Michael Simon
Executive Editor
Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with technology goes back to his first PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He's still waiting for that to come back in style tbh.
Podcast: Apple's plan to monitor iCloud photos met with pushback from cybersecurity and privacy experts
Apple announced last week that it will soon begin scanning photos uploaded to iCloud for child sexual abuse material. Cybersecurity and privacy experts met the announcement with skepticism, with many pointing out potential abuse of...
Podcast: Google makes its own chip for the Pixel 6, plus how to make hybrid work successful
Google announced that its new system on a chip, called Tensor, will power the upcoming the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones. Google says Tensor will improve the Pixel's camera system and its speech recognition abilities, among other...
Podcast: Global chip shortage affects Apple and the iPhone
The semiconductor shortage has wreaked havoc on manufacturers, and Apple will soon feel pinch. In the company's Q3 earnings call, chief executive Tim Cook said that supply constraints around "legacy nodes" will affect iPhone sales....
Podcast: Pegasus spyware and iPhone security
Amnesty International's Security Lab revealed that a handful of iPhones, mostly belonging to journalists and human rights activists, were successfully infected with Pegasus spyware. While the majority of iPhones users are not...
Podcast: Future Mac chips: M1X, M2, M2X and more
Apple's M1 chip is the first in what the company calls a "family of chips" that is expected to grow later this year. The next iteration of Apple Silicon, the so-called M1X chip, may arrive in the second half of 2021 and power...
Podcast: Windows 11 arrives; what's new, how it compares to macOS
Microsoft announced its latest version of its Windows operating system, Windows 11, last Thursday. Some changes look similar to macOS, but others seem to hit directly at Apple and its closed ecosystem. Macworld executive editor...
PODCAST: iPhone 13 rumors and leaks, plus Apple argues against sideloading apps
Rumors are swirling about the upcoming iPhone 13, from potential launch date to new features. And as lawmakers push for stronger tech regulations, Apple argues in a whitepaper that sideloading apps poses a security risk. Macworld...
Podcast: What iOS 15 means for the future of the iPhone
Apple will not force users to upgrade to iOS 15, instead offering iPhone users two options: upgrade to iOS 15, or stick with iOS 14 and continue to receive security updates. At the same time, some new iOS 15 features could position...
Podcast: WWDC 2021 recap: iPadOS overview, enterprise improvements and unnannounced iOS 15 features
Apple announced updates to its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday. iPadOS has new productivity features, but do the updates justify the company's decision to put...
Podcast: When is it time to upgrade? Device lifecycles and upgrade timelines
When the newest version of a phone, tablet and/or laptop launches, the idea of upgrading a personal device can feel enticing. For IT teams, keeping employee devices up-to-date means upgrading strategically and adhering to planned...
Podcast: M1 iPad Pro outperforms Intel MacBook Pro in early benchmarks
Early benchmarks suggest that the soon-to-be-shipped M1 iPad Pro is much faster than the previous generation iPad Pro, as well as the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9 processor. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and...
Podcast: How Apple v. Epic Games could force the App Store and iPhone to change forever
Apple and Epic Games, the developer behind the popular video game Fortnite, are in court over Apple's decision to remove Fortnite from the App Store. Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple's in-app purchasing system within Fortnite,...
Podcast: iOS 14.5 brings App Tracking Transparency; Next Apple Silicon chip
Apple's iOS 14.5 update arrived this week, including a much-discussed feature called App Tracking Transparency. The feature allows users to have more control over their data and how they're tracked across apps and websites. Plus,...
Podcast: What to expect at Apple's "Spring Loaded" event
Apple is holding a spring event after all. After weeks of speculation and rumors, Apple announced it will host a virtual event, titled Spring Loaded, on April 20. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive editor...
Podcast: Ranking Apple's worst products of all time
Apple has released its fair share of disappointing or frustrating products, and just last year the company settled a lawsuit over allegedly slowing down older iPhone models. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld...
Podcast: WWDC 2021: What to expect at Apple's June event
While we wait for confirmation about Apple's rumored April event, the company has confirmed its annual developers conference, WWDC, will take place the week of June 7. Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis and Macworld executive...
Podcast: Intel's anti-Mac ads: What's next for Intel?
It's been a year since rumors began to swirl that Apple would sever its ties with Intel, and a few months since that transition became official. Apple has released a few Apple Silicon/M1 Macs already, and there's more in the...
Podcast: FCC to auction off 5G bandwidth; Apple data privacy update
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. will auction off previously reserved 5G spectrum, potentially speeding up next-generation wireless rollout. As device makers continue to release 5G-enabled phones and tablets,...
Podcast: iMac Pro discontinued: What does it mean for the future of 'Pro' Macs?
Apple has confirmed it is discontinuing the iMac Pro, as rumors suggest an M1 iMac is on its way. Macworld executive editor Michael Simon and Computerworld executive editor Ken Mingis join Juliet to discuss what they wanted from the...