Federico Viticci breaks down iOS 27's Shortcuts updates: Describe a Shortcut, Else If, new automation triggers, and built-in data storage. Plus his coder era, Shortcuts Playground 2.0, and training a local model to build shortcuts.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Workbrew: Deliver the software your team needs securely and at scale.
• Daylite: The only made-for-mac CRM solution. Start your free trial today.
• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Guest Starring:

Federico Viticci

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

WWDC 2026: Between Seasons - MacStories

Shortcuts Playground — Describe it. Build it. Run it.

Federico Viticci on Mastodon

Monologue | Effortless voice dictation so you can work 3x faster

Mole for Mac — Free All-in-One Cleaner & Monitor | MacTools

CleanShot X for Mac

Raycast - Your shortcut to everything

Termius - Modern SSH Client

‎Denim - Playlist Cover Maker App - App Store

Shortcuts Playground (Viticci/MacStories)

MacStories "Introducing Shortcuts Playground"

Data Jar (Simon B. Støvring)

Apple Frames (MacStories shortcut)

Alfred

CleanMyMac

LM Studio

DEVONthink

Notion

Todoist

Things (Cultured Code)

OmniFocus (Omni Group)

Obsidian

iA Writer

Lettera (Shiny Frog / Bear team)

Bear

PushCut

Plex

Tailscale

Screens (Edovia)

Downie (Charlie Monroe)

Transloader (Eternal Storms)

Hazel (Noodlesoft)

Carbon Copy Cloner (Bombich)

Backblaze

Codex (OpenAI)

Claude Code

Apple MLX

Lesser-known Mac apps that deserve way more attention: from AI typing assistants, to hacky Stream Decks, note-taking apps, helpful utilities, and beautiful desktop enhancements.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Workbrew: Deliver the software your team needs securely and at scale.
• Decagon: The AI concierge for every customer. Get a personalized demo.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Links and Show Notes:

All App Links

Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums. You can watch the podcast over on YouTube.

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

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Cotypist

Choclift

Wispr Flow

Sequel

Callsheet

Chapterize

Forecast

Bauhaus Clock

Contextly

Quick Notes

NotePlan

Bike

Marked

Permute

Dropzone

Menu Drop

Bartender

Amethyst

TextSniper

Inset

TextSoap

Indigo

Framous

Shareshot

Parachute

Readwise Reader

Readwise

Timery

Timing

RemCTL

Craft

Dictate Time Zones Shortcut

Stephen reports live from Apple Park on WWDC 2026: the post-keynote tech talk, Gemini partnership explained, and Siri AI that finally works. Plus shortcuts, photos AI, and more.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Daylite: The only made-for-mac CRM solution. Start your free trial today.
• Workbrew: Deliver the software your team needs securely and at scale.
• Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

macOS Features Wall of Text — Basic Apple Guy

Shortcuts Just Changed Forever - YouTube

Apple unveils next generation of Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, and more - Apple

Bridget Photo - Original

Bridget Photo - Extended

Bridget Photo - Clean Up

UniFi Travel Router

Stephen Robles

Primary Technology

iJustine

John Gruber (Daring Fireball)

Joanna Stern (WSJ)

Nilay Patel (The Verge)

Bridget Carey (CNET)

Andrew O'Hara (AppleInsider)

Federico Viticci (MacStories)

Mike Hurley (Relay FM)

LM Studio

DEVONthink

Bear

Fastmail

Perplexity

changedetection.io

Pushcut

Data Jar

MPU 852 — Pre-WWDC with Myke Hurley

Myke Hurley joins us to discuss the launch of Designed in California, a new Apple history podcast with Jason Snell. Then we share our hopes for WWDC, what AI features we may see, and more!

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite.
• Workbrew: Deliver the software your team needs securely and at scale.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

Guest Starring:

Myke Hurley

Links and Show Notes:

Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums. You can watch the podcast over on YouTube.

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

Designed in California: An Apple history podcast

Upgrade #609: The Origin of Apple - Relay

The Rest Is History - Apple Podcasts

Western Electric Phone - Version History YouTube

Aura Frames | The Best Digital Picture Frame

Skylight Calendar Max

David and Stephen answer listener feedback: rebuilding Apple Home with Aqara power-over-Ethernet cameras, smart scales, raw photo editing, connecting AI to email, off-site backups, the new TRMNL X display, and DEVONthink's MCP server.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

