440 - Jeff Says Nope to AGI — Apple AI, Macs, and iOS 27

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. This week, the panel discusses John Ternus taking over as Apple CEO, Tim Cook’s farewell, and the executive changes marking a new era at Apple. We cover the latest iOS 27, visionOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27 betas, plus strong AI-driven demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio and changes to Intel Mac support. Other topics include the Lake America mapping controversy, a useful Control Center Shortcut, Storm Radar bringing weather and navigation to CarPlay, Apple TV and Apple One price increases, older Macs becoming obsolete, and this week’s Things We Found.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

This week, Dave is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, and Guy Serle for a packed episode that begins with a major changing of the guard at Apple. Tim Cook has wrapped up his final day as CEO and moves into the executive chairman role as John Ternus officially takes over. The panel discusses Cook’s farewell message, Ternus’s first memo to Apple employees, what his hardware-engineering background could mean for Apple’s future, and the wider executive changes accompanying the transition, including Phil Schiller scaling back his responsibilities.

The crew also covers the latest Apple beta releases, including visionOS 27 beta 8, iOS and iPadOS 27 developer beta 8 and public beta 6, watchOS 27 beta 8, tvOS 27 beta 8, and macOS 27 beta 8. They look at the new iPhone Handoff capability in iOS 27, unexpectedly strong demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio for AI workloads, and Apple giving Mac App Store developers the option to drop Intel support.

Other topics include the unusual Lake Ontario/Lake America mapping controversy involving Apple Maps, Google Maps, and MapQuest; a handy Shortcut for jumping directly to the current app’s Settings from Control Center; and Storm Radar bringing route-aware weather, alerts, and navigation to CarPlay.

In the news, Qualcomm is raising chip prices, several older Macs have moved onto Apple’s obsolete-products list, Apple has been inducted into the Brand Hall of Fame, and Apple TV and the Apple One Individual plan are getting more expensive. Plus, Dave’s Things We Found pick is the E-Rhino 165W four-port GaN USB-C charger

Opening Segment

Apple Transition: Tim Cook’s Legacy and the John Ternus Era

As of September 1, Apple has officially transitioned to a new leadership structure with John Ternus stepping in as CEO and Tim Cook assuming the role of Executive Chairman. This major shift includes Cook’s final reflections, Ternus’s initial vision for the company, and several notable executive reassignments accompanying the change.

Tim Cook’s departure from the CEO role

On his final day as CEO, August 31, Cook shared an emotional message with Apple staff, expressing deep gratitude and characterizing his leadership years as a singular honor. Cook will continue to provide guidance in his new capacity as Executive Chairman.

• 9to5Mac - Tim Cook’s full memo to employees on his last day as CEO (Aug. 31, 2026)

John Ternus’s first address as CEO

During his first official day, Ternus acknowledged Cook’s mentorship and emphasized his confidence in the current workforce. His message highlighted the upcoming September 9 launch and future product roadmaps, suggesting a focus on continuity while the panel analyzes his specific leadership style.

• 9to5Mac - Read new Apple CEO John Ternus’s full memo to employees (Sept. 1, 2026)

• Apple Leadership

Broad executive reshuffling

Reporting indicates that the transition involves several high-level moves. Former CFO Luca Maestri has concluded his Corporate Services tenure, with Kevan Parekh assuming those duties. Adrian Perica is no longer appearing on the leadership roster, while Laura Legros has rejoined Apple in a strategic capacity supporting Ternus.

• 9to5Mac - John Ternus’s first day as Apple CEO: Here’s the latest (Sept. 1, 2026)

Phil Schiller steps back

Schiller has officially shifted his focus away from the App Store and product events, though he maintains his status as an Apple Fellow. Eddy Cue will now oversee the App Store with Carson Oliver managing daily operations, while Nola Weinstein takes the lead on events. This raises questions about how much of the senior hierarchy is being restructured at once.

• MacRumors - Apple's Phil Schiller Scales Back Role as John Ternus Era Begins (Aug. 31, 2026)

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week

visionOS 27 beta 8

Apple released visionOS 27 developer beta 8 on August 31. Apple Developer lists build 24M5361a. This is a developer beta, not a final release.

• MacRumors - Apple Seeds Eighth visionOS 27 Beta to Developers (Aug. 31, 2026)

• Apple Developer - visionOS 27 release notes

• Apple Vision Pro was just used in a first-of-its-kind surgery

Beta this week

iOS 27 and iPadOS 27: developer beta 8 and public beta 6

Apple released iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 developer beta 8 on August 31, build 24A5430a. Later that day Apple released public beta 6 for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. MacRumors reported no notable new features in the day's developer builds as the cycle approaches release.

• MacRumors - iOS 27/iPadOS 27 developer beta 8 (Aug. 31, 2026)

• MacRumors - iOS/iPadOS 27 public beta 6 (Aug. 31, 2026)

• Apple Developer - iOS & iPadOS 27 release notes

watchOS 27 beta 8

Apple released watchOS 27 developer beta 8 on August 31. Apple Developer lists build 24R5360a.

• MacRumors - watchOS 27 beta 8 (Aug. 31, 2026)

• watchOS 27 Beta 8 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

 

tvOS 27 beta 8

Apple released tvOS 27 developer beta 8 on August 31. Apple Developer lists build 24J5360a.

