iOS 791: Our Favorite Indie Apps - Spotlighting the App Store's Hidden Gems

Apple's new iPad Air M4 gets the spotlight as Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard break down real-world performance jumps, discuss who actually needs all that power, and debate its role in the iPad family. If you're eyeing a tablet upgrade or wondering what sets the Air apart, this conversation cuts through the specs. Apple unveils iPad Air M4: features, pricing, and lineup placement iPad Air M4 specs, performance leap, and real-world use cases Pro vs. Air vs. standard iPad: who should buy what Apple intelligence, battery life, and new wireless connectivity in iPads Student, family, and retiree use cases: choosing the right iPad Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard elevate iPad Air versatility News: Studio Display and Studio Display XDR are Apple's new monitor announcements App Caps: Power Wash Simulator on Apple Arcade and a spring cleaning cable organization hack Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/ios

Apple's iPhone 17e doubles its base storage while keeping the price steady, but did it finally nail the "budget" iPhone formula? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard weigh in on what the new release gets right and where it cuts corners. Apple launches iPhone 17e with double entry storage, keeps $599 price First impressions of 17e's new color options and matte finish Who should buy the iPhone 17e? Performance upgrades: A19 chip, Apple Intelligence, and battery life Single camera design debate: Is one lens enough? MagSafe finally comes to the e-series iPhone 17e brings a full suite of Apple safety features Trade-in deals and accessories with the new iPhone 17e Who shouldn't buy the Pro — making the case for the 17e News: Apple introduces M5 Pro/Max chips and new MacBook models App Caps: Spigen retro strap (affiliate) and abxylute M4 controller Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/ios

Hosts Mikah and Dan are revealing the off-the-radar apps they actually use and the creative ways they make Apple devices work smarter every day. Find out which overlooked tools help them (and maybe you) solve real-life digital annoyances. Spotlight on Ivory by Tapbots as a top Mastodon client NeatPass: Creating Apple Wallet passes from PDFs on-device Screens app enables remote access and control across devices Dice by PCalc delivers customizable, fun dice-rolling features Television Time helps users track shows, episodes, and release dates News: Apple's rumored special event and speculation on possible product launches Feedback: Apple Creator Studio subscription benefits App Cap segment: Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit for device maintenance, and the Zephy app for identifying overhead airplanes in real time Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord.

Classic board games or digital apps? The hosts dive into what happens when you bring iPhone party games to a crowd, including the upside of phone-based play. This episode spotlights iOS and iPadOS party games that transform your device into a social machine for in-person gatherings. Discussing Hits and Misses: Jackbox, Heads Up, and classic charades Asymmetrical gameplay magic: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes Cooperative chaos with Spaceteam and local multiplayer tech Wavelength: Mind-reading board game turns into a must-try app Gogogo! is a new party game that mixes physical and mobile play New: Apple Podcasts video updates—streaming, HLS, and YouTube competition Feedback: Why can't you view Siri request history? App Caps: Classic Mac iPhone case from Spigen and a pro-level podcast editing with Ferrite Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Classic board games or digital apps? The hosts dive into what happens when you bring iPhone party games to a crowd, including the upside of phone-based play. This episode spotlights iOS and iPadOS party games that transform your device into a social machine for in-person gatherings. • Discussing Hits and Misses: Jackbox, Heads Up, and classic charades • Asymmetrical gameplay magic: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes • Cooperative chaos with Spaceteam and local multiplayer tech • Wavelength: Mind-reading board game turns into a must-try app • Gogogo! is a new party game that mixes physical and mobile play • New: Apple Podcasts video updates—streaming, HLS, and YouTube competition • Feedback: Why can't you view Siri request history? • App Caps: Classic Mac iPhone case from Spigen and a pro-level podcast editing with Ferrite Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

If you thought Safari extensions were just for desktop power users, this episode demonstrates the game-changing tools and side hustles available right on your iPhone! Managing Safari extensions on iOS: Settings, permissions, and cross-device syncing Efficiently disabling and enabling Safari extensions using the webpage menu Privacy concerns when installing Safari extensions and reviewing permissions Favorite Safari extensions: Wipr 2 for ad blocking Noir extension for customizable dark mode and theme creation in Safari StopTheMadness Pro fixes annoying web behaviors and context menu issues Keyword Search adds custom search shortcuts for Amazon, Apple Support, Google Drive Amplosion redirects Google AMP pages to original sources; Achoo inspects page HTML Pipifier makes web video picture-in-picture; reliability compared to other solutions App Caps: Picks include Xteink X4 e-ink reader and Fullscreen Clock for timers Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/ios

