In Touch with iOS

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave is joined by Jill McKinley,Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. The discussion spans the latest Vision Pro beta updates and immersive NBA experiences to rumors of new M5 MacBook Pros and significant leadership shifts at Apple. The team also tackles critical security news, including a major data breach at a manufacturing partner and new anti-phishing features from 1Password.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
 Direct Link to Audio 
Links to our Show
Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!
Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 
Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios
Website: In Touch With iOS
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Summary
In episode 405 of In Touch With iOS, host Dave Ginsburg is joined by a full panel including Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, Guy Serle, and Jeff Gamet to dissect the latest developments in the Apple ecosystem. The episode covers a wide range of topics from hardware shortages and software betas to major security breaches and executive transitions.
The panel discusses the recent Vision Pro beta releases, noting that while the updates are relatively minor, they significantly improve connectivity with game controllers. Looking ahead, Apple Arcade is set to launch a "Retrocade" on February 5th, bringing 3D immersive versions of classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Asteroids to the headset. The team also reviews the recent immersive Lakers NBA game, sharing mixed feelings about the audio quality and app stability, but ultimately expressing excitement for the future of sports in VR.
Current MacBook Pro stock is reportedly thinning, with wait times stretching into March. This has fueled speculation about an imminent release of M5 Pro and M5 Max models. The panel debates whether users should upgrade now or wait for the rumored M6, while also considering how NVIDIA's priority at TSMC for AI chips might be impacting Apple's supply chain.
The discussion takes a serious turn regarding a massive 1TB data breach at Apple manufacturing partner Luxshare. The stolen data allegedly includes confidential product designs and engineering documents from 2019 through 2025, raising concerns about reverse engineering and hardware vulnerabilities. On the software side, 1Password has introduced a new anti-phishing feature that warns users when they attempt to paste passwords into suspicious websites. The panel also revisits Walmart's continued refusal to accept Apple Pay, noting that the retailer prefers its own "Walmart Pay" system to maintain control over customer purchase data.
Apple TV+ continues to gain momentum with six Academy Award nominations for the film F1. The panel also previews upcoming content, including the March 27th premiere of For All Mankind Season 5, and discusses other popular series like Starfleet Academy and Monarch.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reports that John Ternus is being groomed as the next Apple CEO. Ternus has recently taken over management of the design teams, a move seen as a way to expose him to broader business operations before Tim Cook eventually retires. While some panelists express anxiety over a post-Cook era, others highlight Apple's history of strong succession planning.
Topics and Links
 
In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 
Apple Seeds Second Betas of watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3 to Developers
visionOS 26.3 Beta 2 Release Notes
 
Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games in February for Vision Pro
Dave, Marty, and Eric give thoughts viewing the Lakers Immersive game
When and how to watch Lakers games in Apple Immersive format on Vision Pro
What it's like to watch an NBA game courtside in Apple Vision Pro
Beta this week. iOS 26.3 Beta 2 continues. 
In Touch With Mac this week
MacBook Pro Buyers Now Facing Up to a Two-Month Wait Ahead of New Models
The Gmen show Episode 22
Other Topics
Major data breach could expose Apple secrets
Walmart Still Doesn't Accept Apple Pay in the U.S. in 2026, Here's Why
Apple Tops 2025 Smartphone Market With 20% Share, 10% Growth
Apple drops to 7th in U.S. patent rankings for 2025 as grants fall 11%, per report
Apple tops the 2026 World's Most Admired Companies list—finishing No. 1 for the 19th year in a row
News
Apple's F1 Movie Nominated for Best Picture at 2026 Oscars
Apple scores six Academy Award nominations
Apple TV reveals first look at season five of hit space drama "For All Mankind"
ChatGPT Atlas Gains Tab Groups, Auto Google/AI Search Switching
1Password Launches Anti-Phishing Warnings for Pasted Passwords
Apple's John Ternus Takes Over Design in Latest CEO Succession Move
Announcements
Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when  they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. 
Macstock IX Digital Pass
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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  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 [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], 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 [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

