610: We Hear You're Good at Computers

627: Do Not Use, Do Not Turn Off

Jul 6, 20261h 29mSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell cover a wide range of topics, beginning with a lighthearted discussion about the influx of branded merchandise received at industry events like WWDC. The conversation shifts toward professional software development as they explore how AI tools like Claude are becoming an essential, expected component in modern coding workflows. They discuss how developers are leveraging these models to identify subtle, long-standing bugs, a practice that is fundamentally changing the engineering landscape in Silicon Valley. The hosts also analyze the complexities of iPhone pricing, noting that the relationship between Apple and various global carriers makes traditional price adjustments more difficult to navigate than in other consumer sectors. Furthermore, they address the ongoing political and logistical challenges surrounding Apple’s potential use of Chinese-supplied memory for devices sold within that region. The episode rounds out with a legal update regarding a high-profile case involving the leakage of confidential software, followed by a look at the latest feature enhancements for Apple’s professional creative software suite, which now includes deeper AI-driven integration across apps like Final Cut and Pixelmator Pro.

626: Unprecedented Weirdness

Jun 29, 20261h 27mSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell dive into the intersection of Apple’s software and hardware, beginning with a lighthearted discussion about the confusing naming conventions of modern operating systems and hardware. They explore the difficulty of tracking iPhone models and processor generations, noting that the disconnect between hardware and software cycles remains a persistent hurdle. The hosts share their experiences with the latest operating system betas, highlighting persistent issues with keyboard functionality on iPad and the ongoing evolution of Apple’s Mac menu bar management. They note that while Apple is finally addressing how the hardware notch impacts menu bar space, these changes have inadvertently disrupted third-party utilities. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the recent widespread price increases across Apple's hardware lineup. The hosts discuss Apple’s official justification regarding the rising costs of memory and storage due to AI data center demand. They analyze the broader market debate over whether Apple should absorb these costs to protect consumers or maintain its historically high profit margins to satisfy shareholders, ultimately concluding that the company's structure prioritizes long-term financial stability over lower pricing.

625: Road to the Apple II: Computer Faire (Part 4)

Jun 25, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Jason Snell and Mike Hurley conclude their series on the origins of the Apple II by exploring its dramatic debut at the 1977 West Coast Computer Faire. The hosts describe a chaotic race against time, where Apple employees had to perform improvised repairs on defective computer cases just hours before the event. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully secured a prime location and presented a polished, professionally designed booth that helped Apple stand out among competitors like the Commodore PET and the RadioShack TRS-80. The discussion highlights the significance of this event in the personal computer era, noting that while the Apple II was significantly more expensive than its rivals, its superior features and design allowed it to gain traction. The episode serves as a character study of Steve Jobs, who, alongside the technical genius of Steve Wozniak, began to emerge as a visionary leader capable of assembling a talented team to deliver a consumer-friendly product. Ultimately, the hosts reflect on how this pivotal moment established the foundations of the company, setting the stage for the Apple II to become a long-lasting success in the computing world.

624: The Memory Guys

Jun 22, 20261h 55mSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, the hosts dive into a variety of topics, beginning with a lighthearted discussion about a listener's inquiry regarding the fictional location of "Dongle Town." The conversation shifts to personal reflections on recent family milestones, specifically the experience of watching a child graduate from college after years of financial planning. The episode then transitions into a deeper analysis of recent reports concerning Apple’s future product pipeline and organizational dynamics. The hosts discuss the potential delay of AirPods equipped with cameras, now rumored for 2027, and share their experiences testing new AI-driven visual intelligence features in current beta software. They weigh in on the effectiveness of these tools and what they signify for the company’s broader technological direction. Finally, the hosts critique recent industry reporting on Apple’s industrial design team. They explore the evolving leadership role of John Ternus and debate whether the reported internal shifts represent a fundamental change in corporate strategy or simply effective management of a high-profile, highly specialized creative group. The discussion highlights the tension between internal design culture and the company’s operational focus.

623: Road to the Apple II: A Complete Computer (Part 3)

Jun 18, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts delve into the transformative period surrounding the development of the Apple II. They highlight how Steve Wozniak’s technical genius and Steve Jobs’s product vision converged to create a machine that was not just a hobbyist kit, but a complete, user-friendly home appliance. Wozniak’s primary breakthrough involved integrating video circuitry directly into the computer's architecture, using the display’s refresh cycle as a ticking clock to process tasks efficiently between lines of video data. This architecture allowed the Apple II to output color out of the box—a revolutionary feature at the time. The hosts also explore the essential contributions of analog engineer Rod Holt, whose innovative switching power supply allowed the machine to remain cool without the need for noisy fans. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the design philosophy behind the Apple II, with Jobs pushing for a consumer-friendly plastic aesthetic over industrial metal, and fighting for expansion slots to ensure the computer remained a flexible platform for future growth. The episode paints a picture of a pair working at breakneck speed, redefining what a personal computer could be.

