341 - iCloud Needs More Storage and Carrot has CarPlay

In Touch with iOS

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guest Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius. We discuss updates in Apple's ecosystem with guests Jill McKinley, Chuck Joyner, and Marty Gentius. We analyze the beta release of Vision Pro OS 2.3, Touch ID integration potential, and Mark Gurman's insights on an affordable Vision Pro headset. The episode also covers iOS 18's AI features, the success of the MacBook Air, iCloud storage pricing concerns, and experiences with RCS messaging. Finally, we review the future of Apple TV+ and the anticipated AI health coaching feature in Apple One

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

Direct Link to Audio

Links to our Show

Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!

Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee

Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios

Website: In Touch With iOS

YouTube Channel

In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard

Facebook Page

BlueSky

Mastodon

X

Instagram

Threads

Spoutible

Summary Topics and Links

We kick off the episode by exploring the recent beta release of Vision Pro OS 2.3, where our hosts discuss the lack of noteworthy changes and the implications for developers. Despite the excitement surrounding the Vision Pro, the conversation quickly turns to the need for Touch ID integration, speculating on how it might enhance user experience when using the headset.

We then shift our focus to Apple's strategic moves within the AR and VR landscape. The team examines analyst Mark Gurman's insights on the future of Vision Pro, considering the potential for a more affordable headset to cater to a broader audience and how it may impact the existing technology. Chuck and Marty share their thoughts on the contrasting narratives within the industry regarding the evolution of AR, with some advocating for a shift back to Touch ID while others are optimistic about Face ID advancements.

The episode further delves into iOS 18 and its growing AI capabilities, particularly in relation to Siri and the Vision Pro. Our hosts express caution and skepticism over how these features could meaningfully connect with Vision Pro functionality, highlighting the general anticipation around upcoming updates but recognizing the gaps in integration that remain.

As we transition to discussing Apple's ecosystem, we touch upon the remarkable success of the MacBook Air and the long-standing favor it holds among users, followed by a celebration of the MacBook Pro's anniversary and its evolution over the years. The conversation around iCloud storage tiers reveals concerns regarding Apple's pricing strategy and the lack of competitive offerings compared to other services, prompting a lively debate on how Apple can adapt in this area to retain user loyalty.

Shifting gears, we address the recent push for RCS messaging support on iPhones and the mixed experiences users have had when communicating with Android devices, particularly in relation to security. A cautionary tale emerges around phishing scams targeting iPhone users, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Finally, we touch on the enhancements made to the Apple One subscription service, specifically the anticipated AI health coaching feature that is poised to elevate user engagement and fitness tracking. Our hosts enthusiastically discuss the future of Apple TV+, reviewing its market position and the steps Apple needs to take to improve visibility and user retention as they roll out new content.

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

Apple Seeds visionOS 2.3 Beta 3 to Developers

visionOS 2.3 Beta 3Apple Seeds visionOS 2.3 Beta 3 to Developers

Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

Why Vision Pro is Apple’s best reason yet to bring Touch ID back to iPhone

Gurman: Vision Pro 2 won't release in 2025, but lower-cost headset is 'ramping up'

iOS 18.4’s new Siri powers get me really excited for Vision Pro’s future

Mark Zuckerberg Admits Apple Vision Pro Is Better Than Quest 3 For Watching Movie

Beta this week. iOS 18.3 Beta 3 releases this week. Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3

Everything New in iOS 18.3 Beta 3

iOS 18.3 Temporarily Removes Notification Summaries for News

Apple Seeds Third Beta of watchOS 11.3 to Developers

Apple Seeds Third Beta of tvOS 18.3 to Developers

Apple's Website Lists Unreleased tvOS 18.2.1 Update

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple Seeds Third Beta of macOS Sequoia 15.3 to Developers

The MacBook Air Turns 17 Today

Apple Announced the MacBook Pro 19 Years Ago Today

iCloud

It's time for Apple to modernize its iCloud storage tiers

Messaging

These US carriers currently support RCS messaging on iPhone

Phishing Attacks Use This Simple Trick to Defeat iPhone Message Security

Apple One

Apple One might finally get a brand new service later this year

Tip

How to Change Your Default iPhone Apps

News

CARROT Weather Introduces CarPlay App and Automatic Live Activities

Goldman Sachs CEO Says Contract With Apple May End Early

Three Companies Are Now in the Running to Take Over the Apple Card

Apple Pay Now Lets You Pay Later With Synchrony [Updated]

iPhone Driver's License Support Coming to Illinois

Apple TV+ maintained ‘modest' market share during Q4 2024

Announcements

Macstock 9 is next summer. It's back again for 3 Days on July 11, 12, and 13th, 2025. Newsletter link here: https://mailchi.mp/0c81790aa2a8/macstock8-10132503?e=eb0c7039b1

Macstock 8 wrapped up for 2024. But you can purchase the digital pass and still see the great talks we had including Dave talking about Apple Services and more. Content is now available! . Click here for more information: Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo with discounts on previous events.

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 Mastadon @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 as well as Twitter and Instagram as @jgamet 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 [e-mail] https://thepodtalk.net

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. Twitter @benroethig Website: https://roethigtech.blogspot.com

About our Guests

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.

Jill McKinley is a professional in the field of enterprise software, server administration, and IT. She started her technical career in Windows but now exclusively uses a Mac in her personal life. She hosts several podcasts, including Start with Small Steps and Small Steps with God, where she offers tips and insights for a better life. Her podcast is at https://startwithsmallsteps.com and X @schmern.