MacVoices

Apple's plans for advertising in Apple Maps spark a lively discussion about whether limiting certain categories of ads creates a better user experience or puts Apple at a disadvantage against Google Maps. The MacVoices Live! panel examines the balance between relevance, discoverability, and business incentives before shifting to Apple's expanding Sports app and the company's increasingly visible commitment to sports content. The conversation concludes with a look at the remarkable growth in App Store submissions, exploring what 600,000 new apps might say about AI-assisted development, app quality, and Apple's review process. 
The panel includes Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Jeff Gamet.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26223.mp3
This edition of MacVoices is supported by The MacVoices Slack. Available all Patrons of MacVoices. Sign up at Patreon.com/macvoices.
Show Notes:
Chapters:

00:00 Apple Maps advertising policy limits certain ad categories
01:43 Google Maps vs. Apple Maps discoverability and business listings
06:49 Apple's broader advertising restrictions and user experience goals
08:01 Search results versus advertising in Apple Maps
11:01 Apple Sports expands with additional soccer leagues after the FIFA World Cup
13:35 How panelists use Apple Sports for scores, standings, and live updates16:51 The Savannah Bananas, Harlem Globetrotters, and wish-list sports coverage
18:02 British Open banter and sports knowledge on the panel
18:58 App Store submissions increase 30% to approximately 600,000 apps
19:36 AI-generated apps, App Store review, and the challenge of vetting hundreds of thousands of submissions
Links:
Apple Won't Allow These Ad Categories in the Maps App
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-maps-ad-prohibitied-categories/
 
Apple Sports App Updated With Additional Soccer Leagues Following 2026 FIFA World Cup
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/20/apple-sports-app-gets-more-soccer-leagues/
 
The number of new apps released in the App Store grew 30% to about 600,000 last year
https://appleworld.today/2026/07/the-number-of-new-apps-released-in-the-app-store-grew-30-to-about-600000-last-year/
Guests:
Get detailed bios and contact information about for the panel on the MacVoices Live! Panel page on our web site:
https://macvoices.com/macvoiceslive/macvoices-live-panel/
Support:
     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices
     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
     Web:
     http://macvoices.com
     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
     Instagram:
     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
Subscribe:
     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes
     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:
     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

The July MacVoices Update recaps a successful Macstock Conference, and highlights some changes inspired by the experience, including refreshed thumbnails, new streaming software and revised show notes. It also spotlights recent programming and the growing importance of MacVoices Magazine as the new OS versions are delivered. Chuck outlines some August scheduling issues, the new merchandise store, and offers thanks to Patreon supporters for making the shows possible.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and the July 2026 Update
00:30 Macstock recap and why next year's event matters
02:05 New thumbnails, graphics, and streaming improvements
03:15 Revised show notes and website enhancements
04:45 TV+ Talk, Foreshadowing Tech, and recent programming
05:50 The expanding role of MacVoices Magazine
06:55 August schedule and travel plans
07:25 Support Report and Patreon recognition
08:55 Patreon benefits, After Dark, Slack, and Discord
09:45 Merchandise store and appreciation for community support
Links:
MacVoices Magazine
http://macvoices.com/magazine
MacVoices Merc Store
http://store.macvoices.com
Support:
     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices
     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
     Web:
     http://macvoices.com
     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
     Instagram:
     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
Subscribe:
     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes
     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:
     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

