Devon Dundee is the co-host of Magic Rays of Light, a podcast exploring the world of Apple TV, where he’s covered Apple TV, tvOS, and Apple Originals since 2021. He’s also written about apps, TV, and film on his personal website for over ten years. Devon lives in Arkansas with his wife, their son, and their dog Winter.
Today’s the day! This morning, Federico published his comprehensive review of iOS and iPadOS 26, covering the systems’ design, new app features, and more – including, of course, big changes to iPadOS. His review kicks off a really fun week here at MacStories, and we’re making it extra special with exclusive perks for Club MacStories members. Here’s what’s in store.
For Club MacStories members, we’ve got some exciting perks to help you dive deeper into Federico’s review:
An eBook edition of iOS and iPadOS 26: The MacStories Review that you can download and read on your favorite device or app
A behind-the-scenes making-of story in the next MacStories Weekly with details on how Federico researched, wrote, and compiled the review
If you’re not already a member, you can join Club MacStories for $5/month or $50/year using the buttons below:
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
Comfort Zone
Niléane goes phone shopping for someone else, Chris conducts the iPhone 16 Pro exit interview, and the whole gang gets weird with inputs.
On Cozy Zone, the gang roasts each other’s desk setups.
MacStories Unwind
This week, John explains the art of Southern storytelling with an example, reminding Federico to touch grass before sharing a classic movie deal and previewing some of the perks coming next week with his iOS and iPadOS 26 review.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and John do their annual pre-Apple event “vibe check,” discussing what they expect and hope to see at the upcoming September Apple event. They explore the rumored iPhone 17 lineup, AirPods Pro 3, and debate the Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, they share thoughts on the prospect of a Apple TV with Apple Intelligence capabilities, HomePods, and updates to AirTags.
On AppStories+, John and Federico explore the divisiveness surrounding the Liquid Glass update coming to macOS Tahoe.
This episode is sponsored by:
Claude – Get 50% off Claude Pro, including access to Claude Code.
Factor – Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code appstories50off
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Brendon and John examine the latest handheld announcements from Lenovo and AYN that both come with impressive specs and some age-old frustrations. Plus, a new chip is coming to Anbernic’s lineup, and Brendon shares his first impressions of Dbrand’s Nintendo Switch 2 killswitch case.
On NPC XL, Brendon and John tackle the handheld collector’s dilemma as both hosts find themselves swimming in too many devices. They discuss strategies for decluttering their collections, from Brendon’s “three device rule” to the challenges of finding good homes for beloved handhelds.
First, Last, Everything
In this premiere episode, YouTuber Tom Hitchins, aka Byte Review, discusses his creative life that led to the creation of one of the most aesthetically pleasing tech channels on the site. From teaching Photoshop at a college to a lifelong love of Nintendo and Japanese design and entertainment, Tom’s passion for technology touches every aspect of his life.
During today’s Awe Dropping event, Apple announced AirPods Pro 3, the next generation of the company’s high-end wireless earbuds. Coming three years after the debut of their predecessors, AirPods Pro 3 feature a rethought design, increased battery life, improved Active Noise Cancellation, and a heart rate sensor, alongside several new software features.
Apple says they have re-engineered the shape of AirPods Pro to make them a better fit for more users. The buds themselves are smaller with a more center-aligned ear tip to improve stability. They now boast IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance to better hold up to weather and workouts, and the tips now come in a new XXS size. They continue to support the same pressing and swiping gestures for playback control, as well as the new camera remote capabilities coming to AirPods this fall.
While AirPods Pro 3 feature a smaller form factor, their case has increased slightly in size over the previous generation, growing a bit taller and wider. The case offers up to 24 hours of battery life, with the buds capable of playing audio for up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC enabled and up to ten hours with Transparency mode enabled. The case also includes the updated U2 chip for improved Precision Finding in Find My.
Transparency mode is more personalized to make voices sound more natural. Meanwhile, ANC is vastly improved, with Apple saying AirPods Pro 3 are capable of cancelling twice as much noise as the previous generation and four times as much as the original AirPods Pro, thanks to a combination of ultra low-noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and a new foam infusion in the ear tips. In terms of sound quality, the buds incorporate a new multiport acoustic architecture for better airflow, bass response, and clarity, as well as a wider soundstage.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
Comfort Zone
Matt really thinks he’s cracked note taking, Niléane fixes every tech paper cut in her life she can find, and the whole gang pitches their new Apple product lines.
MacStories Unwind
This week, the weather has begun to change, coyotes are on the loose, and John shares his running tech. Plus, Federico has a TV comedy for listeners, and John has a superhero movie pick.
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon attempt to predict what Apple will announce at next week’s Awe Dropping event.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, AppStories returns with details on the projects Federico and John worked on during their breaks.
On AppStories+, the importance of breaks and finding ways to unwind.
This episode is sponsored by:
Steamclock – We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.
Xsolla – 🚀 Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.
NPC: Next Portable Console
Returning from summer break, the NPC crew discusses Microsoft and ASUS’s Xbox handheld announcement at Gamescom. They also cover the upcoming release of Silk Song, Nintendo Direct rumors, and growing concerns about Switch 2’s strategy, particularly the lack of third-party dev kits and exclusive titles. The episode closes with an exploration of wild new handhelds from Abxylute.
This week on NPC XL, the gang digs into the Ayn Thor and speculates about what’s coming with the Odin 3. Then, Federico wraps things up with a mini surprise.
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
Comfort Zone
Chris has moved on from Ball and now loves Bean, Matt thinks he’s finally happy with email, and Niléane creates one of the most controversial home screen swaps in show history.
MacStories Unwind
This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series.
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon highlight the return of Apple Original sci-fi series Invasion, break down the details of the PVOD release of F1 The Movie, and discuss the Apple TV+ price increase.
Today, Apple announced that it will host an event entitled “Awe Dropping” on September 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The company is expected to announce the iPhone 17 line, including the new iPhone 17 Air, alongside new Apple Watches and potentially AirPods Pro.
The event will be streamed live globally on Apple’s Events page as well as on YouTube and in the Apple TV app. Some members of the media were invited to watch the event in person at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park.
The MacStories team will be covering all the details of the event, so stay tuned and get ready for September 9.
