iOS 15 Siri updates, back to school Macs, iPad Pro accessories on the AppleInsider Podcast

On this week's episode of the AppleInsider Podcast, your hosts highlight new features coming to Siri in iOS 15, give tips on buying a Mac for back to school, roundup the best iPad Pro accessories, and answer listener questions.

The public betas for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey are now available. Users can visit Apple's beta software program website and sign up to install them for free. As always, use caution when installing betas on primary or mission-critical devices.

A new report from DigiTimes claims that components for the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are intended for a "third quarter" release. Past predictions include a redesigned chassis, HDMI port, MagSafe charging, and an SD card slot.

Siri is gaining new features in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, notably it will have contextual awareness for what is on screen. For example, if users are viewing a specific contact on their iPhone, asking Siri to "message this person" will automatically assume you mean the contact on screen. Users will also be able share website links, photos, songs, and more just by saying, "share this with (name of contact)."

A doctor in North Wales racked up almost $1,800 in digital goods after his son gained access to an iOS game's in-app purchases. We discuss the importance of Screen Time, such as the "Ask to Buy" feature which Apple used in its anti-sideloading white paper.

Back to school deals on MacBook Air and other Apple devices make it a great time to buy a new device for students. We discuss why the M1 MacBook Air is the best computer for most people and where they can find the best deals.

We round out the show with the best accessories for iPad Pro, including hubs, docks, power supplies, and cases. Finally, we answer listener questions from Apple Car to our favorite device review of the past.

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