407 - Vision Pro Turns Two, HomeKit Gets Real, and MacStock 10 Is Official

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. This episode covers the transition of visionOS 26.3 from beta, the second anniversary of the Vision Pro, and critical updates for the Home app. The team also discusses the expansion of the Apple Sports app, the future of CarPlay Ultra, and exciting new content coming to Apple TV+. Finally, the show concludes with the highly anticipated announcement of MacStock 10.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

The episode opens with visionOS 26.3 reaching release-candidate status and a look back at the two-year anniversary of Apple Vision Pro. The panel reflects on how far the platform has come since its early releases, noting steady software improvements and growing maturity. Marty shares hands-on perspective from recent workshops, emphasizing Apple’s consistent approach to spatial computing compared with competing XR platforms.

The conversation shifts to Apple’s latest immersive video content, including the Crufts Dog Show experience, which highlights Vision Pro’s strengths in visual detail and presence. From there, the panel touches on iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and other platform updates, including Apple’s continued support for older operating systems and why that matters for users with legacy hardware or specialized workflows.

Discussion then turns to the Mac, with reactions to Apple’s new online Mac configuration process, now modeled after the iPad buying experience. The panel debates whether the new flow simplifies customization or makes it easier for costs to escalate unexpectedly.

A key segment focuses on the Apple Home app and Apple’s push to migrate users to the newer Home architecture. The panel shares candid experiences with home automation reliability, pointing out HomeKit’s strengths, ongoing frustrations, and the lack of a true backup-and-restore option.

The episode continues with CarPlay Ultra’s gradual expansion, reports of CarPlay connection dead zones caused by wireless interference, and a celebration of the iPad’s 16th anniversary, reflecting on its lasting impact and why iPad and Mac continue to serve different roles.

In the news roundup, the panel covers the Apple Sports app’s expansion, Amazon’s rollout of Alexa Plus, and what smarter assistants actually deliver in everyday use. The show wraps with Apple TV+ updates, including previews of upcoming content, hints of an F1 movie sequel, and a major announcement: MacStock 10 is officially set, featuring the Inspire theme and a new Ecamm Creator Camp for hands-on creator training.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

Apple seeds visionOS 26.3 RC ahead of final update

visionOS 26.3 RC Release Notes

Apple Vision Pro Launched Two Years Ago Today

Vision Pro goes to the dogs

Immersive Dog Show Series ‘Top Dogs’ Premieres on Apple Vision Pro

Immersive Dog Show Series ‘Top Dogs’ The Story

Beta this week. iOS 26.3 Beta RC released 

Apple Seeds iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Release Candidates - MacRumors

Apple Releases watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Release Candidates - MacRumors

iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Big Sur get minor updates with iMessage fix

Apple Releases macOS 11, watchOS 10, and watchOS 9 Updates to Keep iMessage and FaceTime Working on Older Devices

In Touch With Mac this week

macOS Tahoe 26.3 Release Candidate Now Available

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Other Topics

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users What is the state of the Home App? 

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

CarPlay connection issues? This might explain why

Apple's iPad Turns 16 Today

News

Apple Sports Now Supports Golf and More

Six New Leagues Coming to Apple Sports - MacRumors

Amazon's Alexa+ Now Free for All U.S. Prime Members, Beating Apple's Smarter Siri to Market

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Eddy Cue and Formula 1 CEO tease 'F1: The Movie' sequel at Apple TV press day event

Announcements

Macstock X is here celebrating its 10th anniversary! With Three Full Days of expert-led Presentations and Workshops, Macstock’s sessions are crammed full of productivity-enhancing content. NEW this year is a partnership with sponsor Ecamm. Ecamm Creator Camp: Mac Edition on July 9, 2026 there are only 100 tickets available for the bundle. There are 2 passes available: Macstock weekend pass July 10,11,12, 2026 or the Macstock Ecamm Bundle starting July 9 (only 100 tickets available)  Come join us. Register HERE

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 @[e-mail] 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 [e-mail]  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 [e-mail], on Mastodon at @[e-mail], 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 [e-mail]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677