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Apple's fall event delivers a genuinely impressive iPhone Duo, pricier Pro models, and a rebuilt Siri AI still stuck in beta — leaving us skeptical if the hype will match what's actually shipping.The LowdowniPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max: New Colors, $100 Price HikeA20 Pro Chip Powers It All (For What, Exactly?)Camera Overhaul: Variable Aperture, Pro Controls, Reference Image & Dynamic IslandSiri AI Arrives... In BetaApple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, SE 3 & AirPods 5iPhone Duo: Apple's First FoldableiOS 27 and the New Apple Upgrade Leasing ProgramWhat Apple Didn't Announce (and What We'd Actually Buy)

But will it be more of the same or an adventure into a new frontier.The LowdownJohn Ternus Is Officially CEOPhil Schiller Is Out as Head of the App Store and Product EventsThe Vision Pro Layoffs Were Way Bigger Than First Reported2nd StringThe EU Just Classified ChatGPT as a Search Engine For The Culture"Was She Black?" — Raven-Symoné's Podcast Comment is Dividing the InternetThe HookupHow To: Set Your Wallet Cards on Autopilot with Shortcuts

iPhone invites are out, Vision Pro (and the team) put on ice, and Target blows it (again)...The Lowdown Apple sends out invites for its annual fall iPhone event Apple refreshes the Mac Mini and Mac Studio with new AI-ready chips Apple reportedly scales back Vision team2nd String If your Uber or Lyft driver goes hands-free, should they ask your permission?For The Culture Target apologizes for children's clown Halloween costume after backlashThe Hookup Generate a virtual card number to use Apple Cash where Apple Pay isn't available

Everybody's putting cameras on your face — except maybe Apple, betting you'll trust its camera-enabled AirPods more because they don't take your picture.The LowdownThe Epic Games Fight Just Went To Supreme CourtCamera-Equipped AirPods Are Coming This Fall — And They're Not for PhotosiPhone Ultra Supply Problem Leaked by Screen Protectors2nd StringClaude Adds Watermarking Everything It WritesFor The CultureStephen A. Smith Got NABJ's "Thumbs Down" Award

No new episode this week — instead we're unlocking some Patreon exclusive 'Back to School' clips...College Move-In Prep With Three KidsHoward Unenrolls 500 Freshmen Before Move-InForbes Publishes First HBCU-Only RankingHBCU Alumni Aren't Funding Their Schools

Private Relay? More Like Public Relay…The LowdownApple's Private Relay Leaks Your IPAI Floods Apple's Bug Bounty ProgramRefurbished MacBook Neo Discount2nd StringMeta's Muse Code Takes on Claude and CodexFor The CultureBlack Creators Under Fire for OpenAI RetreatThe HookupHow to Turn Any App Icon Into a Widget

They may not limit your functionality with Apple Upgrade instead they could just make it unusable.The LowdownApple Just Hit $5 Trillion Apple Upgrade Is HereApple Hit the Brakes on Smart Glasses2nd String30 Tech Giants Just Formed an AI Security AllianceFor The CultureDress Code for College StudentsThe HookupHow to Get the Fastest Driving Directions

Nica built an app with just AI…”Wanna [see] it? here it go”The LowdownBuilding The Brag Book App With AIiOS 26.6 Preps Your Phone for Siri AITim Cook's Final Earnings Call as CEO2nd StringEU Mandates In-Car Distraction CamerasFor The CultureArgentina's World Cup Racism FalloutThe HookupMeasure Your Height With iPhone LiDAR

Hov said it best — and so did this week's headlines.The LowdownApple Sues OpenAI for Trade Secret TheftAAPL stock unexpectedly rallies 15% iOS 27 Public Beta Live -  SiriAI for almost everybody2nd StringNew York Just Became the First State to Ban AI Data CentersFor The CultureJay-Z NYC TakeoverThe HookupProtect Yourself From the FaceTime Bank Scam

Apple's Hide My Email gets caught leaking real addresses, the EU hands Apple another loss, Meta's smart glasses run into privacy tampering, Trump's FIFA favor blows up on Team USA, and we hook you up with how to wipe your number before selling your iPhone.The LowdownHide My Email Had One JobApple Intelligence Starts Snitching on Google CloudApple Loses Its EU Digital Markets Act Appeal2nd StringMeta Locks Down Tampered Smart GlassesFor The CultureTrump, FIFA, and Team USA's World Cup ExitThe HookupHow to wipe Your Number Before You Sell Your iPhone

