407 - Vision Pro Turns Two, HomeKit Gets Real, and MacStock 10 Is Official
Release Date: 02/07/2026
In Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Vision Pro sparks debate with real-world medical breakthroughs and Hollywood use cases while critics call it “doomed.” Meanwhile, MacBook Neo demand surges, Apple expands AI and iCloud features, and MacStock 2026 heats up with major announcements. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really appreciate it! Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member Summary In Episode 420, Dave...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle, Ben Roethig. Apple enters a new era as Tim Cook transitions to Executive Chairman and John Ternus steps in as CEO. The panel breaks down what this means for Apple’s future, alongside iOS 26.5 beta updates, Vision Pro developments, AI expansion, CarPlay upgrades, and a major phishing scam targeting Apple users. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really appreciate it! Another way to support the show is to...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius. Apple Vision Pro updates continue with visionOS 26.5, enterprise support expands, and a $30K immersive camera sparks debate. We break down MacBook Neo demand surges, Microsoft price hikes, Google’s Gemini Mac app, router ban confusion, and more. Plus Macstock updates and a standout new app. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really appreciate it! Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member ...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
In this special episode 417 of In Touch With iOS, host Dave Ginsburg sits down with tech journalist and author David Pogue to discuss his book Apple: The First 50 Years. Joined by Jeff Gamet and Marty Jencius, the panel explores Apple’s history, iconic products, Vision Pro, and the future of the iPhone and iPad in an engaging deep-dive conversation. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really appreciate it! Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member Summary This...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius. Episode 416 covers the Vision Pro launch and training debate, Steam Link gaming on Vision Pro, iOS and macOS updates, the runaway success of the MacBook Neo, the Insta360 Snap accessory, Mint Mobile’s $45 bundle, AI-powered security from Anthropic, and Overcast’s new transcripts feature. Plus, Macstock preview and a fun discussion about tech, AI, and the Apple ecosystem. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
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 week on In Touch With iOS, the panel dives into visionOS 26.5 beta and new immersive Vision Pro experiences including concerts and NASA content. We discuss a rare iOS security update for older devices, iOS 26.5 beta features like Maps suggestions and RCS encryption, and macOS Tahoe beta updates. The show celebrates Apple’s 50th anniversary with Apple history and memories, plus updates to the Apple Sports app, AirTag firmware, Gmail changes, and...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius. Dave and the panel dive into Apple’s massive round of OS updates including iOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and HomePod updates. The team discusses Apple Music’s new AI Playlist Playground, major security fixes you should install immediately, and Apple Podcasts adding video podcasting support. Plus, Apple kills the Mac Pro, celebrates 25 years of Mac OS, introduces a new Apple Business platform, and the panel reacts to Netflix price hikes and the...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. Apple scores a major legal win for the Apple Watch, Vision Pro gets a gaming boost with NVIDIA, and the MacBook Neo continues to impress the panel. Plus, iOS 26.4 improves Family Sharing, AirPods Max 2 arrives, and Final Cut Pro gets a major upgrade with Apple’s Motion VFX acquisition. The show notes are at Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! we would really appreciate it! Another way to support the show is to...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
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 week the panel focuses on two major hands-on topics. Marty Jencius and Eric Bolden share their first impressions of Apple’s new MacBook Neo, including real-world testing, performance surprises, and how it could disrupt the entry-level laptop market. Dave also gives his hands-on impressions of the new iPhone 17e, discussing MagSafe’s return, display improvements, and why it could be a strong entry-level iPhone. The group also touches on the latest...
info_outlineIn Touch with iOS
Dave Ginsburg is joined by Mike Potter, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden to break down a big week of Apple news. The panel discusses visionOS 26.4 beta updates, iOS 26.4 beta, the new iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with M5 chips. The biggest debate centers around Apple’s brand-new MacBook Neo, a $599 MacBook designed to compete with Chromebooks in education. Is it a smart gateway device for new users or an underpowered compromise? The panel shares strong opinions while also discussing Apple’s strategy for expanding the...
info_outlineThe 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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In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
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
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
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
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 @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, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at eabolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, 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 GMenshow@icloud.com @MacParrot and @VertShark on X Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code 703-828-4677