Mac Minutes

 In this episode, we will be talking about the next generation of AirTag — the bestselling item finder — is even easier to locate with more powerful Precision Finding, a longer Bluetooth range, and a louder speaker.  Apple unveiled the new AirPods Jan 26, a powerful accessory that helps users keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app — now with an expanded finding range and a louder speaker. A side-by-side comparison of the first-and-second generation of AirTags. The next generation of AirTag — the bestselling item finder — is even easier to locate with more powerful Precision Finding, a longer Bluetooth range, and a louder speaker. (Courtesy of Apple Inc.) Powered by the strength of the Find My network, AirTag allows users to keep tabs on their belongings every single day, from keys and wallets to backpacks, luggage, and more. Precision Finding guides users through haptic, visual, and audio feedback to their lost items from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation, and an updated Bluetooth chip expands the range at which items can be located. The new AirTag incorporates a suite of industry-first protections against unwanted tracking, including cross-platform alerts and unique Bluetooth identifiers that change frequently.

In this episode, we will be talking about the 2026 Apple ‘Ring in the New Year’ Fitness Activity Award — perfect for the Apple Watch and incorporating tech, health, and wearable trends into your fitness program. Apple’s ‘Ring in the New Year” fitness challenge will begin in January. Participant who achieve the goal will receive this badge and accompanying stickers. Apple Fitness + is a program that can help motivate you to your physical fitness goals.

In this episode, we’re talking about Apple’s release Dec. 12 of its iOS 26.2 update bringing new features and improvements. We’ll break down what’s new, how it changes your iPhone experience, security upgrades you shouldn’t skip, and what this means for everyday users and power users alike. iOS 26.2 was updated Dec. 12 and has features and more importantly security updates you and your other iPhone friends should strongly consider.

In this episode, we’re talking about Apple’s introduction of Digital ID, a new way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet.  For more information and graphics, go to the podcast website. Digital ID offers a secure and private way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present their ID with iPhone or Apple Watch. Instructions on how to create a Digital ID on your iPhone and Apple Watch  

In this podcast we will be discussing the new features associated with iOS 26.1, the latest incremental update from Apple Inc. for iPhone 11 or later.  Whether you’re a casual user, a tech enthusiast, or just wondering if you should “Update”, we’ve got you covered in this episode. iOS 26.1 is the latest update to iOS 26 which recently came out from Apple.

In this podcast we will discuss Workout Buddy which is one of the new features on you Apple Watch.  With watchOS 26, coupled with your Apple Watch, Workout Buddy, is a first-of-its-kind fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence that analyzes a user’s workout data and fitness history to deliver personalized, spoken motivation throughout their session, based on data like heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, personal fitness milestones, and more.   To enable it execute the following steps: 1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch. 2. Select a workout type. 3. Tap the settings icon (gear) in the top left corner. 4. Toggle on “Workout Buddy.” 5. Choose a voice and tap “Start.” You can use Workout Buddy with the following workout types: Outdoor and Indoor Run; Outdoor and Indoor Walk; Outdoor and Indoor Cycle; Hiking; Elliptical; Stair Stepper; High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT); and Functional and Traditional Strength Training.  

In this podcast we will discuss two huge features in iOS 26 covering Call Screening and Hold Waiting effectively eliminating no more robocalls and elevator music, effectively helping to save your sanity. Settings > Apps > Phone > Customize your Call Screening and Hold Waiting Ever called customer support, only to be trapped in an endless loop of annoying elevator music? Apple has solved this life hack. Listen and learn how to implement this iOS26 feature. Robocalls for political, insurance, and financial annoy you. This is my top feature in iOS26. It gives me back minutes every day. Learn which option works best for you and how to implement it and get your time back.

In this episode, we will discuss introduction of the  AirPods Pro 3, the ultimate audio experience.  AirPods Pro 3 feature a new design with incredible sound quality, the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, exceptional in-ear fit and stability, heart rate sensing during workouts, and extended battery life.  We will cover the new features and improvements. AirPods Pro 3 deliver unbelievable sound quality, the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, an exceptional fit and stability, heart rate sensing during workouts, and extended battery life. Live Translation makes face-to-face conversations easier by helping users connect even if they don’t speak the same language.
 To help Hearing Aid users in louder environments like restaurants, Conversation Boost is now automatic, adding powerful amplification with background noise reduction when enabled.

In this episode, next week, Apple introducing Apple Watch Ultra 3. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most advanced Apple Watch, offering even more health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features; the largest display ever in an Apple Watch; and up to 42 hours of battery life.  In this podcast we will cover the many new features and upgrades. A new collection of bands includes a Trail Loop designed with reflective yarn along the edges, along with new colors for the Ocean Band and Alpine Loop. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most advanced Apple Watch, offering even more health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features; the largest display ever in an Apple Watch; and up to 42 hours of battery life. The display on Apple Watch Ultra 3 incorporates Apple’s most advanced display technology with LTPO3 and wide-angle OLEDs, making it the largest screen of any Apple Watch ever. The new Waypoint watch face can help users navigate with a live compass, an optional satellite complication, and Night Mode. With Messages via satellite, users can send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks to friends and family — including anyone they’ve been in touch with over the last 30 days — while keeping the messages end-to-end encrypted. Hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Ultra 3 can alert users if signs of chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, are detected. Sleep score is a new feature that can help Apple Watch users understand the quality of their sleep and how to make it more restorative.

In this episode, next week, Apple users can celebrate the nature, history, and heritage of national parks at home or while exploring.  We will discuss highlights from Apple celebrating America’s national parks with an Apple Pay donation campaign to new ways to explore with Apple Maps as well as the availability of an activity award with stickers. Celebrate the great outdoors and the world’s national parks. Earn this award by recording any workout of 20 minutes or more on Aug. 24.