The numbers are out, but how will the people respond?The LowdownReal Numbers behind Apple IncreasesOpenAI Is Raiding Apple's HouseApple Is Lobbying US to Buy Chips From a Chinese Military Company2nd StringGoogle Just Killed the GIFs — Well, Sort ofFor The CultureBET Awards 2026The HookupHow to NOT Get Scammed on Your World Cup Tickets

RAM shortages, lawsuits, AI passports, and a $40 vinyl that's got Black Twitter in its feelings.The LowdownYour Next iPhone Is About to Cost More — Tim Cook Said SoCongress Wants Inside the App Store — Apple Is Not Having ItApple vs. Jon Prosser: The Liquid Glass Leak Has Consequences2nd StringShow Your ID to Use AI? Apple Wallet Could Be the KeyFor The CultureJay-Z's Reasonable Doubt Turns 30 — But Did He Have to Pick Target?The HookupHow to Stop Your AirPods From Jumping to Other Speakers

Apple's raising prices and we're going to complain, pre-order, and repeat.The LowdownThe iPhone Fold Is Basically ConfirmedApple Is Paying Out $250 Million for Overhyping SirApple confirms price increases are coming to its products due to RAM shortage2nd StringU.S. Government Pulled the Plug on Anthropic's Most Powerful AIFor The CultureFIFA Fun!Happy JuneteenthThe HookupDouble Your Cash Back at Nike with Apple Card

Siri finally showed up, Meta got exposed, and the World Cup's real scandal is at the arrivals gate — it's a lot.The LowdownSiri AI — what it actually does now, and who doesn't get itmacOS 27 "Golden Gate" — what Mac users need to knowApple Home Secure Video — Apple Intelligence now tells you what's on your camerasTime Allowance — Apple completely overhauled parental controls2nd StringMeta quietly shipped facial recognition to 50 million phones — then deleted it after getting caughtFor The CultureThe World Cup is here — and some athletes are being welcomed like suspectsThe HookupYour AirPods are a camera shutter button — here's how to use them

WWDC’s All Systems Glow event kicks off on Monday and we get into what may be launched.The LowdownWWDC 2026 — "All Systems Glow" Drops MondayApple's Smart Home Era Is Finally Here… MaybeThe Apple Design Awards — Apple Just Told You Exactly What It Values2nd StringIBM Just Bet $10 Billion That Quantum Computing Is No Longer a DreamFor The CultureRoots Picnic 2026 — Jay-Z Showed Up, Showed Out, and the Internet Has Not RecoveredThe HookupSchedule Messages in iMessage

From yield issues on the iPhone Fold to paying Google to fix Siri, Apple is having a moment — and we've got receipts.The LowdowniPhone Fold Production ProblemsApple Smart Glasses: 4 Designs RevealedApple Pays Google $1B to Rebuild SiriApple Splits iPhone 18 Launch Into Two Windows2nd StringSam Altman: AI Won't Kill White Collar JobsFor The CultureBig Tech Kills DEI — Black Creators Fight BackThe HookupHow to Customize Your iPhone Alarm Snooze in iOS 26

AI definitely gets a (deserved) bad rap, but there is definitely a good side.The LowdownGetting free AirPods Pro 3 sounds simple until the Apple Card fine print kicks iniOS 26’s Wallet app has long-awaited order tracking fix, here’s how to use itApple announces AI-powered accessibility features and eye-controlled wheelchair functionality2nd StringHands-On With All of Google’s New Upcoming Android XR Smart GlassesFor The CultureElection Day across the countryThe HookupLock Individual Apps with Face ID

Apple cuts a $250M check over Siri's broken promises, we look at who's making Apple's chips next, OpenAI enters the media game, and SC State students go toe-to-toe with a lieutenant governor — plus a tip that'll make you never wait on hold agaiThe LowdownApple's $250M Siri Settlement — You Might Get a CheckiOS 26.5 RC: What's New Before WWDCApple Eyes Intel & Samsung for U.S. Chip Production2nd StringOpenAI Just Bought a Media CompanyFor The CultureSC State vs. The Lt. Governor: HBCUs Under FireThe HookupHow to Never Wait on Hold Again With Your iPhone

