856: iOS 27 Beta Features and Siri AI

Federico Viticci breaks down iOS 27's Shortcuts updates: Describe a Shortcut, Else If, new automation triggers, and built-in data storage. Plus his coder era, Shortcuts Playground 2.0, and training a local model to build shortcuts. 

Lesser-known Mac apps that deserve way more attention: from AI typing assistants, to hacky Stream Decks, note-taking apps, helpful utilities, and beautiful desktop enhancements. 

Stephen reports live from Apple Park on WWDC 2026: the post-keynote tech talk, Gemini partnership explained, and Siri AI that finally works. Plus shortcuts, photos AI, and more. 

This week Myke and Jason discuss the etiquette of digital gifts, compare how they use their iOS devices compared to their Macs, and decide on a collective name for listeners of the show. 

The tech everyone should have, our device strategies for planes, Apple's new Distraction Control feature, and the apps we want to control via Siri. 

Jason reviews the new iPad Pro, Myke reviews the new 24-inch iMac, and the future of Apple silicon might be coming into focus. 

Pre-show: Nostalgia for compulsory technology Toshiba e740 Microdrive Volvo XC90 Being old in a college town Top of the Stairs Follow-up: Safari reload update in Monterey beta 2 HTTP Strict Transport Security hstspreload.org Report for hypercritical.co iOS 15 can adjust more than ... Show More

Follow-up: Marco’s new Kobo Kobo will price-match (via Bob Pekol) Games breaking the fourth wall Metal Gear Solid Controller Swap Trick Blackbox (App Store link) (via Andrew Clark) Batman: Arkham Asylum (via David Kung) Business perspective on 15” MacBook Air (via Michael Lechter ... Show More

Pre-show: ATP Overtime ATP Insider: John’s Windows ATP 96: The Windows of Siracusa County ATP Membership FAQ AppStories Follow-up: Callsheet available on visionOS “Put me on Aux” (via Sam Davies) Spotify & free users (via Colin Meney) 256 GB M3 MacBook Air has 2× 128 GB NAND chip ... Show More

Top OS and App Tips 

Jason and Myke lightly cover Apple’s beef with the FBI, Myke gets excited by new phones at Mobile World Congress, Jason grapples with making his home smarter. And of course there’s follow-up about pizza and “Back to the Future”—that’s how it works. 

Extra special guest star Serenity Caldwell joins Jason to talk about the new iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, the drowning of a MacBook Air, and much more.