The Weekly Tech Rant

Hosted by Jay + Karl

Technology

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252

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Two guys, one podcast and a whole load of the latest technology news, games and gadget reviews, film insights and the occasional rant! Join us as we review the main tech talking points of the week!

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June 16, 2026Episode 25149 min

Episode 251: WWDC 2026, OpenAI’s Government Courtship, Forza’s Success, and Apple’s Foldable Future

Episode 251: WWDC 2026, OpenAI’s Government Courtship, Forza’s Success, and Apple’s Foldable FutureJay and Karl unpack a packed week across gaming, AI, and Apple’s WWDC announcements. Forza Horizon 6 appears to be a major hit before its PS5 release, Crazy Taxi is heading back to the streets, and Gears of War: E-Day reportedly remains off Sony’s console.Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring a stake in OpenAI, raising big questions about government involvement in frontier AI. Then it’s over to WWDC 2026, where Apple reveals iOS 27, a new Siri AI experience, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, and more. Plus, the iOS 27 beta may have leaked references to Apple’s foldable iPhone.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsForza Horizon 6 has reportedly sold 6.4 million copiesThe latest Forza appears to be performing strongly before its PS5 version has even arrived.Crazy Taxi World Tour reboots the series in 2027Sega’s chaotic arcade driving series is preparing for a modern return.Gears of War: E-Day isn’t coming to the PS5Microsoft’s major prequel appears to remain firmly tied to Xbox and PC.The Trump administration is reportedly in talks about taking a stake in OpenAIA potential government stake in OpenAI raises major questions about AI, power, and public influence.WWDC 2026Apple unveils new Siri AI, dedicated app, and enhanced Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul takes centre stage at WWDC.iOS 27’s most powerful on-device AI requires iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone AirApple’s newest AI features may depend on its latest hardware.iCloud+ subscribers will get new benefits in iOS 27Apple adds more value to its paid iCloud plans.Apple officially announces iOS 27The next major iPhone update brings new AI, interface, and system features.Apple unveils iPadOS 27iPadOS gets speed, productivity, and platform improvements.watchOS 27 for Apple Watch unveiledApple’s wearable platform receives its next annual update.Apple announces macOS Golden Gate 27The Mac receives its next named software release.Apple is redesigning Screen Time and overhauling child controlsApple updates parental controls and child account protections.RumoursApple leaks foldable iPhone references in iOS 27 betaReferences inside the beta suggest Apple’s foldable iPhone may be moving closer.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

June 12, 2026Episode 25041 min

Episode 250: Anthropic Heads for Wall Street, Nvidia’s RTX Spark Arrives, AM5 Lives On, and Apple’s Ultra Future Takes Shape

Episode 250: Anthropic Heads for Wall Street, Nvidia’s RTX Spark Arrives, AM5 Lives On, and Apple’s Ultra Future Takes ShapeJay and Karl unpack another busy week across AI, PC hardware, and Apple's future product roadmap. Anthropic appears to be preparing for life as a public company, Nvidia enters the Windows-on-Arm market with its new RTX Spark platform, and AMD commits to supporting AM5 through at least 2029. Meanwhile, reports suggest Apple Music could be heading towards new subscription tiers, while fresh rumours continue to build around both an iPhone Ultra and a MacBook Ultra.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsApple Music could soon get different subscription tiersReports suggest Apple is exploring additional subscription options for Apple Music users.Anthropic is set to go public after filing paperwork with the SECAnthropic takes its first formal steps towards an IPO.Nvidia RTX Spark comes to Windows PCs with Arm CPU, RTX GPU, and unified memoryNvidia enters the Windows-on-Arm market with a new high-performance platform.AMD extends Socket AM5 support through at least 2029; AM4 refuses to dieAMD continues its long-term platform support strategy while AM4 remains surprisingly relevant.RumoursLeaker reveals new iPhone Ultra feature, release timing updateFresh details emerge about Apple's potential flagship Ultra smartphone.New MacBook Ultra report covers release timing, display, moreReports suggest Apple may be preparing a new tier above the MacBook Pro.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

May 30, 2026Episode 24538 min

Episode 249: Steam Deck Gets Pricier, Xbox Faces Hard Decisions, Nvidia Goes All-In on AI, and iOS 27 Leaks Early

Episode 249: Steam Deck Gets Pricier, Xbox Faces Hard Decisions, Nvidia Goes All-In on AI, and iOS 27 Leaks EarlyJay and Karl unpack another turbulent week in tech. Valve pushes Steam Deck pricing sharply upward, Nvidia doubles down on Taiwan and AI investment, and early iOS 27 leaks give us a glimpse of Apple’s next software direction. Meanwhile Xbox leadership warns of difficult choices ahead, and ClickUp attempts an unusual post-layoff morale strategy.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-249/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsClickUp promises seven-figure salaries after layoffsAn unusual retention strategy follows a 22 percent workforce reduction.Nvidia plans $150B annual investment in TaiwanJensen Huang describes Taiwan as the epicentre of the AI revolution.Valve raises Steam Deck pricesThe handheld becomes significantly more expensive as pricing pressure grows.iOS 27 leak reveals redesigned Siri and Camera appApple’s next software release may already be showing its hand.Xbox warns of difficult decisions aheadQuestions grow around Helix, Xbox studios, and the future of exclusives.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