Can the iPad finally become your main productivity machine? Rosemary Orchard and Stephen Robles get honest about the quirks, hacks, and must-know shortcuts that make iPad multitasking actually work for power users. iPad multitasking upgrades: Stage Manager, windowing, and device setups Productivity workflows: Magic Keyboard, trackpad, and app layout tips Stage Manager quirks vs. Mac window management workarounds Split View and Slide Over return to iPad multitasking with iPadOS 26 Shortcuts automations for Stage Manager, external displays, and Ferrite Pushcut battery notifications: Automatically track device charge across iPad and Mac Travel routers for creators, hotel wi-fi hacks, and networking tricks Feedback: Creator Studio value, pricing, and one-time purchase alternatives Shortcuts Corner: Programmatically opening reminders lists in new windows Host: Rosemary Orchard Guest: Stephen Robles Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/ios

Learn about the coolest smart tech from CES 2026, including automated wood blinds, an ultra-wideband smart lock, and a shift toward Matter-powered devices. Will Apple step up and finally deliver the smart home features we've been waiting for? CES 2026 roundup: HomeKit, smart locks, robot vacuums, and more Ultra-wideband smart locks improve HomeKit proximity unlocking Matter standard reshapes smart home device compatibility and branding Aqara's Matter devices and integrated smart home ecosystem Fragmentation in smart home platforms driven by proprietary features Occupancy sensors versus motion sensors for smarter lighting automation Lutron's new smart blinds and humidity-sensing switches MOFT launches Find My-enabled MagSafe wallet and smart accessories News Apple launches AirTag 2 with louder speaker and better range Civilization VII announced for Apple Arcade alongside other upcoming games Shortcuts Corner Automating complex phone workflows medical education credits Host: Rosemary Orchard Guest: Stephen Robles Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/ios

Apple is shaking up creative workflows with its Creator Studio subscription, bundling pro apps and unleashing new AI-powered features that could change how students, artists, and power users work. But does this shift mark a new era or just another subscription headache? Creator Studio pricing, student and educator discounts, and included apps Paid features vs. existing free and owned apps clarified Subscriptions vs. 1-time purchases Family Sharing option extends Creator Studio to up to five users Student and educator benefits Freeform's role, delayed features, and real-world usefulness Pages, Numbers, and Keynote gain premium templates and content hub Keynote to auto-generate presentations from outlines using AI Final Cut Pro: new AI tools, transcript search, beat detection, montage maker Logic Pro: AI-assisted music creation, chord ID, royalty-free packs, smart search Motion, Compressor, and Mainstage overview and macOS exclusivity Pixelmator and Photomator transition concerns addressed Creator Studio lowers pro app entry barriers but keeps 1-time purchases News: Setapp's EU iOS app store to shut down due to business model issues Feedback: switching from iPad Pro to iPad Mini experience Shortcuts Corner: shortcut for HAM radio contact location logging App Caps: Spigen Classic LS case and CANSHN magnetic case Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord.

From automating habit streaks to taming endless Safari tabs, this episode is loaded with hands-on tricks and fresh app recommendations that even the nerdiest Apple fans might have missed! Try these smart habit trackers, focus modes, and clever shortcuts that make the iPhone your personal accountability partner. Using Apple Screen Time for digital mindfulness and device usage tracking Focus Modes and custom home screens to reduce distractions Comparing top iOS habit-tracking apps: Habitica, Streaks, Gentler Streak, and Habit Kit Building better health and fitness habits without self-judgment News: Apple Fitness+ updates aim to beat "Quitters Day" drop-off Feedback: Apple's accessibility features and life-changing tech Shortcuts Corner: Automating YouTube links for accessibility and simplicity App Caps: Divoom Tiivoo-2 pixel Bluetooth speaker and Satechi USB-C lanyard cable Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at [email protected]. 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 the Club TWiT Discord.