Embargoes, previews and draft conflicts

Myke has MacBook Neo FOMO and we have reviews of both Studio Display models. Also: Apple starts celebrating 50; App Store fees are lowered in China; Somehow, AirPods Max returned; Apple's AI crisistunity; and Jason in Jeopardy!?

This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:

• Fitbod: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.
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Links and Show Notes:

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I’ll take ‘beach reading’ for $1000, Ken – Six Colors

Apple TV scores its first F1 victory over ESPN viewership - 9to5Mac

Apple’s acclaimed feature “F1” scores Best Sound at the 98th Annual Academy Awards - Apple TV Press

50 Years of Thinking Different - Apple

helloapple – Instagram

Apple hosts 50th anniversary celebrations around the world - Apple

apple (@apple) | TikTok

Apple Lowers App Store Cut to 25% from 30% in China to Fend Off Local Regulators - Bloomberg

Google isn’t waiting for a settlement — the 30 percent Android app store fee is dead | The Verge

The Upgrade Episode 700 Draft of the Ages Scorecard

Connected #594: Vibing at 50 / Warranted But Not Sexy / The Relay Account Has Signed In - Relay

MacBook Neo Teardown: Modular Ports, Glue-Less Battery, Zero Tape - MacRumors

PC makers are not ready for the MacBook Neo | The Verge

‘PC makers are not ready for the MacBook Neo’ – Six Colors

MacBook Neo review: Fresh-squeezed laptop – Six Colors

2026 Apple Studio Display review: The smallest of upgrades – Six Colors

Review: 27-inch Samsung ViewFinity S9 – Six Colors

Apple’s Foldable iPhone to Offer iPad-Style Interface, Side-by-Side Apps - Bloomberg

Apple Delays Smart Home Display Launch as It Waits for New Siri AI Features - Bloomberg

Amazon Charges $2.99 for Personal Photos on Echo Show - Yahoo News UK

MacBook Neo 2 Might Not Feature Touchscreen After All - MacRumors

Report: Apple Asks Google to Run Siri on Its Servers - MacRumors

The most brilliant move in corporate history? – Asymco

Meta Delays Rollout of New A.I. Model After Performance Concerns - The New York Times

Doctor Who missing episodes - Wikipedia

Edward Munn: "That moment when you see @jsnell out in the wild on Wikipedia." - Mastodon

Statement on Doctor Who | Film is Fabulous

Apple Planning 'MacBook Ultra' With Touchscreen and Higher Price - MacRumors