Federico Returns to Connected: iOS 26 Review, Workflow Tools, and Apple Rumors

Federico's Return and iOS 26 Review

• 💡 Federico Batici returns to Connected after a much-needed break, feeling energized for his upcoming iOS 26 review.
• 🧠 He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout, especially when facing demanding work like annual reviews.
• 🚀 Federico is excited about both iOS 26 and iPad OS 26, noting that this year's review will be more opinion-based and in-depth, with a significant focus on third-party apps.
• ✨ The review will not have a special visual layout this year but will be special in its depth and scope, aiming to highlight hidden details and small features.

Workflow and Tooling

• 🛠️ Federico has settled on a collection of tools and apps that are making him highly productive, including Notion and Drafts.
• 🔗 He highlights Notion's flexibility with databases and views, and Drafts' ability to create custom JavaScript actions, comparing them to "Lego for software."
• 🔍 A new system using Claude 4 Sonnet with a 1 million context window allows him to quickly search his entire archive of iOS reviews in natural language, saving significant time.

Smartwatches, Rings, and Apple Rumors

• ⌚ Discussions touch on smartwatches like Withings and G-Shock, with a preference for devices that look like traditional watches.
• 💍 Listener feedback on smart rings like Oura, Ringconn, and Ultrahuman highlights a desire to avoid monthly subscriptions.
• 🎧 Federico is considering wearing a Whoop band on his bicep and is happy with his existing watch collection, preferring to switch up his watch rather than wear a single smart ring.
• 📱 Rumors about the iPhone Fold suggest a 2026 release with inner/outer screens and Touch ID, but concerns are raised about potential product compromises due to rushed executive schedules.
• 🍎 Federico is anticipating upgrades for his Apple Watch Ultra 1 and AirPods Pro 3, while also considering the new iPhone 17 Air and Pro models.

St. Jude Campaign and Podcast Schedule Changes

• ❤️ The annual Relay for St. Jude campaign has launched, aiming to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
• 🗓️ Connected is changing its recording day to Thursdays at 11 AM Eastern, with Mac Power Users also shifting, creating more breathing room between shows.
• 🎮 The episode concludes with a "Guess That Tagline" quiz focused on Apple events, testing knowledge of past taglines and product launches.