TL;DR
Hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller returned from the holiday break to share listener stories about tech support, discuss mixed feedback about iOS 26’s Hold Assist, and answer Ask9to5Mac questions to close out 2025. In the companion Happy Hour Plus segment they debated 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year and offered bonus content to subscribers.
What happened
On Dec. 30, 2025 the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast resumed after a holiday pause with hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller. The episode opened with a series of listener-submitted tech-support anecdotes, described as “classic” stories from the trenches. A substantial portion of the conversation focused on Hold Assist in iOS 26, where hosts relayed audience feedback characterizing the feature as stronger in concept than in everyday use. The show also ran an Ask9to5Mac segment, fielding questions from the audience as part of the year-end wrap. Subscribers to the Happy Hour Plus tier heard an extended debate between the hosts about which product should be named 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. The episode page includes links to subscription options, sponsor promotions from HelloFresh and Square, and instructions for submitting future questions to the program.
Why it matters
- Listener reports can shape public perception of new OS features like Hold Assist and influence editorial coverage.
- Year-end Ask9to5Mac segments consolidate recurring audience concerns and highlight topics readers want covered.
- Debates over Product of the Year signal editorial priorities and can guide readers who follow reviewer recommendations.
- Podcasts remain a channel for immediate audience engagement and for surfacing real-world issues users encounter.
Key facts
- Episode published Dec. 30, 2025 on the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast.
- Hosts on the episode: Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller.
- Episode runtime listed as 53:52.
- Main topics: holiday tech-support stories, listener feedback on iOS 26 Hold Assist, and an Ask9to5Mac segment.
- Happy Hour Plus subscribers received extra content including an ad-free version, pre- and post-show material, and bonus episodes; subscription pricing listed at $5/month or $50/year.
- Sponsors featured in the episode included HelloFresh and Square with promotional offers presented on the episode page.
- Listeners can submit #Ask9to5Mac questions via Twitter, Mastodon, Threads or by emailing happyhour@9to5mac.com.
- The episode referenced broader 9to5Mac coverage such as an article on three iPhone features in iOS 26.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple issues changes or updates to Hold Assist in response to user feedback: not confirmed in the source
- Which product the hosts ultimately settle on for 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year in follow-up coverage: not confirmed in the source
- Any future listener reports that corroborate or contradict the episode’s assessment of Hold Assist: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Hold Assist: A feature introduced in iOS 26 referenced in the episode; listeners reported the feature feels better in theory than in practice.
- Ask9to5Mac: A recurring listener Q&A segment on the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast where audience questions are answered on air.
- Happy Hour Plus: A paid subscription tier for the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast that provides ad-free episodes and additional content.
- iOS 26: The 26th major release of Apple’s iPhone operating system referenced in coverage tied to new features and listener reactions.
Reader FAQ
When was this episode released?
Dec. 30, 2025.
Who hosts the show?
Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller.
How can listeners submit Ask9to5Mac questions?
Via Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads using #Ask9to5Mac, or by emailing happyhour@9to5mac.com.
Does the episode detail how Hold Assist works?
Not confirmed in the source.
What benefits come with Happy Hour Plus?
The source lists ad-free episodes, pre- and post-show content, and bonus episodes; subscription costs were $5/month or $50/year.
iOS 26 has three new iPhone features I’ve been really loving Ryan Christoffel Dec 29 2025 9TO5MAC PODCAST NETWORK 9TO5MAC HAPPY HOUR Holiday tech support, Hold Assist, Ask9to5Mac Chance Miller…
Sources
- Holiday tech support, Hold Assist, Ask9to5Mac
- 9to5Mac – Apple News & Mac Rumors Breaking All Day
- 9to5Mac Happy Hour – Channel
- 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast
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