Episode Details

The increase in Apple-themed impersonation scams, CNN's withdrawal from Apple News and shifting news-subscription models, and new CarPlay widget capabilities in iOS 26 are discussed by Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg. They share personal experiences with phishing, explore the evolving media landscape, and consider how AI assistants and in-car widgets may shape future driving and information habits.

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Chapters:

00:00 – Apple impersonator scams and holiday phishing risks 01:04 – Light news week and pre-Thanksgiving travel chatter 02:09 – Panel introductions and camera upgrades 04:38 – Squirrels, backgrounds, and early banter 06:06 – Apple named top brand for impersonation scams 06:59 – Fake emails, phishing examples, and scam spotting 10:48 – Holiday shopping season and rising fraud awareness 12:13 – Sponsor segment: Incogni data-removal service 14:04 – CNN quietly exits Apple News; subscription model debate 16:38 – Changing media landscape and streaming news fatigue 20:11 – Value comparisons among news subscriptions 23:38 – Negotiation speculation between CNN and Apple 26:38 – CarPlay widgets in iOS 26 and early user experiences 29:28 – AI assistants in cars and conversational experiments 32:04 – Viewer comments: Overcast and weather widgets 33:27 – AI resource use humor and wrap-up reflections

Links:

PSA: Apple is the brand scammers impersonate the most https://appleworld.today/2025/11/apple-is-the-brand-scammers-impersonate-the-most/

Apple News just lost a major media partner after a decade https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/24/apple-news-just-lost-a-major-media-partner-after-a-decade/

How to use iPhone app widgets in CarPlay on iOS 26 https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/11/24/use-app-widgets-carplay/

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.

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 W