The latest In Touch With iOS  Dave is joined by Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden to break down the biggest Apple and tech stories of the week. The panel dives into Chuck's firsthand CES 2026 experiences, Apple's surprise Creative Studio subscription bundle, upcoming iOS 26 updates, Apple Podcasts' record year, shifting trade-in values, Google Gemini's expanding role in Apple Intelligence, and the return of Apple TV+'s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
 Direct Link to Audio 
Links to our Show
Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!
Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 
Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios
Website: In Touch With iOS
YouTube Channel
In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
Facebook Page
BlueSky
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Threads
Summary
In Episode 404 of In Touch With iOS, the panel kicks things off with an in-depth discussion of CES 2026, where Chuck Joiner shares firsthand impressions from CES Unveiled, Pepcom, and ShowStoppers. Highlights include solar-powered tech, innovative dash cams, creative accessories, audio gear, docks, and a surprisingly thoughtful retro-inspired digital camera.
The conversation then turns to Apple software updates, including the imminent release of iOS 26.2.1 and beta testing of iOS 26.3 across Apple platforms. A major highlight is Apple's progress toward end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, reinforcing Apple's ongoing privacy stance.
Apple's surprise announcement of the Creative Studio Bundle sparks lively debate. The new subscription includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage across Mac and iPad. The panel discusses subscription fatigue, student pricing, competition with Adobe Creative Cloud, and what this means for professionals and educators.
The episode also covers Apple Podcasts' strongest year ever, despite increased competition from Spotify and YouTube. While Apple may hold a smaller share of a growing podcast market, engagement and subscriptions continue to climb.
Other topics include updated Apple trade-in values, new firmware releases for AirPods Pro and MagSafe batteries, Shazam's 2026 Fast Forward artist list, and Apple Services' continued growth across Music, TV+, Arcade, and digital ID adoption.
The show wraps with excitement around the return of Apple TV+'s sci-fi hit: The panel previews Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – Season 2, praising its character-driven storytelling and expanding MonsterVerse mythology.
Topics and Links
CES 2026
Chuck Joiner returned from CES last week to give us some insight on the show and a few cool things. 
Beta this week. 
iOS 26.2.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones
Apple releases iPadOS 26.3 beta 2 for iPad 
Apple releases second iOS 26.3 beta for iPhone
Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Public Beta Testers
iOS 26.3 beta 2 hints at upcoming end-to-end encryption for RCS messages
Apple Releases Second watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Betas
In Touch With Mac this week
macOS Tahoe 26.3 beta 2 now available, here's what to expect
Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers
Will Apple Announce New MacBook Pros This January?
Apple may have hinted at a high-end MacBook Pro launch on January 28
PSA: Google Chrome 151 to drop support for macOS 12 Monterey
Other Topics
Apple Introduces New 'Creator Studio' Bundle of Apps for $129 Per Year
Pixelmator Pro is Coming to iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More
Apple Says 'Pixelmator' App on iOS Will No Longer Receive Updates
Some Apple Apps Will No Longer Receive Every New Feature Without a Subscription
iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release
Google Gemini Partnership With Apple Will Go Beyond Siri Revamp  
Apple Confirms Google Gemini Will Power Next-Generation Siri This Year
Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features
News
Apple Releases New Firmware Update for iPhone Air MagSafe Battery
Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 3 Firmware Update
Shazam's Fast Forward Playlist Reveals Music Artists Set to Rise in 2026
Setapp Mobile 3rd-party app store for iPhone fails due to 'still-evolving and complex terms'
2025 marked a record-breaking year for Apple services
Apple Podcasts is officially more popular than it's ever been
Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More - MacRumor
Apple TV unveils return of major sci-fi series coming next month 
Shout out to NMUG and MacInTech Chita mentioned Drive Buddy DriveBuddy
Announcements
FIX THIS Macstock 9 they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. 
Macstock IX Digital Pass
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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  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 [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], 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 [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