• MacRumors - tvOS 27 beta 8 (Aug. 31, 2026)

• tvOS 27 Beta 8 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

 

iOS 27's new iPhone Handoff feature

iOS 27 feature that can switch between two iPhones using the same phone number. Setup appears under Cellular, with one iPhone designated as the main device and the other as a companion. Carrier support appears to be required, so availability still needs confirmation when iOS 27 ships.

• MacRumors - iOS 27 Introduces New 'iPhone Handoff' Feature (Sept. 2, 2026)

In Touch With Mac this week

macOS 27 Golden Gate beta 8

Apple released macOS 27 developer beta 8 on August 31. Apple Developer lists build 26A5425a. The Mac beta stays in the Mac section rather than Beta this week.

• MacRumors - macOS 27 beta 8 (Aug. 31, 2026)

• Apple Developer - macOS 27 release notes

AI demand reportedly caught Apple off guard on Mac mini and Mac Studio

MacRumors, citing The Information, reports that unusually strong enterprise demand for Macs used for AI workloads helped drive Apple's unusually early Mac mini and Mac Studio launch. The report says high-end configurations have faced supply pressure amid the broader memory shortage.

• MacRumors - Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio (Aug. 30, 2026)

Mac App Store apps can now drop Intel Mac support

Apple told developers that universal Mac App Store apps requiring macOS 13 or later can remove the x86_64 architecture. Intel users can keep using the last compatible version, but developers can stop shipping updates to Intel Macs.

• MacRumors - Mac App Store Apps Can Now Drop Support for Intel Macs (Sept. 1, 2026)

Other Topics

In Touch with Jeff Gamet’s Blog

Will AI Ever Attain AGI Level? Nope

Anthropic has upgraded Claude’s computer-use capability on Mac so tasks can run in the background

Anthropic upgrades Claude's computer use to run in the background on Mac

Tip: open the current app's Settings from Control Center

A Shortcut shared by Quinn Nelson can be assigned to Control Center's Run Shortcut control or the Action button, providing a fast path to the Settings page for the app currently in use.

• MacRumors How-To - Open the Current App's Settings From Control Center (Sept. 2, 2026)

App: Storm Radar comes to CarPlay

The Weather Channel's Storm Radar 4.0.19 added a dedicated CarPlay app with map/satellite views, weather layers, destination conditions, navigation, route weather alerts, and automatic rerouting. This is standard CarPlay, not CarPlay Ultra.

• 9to5Mac - Apple CarPlay just added a major weather app (Aug. 30, 2026)

News

Qualcomm raises chip prices

Qualcomm said chip prices would rise by double digits for chips shipped after September 1, citing higher supplier costs. The Apple angle is the continuing importance of component pricing as Apple shifts more modem work in-house.

• MacRumors - Qualcomm Raising Chip Prices Starting Tomorrow (Aug. 31, 2026)

Three more Macs become obsolete

Apple moved the 2018 Retina MacBook Air, 13-inch 2018 MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and 13-inch 2017 MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports to its obsolete list. Obsolete products are generally no longer eligible for Apple hardware service, although Apple's laptop battery-only repair policy can extend longer in some cases.

• MacRumors - Apple Adds Three More Macs to Obsolete Products List (Aug. 31, 2026)

Apple enters the Brand Hall of Fame

The One Club for Creativity selected Apple as the first brand inducted into its newly established Brand Hall of Fame, recognizing the company's history of influential advertising.

• MacRumors - Apple Inducted Into 'Brand Hall of Fame' for Iconic Ads (Aug. 31, 2026) 

This week's “Things we found”

Dave: mfish E-RHINO 165W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger. The manufacturer lists four USB-C ports, up to 165W combined dual-port output, up to 140W from C1 or C2 individually, and a display showing output and temperature. Current direct-site pricing should be checked at recording time.

• Amazon

• mfish direct product page

Eric: OWC drive dock   A good way to swap between several old drives while waiting for drive prices to drop. https://www.owc.com/solutions/drive-dock   https://amzn.to/4cviDHk

Jeff: Riff Calendar It’s a calendar app that lets you zoom in for a more granular look at your schedule instead of the traditional day, week, and month views. It's in beta for iPhone now. https://riffcalendar.com/

Chuck:
ORICO External Hard Drive Case for 3.5 Inch HDD/SSD 5 Packs Portable Hard Drive Carrying Protective Storage Box Anti-Static and Shockproof
https://amzn.to/4qWI6PZ

57 Nut and Bolt Thread Checker with 21 Standard &17 Metric &19 Drill Gauges
https://amzn.to/3UAhhVB

Marty:
Chad Powers: on Hulu
Season 1 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nFZMD8FMM0
Season 2 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8B59O_18Dc 

Ted Lasso Party Game: https://www.amazon.com/Funko-63413-Ted-Lasso-Game/dp/B09QV34247

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 @daveginsburg, , BlueSky @daveginsburg and the show @intouchwithios

 

Our Co-Hosts

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 ai, nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts. Her content on YouTube at @smallstepswithai and follow her on X @NorthwoodsJill. 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.