Apple Upgrade program launches, foldable iPhone hype, Apple smart glasses release date 

Apple Upgrade program launches, foldable iPhone hype, Apple smart glasses release date 

Author: 9to5Mac July 30, 2026 Duration: 56:37
Benjamin and Chance break down all the details about Apple’s newly-launched Upgrade Program, while Chance gets frustrated with some of the edge-cases of Siri AI. The Apple smart glasses are now rumored for a WWDC 2027 debut, and the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 builds hype for the upcoming iPhone Fold. And in Happy Hour Plus, we review how our 2026 annual predictions are faring so far. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Shopify: All you need is the idea. Shopify handles the rest. Start your free trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/happyhour for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Sponsored by NordStellar: Get an exclusive offer: Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code: nordhappyhour-10-NORDSTELLAR - just mention it to NordStellar! Hosts Chance Miller @ChanceHMiller on Twitter @ChanceHMiller on Instagram @ChanceHMiller on Threads Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo on Twitter @bzamayo@mastodon.social @bzamayo on Threads Subscribe, Rate, and Review Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus Subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus! Support Benjamin and Chance directly with Happy Hour Plus! 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus includes:  Ad-free versions of every episode  Pre- and post-show content Bonus episodes Join for $5 per month or $50 a year at 9to5mac.com/join.  Feedback Submit #Ask9to5Mac questions on Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads Email us feedback and questions to happyhour@9to5mac.com Links Apple Upgrade leasing program launches for iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch Apple shuts down iPhone Upgrade Program, here's what's next Apple Upgrade: Here’s the monthly subscription cost for every product Apple's AI glasses to be unveiled at WWDC27: report Apple has three new smart home products 'nearly ready to launch,' per report Galaxy Z Fold 8 hands-on: This redesign proves Google was right the first time [Video] Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Fold 8 Ultra – It's a tough call [Gallery] Tim Cook and John Ternus with the cast of Ted Lasso

Every week, the conversation around the latest Apple news, rumors, and products finds a natural home on 9to5Mac Happy Hour. Hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller, drawing from their deep expertise at 9to5Mac, don't just report the headlines-they dig into the context, the implications, and the often-overlooked details that matter to enthusiasts and professionals alike. This isn't a dry recap; it's a thoughtful, often lively discussion that feels like pulling up a chair with friends who genuinely understand the ecosystem. You'll hear analysis on everything from the smallest software tweak in a new beta to the strategic shifts behind major hardware announcements, all filtered through a practical lens. The tone is informed yet accessible, making complex topics understandable. For anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-moving world of Apple and broader technology, this podcast provides essential weekly listening that’s both insightful and genuinely engaging. Tune in to get the clarity and perspective that goes beyond the usual tech chatter.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

9to5Mac Happy Hour
Podcast Episodes
Apple Black Friday, AirDrop on Android, macOS Tahoe thoughts  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:46
Benjamin and Chance give their opinion on the 2025 Apple holiday ad ‘A Critter Carol’, and talk about some of the Apple tech deals they’ve found this Black Friday. Also, there’s more clarity on the Apple Watch WiFi sync…
iPhone Pocket, iOS 26.2 beta 2, and the iPhone Air’s future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:56
Benjamin and Chance discuss all the new features in the 26.2 betas, including a clever new Edge Light mode and even more Liquid Glass throughout the system. Apple launches Digital IDs in Wallet, and there are questions a…
iOS 26.2 new features, App Store on web, Gemini Siri deal confirmed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
Benjamin and Chance discuss all the new features in iOS 26.2, including some fancy Podcast AI updates and a puzzling decision to remove Apple Watch Wi-Fi syncing in the EU. Also, Apple launches a browsable App Store on t…
Touchscreen Macs, OLED iPad mini, ads in Apple Maps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:10
Benjamin and Chance react to a bevy of Bloomberg reports about Apple’s future plans, from touchscreen Macs to ads in Apple Maps and a future OLED iPad mini. And in Happy Hour Plus, the 1X NEO robot makes waves with a lau…
Liquid Glass settings, M5 Vision Pro hands on, Apple F1 deal official [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:26
Benjamin and Chance react to the inclusion of a new Liquid Glass toggle in Settings in iOS 26.1 beta 4, and whether it reflects Apple’s lack of confidence in software design. The Apple TV F1 deal is now official, and Cha…
New iPad Pro leaks, Powerbeats Fit, notification summary UI oddities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:32
Benjamin and Chance talk about the week’s Apple news, including the bonkers leak of the so-far-unannounced M5 iPad Pro, and then the FCC chipped in with showing off the new MacBook Pro and Vision Pro too. Also, Benjamin’…