Apple built the most exclusive club in tech, but the velvet rope is down, AirDrop crossed the aisle, and Android just pulled up.The LowdowniOS 26.4 gave your iPhone an alarm feature that’s long been missingApple cuts interest rate for Apple Card Savings accounts… AGAINApple Vision Pro Used in World-First Cataract Surgery2nd StringAirDrop is now widely available on Android phonesFor The CultureFuture Faking or Change of HeartThe HookupQuick video editing on iPhone

Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO. Will his next “job” give him nightmares?The LowdownTim Cook steps down as Apple CEOTim Cook’s legacyApple Watch Blood Oxygen Ban2nd StringWill iPhone fold copy Huawei Pura X MaxFor The CultureMary J. still not feeling Burger King commercialThe HookupiOS update stop cops from accessing messages

The LowdowniPhone “Fold” LimboApp Store’s Bad DayiPhone Satellite Provide Bought by Amazon2nd StringChrome Extensions HijackedFor The CultureMichael: The MovieThe HookupHow to quickly jump back through Settings

Artemis II astronauts flaunt pictures of space through iPhone lensThe LowdownArtemis II astronauts share iPhone PhotosImproved WhatsApp CarPlay ExperienceAnthropic and Apple to make the web safer2nd StringAI can’t keep track of time?For The CultureBlack-founded Dual Shot Recorder app climbs to #1The HookupDownload ⁠DualShot Recorder⁠ app

Apple celebrates 50 years of thinking different…  A look back and a look forward.The LowdownHappy Birthday AppleMost notable announcements through the yearsNASA’s Artemis II launch to be filmed in Apple Vision Pro immersive videoApple continues to roll out age verification around the world2nd StringAnthropic leaked its own source codeFor The CultureFree Speech can have consequencesThe HookupHow-to natively blur faces in Photos

Will WWDC get some intelligence this year?New OS updatesiOS 26.4 | iPadOS 26.4 | watchOS 26.4 | macOS Tahoe 26.4WWDC 26 AnnouncedApple/Google AI partnership details2nd StringInstagram/YouTube rulingFor The CultureGeorgia moving to the Atlantic time zone?The HookupLogitech MX Master 4: Macro-powered AI Mouse

The LowdownNew Product Alert:  AirPod Max 2Apple releases Background Security Improvement for iPhone, iPad, and MacApple Milestone Birthday Approaches2nd StringGamers Over Nvidia?For The CultureAnother 1st Black (fill in the blank)The HookupShow highlighted text in share links

Avoiding China tariffs via brown-nosing may not be Apple’s only strategy…The LowdownApple’s newly discontinued productsWhy is iPhone production picking up in India?Mac Mini tapped as the hardware for ‘Perplexity Computer?2nd StringUsing ChatGPT to do your taxes?For The Culture‘Magic City’ Hawks collabThe HookupThe best way to save full-page iPhone webpage screenshots

The “iOS Press Release” is no longer just for people making a long mea culpa on social media. It now includes Apple hard launching new devices…The “Apple Experience”iPhone 17e | iPad Air | MacBook Neo | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro | Studio Display XDRIf you want to watch the splashy videos, 9to5 Mac has collated them all in one post.2nd StringAI goes to WarFor The CultureThe $10k Baby Shower

Word on the street is Apple is bringing back the entry-level laptop soonThe LowdownApple brings back the MacBook?Apple’s March 4th “Experience”Apple brings age verification to UK usersApple fined (again) by Brazil over lack of charger2nd StringAnthropic to dial back AI safety measures…If other companies do it firstFor The CultureTech-ing While Black: Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya JacksonGoogle apologizes for uncensored N-word news alertThe HookupAnker 3-n-1 travel charger: $50 off

We’re here to help find your dog only, we promise that’s “all” we’ll do…The LowdownOS 26.3 dropped today across Apple devicesOld versions of iOS, macOS, and iPadOS get updates tooJony Ive Ferrari interior might be a glimpse of the Apple Car that never was2nd StringSuper Bowl ad for Ring's dog-tracking cameras stirs privacy controversyFor The CultureDid the Super Bowl Halftime Show deliver?The HookupAdd a poll in Messages for quicker group decisions

