The Vergecast
Apple's chip bumps, big and small
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Apple's product updates this week included the new iPad Air, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio, with a focus on gradual improvements rather than revolutionary changes.
- Revived platforms like Digg are trying to carve out their space in a competitive market dominated by Reddit, while traditional giants like Skype face closures in favor of new solutions.
- Brendan Carr's approach to censorship raises concerns about the abuse of regulatory power under the pretext of ensuring free speech.
- The looming threat of tariffs will likely increase prices for tech products, prompting companies to prepare for these changes and navigate the complexities of compliance.
Summary
Apple's Latest Gadgets: Mild Updates and Mighty Discussions
The episode dives deep into Apple's recent product announcements, including the new iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. Despite being described as minor updates, hosts Nilay, David, and Jake passionately dissect every detail, revealing their opinions about the features, pricing, and overall performance of these gadgets. The conversation highlights how the new MacBook Air received a price cut and an upgraded M4 chip, while the iPad Air now features the sought-after M3 chip, showcasing Apple's strategy of gradual improvements over time.
Tech News Roundup: Revived Platforms and Industry Changes
After their extensive Apple discussion, the hosts move on to various tech news items. They report on the revival of Digg with co-founder Kevin Rose and Alexis Ohanian, hinting at its potential in a space currently dominated by Reddit. They also touch on the closure of Skype and the emergence of Teams as the go-to platform for communication, as well as discussing Volkswagen's new affordable EV and the implications of Trump's tariffs on the auto industry. Each topic is threaded through a lens of examining how these changes shape the broader technology landscape.
Brendan Carr: The Corrupt Censor Character
In this segment, the hosts critique Brendan Carr for his contradictory yet authoritative positions on media regulation and censorship. Carr is portrayed as leveraging the agency’s power to impose censorship under the guise of protecting free speech, and the conversation revolves around his recent proclamations regarding the EU's Digital Services Act and his role in the current administration. Discussions reflect on Carr's impact on free speech in America, his corrupt motivations, and the consequences of his policies on social media platforms.
The Reality of Tariffs and Their Impact on Tech
The episode converges this with a discussion on the impending reality of tariffs affecting tech products and the implications for consumers and brands. Hosts discuss how companies like Best Buy and Target anticipate rising prices, with estimates suggesting car cost increases due to newly imposed tariffs. There's a sense of urgency in how companies need to prepare for these changes while navigating pressures from the government, revealing larger themes about corporate strategy and compliance.
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Show notes
Apple's new gadgets this week were pretty minor updates, so of course we talk about them for a long time. Nilay and David are joined by The Verge's Jake Kastrenakes, and the three hosts discuss the latest iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. All three have... a lot of thoughts. After that, they run through some more tech news, including the Digg reboot, the end of Skype, VW's cheap new EV, and more. Finally, in the lightning round, they talk about the latest from DOGE and the Trump administration, Brendan Carr's latest assaults on free speech, and a smartphone that is mostly (but not entirely) a camera.
Further reading:
Apple iPad Air 2025: launch, price, and specs
Apple refreshes the iPad but doesn’t add Apple Intelligence
Apple announces MacBook Air with M4 chip and a price cut
Our first look at Apple’s sky blue MacBook Air
Apple launches new Mac Studios with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips
Behold the maxed out Mac Studio.
Digg is coming back, with founder Kevin Rose and Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian
Discord is reportedly exploring an IPO.
Nothing’s Phone 3A and 3A Pro use AI to organize all your stuff
The Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 is an affordable EV for the masses
Volkswagen’s cheapest EV ever is the first to use Rivian software
Microsoft is shutting down Skype in favor of Teams
The Verge remembers Skype
Big Tech is now slightly less silent on Trump’s tariffs
Trump imposes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China
Car prices expected to increase by as much as $12,000 thanks to Trump’s tariffs
Best Buy and Target CEOs say prices are about to go up because of tariffs
What’s an import?
Trump to Cabinet: Musk has no authority to fire workers
FAA staff reportedly ordered to find funding for deal with Musk’s Starlink
Trump’s USCIS wants to review all prospective citizens’ social media accounts
Senate votes to strip the CFPB of its power to regulate X
MWC: FCC chair says U.S. will defend interests of its tech giants
FCC’s Carr defends broadcast probes, slams social media ‘threat’
A camera for your cameraphone: Sony Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 review
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a small update with a big periscope lens
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