Episode Details

The panel debates Xiaomi's iPhone-inspired 17 Pro design featuring a rear display, questioning its practicality compared to foldables and Apple's existing solutions like the Apple Watch and Dynamic Island. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa examine the new iPhone Air, discussing preorders, in-store impact, battery trade-offs, and its potential similarity to the MacBook Air's evolution.

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Chapters:

[0:16] Introduction [0:34] Xiaomi 17 Pro design and rear display [2:06] Foldable phones vs. dual displays [4:52] Historical speculation on Apple's dual screen ideas [6:33] Always-on displays and Apple Watch comparisons [8:48] Wearables replacing rear displays [11:51] Smartphone gimmicks and design plateaus [14:37] iPhone Air introduction and reactions [15:47] Market appeal and in-store impressions [17:19] iPhone Air as a first-generation product [18:48] Speculation: Air as a step toward foldables [19:26] Using the Air for reading and daily use [20:31] Future of the iPhone Air and closing thoughts

Links:

Xiaomi 17 Pro has an iPhone-like design, but with a second display on the back https://9to5google.com/2025/09/16/xiaomi-17-pro-rear-display-video-teaser/

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.

Norbert Frassa is a technology "man about town". Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to.

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

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