Everybody isn’t streaming music as much as we think…The LowdownBeware: ApplePay email phishing scamWhy you should use an SSD with Final Cut Pro for iPadWho’s keeping iTunes alive?2nd String“Eco-anxious” women aren’t adopting AI as fast as menWho’s really doing the work when AI replaces jobsAre you using MoltBot AI on your machine?For The CultureTech-ing While Black: Clarice Phelps - ChemistThe HookupHow to use Apple Intelligence as a Chatbot

The tech streets are talking. But are we picking up what they’re putting down?The LowdownApple launches AirTag 2Apple Cash is making instant transfers more expensive soonRumor Has It Quick HitsApple to ‘unveil’ results of Google Gemini partnership as soon as next month: reportApple’s rumored ‘HomePad’ device gets encouraging launch updateApple is working on an AI-powered wearable pin: report 2nd StringUS-ification of TikTok is CompleteFor The CultureIs social media a drug?The HookupDon’t reply ‘STOP’ to spam text messagesNote: Misidentified Craig Federighi for John Ternus in this segment. Corrected later in the show.

Apple is on top of the smartphone market. What can they do to stay there?The LowdownApple edges Samsung for the #1 smartphone maker spotWhat will make iPhone Fold “work”Apple urges users to update Home app or lose accessWhy you should Reboot your iPhone2nd StringAds ARE coming to ChatGPTFor The CultureKevin Stefanski comes to the ATL…The HookupWhy you should block instead of unsubscribe from emails

Even still, you have to know what you’re doing...The LowdownJPMorgan Chase becomes the new issuer of the Apple CardApple Creator Studio suite is launching to take on AdobeApple chooses Google’s Gemini to power next-gen Siri2nd StringAnthropic launches Claude CoworkFor The CultureThat’s Ludacris!The HookupSmart Lists for the Win

We made some bold predictions last year…and made even more this year.The LowdownWe review our 2025 Apple predictions to see how we did versus what Apple actually didWe also make new 2026 Apple predictions to forecast what Apple will (or won’t) do this year2nd StringIn CES news…Roku introduces new streaming serviceSamsung unveils true foldable displayNew “chores” robot on the sceneFor The CultureSuprise…Diddy can’t pay his people while in prisonThe HookupIf you haven’t turned on iOS 26 ‘Call Screening’ feature…

Apple dropped 24 security patches alongside shiny new features, but the boring stuff is honestly why you should update.The Lowdown26.2 dropped for all productsApple Music is coming to ChatGPT, OpenAI announcesApple will supply senior managers to advise feds on new US Tech Force2nd StringYouTube to stream the Oscar AwardsFor The Culture“We told you so” Crisean Rock removes face tattoo of ex-boyfriendThe HookupHow to sign and save your signature on Mac

Apple Music, TV and games are down. How will we entertain ourselves? The Lowdown30% off Mattel when using Apple PayApple Music & TV outageTim Cook goes to Washington over Apple Age verificationApple warns users on using Google Chrome2nd StringAndroids can now share live video with 911For The CultureDiddy Doc recapThe HookupHow to customize macOS folders

A decision has to be made.The LowdownMake Your Own Mac ProApple Security Bounties Take a HitLeadership Shift with Apple Intelligence2nd StringNetflix Bans Streaming From Your Phone to Your TVFor The Culture“New” MediaThe HookupGet your piece of the data breach pie

If you’re gonna spend money this holiday season, do it the safe way.The LowdownApple Black Friday DealsLife without “Hey Siri”2nd StringFrom Mac to PC?For The CultureBel Air [Final] Season 4The HookupHoliday Shopping Security Tips

Only if you already got the benefit...The LowdownAre desktops irrelevant?Verdict in for Apple Watch Blood Oxygen LawsuitiPhone 17’s N1 chip delivers major Wi-Fi speed boost2nd StringDown goes another cloud services platformFor The CultureUse your “ambition” not DEI The Hookup5% Cash Back at Ace Hardware and Booking.com

