MacVoices #26103: Live! - AirPods Pro Max, Neo Tear-Down, and MotionVFX Acquired

A surprise refresh of the AirPods Pro Max headphones sparks debate over features, pricing, and real-world usefulness compared to smaller alternatives. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet also discuss the results of a teardown of the MacBook Neot hat highlights improved repairability and growing community experimentation. The group also explores Apple's support of older devices for security and compatibility, and a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening video editing tools and expanding creative ecosystems.

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Show Notes:

Chapters:

0:00 AirPods Max refresh and initial reactions 1:54 Feature comparisons and buying decisions 6:20 Apple product update strategies 9:39 Neo teardown and modding discussion 12:13 Community response and education market potential 17:47 Updates for older iPhones and security implications 19:58 Apple's long-term support and motivations 22:49 Motion VFX acquisition and Final Cut impact 24:02 Video editing ecosystem and competitive positioning 27:51 Business strategy and future implications

Links:

Apple unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, upgraded noise canceling, and more https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/16/apple-unveils-airpods-max-2-with-h2-chip-live-translation-more

iFixit tears down the new MacBook Neo, likes (most of) what it sees https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/13/ifixit-tears-down-the-new-macbook-neo-likes-most-of-what-it-sees/

Apple releases new operating system updates for older iPhones and iPads https://appleworld.today/2026/03/apple-releases-new-operating-system-updates-for-older-iphones-and-ipads/

Apple acquires MotionVFX, maker of popular Final Cut Pro plugins and more https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/16/apple-acquires-motionvfx-maker-of-popular-final-cut-pro-plugins-and-more/

Guests:

Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky.

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud.

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet.

David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.

Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession 'firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC).

Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon.

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