After a week of real-world use, Mikah Sargent shares his review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max on Hands-On Tech. He discusses whether the device lives up to the hype, what falls short, and whether it is worth upgrading to.

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Host: Mikah Sargent

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Emily Forlini of PCMag joins Mikah Sargent this week! The EU is considering ending the cookie consent banners. Amazon reaches a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC. Some insight into why the new iPhone 17 Pros are more prone to scratches and dings. And is TechWoven truly better than FineWoven?

• Emily talks about how the EU is considering ending the cookie consent banners that pop up when users visit websites.
• Mikah shares how the FTC is bringing Amazon to trial over allegations that the company misled users into signing up for Amazon Prime. However, Amazon has settled the matter for a cool $2.5 billion!
• And Liz Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability of iFixit, joins the show to discuss what has led to the iPhone 17 Pro showing more wear than the other models, the organization's teardown of the iPhone Air, and how Apple's TechWoven improves on some of the failures of the previous FineWoven material.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Emily Forlini

Guest: Liz Chamberlain

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Apple created a dedicated phone app for macOS Tahoe, standing apart from FaceTime and bringing live voicemail transcripts, call screening, and real-time translation to your Mac.

• Initial setup steps for using the new Phone app
• Key settings and features: ringtones, call routing, and permissions
• Hold Assist notifies when support hold time ends
• Live Voicemail previews and real-time screening for incoming calls
• Options for silencing and filtering unknown callers
• Calling experience: dialing, FaceTime audio/video, and call options
• In-call features: adding people, call recording, and live transcription
• On-call live translation with language downloads and beta limitations
• Managing call history, favorites, filtering, and blocked numbers

Host: Mikah Sargent

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Mikah and Rosemary share candid reactions to Apple's latest iPhone, revealing why features like the vapor cooling, revamped cameras, and an unexpectedly handy crossbody strap might change how you use your phone day to day.

• Hands-on experiences with iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max and launch day delivery
• Setup process: phone-to-phone transfer vs iCloud and USB-C cable speeds
• Cooler operation, aluminum unibody, and vapor cooling
• 48MP sensors, 8x optical zoom, and new selfie features
• Camera and action button: usability, custom settings, and accessibility tricks
• Crossbody strap and tech woven case: practicality, design, and user reactions
• Accessory talk: screen protectors, AirPods Pro 3, and lanyard compatibility
• Performance bumps: chip responsiveness, battery life, wifi 7 first impressions
• Color and model picks: regrets, capacity choices, and Air vs. Pro Max debate
• News: Apple Restore Fund is investing in California redwoods for carbon removal
• Feedback segment: integrating task management with calendar apps
• App Caps: Apple TechWoven case and Spigen glass screen protectors

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent got his hands on the new iPhone 17 Pro Max and shares his initial thoughts on the device and some of the new accessories Apple released!

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Host: Mikah Sargent

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Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly! Amazon has announced its upcoming fall hardware event. OpenAI is working towards implementing security features for teens using ChatGPT. A look into SMS blasters as a way to target you with scam texts. And Scott Stein of CNET spent some time with Meta's newest Ray-Ban Display Glasses and Neural Band.

• Jennifer is excited as Amazon has announced its upcoming hardware event for September 30th, at which the company is expected to unveil its latest Kindle and Echo devices.
• Also, Google will be debuting its latest smart home devices the day after Amazon's hardware event on October 1st!
• OpenAI is working towards implementing safeguards and restrictions for teens using ChatGPT, following lawsuits and growing regulatory scrutiny.
• Mikah shares how cybercriminals are utilizing a process called "SMS blasters" to send scam text messages to people.
• And Scott Stein of CNET joins the show from the Meta campus to share his initial hands-on experience with Meta's new Neural Band and latest Ray-Ban Display Glasses.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Guest: Scott Stein

Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly.

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iOS 26 just dropped, and Hands-On Apple reveals the surprising new features you'll notice first, such as custom message backgrounds and built-in polls that change how you chat with friends. Get the scoop on the subtle details and settings that will likely impact how you use your phone every day.

• Messages app gets refreshed info page and easier contact editing
• Custom conversation backgrounds debut in Messages with photos and colors
• Built-in polling feature launches for group decision-making in Messages
• New message filtering, unknown sender screening, and notification controls explained
• Conversation backgrounds, photo visibility, and contact photo options in Messages settings

Host: Mikah Sargent

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Apple shook up its 2025 iPhone lineup and Mikah and Rosemary break down which model actually fits your life, budget, and hands! Plus, the under-the-radar launch day surprises that could change your pre-order strategy.

Correction (September 23, 2025): Mikah Sargent describes Art of Fauna as an Apple Arcade game; that is incorrect. Art of Fauna is available for download in the App Store.

• iPhone 17 lineup explained: 17, 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air
• iPhone preorder experiences, successes, and snags
• Choosing between iPhone 17, Air, and Pro: key differences and who should buy
• iPhone 17: colors, display, aluminum build, and dual cameras overview
• Who should skip the iPhone 17 for screen size or accessibility needs
• iPhone Air: larger, thinner, titanium, single camera, and new MagSafe battery
• Trade-offs of Air's lightweight design vs. camera features and battery life
• Pro and Pro Max: aluminum unibody, thermal improvements, and triple lenses
• Updated camera system, optical zoom, and thermal management in Pro models
• Carrier SIM slot impacts battery life on non-US iPhones
• Tips for iPhone declutter, storage management, and accessory costs
• Shortcuts Corner: iOS 26 Home app adaptive temperature and thermostat updates
• App Caps: Art of Fauna app and $15 JETech slim iPhone case recommendation

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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