Episodes

  • 404 - CES 2026 Highlights and Apple's Big Creative Move

    404 - CES 2026 Highlights and Apple's Big Creative Move
    Jan 18 2026
    The latest In Touch With iOS Dave is joined by Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden to break down the biggest Apple and tech stories of the week. The panel dives into Chuck's firsthand CES 2026 experiences, Apple's surprise Creative Studio subscription bundle, upcoming iOS 26 updates, Apple Podcasts' record year, shifting trade-in values, Google Gemini's expanding role in Apple Intelligence, and the return of Apple TV+'s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In Episode 404 of In Touch With iOS, the panel kicks things off with an in-depth discussion of CES 2026, where Chuck Joiner shares firsthand impressions from CES Unveiled, Pepcom, and ShowStoppers. Highlights include solar-powered tech, innovative dash cams, creative accessories, audio gear, docks, and a surprisingly thoughtful retro-inspired digital camera. The conversation then turns to Apple software updates, including the imminent release of iOS 26.2.1 and beta testing of iOS 26.3 across Apple platforms. A major highlight is Apple's progress toward end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, reinforcing Apple's ongoing privacy stance. Apple's surprise announcement of the Creative Studio Bundle sparks lively debate. The new subscription includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage across Mac and iPad. The panel discusses subscription fatigue, student pricing, competition with Adobe Creative Cloud, and what this means for professionals and educators. The episode also covers Apple Podcasts' strongest year ever, despite increased competition from Spotify and YouTube. While Apple may hold a smaller share of a growing podcast market, engagement and subscriptions continue to climb. Other topics include updated Apple trade-in values, new firmware releases for AirPods Pro and MagSafe batteries, Shazam's 2026 Fast Forward artist list, and Apple Services' continued growth across Music, TV+, Arcade, and digital ID adoption. The show wraps with excitement around the return of Apple TV+'s sci-fi hit: The panel previews Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – Season 2, praising its character-driven storytelling and expanding MonsterVerse mythology. Topics and Links CES 2026 Chuck Joiner returned from CES last week to give us some insight on the show and a few cool things. Beta this week. iOS 26.2.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones Apple releases iPadOS 26.3 beta 2 for iPad Apple releases second iOS 26.3 beta for iPhone Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Public Beta Testers iOS 26.3 beta 2 hints at upcoming end-to-end encryption for RCS messages Apple Releases Second watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Betas In Touch With Mac this week macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 now available, here's what to expect Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers Will Apple Announce New MacBook Pros This January? Apple may have hinted at a high-end MacBook Pro launch on January 28 PSA: Google Chrome 151 to drop support for macOS 12 Monterey Other Topics Apple Introduces New 'Creator Studio' Bundle of Apps for $129 Per Year Pixelmator Pro is Coming to iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More Apple Says 'Pixelmator' App on iOS Will No Longer Receive Updates Some Apple Apps Will No Longer Receive Every New Feature Without a Subscription iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release Google Gemini Partnership With Apple Will Go Beyond Siri Revamp Apple Confirms Google Gemini Will Power Next-Generation Siri This Year Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features News Apple Releases New Firmware Update for iPhone Air MagSafe Battery Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 3 Firmware Update Shazam's Fast Forward Playlist Reveals Music Artists Set to Rise in 2026 Setapp Mobile 3rd-party app store for iPhone fails due to 'still-evolving and complex terms' 2025 marked a record-breaking year for Apple services Apple Podcasts is officially more popular than it's ever been Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More - MacRumor Apple TV unveils return of major sci-fi series coming next month Shout out to NMUG and MacInTech Chita mentioned Drive Buddy DriveBuddy Announcements FIX THIS Macstock 9 they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital ...
