US — The Verge

The delightfully messy state of Apple gadgets

DevicesOctober 31, 20261 min read

This is a podcast episode from The Verge about Apple's new gadgets. Apple is trying new ideas, like touchscreens on laptops and more screens on the iPhone.

What happened

The Verge's Vergecast hosts talked about Apple's recent product experiments. Apple is adding touchscreens to a MacBook Pro, and the hosts debated whether that is a good idea. They also talked about Instagram trying long-form videos and the company's changing relationship with AI-made content. The episode also covered news about Anthropic's IPO, which is when a company first sells its shares to the public.

Why Apple is experimenting

Apple sells many successful products, so it does not often try new things. Lately it seems to be testing new ideas again. The writers say the results are not always perfect, but it is fun to watch. One host asked a simple question about the new MacBook: could this have been an iPad instead? That question shows the debate about whether a laptop needs a touchscreen.

Why it matters

Apple shapes how many people use technology, so its choices affect the whole industry. When a big company tries new features, other companies often follow. The discussion also shows that even the best tech makers are still testing what people really want.

What to watch

Whether people actually use the touchscreen on the new MacBook Pro
How Instagram's push into long-form content performs
How Instagram handles AI-made content
News about Anthropic's IPO

Glossary

MacBook Pro: A laptop computer made by Apple.
Instagram: A social media app for sharing photos and videos, owned by Meta.
Anthropic: An AI company that makes the Claude chatbot.
IPO: Initial public offering, the first time a company sells its shares to the public.

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