Better Drawing, Better Sound, Fewer Apple Forums

It's show-and-tell time on The Context Machine. Bryan and Jeff check out Astropad's Rock Paper Pencil 4 for the iPad, along with Audioengine's HXL portable DAC. They also have some thoughts on Apple shutting down its Apple Support Community forums. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac - Try CleanMyMac's new Browser Care and Email Cleanup features to free up space and unclutter Google Chrome and Gmail. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:20 Rock Paper Pencil 4 from Astropad 14:08 Sponsor: CleanMyMac from MacPaw 17:00 Audioengine's Portable DAC 27:37 Apple Shuts Down the Apple Support Community 31:45 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Astropad Rock Paper Pencil 4.0 https://shop.astropad.com/products/rock-paper-pencil Audioengine HXL Portable Balanced Headphone Amplifier and HiFi DAC https://audioengine.com/shop/components/hxl-portable-balanced-headphone-amplifier-and-hifi-dac/ End of an era: Apple Support Community forums will permanently close on November 20 https://9to5mac.com/2026/11/10/end-of-an-era-apple-support-community-forums-will-permanently-close-on-november-20/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet discuss Safari's new vertical tabs and adaptive dark mode in the iOS 27.3 beta. Jeff is already a big fan. They also debate Apple's touchscreen MacBook Pro, Steve Jobs' views on touch interfaces, and whether Apple's new display should make its nano-texture finish standard. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:24 Safari’s iOS 27.3 Changes 15:34 The Touchscreen MacBook Debate 33:47 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Everything new in iOS 27.3 beta 1 so far https://9to5mac.com/2026/11/03/everything-new-in-ios-27-3-beta-1-so-far/ iOS 27.3 and macOS 27.3 add Vertical Tabs, Adaptive Dark Mode, and more to Safari https://9to5mac.com/2026/11/03/ios-27-3-and-macos-27-3-add-vertical-tabs-adaptive-dark-mode-and-more-to-safari/ Apple Fumbled Making the Nano-Texture an Optional Add-on https://www.instagram.com/reels/DfPePUlJMnj/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Apple has been working overtime with new product announcements. This week, Bryan and Jeff talk about the new iPad mini, M6 MacBook Pro and iMac, and the just announced touch screen MacBook Pro. Jeff also shares his hands-on experience with the iPhone Duo. SPONSOR: Framer - Framer is more than a site-builder. It's a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:54 iPhone Duo: Jeff’s Hands-On Experience 10:15 Apple’s New iPad Mini, iMac, and M6 MacBook Pro 15:36 Sponsor: Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. 17:30 Apple’s New Touchscreen MacBook Pro 38:43 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Apple gives iPad mini its biggest update ever https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/apple-introduces-the-new-14-inch-macbook-pro-with-m6/ Apple introduces the new 14‑inch MacBook Pro with M6 https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/apple-unveils-new-imac-with-m6/ Apple unveils new iMac with M6, delivering a major boost in performance and AI capabilities Apple unveils groundbreaking MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display and Touch for the first time on Mac https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/apple-unveils-groundbreaking-macbook-pro-with-proled-xdr-display/ PROLED MacBook Pro video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnZI5uUSdEo&t=116s Noah Brisk on iPhone Duo as an ebook reader https://www.instagram.com/reels/De2LyBLOGzU/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

