Episode 237: Apple Turns 50, March Event Announced, Russia Blocks Messaging Apps, and Satellite iPhones Rumoured
Welcome to the WTR with your hosts, Jay and Karl, as we dive into the week’s most surprising, strange, and speculative tech headlines.
Available On: • Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All Major Platforms
Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations are coming, and Jay and Karl unpack what that signals for the company’s next era. A March 4 event is confirmed, messaging platforms are blocked in Russia, and the UK opts for a lighter regulatory touch on app stores. Add chip geopolitics, car touchscreen backlash, storage shortages, and fresh satellite iPhone rumours, and it’s a packed week.
pple’s 50th anniversary celebrations are coming, and Jay and Karl unpack what that signals for the company’s next era. A March 4 event is confirmed, messaging platforms are blocked in Russia, and the UK opts for a lighter regulatory touch on app stores. Add chip geopolitics, car touchscreen backlash, storage shortages, and fresh satellite iPhone rumours, and it’s a packed week.
In This Episode
News
Western Digital’s 2026 HDD production already sold out Storage demand shows no sign of slowing.
Ring abandons police partnership plans Privacy backlash forces a rethink.
Taiwan says its chip ecosystem isn’t going anywhere A clear message to Washington amid semiconductor tensions.
Touchscreens ‘wrong technology’ for car controls Even the designer behind the iPhone questions the in-car screen obsession.
UK takes light-touch approach to regulating app stores A noticeably different stance compared to Brussels.
WhatsApp and Telegram blocked in Russia Messaging apps caught in the crossfire of escalating tech geopolitics.
Apple announces special event for March 4 New York stage, early spring timing — what’s on deck?
Tim Cook promises Apple will celebrate its 50th anniversary A milestone year for Apple — and Cook hints it won’t be a quiet one.
Rumours
M5 Pro and M5 Max may be the same chip A unified silicon strategy could reshape Apple’s pro lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro 5G via satellite gets new support Expanded off-grid connectivity may be coming.
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