Car project. Sponsored by SecuritySpy: Check out SecuritySpy- CCTV (video surveillance software) for macOS. SecuritySpy allows customers to easily set up CCTV systems in their home or business, with just a Mac and some IP cameras. Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you're instantly approved. Sponsored by BetterHelp: As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/MacHappyHour. Sponsored by Chargeasap: The world’s first and smallest 270W USB-C GaN Charger-- Chargeasap Zeus-- is available now with early bird pricing for a limited time. Follow Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller or @chan

Benjamin and Zac react to the double-180 Elon Musk pulled on Apple this week. Mastodon gains steam, with Tapbots announcing plans to launch a Tweetbot-like client. Zac reflects on the Apple Watch Ultra, after spending some time with a Series 8. Apple Music Replay has been overhauled for 2022 and Apple TV+ has some cool new premieres coming up next. Sponsored by Chargeasap: The world’s first and smallest 270W USB-C GaN Charger-- Chargeasap Zeus-- is available now with early bird pricing for a limited time. Sponsored by LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/HAPPYHOUR. Sponsored by Rocket Money: Get rid of useless subscriptions with Rocket Money now. Go to RocketMoney.com/HAPPYHOUR. Seriously, it could save you HUNDREDS per year. Sponsored by Tailscale: A frustratingly simple VPN. Get 12 months of Tailscale Personal Pro for free with code 9TO5MAC. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac or @zac@home.social Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo or @

iPhone 15 rumors are in full force; titanium redesign perchance? Zac and Benjamin talk about this year’s Apple holiday ad, the latest developments in the Twitter saga, and what exactly is going on with Apple Music Classical? Also, Benjamin reviews HomeKit Secure Video experience using the Eve Outdoor Camera. Sponsored by Upside: Download the FREE Upside App and use promo code 9to5mac to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more. Sponsored by Private Internet Access: Right now, go to PIAVPN.com/happyhour to get a whopping 82% off your VPN service... PLUS, four free months with a two-year plan! Sponsored by Addigy: The ONLY real-time Apple device management platform that combines MDM with live agent capabilities to manage and secure your Apple ecosystem — regardless of your Mac-spertise. Visit addigy.com/9to5Mac for a free 14-day trial. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo Read More Apple’s Black Friday Shopping Event is kicking off around the world; here are the details Whe

Benjamin and Zac break down everything new in the world of Apple this week, including changes to AirDrop in China, the launch of Emergency SOS via satellite in the US, new Always-On display features in iOS 16.2, and the announcement of MLS Season Pass for Apple TV. Sponsored by Tailscale: A frustratingly simple VPN. Get 12 months of Tailscale Personal Pro for free with code 9TO5MAC. Sponsored by Rocket Money: Get rid of useless subscriptions with Rocket Money now. Go to RocketMoney.com/HAPPYHOUR. Seriously, it could save you HUNDREDS per year. Sponsored by Zocdoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/happyhour and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for free and book a top-rated doctor. Many are available as soon as today. Sponsored by Addigy: The ONLY real-time Apple device management platform that combines MDM with live agent capabilities to manage and secure your Apple ecosystem — regardless of your Mac-spertise. Visit addigy.com/9to5Mac for a free 14-day trial. Follow Zac Hall @apollozac Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo Read More Ap