THIS WEEK’S UPDATE

Apple’s love of music

I’m writing this on a flight home from Los Angeles. It was my first time in that neck of the woods, and it was everything I was expecting - in a very good way. LA is… LA, and if you’re expecting anything different, you’ll be surprised.

That’s not a bad thing, by the way. It’s a very, very good thing.

Truth be told, I only spent a few hours in LA, because the bulk of this week’s activities took place in Santa Monica and the outskirts of LA. I was there to get a behind-the-scenes peek at Apple’s new Creator Studio software suite. I’m sure you’re aware of what that is by now, but for the uninitiated, it’s all of Apple’s creative and productivity apps bundled together for a monthly or annual fee.

This week’s trip gave me the chance to see the software updates, interoperability, and Apple Intelligence functionality that has arrived within Creator Studio. Apple had assembled a bunch of creative professionals and its own employees to show us the ropes, and give us plenty of hands-on time (which resulted in us making a mini music video; those who follow me on Instagram will know exactly what I’m talking about - and I can only apologise).

My biggest takeaway from this week? Apple’s love of - and dedication to - music. I appreciate that music production only forms one element of Creator Studio (Logic Pro), but while in the States, I got to visit the Apple Music studio, and it was quite simply breathtaking. I talk more about it in this week’s Tech Diary video - go have a watch!

For this week’s poll, I want your opinions on iPhone buying guidance. Why that’s relevant will become clear if you scroll down…

MUST WATCH

Best iPhone: Used and Tested By Me

It’s not every day that you get invited to interview Apple employees. In fact, it almost never happens to anyone. A select few creators ever get inside access like this, so I was incredibly excited to get to ask some burning questions about Creator Studio to the powers that be. Take a look at what they said!

MUST READ

Best iPhone: Used and Tested By Me

I’ve said before that the website is where I get to explore a bit more than my YouTube channel and this week I put together my buying guidance for those of you looking to buy an iPhone. I realised I should probably have done this much sooner, but it’s here now! And yes, there’s a spot for the iPhone 16e…

YES, THERE’S MORE…

The Best Of The Rest

👉 Google Pixel 10 Review: 6 Months Later - I’ve updated my thoughts on the Google Pixel 10 after about six months of it existing, mainly in an effort to determine whether the iPhone 17 is actually better than it… →

What I Watched On YouTube This Week

🎸 NATIVE INSTRUMENTS ENTERS INSOLVENCY (Crow Hill) - I appreciate this might be one of the most niche video examples from my YouTube watch history, but if you know, you know. This could be big.

📻 Cassius 'Feeling For You' | The Making Of A House Classic (DJ Mag) - I deeply love hearing the stories behind my favourite music - particularly when it’s a certified banger like this one.

ON THE ‘GRAM

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter! I can’t believe January is already over, but it means February is here and with it, new products to cover. Stay tuned!

~ Mark