425 - Vision Pro Plays Games While Siri Thinks About It

The latest In Touch With iOS Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jeff Gamet, Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden to talk Apple’s latest beta releases, Vision Pro gaming with Steam Link and PS5 Remote Play, Siri and AI rumors for iOS 27, Mac hardware news, CarPlay customization tips, Apple Wallet IDs, Thunderbolt 5 docks, and much more as WWDC 2026 gets closer.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

In this episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jeff Gamet, Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden for a fun and wide-ranging discussion covering the latest Apple news, rumors, tips, and plenty of laughs as WWDC 2026 quickly approaches.

The show kicks off with discussion around Apple’s latest beta releases for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS, and tvOS. While the updates appear mostly focused on bug fixes and stability improvements, the panel speculates Apple may already be quietly laying groundwork for major WWDC announcements behind the scenes.

Vision Pro continues to dominate conversation this week with the arrival of the native Steam Link app, giving users a new way to stream PC games directly into Apple’s headset. The panel discusses the growing gaming possibilities for Vision Pro, including PS5 remote play support and whether Apple’s expensive headset could eventually become a more serious entertainment and gaming platform. Leaked images of black Vision Pro components also spark speculation about possible future hardware revisions or prototype devices Apple may still be testing internally.

Security and messaging updates are another major focus this week. The crew discusses Apple’s expanded transparency around CVE security reporting, encrypted RCS messaging support in Messages, and how users can verify end-to-end encryption is active. The conversation quickly turns humorous as the group debates Apple’s new alerts for users who max out blocked contacts, leading to stories about spam texts, political messages, and the endless battle against robocalls.

On the Mac side, the panel covers the M5 MacBook Air reaching one of its lowest prices yet, making it an especially attractive option for Apple users looking to upgrade. Dave also shares excitement about the massive Virtual OS Museum project, which allows users to explore and run classic operating systems from decades past, including older versions of macOS, Windows, Linux, Atari, and more.

The discussion then shifts into AI and Apple’s future plans. OWC’s upcoming Stack AI hardware generates interest as the panel explores how local AI processing and large language models may shape the future of Mac hardware. From there, the conversation moves into new rumors surrounding iOS 27, including reports of a redesigned Siri experience, a standalone chatbot-style Siri app, Dynamic Island integration ideas, and Apple’s ongoing effort to compete in the rapidly evolving AI space. The panel debates whether Apple is truly behind competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini, or simply pursuing a more privacy-focused and ecosystem-driven approach.

The crew also spends time discussing Apple’s redesigned app icons and the growing confusion surrounding Creative Studio apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Jeff Gamet passionately argues Apple has “completely lost the plot” with icon design, while Marty Jencius defends the idea of evolving aesthetics, leading to one of the funniest debates of the episode.

Practical user tips round out the show, including how to customize CarPlay layouts, manage widgets and apps, enable 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates on iPhone, and use Apple Wallet driver’s licenses in supported states. The panel shares real-world experiences using digital IDs and Apple Pay, including a hilarious story about a cashier insisting Apple Pay users still needed to “pay with money.”

Finally, the crew previews Macstock 2026 and Creator Camp, encouraging listeners to join the Apple community event this summer. With discussions covering Vision Pro gaming, Siri rumors, AI strategy, CarPlay, Mac hardware, Apple Wallet, and much more, Episode 425 delivers another packed week of Apple news, insight, and entertaining conversation from the In Touch With iOS team.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

visionOS 26.6 Beta Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

The native Steam Link app for Apple Vision Pro is now available

More All-Black Apple Vision Pro Parts Surface Online

Apple Vision Pro & PlayStation 5 are the perfect combo with Portal Remote Play app

Beta this week. iOS 26.6 Beta 1 was released this week

Apple Seeds First iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 Betas to Developers

Apple Releases First watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Betas

Apple adds new CVE details to several macOS, iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and watchOS updates

iOS 26.5 gave Messages app encrypted RCS, here’s how to check it’s working

iOS 26.6 Will Alert You When You've Maxed Out Blocked Contacts

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirTag 2

In Touch With Mac this week

First macOS Tahoe 26.6 Beta Now Available for Developers

Apple's M5 MacBook Air Hits New Low Price of $899.99

The Virtual OS Museum is a fantastic project that lets you run Mac OS, A/UX, NeXTSTEP, more

We have many questions about OWC's new Stack AI speed booster

Add multiple high-res screens to your Mac with these new Thunderbolt 5 docks

Other Topics

Apple Updates Trade-In Values for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch

Apple Publishes Document to Help Users Tell Creator Studio Apps Apart 

Leaks: iOS 27 leak reveals new Siri design, Camera app, more

Detailed iOS 27 renders show Siri’s big makeover 

iPadOS 26.5 has convenient upgrade when using Magic Keyboard, more

Tips Time Permitting 

Tips to customize CarPlay for your vehicle

How to Activate 120Hz Refresh Rate on iPhone

News

Apple Just Expanded iPhone Driver's License Feature to 14th U.S. State

After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe returns

Announcements

Macstock X is here celebrating its 10th anniversary ! Dave, Chuck, Jeff, Marty, and Jill are all speaking this year!. 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 and use our offer code INTOUCH to save $50

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 Website: https://jeffgamet.com 

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