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • 403 - Be Kind, Rewind: VHS Memories in a Streaming World

    403 - Be Kind, Rewind: VHS Memories in a Streaming World
    Jan 15 2026
    This special In Touch With iOS episode 403 Host Dave Ginsburg is joined by co-host Jeff Gamet and guest Katie Fawkes.We explore the nostalgia of VHS, the rituals of movie night, and how streaming has transformed how we watch films. From Blockbuster memories and Betamax wars to the resurgence of physical media and the promise of immersive experiences with Apple Vision Pro, the conversation bridges past, present, and future movie-watching culture. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In episode 403 of In Touch With iOS, Dave Ginsburg welcomes back Katie Fawkes alongside Jeff Gamet for a deep, nostalgic dive into the evolution of home movie watching. The discussion begins with personal stories of VHS rentals, recording TV shows, and the rituals that defined movie nights in the 80s and 90s, including Blockbuster runs, rewinding tapes, and the infamous VHS vs. Betamax wars. Katie shares how The VHS Club grew out of long-distance movie nights with her childhood best friend, eventually becoming a podcast celebrating classic films and shared viewing experiences. The panel reflects on how physical media created intention and community—contrasting sharply with today's overwhelming abundance of streaming options and "spoiled for choice" fatigue. The conversation shifts to the modern era, examining how streaming services—especially Apple TV+ and Netflix—reshaped content consumption, binge-watching habits, and original programming. David and Jeff explore the fragility of digital ownership, the renewed interest in DVDs, Blu-ray, and VHS among younger generations, and the growing collector culture surrounding physical media. Looking forward, the panel discusses immersive movie experiences through Apple Vision Pro, questioning whether shared virtual environments could bring back the communal magic of theaters. The episode wraps with rapid-fire movie picks, favorite must-own physical titles, and a lively debate over which single streaming service they'd choose if forced to pick just one. Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. Macstock IX Digital Pass Our Host Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveg65, , BlueSky @daveg65 and the show @intouchwithios Our Guest Katie Fawkes is the Director of Marketing at Ecamm, a leading live streaming and video production software for Mac users. With a background in content strategy, podcasting, and community building, Katie is passionate about helping creators confidently show up on camera and grow their brands through video. She's the co-host of The Flow and The VHS Club video podcasts, hosts multiple live video series, and speaks regularly at industry events on topics like one-take video, camera confidence, and creator marketing. Co-Host Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's managing editor, and Smile's TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social‬ Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet
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    1 hr
  • 402 - Apple Card's Big Bank Switch, Vision Pro Reality Checks, and CES 2026 Tech

    402 - Apple Card's Big Bank Switch, Vision Pro Reality Checks, and CES 2026 Tech
    Jan 9 2026
    The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg he is joined by Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. The first In Touch With iOS episode of 2026 kicks off with major Apple news as Chase becomes the new issuer of Apple Card, sparking discussion about rewards, savings accounts, and what changes may come. The panel also dives into Apple Vision Pro updates, including immersive LA Lakers games and media scrutiny around sales performance. Plus, we cover beta security updates, Apple Music enhancements, a Logitech certificate mishap, standout CES 2026 tech, and new AI integrations shaping email and music discovery. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary Episode 402 opens the new year with Dave Ginsburg joined by Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden for a wide-ranging Apple ecosystem discussion. The panel begins with breaking news that Chase will replace Goldman Sachs as the Apple Card issuer, a transition expected to take up to 24 months. The group debates potential impacts on daily cash back, high-yield savings, international availability, and whether Chase branding could alter the card's famously minimalist experience. Attention then turns to Apple Vision Pro, highlighted by the announcement of immersive LA Lakers games available to users in select regions. While excited about Apple's continued push into immersive sports, the panel addresses recent reports questioning Vision Pro sales and critiques media narratives framing the platform as a failure. The consensus: Vision Pro is still early, niche, and evolving—especially for enterprise and immersive content. On the software side, Apple's background security update testing raises interesting questions about transparency and user control, while Wi-Fi 6E performance boosts arrive quietly