435 - Apple Earnings Soar While the iPhone Upgrade Program Evolves

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. Apple reports another outstanding quarter as the panel discusses record revenue, Tim Cook's final earnings call, and what it means for Apple's future. The conversation also covers iOS 27's newest features, important security updates across Apple's platforms, Apple's new Klarna-powered leasing program replacing the iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare changes, Ted Lasso's return, Gemini on the Mac, and a collection of favorite Apple apps, accessories, and productivity tools.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

Apple delivered another blockbuster quarter, and this week the panel breaks down what the numbers really mean. Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, and Guy Serle to discuss Apple's impressive Q3 earnings, including strong growth in iPhone, Mac, Services, and Wearables, along with Tim Cook's final earnings call before leadership transitions. The group examines what drove Apple's success, why Services continues to be such a major business, and how Apple's future product strategy could evolve.

The discussion then shifts to Apple's latest software releases, including visionOS 26.6, iOS 26.6, macOS 26.6, and the continuing iOS 27 developer beta cycle. The panel highlights important security updates, new Spotlight improvements, and several welcome quality-of-life features coming in iOS 27, including separate alarm and ringtone controls, smarter dictation behavior in Messages, enhanced FaceTime capabilities, improved Wi-Fi and cellular handoffs, and Apple Intelligence-powered call context.

One of the biggest conversations centers around Apple's brand-new U.S. leasing program with Klarna, replacing the longtime iPhone Upgrade Program. The panel explores how the new leasing model compares with traditional financing, discusses AppleCare implications, resale value, monthly payments, and whether Apple's hardware strategy is slowly becoming subscription-based.

The episode wraps up with AppleCare One updates, excitement over Ted Lasso's return, Google's Gemini improvements on macOS, Qualcomm's changing relationship with Apple, Granola's Apple Watch support, and another great collection of favorite apps, accessories, productivity tools, and Apple gear from the panel.

Topics and Links

Apple Q3 Results Announced

Apple announces record Q3 results

One last time, this is Tim: Final transcript of Apple's Q3 2026 earnings call

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

Apple Releases visionOS 26.6

Beta this week. iOS 27 Beta 4 all the betas continues

Apple Releases iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 With iOS 27 Optimizations

watchOS 26.6 available now for Apple Watch, here's what's new

Apple Releases tvOS 26.6

iOS 27 Finally Unlinks Alarm Volume From Your iPhone Ringer

iOS 27 Lets You Hide the Messages Button Everyone Hits by Mistake

iOS 27: All the New Phone and FaceTime Features

In Touch With Mac this week

Update Now: iOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 Patch Hundreds of Security Flaws

Other Topics

iPhone Upgrade Program Changes

Apple Upgrade - Lease iPhone, Mac, iPad, Watch

Apple Upgrade launches in the United States

iPhone Upgrade Program - Apple

Apple Upgrade: 20 Things to Know Before Leasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac

'Apple Upgrade' Pricing: You Can Lease an iPhone Starting at $18/Month

Apple Upgrade: 20 Things to Know Before Leasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Apple's New Upgrade Program: Is It Worth It?

'Apple Upgrade' Pricing: You Can Lease an iPhone Starting at $18/Month

All the Changes to AppleCare+ This Month

AppleCare calculator

News

Apple Shares 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Trailer Premieres 8/5

Gemini for Mac Adds System-Wide Voice Dictation and Screen-Aware Commands

Qualcomm Expects Apple Modem Revenue to Drop Faster Than Expected

'Granola' Launches on Apple Watch

This weeks "Things we found"

Marty - Droppy: Notch manager with all sorts of functionally built in https://getdroppy.ap

Dave: Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag

Carrd - 3 very simple websites for $9, 10 bit more complex website $19 a year https://carrd.com - Jill

Eric - airstream software serve movies to Vision Pro and translate 3D movies https://spatial.film/airstream/ (requires free membership to download)

Jeff - Prompt 3 https://panic.com/prompt/

Chuck - Govee Floor Lamp 3 with Luminblend+ Technology, 1000K-10000K Standing Lamp
https://amzn.to/4wzXVhj

Guy Acorn 8 - https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/

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 @jgamet@pixelfed.social 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 Artapoc

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 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.

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