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Episode 455October 5, 2025

Making Sense of MCP: The Standard Connecting AI to Apps

This week, Federico and John demystify Model Context Protocol (MCP), covering how it works, where it’s heading, and practical examples of what it can do.

On AppStories+, Federico and John experiment with whether AI can make sense of the information firehose.



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AppStories Episode 455Making Sense of MCP: The Standard Connecting AI to Apps

0:0038:12

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Episode 454September 28, 2025

AirPods Pro 3, iPhone Air, and a Cable Quest

This week, Federico and John follow up after a week with new Apple hardware and dig into watchOS and visionOS 26.

On AppStories+, John is mixing up his link and data organization systems - again.



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AppStories Episode 454AirPods Pro 3, iPhone Air, and a Cable Quest

0:0037:12

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Claude – Get 50% off Claude Pro, including access to Claude Code.

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Episode 453September 21, 2025

Fall Hardware: First Impressions

This week, Federico and John shared their first impressions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3.

On AppStories+, Federico asks John about his plans to unwind now that his macOS review is out.



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AppStories Episode 453Fall Hardware: First Impressions

0:0030:47

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Things – A fresh new look for OS 26

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Episode 452September 15, 2025

iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26: The MacStories Reviews

This week, Federico and John discuss their annual OS reviews. Federico digs into the details of iOS and iPadOS 26, while John considers what macOS 26 Tahoe means for users.

On AppStories+, John updates listeners on what he bought after last week’s Apple event and why.



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AppStories Episode 452iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26: The MacStories Reviews

0:0052:54

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Widgetsmith: Make your phone your own with custom widgets and wallpapers. Ready for Liquid Glass in iOS 26. Use our link for a free month of Widgetsmith Premium.
  • Steamclock: We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.

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Episode 451September 7, 2025

Apple Event Vibe Check

This week, Federico and John do their annual pre-Apple event “vibe check,” discussing what they expect and hope to see at the upcoming September Apple event. They explore the rumored iPhone 17 lineup, AirPods Pro 3, and debate the Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, they share thoughts on the prospect of an Apple TV with Apple Intelligence capabilities, HomePods, and updates to AirTags.

On AppStories+, John and Federico explore the divisiveness surrounding the Liquid Glass update coming to macOS Tahoe.



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We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 451Apple Event Vibe Check

0:0041:40

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Claude – Get 50% off Claude Pro, including access to Claude Code.
  • Factor – Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code appstories50off

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Episode 450August 31, 2025

Back From Break: Automation, AI, and IKEA

This week, AppStories returns with details on the projects Federico and John worked on during their breaks.

On AppStories+, the importance of breaks and finding ways to unwind.



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To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 450Back From Break: Automation, AI, and IKEA

0:0047:48

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Steamclock – We make great apps. Design and development, from demos to details.
  • Xsolla – 🚀 Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.

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Episode 449August 10, 2025

Building a Better AI App

This week, Federico and John pick and choose their favorite AI app features to imagine a better AI app future, critiquing the leading LLM apps along the way. And, as a bonus, John explains why read-later apps should support Shortcuts and other automation schemes.

On AppStories+, the critique continues with a look at how Todoist could be improved.



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We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 449Building a Better AI App

0:0036:27

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Factor – Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code appstories50off

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Episode 448August 3, 2025

The iPadOS and macOS 26 Public Betas

This week, Federico and John share their experiences with iPadOS and macOS 26, which are now available as part of Apple’s public beta program.

On AppStories+, Federico and John discuss the state of engagement bait posting about Apple and how it’s affecting the discourse about the company and its products.



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To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 448The iPadOS and macOS 26 Public Betas

0:0034:57

This episode is sponsored by:

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Episode 447July 27, 2025

Gaming Sidekicks: Videogame Companion Apps with Brendon Bigley

This week, John is joined by Brendon Bigley to explore the wide world of videogame companion apps from media trackers to game specific companion apps.

On AppStories+, John and Brendon dig into 16 years of App Store history to compile a list of games that have defined gaming on the iPhone.

Also available on YouTube here.



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We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 447Gaming Sidekicks: Videogame Companion Apps with Brendon Bigley

0:0043:13

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Episode 446July 20, 2025

A Secondary Device Check-In

This week, Federico and John explain how they use their secondary systems, which for John is the iPad and for Federico, the Mac.

On AppStories+, Federico asks whether technologies like web-based MCP render Apple’s native App Intents irrelevant?

Also available on YouTube here.



Subscribe here.

We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.



AppStories Episode 446A Secondary Device Check-In

0:0028:13

READ MORE