for newer Macs and iPads. Apple Music also gets some love, with new playlist folders, pinned music, and lock-screen animations, plus deeper discussion on whether Apple Music is now compelling enough to replace Spotify for some users. The episode also touches on a Logitech mouse certificate expiration that temporarily broke advanced features, reinforcing concerns about cloud-dependent hardware. From CES 2026, the team highlights smart bird feeders, AI-powered TVs, and a massive 52-inch 6K Dell display, sparking debate about longevity, privacy, and the growing creep of "always-connected" devices. Finally, the panel explores AI integrations in Gmail and Apple Music, including ChatGPT-powered playlist creation. Topics and Links Breaking News Chase to become new issuer of Apple Card Apple Card Issuer Transition JPMorgan Chase Reaches a Deal to Take Over the Apple Credit Card In Touch With Vision Pro this week. Immersive Los Angeles Lakers Games Coming to Vision Pro on January 9 M5 Vision Pro launch likely made minimal sales impact: report Analysts need Apple Vision Pro to be a flop, whether Apple considers it one or not Beta this week. No updates this week. Apple releases iOS 26.3 security test for beta users, details here Apple Again Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 In Touch With Mac this week Apple Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 iPadOS and macOS 26.2 Double 5GHz Wi-Fi Bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6E Devices RIP MacUpdater – keep all your apps up-to-date effortlessly Dave tries Updatest as an alternative. Dave tries this Mac app to manage all your Mac drives. DriveBuddy Never Lose a File Again with Drivebuddy.io Other Topics Apple Music iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite new features in years It's not you–a Logitech blunder borked your Mac mouse, but there's a fix CES News For Eric CES 2026: Birdbuddy Debuts New Smart Bird Feeders CES 2026: Google Brings Gemini AI Features to Google TV, Previewing What Apple TV Could Get Dell announces massive 52-inch 6K display with Thunderbolt News Apple Store Moving in Montréal, Get the Mac and iPhone Wallpaper Now Apple TV just won prestigious awards for three hit series and one movie Apple Fitness+ launches new features for building exercise habits The Shure MV88 (again) plugs right into your iPhone Gmail Users Can Now Use These Three AI Features Without Paying Generate Apple Music Playlists With ChatGPT Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 401 - Apple's Year of Vision Pro, iPhones, and Saying Goodbye to Intel

    401 - Apple's Year of Vision Pro, iPhones, and Saying Goodbye to Intel
    Dec 27 2025
    The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg. He is joined by Patrice Brend'amour, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, and Marty Jencius. A year-end discussion covering Apple's biggest stories of 2025. The panel dives into the Vision Pro M5 update, iOS 26.3 beta changes, iPhone 17 improvements, iPad's role as a laptop replacement, Apple's transition away from Intel Macs, security concerns, and reflections on AI tools like ChatGPT as the year comes to a close. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In this end-of-year episode of In Touch With iOS, host David Ginsburg welcomes a full panel to reflect on Apple's hardware, software, and platform shifts throughout 2025. The discussion begins with a deep dive into Apple Vision Pro, focusing on whether the new M5 model is a worthwhile upgrade, who it's really for, and whether Vision Pro should be viewed as a finished product, an emerging platform, or a preview of Apple's long-term spatial computing vision. The panel explores developer adoption, enterprise use cases, and why meaningful spatial productivity apps may take years to fully materialize. The conversation then shifts to software, including impressions of the iOS 26.3 beta, particularly changes driven by EU regulations and continued refinements across Apple's platforms. Attention turns to the iPhone 17 lineup, where incremental updates, battery life improvements, camera enhancements, USB-C workflows, and vapor cooling spark debate about whether upgrading is worth it year over year. From there, the panel revisits the ongoing question of whether the iPad can truly replace a laptop, acknowledging its powerful hardware while noting ongoing limitations in iPadOS. The discussion continues with Apple's Mac lineup, highlighting macOS Tahoe as the final release to support Intel Macs and reflecting on how Apple Silicon has reshaped performance, battery life, and upgrade cycles. Security also enters the spotlight with a discussion on a recent malware case that bypassed macOS Gatekeeper, reinforcing the importance of user awareness despite Apple's protections. The episode wraps with a lighter but thoughtful look at ChatGPT's new year-end summary feature, comparing it to services like Spotify Wrapped and reflecting on how AI tools are becoming increasingly personal in daily workflows. The episode closes with final thoughts on Apple's 2025 trajectory, community engagement, and what lies ahead as the calendar turns toward 2026. Topics and Links As 2025 