238: ‘Fort Jason Sudeikis’ With Jason Snell

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Jason Snell and John Gruber center the conversation on Apple’s new iPad Pro bend controversy, arguing that Apple likely sees it as a cosmetic tolerance issue rather than a functional defect. The discussion broadens into Apple’s PR practices, platform identity, the uneasy state of Marzipan/iOS-on-Mac apps, and how Apple’s ecosystem rules shape everything from Siri and HomeKit to writing apps, keyboards, and push notifications.

Main Topics: iPad Pro bend controversy ('Bendgate') (Priority: 5/5): They analyze reports of slightly bent iPad Pros, Apple’s tolerance statement, and whether this is a real defect or a cosmetic variance acceptable within manufacturing specs. Apple PR and product communication (Priority: 4/5): The hosts discuss how Apple PR operates, why Apple prefers written statements, and how careful wording can make a product issue seem more or less serious. Mac identity and platform conventions (Priority: 5/5): A long discussion of what makes software feel 'Mac-like,' using examples like Word 6, disclosure triangles, menu bars, and app/window behavior. Marzipan and the future of Mac apps (Priority: 5/5): They debate whether Apple’s iOS-to-Mac app strategy is a small transitional proof-of-concept or the start of a broader redefinition of Mac app development. iPad as a work machine (Priority: 4/5): The speakers compare iPad and Mac for writing, editing, and multitasking, with Jason describing both the strengths and limitations of doing serious work on iPad Pro. Apple ecosystem features: Siri, HomeKit, Photos, notifications (Priority: 3/5): They touch on Siri improvements, HomeKit on the Mac, Photos app feature gaps, and the need for better notification granularity in apps like MLB and the Washington Post. Keyboards, accessories, and personal workflow (Priority: 3/5): The conversation ends with a detailed keyboard discussion, plus side notes on stickers, dongles, and the practical realities of using Apple and PC hardware.

Key Arguments: Apple’s iPad Pro bend issue may be within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance, but Apple should still offer replacement flexibility for premium-device buyers. The internet amplifies anecdotal hardware complaints, making it hard to know whether a problem is rare or widespread. Mac-like software is defined by deep conventions and user expectations, not just basic GUI elements. Marzipan apps in Mojave look more like transitional prototypes than finished, platform-defining software. Apple may be working toward a unified app platform, but shipping weak iOS-to-Mac ports risks damaging the Mac experience. Siri and HomeKit are improving, but Apple still has a perception problem because many users remember earlier failures and stop trying. Serious writing on iPad is possible, but current apps and workflows still lack the richness and consistency of mature Mac tools.

Data Points: iPad Pro flatness tolerance: 400 microns (0.4 mm) - Apple’s stated maximum variance for the new iPad Pro’s flatness Thickness of new iPad Pro: 5.9 mm - Used to frame how noticeable a bend could be on the thin device Camera bump height: about 2.1 mm - John’s caliper measurement for comparison against the flatness variance Apple’s variance relative to paper: less than four sheets of paper - Dan Riccio’s explanation of 400 microns Linode promo credit: $20 - Advertisement code offer for listeners Linode starting plan: $5/month - Entry-level SSD server pricing mentioned in ad copy Linode data centers: 10 worldwide - Geographic distribution of hosting infrastructure Hullo pillow trial period: 60 nights - Return window for the buckwheat pillow sponsor Hullo donation amount: 1% of profits - Donation to the Nature Conservancy BBEdit anniversary: 25 years - Used as an example of a long-lived, actively developed Mac app Word 6 reference: Word 5.1A was the last beloved classic Mac version - Used to explain the backlash against non-Mac-like software Loop Ventures test battery: 800 tests - Comparative assistant testing of Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa Siri improvement in Loop Ventures tests: 22% - Reported year-over-year improvement, larger than Google’s Google Assistant improvement in Loop Ventures tests: 7% - Compared with Siri’s larger gains Siri/HomePod measurement window: 9 months - HomePod had not been on the market for a full year when the tests were discussed

Pivotal Quotes: "Our current specification for iPad Pro flatness is up to 400 microns, which is even tighter than previous generations." — Apple / Dan Riccio statement: Apple’s official response to the bent iPad Pro reports "What keeps Apple alive is Mac-likeness." — John Gruber: Explaining why platform conventions matter beyond basic GUI elements "If this is actually a sign of where Apple thinks, you know, that these are fine examples of what makes a reasonable Mac app, then I've maybe never been more concerned about the future of the platform." — John Gruber: Expressing concern that Marzipan-style apps could redefine Mac software in a bad way

Implications: Listeners should expect Apple to keep pushing toward cross-platform app unification, but the quality of that transition will determine whether the Mac remains distinct or becomes a diluted iOS derivative. The discussion also shows how Apple’s ecosystem improvements can be real yet still suffer from old reputational baggage.