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The first iPhone Duo reviews are in. Bryan and Jeff discuss Apple’s new folding phone, including its cameras, durability, and impressive display technology. They also explore Apple’s decision to keep HomeView out of Europe, the company’s $5 trillion valuation, and why Affinity Studio coming to iPad could be a game changer for people looking to replace their Mac laptops. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Apple's October 28 Event 02:42 Apple Reaches a $5 Trillion Valuation 04:26 Early iPhone Duo Reviews 08:03 Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Folding Test 10:58 iPhone Duo Display Animations 13:13 Apple Won't Sell HomeView in Europe 16:55 Sponsor: Origin 18:57 Affinity Studio Is Coming to iPad 23:00 Affinity Studio vs. Pixelmator Pro vs. Photoshop 25:47 Adobe Creative Cloud and Apple's Creator Studio 29:46 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Apple announces special event for October 28: ‘Pro and tell’ https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/19/apple-announces-special-event-for-october-28/ Apple just closed the day above $5 trillion for the first time https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/14/apple-just-closed-the-day-above-5-trillion-for-the-first-time/ iPhone Duo review roundup: Mostly positive opinions unfold https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/10/21/iphone-duo-review-roundup-mostly-positive-opinions-unfold iPhone Duo review: The future is foldable https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/21/iphone-duo-review/ Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Review https://youtu.be/bxDTWuL9GxY MKBHD's iPhone Duo Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESABTN4VtrA Apple HomeView Won't Be Available in the European Union https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/13/apple-homeview-wont-be-available-in-eu/ Canva's Affinity Studio coming to iPad https://www.affinity.studio/download Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Apple is making a major push into the smart home with its new HomeView display and a lineup of accessories from LG and Schneider, including security cameras, smart locks, and thermostats. Bryan and Jeff discuss what makes these products compelling, Apple’s approach to privacy and security, and why the company should consider bringing back AirPort with a modern twist. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac - Try CleanMyMac's new Email Cleanup feature to free up space and clear out messages you don't want in your GMail. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Apple HomeView 22:30 Sponsor: MacPaw CleanMyMac 25:15 LG Video Doorbell 28:14 LG Security Cameras 32:51 LG and Schneider Smart Thermostats 35:05 LG Smart Lock 38:59 Apple's Smart Home Accessories and Pricing 40:49 The Case for a New Apple AirPort 42:28 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Meet Apple HomeView, a new way to enjoy entertainment, stay connected, and manage the home https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/meet-apple-homeview-a-new-way-to-enjoy-entertainment-and-manage-the-home/ Introducing Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/introducing-apple-home-collection-a-new-lineup-of-smart-home-accessories/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Bryan and Jeff explore the news that Apple is partnering with LG for new smart home devices. They also look at what triggered Apple’s changes for Full Disk Access on the Mac, and Jeff has a Home Assistant update. SPONSOR: Framer - Framer is more than a site-builder. It's a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:20 An Update on Home Assistant's Easy Setup 00:04:32 Apple Taps LG for Smarthome Push 00:23:24 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/TCM 00:24:45 Apple to Tighten Up Full Disk Access 00:33:16 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Home Assistant https://www.home-assistant.io/ Apple to Launch Doorbell, Lock, Thermostat Developed With LG https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-06/apple-s-smart-home-push-includes-doorbell-lock-thermostat-codeveloped-with-lg Apple says it’s tightening macOS privacy controls amid the rise of AI agents https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/02/apple-says-its-tightening-macos-privacy-controls-amid-the-rise-of-ai-agents/ AI Just Crossed the Terrifying Line - Now What? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujkD4SxPKOI Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Apple CEO John Ternus is already making changes at the company. Bryan and Jeff look at how his leadership will be different from Tim Cook and Steve Jobs, plus they talk about what they’d like to see him fix in the product lineup. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Intro00:30 How John Ternus Could Change Apple10:47 Sponsor: Origin13:03 What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple34:28 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Apple’s New CEO Seeks to Make Company Run Faster and Leaner Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff explore iPhone 18 Pro camera features, and Jeff shares some tips on migrating from your old iPhone to your new one. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:07 Hands-on with iPhone 18 Pro’s Camera00:12:20 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm00:14:14 New iPhone Setup Tips00:32:20 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone 18 Pro Jeff’s favorite Spigen iPhone case Special Deal: Get Accidental Intelligence for just $0.99 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Hands-On with iPhone 18 Pro Camera and New iPhone Setup Tips appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

