iOS Today (Audio)

Apple finally steps into the smart home display race with HomeView, shakes up its HomeKit lineup, and partners with major brands for "second-party" devices. Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard break down what these big changes mean for everyday users and power tinkerers alike. Apple debuts major Home app updates in iOS 27 HomeKit Secure Video gets AI-powered descriptions, smarter notifications, and search New HomeKit features: Thread, Matter support, energy monitoring, 4K streaming Apple reveals HomeView: smart display for the home with speaker or wall-mount options HomeView's features, FaceTime, and multi-user support Apple TV 4K updated with better Siri AI, microphones, and Find My remote Four-speaker HomePod/HomePod mini surround sound with latest Apple TV HomePod mini 2 announced: new sounds, color-matched features, and Siri AI caveats Apple's "second-party" Home accessories line launches with LG, Schneider Electric Overview of new cameras, video doorbell, floodlight, thermostat, and smart lock Matter…

Discover how iOS and watchOS are quietly transforming the way you track, customize, and automate every second, from modular lock screens to Siri-powered alarms. Plus, hear why third-party apps are still running circles around Apple's timer tools. Customizing lock screen time display and widgets on iOS Apple's system clock app features: timers, alarms, world clock Multiple timers and AlarmKit integration for developers Timer controls, volume settings, and kitchen use tips Handling time zones, world clock widgets, and third-party time apps Apple Watch faces, complications, and ongoing third-party face debate Accessibility tools: haptic feedback, chimes, and clock customization Third-party timer apps: Just Timers, (Not Boring) Timer, Timer+, Overlap Frustrations with time zone selection in clock apps Time drift, manual clock changes, and device sync issues iPhone Duo preorder details and Apple's "get ready" system Shortcuts Corner: calendar event alarms and automation tricks App Caps: Tiimo planner for…

Not all classic apps fade away—some quietly evolve and solve problems the giants can't touch. This episode with Dan Moren and Rosemary Orchard digs up the overlooked utilities, the surprising longevity of certain favorites, and the need to update to iOS 26.7! PCalc: The enduring iOS calculator favorite gets its due TV Forecast and the rise of TV tracking apps IMDb as a must-have for movie and show info The longevity of NetNewsWire Wikipanion and Wikipedia as research tools Lose It and iOS-era health habit trackers iFirstAid: Offline emergency help apps stand the test of time iExit: Find highway exits and services, even in 2026 Angry Birds' legacy, Red's First Flight, and early iOS gaming memories Shakespeare app: The Bard's works in your pocket iOS 27 and iOS 26.7 released, over 100 security fixes Apple Watch band milestone: Over 1,000 released, tracking collections iOS 27 feature delays: Messaging suggestions and auto password change postponed Picks of the Week: Organizing with label makers and retractable…

Apple's new Siri AI is finally turning digital assistant hype into real, practical power, letting users speak naturally and control their apps in ways that were impossible a year ago. Matthew Cassinelli, a Siri automation expert, is here to break down what's genuinely working, what's missing, and why this matters for your iPhone right now. Early experiences: Siri's improved world knowledge and real-time actionability Developer shift: New Siri relies on app actions and App Intents for integration Beta rollout details: Supported devices, region restrictions, language support Apple's foundation models, on-device AI, and privacy-focused execution App actions at launch, incoming third-party app support, and developer adoption hurdles Siri AI's limitations: Domains not supported and why Technical evolution: Transition from SiriKit to App Intents framework and its challenges for devs NSSpain XIV recap and developer readiness strategies App Intents Optimization (AIO): Why it matters as the new SEO for apps Shortcuts…

Apple finally enters the foldable fray with the iPhone Duo, packing unexpected features and a lower-than-expected price. Find out what's actually inside and if it's worth leaving your classic iPhone behind. iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max colors, pricing, and 1st impressions Variable aperture camera tech benefits, marketing, and durability concerns Battery life and ultra-fast charging impress for Pro iPhones A20 Pro processor with advanced neural engine and vapor chamber cooling Dynamic Island hardware and software upgrades iPhone Duo: Apple's first folding phone, hardware, and price iPhone Duo durability, hinge design, dust/water resistance, and case compatibility Camera features on Duo: under-display camera, selfie tricks, and photography upgrades iOS 27 on Duo: Side dock, split view, app pairs, and standby mode Battery stats, charging, eSIM, and cases on the Duo Apple Watch Series 12/Ultra 4: new health sensors, improved heart tracking, and battery Live Rewind and Siri Recap: AI-driven audio/smartwatch features and…

Are passwords really on their way out, or are we stuck with them a bit longer? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dig into Apple's latest moves in credential management and reveal why the end of passwords is only "dead-ish." Find out why this shift matters for both convenience and security, and how it could upend your digital habits. Apple Passwords app evolves: features, security, and sharing explored Passkeys adoption, magic links frustration, and passwordless future Passkeys security benefits and everyday use cases discussed Verification code autofill and cleanup Real-world quirks and reliability of code autofill features Shared groups and Wi-Fi credentials streamline family password management Comparing Apple Passwords vs. third-party managers: features and limitations Password best practices debunked: phase out bad habits App Caps: ESR magnetic matte screen protector and Spark Daily Learning Puzzles Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to…

