Mac Power Users 703: The Portable HomePod Mini Lifestyle

On this Mac Power Users feedback episode, Stephen and I check out some additional Safari extensions, answer some listener questions, discuss the Studio Display, and address a recent controversy about the sailing workout type on the Apple Watch.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander: Get 20% off with this link and type more with less effort! Expand short abbreviations into longer bits of text, even fill-ins, with TextExpander.
  • Tailscale: Secure remote access to shared resources. Sign up today.
  • MacPaw: Introducing Moonlock, the new cybersecurity division at MacPaw, and the upgraded CleanMyMac Malware removal module.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Automators 133: Personal Automation Fun

Rosemary and I are sharing a collection of our favorite personal automations ranging from task and project management to home automation on this episode of Automators.

This episode of Automators is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • HelloFresh: Use code automators50 for 50% off plus free shipping.

Increasing iPhone US Market Share

In a recent study by Counterpoint Research (as summarized by Ben Lovejoy at 9to5 Mac), smartphone shipments are down by 24%, but Apple’s market share is up from 45% to 55%.

First, About That Decline…

Setting aside last year’s inflation and the economy in general, I’m not surprised that fewer people are buying smartphones. We’ve gotten past the point where the phones are making so monumental a jump every year, and I think most folks have slowed down their upgrade cycles.

Second, About Apple’s Increase…

This is the bit that interests me. Why did Apple’s market share jump 10% in one year? I’m sure a few people at Apple Park know precisely why, but we have to guess a bit from the outside. I can think of a few reasons:

  • Mature product line: Apple is getting phones of all sizes and at all price points out these days. If you want an iPhone, there’s probably a path for you.
  • The Big (non-Pro) iPhone: I expect many people were waiting for a big-screen iPhone without the iPhone Pro price tag. They got that in the last year.
  • Privacy: While I expect this to be a smaller factor, I believe Apple’s privacy focus is sinking in.

I’m sure there’s more, but a 10% jump in just one year after all these years of iPhone is intriguing.

Mac Power Users 702: Unbridled Enthusiasm, with Chuck Joiner

Chuck Joiner has been covering Apple since 2000 and has been a user longer than that. He joins Stephen and me on this episode of Mac Power Users to talk about what makes the Apple community special, how the company’s tools enable its users, and some of his favorite apps and services.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.
  • SaneBox: Stop drowning in email!
  • MacPaw: Introducing Moonlock, the new cybersecurity division at MacPaw, and the upgraded CleanMyMac Malware removal module.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

SaneBox For a Fit and Trim Inbox (Sponsor)

Is your inbox fit and trim? SaneBox, MacSparky’s sponsor this week, will help you clean out your inbox. With their Deep Clean feature, you can trim your inbox in no time. 

Email Deep Clean quickly sorts and deletes unnecessary emails in bulk. You don’t have to go through your emails individually to delete them. SaneBox’s AI will look for emails older than a date you have decided on, and you’ll get an analysis on the senders that take up the most storage. You can decide what is no longer relevant and choose what goes in the trash. Declutter your email and get some storage space back. 

Clean up and free up your inbox with SaneBox. Sign up for a free trial and give it a try. As a friend of MacSparky, you’ll get a $10 credit you can use towards a SaneBox subscription. Spend less time on email and more time on what really matters.