comes to a close we review what happened this year with Apple and technology. In Touch With Vision Pro this week. Lets review Vision Pro in 2025 M5 version was released and dual knit head band was this a big upgrade? Big Picture At the end of 2025, is Vision Pro a product, a platform, or a preview of what's next? Beta This week iOS 26.3 Beta 1 continues iPhone, iPad year in Review iPhone iPhone in 2025 focused on refinement over reinvention iPhone 17 Camera improvements emphasized computational photography and video USB-C accessories expanded across storage, audio, and capture workflows Battery efficiency improved through optimization rather than capacity Control Center and privacy tools became more powerful and flexible iPad iPad hardware remained ahead of most real-world use cases iPadOS delivered incremental multitasking and external display improvements Ongoing tension between iPad as a laptop replacement vs companion device Overall theme: quieter updates, smarter systems, and platform stability In Touch With Mac this week Apple officially ended the Intel era with macOS Tahoe, locking in Apple Silicon as the future. We saw M5-powered Macs push performance and battery life even further, while the Mac Studio continued to blur the line with the Mac Pro. It marks the end of official support for Intel-based Macs, meaning future macOS versions after Tahoe will be exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs. We've Finally Reached the End of the Road for Intel Macs Macbook releases this year. MacBook Air 13" M4 March 2025 MacBook Air 15" M4 March 2025 MacBook Pro 14" M5 October 2025 Do we expect Macbook Pro M5 Pros? Review: M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are probably Apple's best Mac minis ever Other Topics AirDrop codes allow temporary persistent contact News
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 400 - 400 Episodes and Still No HomePod Fix

    400 - 400 Episodes and Still No HomePod Fix
    Dec 19 2025
    The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Mike Potter, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. In this special 400th episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave and an all-star panel celebrate the show's journey while diving into the latest Apple news. Topics include visionOS 26.2 Travel Mode, iOS 26.3 beta, iOS 26.2 security updates, macOS 26.2 improvements, AirPods Max's five-year anniversary, motion sickness features, Shazam's new music insights, and Google's Gemini AI in Chrome. A fun, reflective, and informative milestone episode. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In this milestone 400th episode of In Touch With iOS, host David Ginsburg is joined by an all-star panel of longtime friends and contributors to celebrate nearly a decade of Apple-focused conversations, insights, and community. The episode opens with reflections on the show's history, including each guest's first appearance on the podcast and the versions of iOS that were current at the time—highlighting just how much Apple's ecosystem (and the show itself) has evolved over the years. From there, the panel transitions into this week's Apple news and updates, including visionOS 26.2, which introduces a new Travel Mode designed for use in cars, trains, and buses, as well as iOS 26.3 beta, which continues Apple's push to make switching between Android and iPhone easier than ever. The group discusses real-world experiences with the Android-to-iPhone transfer process, notification forwarding to non-Apple wearables, and early impressions of the beta. The discussion continues with iOS 26.2, now publicly released, emphasizing its many security fixes, multitasking improvements on iPad, AirDrop security enhancements, Apple Music and Podcasts updates, HomePod stability improvements (or lack thereof), and new customization options like Liquid Glass transparency controls. On the Mac side, the panel dives into macOS 26.2, with notable improvements in system stability for some users, plus new camera features like Edge Light, updated reactions controls, and enhancements to apps like Freeform and Apple News. The episode wraps with a look ahead to MacStock, including a call for new presenters, followed by heartfelt thanks to listeners and contributors who've helped make 400 episodes possible. Topics and Links Here we are 400 episodes!. We look back to the very first time appearance of our panelists on the show and how Apple evolved over the years. The show started with episode 1 on June 1, 2016 and it continued to evolve over the years until finally the show released weekly episodes starting in 2018. We look back at our other regular panelists' first appearances and what version of iOS was around during that time. Guy Serle Episode 009 Podcasting and iOS July 9, 2017 Latest iOS iOS 10 Mike Potter Episode 032 – "iOS 12 and Visit to Apple Store August 11, 2018 iOS 12 Chuck Joiner Episode 35 iPhone Xs vs Xs Max reviews and iOS12 Tips September 25, 2018 Dave the one and Only episode he did the show Solo Episode 068 september-apple-event-by-innovation-only September 12, 2019 iOS 13 released 9/19/19 Jeff Gamet Episode 107 The Power of an iPhone Charger July 14,2020 iOS 13 Jill McKinley 264 Dave Cuts the Cord and an Apple convert. With Guest Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, and Ben Roethig July 30, 2023 iOS 16 MartyJencius 298 No New iPads for You and Macstock 8 – With Guest Marty Jencius, Jeff 298 Gamet, and Ben Roethig March 24. 