At Macstock 2026, Max Mellman showed off his his iPhone app, I Love a Piano. Max explains how the app stands out through realistic haptic feedback, intuitive navigation, portrait and landscape support, and a design that encourages exploration instead of intimidation. Chuck and Max also discuss his inspiration, teaching career, future iPad support, and broader music education projects. 
This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Macstock 2026 setting
01:00 Meeting Max Melman and his Macstock experience
03:05 The story behind Beloved Melody
04:25 Introducing I Love a Piano
06:15 What makes the app different from other piano apps
09:10 Experiencing the haptic keyboard firsthand
11:40 Portrait, landscape, and intuitive navigation
14:05 iPad support and future development
16:05 Pricing, availability, and App Store release
17:35 Teaching music and inspiring students through technology
20:10 Music education projects and closing thoughts
Links:
iLoveAPiano.app
http://iLoveAPiano.app
Scribe.band
http://scribe.band
Guests:
Max Mellman's beloved melody (of my parents Belove and Mellman) is his software design studio. He is a veteran elementary music teacher, musician, arranger, and UI designer from New Jersey. I'm also the author of The Bagel Song and the creator of the app I Love a Piano.
Support:
     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices
     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
     Web:
     http://macvoices.com
     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
     Instagram:
     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
Subscribe:
     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes
     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:
     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

The MacVoices Live! panel examines Apple's move from the iPhone Upgrade Program to a Klarna-backed leasing model, including the possibility of restricting leased devices after missed payments. The discussion explores how financing could soften the impact of rising iPhone prices, especially for premium and foldable models. They share personal experiences while debating ownership versus leasing, AppleCare implications, trade-in strategies, and changing consumer expectations around smartphone upgrades.
The panel includes Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Jeff Gamet.
Today's MacVoices is supported by TV+ Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte Henry focused on Apple TV+. From shows and other content to the business side there's always something to learn about apple's streaming service. Find it at the Categories listings on the web site or go directly to macvoices.com/category/tv-talk.
Show Notes:
Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and panel introductions
03:57 Apple ends the iPhone Upgrade Program
07:42 Klarna leasing and financing compared to ownership
13:06 Missed payments and device restrictions in iOS 27
18:08 AppleCare, trade-ins, and keeping older devices
22:20 Leasing as a path to premium and foldable iPhones
26:10 Consumer habits, pricing, and the future of smartphone ownership

Links:
Apple winding down iPhone Upgrade Program: report
https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/apple-winding-down-iphone-upgrade-program-report/
 
Apple to Launch 'Upgrade' Device Leasing Program With Klarna to Spur Sales
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-21/apple-to-launch-upgrade-device-leasing-program-with-klarna-to-spur-sales
 
iOS 27 code suggests Apple could restrict leased devices after missed payments
https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/
 
Apple winding down iPhone Upgrade Program: report
https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/apple-winding-down-iphone-upgrade-program-report/
Guests:
Get detailed bios and contact information about for the panel on the MacVoices Live! Panel page on our web site:
https://macvoices.com/macvoiceslive/macvoices-live-panel/
Support:
     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices
     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
     Web:
     http://macvoices.com
     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
     Instagram:
     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
Subscribe:
     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes
     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:
     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Toby Schmitz was the youngest attendee at Macstock X, so his perspective on how the conference and the accompanying Ecamm Creator Camp gave him the confidence and practical guidance to begin his own YouTube channel, podcast, and livestream. He reflects on learning from a wide variety of sessions, the influence of his family of creators, and his plans to combine business, media production, and football content into an entrepreneurial future.
MacVoices is supported by the new MacVoices Merch Store, featuring Comfort Colors t-shirts and sweatshirts, caps, mugs, stickers, and even more items coming. Check it out at store.macvoices.com.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Toby Schmitz and Macstock
00:50 Returning to Macstock with New Creative Goals
02:20 Ecamm Creator Camp and One-on-One Coaching
04:25 Lessons from Diverse Conference Sessions
07:00 Future Plans: Business, Media, and Football Content
09:15 Family Inspiration and Creative Influences
11:05 Why Now Is the Right Time to Start Creating
12:35 Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead
Guests:
Toby Schmitz was the youngest attendee at Macstock X and Ecamm Creator Camp. Look for his YouTube channel coming soon.
Support:
     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices
     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
     Web:
     http://macvoices.com
     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
     Instagram:
     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
Subscribe:
     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes
     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:
     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss