MacStories

MacStories. MacStories is a prominent online publication focused on Apple Inc. products, software, and the broader iOS and macOS ecosystem. Founded in 2009, it has established itself as a leading source for in-depth reviews, workflow automation guides, and editorial commentary on the technology industry. The site is widely recognized for its detailed coverage of WWDC and its influential annual awards.

History

MacStories was launched on July 9, 2009, by Italian writer and podcaster Federico Viticci. The site originated from Viticci's personal blog and quickly evolved into a dedicated resource during a pivotal period for Apple Inc., coinciding with the expansion of the App Store and the rise of the iPad. A significant early milestone was the 2012 publication of a comprehensive iPad-focused workflow article, which garnered widespread attention and helped define the site's editorial voice. Over the years, the publication has expanded its operations, moving from a solo endeavor to a small team and launching several companion projects and podcasts.

Content and coverage

The core editorial focus is on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, featuring exhaustive reviews of new operating system releases, hardware like the iPhone and MacBook Air, and notable third-party apps. A hallmark is the "iOS and iPadOS Reviews" published each fall, which are among the most detailed analyses of Apple's mobile operating systems. The site is also renowned for its coverage of automation tools, particularly Shortcuts and the former Workflow app, providing advanced tutorials and scripting guides. Regular content includes news analysis, editorial columns, and the annual "MacStories Selects" awards, highlighting the best App Store releases and Apple-related software of the year.

Team and contributors

The publication is led by founder and editor-in-chief Federico Viticci, who remains the primary writer and public face. Key long-term team members have included John Voorhees, who served as managing editor and contributed extensive reviews. The operation has also collaborated with a network of respected freelance writers and technology journalists from the broader Apple community for specialized features and reviews. Notable past contributors include Ryan Christoffel, and the team frequently features insights from developers at companies like The Omni Group and Bare Bones Software.

Related publications and projects

The MacStories brand has expanded to include several affiliated digital properties. Club MacStories is a membership program offering weekly newsletters like *MacStories Weekly* and *Monthly Log*, exclusive podcasts, and downloadable Shortcuts. AppStories is a long-running weekly Podcast dedicated to app discovery and development stories, hosted by Viticci and John Voorhees. Another major project is MacStories Unwind, a video series and Podcast. The team also previously published The Iconfactory's *Downloaded* book and has been involved in events surrounding WWDC.

Reception and impact

MacStories has received significant acclaim within the tech journalism community, particularly for the depth and quality of its reviews and its advocacy for advanced iOS automation. It has been cited by major publications like *The Verge* and *iMore*, and its annual awards are highly regarded by App Store developers. The site's detailed workflow articles have influenced how power users utilize iPads for professional work, contributing to discussions about tablet productivity. Furthermore, its founder, Federico Viticci, is frequently invited to speak at industry events and has been featured in media outlets such as *CNET*.

Category:Technology websites Category:Apple Inc. websites Category:Websites established in 2009 Category:Italian blogs