iOS 27 is officially available for the iPhone, so Bryan and Jeff take a look at ten features they think are worth calling out in the new operating system. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:50 Describe a Shortcut00:04:38 iMessage Voice Recorder Button Moved00:07:17 Photos Cleanup Removes More Stuff00:11:07 Extend a Photo Beyond Its Original Edges00:12:37 Safari Can Watch a Website For You00:15:15 SPONSOR: Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup00:17:51 Call Context Exists00:19:05 Eliminating Liquid Glass00:21:52 Siri AI Waitlist00:23:31 Readiness00:27:07 AirPods Custom EQ Settings00:31:37 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iOS 27 Major updates for Apple’s software platforms are now available Siri AI, a profoundly more capable and personal assistant powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, is here Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post 10 Awesome iOS 27 Features appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Apple just announced the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro. Bryan and Jeff break down the choices so you can decide which model is right for you. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:00:41 John Ternus’s Debut as Apple CEO00:01:54 Which iPhone Should You Get? It Depends!00:09:34 iPhone Duo 00:18:14 More on the Duo and 18 Pro00:24:00 Other Considerations00:29:20 New Apple Watches00:34:59 AirPods5 00:40:18 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone Duo iPhone 18 Pro Apple Watch Ultra 4 Apple Watch 12 AirPods 5 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo vs. Your Old iPhone appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Apple has a brand new CEO. John Ternus is taking over for Tim Cook, so Bryan and Jeff take a look at how the transition has gone so far, and speculate on how the company may fare under his leadership. Chatpermarks 00:00:00 Introductions00:00:02 The First Apple CEO Change without Drama00:02:22 What John Ternus Means for Apple00:03:00 Why Steve Jobs Chose Tim Cook00:13:14 What Changes Under John Ternus00:17:08 The First Products of the Ternus Era00:28:08 Bryan’s Accidental Intelligence Wins Silver at Readers’ Favorite00:30:18 Apple’s $10 Billion Foldable iPhone00:33:58 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: John Ternus, Apple CEO iPhone Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch IDC: Smartphone Shipments Set for Record 16.7% Drop in 2026, as the Memory Crisis Hits Full Force Bryan’s Accidental Intelligence wins Readers Favorite silver medal award Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff break down Apple’s just announce M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini, and M5 Max and Ultra Mac Studio. They also work through which models and configurations to buy, along with how they fit in with Jeff’s new computer strategy. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:00:41 Apple’s New Macs00:02:20 The New Mac mini00:11:15 The New Mac Studio00:17:00 SPONSOR: Learn how you can get more out of your site with Framer00:18:19 What the New Macs Tell Us About Apple00:23:17 Which New Mac Would We Actually Buy?00:40:15 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Apple announces updated Mac mini, here’s everything new Apple unveils new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra Apple launches next-gen Apple Silicon chips: M6 and M5 Ultra Bryan’s new Working Writers Show podcast Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review The Context Machine on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Apple’s New Mac mini and Studio: More Power, Higher Prices appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff go at it on the best way to work with text files and writing when bouncing back and forth between Mac and iPad. Bryan says Scrivener is best while Jeff stubbornly clings to Obsidian. Which one is right? Sources referenced in this episode: Obsidian Scrivener Mike Schmidz Tip: Find Your iPhone with a Text Message (Thanks, Dave Hamilton) Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Bryan and Jeff’s Mac and iPad Text Editor Showdown appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Jeff has had an epiphany, and he and Bryan talk about how an iPad Pro might be the right device for his on-the-go computer, rather than a MacBook. They also discuss Jeff’s recent Black Hat 2026 experience and how AI dominated the event. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Sources referenced in this episode: iPad Pro MacBook Neo Black Hat USA 2026 DEF CON STLV Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post iPad Pro vs. MacBook Neo, AI Dominates Black Hat Conference appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan is joined by guest host Jeff Butts to talk about Apple’s impending iOS 27 and macOS 27 updates, including Genmoji autoprompts. They also look at the maker space and how much ground Apple hardware has made with developer support. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple’s iOS 27 Preview Apple’s macOS 27 Preview Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Apple OS 27 Updates: Genmoji Autoprompts and Getting Ready for Makers appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff evaluate Apple’s new iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch least program. They also discuss Apple’s market cap topping $5 trillion, and Jeff has a cool Mac utility you need to know about. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple Upgrade launches in the United States Apple just hit $5 trillion market cap for first time WhatCable Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Apple’s New iPhone Lease Program and $5T Valuation, Plus a Must-Have Mac Utility appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff explain some of what’s wrong with OpenAI and their security efforts. They also sort out how the European Commission’s plans on dictating operating system designs will back fire for them and Google. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Sources referenced in this episode: OpenAI says its AI went rogue and launched ‘unprecedented’ cyber-attack European Commission: ‘Guidance to Google for AI Interoperability on Android & Sharing of Google Search’ Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post OpenAI’s Sandbox Goes Awry & the EC Dictates OS Design appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff dig into Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI that accuses chatGPT’s bosses of stealing Apple intellectual property in their rush to make things. They also talk about Apple’s search for top robotics engineers, Jeff’s switcheroo on buying more iPods Pro, price increases for AppleCare+ for Macs and iPads, and new ad rules for Apple Maps. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple sues OpenAI, former employees for theft of trade secrets Apple looks to expand its robotics team ahead of potential product launch Apple quietly raises AppleCare+ prices for Macs, iPads Apple’s rules for Maps ads diverge from Google as it prohibits home services Costco AirPods Pro 3 discount Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Apple Sues OpenAI, Apple Robots, Jeff’s AirPods Hearing Aids, and More appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.