Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode centers on Apple’s 2018 MacBook Pro refresh—especially the new T2 chip, higher core counts, larger RAM/SSD ceilings, and the controversial butterfly keyboard revisions—while also addressing Siri’s multilingual shortcomings, air-conditioning noise tradeoffs, and listener questions about USB-C hubs, backups, monitor workflow, and Apple repair policies. The second half shifts to travel notes from the UK and Paris, contrasting transit, climate, smoking, and airport design.
Main Topics: 2018 MacBook Pro refresh: The hosts assess the new MacBook Pros as a meaningful internal upgrade: more CPU cores, larger memory/storage options, True Tone, T2 security/encryption, and a revised keyboard. They debate whether it’s a major redesign or a spec bump. Butterfly keyboard revision and reliability: A deep discussion of the updated third-generation butterfly keyboard focuses on Apple’s claim that the change is for quieter typing versus the likely real goal of reducing dust ingress and failures. The hosts share hands-on impressions and lingering skepticism. USB-C ecosystem limitations: The conversation critiques the current state of USB-C hubs and docks, arguing that the transition is incomplete because reliable multi-port, multi-USB-C solutions are still scarce and third-party adapters are flaky. Siri multilingual and localization issues: A listener story highlights Siri’s difficulty handling mixed-language environments, transliterated names, Hebrew text, and multilingual music metadata, undermining Apple’s claims about robust language support. Travel and infrastructure comparisons: UK vs Paris: The hosts compare London, Paris, and U.S. cities on transit, weather, smoking, air conditioning, plugs, airport design, and general livability, ultimately praising London and criticizing Paris logistics. Practical listener advice: backups, monitors, AirPods, and repairs: Several Ask ATP questions are answered with advice on why Apple keeps old replacement hardware, how to adapt to a large monitor, and how to avoid losing photos during iCloud/reset mishaps.
Key Arguments: The new MacBook Pro is a major internal engineering update even if the exterior and controversial trade-offs remain largely unchanged. The keyboard change is probably aimed at reliability/dust resistance more than quietness, though Apple frames it as a noise reduction tweak for legal reasons. The T2 chip makes the Mac more like a modern Apple device by centralizing security, encrypted storage, and other system functions. The jump to 4 cores on 13-inch and 6 cores on 15-inch models is significant because modern per-core gains are small and core counts matter for pro workloads. USB-C has not fully delivered on its promise because reliable, portable, multi-USB-C hubs are still rare and docking solutions are often flaky. Siri’s multilingual support is overstated when the language of speech and content differ, or when non-Latin scripts are involved. London’s transit and urban infrastructure are praised for contactless payment, routing, signage, and overall usability, while Paris is criticized for chaotic roads, smoking, and airport confusion. For photo safety, relying on a single iCloud-backed phone is risky; travelers should maintain multiple independent backups before resetting or wiping devices.
Data Points: 15-inch MacBook Pro max CPU cores: 6 cores - New top-end 15-inch MacBook Pro configuration 13-inch MacBook Pro max CPU cores: 4 cores - New 13-inch MacBook Pro gains two more cores than before 15-inch RAM ceiling: 32 GB - Raised from the previous 16 GB limit 13-inch SSD ceiling: 2 TB - Maximum storage option for the 13-inch model 15-inch SSD ceiling: 4 TB - Highest storage option discussed for the 15-inch model 15-inch discrete GPU VRAM: up to 4 GB - Radeon Pro graphics configuration on the 15-inch 13-inch integrated graphics memory: 128 MB eDRAM - Intel Iris Plus graphics mentioned for the 13-inch Battery increase: about 7.7 Wh / roughly 10% - Hosts note the battery was enlarged to offset new internals Air conditioner efficiency impact: higher power usage and possibly shorter compressor life - HVAC expert listener explains drilling drain holes reduces efficiency Keyboard generation: third-generation butterfly - Apple’s revised keyboard on the 2018 MacBook Pro Apple repair program coverage: did not include 2018 models at time of recording - Used as a clue that Apple may believe the issue is fixed or may be waiting to see failures UK Apple Pay limit: £30-£40 - Listener/hosts mention contactless limits at some merchants Battery/security chip reference: T2 chip - Used for secure boot, encrypted storage, and other system functions Photo backup complaint: missing trip photos after reset - Listener lost images from iCloud photo library after following Apple support advice Monitor resolution: 3440 x 1440 - A listener’s 34-inch Dell curved monitor AirPods replacement cost: $70 plus tax - Listener was charged out of warranty for replacement Leather sleeve price: $180 / $199 - Apple’s leather sleeve pricing for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models
Pivotal Quotes: "this is a very minor update" — Marco Arment: His initial characterization of the new MacBook Pro refresh "the third-generation keyboard was not designed to solve the failure issues" — Marco Arment: Summarizing Apple’s explanation and the team’s skepticism about the keyboard update "I love London so much" — Casey Liss: Closing travel discussion comparing London favorably to other cities
Implications: Listeners should see the 2018 MacBook Pro as a substantial internal upgrade but not a clean break from the controversial 2016–2017 design. Buyers must still weigh keyboard feel, ports, and dongles against improved performance, security, and storage.