344 - Apple Unpacked: Vision Pro, iOS 18.4 & More

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave is joined by guests Kelly Guimont, Chuck Joiner, Guy Serle, Marty Jencius,and Ben Roethig. We kick off with reflections on the Vision Pro one year post-launch, discussing user experiences and its potential future in the market. The conversation transitions to anticipated iOS 18.4 updates, including optimizations and new features, while Marty contributes insights on educational tools for family therapy. We analyze recent changes to AppleCare Plus subscriptions, debate the launch of Apple's new invites app, and discuss Apple Music's promotional strategies linked to the Super Bowl. 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 things off with a discussion about the Vision Pro, which recently celebrated its first birthday. We reflect on observations about its performance over the past year and ponder its future, analyzing the current consumer reactions and the potential direction Apple may take with subsequent iterations of the product. The conversation quickly shifts to the experience of using the Vision Pro, with each panelist sharing their personal take on its capabilities. We explore the challenges faced by early adopters, particularly the skepticism surrounding its market performance and the mixed feedback from users. The overarching sentiment remains optimistic, with a consensus that the device possesses untapped potential waiting to be realized. As we transition into software updates, we discuss the anticipated iOS 18.4 release and its implications for users. There's mention of a recent beta update that seemed to fix various issues while also introducing new features. Marty shares insights into educational tools and resources available for family therapy, reflecting on both the trials and successes of teaching technology within a therapeutic context. Additionally, we explore the recent changes to Apple's AppleCare Plus subscription service, including price adjustments and the restructuring of purchasing options. Our panel debates the logic behind these changes, with varied opinions on whether they enhance consumer experience or create unnecessary friction. The episode also touches on the launch of Apple's new invites app, allowing users to facilitate event planning seamlessly. We weigh this new offering against existing platforms, discussing the implications of cross-platform functionality for a successful user experience. The feature set includes enhanced customization options and privacy controls, generating a vibrant discussion on its overall usefulness. Closing out the episode, we delve into the latest news surrounding Apple Music's promotional strategy tied to the Super Bowl, as well as exciting developments pertaining to the upcoming Ted Lasso season. The anticipated focus on the formation of a women's team allows for a fresh narrative direction, and the panel shares their thoughts about the creative team's continuity and the expected reception from audiences. In Touch With Vision Pro this week.  As Apple Vision Pro Turns One, Here's What's Next One year with the Vision Pro Vision Pro: Here are three upgrades to expect from Apple this year I tried Netflix on Vision Pro again, and now it's awesome - here's what changed Supercut – Streaming Hub on the App Store   Beta this week. iOS 18.3 released to the public waiting on 18.4. iOS 18.3.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones - MacRumors Apple Releases New Version of iOS 18.3 for iPhone 11 iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone iPhone SE 4 Launching as Soon as Next Week In Touch With Mac this week Guy's new Mac Mini M4 New Satechi M4 Mac mini Stand & Hub now up for purchase macOS Sequoia 15.3 Fixes SuperDuper Bootable Backups Bug - MacRumors macOS 15.3 fixes backup bugs affecting multiple apps Applecare Changes Apple Raises Monthly AppleCare+ Subscription Price for All iPhones AppleCare+ just got more expensive — here's how much more you'll pay now  Apple Raises Monthly AppleCare+ Subscription Price for All iPhones Apple limits AppleCare+ one-time payment options, prioritizes subscriptions Apple's New Invites App Apple Launches New 'Invites' App Here are five Apple Invites features you might have missed  Testing Apple's New Invites App for Event Planning Apple just released the first update to its new Invites app Partiful Calls Apple a Copycat for New Invites App Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together Here's how Apple Invites work on Android [Gallery] Apple confirms 'Invites' app and iCloud+ feature, here's how it works [Video] News Apple Music Offering Six-Month Trial for Just $2.99 Through February - MacRumors 'Ted Lasso' season 4 to focus on the formation of AFC Richmond's women's team Severance season 3 is already 'underway' and won't take so long, says Ben Stiller 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 [email protected]  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