In Touch with iOS

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 Updates - MacRumors Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.2 With Performance Improvements iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2, Here's Why In Touch With Mac this week Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light Use Edge Light to illuminate your face during video calls First macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers Other Topics This hidden Vehicle Motion Cues adjustment in iOS 26 solved my motion sickness issues AirPods Max Launched Five Years Ago Today - MacRumors Apple Sports App to Support Golf, Including PGA Tour - MacRumors News New Shazam Feature Will Reveal the Most Popular Moment of a Song - MacRumors AirPods Pro 3's Static and Noise Issues Haven't Been Resolved - MacRumors Google Rolls Out Gemini AI for Chrome on iPhone and iPad - MacRumors Apple Quietly Discontinued Flyover City Tours in Apple Maps - MacRumors Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025.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 is 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   Guest Mike Potter is the organizer of Macstock Conference: and the host of the For Mac Eyes Only Podcast. You can reach him on Mastodon: https://tooting.ninja/@formaceyesonly https://tooting.ninja/@macstockexpo   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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net  Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.   Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Find all her work at https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com  Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group. Guy Serle is one of the hosts of the new The Gmen Show along with GazMaz and email [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

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 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 @intouchwithio   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. 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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net  Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.   Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com  Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group.

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 accessories like Logitech Muse in Notes, Freeform, and any PencilKit-enabled app • Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the content to your board. Beta this week iOS 26.2 Release Candidate dropped this week.  Apple Seeds iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 Release Candidates to Developers and Public Beta Testers iPadOS 26.2 RC and more now available ahead of coming launch Apple Seeds watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2 and visionOS 26.2 Release Candidates watchOS 26.2 has four changes for Apple Watch, here's everything new Apple Seeds Second tvOS 26.2 Release Candidate iOS 26.2 release date: Here's when new iPhone features are coming In Touch With Mac this week macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate Now Available to Developers and Public Beta Testers ExpressVPN gets a native Mac app, optimized connectivity on iOS In Touch with AI this week.  Anthropic Launches Claude Opus 4.5 With Improved Coding and Agent Capabilities ChatGPT Adds AI Shopping Research Feature for Holiday Gift Finding ChatGPT is Going to Start Showing You Ads Apple Health Integration Seemingly Coming to ChatGPT Dave's experience using CoPilot creating a spreadsheet list of Dell Monitors for work  Other Topics Marty gives his thoughts on a patent. Apple's Crease-Free Foldable iPhone may also use Liquid Metal in the Hinges Use as reference only: What to Expect From Apple This December: iOS 26.3 Beta, Replay 2025, and More Apple Music Shares 2025 Year-End Charts Apple Music Replay 2025 Now Fully Available Apple Books Launches 2025 Year in Review Experience Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26  Other news: Crucial is shutting down — because Micron wants to sell its RAM and SSDs to AI companies instead News iPhone Car Keys Support Coming to More Audi Vehicles Apple Releases Firmware Update for iPhone Air MagSafe Battery iPhone 17 Demand Is Breaking Apple's Sales Records Apple Shares New 'I'm Not Remarkable' Ad  Apple Arcade Just Got the Most Downloaded Mobile Game Ever and More 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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net  Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.   Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com  Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group. Guy Serle is one of the hosts of the new The Gmen Show along with GazMaz and email [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net  Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.   Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com  Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group. Patrice Brend'amour loves to create podcasts, automations or software. She also enjoys working with diverse sets of people, leading them to success and making a tiny difference in the world. Which she does as VP of Development at a Healthcare Software provider. She can be found at https://the-patrice.com and her podcast Foodie Flashback at https://foodieflashback.com

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius.In Episode 396, the panel covers a packed week of Apple updates including VisionOS 26.2 beta 3, iOS/iPadOS 26.2 features, and AirPods Pro firmware changes. Jill and Eric share their joint Vision Pro demo adventure, the team debates macOS Tahoe instability and Apple's controversial liquid-glass icon redesign, everyone weighs in latest AI news from OpenAI (GPT-5.1) Google Gemini 3. We explore digital driver's licenses arriving in Illinois, MLB's new broadcast deals with ESPN & Netflix, and a surprising new cross-platform file-sharing capability between iPhone and Android. 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 This week's episode dives into an unusually busy stretch across Apple hardware, software, AI, and ecosystem services. The show opens with Vision Pro news as visionOS 26.2 beta 3 arrives days after the other platform betas. Marty reports improvements like developer cable speed fixes and faster 2D-to-3D photo conversion. Jill and Eric recount their in-person meetup where Jill experienced a fully guided Vision Pro demo — including immersive video, spatial room exploration, and plenty of curious stares from coffee-shop onlookers wondering why Jill was "peering into invisible walls." The group then turns to iOS/iPadOS 26.2, covering new AirDrop temporary-share capabilities, privacy notice updates, hypertension notification APIs, new Japanese voice-assistant options, improvements to Liquid Glass UI effects, and multitasking enhancements like the return of Slide Over on iPad. AirPods Pro 3 beta firmware triggers a discussion on instability, unwanted auto-switching, and how firmware installs appear to now proactively ask users whether they want to participate. The episode shifts to macOS Tahoe 26.2, where Jeff vents about daily crashes, memory leaks, and wake-from-sleep failures — while others report fewer issues, sparking a possible exploration of third-party apps as the culprit. The panel also critiques Apple's polarizing icon redesign in Tahoe, agreeing that many icons look bland, boxed-in, and violate Apple's own historical Human Interface Guidelines. A major section of the show covers AI developments: • OpenAI GPT-5.1 — faster, more conversational, new tone presets (professional, candid, quirky), and "thinking mode" for deeper answers. • Google Gemini 3 Pro — improved multimodal reasoning, search integrations, and cloud-based inference. Jeff notes concerns about AI systems becoming overly anthropomorphic, while Jill admits she set her GPT tone to "nerdy" and likes it. Next, Apple's rollout of driver's licenses in Wallet hits Illinois, making it one of the largest states to adopt the feature. Dave describes server delays on launch day, and the panel discusses TSA compatibility, app differences between states, privacy details displayed, and state-by-state rollout inconsistencies. Sports streaming news surfaces as MLB renews contracts with ESPN, Netflix, and NBCUniversal, while also confirming Friday Night Baseball stays on Apple TV through 2028. The group reflects on the chaos of watching live sports across too many services and whether future licensing will simplify or worsen the landscape. The episode closes with Google's surprising announcement that iPhone ↔ Android file transfers via AirDrop/Quick Share are now possible on Pixel 10 devices. The panel predicts Apple will likely break this "for security reasons," especially considering regulatory scrutiny in the EU. Topics and Links