610: We Hear You're Good at Computers
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In Upgrade Episode 610, Mike Hurley and Jason Snell dive into a rich tapestry of Apple-related topics, beginning with a reflective discussion on the Artemis 2 mission and the historic significance of the Earthrise photo from Apollo 8. They explore the presence of iPhones and Nikon cameras on the spacecraft, questioning Apple’s involvement and the cultural impact of space exploration. The hosts then shift to a deep dive into Apple’s history, reviewing key books on the company—particularly praising Steven Pogue’s definitive work while critiquing Walter Isaacson’s biography for its technical inaccuracies. A detailed analysis follows on Apple’s controversial security update policy, where iOS 18 users were initially denied critical patches unless they upgraded to iOS 26, a decision the hosts call frustrating but ultimately resolved when Apple backported the fix. They also discuss the discontinuation of the Mac Pro and the delayed Mac Studio and Mac Mini delivery times, attributing these to strategic resource allocation and Apple’s shift toward a mass-market focus. The episode concludes with a heartfelt origin story segment, where both hosts share how their personal journeys with Apple—Jason through the Apple II and Mac SE, Mike through the iPod mini and early iPhone—shaped their careers and passion for technology. The episode closes with a playful but firm rejection of speculation about a new Apple product naming scheme, emphasizing that 'Pro' is now more consistent than ever.
Apple’s decision to withhold iOS 18 security updates until iOS 26 was frustrating but ultimately resolved, highlighting the need for better communication around security policies.
The Mac Pro’s discontinuation marks Apple’s strategic pivot from niche, high-end desktops to a mass-market focus, prioritizing profitability over extreme performance.
Jason Snell’s origin story with the Apple II and Mac SE illustrates how early exposure to Apple technology can shape a lifelong career in tech media.
Mike Hurley’s journey from the iPod mini to the first Intel Mac shows how Apple’s product evolution in the 2000s created a generation of devoted fans.
Apple’s upcoming iOS 27 features—Siri as a standalone app, multi-action prompts, and third-party AI integration—signal a major shift toward AI-first, conversational interfaces.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Artemis 2 and the Legacy of Earthrise
“The whole idea of seeing the entirety of the earth, which contains all of human history as a little blue dot rising over the horizon of the moon will be extremely impressive.”
Apple’s History and the Books That Tell It
“Pogue's book feels to me very definitive. If somebody asked me what's a book about Apple history, I'd say just get Pogue's book because it is the definitive.”
Security Updates and the iOS 18/26 Dilemma
“If you're one of these people who's really concerned about security, and we'll get back to the iOS 1877 update in a second, even if you update to 1877 on your iPhone... you are not as secure as you are on the latest 26.”
The Death of the Mac Pro and the Rise of the Mac Studio
“Apple's not interested in that market anymore. Period. Like, they'll go real high. Like, make no mistake, the high-end Macs are very powerful. But if you're somebody who's like, yeah, but I need more in this area, I would say, first off, there probably aren't that many of you.”
Origin Stories: How We Found Apple
“If you start in 2004 and then you end up with an iPod mini, a video iPod, an iMac, a MacBook, an iPod touch and an iPhone all in like a four to five year span. Like unbelievable.”
“Apple's not interested in that market anymore. Period. Like, they'll go real high. Like, make no mistake, the high-end Macs are very powerful. But if you're somebody who's like, yeah, but I need more in this area, I would say, first off, there probably aren't that many of you.”
“Pogue's book feels to me very definitive. If somebody asked me what's a book about Apple history, I'd say just get Pogue's book because it is the definitive.”
“If you start in 2004 and then you end up with an iPod mini, a video iPod, an iMac, a MacBook, an iPod touch and an iPhone all in like a four to five year span. Like unbelievable.”
Hosts
Apple
organization
Siri
product
Jason Snell
person
Mac Pro
product
Mike Hurley
person
Artemis 2
other
iOS 18
product
Mac Studio
product
iOS 26
product
Mac Mini
product
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