433 - MacStock Memories, Apple vs. OpenAI, and the Future of the Smart Home

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden to recap an unforgettable MacStock 10 weekend, including standout presentations, the live In Touch With iOS recording, and the community that makes the event special. The panel also discusses Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI, rumors surrounding Apple’s smart home strategy, the latest beta releases, LEGO’s iMac G3 proposal, Apple Arcade additions, AirPods Pro 3 hearing assistance, and wraps up with favorite gear picks of the week.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Macstock Recap

Fresh off an incredible weekend at MacStock, Dave Ginsburg welcomes Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden for an episode filled with Apple news, technology discussions, and reflections on one of the Apple community’s favorite annual events.

The panel begins by celebrating MacStock’s 10th anniversary, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the live In Touch With iOS recording, Creator Camp, standout presentations, and the friendships that continue to make MacStock a unique experience for Apple users and creators alike. From Jeff Gamet’s interactive drawing workshop and Jill McKinley’s thoughtful presentation on Focus Modes to Chuck Joiner’s productivity session, Marty Jencius’ collaborative troubleshooting discussions, and David Pogue’s entertaining keynote, the conversation captures the spirit of the conference.

The discussion then turns to Apple’s latest software betas across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro before taking a deep dive into one of the week’s biggest stories—Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI over allegations involving confidential hardware development. The panel explores the potential implications for Apple Intelligence, future AI products, and the evolving competitive landscape.

The conversation continues with rumors surrounding Apple’s next-generation smart home products, including a Home Hub, updated Apple TV, HomePod, and connected home accessories, leading to an engaging discussion about the future of HomeKit and Matter.

The episode wraps up with updates on Apple Arcade, AppleCare+, LEGO’s proposed Bondi Blue iMac G3, Jeff’s first impressions of AirPods Pro 3 as hearing assistance, and another great round of Things We Found.

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

Fifth macOS Tahoe 26.6 Beta Now Available for Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Im-wizard-ar-magic-combat https://apps.apple.com/us/app/im-wizard-ar-magic-combat/id6747723768

Beta this week. 

Public Betas are now released iOS 27

iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 Now Available to Public Beta Testers

tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 Now Available to Public Beta Testers

Apple Releases New iOS 27 AirPods Firmware For Public Beta Testers

Apple Seeds Fifth iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 Betas to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

In Touch With Mac this week

macOS Golden Gate Public Beta: 10 Features to Try First 

Fifth macOS Tahoe 26.6 Beta Now Available for Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

LEGO Considering Bondi Blue iMac G3 Set

Other Topics

Open AI lawsuit

Apple Sues OpenAI for Stealing Trade Secrets to Build AI Hardware

OpenAI: No Evidence Apple's Trade Secret Complaint Has Merit

OpenAI's First AI Device Will Be a Portable Smart Speaker

Apple's 2026 Smart Home Lineup: New Apple TV, HomePod, and Home Hub WIll these be released?

News

Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Coming to Apple Arcade The last full Madden game released for the Mac was Madden NFL 08, released for Mac OS X on September 1, 2007

AppleCare+ for Macs and iPads Just Got More Expensive

This weeks “Things we found” 

Jeff: AirPods Pro 3 as an assistive hearing device

Dave: Spigen for MagSafe Wallet Magnetic Pouch: https://amzn.to/4ftlyky

Marty:Anker Prime Foldable Magsafe Charger  https://amzn.to/4bqLWdq

Eric: Gray (grey) card, white card, black card for white balance https://amzn.to/3RfPgRU

Marty mentioned Osbot Tiny 3 Lite Webcam https://amzn.to/4b1TNhp

Jill: Hollyland Lark M2S Microphone Combo Kit https://amzn.to/4hizJuY

Chuck: CROWN SHADES 10x10 Pop Up Canopy Tent
https://amzn.to/4aVUEAm

Announcements

Macstock X wrapped up for 2026 what a great event! Stay tuned for the Digital pass coming soon Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo

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 his blog Jeff Gamet - 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 Buy his art! Jeff Gamet Art

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