339 - Marty Gamed the AirPods Pro Hearing Test and 2025 Predictions

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave is joined by guests  Patrice Brend’Amour, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Ben Roethig. We analyze production rumors surrounding the Vision Pro and its impact on Apple’s VR/AR future, while reflecting on the media's portrayal of the device. We also speculate on potential innovations for 2025, especially in home automation, and share positive experiences with Apple Store services. Finally, we highlight the useful features of the Tips app, wrapping up with predictions for the year ahead.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

The first major topic centers around the recent news surrounding Apple's Vision Pro. We explore rumors about its production status, fueled by speculation suggesting that the first generation might be doomed. Notably, we dissect the implications of the reported production cuts and what this means for Apple's trajectory in the VR/AR landscape. Tim Cook has referred to this device as a product for early adopters, and we analyze whether the current narrative around its perceived failure holds any merit. Marty and Chuck offer insights into the media's tendency toward clickbait while alluding to historical parallels with previous Apple products that faced similar criticisms early in their life cycles.

We also highlight the exciting developments anticipated for the Vision Pro, including upgrades to Vision OS and the introduction of the M5 chip. The discussion highlights the importance of app developers in shaping the future ecosystem around the device. We agree that while the Vision Pro may have niche appeal, this is merely the beginning of a broader journey into immersive technology. Our conversation weaves through articles declaring the Vision Pro to be the product of the year while simultaneously being labeled 'doomed,' showcasing the contradictory narratives surrounding Apple’s flagship device.

Next, we pivot to Apple's performance in the hardware sector, noting the end of a 13-year streak of new product releases. Our panel speculates on what new innovations may emerge in 2025. Topics range from potential updates to existing products like the AirPods, to exciting new ventures in the home automation space. Patrice brings up the possibility of new HomeKit devices, while others share their predictions about Apple’s foray into security cameras and advanced HomePods. Chuck and Marty advocate for an integrated device that improves home interactivity and automation, paving the way for the future of smart living.

Following this, I share my recent experiences at the Apple Store, where I dealt with a screen replacement for a family member's iPhone and technical issues with my AirPods Pro. My visit illustrated the efficiency of Apple’s service, showcasing the new express replacement program and diagnostics capabilities for quick resolutions. The discussion underscores the effectiveness of Apple’s customer support and how such experiences shape user perceptions.

In a lighter segment, we touch on the utility of the Tips app available across Apple devices. I champion its often-overlooked potential, highlighting how users can access manuals and locate helpful guides for their products. With many of us frequently forgetting features, we emphasize the value this resource provides in navigating Apple’s ecosystem confidently.

We conclude the episode with some engaging banter, tying together our insights for the year ahead, and casting predictions not just for new Apple products but also for the evolution of technology in general. 

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

Apple Vision Pro May Now Be Out of Production - MacRumors

9to5Mac Product of the Year: Apple Vision Pro

These coming Vision Pro upgrades could lead to big 2025 success

Vision Pro Game Controllers Surreal Touch

Vision Pro demos now allow multiple users in the Apple Store. Dave discovered this during a visit this week. 

Beta this week. When will Apple release iOS 18.3? - 9to5Mac

iOS 18.2.1 Coming Soon

These new iOS features are coming to your iPhone in early 2025

Dave shares his experience at the Apple Store with repairs to his Mother in Laws iPhone 15 and his AirPods Pro 2

Dave’s experience this week visiting the Apple Store for repairs. His mother in Law’s iPhone 15 had a big chip on the screen. Haven’t figured out how she did this.

It was covered by AppleCare. Interesting find when using the Apple Support. You  now can get an advanced replacement if you choose. If you can’t wait for the repair you can pay $99 and Apple will send you an advance replacement iPhone. I think it's worth taking the time to bring it into the Apple Store and pay the $29.

Airpods lost connection to my iPhone flashing white light. Case replaced. 

What do we expect to see in 2025? We share our thoughts and predictions. 

Apple Broke a 13-Year Hardware Streak in 2024

What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2025?

Apple’s new Home products will challenge a long-standing Apple rule, here’s why

The Tips app on your devices. Tips on the App Store

AirPods Pro Hearing Test

Take a Hearing Test with AirPods Pro 2 - Apple Support

Use hearing health features with AirPods Pro 2 - Apple Support

Announcements

Macstock 9 is next summer. It's back again for 3 Days on July 11, 12, and 13th, 2025. Newsletter link here: https://mailchi.mp/0c81790aa2a8/macstock8-10132503?e=eb0c7039b1

Macstock 8 wrapped up for 2024. But you can purchase the digital pass and still see the great talks we had including Dave talking about Apple Services and more. Content is now available! .  Click here for more information: Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo with discounts on previous events. 

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 Mastadon @daveg65, and the show @intouchwithio

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 as well as Twitter and Instagram as @jgamet  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 

About our Guest

Ben Roethig Former Associate Editor of GeekBeat.TV and host of the Tech Hangout and Deconstruct with Patrice  Mac user since the mid 90s. Tech support specialist. Twitter @benroethig  Website: https://roethigtech.blogspot.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