420 - MacBook Neo Is Hot, Apple AI Grows, and is Vision Pro doomed or Not

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 InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

In Episode 420, Dave and the panel dive deep into the evolving Apple ecosystem, starting with the latest visionOS 26.5 beta and broader conversations around the future of Apple Vision Pro. Despite headlines suggesting Apple may be "giving up," the panel pushes back—highlighting real-world use cases in healthcare and filmmaking that suggest the opposite.

A standout story includes Vision Pro being used in cataract surgery, enabling real-time collaboration and 3D visualization—showcasing its growing role in enterprise and medical environments. In parallel, Hollywood is embracing the device, with directors like Jon Favreau leveraging Vision Pro for immersive shot composition in virtual IMAX environments.

The conversation shifts to Apple's broader ecosystem updates, including beta releases across iOS, macOS, and watchOS, which remain relatively quiet ahead of WWDC. Meanwhile, the MacBook Neo continues to generate buzz with strong demand and shipping delays, reinforcing its early success.

AI continues to dominate discussion with tools like Perplexity's Comet browser, YouTube's conversational search experiments, and Google Photos' upcoming wardrobe AI feature. Apple also enhances iCloud with improved web-based search functionality—closing the gap with competitors.

Additional topics include Apple Pay transit expansion, App Store subscription changes, MagSafe's uncertain future, and excitement around upcoming Apple TV+ content like Ted Lasso Season 4.

The episode wraps with a preview of MacStock X, featuring appearances from industry voices including David Pogue and a special Ecamm Creator Camp.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

visionOS 26.5 Beta 4 Release Notes

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

Apple Vision Pro Used in World-First Cataract Surgery

Latest 'Star Wars' movie cut unnecessary costs by using Apple Vision Pro

Apple wins Patent for Bridge Emitters & Sensors to Keep AR Glasses Aligned Over Time

Beta this week.

Apple Seeds Fourth iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers

Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

In Touch With Mac this week

Fourth macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta Now Available for Developers

MacBook Neo Still Seeing Extended Delivery Estimates at Apple, But Amazon and Walmart Have Stock

Other Topics

Perplexity just gave its Comet AI browser an upgrade for iPad users with these features

YouTube Tests AI-Powered 'Ask YouTube' Conversational Search Feature

iOS 26.4 adds convenient new iCloud feature, here's how to enable it

Google Photos to Get AI 'Wardrobe' Feature

Apple Introduces App Store Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitmenth

Apple May Reconsider MagSafe Future on Upcoming iPhones

ProClip USA

News

Apple Shares 'Ted Lasso' Season Four Streaming Date and Teaser Trailer

Watch The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Live On Apple TV This Weekend

Apple Q2 2026 Earnings Call: Date, Time, and What Could Move the Stock

Apple Pay for Transit Now Works in These 12 U.S. Cities

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 @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