David Pogue joins the AppleInsider Podcast to discuss his new 600-page history of Apple, "Apple: The First 50 Years." In this first interview about the book, Pogue shares stories behind its creation and reveals what content made the final cut. The renowned tech author also expresses his eagerness to learn AppleInsider's perspective on his comprehensive look at Apple's half-century journey.

The podcast shifts focus to Apple's latest hardware, with real-world analysis of the MacBook Neo priced at $599 and the iPhone 17e. The discussion examines how Apple successfully created an affordable laptop without compromising the Mac experience. Pogue and hosts evaluate these new products in the context of Apple's 35-year history of attempting budget-friendly portables.

Rumors surrounding Apple's HomeHub continue to swirl, with reports suggesting a fall 2026 launch featuring MagSafe wall-mounting capabilities. The episode also explores why computer manufacturers abandoned printed manuals and whether users still need them. Pogue's "The Missing Manual" series provides context for this discussion about documentation in the digital age.