393 - Apple Immersive Futures and Practical Updates

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Ben Roethig. the panel covers the latest VisionOS 26.1 beta, Apple's immersive media developer sessions, iOS/iPadOS 26.1 features, and usability tweaks like the liquid glass customization and app defaults in Files. The group also discusses Apple Maps ads, Spotify's new Apple TV app, T-Mobile autopay restrictions, and the soon-to-arrive digital U.S. passport feature in Apple Wallet — all with humor, strong opinions, and relatable real-world Apple use cases.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

The episode opens with David preparing for a Vegas birthday trip and the panel noting the fun milestone of episode 393 being a numeric palindrome.

The conversation quickly shifts to VisionOS 26.1, where Marty notes that the most recent release candidate feels light on visible changes, leaving users eager for VisionOS 26.2 to bring more meaningful updates. Eric highlights new comfort-focused Vision Pro band patent designs aimed at improving ergonomics, sparking humor about Apple eventually adding a knob for everything — "soon you'll need a wrench to adjust your face."

The panel then discusses Apple's recent developer event focused on immersive media, including guidance for filming spatial content, editing workflows, and format constraints — a move Apple hopes will encourage new creators and expand immersive content libraries on Vision Pro.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

visionOS 26.1 Beta 4 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

Apple Explores Smart Tension Bands to Improve Vision Pro Design

Apple Hosts Special Vision Pro Event for Developers

Beta this week.

Apple Seeds iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Candidates

iPadOS 26.1 RC now available ahead of public launch

iOS 26.1 release candidate now available with these changes

iOS 26.1 will add four new ways to customize your iPhone

In Touch With Mac this week

Here Are Apple's Release Notes for macOS Tahoe 26.1

MacPaw releases Moonlock, a standalone macOS security app with real-time protection, smart insights, built-in VPN, more

iMazing 3.4: enjoy pro-level control of your iPhone

Other Topics

M4 vs. M5 iPad Pro Buyer's Guide: 20 Differences Compared

Did you know? Can you use YouTube Music offline on Apple Watch?

Another Tip: iOS 26: Set a default app for opening files on iPhone or iPad

News

Apple Reportedly Moving Ahead With Ads in Maps App

Spotify Launches Redesigned Apple TV App With Music Videos, Podcasts

T-Mobile closing AutoPay discount loophole for Apple Pay and credit card payments

Apple Says U.S. Passport Feature on iPhone is Coming Soon

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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/