2024 iOS 17 Eric Bolden 353 Hawk Talk: Eric's Vision Pro Adventures & iOS 18.4 Breakthroughs April 4, 2025 iOS 18 In Touch With Vision Pro this week. Apple Releases visionOS 26.2 With Travel Mode Updates Beta this week. iOS 26.3 Beta 1 is released this week Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers iOS 26.3 Beta 1 Features: What's New So Far iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables iOS 26.3 Makes It Easier to Switch From iPhone to Android Apple Releases First watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Betas iOS 26.2 was released to the public this week. Apple Releases iPadOS 26.2 With Multitasking Improvements - MacRumors Update Now: iOS 26.2 Fixes 20+ Security Vulnerabilities - MacRumors iOS 26.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.2 PSA: iOS 26.2 Turns on Automatic Software Updates for Some Users - MacRumors Apple Releases watchOS 26.2 With Sleep Score...
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Vision Pro Wins, Apple Betas, and Yes, the Polishing Cloth

    Vision Pro Wins, Apple Betas, and Yes, the Polishing Cloth
    Dec 12 2025
    Episode 399 of In Touch With iOS with host Dave Ginsburg, features a special guest appearance by Katie Fawkes, from Ecamm, alongside Jill McKinley, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Eric Bolden. The panel covers Ecamm live streaming workflows, Vision Pro app and game awards, immersive video experiences, iOS 26.2 betas, Shortcuts automation, Mac mini innovations, Apple accessories, iFixit's new AI repair tool, and the latest Apple TV+ news—delivering a packed episode full of insight, humor, and Apple ecosystem expertise. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In Episode 399 of In Touch With iOS, host Dave Ginsburg is joined by a full panel—including special guest Katie Fawkes from Ecamm—for a wide-ranging discussion across Apple hardware, software, services, and the evolving creator ecosystem. Katie shares her background at Ecamm and discusses how Mac-first live-streaming tools are empowering a new generation of creators. The panel explores Ecamm's Zoom integration, creative workflows, and why the Mac mini has become a gateway device for many Windows users entering the Apple ecosystem. The conversation moves into Vision Pro news, including visionOS 26.2 RC, Apple's App of the Year winners, and immersive content highlights. The panel reacts to Explore POV winning Vision Pro App of the Year and dives into immersive skiing footage from Red Bull, praising Apple's growing spatial video ambitions. Gaming gets its moment as Porta Newbie is named Vision Pro Game of the Year, with discussion around spatial controls and onboarding challenges. On the software front, the group breaks down iOS 26.2 beta changes, Apple's unusual second release candidate, and early impressions across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and Vision Pro. Productivity apps, Shortcuts enhancements (25+ new actions), and real-world automation use cases spark a lively exchange—especially around using ChatGPT to build shortcuts. Hardware topics include Mac mini rack mounting, Thunderbolt 5 clustering, and Apple accessories—yes, including the infamous Apple polishing cloth. The panel also discusses iFixit's new FixBot AI repair assistant and the ongoing right-to-repair movement. Wrapping up, the show dives into Apple TV+ momentum, Golden Globe nominations, and upcoming releases like Margo's Got Money Troubles, Severance, Slow Horses, Pluribus, and F1. The episode closes with thoughts on Google and Apple collaborating on easier Android-to-iPhone switching, MKBHD's Phone of the Year picks, and why Apple's ecosystem continues to evolve in surprising ways. Topics and Links We welcome first time guest Katie to the show. We find out what Apple devices she uses and about Ecamm Live which our show uses and other projects. The VHS Club In Touch With Vision Pro this week. Vision Pro 2025 Apps of the Year Explore POV App Porta Nuba Porta Nubi: Immersive Puzzles App ‎World of Red Bull - Apple TV Legs of Steel Crew video on the shoot - Facebook Beta this week. iOS 26 RC2 was released Apple Seeds Second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to Developers and Public Beta Testers iOS 26.2 gets new RC for iPhone ahead of launch - 9to5Mac 15 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 26.2 Apple unveils the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards Jeff asked Katie what productivity apps she uses In Touch With Mac this week macOS Beta 26.2 RC 2 was released. Hands-on: Sonnet RackMac mini - up to three Mac minis in a single enclosure [Video] - 9to5Mac Cool things to keep things clean. Apple Polishing Cloth WHOOSH! Pro 16.9 fl oz Refillable Screen Cleaner & Microfiber Cloth Other Topics Google and Apple partner on better Android-iPhone switching iPhone 17 is MKBHD's phone of the year iOS 26's Shortcuts app adds 25+ new actions, here's everything new - 9to5Mac What's new in Shortcuts for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 - Apple Support JustWatch: These were Apple TV's top global movies and shows in November iPhone 17 Pro lost key Camera app feature that iPhone 16 Pro had News iFixit launches FixBot AI repair helper, with free and paid versions - 9to5Mac Apple TV reveals first look at "Margo's Got Money Troubles" from David E. Kelley Apple's "F1," "Severance," "Pluribus," "Slow Horses," "The Studio" score Golden Globe nods - Apple TV Press Apple scores top nominations for the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session ...