622: It's Doing It!

Jun 15, 20261h 45mSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell catch up following recent travel and officially inaugurate the Summer of Fun, a tradition where the pair pivots to evergreen topics to maintain quality production during the quieter summer months. The conversation shifts to the ongoing World Cup, with Jason sharing his plans to attend a match in person. The hosts then dive into a listener question regarding Jason’s experiment with using a traditional reporter’s notebook at WWDC instead of a laptop. Jason discusses how the analog approach changed his workflow, forcing him to be more selective with his notes and helping him better synthesize information in the moment. The discussion transitions to Apple’s latest developer tools, specifically those allowing for dynamic app window resizing. The hosts interpret these as preparatory moves for a rumored folding iPhone and explore similar technical refinements Apple is making for future home security products. Finally, the hosts address frequent questions about their upcoming project, Designed in California. They provide updates on their successful crowdfunding campaign, plans for high-quality video versions, and the content strategy for the show’s eventual launch.

621: Road to the Apple II: The Partnership (Part 2)

Jun 11, 202633 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts continue their exploration of the early history of Apple, focusing on the critical period surrounding the development of the Apple II in 1976. The narrative centers on the intense rivalry between the burgeoning Apple partnership and Processor Technology, whose computer, the Sol, represented a significant threat due to its productized, industrial design. The hosts describe the high-stakes environment of early trade shows like PC76, where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak navigated a world of hobbyists and competitors while secretly testing the capabilities of their revolutionary prototype. A central theme of the discussion is the complex dynamic between the two founders. While Wozniak provided the technical genius that set Apple apart—most notably with his early work on color graphics—Jobs functioned as the product visionary who understood the importance of packaging and market positioning. The episode examines how this partnership faced severe strain, marked by external pressure from potential investors, conflicts over product design, and personal interference from Wozniak’s family. Ultimately, the hosts highlight this period as a pivotal moment where the friendship between the two men began to shift, setting the stage for the company's future corporate evolution.

620: Sweating the Details

Jun 8, 20261h 28mSummary

In episode 620 of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell recap their experiences at Apple Park following the latest WWDC. Having attended the event in person, the hosts provide a behind-the-scenes look at the keynote and their interactions with Apple leadership, including a humorous account of finding themselves seated directly behind Tim Cook and other executives during a tech talk. A primary focus of the discussion is the nature of the event itself. The hosts analyze the keynote as a condensed presentation, noting how Apple balanced significant announcements—namely the integration of Apple Intelligence—with a broader theme of refinement. They highlight the company’s focus on "sweating the details" by addressing long-standing user grievances, such as system responsiveness and specific interface annoyances across macOS and iPadOS. The conversation delves into the iterative nature of software design, specifically discussing the refined approach to "liquid glass" elements and interface icons, which the hosts interpret as Apple actively listening to developer and user feedback. Ultimately, they conclude that this year’s strategy centers on stabilizing core experiences while positioning AI as the defining tentpole for the future.

619: Road to the Apple II: Apple for Sale (Part 1)

Jun 4, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell dive into the early, formative history of Apple, specifically the period following the release of the Apple I. While the Apple I was a marvel of engineering by Steve Wozniak, it struggled to find a market, remaining a niche hobbyist device rather than a true consumer product. The hosts examine how the company teetered on the brink of obscurity, questioning whether it would remain a minor garage project or evolve into a significant business. A major focus of the discussion is the period in 1976 when a young Steve Jobs actively sought to sell the company. The hosts detail Jobs' attempts to pitch Apple to established tech giants like Atari and Commodore. They highlight the colorful and often tumultuous business culture of the era, particularly the aggressive tactics of Commodore’s leadership. The episode explores the near-misses of these acquisitions and how Jobs’ eventual decision to walk away from a deal with Commodore—due to concerns over the company's reputation—set Apple on the path to becoming the innovative, independent force it is today.

618: The WWDC Keynote Draft 2026

Jun 1, 20261h 28mSummary

In this episode of Upgrade, hosts Mike Hurley and Jason Snell dive into two major topics: the launch of a new, long-form Apple history podcast project titled Designed in California and the highly anticipated annual WWDC keynote draft. The hosts share their excitement about the new podcast, which explores the fifty-year history of Apple through scripted, well-researched episodes. They explain their decision to launch the project via a crowdfunding campaign, emphasizing their desire to build a dedicated audience and ensure the show meets their high production standards before fully committing to the year-long series. Throughout the month, listeners can preview this project with weekly episodes dropping in the main feed. Transitioning to the main event, the hosts conduct their eleventh annual WWDC keynote draft. They outline the rules for selecting features across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Intelligence, keeping the tradition alive with a competitive, high-stakes spirit. As they prepare to record next week's episode in person at Apple Park, they share their predictions and strategies for what might appear on stage during the keynote, debating potential feature announcements and set an over-under for the event duration.