324 - Keeping Up with The Betas and Dave’s Top 5 list of iOS 18 Features

In Touch with iOS

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guest Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet. discuss the latest updates in Apple devices, focusing on iOS 18 and the iOS 18.1 beta 4 release. Joined by Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, and Jeff Gamet, we share insights on new AI features, the revamped Siri interface, and the user experience challenges of the beta software.

We dive into my experiences with Vision Pro and its OS 2 updates, plus the excitement surrounding the upcoming iPhone 16, particularly its emphasis on repairability. Additionally, we explore the new security features and enhancements in iOS 18, underscoring the significant improvements for users. The episode wraps up with a light discussion on sports app updates and streaming complications, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Apple’s ecosystem.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

I dive deep into the updates and features of various Apple devices, focusing heavily on iOS 18 and the ongoing iOS beta releases. It’s great to have Guy Searle, Marty Gentius, and Jeff Gammon join me to discuss everything from the latest beta updates to the anticipated iPhone 16 releases.

We kick off the episode by discussing the release of iOS 18.1 beta 4 and MacOS Sequoia 15.1, which has many users excited about Apple intelligence features that were not included in the initial iOS 18 release. The anticipation for these AI-powered capabilities is palpable, especially among developers and enthusiasts who want to see how Apple will improve text handling and voice recognition through updates like the revamped Siri interface.

Marty shares his experiences with running the beta, highlighting some underwhelming aspects of Apple intelligence, while we all voice the consensus that some features still feel “early-stage.” We also discuss public access to the 18.1 beta and caution users against installing it on production devices, reminding listeners of the potential instability that often accompanies beta software. Of particular interest is the integration of AI features like improved spell-checking, grammar corrections, and enhanced user input methods.

Transitioning into discussions on Vision Pro, I share my experiences with the device over the last two weeks. We cover the recent updates to Vision OS 2, including enhanced response times and new guest modes for easier use by family and friends. Guy and Marty contribute insights about the evolving app landscape for Vision Pro, connecting it to broader trends in VR and AR technology, as well as user adoption challenges associated with high-cost devices.

From there, we dive into the excitement surrounding the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro's upcoming release. There’s an electric buzz in the conversation as we discuss the features of the new devices, especially the ease of repairs highlighted in Apple's communications. With the iPhone 16, we see a shift where repairability is finally being addressed, paving the way for sustainable practices in tech.

As we discuss some of the risks of being an early adopter, especially with iOS 18, I present a series of the most exciting new features we can expect to see with the OS, including the revamped Control Center, RCS support for smoother communication integration across devices, customizable home screen widgets, and enhancements to the calculator app. Each feature seems to represent a significant leap in usability and user experience.

Throughout the episode, we also touch on new security features, including the ability to lock apps and hide them for enhanced privacy, which is especially useful for sensitive applications. The Passwords app is also discussed, with a consensus that while it may not replace niche solutions like 1Password, it provides a solid and user-friendly option for the average person looking to manage their passwords effectively.

In a lighter vein, we wrap up our conversations about the sports app updates and the implications for streaming sports, discussing the rising costs and complications that often frustrate sports fans. Jeff vocalizes common grievances about the fragmentation of sports streaming services, while we all acknowledge the challenges ahead for sports enthusiasts trying to navigate this landscape.

As we conclude, we emphasize how each update and new feature ultimately aims to enhance user experiences across Apple’s ecosystem. It’s a thrilling time for tech enthusiasts, and we’re excited to see how these updates will transform the ways we interact with our devices.

Links Mentioned

Beta this week. iOS 18.1 Beta 4 was released this week.Apple Seeds Fourth Developer Betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 With Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.1 Beta 4 Expands Phone Call Recording and Transcribing to Select Older iPhone Models

Apple Seeds First iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia Public Betas With Apple Intelligence

Download tvOS 18.1 Beta 1 for Apple TV

watchOS 11.1 Beta 1 Now Available

Vision Pro This week. Apple Releases visionOS 2 With 2D Spatial Photos Feature, Persona Updates, Improved Guest Mode and More

Apple Vision Pro's Killer New Feature Coming Later This Year

Apple Releases visionOS 2.1 Beta 1 for Vision Pro

Is the Vision Pro a flop? We discussed this.

Alternative device? https://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-focus-vision-specs-price-release-date-announcement/

iPhone 16 releases tomorrow 9/20 Recap of what model they

iOS and iPadOS 17.7with bug fixes Apple releases iOS 17.7 with security fixes as an iOS 18 alternative

When Should You Upgrade to Apple’s 2024 OS Releases

iOS 18 was released to everyone this week.

iOS 18 Features: The Ultimate Mega Guide

Dave’s Top 5 list of iOS 18 Features

Control Center Everything New With the iOS 18 Control Center

RCS Support and iMessage New Features Everything New in the iOS 18 Messages App

RCS in iOS 18: What You Need to Know About Apple's Android Messaging Overhaul MVNO carriers won't have it right away, https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-18-home-screen/

Homescreen customization moving apps on any part of home screen Hide App Names on Your iPhone Home Screen https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-18-home-screen/

Passwords app iOS 18 Passwords App: All the New Features

Calculator has math notes, conversions iOS 18: What's New With the Calculator App

News

Apple Releases New AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Firmware

Apple Says These Five Changes Make iPhone 16 Models Easier to Repair

Apple Says iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Batteries Can Be Removed With Low-Voltage Electrical Current

End-to-End Encryption Coming for iPhone-to-Android RCS Messages

Apple Talking With JPMorgan Chase About Potential Apple Card Partnership

Apple Sports App Updated With Live Scores on iPhone's Lock Screen and More New Features

Announcements

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