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • 398 - AI, Apps, iOS, and Arcade—Oh My!

    398 - AI, Apps, iOS, and Arcade—Oh My!
    Dec 5 2025
    The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius. Episode 398 covers Apple's 2025 App Award winners, the Podcast of the Year, new updates for iOS/iPadOS/visionOS 26.2 RC, and a redesigned native ExpressVPN Mac app. The panel reviews major AI news—including Claude 4.5, ChatGPT's shopping feature, and the possibility of ads—while debating the privacy concerns around ChatGPT integrating with Apple Health. Other highlights include Apple's foldable iPhone patent, Apple Music Replay, accessibility features, and a big week for Apple Arcade with Subway Surfers+. A funny, insightful, wide-ranging episode with lots of community engagement and tech analysis. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In this episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave and an all-star panel—Jill McKinley, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Eric Bolden, and Guy Serle—jump into a packed week of Apple news, updates, AI breakthroughs, and plenty of humor. The show opens with a discussion about the frigid weather sweeping across the country, before moving into Apple's newly announced App Award Winners. The panel covers winners across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro—including the iPhone App of the Year Timbo and Vision Pro winner Explore POV—with commentary on design choices, spatial computing innovation, and whether they personally use the selected apps. Next, the 2025 Apple Podcast of the Year—The Rest Is History—leads the group into a conversation about podcast quality, history storytelling, and the growing depth of Apple's podcast ecosystem. Updates to visionOS 26.2 RC are discussed, including expanded Travel Mode for buses and cars, support for spatial accessories (like Logitech's stylus), and improvements to Freeform. Eric even admits the new features were compelling enough for him to install the beta. Updates for iOS/iPadOS 26.2 RC also make news, adding the Liquid Glass lock screen slider, Reminders alarms, new AirPods Live Translation support in the EU, and Podcasts app refinements. Jeff warns listeners to hold off on macOS Tahoe due to persistent audio issues, reinforcing that stability still matters more than flash. The show then pivots into a major AI segment featuring: • Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.5, touted as the new coding champion among AI tools • ChatGPT's new holiday shopping assistant, which impressed some panelists • The controversial discovery of ads in ChatGPT's app code, sparking fears of "enshittification" • A possible Apple Health integration, which launches a passionate privacy debate • Real-world examples of AI massively reducing work time—from spreadsheets to meeting analytics The group revisits Apple's newest patent describing a crease-free foldable iPhone using liquid metal, prompting speculation on durability, user experience, and whether Apple can create a foldable without the hallmark crease. Apple's Year-End Music Charts and Apple Music Replay lead to panelists sharing their most-played artists—ranging from Supertramp to Rush to 80s icons—and poking fun at Dave's unavoidable Taylor Swift top rankings. Apple also releases a beautifully produced Accessibility in College ad, highlighting assistive technologies like magnifier, voiceover, and live captions. The panel praises Apple's leadership in accessible design and speculates on future features for glasses-based products. Finally, the team dives into a major Apple Arcade update, featuring five new games including Subway Surfers+, SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2, PowerWash Simulator, and more. The topic unexpectedly evolves into a discussion of how simulation games—like power washing or trucking—can offer therapeutic calm for many players. Topics and Links Breaking News Apple Announces 2025 App Store Award Winners, Including iPhone App of the Year Apple Announces 2025 Podcast of the Year In Touch With Vision Pro this week. visionOS 26.2 RC is released this week visionOS 26.2 RC Release Notes visionOS Notes This update expands Travel Mode to cars and busses, adds support for hand-drawn content with spatial accessories, and includes other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Vision Pro. • Travel Mode lets passengers use Apple Vision Pro on cars and busses in addition to airplanes and trains • Support for hand-drawn content with spatial ...