Robot Assistant Field Guide

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro

Aqara Doorbell Camera G400

Robin Home

HomePass for HomeKit & Matter

HomeCam for HomeKit

HomePaper for HomeKit

Multi-State Sensor P100 – Aqara LLC

Tailwind iQ3 Smart Garage Door Controller

iSmartgate MINI

THIRDREALITY Smart Garage Door Opener

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro

Govee Smart Cordless Table Lamp Classic

IKEA launches new smart home range with Matter

5 Smart Home Upgrades I Should've Done Sooner - YouTube

Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400

WITHINGS Body Smart Scale

Immich

Spokenly

Introducing Shortcuts Playground - MacStories

AI Built These Shortcuts - YouTube

Stream Deck + XL | Elgato

Prompter XL | Elgato

MPU Timestamp Shortcut

Audio Hijack Script

Canisteo Motorized Blinds Roller Shade

TRMNL | ePaper Dashboard

DEVONthink 4.3 Herschel

Menuwhere · Many Tricks

Short Run — Sindre Sorhus

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Creator Combo

DJI Mic 3 Bundle

Shure MV7+

KU XIU Qi2.2 25W Magnetic Wireless Charger

Anker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station

StealthTech Living Room Sound System | Lovesac

Pixelmator Pro

MacWhisper

Fastmail MCP Server

Superhuman

DEVONthink

TRMNL X

Supercharge

Elgato Stream Deck

Elgato Key Light Air

BetterTouchTool

Keyboard Maestro

Audio Hijack

Bear

Backblaze

Parachute

Carbon Copy Cloner

Tailscale

Snazzy Labs

Hollyland Lark Wireless Mics

Ulanzi

RODECaster Pro 2

Mac Power Users

Marco Arment joins us to dive deeper on Overcast transcripts, the 48 Mac mini server powering it all, how AI is changing app development, restaurant tech, and more!

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite.
• Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Guest Starring:

Marco Arment

Links and Show Notes:

Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums. You can watch the podcast over on YouTube.

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

ATP 683: I Didn’t Want to Melt My Rug — ATP

Overcast App

Accidental Data Centre : r/overcast

Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars

I Tested 12 Podcast Apps… Here’s the Best One - YouTube

Backblaze no longer backing up cloud-based files

Fat Cat Software

Buy Bambu Lab X2D

Gridfinity Generator | Interactive tool

Tinkercad

Onshape | Product Development Platform

Shapr3D: 3D Modeling software | Windows & Mac & iPad

3D Printer Warehouse

"Dental" Filament

David and Stephen take on the wide, messy world of Apple photo management, from pruning fifty-thousand-photo libraries to backing up iCloud Photos. They cover Shared Library trade-offs, the cleanup apps worth installing, and more.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

MPU on YouTube

David's Oldest Digital Photo

Stephen's Moody Trumpet Photo

Stephen's Dad - Fujifilm Camera

Stephen and Whitney in College

Backblaze no longer backing up - MPU Talk

Gemini 2: top duplicate file finder

PowerPhotos - Merge Mac Photos libraries, find duplicate photos, and more

‎Photo Cleaner: Swipewipe App - App Store

‎AI Cleaner: Clean Up Storage App - App Store

How to use iCloud Shared Photo Library

Widgetsmith - One app; endless home screens

Slideshows Maker for Mac and iPad - FotoMagico

Parachute Backup - Backup Utility for iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos

Synology Inc.

SuperDuper!

Carbon Copy Cloner: macOS Backup Software - Bombich Software

Mimeo Photos

Custom Photo Book Maker

‎PhotoScan by Google Photos App - App Store

FastFoto High-Speed Photo Scanning System | Epson US

ScanMyPhotos.com

The Best Photo, Video, Audio Conversion Company | EverPresent

VHS to Digital Converter

How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple Account - Apple Support

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning - Margareta Magnusson

‎MacFamilyTree 11 App - App Store

Eve Aqua

Simple Scan | Agile Tortoise

Travel Photographer - Austin Mann

Password Manager for Personal & Family Security | 1Password

Legacybox® — Digitize Home Movies, Photos, Slides & More

Digital Conversion Services – Photo, Movies, & More | DiJiFi

Photomyne: Save & Cherish Family Memories Forever

Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner | Products | Epson US

Request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support

Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices - Apple Support

Day One Journal App | Your Journal For Life

Photo organizing software for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS

Dropbox.com

Google Photos: Edit, Organize, Search, and Backup Your Photos

Noodlesoft – Noodlesoft – Simply Useful Software

Pixelmator Pro - Apple

Osmo Pocket 3 - For Moving Moments - DJI United States

Sony Alpha 7C II – Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Hybrid Camera | Black | ILCE-7CM2/B

Save Screenshots and Delete Shortcut

Jason Snell joins the show to discuss the state of e-readers, why dedicated reading devices still beat the iPad, Kindle vs Kobo, plus libraries, physical books, note-taking devices, and color e-ink.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• NerdWallet: Compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Get VIP treatment using this link.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Links and Show Notes:

Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums. You can watch the podcast over on YouTube.