You can now create your Apple Digital ID to be used…whenever businesses get around to supporting them.The LowdownApple Watch gets native Notes appAdd your Digital ID to Apple WalletmacOS 26.2 to include a ring light?SmartThings integrates with SiriOur phones are listening2nd StringGoogle services down this weekFor The CultureTarget’s new “friendliness policy”The HookupYouTube TV subscribers - Don’t miss your $20 credit

Not a whole lot of new OS 26.1 “fun” stuff, but a whole lot of new “security” stuffThe LowdownOS 26.1 Versions ReleasedApple’s next smart-home gadget is already hiding in iOS 26.2?WhatsApp full functionality comes to Apple Watch2nd StringAI “Artist” Makes it to Billboard ChartsFor The CultureThe Great Rotisserie Chicken DebateThe HookupUpdate Your Phone

Car companies are divided on what to do with infotainment system integration…The LowdowniOS 26.1 Release Candidate sneak peekAirPods Pro 3 airplane issuesToyota adds Apple Maps EV routing2nd StringICE agents scanning faces to confirm citizenshipFor The CultureNo Limit VERZUZ Cash MoneyThe HookupLVP Flooring install heads up#Apple #CarPlay #Toyota #EV #GeneralMotors

In this AI video game, it looks like some are being quite duplicitous with their methods...The LowdownGM removing CarPlay, Steve Jobs is the inspirationiPhone Always On Display gets a new tweakApple still the cool kid2nd StringAWS outage reeks havocFor The CultureFighting for the King Legacy: OpenAI blocks MLK Jr VideosThe HookupHow to use Apple Watch’s hypertension feature in watchOS 26

New M5 chip crammed inside the latest MacBook Pro and iPad Pro…The LowdownNew Apple M5 ChipNew M5 MacBook ProNew M5 iPad ProApple TV drops the “+”2nd StringFacebook removes ICE-targeting FB GroupFor The CultureRest In Power D’angeloThe HookupApple Fitness “Workout Buddy”

Why are the ads SO loud?!? Now, there’s a fix for that now...The LowdownICEBlock removal from App Store Apple Wallet’s new boarding passes in iOS 26 now supported by a major airlineApple Intelligence fix… replace the leader?2nd StringCalifornia bans loud commercials on streaming platformsFor The CultureDiddy Sentencing: Was It Enough?The HookupHow create a custom haptic vibration ringtone

Our favorite fast-food game is back but with some upgrades…The LowdownWhat’s in the latest Apple OS updatesApple wants Musk’s ChaptGPT lawsuit dismissedNica’s AirPods Pro 3 first impressions2nd StringMickey Dee’s Monopoly game is back…on your phoneFor The CultureCrissle’s “motherhood” comments towards Cardi B.The HookupDon’t delete those spam emails

All the new animations are a bit of a shock to the normThe Lowdown1st Week with new OS 26Too Late to Change Now… iOS26 downgrade haltediPhones will add US Passport support by end of 20252nd StringJaguar Land Rover cyberattack shutdown to hit four weeksFor The CultureProve Me Wrong DebatesThe HookupHow to use AirPods as an iPhone camera control

Now that OS 26 is out, is Liquid Glass a slam dunk, or is more polish needed?The LowdowniPhone 17 Pre-order salesOS 26 First ImpressionsiOS 26battery drain issue2nd StringFacebook class action payments going outFor The Culture“Killa Cam” shuts down cringeworthy ogling of co-hostsThe HookupHow to turn on call iOS 26 Call screening

In no rush to get the latest Awe Dropping productsThe LowdownAwe Dropping Event Run DownProduct HighlightsAirPod Pro 3Apple Watch SEApple Watch 11Apple Watch Ultra 3iPhone 17iPhone AiriPhone 17 ProPlanned Purchases Least favorite new productFavorite new featureLeast favorite new featureWill there be a “One More Thing” event or announcement for 2025?The HookupiOS 26 officially launches on Monday, Sept. 15th

We dive deeper into the upcoming Apple (iPhone 17) Event.The LowdownUrgent WhatsApp updateApple Event rumor mill predictionsOur 2025 Apple Predictions check-in2nd StringInstagram’s long awaited iPad appFor The CultureUnknown Number Netflix documentaryThe HookupWhy you should enable Guest Account on your Mac