May 24, 2026Episode 24845 min

Episode 248: WWDC26 Is Coming, Fortnite Returns, Musk Loses in Court, and the iPad Fold Rumour Grows

Episode 248: WWDC26 Is Coming, Fortnite Returns, Musk Loses in Court, and the iPad Fold Rumour GrowsJay and Karl unpack another busy week in tech. Apple sends out WWDC26 invites ahead of iOS 27, Fortnite returns to the App Store worldwide, and Elon Musk comes out on the losing side of the OpenAI court case. There is also disappointment for GTA 6 hopefuls, worrying GPU price rumours from Nvidia, and Plex testing the limits of subscription pricing.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-248/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsApple sends WWDC26 keynote invitesThe countdown begins as Apple prepares to unveil iOS 27 and its next software wave.GTA 6 preorder leak falls flatThe Best Buy rumour fails to materialise, leaving hopeful fans disappointed again.RTX 5090 price hike rumours emergeNvidia may be preparing to make an already painful GPU market even worse.Fortnite returns to the App Store worldwideEpic claims victory as the long-running dispute takes another turn.Elon Musk loses OpenAI court caseThe jury rules against Musk in one of the AI industry's highest-profile legal battles.Plex raises Lifetime Pass to $750A pricing jump that has Plex users wondering just how “lifetime” should be priced.RumoursiPhone Ultra may pave the way for an iPad FoldApple’s premium handset could become the stepping stone toward foldable tablets.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

May 16, 2026Episode 24746 min

Episode 247: eBay Rejects GameStop, Apple Returns to Intel, Steam Machine Versions Appear, and GTA 6 Preorder Leaks

Episode 247: eBay Rejects GameStop, Apple Returns to Intel, Steam Machine Versions Appear, and GTA 6 Preorder LeaksJay and Karl unpack the fallout from GameStop’s attempted eBay takeover, fresh reports that Apple may return to Intel-made chips in part of its roadmap, and growing signs that Valve is preparing multiple Steam Machine models. There is also a bizarre Forza Horizon 6 leak situation, Google’s new Fitbit Air wearable, and the latest GTA 6 preorder rumours.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-247/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewseBay rejects GameStop’s acquisition offerThe company dismisses the bid as “neither credible nor attractive”.Apple reportedly reaches new Intel chip agreementA surprising development that could reshape part of Apple’s future hardware plans.Meta fights Ofcom over user numbersA dispute over “billions” turns into another strange regulatory showdown.Forza Horizon 6 leaks earlyThe response involves bans lasting just under 8,000 years.Steam update hints at four Steam Machine modelsValve may be preparing a broader hardware launch than expected.Googlebooks evolve the Chromebook conceptGoogle appears ready to rethink lightweight computing once again.Google launches Fitbit AirA screenless fitness tracker focused on simplicity and battery life.RumoursXbox Elite 3 controller leak appears onlineNew buttons and revised hardware features emerge in leaked images.GTA 6 preorder rumours returnThe internet prepares itself for another round of Rockstar chaos.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

May 13, 2026Episode 24640 min

Episode 246: GameStop Tries to Buy eBay, Steam Controller Chaos Crashes Steam, GTA 6 Snubs PC Players, and Apple Pays for Siri’s AI Delays

Episode 246: GameStop Tries to Buy eBay, Steam Controller Chaos Crashes Steam, GTA 6 Snubs PC Players, and Apple Pays for Siri’s AI DelaysJay and Karl cover one of the strangest weeks in gaming and tech in quite some time. GameStop launches a staggering $56 billion bid for eBay, the Steam Controller relaunch crashes Steam almost instantly, and Take-Two openly says PC players are not GTA 6’s “core” audience. Apple also agrees to pay $250 million over delayed Siri AI features, while Google buys into the creators of EVE Online to help train its AI models.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-246/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsGameStop confirms $56B bid to acquire eBayA wildly ambitious takeover proposal that would reshape both companies overnight.Steam Controller relaunch crashes SteamValve’s revived controller sold out almost instantly and took chunks of Steam down with it.Take-Two says PC players are not GTA 6’s “core” audienceAn honest answer that will not make PC players particularly happy.Apple to pay $250M over delayed Siri AI featuresThe fallout from Apple’s AI struggles is now becoming expensive.Google buys stake in EVE Online developerThe company wants to use the game’s famously complex economy to help train AI models.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

May 3, 2026Episode 24142 min

Episode 245: Steam Controller Is Back, OpenAI Breaks Free, Agentic Phones Rise, and Apple Kills the Bezel

