I know we’re all very excited about WWDC and looking ahead to new features. Believe me, I can’t wait to hear what Apple has in store for us on June 8. But before we dive into all of that, I want to share a software story about rediscovering an old favorite that’s breathed new life...
Podcast Rewind: macOS 27 Wishes, Pictonico!, Lessons in Pranking, and Packing for WWDC
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico explains how he’s using the recently-released Notion developer platform before he and John share their wishes for macOS 27.
On AppStories+, John asks Federico about the technical underpinnings and evolution of the Shortcuts Playground project that he published last week.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, RG Rotate anticipation, a newish Powkiddy handheld, Pictonico!, and an MCON beta app, plus surprising Lenovo news.
On NPC XL, John went back and tried Claude Code with emulator settings with mixed success, and Brendon reports on his time with GameSir’s Pocket Taco.
Comfort Zone
Chris has a new computer employee, Matt has an existential crisis, and Niléane teaches everyone that pranks don’t have to be mean.
On Cozy Zone, we make our very reasonable predictions for WWDC.
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico and John share their WWDC gear guides, John recommends a quirky indie movie, and Federico continues to tear his way through a trio of great TV comedies
AppStories, Episode 486, ‘Our macOS 27 Wishes’ Show Notes
This episode is sponsored by:
- Steamclock – We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.
Notion Dev Platform
- Notion’s Announcement
- Learn more about the Notion Dev Platform.
- Also mentioned:
Our macOS 27 Wishes
- Playwright
- GameHub by GameSir
- Matter
- Things 3
- Raycast
AppStories+ Post-Show: Shortcuts Playground, Behind the Scenes
Subscribe to AppStories+
Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.
NPC, Episode 82, ‘Pictonico! Is WarioWare in Disguise’ Show Notes
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Anbernic RG Rotate
Powkiddy Royabilla
Pictonico!
MCON Controller App
- MCON
- MCON iOS Beta
- Also mentioned:
Lenovo’s Low-End Handheld Is Real, and It Releases Bigger, Premium Android Tablets
- Lenovo Responds To That “Fake” Handheld - Yep, It’s Official & Illegally Loaded With Games
- Lenovo launches Legion Y900 gaming tablets with 11 and 13 inch screens
Subscribe to NPC XL
NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.
Comfort Zone, Episode 102, ‘Christopher Nolan Doesn’t Use Top Tabs’ Show Notes
Things Discussed
- E2EE RCS in France is being blocked by the French government
- Vivaldi 8.0
- Codex and Computer Use
- Carto Tchoo
Cozy Zone
For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.
MacStories Unwind, ‘WWDC Packing Lists and Weekend Watches’ Show Notes
WWDC 2026 Travel Gear
Federico’s Games
Picks
- John: Dust Bunny
- Federico:
Unwind Deal
- 🤫👂🎬 A Quiet Place Part II is just $7.99 in the TV app.
MacStories Unwind+
We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.
MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.
If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.
Podcast Rewind: iOS and iPadOS 27 Wishes, CrankBoy, a Comfort Zone Q&A, and WWDC Preparation
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and John share their wishes for iOS and iPadOS 27.
On AppStories+, we tackle Visual Intelligence and whether there are any use cases that aren’t creepy.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Federico has hands-on first impressions of the Steam Controller, follow-up on our RG Rotate purchases, Dusklight, CrankBoy, and more.
On NPC XL, John explains how he uses Android USB debugging mode and Claude Code to set up Android handhelds.
Comfort Zone
Your podcast player might say otherwise, but this is the true episode 100! Everyone is back together to do some Q&A, celebrate a birthday and a move to a new house, and offer some help as Chris abandons Safari (finally!).
On Cozy Zone, the gang gets very opinionated on Formula 1 liveries.
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico and John take listeners on a behind-the-scenes tour of how they plan to tackle WWDC and the summertime research and writing season as they look forward to their fall OS reviews.
Real Madrid Immersive Documentary Releases This Friday on Apple Vision Pro
Apple’s push into immersive sports continues this Friday with the release of Real Madrid: The Weight of Greatness, an immersive documentary centering on the world’s most decorated football club. With a running time of 20 minutes, the short film records the action surrounding the team’s match against Juventus in the 2025 Champions League tournament through a combination of game footage, behind-the-scenes looks, newly spatialized historical photos, and interview with fans and players alike.
The documentary was announced last November by Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services and health, and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. Real Madrid has shown a longstanding interest in using emerging technologies to engage fans, with Pérez referencing the idea of an “Infinite Bernabéu,” an immersive digital version of the team’s stadium where fans can experience matches close up in VR. For this project, directors James Marsh and Hector Dockrill and director of photography Xialong Liu outfit the real stadium with over 30 Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive cameras to give viewers a taste of what football fandom could look like in the age of spatial computing.
As someone with very little familiarity with Real Madrid – or, let’s face it, sports in general – I came into this film with very few expectations. What surprised me, though, was how quickly I was swept up in the thrill of it all and found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to find out how this football match (which, again, was played many months ago) would end. Between the storytelling, the music, and the all-encompassing immersion of it all, I got drawn in.
Podcast Rewind: Swapping Apps, Multiple Steam Controllers, Matt’s New Cult, and John’s High-Tech Shoes
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, John and Federico kick off the app swap challenge, with each of them giving the other three apps to use. We’ll be checking in on how it’s going each week with a final roundup of the results of the experiment after WWDC.
On AppStories+, we each pick aspirational apps and OS features that we wish we used more but don’t.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, mysterious Valve shipments are heading to the U.S., GameHub hits 6.0, one of us got multiple Steam Controllers, and plastic versus aluminum.
On NPC XL, Brendon, John, and Federico share apps and tips for Android gaming.
Comfort Zone
It’s just the boys today, as Chris has a slew of updates, while Matt has joined a new cult. They also try their darnedest to understand the appeal of mouse gestures in browsers.
On Cozy Zone, the gang roasts your (yes, your!) old Home Screens.
MacStories Unwind
This week, an Italian movie dubbing controversy, the role of tech in the first-ever sub-two hour marathon, John’s high-tech running shoes, and a jangle-pop EP for your listening pleasure.
AppStories, Episode 484, ‘An App Swap Challenge’ Show Notes
This episode is sponsored by:
- Steamclock: We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.
An App Swap Challenge: Pick Three Apps for Each Other to Try for a Month and Report Back
- John’s Picks for Federico
- Federico’s Picks for John
AppStories+ Post-Show: Aspirational Apps and Features We’d Like to Use More
- John
- Federico
- Apple Journal
- Home Screen widgets
- iPhone’s StandBy mode
Subscribe to AppStories+
Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.
NPC, Episode 80, ‘Is the Steam Machine Just Around the Corner?’ Show Notes
Steam Controller Pre-Orders
Valve Hardware Speculation
- Valve Imported 50 Tons of Game Consoles (The Verge)
Anbernic RG Rotate
Lenovo Legion Tab
- Lenovo Legion Tab (US, $849)
Game Native and Android PC Emulation
- Game Native (Android)
- AYN Odin 3
- AYN Thor
- AYN Odin 2 Mini
- Lossless Scaling
- LSFG VK (Vulkan Frame Generation)
- Lenovo Legion Go 2
Subscribe to NPC XL
NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.
Comfort Zone, Episode 100, ‘Don’t Let Tech Companies Electrocute You’ Show Notes
Things Discussed
Cozy Zone
For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.
MacStories Unwind, ‘Is It the Shoes?’ Show Notes
Links and Show Notes
- The Italian Dubbing of The Devil Wears Prada 2 Has Stirred Up a Surprising Controversy
- Cheerwine Festival
- Is It the Shoes?
- Nike Commercial
- Avelo running shoes
Picks
- John’s Pick: Every Good Story by Triples
Unwind Deal
- Parks and Recreation is down to $29.99 in the TV app.
MacStories Unwind+
We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.
MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.
If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.