The first iPhone Duo reviews are in. Bryan and Jeff discuss Apple’s new folding phone, including its cameras, durability, and impressive display technology. They also explore Apple’s decision to keep HomeView out of Europe, the company’s $5 trillion valuation, and why Affinity Studio coming to iPad could be a game changer for people looking to replace their Mac laptops. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Apple's October 28 Event 02:42 Apple Reaches a $5 Trillion Valuation 04:26 Early iPhone Duo Reviews 08:03 Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Folding Test 10:58 iPhone Duo Display Animations 13:13 Apple Won't Sell HomeView in Europe 16:55 Sponsor: Origin 18:57 Affinity Studio Is Coming to iPad 23:00 Affinity Studio vs. Pixelmator Pro vs. Photoshop 25:47 Adobe Creative Cloud and Apple's Creator Studio 29:46 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Apple announces special event for October 28: ‘Pro and tell’ https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/19/apple-announces-special-event-for-october-28/ Apple just closed the day above $5 trillion for the first time https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/14/apple-just-closed-the-day-above-5-trillion-for-the-first-time/ iPhone Duo review roundup: Mostly positive opinions unfold https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/10/21/iphone-duo-review-roundup-mostly-positive-opinions-unfold iPhone Duo review: The future is foldable https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/21/iphone-duo-review/ Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Review https://youtu.be/bxDTWuL9GxY MKBHD's iPhone Duo Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESABTN4VtrA Apple HomeView Won't Be Available in the European Union https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/13/apple-homeview-wont-be-available-in-eu/ Canva's Affinity Studio coming to iPad https://www.affinity.studio/download Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Apple is making a major push into the smart home with its new HomeView display and a lineup of accessories from LG and Schneider, including security cameras, smart locks, and thermostats. Bryan and Jeff discuss what makes these products compelling, Apple’s approach to privacy and security, and why the company should consider bringing back AirPort with a modern twist. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac - Try CleanMyMac's new Email Cleanup feature to free up space and clear out messages you don't want in your GMail. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Apple HomeView 22:30 Sponsor: MacPaw CleanMyMac 25:15 LG Video Doorbell 28:14 LG Security Cameras 32:51 LG and Schneider Smart Thermostats 35:05 LG Smart Lock 38:59 Apple's Smart Home Accessories and Pricing 40:49 The Case for a New Apple AirPort 42:28 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Meet Apple HomeView, a new way to enjoy entertainment, stay connected, and manage the home https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/meet-apple-homeview-a-new-way-to-enjoy-entertainment-and-manage-the-home/ Introducing Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/introducing-apple-home-collection-a-new-lineup-of-smart-home-accessories/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Bryan and Jeff explore the news that Apple is partnering with LG for new smart home devices. They also look at what triggered Apple’s changes for Full Disk Access on the Mac, and Jeff has a Home Assistant update. SPONSOR: Framer - Framer is more than a site-builder. It's a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:20 An Update on Home Assistant's Easy Setup 00:04:32 Apple Taps LG for Smarthome Push 00:23:24 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/TCM 00:24:45 Apple to Tighten Up Full Disk Access 00:33:16 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Home Assistant https://www.home-assistant.io/ Apple to Launch Doorbell, Lock, Thermostat Developed With LG https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-06/apple-s-smart-home-push-includes-doorbell-lock-thermostat-codeveloped-with-lg Apple says it’s tightening macOS privacy controls amid the rise of AI agents https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/02/apple-says-its-tightening-macos-privacy-controls-amid-the-rise-of-ai-agents/ AI Just Crossed the Terrifying Line - Now What? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujkD4SxPKOI Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@[email protected] The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/

Apple CEO John Ternus is already making changes at the company. Bryan and Jeff look at how his leadership will be different from Tim Cook and Steve Jobs, plus they talk about what they’d like to see him fix in the product lineup. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Intro00:30 How John Ternus Could Change Apple10:47 Sponsor: Origin13:03 What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple34:28 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Apple’s New CEO Seeks to Make Company Run Faster and Leaner Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff explore iPhone 18 Pro camera features, and Jeff shares some tips on migrating from your old iPhone to your new one. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:07 Hands-on with iPhone 18 Pro’s Camera00:12:20 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm00:14:14 New iPhone Setup Tips00:32:20 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone 18 Pro Jeff’s favorite Spigen iPhone case Special Deal: Get Accidental Intelligence for just $0.99 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Hands-On with iPhone 18 Pro Camera and New iPhone Setup Tips appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

iOS 27 is officially available for the iPhone, so Bryan and Jeff take a look at ten features they think are worth calling out in the new operating system. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:50 Describe a Shortcut00:04:38 iMessage Voice Recorder Button Moved00:07:17 Photos Cleanup Removes More Stuff00:11:07 Extend a Photo Beyond Its Original Edges00:12:37 Safari Can Watch a Website For You00:15:15 SPONSOR: Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup00:17:51 Call Context Exists00:19:05 Eliminating Liquid Glass00:21:52 Siri AI Waitlist00:23:31 Readiness00:27:07 AirPods Custom EQ Settings00:31:37 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iOS 27 Major updates for Apple’s software platforms are now available Siri AI, a profoundly more capable and personal assistant powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, is here Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post 10 Awesome iOS 27 Features appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Apple just announced the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro. Bryan and Jeff break down the choices so you can decide which model is right for you. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:00:41 John Ternus’s Debut as Apple CEO00:01:54 Which iPhone Should You Get? It Depends!00:09:34 iPhone Duo 00:18:14 More on the Duo and 18 Pro00:24:00 Other Considerations00:29:20 New Apple Watches00:34:59 AirPods5 00:40:18 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone Duo iPhone 18 Pro Apple Watch Ultra 4 Apple Watch 12 AirPods 5 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo vs. Your Old iPhone appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.