Connected Episode 583: Ranking Apple's 2025 News with the Ticci Scale

The Ticci Scale and Its Evolution

• 💡 The hosts introduce the "Ticci Scale" as their unit of measurement for scoring monthly tech news, ranging from "Nightmare" to "Best. I love you."
• 🎨 A proposal is made to update the visual representation of the Ticci Scale, replacing the bat with a spider for "Nightmare" and a quokka for "Best. I love you."

January 2025: A Mixed Start

• 🚀 The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement and Relay's rebrand are highlighted as positive developments.
• 🤖 The emergence of DeepSeek and its impact on AI reasoning models is noted, alongside Apple's response to BBC criticism regarding AI summaries.
• 🚫 The extended period of TikTok's potential ban and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge announcement are discussed.
• 🤔 The month is ultimately scored as "Decent" due to the mix of positive and less impactful news.

February 2025: AI, Privacy, and New Apps

• 🛠️ Apple's internal reshuffling to address AI issues, including the hiring of Kim Barath, is reported.
• 🔒 Concerns arise over the UK government's demand for access to encrypted user data, impacting Apple's Advanced Data Protection.
• ✉️ Apple launches a new app called "Invites" for iCloud Plus subscribers, though its functionality is questioned.
• 📺 A brief integration of Netflix into the Apple TV app is deemed a mistake.
• 💰 Apple announces a significant $500 billion investment in US manufacturing.
• 📱 The iPhone 16e is released with a high price point and a peculiar mix of features, notably lacking MagSafe.
• ❤️ The birth of Mike Hurley's daughter is recognized as a "Best. I love you." personal achievement override.

March 2025: Delays, New Hardware, and Design Shifts

• 🗣️ Apple PR addresses delays in personalized Siri features, leading to discussions about "vaporware" announcements.
• 💻 New Mac Studio models with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips are released, with the M3 Ultra favored for local AI models.
• ✈️ The M4 MacBook Air and updated iPad Air and base iPad models are launched.
• 🏊‍♂️ A quote about swimming hundreds of miles but not reaching Hawaii highlights the challenges and criticisms faced.
• 🍎 The head of Siri is changed, with Mike Rockwell taking over.

April 2025: Fines and Tariffs

• ⚖️ Apple and Meta are fined by the EU for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
• 📈 Tariffs become the dominant story, impacting technology production and leading to discussions about Apple moving manufacturing out of China.
• 📉 The month is universally scored as "Nightmare" due to the widespread negative impact of tariffs.

May 2025: App Store Battles and AI Ambitions

• 🏛️ A judge rules that Apple can no longer collect fees on purchases made outside the App Store, impacting developer revenue.
• 📱 Apps like Hey and Spotify begin leveraging the new ruling, and Fortnite returns to the iPhone.
• 💡 Eddie Q's comments about the potential obsolescence of the iPhone and the rise of AI spark debate.
• 🚗 Apple's rebranded CarPlay Ultra is finally released after a three-year delay.
• 🤝 Sam Altman and Jony Ive announce a partnership to create new AI-powered hardware.
• ☁️ The "Sky" app, an AI integration automation tool for Mac, is acquired by OpenAI.
• 👍 The month is generally scored as "Good" despite some controversial events.

June 2025: WWDC and Design Language

• ✨ WWDC introduces "Liquid Glass," a new design language across Apple's platforms, sparking varied reactions.
• 📱 iPadOS 26 sees significant improvements, including windowing, file management, and keyboard shortcuts.
• 🗣️ Federico Vitici interviews Craig Federighi about iPadOS 26, a career highlight.
• 🏋️ The "Workout Body" feature and AirPods translation are discussed.
• 🏞️ A change to the Finder icon in macOS Tahoe causes a stir but is quickly fixed.
• 🔍 Apple reportedly debates acquiring AI search startup Perplexity.
• 🎬 The F1 movie premieres, becoming a significant hit and sparking rumors of Apple bidding for F1 rights.
• ❤️ Both iPadOS 26 and the F1 movie lead to "Best. I love you." scores for some hosts.

July 2025: Succession, AI Talent, and Manufacturing

• 🏆 The F1 movie becomes Apple's highest-grossing film, with Apple rumored to be bidding for F1 rights.
• 🧑‍💼 Jeff Williams retires as Apple's COO, leading to discussions about succession planning.
• 💰 Meta aggressively hires AI talent, including former Apple executives.
• 🏭 Apple commits another $500 million to US manufacturing, focusing on recycling rare earth minerals.
• ⚖️ Apple sues John Prosser for allegedly leaking iOS secrets.
• ⚽ Filming begins on Ted Lasso season 4, and Liquid Glass sees further refinements.
• 📅 The month is scored as "Normal" with a mix of significant and routine news.

