363 - OS, iPadOS, and a Whole Lotta Vision: WWDC 2025 Reactions

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Chuck Joiner, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle, Jeff Gamet, We break down WWDC 2025 highlights across VisionOS, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The team dives into Vision Pro’s spatial widgets, iOS 26’s revamped lock screen and call features, iPadOS 26’s new multitasking, and Apple Intelligence’s privacy-focused AI. They also explore the growing convergence between iPad and Mac and wrap with a shoutout to Macstock 9. 

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

In Episode 363 of In Touch With iOS, host David Ginsburg is joined by an all-star panel — Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle, and Eric Bolden — for an in-depth breakdown of Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote. With major announcements across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS, the group dives into what these updates mean for users, developers, and Apple’s broader ecosystem strategy.

The episode opens with panel introductions before jumping straight into VisionOS 26, where the team highlights Apple’s focus on spatial computing. Features like interactive 3D widgets, refined Personas, and improved collaboration tools on Vision Pro generate both excitement and critical commentary. Marty and Eric share real-world experiences with spatial widgets, emphasizing their value in immersive environments. The panel acknowledges Apple’s ambitious direction for Vision Pro as it evolves from a tech demo to a productivity and creative powerhouse.

Next, the conversation moves into iOS 26, spotlighting the redesigned lock screen with dynamic wallpapers and a streamlined interface for messages and phone calls. Jeff praises the new call screening and RCS group chat support, both of which significantly improve communication experiences. Updates to the Camera app and accessibility tools also reinforce Apple’s commitment to a more inclusive user experience.

iPadOS 26 draws praise for finally bridging the productivity gap with macOS. The introduction of a new windowing system allows for desktop-like multitasking, and panelists are enthusiastic about the debut of the Preview app on iPad. The improved Files app and richer audio input options are celebrated as productivity boosters, making the iPad an even stronger contender as a primary computing device.

Turning to macOS 15, the conversation continues around convergence — with iPad and Mac experiences growing closer than ever. Chuck and David discuss how feature parity is leading to more seamless transitions between devices, particularly for multitasking and app continuity.

The panel also briefly touches on watchOS 11 and tvOS 18, noting updates in health, fitness, and media experience. While these updates were more iterative, they reflect Apple’s steady enhancement of its peripheral platforms.

One of the standout segments is a look at Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new generative AI initiative. The group discusses how Apple’s privacy-first approach to AI, combined with on-device and cloud-assisted processing, could change the way users interact with Siri, productivity apps, and automation. The discussion also covers how this impacts developers and third-party integrations moving forward.

In the final stretch, the team speculates on the future of the iPad and Mac. Will they fully converge or continue to serve distinct roles? With the iPad gaining more macOS features and the Mac embracing touch-like elements, the lines continue to blur.

The episode closes with a few announcements and community highlights, including a plug for Macstock 2024 — inviting listeners to connect in person and keep the Apple discussion going.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

 

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VisionOS 26

• Spatial widgets and realistic 3D spatial scenes from photos.

• More natural, detailed personas for video calls.

• Shared Vision Pro experiences for local and remote collaboration.

• Enterprise features for shared device use and protected content.

• New spatial accessories (Logitech Muse, PlayStation VR2 controllers).

• Adobe Premiere spatial video editing and native 180/360 video playback.

• New immersive Jupiter environment.

• visionOS 26: The MacStories Overview

 

iOS 26

• Revamped lock screen with dynamic wallpapers and 3D spatial scenes.

• Redesigned Camera app with easier mode switching and visible settings.

• Improved Photos app with tabs and spatial photo views.

• Safari with floating, shrinking tab bar and edge-to-edge browsing.

• Enhanced Phone app with unified layout, call screening, and Hold Assist.

• Messages add group chat polls, personalized backgrounds, Apple Cash in chats, typing indicators, and spam filtering.

• https://www.macworld.com/article/2575705/ios-26-features-release-date-beta.html

🎨 Liquid Glass Design

CarPlay now features the “Liquid Glass” design language, offering a sleek, translucent interface that adapts between light and dark modes. This visual overhaul aims to provide a more cohesive and modern user experience across all Apple devices.  