This special In Touch With iOS episode 403 Host Dave Ginsburg is joined by co-host Jeff Gamet and guest Katie Fawkes.We explore the nostalgia of VHS, the rituals of movie night, and how streaming has transformed how we watch films. From Blockbuster memories and Betamax wars to the resurgence of physical media and the promise of immersive experiences with Apple Vision Pro, the conversation bridges past, present, and future movie-watching culture.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
 Direct Link to Audio 
Links to our Show
Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!
Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 
Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios
Website: In Touch With iOS
YouTube Channel
In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
Facebook Page
BlueSky
Mastodon
X
Instagram
Threads
Summary
In episode 403 of In Touch With iOS, Dave Ginsburg welcomes back Katie Fawkes alongside Jeff Gamet for a deep, nostalgic dive into the evolution of home movie watching. The discussion begins with personal stories of VHS rentals, recording TV shows, and the rituals that defined movie nights in the 80s and 90s, including Blockbuster runs, rewinding tapes, and the infamous VHS vs. Betamax wars.
Katie shares how The VHS Club grew out of long-distance movie nights with her childhood best friend, eventually becoming a podcast celebrating classic films and shared viewing experiences. The panel reflects on how physical media created intention and community—contrasting sharply with today's overwhelming abundance of streaming options and "spoiled for choice" fatigue.
The conversation shifts to the modern era, examining how streaming services—especially Apple TV+ and Netflix—reshaped content consumption, binge-watching habits, and original programming. David and Jeff explore the fragility of digital ownership, the renewed interest in DVDs, Blu-ray, and VHS among younger generations, and the growing collector culture surrounding physical media.
Looking forward, the panel discusses immersive movie experiences through Apple Vision Pro, questioning whether shared virtual environments could bring back the communal magic of theaters. The episode wraps with rapid-fire movie picks, favorite must-own physical titles, and a lively debate over which single streaming service they'd choose if forced to pick just one.
Announcements
Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when  they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. 
Macstock IX Digital Pass
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 Guest
Katie Fawkes is the Director of Marketing at Ecamm, a leading live streaming and video production software for Mac users. With a background in content strategy, podcasting, and community building, Katie is passionate about helping creators confidently show up on camera and grow their brands through video. She's the co-host of The Flow and The VHS Club video podcasts, hosts multiple live video series, and speaks regularly at industry events on topics like one-take video, camera confidence, and creator marketing.
Co-Host
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 @[email protected] and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social‬ Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast  Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg he is joined by Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. The first In Touch With iOS episode of 2026 kicks off with major Apple news as Chase becomes the new issuer of Apple Card, sparking discussion about rewards, savings accounts, and what changes may come. The panel also dives into Apple Vision Pro updates, including immersive LA Lakers games and media scrutiny around sales performance. Plus, we cover beta security updates, Apple Music enhancements, a Logitech certificate mishap, standout CES 2026 tech, and new AI integrations shaping email and music discovery.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
 Direct Link to Audio 
Links to our Show
Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!
Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 
Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios
Website: In Touch With iOS
YouTube Channel
In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
Facebook Page
BlueSky
Mastodon
X
Instagram
Threads
Summary
Episode 402 opens the new year with Dave Ginsburg joined by Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden for a wide-ranging Apple ecosystem discussion. The panel begins with breaking news that Chase will replace Goldman Sachs as the Apple Card issuer, a transition expected to take up to 24 months. The group debates potential impacts on daily cash back, high-yield savings, international availability, and whether Chase branding could alter the card's famously minimalist experience.
Attention then turns to Apple Vision Pro, highlighted by the announcement of immersive LA Lakers games available to users in select regions. While excited about Apple's continued push into immersive sports, the panel addresses recent reports questioning Vision Pro sales and critiques media narratives framing the platform as a failure. The consensus: Vision Pro is still early, niche, and evolving—especially for enterprise and immersive content.
On the software side, Apple's background security update testing raises interesting questions about transparency and user control, while Wi-Fi 6E performance boosts arrive quietly for newer Macs and iPads. Apple Music also gets some love, with new playlist folders, pinned music, and lock-screen animations, plus deeper discussion on whether Apple Music is now compelling enough to replace Spotify for some users.
The episode also touches on a Logitech mouse certificate expiration that temporarily broke advanced features, reinforcing concerns about cloud-dependent hardware. From CES 2026, the team highlights smart bird feeders, AI-powered TVs, and a massive 52-inch 6K Dell display, sparking debate about longevity, privacy, and the growing creep of "always-connected" devices.
Finally, the panel explores AI integrations in Gmail and Apple Music, including ChatGPT-powered playlist creation.
Topics and Links
Breaking News
Chase to become new issuer of Apple Card
Apple Card Issuer Transition
JPMorgan Chase Reaches a Deal to Take Over the Apple Credit Card
In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 
Immersive Los Angeles Lakers Games Coming to Vision Pro on January 9
M5 Vision Pro launch likely made minimal sales impact: report
Analysts need Apple Vision Pro to be a flop, whether Apple considers it one or not
Beta this week. No updates this week. Apple releases iOS 26.3 security test for beta users, details here
Apple Again Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3
In Touch With Mac this week
Apple Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3
iPadOS and macOS 26.2 Double 5GHz Wi-Fi Bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6E Devices
RIP MacUpdater – keep all your apps up-to-date effortlessly Dave tries Updatest as an alternative.
Dave tries this Mac app to manage all your Mac drives. DriveBuddy    Never Lose a File Again with Drivebuddy.io
Other Topics
Apple Music
iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite new features in years
It's not you–a Logitech blunder borked your Mac mouse, but there's a fix
CES News
For Eric CES 2026: Birdbuddy Debuts New Smart Bird Feeders 
CES 2026: Google Brings Gemini AI Features to Google TV, Previewing What Apple TV Could Get
Dell announces massive 52-inch 6K display with Thunderbolt
News
Apple Store Moving in Montréal, Get the Mac and iPhone Wallpaper Now
Apple TV just won prestigious awards for three hit series and one movie
Apple Fitness+ launches new features for building exercise habits 
The Shure MV88 (again) plugs right into your iPhone
Gmail Users Can Now Use These Three AI Features Without Paying
Generate Apple Music Playlists With ChatGPT
Announcements
Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when  they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. 
Macstock IX Digital Pass
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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  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 [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], 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 [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg. He is joined by Patrice Brend'amour, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, and Marty Jencius.  A year-end discussion covering Apple's biggest stories of 2025. The panel dives into the Vision Pro M5 update, iOS 26.3 beta changes, iPhone 17 improvements, iPad's role as a laptop replacement, Apple's transition away from Intel Macs, security concerns, and reflections on AI tools like ChatGPT as the year comes to a close.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
 Direct Link to Audio 
Links to our Show
Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!
 
Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 
Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios
 
Website: In Touch With iOS
 
YouTube Channel
 
In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
 
Facebook Page
 
BlueSky
 
Mastodon
 
X
 
Instagram
 
Threads
 
Summary
 
In this end-of-year episode of In Touch With iOS, host David Ginsburg welcomes a full panel to reflect on Apple's hardware, software, and platform shifts throughout 2025. The discussion begins with a deep dive into Apple Vision Pro, focusing on whether the new M5 model is a worthwhile upgrade, who it's really for, and whether Vision Pro should be viewed as a finished product, an emerging platform, or a preview of Apple's long-term spatial computing vision. The panel explores developer adoption, enterprise use cases, and why meaningful spatial productivity apps may take years to fully materialize.
 
The conversation then shifts to software, including impressions of the iOS 26.3 beta, particularly changes driven by EU regulations and continued refinements across Apple's platforms. Attention turns to the iPhone 17 lineup, where incremental updates, battery life improvements, camera enhancements, USB-C workflows, and vapor cooling spark debate about whether upgrading is worth it year over year.
 
From there, the panel revisits the ongoing question of whether the iPad can truly replace a laptop, acknowledging its powerful hardware while noting ongoing limitations in iPadOS. The discussion continues with Apple's Mac lineup, highlighting macOS Tahoe as the final release to support Intel Macs and reflecting on how Apple Silicon has reshaped performance, battery life, and upgrade cycles.
 
Security also enters the spotlight with a discussion on a recent malware case that bypassed macOS Gatekeeper, reinforcing the importance of user awareness despite Apple's protections. The episode wraps with a lighter but thoughtful look at ChatGPT's new year-end summary feature, comparing it to services like Spotify Wrapped and reflecting on how AI tools are becoming increasingly personal in daily workflows.
 
The episode closes with final thoughts on Apple's 2025 trajectory, community engagement, and what lies ahead as the calendar turns toward 2026.
 
Topics and Links
As 2025 comes to a close we review what happened this year with Apple and technology. 
In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 
Lets review Vision Pro in 2025
M5 version was released and dual knit head band was this a big upgrade?
 Big Picture
At the end of 2025, is Vision Pro a product, a platform, or a preview of what's next?
Beta This week
iOS 26.3 Beta 1 continues 
iPhone, iPad year in Review 
iPhone
iPhone in 2025 focused on refinement over reinvention iPhone 17



Camera improvements emphasized computational photography and video



USB-C accessories expanded across storage, audio, and capture workflows



Battery efficiency improved through optimization rather than capacity

Control Center and privacy tools became more powerful and flexible

iPad
iPad hardware remained ahead of most real-world use cases



iPadOS delivered incremental multitasking and external display improvements



Ongoing tension between iPad as a laptop replacement vs companion device



Overall theme: quieter updates, smarter systems, and platform stability



In Touch With Mac this week
Apple officially ended the Intel era with macOS Tahoe, locking in Apple Silicon as the future. We saw M5-powered Macs push performance and battery life even further, while the Mac Studio continued to blur the line with the Mac Pro.
It marks the end of official support for Intel-based Macs, meaning future macOS versions after Tahoe will be exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs. We've Finally Reached the End of the Road for Intel Macs

Macbook releases this year.
MacBook Air 13"
M4
March 2025 
MacBook Air 15"
M4
March 2025 
MacBook Pro 14"
M5
October 2025 

Do we expect Macbook Pro M5 Pros?
 
Review: M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are probably Apple's best Mac minis ever
 
Other Topics
 
AirDrop codes allow temporary persistent contact
 
News
 
Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year
 
Malware bypassed macOS Gatekeeper by abusing Apple's notarization process
 
ChatGPT Now Has a 2025 Year-End Summary Feature Like Spotify Wrapped
 
Announcements
Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when  they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. 
Macstock IX Digital Pass
 
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 @[email protected] 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 [email protected]  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 [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], 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 [email protected]  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677