Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode spans Apple rumors and product design debates: HomeKit/AirPlay follow-up, printer and router recommendations, iPhone naming/speculation, and especially leaked images of a thinner Apple Watch Series 4 and new iPhones. The hosts also discuss backup strategy, Apple product value, and an extended personal car-buying detour that turns into a reflection on enthusiast identity and manual transmissions.
Main Topics: Apple Watch Series 4 leak and redesign: The hosts analyze leaked images suggesting a thinner Apple Watch with a larger edge-to-edge display, more complications, and new watch-face possibilities. They debate whether thinness, software improvements, and always-on info could make the watch appealing beyond current users. iPhone XS/XS Max naming and product strategy: They dissect rumored iPhone naming, possible sizes, materials, and the challenge Apple faces marketing a cheaper LCD model alongside premium OLED models. Much of the discussion focuses on whether the new model is a democratized version of the iPhone X or a separate product line. Apple fall event scope and launch logistics: The hosts list a wide range of rumored Apple products—phones, watches, iPads, AirPods, AirPower, HomePod updates, and Macs—and argue that Apple likely cannot fit all of them into one event, implying multiple events or delayed announcements. Backups and practical Apple setup advice: In Ask ATP, they recommend a layered backup strategy: iCloud Backup for iOS devices, Time Machine for Macs, and Backblaze for off-site cloud backup. They emphasize using built-in, low-friction tools first. Product value, joy, and Apple economics: The hosts answer which Apple products provide the most joy or value for money, naming AirPods, the orange leather case, cheap iPad models, Macs, and the iMac Pro depending on the user’s priorities. Cars, identity, and manual transmissions: A long post-show segment centers on Casey’s new blue Volkswagen Golf R, the emotional tension of becoming a one-car household, the value of stick shifts, and the feeling of being on the wrong side of automotive history as manuals disappear. Printer, router, and HomeKit follow-ups: The hosts respond to listener feedback about AirPrint proxies like HandyPrint/Printopia, discuss trust and privacy in mesh routers, and finally settle the HomeKit/AirPort Express question despite joking about how niche it is.
Key Arguments: Apple Watch thinness may be more important than any single software feature because it changes the watch from a bulky computer watch into something more like jewelry. The leaked watch face suggests Apple is willing to surface much more contextual data, and smart watch faces should dynamically prioritize relevant information like timers. The rumored iPhone lineup only makes sense if Apple treats the premium OLED models as one family and positions the cheaper LCD phone as a distinct, lower-cost entry point. Apple’s trust advantage over companies like Google or Amazon is a real selling point for routers and networking hardware because home network data is sensitive. A realistic backup plan should minimize user friction: iCloud for phones, Time Machine for Macs, and Backblaze for off-site protection. AirPods deliver outsized daily joy relative to their cost, making them one of Apple’s strongest value products for frequent users. The move away from manual transmissions feels like a cultural shift where enthusiasts may be among the last to value stick shifts, even if the preference remains legitimate. Apple likely cannot fit all rumored fall products into one event, so some Macs and software may be pushed to a second event or to press releases.
Data Points: Apple Watch Series 4 display size: 384 x 480 - Rumored resolution for the new watch, discussed as significantly larger than the current model. Current Apple Watch display size: 312 x 390 - Compared with the rumored Series 4 display to show the jump in screen real estate. Apple Watch thickness (Series 3 aluminum, measured): 13.7 mm including back sensor bump - Measured live with calipers during discussion of how much thinner the new watch appears. Apple Watch thickness (without bump): 11.3 mm - Alternative measurement used to compare with the leaked thinner design. Weather in leaked watch face: 72°F current, 52°F low, 89°F high - The watch image included weather complications and a temperature range. UV index shown on watch face: 3.6 - One of the complications visible in the leaked watch screenshot. Sunset time shown on watch face: 7:30 p.m. - Displayed as a complication in the leaked watch screenshot. Timer on watch face: 14:59 remaining - A running timer appears in the new watch face mockup. Apple Watch face-based calendar event: 12 p.m. lunch with Ken at Tartine - Shown directly in the watch face ring area as an example of dense contextual display. iPhone upgrade installments: 2 months remaining - Listener advice about prepaying remaining installments before preordering a new iPhone. AirPods price discussed: about $150–$180 - Referenced as a relatively affordable product that brings daily joy. AirPods personal valuation: $10/day hypothetically - A speaker says they would pay far more than the purchase price to keep using them. Casper review volume: over 20,000 reviews - Casper ad copy cited during the show. Casper average rating: 4.8 stars - Used in the sponsor read to emphasize product quality. Time between car sale and new car purchase: about 20 hours - Casey describes briefly being a one-car household before buying the Golf R.
Pivotal Quotes: "It looks real good. It looks real, real good." — Marco: Reaction to the leaked Apple Watch Series 4 image and its thinner design. "No one cares about HomeKit." — John: A joking, exasperated remark while debating whether to include HomeKit/AirPort Express follow-up in the show. "I think Apple is probably expecting it to sell pretty well." — Marco: On the Apple Watch redesign, arguing that thinness and a new form factor may broaden appeal.
Implications: Listeners should expect a major Apple fall cycle centered on thinner, more capable wearables and a confusing iPhone lineup. The episode also reinforces a practical lesson: use simple backup systems, and don’t underestimate how much joy a well-chosen device—or car—can add.