🧩 Widgets and Live Activities

The update introduces support for widgets and Live Activities, allowing users to access real-time information such as sports scores and delivery statuses directly from the CarPlay interface. These features are designed to keep drivers informed without causing distractions.  

💬 Enhanced Messaging Features

CarPlay now supports Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages, enabling quick emoji responses and easy access to important chats while driving. This enhancement aims to improve communication convenience and safety on the road.   

📞 Improved Call Management

Incoming calls in CarPlay now appear in a compact view, allowing users to see who’s calling without missing essential information like navigation directions. This change helps minimize distractions and maintain focus on driving.  

🚘 CarPlay Ultra

The new CarPlay Ultra experience offers deeper integration with vehicle systems, providing control over functions such as climate settings and seat adjustments. This feature is currently available in select Aston Martin models and is expected to expand to other brands in the future. 

 

iPadOS 26

• Major new windowing system with multi-window tiling and menu bar.

• Files app upgraded with customizable folders and Preview PDF app.

• Enhanced audio input control and voice isolation.

• Background tasks allow long exports while multitasking.

• Focus on boosting multitasking and file workflows on all iPads.

• iPadOS 26 brings a new design and Mac-like multitasking at long last | Macworld

• iPadOS 26 superguide: WiPadOS 26 brings a new design and Mac-like multitasking at long last | Macworldhat you need to know about the new iPad update

• Apple Explains Why iPad Multitasking Took So Long to Arrive - MacRumors

 

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watchOS 26

• Liquid Glass design refresh.

• Workout Buddy AI coach for personalized fitness encouragement.

• Smarter Smart Stack with context-based suggestions.

• New wrist flick gestures to manage notifications.

• Messages support live translation and enhanced intelligent actions.

• Notes app arrives on Apple Watch.

• https://www.macworld.com/article/2808081/watchos-26-release-date-latest-version-features-compatibility.html

 

 

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macOS Tahoe

• Stunning new Liquid Glass design with transparent menu bar.

• Improved continuity: live activities and phone app on Mac.

• Spotlight enhanced with system/app actions and quick keys.

• Powerful Shortcuts integrated with Apple Intelligence.

• Gaming upgrades with Metal 4 and Game Overlay.

 

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Apple Intelligence & AI

• Expanded on-device AI with Foundation Models Framework for developers to build fast, private, offline intelligence.

• Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls, fully on-device.

• Visual Intelligence lets users search and take actions directly from iPhone screen content.

• Workout Buddy on Apple Watch offers personalized AI coaching with dynamic voice feedback.

 

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Design & UI

• Introduction of a new universal design language called Liquid Glass across all platforms.

• Translucent, dynamic UI elements that adapt to content and environment, blending hardware and software beautifully.

• Harmonized look and feel from iPhone to Mac to Vision Pro.

 

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Other Key Updates

• CarPlay Ultra: Customizable driver screens, vehicle controls integration.

• Apple Music: Lyrics translation, DJ-like Auto Mix, and Music Pins.

• Maps: Preferred route learning and visited places tracking with privacy.

• Wallet: Digital ID with passport support, enhanced order tracking, Apple Pay improvements.

• Games app: Unified gaming destination with social and challenge features across platforms.

News

Apple Explains Why iPad Multitasking Took So Long to Arrive

iPadOS 26 Multitasking Update Gets Rid of Split View and Slide Over

Shout out to Scallion for buying me a coffee glad you enjoy the show

Announcements

Macstock 9 is here for 3 Days on July 11, 12, and 13th, 2025. We have an exclusive coupon code use INTOUCH50 at checkout and save $50..Click here to Register | Macstock Conference & Expo Book your room with a Macstock discount here. Location | Macstock Conference & Expo I hope to see you there!

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 @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 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 

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.

 

About our Guests

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 the host of the MyMac Podcast and the (hopefully) reconstituted Guy’s Daily Drive…which isn’t daily, but is done by driving so half accurate. email [email protected] @MacParrot and @VertShark on Twitter, Vertshark on YouTube, Skype +1 Area code  703-828-4677