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • 397 - USB Drives Live On, Vision Pro Evolves, and Plex Locks Down

    397 - USB Drives Live On, Vision Pro Evolves, and Plex Locks Down
    Nov 29 2025
    The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Patrice Brend'amour, Jill McKinley, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. A post-Thanksgiving Apple tech roundtable: Vision Pro M5 vs M2, spatial video, iOS 26 beta updates, USB drives vs digital media, AirTag travel upgrades, Plex limitations, Spotify price hikes, the $149 iPhone pocket, Peanuts specials on Apple TV+, and plenty of laughs between the full panel. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary In Episode 397 of In Touch With iOS, Dave is joined by Patrice Brend'amour, Jill McKinley, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Guy Serle for a lively post-Thanksgiving discussion covering Vision Pro updates, iOS 26 developments, media format debates, travel tech improvements, and plenty of humor. The panel begins with Apple Vision Pro, diving into the M5 vs. M2 comparison, app support concerns, frozen iPad-based apps, spatial vs. 3D video, and why personas remain one of the Vision Pro's most underrated features. Several panelists challenge a recent critical article about Vision Pro, noting that the platform is still early and evolving. Next, the group covers iOS 26 beta updates and Apple's Invites app, leading to a comedic sidebar about who exactly uses the app — if anyone. This transitions into a deep (and funny) debate over USB thumb drives, CDs/DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital vs. physical media. From enterprise security to indie concert CDs, everyone shares stories illustrating why physical media is "dead"… or maybe not so dead. More news includes AirTag upgrades that help airlines locate lost luggage, Spotify preparing another round of price increases, and Plex restricting free users from sharing library access — which sparked concerns among Plex users on Apple TV. The crew also reacts to Apple's limited-run $149 iPhone "pocket" accessory, Pocket Casts adding smart playlists, and Peanuts holiday specials becoming Apple TV+ exclusives. The episode wraps with chat room highlights and each panelist sharing where they can be found online. Topics and Links In Touch With Vision Pro this week. Vision Pro M5 review: It's time for Apple to make some tough choices TRON Legacy is Finally in 3D on Disney+ for Apple Vision Pro! #applevisionpro #tron #disney Beta this week. iOS 26 Beta 3 continues this week. iOS 26.2 adds convenient new feature designed for Apple's Invites app In Touch With Mac this week 4 storage types I think no longer make sense in 2025 Other Topics AirTag's newest feature could work even better now for many travelers Pocket Casts app introduces smart playlists feature to organize your podcasts Plex's crackdown on free remote streaming is starting with its Roku app News Apple News Loses CNN - MacRumors Spotify planning price increase for US subscribers iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide Want to watch 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'? You'll need an Apple TV subscription Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. Macstock IX Digital Pass Our Host Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveg65, , BlueSky @daveg65 and the show @intouchwithios Our Regular Contributors Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's managing editor, and Smile's TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social‬ Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social https://thepodtalk.net Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, ...
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    1 hr and 11 mins