382 - Apple's Oxygen, MacBook Rumors and F1 Zoom – Fast, Furious, and Slightly Confused

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius. Significant Apple news: a software-based return of the blood oxygen feature for select Apple Watches, Vision Pro beta updates, and an in-depth look at apps like SailGP and Cassette. The panel discusses iOS 26's Wallet improvements, on-site iPad repairs, and rumors of a budget MacBook. Listeners also get commentary on Apple Card ratings, Apple Arcade's September lineup, Netflix's new tvOS interface, and ESPN/Fox's streaming bundle.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

Major news headlines include Apple's recent update to the Apple Watch blood oxygen feature. The panel analyzes technical and legal implications, discussing how select watch models now regain this popular health capability through an iPhone and Apple Watch software workaround, referencing user experiences and perspectives on health data tracking and device compatibility.

The episode transitions to the Vision Pro and its VisionOS 26 beta 6 release, noting a lack of major changes but reflecting on the broader developer beta process and the excitement or skepticism within the community, especially over anticipated new environments and hardware rumors like a possible M5 chip in future Vision Pro models.

Apps in focus include SailGP, a mixed reality app for sports fans that sets a new standard for immersive race coverage and AR visualizations. The panel explores its strengths and ponders expansion to other sports. Meanwhile, iOS 26 beta 6 is dissected for its subtle UI enhancements and the Wallet app's new card vaulting feature, which brings all credit card info into one secure location for convenience and security.

News of Apple Stores introducing on-site iPad repairs is received as a positive shift toward more customer-friendly service, though concerns about logistics and inventory remain. The possible release of a new entry-level MacBook at a sub-$999 price point is debated, with thoughts on its impact for education markets, users' expectations, and technical compromises.

Further discussions highlight:

• The panel's experiences with the F1 movie in IMAX, praising its immersive qualities and its educational insight into the sport.

• A new nostalgic VHS-styled app, "Cassette," for organizing and replaying old videos.

• The security-focused vault app "Access," alternative to 1Password, with analysis of its privacy, encryption, and use cases.

• Apple Card's satisfaction ratings and comparison to other credit cards according to the latest JD Power survey.

• The upcoming Apple Arcade September lineup, featuring NFL Retro Bowl 26 and Jeopardy Daily, which stirs memories and excitement for mobile gaming.

• Updates about Netflix's redesign for tvOS and the implications for viewing convenience.

Breaking News

An update on Blood Oxygen for Apple Watch in the U.S.

Redesigned blood oxygen monitoring returns to Apple Watch (Jill)

iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 Released: Blood Oxygen Monitoring Returns to U.S. Apple Watches

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

Apple releases visionOS 26 developer beta 6

visionOS 26 Beta 6 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

Apple Code ConfirmApple Code Confirms Vision Pro With M5 Chip - MacRumorss Vision Pro With M5 Chip

SailGP releases new mixed reality app for Apple Vision Pro

App link: SailGP RaceScapeSailGP releases new mixed reality app for Apple Vision Pro XR

Beta this week.

iOS 26 beta 6 was released this week.

Apple releases iOS 26 beta 6 for iPhone

​​Apple Releases Third iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Public Betas, New Developer Beta

iPadOS 26 beta 6 now available, here's what to expect

iOS 26 beta 6 adds six brand new iPhone ringtones, listen here

tvOS 26 beta 6 just released for Apple TV 4K

watchOS 26 beta 6 available now for Apple Watch

Everything new in iOS 26 beta 6

iOS 26: Save Physical Card Details in Wallet App

CarPlay in iOS 26 enables 'video in the car', but support may take a while - 9to5Mac

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple Seeds Sixth Beta of macOS Tahoe to Developers

Apple Seeds Second macOS Sequoia 15.7 Release Candidate to Developers

Could there be? Low-cost MacBook production starting soon, possible $599 or $699 pricing

Other Topics

Dave was able to see F1 the Movie in IMAX and he gave his review. Apple Original Films' summer blockbuster "F1 The Movie" accelerates back into IMAX

Cassette brings VHS nostalgia to your iPhone's camera roll - 9to5Mac

Apps Found

Access

Access: Private Vault on the App Store

News

Apple Card lands third in J.D. Power's U.S. credit card satisfaction rankings (Jilll)

Apple Arcade's September lineup mixes NFL football, Jeopardy!, and fan-favorite updates

ESPN and FOX will offer bundle with their new streaming services

Netflix just rolled out a big tvOS redesign for Apple TV 4K users

Apple Reportedly Planning to Offer In-Store iPad Repairs

Announcements

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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.

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.