404 - CES 2026 Highlights and Apple's Big Creative Move

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

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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

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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