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

Kobo Libra Colour Review: Color, but at what cost? – Six Colors

Boox Palma review: A phone-shaped e-reader – Six Colors

Shop all Kindle | Amazon

Kobo Sage | Rakuten Kobo eReader Store United States

Libby - Library

hoopla | streaming audiobooks, music, video & ebooks

GitHub - crosspoint-reader/crosspoint-reader: Firmware for the Xteink X4 e-paper display reader · GitHub

Daylight | A More Caring Computer

calibre - E-book management

Goodreads | Meet your next favorite book

The Incomparable - Smart, funny pop culture podcasts

Apple in China | Book by Patrick McGee | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

Rethinking RSS, newsletters, and how I read every morning – Six Colors

Stephen Robles: "My AI Voice" - Mastodon

David and Stephen take stock of where AI is actually useful right now. They cover dictation, browsers, agentic workflows, MCP, and Apple Intelligence, plus the real projects each runs today, including email triage and a customer-service robot.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

MPU on YouTube

Claude.ai

Google Gemini

ChatGPT

Perplexity

Dia Browser | AI Chat With Your Tabs

Comet Browser: a Personal AI Assistant

Robot Assistant Field Guide | MacSparky Field Guides

Wispr Flow | Effortless Voice Dictation

Whisper Memos - AI voice recorder app for iPhone & Apple Watch

ChatGPT Images 2.0 vs Gemini Comparison

Mastodon Post

🎙️ MacWhisper

Transcriptionist for Mac and iOS

The Master Engineer Taking Over Apple (and Why It Matters) - YouTube

Apple Home Devices - Stephen's Website

Made by Claude

OWC Envoy Pro FX

SaneBox | Dashboard

Cloudflare

Platformer

Six Colors – Apple, technology, and other stuff

Gling - AI Video Editing Software for YouTube

Free AI Voice Generator & Voice Agents Platform | ElevenLabs

‎Coffee Finder by Beardfm App - App Store

coffee finder

‎The No List App - App Store

Kagi Search

Marvin the Paranoid Android - Wikipedia

After brief thoughts on John Ternus becoming Apple's next CEO, we dive into the current state of Apple Watch. We explore our setups, faces, complications, apps, and what we hope to see improve.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Links and Show Notes:

Sign up for the MPU email newsletter and join the MPU forums. You can watch the podcast over on YouTube.

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

Shortcuts University | Stephen Robles

John Ternus to become Apple CEO - Apple

Johny Srouji named Apple’s Chief Hardware Officer - Apple

Community Letter from Tim - Apple

The Future of Apple Starts Now - Stephen's YouTube

Interview with Apple's John Ternus and Joz | Tom's Guide

David's Watch Face 1

David's Watch Face 2

David's Watch Face 3

David's Watch Face 4

Stephen's Watch Face 1

Stephen's Watch Face 2

Stephen's Watch Face 3

Stephen's Watch Face 4

Stephen's Watch Face 5

Stephen's Band Collection

Apple Watch Band Tray - AppleUnsold

‎Foodnoms App - App Store

‎AnyList: Grocery Shopping List App - App Store

‎HomePass for HomeKit & Matter App - App Store

‎Bear - Markdown Notes App - App Store

‎Quick Notes - Capture App - App Store

‎Overcast: Podcast App App - App Store

‎Teleprompter Pro App - App Store

‎Drafts App - App Store

‎Fantastical Calendar App - App Store

‎Whisper Memos - Speech to text App - App Store

WHOOP | Unlock Human Performance & Healthspan

Patrick Rhone returns. The gang discusses Apple Silicon rewriting the Mac upgrade cycle, the Apple Refurb Store, and minimalist phones.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.
• NerdWallet: Compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Get VIP treatment using this link.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Guest Starring:

Patrick Rhone

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Mac Power Users
Stephen Robles
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

More Power Users: Ad-free episodes with regular bonus segments

Submit Feedback

MPU 845 on YouTube

Patrick Rhone – Master Generalist

enough – Patrick Rhone

Minimal Mac | iPad First Impressions

The Dash/Plus System – Rhoneisms

I Deleted My Second Brain | Medium

Patrick Rhone (@patrickrhone) • Instagram photos and videos

Certified Refurbished Products - Apple

The Light Phone | The Light Phone

The Minimal Company | Live More, Scroll Less.

Brick — Take Back Control of Your Screen Time – Brick LLC

Calendar App for Mac and iPhone with Tasks and Smart Filters | BusyCal | BusyCal & BusyContacts

Now Software - Wikipedia

Timex Sinclair 1000 - Wikipedia

Macintosh Color Classic - Wikipedia

The Anxious Generation — from a book to a movement

Stillness Is The Key: Pre-Order Bonuses - RyanHoliday.net

DuckDuckGo - Protection. Privacy. Peace of mind.

Watch Movies and TV Shows Free Online - Plex

Set up YouTube Kids

Welcome to Sarah Lawrence College

Shop Instant Pot & Instant Appliances | Official Website