426 - Vision Pro Apps, HomeKit Rumors & Apple AI Predictions

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, and Jill McKinley discuss Vision Pro apps, WWDC 2026 predictions, Apple Intelligence rumors, Siri upgrades, HomeKit speculation, Apple software updates, and the future of immersive computing. The panel also shares practical iPhone tips, talks about Apple Design Award winners, puzzle games, Macstock 10, and Ecamm Creator Camp—with plenty of laughs and Apple speculation throughout the episode.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

In this episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, and Jill McKinley for a fun and insightful discussion covering Vision Pro apps, Apple hardware rumors, WWDC 2026 expectations, Siri and Apple Intelligence speculation, HomeKit frustrations, and practical Apple tips. The panel opens the show with plenty of humor before diving into several Vision Pro-focused stories and apps that caught their attention this week.

The discussion begins with Apple's recognition of The Primary News in Depth as part of the Apple Design Awards. The app delivers immersive spatial news experiences on Vision Pro and sparks conversation about the future of immersive journalism and the challenges of producing high-quality spatial video content. Marty points out how apps like this can expose users to stories and perspectives from around the world that traditional U.S. news outlets often overlook.

The panel also highlights Let's Go Fly, a free Vision Pro immersive aviation app that lets users experience flight in spatial video. Jill shares her enthusiasm for flight simulation experiences and discusses how immersive environments like this could become a major use case for Vision Pro moving forward.

Attention then shifts to the future of Vision Pro hardware after new reports suggested Apple may be developing a lighter and more affordable Vision Pro successor for release sometime around 2028. Marty explains the distinction between Vision Pro as a premium immersive entertainment and enterprise device versus future Apple smart glasses aimed at mainstream consumers. Jeff strongly pushes back against ongoing claims that Vision Pro is "on ice," arguing Apple has always treated the product as an evolving platform rather than a mass-market product from day one. Jill compares the current state of Vision Pro to the early days of expensive VHS players and other technology products that eventually became mainstream over time.

The team also discusses a newly granted Apple patent describing an Apple Pencil-like XR input device capable of providing haptic feedback and texture simulation in virtual environments. Jeff becomes especially excited about the creative possibilities for artists, sculptors, and even medical professionals using virtual tools with tactile feedback. The group also talks about how Apple's haptics technology continues to separate its ecosystem from competitors.

On the software side, the panel reviews the latest Apple beta and minor software updates, including macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 and an iOS update addressing charging issues affecting iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models. Jeff shares a theory that the macOS update may also quietly address kernel panic crashes tied to external spinning hard drives connected to Macs.

With WWDC 2026 only days away, the discussion shifts heavily toward predictions and expectations for Apple's annual developer conference. The panel reacts to Apple inviting WWDC attendees to a special screening of The Mandalorian and Grogu at Apple Park, complete with a possible appearance by special guests involved with the film. Dave shares his thoughts after seeing the movie in theaters and praises its action sequences and sound design.

The conversation then turns to WWDC predictions, with everyone agreeing that Apple Intelligence and Siri upgrades will likely dominate much of the keynote. Jeff expects Apple to focus on AI integration without going overboard the way other tech companies have recently done. Jill hopes Apple introduces a much more personal and contextual AI assistant capable of understanding the user's device, files, habits, and health data. She also expresses interest in deeper HealthKit integration that could provide meaningful insights into sleep patterns, blood sugar tracking, and wellness habits. Marty predicts Apple will expose new APIs allowing Siri and Apple Intelligence to integrate more deeply into apps and potentially VisionOS itself.

HomeKit and smart home functionality become another major topic as the panel discusses rumors surrounding new HomePod mini hardware, a refreshed Apple TV, and a possible smart home-focused "HomePad" device. Jeff floats the idea that Apple could eventually position Apple TV as a more serious gaming console if future hardware includes dramatically improved processors.

The show also includes several practical Apple tips, including how to leave FaceTime video voicemail messages, set up text replacements, use the one-handed iPhone keyboard, clear notifications quickly, and set timers that automatically stop music or audio playback. Jeff also highlights how much he relies on Universal Clipboard between Apple devices throughout his day.

Later in the episode, the panel discusses Apple's latest App Design Award winners, including apps like Structured, Grug, Is This Seat Taken?, Guitar Whiz, and immersive Vision Pro NBA experiences. Jill shares her enthusiasm for Structured as an ADHD-friendly productivity app, while Marty and Jeff discuss puzzle games, retro-style experiences, and the growing creativity in Apple's developer ecosystem.

The episode closes with excitement surrounding Macstock 10 and the upcoming Ecamm Creator Camp event. Dave, Marty, Jeff, and Jill talk about their upcoming presentations, the importance of community networking, and how Macstock continues to bring together Apple fans, creators, podcasters, and developers for one of the most enjoyable Apple community events of the year. The panel also reflects on the upcoming closure of the British Tech Network and the final episodes of several long-running shows.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

Design App Of the Year: Primary: News in Depth App

https://www.reddit.com/r/VisionPro/s/j0UijSfDeS

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lets-go-fly/id6757612693

Cheaper, Lighter Apple Vision Pro Successor Could Arrive in Late 2028

Future Apple Vision Pro could gain Apple Pencil that can simulate textures

Patently Apple - Apple Reveals Apple Pencil with Texture Detection & Haptic Emulation for XR Environments

Beta this week. iOS 26.6. Beta 1 continues

Apple Releases iOS 26.5.1 to Fix Charging Issue on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Models

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 to Fix Shutdown Issue Affecting Enterprise Users on M5 Macs

macOS 26.5.1 is out with an important fix for enterprise users

MacOS Tahoe 26.5.1 Update Released with Bug Fix for Enterprise M5 Users

Other Topics

WWDC 2026 preview and predictions

Apple Invites WWDC 2026 Attendees to 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Screening at Apple Park

iOS 27: What We Know About the New Siri App

watchOS 27: Three new Apple Watch features being announced next week

Apple Teases Next Week's WWDC 2026 Event: 'All Systems Glow'

New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored

Tips

You can leave FaceTime video voicemails, and a lot of people don't know it - here's how

Lesser-known iPhone features I use every single day!

News

iPhone 18 Pro May Drop Cosmic Orange After Color Complaints

Google Expands AirDrop Support to More Android Phones

Apple reveals winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards

Apple Announces This Year's App Design Award Winners Ahead of WWDC 2026

Final BTN Show

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