Apple's latest iPhone event is around the corner, but are you actually ready to upgrade? This episode digs into the essential, often overlooked steps that could make or break your next device swap. Apple Upgrade Program and comparing phone purchasing options Tips and tricks for trading in or handing down your old iPhone Importance of backups: iCloud, local, and encrypted with iMazing Steps for safely transferring data and activating eSIM Verifying new phone setup: calls, texts, Apple Pay, and Watch How to properly erase the old device before trade-in Reviewing device storage and considering foldable iPhone rumors News: Apple's Surprise and Shine event and iOS 27 rollout anticipation Shortcuts Corner: Building a share sheet shortcut for photo management App Caps: Apple Arcade Sneaky Sasquatch crossover and Anker power bank accessory Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free…

As iOS updates roll out new icons and smarter Siri voices, today's students are relying on apps that make studying more interactive, collaborative, and personal than ever! See how a fresh lineup of iOS and iPadOS apps could completely reshape your back-to-school routine. Structured: Visual daily planner with focus and accessibility features GoodNotes vs. Notability: Digital note-taking and annotation Quizlet: Study aid, flashcard maker, and AI-powered practice tests Otter: Group project meetings and lecture transcription made easy Essayist: Academic writing and streamlined reference management Duolingo: Gamified language learning for students (and Klingon fans) Notes and organization skills as keys to academic success News: iOS 27 updates, Siri voices, search improvements, better battery life App Caps: Moonlitt and Sunlitt for moon and sun tracking, CGP Grey video picks Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at…

Get the details from Mikah and Rosemary on which AI apps stand out for real-world tasks, where system integration blows open new possibilities, and why a truly local, on-device AI might finally justify the hype. Siri's AI upgrades spark frustrations, unpredictability, and deeper device integration Comparing ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini apps on iOS Solaire AI brings free offline local AI to iPhone News: App tracking transparency changes prompt regulatory scrutiny in Germany, and Sonos adds live activities with real-time playback status App Caps: 8BitDo Flip Pad for gaming and MOFT Snap Tablet Stand for iPad Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in…

Fed up with groggy wake-ups and noisy notifications? Discover how automating Focus modes and Shortcuts can totally transform your nights and mornings using clever iOS tricks. Built-in sleep tracking features on iOS and Apple Watch explained Setting sleep goals, schedules, and using Sleep Focus mode How to customize Focus modes for a better sleep environment Allowing exceptions and adjusting notifications during Sleep Focus Screen, home, and lock screen customizations for sleep time Insights into Apple's sleep score metrics and calculation Apple Watch features: sleep apnea and breathing disturbance notifications Third-party sleep tracking app recommendations and comparisons Shortcuts Corner: automating sleep and wake routines with iOS Shortcuts App Cap: Pelican waterproof floating phone pouch for outdoor adventures (https://amzn.to/4ws5KF5 affiliate link) Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join…

From tide tracking that saves your beach day to instant wildfire warnings that beat government alerts, this episode spotlights the apps that truly have your back during summertime outings. Using iOS Photos app for editing, sharing, and managing albums Editing summer videos in Photos and iMovie, including Magic Movie feature Watch Duty Wildfire and Floods app for live fire and emergency alerts Sky Guide app brings AR stargazing and celestial event notifications My Tide Times app helps plan beach visits with tide, sun, and moon info AllTrails app guides summer hikes with maps, filters, and community data CARROT Weather app delivers customizable alerts for sun, storms, and air quality Sun Seeker app helps track sun position for outdoor planning and photography App Caps: RNI Films for film-like photo edits and Parcel for package tracking Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free…

If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and…

If you thought calculators were stuck in high school, check your phone! This episode finds the formula behind conversions, math notes, and custom shortcuts that could totally change how you crunch numbers on your everyday Apple device. Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard run the numbers and reveal which apps truly multiply your productivity. iOS calculator app features: history, copy, mode switcher, and conversions Math Notes and Apple Pencil support for handwritten equations on iPad Spotlight's built-in calculator vs. dedicated calculator app usage Deep dive into PCalc: customization, layouts, and advanced features Soulver 4 brings notepad-style, sentence-based calculations and variables (Not Boring) Calculator offers simplicity and a clean design for basic math News: Public beta releases for Apple operating systems explained App Caps: Safari's new webpage monitoring vs. Distill Web Monitor app, and Microsoft Copilot for streamlining messy data into formatted documents Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary…