August 2025: iPhone Milestones and Political Tensions

• 📈 Apple ships its three billionth iPhone, highlighting the device's continued dominance.
• 🇺🇸 Apple commits $600 billion to US manufacturing, including a partnership with Corning for cover glass.
• 🎁 Tim Cook presents Donald Trump with a 24-karat gold statue, sparking controversy.
• 📱 Trump exempts smartphones from upcoming tariffs on India, impacting iPhone production.
• ❤️ The Apple Watch regains its blood oxygen feature in the US after a patent dispute, with processing moved to the iPhone.
• 🔒 The UK drops demands for a backdoor into Apple encryption, though future requests remain uncertain.
• 📉 The month is scored as "Inferior Minus" primarily due to the controversial tariff trophy situation.

September 2025: iPhone Lineup and App Releases

• 📱 Apple unveils the iPhone 17 lineup, including the futuristic iPhone Air, Pro, and Pro Max models.
• 💥 The iPhone Air's durability is tested and praised, despite compromises in camera and battery.
• 📸 Instagram finally launches an iPad app, but it's criticized for prioritizing Reels over a traditional feed.
• 🤝 The Google-Apple search deal continues, with Google Gemini and AI mode expected to be integrated.
• 💖 Relay.fm and St. Jude raise significant funds for charity.
• 👍 The month is scored as "Good Plus," with the iPhone lineup being a major highlight.

October 2025: Regulatory Changes and Vision Pro Content

• 🚫 Apple removes the "Ice Block" app from the App Store at the US government's request.
• 🔒 The UK government renews its demand for access to iCloud encryption.
• 🏀 Apple and the NBA partner for immersive live games on the Vision Pro starting in 2026.
• 🔄 Slide Over returns to iPadOS 26.1, alongside other improvements.
• 🍎 Executive reassignments occur, with Eddie Q overseeing health and fitness, and Craig Federighi taking on Watch OS.
• 🚀 New M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro models are announced and begin shipping.
• 📰 John Prosser claims ongoing communication with Apple regarding their lawsuit.
• 📉 Reports suggest weak iPhone Air sales and potential production cuts.
• 👍 The month is scored as "Good" due to positive product announcements and feature additions.

November 2025: New Branding and Sports Expansion

• 🎶 Apple TV introduces a new sonic logo and visual identity, with mixed reactions to the sound design.
• ⚽ Major League Soccer matches will be available to all Apple TV subscribers starting in 2026, integrating with the existing service.
• 💰 The iPhone Pocket is released, described as one of Apple's greatest releases.
• 🏥 Masimo wins a $634 million verdict against Apple for patent infringement related to low-power pulse oximeter features.
• ↔️ Google's Pixel phones gain AirDrop compatibility, creating an awkward situation for Apple.
• 📰 Reports of Tim Cook's potential succession plan emerge, with John Ternus rumored as a successor.
• 👍 The month is scored as "Good," with the iPhone Pocket and sports expansion being key highlights.

December 2025: Executive Transitions and OpenAI Apps

• 💻 Rumors suggest Intel may produce some of Apple's lower-end processors in the future.
• 🌍 Apple Fitness Plus expands to 28 new markets.
• 🚶 Several Apple executives depart, including Alan Dye (head of design) to Meta, and John Giannandrea (AI lead) retiring.
• ⚖️ Kate Adams steps down as General Counsel, replaced by Jennifer Newstead.
• 🌿 Lisa Jackson retires, with her department reporting to the new CEO.
• 🇯🇵 Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA).
• 💬 OpenAI launches "Apps in ChatGPT," allowing developers to integrate their services, with Apple Music being an initial partner.
• 👍 The month is scored as "Good Plus," reflecting significant executive changes and new AI integrations.

2025 Year in Review

• ✅ The year is summarized as having more "good" than "bad" months, despite a "Nightmare" in April.
• 🏆 Key positive months include February, June, September, October, November, and December, with "Best. I love you.", "Good Plus", and "Good" scores.
• 📉 "Inferior Minus" and "Decent" scores were given to August and January, respectively.
• 🗓️ The hosts express enjoyment and anticipation for the upcoming year.