iOS 803: Step Up Your Apple Watch Game - Power User Tips for Your Wrist

iOS 809: Wonderful Weather Apps - Survive the Heat With These iOS Tools

Jul 2, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Rosemary Orchard and Micah Sargent explore the world of weather applications on iOS, offering insights into how users can track meteorological conditions effectively. The discussion begins with an overview of the stock Apple Weather app, highlighting how it has evolved significantly by integrating technology from the former Dark Sky service to provide high-quality, localized data and helpful push notifications. The hosts delve into the landscape of third-party weather tools, noting that while many apps now pull from similar data sources, they differ primarily in their interface, personality, and features. A primary recommendation is CARROT Weather, praised for its deep customization, humor-filled personality options, and ability to integrate data from personal weather stations. Other applications discussed include Not Boring Weather, which emphasizes interactive visuals, and Mercury Weather, which is highlighted for its broad compatibility across the Apple ecosystem, including the Apple Vision Pro. The hosts also touch upon regional tools like the UK’s Met Office app and the US-focused Acme Weather, emphasizing the importance of staying informed during weather-related emergencies. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to experiment with different apps to find the best fit for their specific location and preferences.

iOS 808: Apple Design Awards 2026 - Apps & Games That Won Over Apple!

Jun 25, 202627 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Rosemary Orchard and Micah Sargent dive into the winners and finalists of the 2026 Apple Design Awards. The discussion centers on how Apple recognizes developers who excel at integrating the latest features of their platforms across various categories, including delight and fun, inclusivity, innovation, interaction, social impact, and visuals. Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight standout apps and games that push boundaries in design and functionality. They celebrate titles like Grug, which brings charm and simplicity to daily affirmations, and discuss the impressive accessibility features found in apps like Gitariz and the game Pine Hearts. The hosts also explore groundbreaking software like the NBA app for VisionOS, which showcases innovative uses of mixed reality, and the MacOS game Cyberpunk 2077, noted for its high-performance graphics. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of social impact, spotlighting software that addresses mental health, cultural storytelling, and reliable information. By reviewing these award-winning projects, Orchard and Sargent provide listeners with a curated look at the creative and technical ingenuity currently shaping the Apple ecosystem.

iOS 807: What's New in watchOS, tvOS, iPadOS? - Post-WWDC Apple Updates & AI Shortcuts

Jun 18, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into the latest updates for Apple’s ecosystem following the recent developer conference. The discussion centers on the functional evolution of watchOS, tvOS, and iPadOS as they integrate new AI capabilities and improved system-wide features. The hosts explore the practical application of the latest software, specifically highlighting the newfound independence of the Apple Watch, which now includes a dedicated Siri app and the Find Items feature, alongside more precise fitness tracking. They also examine changes to CarPlay, including improved wireless reliability and new navigation features. While the conversation touches on the convergence of iPadOS and iOS, it emphasizes how these platforms are increasingly sharing functionality to provide a more unified user experience. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Shortcuts, where Orchard showcases powerful new automation tools, such as notification-based triggers and enhanced data-saving variables. By demonstrating how AI can generate complex workflows to manage tasks like scheduling and data retrieval, the hosts illustrate how these updates empower users to automate daily routines and increase personal productivity.

iOS 806: What's New in iOS 27? - New Siri AI Learns Personal Context Understanding!

Jun 11, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into the latest announcements from Apple regarding the upcoming iOS 27 release. Following Apple’s recent platform keynote, the hosts explore the company’s strategic shift toward prioritizing performance, safety, privacy, and the integration of Apple Intelligence. A major focus of the discussion is the new user-facing controls for Liquid Glass, allowing users to customize transparency and frost settings. The hosts also highlight significant system-wide performance upgrades, such as faster photo indexing and improved, smarter network switching for better connectivity. The episode delves into significant enhancements to parental controls, introducing a setup assistant that simplifies the management of child accounts, including new features like Ask to Browse. Furthermore, the hosts examine the evolution of Siri. With the introduction of Siri AI, the assistant gains personal context awareness and improved follow-up capabilities. They also touch upon new developer APIs that will allow for deeper integration with these intelligent systems. Finally, the hosts discuss creative additions, such as new generative AI photo-editing tools designed to make tasks like image extension and cleanup more accessible for everyday users.

iOS 805: WWDC: What To Expect - Has Apple Finally Figured Out Smarter Siri?

Jun 4, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, host Micah Sargent is joined by Dan Moren of Six Colors to preview Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). The duo discusses the widespread speculation that this year’s release may mirror a Snow Leopard-style update, focusing heavily on under-the-hood stability and maintenance rather than purely new marquee features. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the long-awaited evolution of Siri. The hosts explore rumors surrounding a more intelligent, context-aware assistant capable of on-screen awareness and cross-app functionality. They reflect on Apple's past promises regarding personal context and the challenges of integrating AI while maintaining strict privacy standards. The discussion also touches on potential updates to the Photos app, including AI-driven editing tools, and rumors regarding natural language support for the Shortcuts app. Finally, the pair reviews the landscape of artificial intelligence in the current tech industry, questioning whether Apple’s internal developments will be compelling enough to compete with established third-party models. The episode concludes with practical recommendations for travel accessories and utility apps, rounding out a comprehensive look at the state of Apple's ecosystem.

iOS 804: iMessage Apps - Navigating the Junk Drawer of iOS Features

May 28, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of iOS Today, host Micah Sargent is joined by guest Dan Moren to explore the evolving landscape of iMessage apps and features. The hosts reflect on the history of the iMessage App Store, noting that while the platform initially launched with significant buzz, its popularity has waned as users and developers moved away from the app-centric approach. The discussion highlights how many features originally introduced as standalone apps, such as sticker packs or various games, have become less relevant, while others like location sharing and Apple’s newer Check In safety feature have become more integrated into the core messaging experience. The episode also covers Apple’s recent announcements regarding accessibility improvements, including AI-powered features for navigating documents and enhanced voice control capabilities. The hosts discuss the potential for future Apple intelligence integrations throughout the operating system. Finally, the pair shares their app picks of the week: Indigo, a tool for cross-posting and reading across multiple social media networks, and Wipr 2, a content filtering extension that recently added new capabilities for managing malicious traffic within apps.