John Voorhees

5395 posts on MacStories since November 2015

John is MacStories' Managing Editor, has been writing about Apple and apps since joining the team in 2015, and today, runs the site alongside Federico. John also co-hosts four MacStories podcasts: AppStories, which covers the world of apps, MacStories Unwind, which explores the fun differences between American and Italian culture and recommends media to listeners, Ruminate, a show about the weird web and unusual snacks, and NPC: Next Portable Console, a show about the games we take with us.

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The Latest from AppStories and Ruminate

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

This week, Federico and I look at the gadget landscape to find inspiration for expanding Apple’s hardware lineup.

On AppStories+, a behind-the-scenes look at our expansion into video and a conversation about the Vision Pro.

  • Memberful – Help Your Clients Monetize Their Passion

The snack cup overfloweth this week with chips, seasoning, and a very blue beverage. The onto the App Store and finally a new Ruminate family member has joined.

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Apple Podcasts Is Now Available as a Web App

Apple Podcasts got the full Apple Music treatment with its own web app today. The UI is essentially the same as Apple’s native app but with the added flexibility of working on non-Apple devices. Apple says Podcasts works on all major browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and can be accessed in more than 170 countries and regions in their local language. If you’re an Apple Podcasts user, your progress will be synced from the web to your Apple devices, too.

Apple Podcasts' web app is nearly identical to the native version.

Apple Podcasts’ web app is nearly identical to the native version.

The web app strikes me as a win for both listeners and podcasters. Podcast fans now have more ways to enjoy their favorite shows, discover new ones, and share episodes with others. Suddenly, Apple Podcasts is cross-platform, which is still relatively rare among the most popular podcast apps, except for Pocket Casts.

Your entire library of shows is available on the web and syncs across all versions of the app.

Your entire library of shows is available on the web and syncs across all versions of the app.

Links opened on Apple devices will open in the native Podcasts app and in the browser on other devices, although on the Mac, it is possible to play episodes in a browser if you prefer. Here’s Comfort Zone playing on everyone’s current obsession, the Boox Palma:

The latest episode of [NPC](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamecube-to-go/id1749770019?i=1000665157926) running on my Boox Palma.

The latest episode of NPC running on my Boox Palma.

It sounds great, too.

The web app also means podcasters can now reach a bigger audience. Not only are free RSS-based shows available on the web, but listeners can also subscribe and listen to paid shows.

I’ve only played around with the web version of Apple Podcasts a little, but it works well on every device I’ve tried with it so far, including the Palma, a Boox Android tablet, and a Windows gaming handheld using Chrome and Edge. In every case, the Podcasts web app worked just as well as listening in the native app.


Procreate Will Not Include Generative AI in Its Apps

Today on its website, Procreate announced that it would not build generative AI tools into its apps. The company’s position is clear and unequivocal:

Generative AI is ripping the humanity out of things. Built on a foundation of theft, the technology is steering us toward a barren future. We think machine learning is a compelling technology with a lot of merit, but the path generative AI is on is wrong for us.

We’re here for the humans. We’re not chasing a technology that is a moral threat to our greatest jewel: human creativity. In this technological rush, this might make us an exception or seem at risk of being left behind. But we see this road less travelled as the more exciting and fruitful one for our community.

In a short video on X.com, Procreate CEO James Cuda said:

I don’t like what’s happening to the industry, and I don’t like what it’s doing to artists.

I couldn’t agree more or be happier to see Procreate take a stand in defense of artists. Federico and I interviewed Cuda at WWDC, and although Cuda struck a diplomatic tone having just received an Apple Design Award for Procreate Dreams, it was clear to me then that we were unlikely to see generative AI in Procreate’s apps. For everyone who wasn’t in the room with Cuda that day, though, today’s statement should set their minds at ease. I hope we see more developers whose apps support creative fields take a similar stand.

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Hardware Ideas Apple Should Steal

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

AppStories Episode 399 - Hardware Ideas Apple Should Steal

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AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

This week, Federico and John look at the gadget landscape to find inspiration for expanding Apple’s hardware lineup.

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App Debuts

[[John]] Castro The theme this week is small but meaningful updates. Castro leads the way with an update to its CarPlay implementation. It now includes support for chapters, which I know a lot of commuters will appreciate. Tubi Free, ad-supported streaming TV provider Tubi has come to the Vision Pro. The Vision Pro App Store...


This Week on MacStories Podcasts

This week on MacStories podcasts: AppStories This week, Federico and I rethink podcast apps, exploring why it’s such a tricky category to get right for the greatest number of users. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Overcast Pocket Casts Castro Spotify YouTube NPC: Next Portable Console This week, Federico returns to join Brendon and me to recap...


Interesting Links

[[John]] This product feels like it was inevitable: a lap pillow for your heavy portable console. (Link) AltStore PAL eliminated its small annual subscription fee meant to cover its Core Technology Fee paid to Apple with the help of a grant from Epic Games. (Link) As Chance Miller reported at 9to5Mac, Apple has dialed back...



The Latest from Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, and MacStories Unwind

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

Sigmund and Devon highlight the debut of Bad Monkey, discuss the future of Apple Original Films in theaters, and go on an immersive elephant adventure with Wild Life.

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Matt has to apologize for the things he said last week, Chris tries to find out if we’re smarter than Apple Intelligence, and Niléane has a quiz nobody could predict.


This week, Federico and John discuss alligator races and distraction-free E-Ink thermostats for writers, plus a TV show pick and three videogame recommendations.

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