390 - Immersive Vision Pro Films, AirPods Pro 3 on Flights, and iOS 26 Tips

Summary

In Episode 390 of In Touch With iOS, host Dave Ginsburg is joined by Jill McKinley, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, and Ben Roethig to tackle Apple's latest updates with a mix of analysis and humor.

The panel begins with VisionOS 26.1 beta 2, highlighting improved game controller responsiveness and Apple's new immersive films—from Hawaii's volcanoes to Maine's autumn colors. Marty jokes Apple just used the Photos app's magic wand to turn summer into fall, while the group teases about running out of U.S. states to film. They also discuss the quirky Hover strap accessory that "flips up like old-man sunglasses" with ad copy quoting "When a problem comes along, you must flip it."

iOS 26.1 beta 2 gets attention for bigger alarm buttons, a snooze/stop redesign, and expanded Apple Intelligence languages. On iPad, the return of Slide Over sparks relief, while microphone gain control earns praise for podcasters. Apple's Fitness app adds custom workouts, and AirPods Pro 3 receive a firmware update. Marty shares a hilarious inflight story: the new seal was so tight his ears went "poppity, poppity, poppity" during descent.

The crew explores iPhone 17's USB-C capabilities—charging AirPods, external displays, Ethernet, even other iPhones. Jeff jokes about using USB-C mics for bird-watching apps, while Eric tests charging his Apple Watch directly from the iPhone.

Other highlights:

• Amazon Prime splurges (camera arms, Stream Decks, car jumpers, and audio gear).
  
  

• Tag Heuer's $1,600 Connected E5 smartwatch, now iPhone-certified—"a $1,600 dongle for your wrist."
  
  

• Apple's Colorado outdoor influencer event (hiking + AirPods demos).
  
  

• Cosmic Orange skins from Dbrand, prompting jokes about spray-tanning MacBooks or eating Cheetos near your iPhone.
  
  

• Liquid Glass design spreading to more Apple apps.
  
  

• CarPlay tensions: Rivian's refusal, Aston Martin as the lone CarPlay Ultra supporter, and frustration over automakers backtracking. Jeff warns CarPlay Ultra might never gain widespread adoption unless Apple compromises.
  
  

The panel closes with laughs about hidden iPhone call history ("your spouse's attorney already knows"), cosmic orange hunting gear, and CarPlay Ultra being more elusive than a lottery win.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

visionOS 26.1 Beta 2 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

Dave's review. Apple releases new 'Elevated' episode for Apple Vision Pro - 9to5Mac

Marty found a new headset extension call the Hover headset. https://hoverheadset.com/?country=US

Beta this week.

iOS 26.1 Beta 2 was released this week. iOS 26.1 beta 2 now available

iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 available now, here's what to expect

iPadOS 26.1 Beta 2 Reintroduces Slide Over Multitasking

watchOS 26.1 beta 2 rolling out now for Apple Watch users

tvOS 26.1 beta 2 now available for Apple TV 4K

Apple Seeds Second Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1 and More

Apple Seeds Second Public Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1

Everything New in iOS 26.1 Beta 2

Apple Fixes Alarms in iOS 26.1

5+ New Features Your iPhone Will Get in iOS 26.1

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

What can I plug into my iPhone 17 USB-C port?

AirPods Pro 3 Experience on Plane - Marty

🔋 Charging Apple Watch and iPhone Together with MagSafe

What You Need

• iPhone with USB-C (iPhone 15 models and later)

• MagSafe Charger (for iPhone)

• Apple Watch Magnetic Charger (USB-C version)

How to Set It Up

1. Charge your iPhone via MagSafe

• Place your iPhone on the MagSafe Charger connected to a wall adapter.

• This gives your iPhone continuous power.

2. Connect your Apple Watch charger to your iPhone

• Plug the Apple Watch's USB-C charging puck into your iPhone's USB-C port.

• Place your Apple Watch on the puck.

3. Both devices charge at once

• Your iPhone is powered by MagSafe.

• At the same time, your iPhone passes power through its USB-C port to your Apple Watch.

Notes & Tips

• This setup is handy for travel: only one wall adapter needed.

• The iPhone passes enough power for accessories like Apple Watch and AirPods, but not for larger devices.

• Your iPhone may warm up slightly since it's charging itself and providing power out at the same time

iOS 26 Tips

iOS 26: Keep AirPods Connected When You Get in Your Car

iOS 26: See Your Full Call History With Any iPhone Contact

iOS 26: Make Your iPhone Wait on Hold for You

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.1 developer beta 2

Cool MacOS app found. Folder Quick Look on the Mac App Store Folder Quick Look is a deliciously simple and useful utility that should be part of macOS

Other Topics

We all recovered from Amazon Prime days. What did we all buy?

Jeff and Dave https://amzn.to/4q2ryoL

Dave https://amzn.to/48VDRNi

Jill https://amzn.to/4nDHI6i Focusrite 2i2 4th

Jill https://amzn.to/4hp18K5 - Car Jumper/Battery

News

New TAG Heuer Smartwatches Now 'Made for iPhone'

Apple Modifies In-Store MagSafe Stands to Prevent iPhone 17 Marks

Apple Hosts Unusual Colorado Event to Showcase Latest Hardware - MacRumors

Now you can have all your Apple devices in the new Cosmic Orange

Apple Mocks Windows PCs in Humorous New 'Blue Screen of Death' Ad

More Apple Apps Get Liquid Glass Redesign

Rivian CEO Doubles Down on Decision to Not Offer Apple CarPlay

These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra

Announcements

Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us.

Macstock IX Digital Pass

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.

Ben Roethig Former Associate Editor of GeekBeat.TV and host of the Tech Hangout and Deconstruct with Patrice Mac user since the mid 90s. Tech support specialist. X @benroethig and all other social media @benroethig. Website: https://roethigtech.com/