TL;DR
The December 31 edition of the 9to5Mac Daily podcast reviewed four headline stories: a teaser from Apple Fitness+, questions around CarPlay Ultra compatibility, reports of speaker hiss on some iPhone 17 Pro units while charging, and a report on Apple’s approach to large language models. The episode is available across major podcast platforms and is sponsored by Roborock; a paid feed offers ad-free and bonus content.
What happened
On December 31, 2025, the 9to5Mac Daily podcast recorded a short roundup of the day’s top Apple-related stories. Hosts flagged a cryptic Apple Fitness+ teaser hinting at a major announcement planned for 2026, and reviewed a piece that looks at which vehicles might support Apple’s CarPlay Ultra. The show also covered user reports that some iPhone 17 Pro phones emit a hissing sound from their speakers while charging, and discussed a report suggesting Apple may have a distinctive perspective on the future role of large language models. The episode runs about seven minutes and change and is distributed on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts and other platforms. Roborock sponsored this episode, and 9to5Mac Daily Plus subscribers receive ad-free episodes plus bonus material.
Why it matters
- A major update to Apple Fitness+ could affect subscribers and the fitness-service market within Apple’s ecosystem.
- CarPlay Ultra compatibility determines which drivers will access the next generation of in-car Apple features.
- A speaker hiss tied to charging on iPhone 17 Pro units raises questions about device quality and repair needs.
- Apple’s stance on large language models may influence its AI strategy and product direction across services and devices.
Key facts
- Episode published Dec. 31, 2025 and hosted as part of the 9to5Mac Daily podcast network.
- Episode length shows approximately 7 minutes and 22 seconds.
- Stories discussed: Apple Fitness+ teaser, CarPlay Ultra compatibility, iPhone 17 Pro speaker hiss when charging, and Apple’s view on LLMs.
- The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast (RSS), Spotify, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and other players.
- Roborock sponsored the episode and promoted deals on its vacuums.
- 9to5Mac Daily Plus subscribers can get ad-free episodes and bonus content.
- Seth Kurkowski is credited as the episode author on the post.
- Featured near the episode were other stories such as 9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17 and an Apple Fitness+ teaser article.
What to watch next
- Apple Fitness+ announcement details and timing — not confirmed in the source
- Which vehicle models will be declared compatible with CarPlay Ultra and deployment schedule — not confirmed in the source
- Whether Apple issues a software or hardware remedy for iPhone 17 Pro users experiencing speaker hiss while charging — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Apple Fitness+: A subscription-based fitness service from Apple that offers guided workouts and wellness content across Apple devices.
- CarPlay Ultra: An advanced version of Apple’s in-car software platform; specifics vary by automaker and model.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): AI systems trained on extensive text data to generate or analyze human-like language for tasks such as summarization, translation, or conversation.
- Podcast: A digital audio program published episodically and distributed over the internet for on-demand listening.
Reader FAQ
How can I listen to the 9to5Mac Daily episode mentioned?
The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast (via RSS), Spotify, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and other podcast players.
Did the podcast confirm the timing or details of the Apple Fitness+ announcement?
not confirmed in the source
Is there a fix available for the iPhone 17 Pro speaker hiss when charging?
not confirmed in the source
What do subscribers get with 9to5Mac Daily Plus?
According to the post, subscribers receive ad-free episodes and bonus content.

9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 9TO5MAC PODCAST NETWORK 9TO5MAC DAILY PODCAST 9to5Mac Daily: December 31, 2025 – What’s next for Apple Fitness+? Seth…
Sources
- 9to5Mac Daily: December 31, 2025 – What’s next for Apple Fitness+?
- December 31, 2025 – What's next for Apple Fitness+?
- Apple Fitness+ drops cryptic teaser: 'Something big is …
- 9to5Mac – Apple News & Mac Rumors Breaking All Day
Related posts
- VSCO Capture adds live video shooting and Film Grain filter today
- Happy New Year HN – Tenor GIF page with policy notice and download options
- WhatsApp rolls out festive 2026 stickers and effects for New Year