Apple Recognizes Developer Community Leaders→
Yesterday, Apple published a new page on its Developer site highlighting the contributions of 50 prominent members in the Apple developer community. The page recognizes individuals from around the world and across a variety of disciplines, from technical writing, content creation, and education to event organizing and accessibility advocacy. Each profile includes a photo, a short biography, and a link to the person’s LinkedIn profile.
It’s great to see Apple give this well-earned special recognition to those who do so much to improve the lives of users everywhere through their apps and other work. The community of developers that has grown around Apple’s platforms is a priceless asset to the company and its customers, and they deserve to be honored. I hope we’ll see even more of this public positive engagement with developers out of Apple going into and following WWDC.
I highly recommend browsing through the page on the Developer site. You’ll likely see some faces you recognize from our coverage and apps you love, including Hacking with Swift’s Paul Hudson, visionOS educator Joseph Simpson, previous First, Last, Everything guest Robin Kanatzar, Mercury Weather’s Malin Sundberg, and many more. If there’s another developer you think should be recognized in the future, the page includes a link to submit their name to Apple for consideration as well.
Podcast Rewind: Codex, GameHub, a Mouse Lament, a Peacock Invasion, and an Interview with Niléane Dorffer
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week on AppStories, John shares a tip for moving files with Taildrop before he and Federico dig into Codex and its unique capabilities.
On AppStories+, Federico and John have both returned to Apple Reminders and discuss why and how they’re using it.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week on Next Portable Console, we finally have RG Rotate specs and prices, get excited for the Steam Controller, update listeners on the latest grips available for the Switch 2, and cover the GameHub for Mac beta.
On NPC XL, we revisit GameNative, and Federico turns his Legion Go 2 into a SteamOS device.
First, Last, Everything
Jonathan is joined by Niléane Dorffer, a French-Réunionnese podcaster, writer, and activist, known for being the co-host of Comfort Zone, her writing at MacStories, and her advocacy for trans rights.
Comfort Zone
With Chris out getting a puppy, Matt and Niléane hold down the fort, celebrating an app and lamenting a mouse. Then, everyone pretends to be someone else for fun.
On Cozy Zone, the gang compares their Mac Docks, and you won’t believe it, monsters were revealed!
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico wins the wild kingdom award, John is defending against vultures and has a creepy new show to recommend, and Federico closes with a TV check-in.
Podcast Rewind: App Gaps Filled, GameCubes Emulated, Quick Reads Released, Holidays Bridged, and Craig Hockenberry Interviewed
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, John and Federico cover Apple’s executive transition, follow up on OpenAI’s super app, share the apps they’re looking for, and give each other suggestions on how to fill their app gaps.
On AppStories+, we round up the tools we’ve built for ourselves that fill gaps we haven’t found apps for.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, OnePlus makes a phone controller with only triggers, Tico 0.7.0 brings GameCube and Wii emulation to the Switch, Ayn raises prices, and Steam comes to Android via ROCKNIX.
On NPC XL, Brendon shares his experience installing ROCKNIX and Steam on the Ayn Odin 2 M
First, Last, Everything
Jonathan is joined by Craig Hockenberry, a longtime software designer and developer at The Iconfactory, known for building influential Mac and iOS apps like Twitterific, Tapestry, and Tot.
Comfort Zone
Matt has released Quick Reads, Niléane has entered her M5 (and Jonny Ive) era, and the whole gang throws their monitors away in favor of that laptop life.
On Cozy Zone, the gang tier lists the Olympic logos from 2000 through 2036. (Yes, 2036!)
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico and John get ready for the summer with a conversation about vacation bridging, bringing your dog to the beach, and cooling off in the mountains. Then, John shares a blockbuster movie recommendation and a movie bundle deal.
The Promise of App Store Subscriptions and the Problem with 12-Month Commitments
This week, Apple rolled out a new subscription option that developers can implement: a monthly subscription with a 12-month commitment. When the feature is released publicly alongside iOS 26.5 and its corresponding updates on other platforms, developers worldwide (except in the U.S. and Singapore for some reason) will have the ability to offer users a...