JonathanThis time we’re talking with Michael Flarup. Michael is many things: the head of a game studio, a speaker at Adobe Max, an author, and more. But most of all, Michael is a designer. He’s most well-known for his decades of work as an icon designer on some of the most beloved apps on iOS and macOS under his Pixel Resort banner. He’s released two books on the history of the art form: first around iOS, then focusing on macOS. Now he runs a game studio, Northplay, where they’re hard at work on their next game, Dinolords!
Latest MacStories Podcasts
iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26: The MacStories Reviews
Federico
JohnThis week, Federico and John discuss their annual OS reviews. Federico digs into the details of iOS and iPadOS 26, while John considers what macOS 26 Tahoe means for users.
On AppStories+, John updates listeners on what he bought after last week’s Apple event and why.
](https://cdn.macstories.net/banneras-1629219199428.png)
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 452 - iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26: The MacStories Reviews
0:00
52:54
52:54
This episode is sponsored by:
- Widgetsmith: Make your phone your own with custom widgets and wallpapers. Ready for Liquid Glass in iOS 26. Use our link for a free month of Widgetsmith Premium.
- Steamclock: We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.
Tom Hitchins of Byte Review
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.
Apple Event Vibe Check
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 an 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.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 451 - Apple Event Vibe Check
0:00
41:40
41:40
This episode is sponsored by:
Welcome to First, Last, Everything
First, Last, Everything is a podcast exploring people’s personal relationships with technology. In each episode, host Jonathan Reed gets to know a guest through three pieces of tech: their first inspiration, their last obsession, and the one that meant everything to them. From some software or a computer to a weird gadget or a first camera. Pretty much anything goes.
In addition, the episode features the ‘Something’ segment, a small dive into the past to talk about a piece of technology that you may not have heard of. Weird, ahead of its time, an abject failure or success, whatever it was, it was certainly… something.
Back From Break: Automation, AI, and IKEA
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.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 450 - Back From Break: Automation, AI, and IKEA
0:00
47:48
47:48
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.
Building a Better AI App
This week, Federico and John pick and choose their favorite AI app features to imagine a better AI app future, critiquing the leading LLM apps along the way. And, as a bonus, John explains why read-later apps should support Shortcuts and other automation schemes.
On AppStories+, the critique continues with a look at how Todoist could be improved.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 449 - Building a Better AI App
0:00
36:27
36:27
This episode is sponsored by:
- Factor – Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code appstories50off
The iPadOS and macOS 26 Public Betas
This week, Federico and John share their experiences with iPadOS and macOS 26, which are now available as part of Apple’s public beta program.
On AppStories+, Federico and John discuss the state of engagement bait posting about Apple and how it’s affecting the discourse about the company and its products.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 448 - The iPadOS and macOS 26 Public Betas
0:00
34:57
34:57
This episode is sponsored by:
- Turbulence Forecast – Know before you go. Get detailed turbulence forecasts for your exact route, now available 5 days in advance. Learn more at turbulenceforecast.com.
Gaming Sidekicks: Videogame Companion Apps with Brendon Bigley
This week, John is joined by Brendon Bigley to explore the wide world of videogame companion apps from media trackers to game specific companion apps.
On AppStories+, John and Brendon dig into 16 years of App Store history to compile a list of games that have defined gaming on the iPhone.
Also available on YouTube here.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
AppStories Episode 447 - Gaming Sidekicks: Videogame Companion Apps with Brendon Bigley
0:00
43:13
43:13