Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode centers on Apple’s ecosystem tensions: iPhone size tradeoffs, call reliability issues, AirPods alleviating phone bulk, APFS conversion on iOS, Apple’s earnings trends, the iPad’s limits as a PC replacement, and rumors of an ARM co-processor in Macs. The hosts repeatedly weigh simplicity vs power, arguing Apple often solves for mainstream users while leaving pro workflows and hardware flexibility constrained.
Main Topics: iPhone size, ergonomics, and reliability: The hosts compare the iPhone 5S, iPhone 7, and Plus models, debating hand feel versus screen size. A major practical complaint is unreliable voice calling on iPhone 7 units, which makes a larger or different model tempting. AirPods and phone portability: AirPods are described as making the phone feel less intrusive by allowing the device to be set aside while listening to audio, especially in the kitchen where pocket bulk becomes noticeable when bending down. Apple earnings and service growth: The discussion of Apple’s quarter frames the company as still healthy overall, with strong iPhone performance, improving Mac revenue from new laptops, declining iPad sales, and services becoming increasingly important to Apple’s growth strategy. iPad versus Mac as the future of computing: A long debate explores whether iPads can replace PCs for professional work. The consensus is that tablets are great for casual use and some productivity, but hardware limits, app ecosystem constraints, and Apple’s cautious software approach keep them from supplanting Macs. APFS migration and file-system benefits: The hosts answer a listener question about whether restoring an iPhone from scratch would improve APFS conversion. They conclude the benefits of a clean reformat are likely too small to matter on flash storage. Rumored Mac ARM co-processor: A rumor about Apple developing a T-series ARM chip for Macs is interpreted as a low-power adjunct for sleep, wake, Siri, authentication, and similar tasks—not as evidence that Apple is preparing to replace Intel across the Mac line.
Key Arguments: The iPhone 7 is a strong overall phone, but call reliability problems can outweigh its strengths when phone calls matter unexpectedly. A larger screen would improve usability, but bigger phones remain awkward in hand; the ideal device would shrink footprint while maximizing display area. AirPods are valuable not just for convenience but because they let the phone leave your pocket, improving comfort during physical tasks. Apple’s earnings show the company is still growing, but the growth rate is slowing; services are increasingly central to future expansion. The iPad has improved, but it still hits hard walls in professional workflows because Apple prioritizes simplicity over deep flexibility. Tablets can augment PCs, but without major changes in hardware, software, and app economics, they are unlikely to replace Macs for demanding users. The rumored ARM Mac chip is likely about low-power subsystem duties, not a wholesale Intel replacement. The most productive Apple hardware strategy for now appears to be selling overlapping devices that cover different needs rather than one device that does everything.
Data Points: Apple quarterly revenue: $78.4 billion - Referenced as Apple’s most recent quarter in the earnings discussion. Prior holiday-quarter revenue: $75.9 billion - Used as the nearest comparison point for Apple’s latest quarterly revenue. iPhone usage/call count for one speaker: 3 legit calls and 3 spam calls in 2017 so far - Illustrates low personal call usage and why call failures affect one speaker less often than the other. iPhone usage/call count for another speaker: 52 calls in 2017 - Shows a higher dependence on phone calls, making call reliability more important. Nomorobo subscription cost: About $2 per month - Mentioned as the cost of the robocall-blocking service. Away carry-on battery capacity claim: Charges a phone 5 times - Part of the sponsor copy describing the suitcase’s built-in battery. Audible trial length: 30 days - Advertised free trial period for Audible. HelloFresh discount: $35 off first week - Advertised promotional offer for HelloFresh. iOS file system question: APFS conversion on iOS 10.3 - Listener asked whether restoring from scratch would improve APFS benefits. Apple iPad hardware sizes discussed: 4.7-inch, Plus, 9.7-inch, 12.9-inch - Used throughout the size and ergonomics debate.
Pivotal Quotes: "You are like someone who we're trying not to mention, and that whatever the last thing that you've done is like has the most impression on you." — Speaker 1: A joking setup for the ongoing iPhone size “waffle” and hand-feel discussion. "I just want my wonderful seven that I'm unreasonably happy with in other ways. I just want it to be able to make phone calls reliably." — Speaker 1: Summarizes the core frustration with the iPhone 7: otherwise liked, but undermined by call failures. "The future of computing ... is post-PC computing, which means computing without as many of the concerns that have necessarily come with PCs." — Speaker 2: Used to define the broader philosophical debate about iPad, Mac, and the evolution of personal computing.
Implications: Apple’s near-term path appears to favor incremental overlap rather than a single universal device. Expect more services, more phone-centric innovation, and gradual iPad gains, while Macs remain essential for complex workflows and the rumored ARM Mac chip likely serves niche low-power tasks.