Apple Invites app launches, AltStore drama, Apple AR hardware roadmap flounders

Update: 2025-02-06

Digest

This podcast episode covers several key Apple-related topics. First, it reviews Apple's new "Invites" app, noting its integration with Apple Music and Photos, its iCloud+ requirement, and its limitations in real-time updates and communication. The hosts then discuss the appearance of an adult content app ("Hot Tub") on AltStore, an alternative app marketplace, and Apple's response in light of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Next, the episode analyzes Bloomberg's report on Apple canceling its advanced AR glasses project, focusing on the challenges of tethering the glasses to a Mac. A viral TikTok conspiracy theory about Starlink integration in iOS 18.3 is debunked, clarifying the update's actual functionality. Finally, the podcast briefly discusses the M5 chip entering mass production and its implications for future Apple product releases.

Outlines

00:00:00

Apple's New Invites App & AltStore Controversy

A detailed review of Apple's Invites app, highlighting its features and limitations, alongside a discussion of the "Hot Tub" app on AltStore and the implications of the Digital Markets Act on Apple's app approval process.

00:03:32

Cancelled AR Glasses & iOS 18.3 Debunked

Analysis of Apple's canceled AR glasses project, focusing on the technical challenges, and a debunking of the false Starlink integration conspiracy theory surrounding iOS 18.3.

00:04:35

M5 Chip Mass Production

A brief discussion on the M5 chip entering mass production and speculation on its impact on upcoming Apple product releases.

Keywords

Apple Invites App

A new iPhone app for creating and managing event invitations; integrates with Apple Music and Photos but requires iCloud+.

Digital Markets Act (DMA)

EU legislation impacting Apple's App Store policies, allowing alternative app marketplaces.

Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses

Apple's canceled project for advanced AR glasses, facing challenges in tethering to Macs.

iOS 18.3

iOS update falsely claimed to integrate Starlink; actually added T-Mobile network support using Starlink infrastructure.

M5 Chip

Apple's next-generation chip entering mass production, expected in upcoming products.

AltStore

Alternative app marketplace hosting apps not approved by Apple's App Store.

Apple App Store Policies

Policies governing app approval and content, impacted by the Digital Markets Act.

Q&A

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Apple's new Invites app?
Strengths: integration with Apple Music and Photos. Weaknesses: iCloud+ requirement, lack of real-time updates.
How does the Digital Markets Act impact Apple's control over app content?
The DMA forces Apple to allow alternative app stores, leading to apps with content Apple wouldn't normally permit.
Why did Apple cancel its AR glasses project?
The project faced challenges related to processing power and battery life.
What is the truth behind the Starlink integration conspiracy theory?
iOS 18.3 added support for T-Mobile's network, which uses Starlink infrastructure; no direct Apple-SpaceX collaboration.
When can we expect to see products with the M5 chip?
The M5 chip's mass production suggests potential releases in the coming months.

Show Notes

Benjamin and Chance review the newly-launched Apple Invites app and despite how well made the app is, debate whether anyone will actually use it. Also, AltStore makes headlines about hosting the first ‘Apple approved’ NSFW app, Apple reportedly cancels another AR hardware initiative and TikTok spreads fake news about the iOS 18.3 support for T-Mobile Starlink service.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance bemoan the lack of advancement in CarPlay in recent years, and suggest a few easy wins Apple could add to the platform. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.