Our hottest takes on AI's wild summer | The Vergecast

One thing you should know about the iPhone launch is that there’s... not usually a lot of other tech news around the iPhone launch. So David and Jake start this episode with some more information about the iPhone launch, including some controversial details we missed about the AirPods Pro 3 and the argument in favor of the crossbody strap. After that, with David back on the mic, it’s time for a round of AI-focused hot takes with The Verge’s Hayden Field. The gang talks ChatGPT, Claude, money, more money, and what counts as a real friend. (And money.) Finally, in the lightning round — yes, once again the LIGHTNING ROUND — the three co-hosts talk about Canon’s confusing new camera, the future of Reddit, Claude’s spreadsheet-y future, and much more. #Vergecast #Podcast #Technology

0:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:42 Apple Week Recap
02:11 Charging Cable Controversy
05:02 Gadget Upgrades and Wireless Charging
07:32 Crossbody Strap Debate
11:44 Security Upgrades in iPhone 17
14:10 Beats Earbuds Leak
18:32 Nothing Ear 3 and AI Features
22:24 Google's Daily Hub Failure
28:12 Summer Takes Introduction
30:09 Introduction to AI Takes
30:24 Debating OpenAI's Future
38:26 The Value of Company Valuations
42:20 AI Chatbot Annoyances
48:24 AI Friends: A Societal Concern
55:38 AI as a Search Engine
01:01:05 Vibe Coding: The Future of Software
01:05:27 Debating the Future of AI Tools
01:08:28 Reflecting on the AI Journey
01:12:28 The Thunder Round Debate
01:14:52 The Lightning Round
01:15:05 Spotify Finally Adds Lossless Streaming
01:17:53 Claude's New Spreadsheet and Slide Deck Capabilities
01:21:10 Warner Brothers Discovery and Streaming Services
01:26:50 Canon's Retro Camera Revival
01:30:28 X AI's Controversial DOD Contract
01:33:23 Reddit's New Features and Strategy
01:38:21 Conclusion

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Post from The Verge on September 12, 2025

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