If you're the person who packs weeks early and triple-checks every detail, this episode is your tactical guide to using iPhone apps for travel planning, collaboration, and on-the-ground navigation. Vacation planning tips and why offline maps are essential Downloading and managing offline Apple Maps for travel Using shared Apple Notes and Reminders for trip organization Comparing Notes, Reminders, and Freeform for vacation planning Top travel apps: TripIt, Tripsy, and Wanderlog privacy considerations Flight tracking and airport anxiety reduced with Flighty Data choices abroad: eSIM setup and Citymapper for urban navigation Feedback: Autoplay settings in Apple Podcasts Shortcuts Corner: Automating photo sharing, saving, and cleanup workflow Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord,…

Apple's sports app puts the World Cup and every major match at your fingertips, with live activities and seamless Apple TV integration. Discover how your iPhone can keep you in the loop, even if sports aren't your thing. In-depth look at the free Apple Sports app and top features Apple Arcade and mobile soccer games: EA Sports FC, Mini Football Legends, Score! Hero, eFootball Using Apple News to stay updated on World Cup events and scores News: Apple's Siri AI gains integration with third-party apps in new betas Feedback: accessibility apps, VoiceOver favorites, and accessory habits Shortcuts Corner: automation for Apple Card transaction notifications App Caps: Make-roscope mobile microscope and Anker Nano Power Bank picks Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive…

As heat waves and storms reshape daily life, see how localized weather tech and smart notifications are becoming essential tools for staying safe, planning ahead, and getting your forecast with a side of fun. Apple Weather app evolution from basic utility to Dark Sky integration Localized weather data, alerts, and hourly forecasting explained Shortcut automations for Weather: capabilities and app integration Changes in third-party weather app APIs post-Dark Sky acquisition CARROT Weather: customizable data sources, achievements, and unique personality (Not Boring) Weather: design-driven, interactive weather visualization Met Office Weather Forecast: official UK alerts and specialized app benefits Mercury Weather: cross-platform support, trip planning, and rain forecasting Acme Weather: US-only, feature-rich app from Dark Sky creators App Caps: Spigen TapZip MagSafe organizer and ESR CryoBoost charging station Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or…

From accessible guitar toolkits to games tackling mental health and body image, discover the Design Award contenders that are reinventing what "inclusive design" means for the entire Apple ecosystem. Delight and Fun Category — Grug app and Is This Seat Taken? game winner Inclusivity Category — Guitar Wiz, accessibility features, and game highlights Innovation Category — VisionOS experiences, NBA Live Games & Scores, and Blue Prince Interaction Category — Moonlitt app, kid-friendly game design Social Impact Category — Health, cultural, and mental health apps/games Visuals and Graphics Category — Stunning app interfaces and graphics-intensive games Where to download these award-winning apps and games Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today:…

WWDC 2026 brought much more than AI hype. Get the recap on the overlooked updates to watchOS, CarPlay, iPadOS, and tvOS that could totally change how you use your Apple devices. Plus, Shortcuts just leveled up with powerful new triggers and AI-built automations! Siri AI waitlist and early impressions of New Siri WatchOS 27: Workout Buddy upgrades, Find My app, Siri app, & more iCloud+ adds AI feature limits and smarter home camera notifications CarPlay updates: video playback (when parked), audio scrubbing, wireless reliability iPadOS 27 changes driven by platform convergence and folding devices iPadOS improves multitasking, file transfers, and app name display in status bar tvOS updates: faster AirPlay, accessibility, podcast video support Shortcuts Corner: AI-powered shortcut creation and expanded automation triggers Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!…

Apple is handing parents unprecedented control with new child safety and parental approval features. Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent break down what's changed, how it works, and more iOS goodness during WWDC26 week! Apple's WWDC keynote reveals iOS 27 and platform-wide focus on AI, privacy, and performance Liquid Glass transparency and appearance now user-adjustable for accessibility Toolbars and UI restored for improved navigation and vision support Performance boosts: faster photos, AirDrop, and Spotlight search highlighted Intelligent networking promises smarter Wi-Fi and cellular switching Maps overhaul: more vivid detail with AI and satellite imagery New child safety features: granular app, contact, and website approvals Siri gets personal context, deeper app integration, and smart replies Advanced developer APIs and app intents previewed for on-device AI features Generative photo editing arrives: extend, clean up, and a new Reframe tool System-wide suggestions and information surfacing in Mail,…

With Apple pushing on-device AI and deep personal context, can they actually outmaneuver privacy concerns while matching Google's aggressive advancements? This episode breaks down the tension between convenience and user trust in the next wave of iOS. Smarter Siri rumors: Personal context and on-screen awareness explained Apple's AI promises, missed deadlines, and looming class action suit Siri vs. third-party AI assistants: The integration and privacy trade-offs The challenge of delivering on-device AI vs. cloud-powered models Rumored AI-powered writing and grammar tools for iOS Photos app upgrades: "Extend," "Enhance," and "Reframe" features Expected camera app customization and Apple Intelligence image tools Shortcuts overhaul: Natural language support and system shortcomings iOS 27 design tweaks: Liquid Glass looks and animation updates Wallet app additions and "Create a Pass" Satellite features for Maps, Messages, and third-party app connectivity tested Standalone Siri chatbot app speculation and…