Nothing Like a New Macbook! - Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast Recap

Podcast: Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

Published: 2026-03-06

Duration: 1 hr 49 min

Summary

In this episode, the hosts dive into the recent Apple product announcements, particularly focusing on the new MacBook models equipped with the M5 chip. They also discuss the implications of these updates and share some insights on the tech landscape during this busy season.

What Happened

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Marquez, Andrew, and David, humorously referring to the current tech release frenzy as 'Tektember' and 'Tarch,' teasing the overwhelming number of announcements from Apple. They highlight the excitement surrounding the new product releases, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, as well as the M5 MacBook Air, which now starts at 512 GB of storage. Interestingly, while the MacBook Air is $100 more than its predecessor, it offers double the baseline storage and improved performance, making it a compelling option for many users.

As the discussion unfolds, the hosts reflect on their production team's experiences with Apple Motion while creating graphics for the episode. A humorous anecdote emerges about Olivia encountering a quirky glitch that causes her graphics to shift positions every time she saves her work. This leads to a light-hearted commentary on the frustrations of relying on technology, with Marquez drawing parallels to his own experiences with software like Final Cut Pro. The banter highlights the unique challenges tech creatives face, even when working with industry-standard tools.

The team wraps up by emphasizing the impressive nature of Apple's promotional content surrounding the new MacBooks, noting that the quality of the video produced suggests a high level of professionalism that aligns well with the product launches. They express their anticipation for the upcoming reviews and further discussions in the following weeks, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insights and updates as they delve deeper into the world of tech.

Key Insights

• The new MacBook Air offers significant upgrades, including base storage of 512 GB and enhanced performance with the M5 chip.
• While the price has increased by $100, the value proposition is improved with double the storage capacity compared to the previous model.
• The hosts share amusing behind-the-scenes stories about the challenges of graphic production, demonstrating the quirks of software tools like Apple Motion.
• Apple's promotional video quality indicates the company's commitment to delivering a polished image, enhancing the excitement around their new product launches.

Key Questions Answered

What are the key features of the new MacBook Pro models?

The new MacBook Pro models feature the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which represent significant upgrades in performance. The hosts also highlight the improvements in storage options, noting that the MacBook Air now starts with 512GB of base storage, double what was previously offered. Additionally, these models boast faster read and write speeds, enhancing overall productivity for users.

What upgrades does the MacBook Air receive?

The MacBook Air now starts at 512GB of base storage instead of 256GB, addressing a common complaint among users regarding limited storage. This model also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, contributing to faster connectivity. The increased base storage comes with a price hike of $100 compared to the previous generation, but the hosts argue that for many users, the new MacBook Air will still be the better option.

How does AI impact tech reviews according to the hosts?

The hosts mention that AI is beginning to influence how tech reviews are created and perceived in the industry. They tease a more in-depth discussion on this topic in future episodes, indicating that they see AI as a transformative force in how products are evaluated and presented to consumers. This reflects a growing trend where automation and AI tools are becoming integral to content creation.

What challenges did Olivia's team face with Apple Motion?

Olivia encountered a quirky issue while using Apple Motion for creating graphics, where saving the project would increment the X position of an asset by one, causing it to misalign. This led to humorous discussions about the reliability of software and the frustrations that can arise during video production. Michael's eventual discovery of the problem showcased their collaborative problem-solving approach.

What did the hosts think about the recent Apple product announcements?

The hosts expressed excitement over the recent Apple product announcements, particularly praising the new MacBook Pro models and their M5 chips. They also discussed the breadth of products introduced during the launch week, including the new iPhone and iPad models. Overall, the hosts conveyed a sense of enthusiasm about the advancements and the implications for users and the tech industry.