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

By Stephen Robles

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.

If you have questions or comments on the show, tweet at @stephenrobles and @Hillitech. Find us in your favorite podcast player by searching for "AppleInsider" and support the show by leaving a 5-Star rating and comment in Apple Podcasts.

Support the show on Patreon or Apple Podcasts to get ad-free episodes every week and early access to the show!

Subscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Tune in to our HomeKit Insider podcast covering the latest news, products, apps and everything HomeKit related. Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or just search for HomeKit Insider wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast artwork from Basic Apple Guy. Download the free wallpaper pack here.

Sponsored by:

Links from the show

Episode and Video Highlights

News Links

MacBook Air Deals

iPad Pro Accessory Roundup

Subscribe to AppleInsider on:

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: steve@appleinsider.com

AppleInsider has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast -- and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

AppleInsider is also bringing you the best Apple-related deals for Amazon Prime Day 2021. There are bargains before, during, and even after Prime Day on June 21 and 22 -- with every deal at your fingertips throughout the event.