Episode 245: Steam Controller Is Back, OpenAI Breaks Free, Agentic Phones Rise, and Apple Kills the BezelJay and Karl dive into a week where old hardware returns and new paradigms emerge. Valve brings back the Steam Controller, OpenAI moves away from Microsoft exclusivity, and the idea of “agentic” smartphones starts to take shape. There’s also a potential $60B SpaceX deal in the background, and rumours that Apple may finally ditch the bezel for its anniversary iPhone.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-245/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsSteam Controller returns with price and release date confirmedValve revives its experimental controller, even as the Steam Machine remains stuck in pricing limbo.SpaceX lines up potential $60B Cursor acquisitionA massive deal that would push SpaceX deeper into the AI tooling space.OpenAI reportedly building an AI-first smartphoneA device designed around agents rather than apps could redefine the mobile experience.Qualcomm teases ‘agentic’ smartphones and dedicated CPUsChipmakers are already preparing for a world where AI agents drive the user experience.OpenAI ends Microsoft exclusivityThe partnership shifts tone as OpenAI signals a more independent future.Rumours20th anniversary iPhone may ditch bezelsApple could be preparing a major design leap for its milestone device.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

April 27, 2026Episode 24445 min

Episode 244: Tim Cook Steps Down, Amazon’s $25B Anthropic Bet, Xbox Game Pass Reshuffle, and Framework Takes on the MacBook Pro

Episode 244: Tim Cook Steps Down, Amazon’s $25B Anthropic Bet, Xbox Game Pass Reshuffle, and Framework Takes on the MacBook ProJay and Karl unpack a huge week in tech. Tim Cook is set to step down as Apple CEO, with John Ternus confirmed as successor. Amazon deepens its Anthropic partnership with a deal worth up to $25 billion, Xbox reshapes Game Pass again, and Framework unveils what many are calling a MacBook Pro for Linux users. There is also fresh detail on Microsoft’s Helix gaming chip.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-244/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsTim Cook stepping down, John Ternus named next Apple CEO - One of the biggest leadership transitions in modern tech is now underway.Amazon to invest up to $25 billion in Anthropic - A massive AI partnership that strengthens Amazon’s position in the race for frontier models.Xbox reshuffles Game Pass pricing and day-one releases - Prices fall, but blockbuster launches lose a major subscriber perk.Microsoft’s Helix chip tied to next-gen Asus and MSI consoles - The next Xbox wave may be broader than expected, but not open to DIY builders.Framework unveils its MacBook Pro for Linux users - Repairable hardware meets premium laptop ambition.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

April 17, 2026Episode 24346 min

Episode 243: Xbox Game Pass Backlash, Trump Phone Returns, Europe’s Age ID App Lands, and Nvidia Eyes a PC Giant

Episode 243: Xbox Game Pass Backlash, Trump Phone Returns, Europe’s Age ID App Lands, and Nvidia Eyes a PC GiantJay and Karl cover a week where platforms, policy, and rumours collide. Xbox Game Pass faces internal criticism over pricing, the Trump Phone returns with a redesign, and Europe rolls out its age verification app. There’s also a look at Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, plus rumours around the next MacBook Neo, new iPhone satellite features, and Nvidia potentially making a huge move into the PC market.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-243/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsProject Glasswing – Mythos previewAnthropic teases a new concept that hints at where AI systems could be heading next.Xbox Game Pass backlash over pricingA leaked memo suggests even Microsoft leadership thinks the service may have gone too far.The new Trump Phone design is hereA redesign lands, but questions remain over what it actually offers.Europe’s online age verification app launchesA major step toward enforcing digital identity checks across the web.RumoursNext MacBook Neo upgrade teasedEarly signs point to a surprisingly meaningful improvement in Apple’s entry lineup.New iPhone satellite features rumouredApple may be expanding its off-grid capabilities in a big way.Nvidia may acquire a major PC companyA potential deal that could reshape the PC landscape if it materialises.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

March 29, 2026Episode 24245 min

Episode 242: Apple Kills the Mac Pro, WWDC 2026 Announced, CPU Shortages Worsen, and Microsoft vs OpenAI Tensions Rise

Episode 242: Apple Kills the Mac Pro, WWDC 2026 Announced, CPU Shortages Worsen, and Microsoft vs OpenAI Tensions RiseJay and Karl cover a packed week across big tech, chips, and gaming. Apple locks in WWDC 2026 and quietly kills the Mac Pro, CPU shortages continue to worsen, and Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI looks increasingly strained. Add a US router ban, Musk’s Terafab ambitions, and layoffs at Epic, and it’s another chaotic week in tech.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-242/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsApple confirms WWDC 2026 starting June 8The next major software cycle is locked in, with AI expected to dominate the agenda.Apple discontinues the Mac ProNo replacement planned, marking the end of an era for Apple’s most powerful desktop.US bans consumer routers made outside the countryA major policy shift with wide implications for networking hardware and supply chains.Elon Musk announces Terafab chip projectA bold claim to build the largest chip manufacturing facility ever.Microsoft reportedly considers suing OpenAITensions rise after Amazon’s massive deal challenges their exclusive partnership.Forza Horizon 6 system requirements revealedGood news for older PCs and handhelds as the barrier to entry stays relatively low.CPU shortage worsening rapidlySupply pressures continue to intensify, now matching the severity of memory shortages.Epic Games lays off 1,000 employeesSigns that Fortnite’s dominance may finally be softening.RumoursiPhone with quad-curved display in developmentA new design direction could reshape Apple’s hardware aesthetic once again.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs