Why do iMessage apps feel like a forgotten experiment, and what buried gems are still hiding behind that plus button? Dan Moren joins the show to unpack which built-in features now outshine their third-party predecessors and what that says about Apple's approach to messaging. iMessage apps' evolution, developer challenges, and user engagement declines Default iMessage features vs. true apps Sticker packs, sharing GIFs, and gameplay in Messages lose relevance Apple's default iMessage tools—photos, polls, cash, check in, send later Nuances of audio messages, dictation, and in-app differences Tips for faster photo sharing and rearranging iMessage features Real-world uses and practical limitations of iMessage's check-in feature Notable third-party iMessage app recommendations and personal favorites New: Apple's 2026 accessibility updates, including voice control, real-time captions, and AI-powered magnifier Picks of the Week: Indigo cross-network social app and Wipr 2 content filter 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.

Is your Apple Watch doing all it can for you? Explore how advanced features like multi-watch setups, app grids versus lists, and watch-based security tools can seriously level up your experience. Apple Watch independence, multiple watches per iPhone, and family setup Pros and cons of owning and using two Apple Watches Apple Watch as fashion item versus functional device Passing down and reusing Apple Watches in families Managing Apple Watch apps, notifications, and widgets for a personalized experience Apple Watch Mirroring on iPhone and accessibility features Using Apple Watch to find your iPhone (and vice versa) Apple Watch for unlocking Macs, authenticating purchases, and identity confirmation Running Apple Watch solo, even without cellular—music, workouts, and safety News: End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging arrives via carrier support in iOS update Shortcuts Corner: Exporting Apple Health data (weight) to CSV App Caps: MagSafe wallets with Find My and pop socket support 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. Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

iOS 26.5 raises the bar with end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and bakes in a slew of security upgrades that could change how you think about your texts and device safety. Find out what's improved on your iPhone! iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 security fixes and privacy updates End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging finally arrives on iOS New customizable Pride Lumina wallpapers debut for Pride Month Reminders app snooze options now display specific times Apple Maps adds suggested places based on popularity and search history New annual subscription option with monthly payments for apps Chatbot voice assistant support comes to CarPlay with tighter safeguards Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad get plug-and-pair feature on iPadOS EU users get expanded third-party wearable features, AirPods-style pairing Few major changes expected as Apple shifts focus to WWDC and Siri upgrade News: Apple Developer app adds WWDC stickers — Clarus the dogcow walks App Caps: Anker's clamp-on power hub and Dog Vision camera app picks 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

Think the default Camera app is all you need? Third-party camera apps are quietly outpacing Apple's own with powerful features and pro-level tools that could completely change your photo workflow. Discover how advanced camera apps and editing suites can unlock professional results on your iPhone, whether you're a casual snapper or a photography enthusiast looking to capture that perfect shot. Halide: Pro-level features, technical readouts, focus peaking, pricing rundown Obscura: Beginner-friendly, solid help menu, smart auto mode, developer shoutout Darkroom: Photo and video editing, integration with Halide, non-destructive workflow Tips for maximizing Apple's native camera app features and settings Leica Lux: Iconic film simulations bring Leica "look" to iPhone (premium pricing) News: Find My accessories, latest trackers, and alternatives to AirTag Feedback: Sky Children of the Light as a chill MMORPG pick App Caps: Reminders Smart Lists for automation, Chess app for skill refresh 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. Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit NetSuite.com/ios

With 800 episodes and counting, Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent dive into how their favorite Apple apps and accessories have evolved with them, challenging old opinions and uncovering unexpected uses that make everyday tech truly indispensable. Third-party indie app picks: Drafts, PCalc, Soulver, Halide Spotlight on indie developers and app customization strategies Favorite iOS and iPadOS features: Shortcuts automation, Focus Modes, Action Button, Continuity Top accessory picks: AirPods Pro versatility, MagSafe evolution, retractable USB-C cables App Caps segment: stoic journaling app and UGREEN retractable charging 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.

Discover the secret strengths and customization tricks hidden in iOS Control Center, from forgotten Apple tools to creative ways to streamline your day. Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard reveal the Control Center features most users overlook. Customizing and optimizing the iOS Control Center experience How to edit, rearrange, and size Control Center controls Adding app shortcuts and advanced tools to Control Center Managing secondary Control Center pages for deeper functionality Lock screen Control Center access settings and security considerations Swapping torch and camera for other controls on the lock screen News: Tim Cook steps down, John Ternus named incoming CEO App Caps: Frame for stylish screenshots; Visual Lookup in Photos for identification 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.

Whether you're lending your phone to a kid or relying on maps off the grid, what you don't know about your device's security could come back to bite you. This episode shows why a few simple settings make all the difference when it counts. Setting up Medical ID and emergency contacts for safety Using Face ID and Guided Access to lock and protect apps Offline maps: how and why to download before you travel Find My and Life360 for tracking people and devices, with privacy tips Apple Messages' Check In and third-party safety apps like bSafe WiFi Assist and WiFi Calling: improving the reliability of calls and data News: Apple removes outdated Pages, Keynote, and Numbers from App Store Feedback: Free access to the Calm app via insurance and company perks Picks of the Week: Pokemon Go auto-catch gadget and Picsew screenshot tool 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

Check out the iOS apps designed for neurodiverse minds, with hosts sharing real-world favorites that make everyday productivity and focus more effortless for everyone. Due app: persistent reminders boost neurodiverse productivity Voice Dream: natural article and document audio reading for multiple languages Audible: audiobook platform for self-help, ADHD, and productivity content Forest: gamified productivity app grows virtual trees for focused work Endel: adaptive soundscapes and productivity timer for ADHD and focus Calm: sleep stories, meditation, and relaxing audio for stress reduction Snippety: customizable keyboard shortcuts for repeated tasks and efficient writing App Caps: Art of Flora puzzle game and Sonos Roam 2 portable speaker reviewed 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.

Discover how apps know for being multiplatform are quietly shaping the iOS experience, with unexpected benefits for productivity and day-to-day problem solving. DevonThink To Go: Mac-originated app brings robust database, search features Tot: Minimalist text editor syncs notes across devices Drafts: Text capture with powerful actions, community-driven enhancements Firefox and Chrome: Browsers offer cross-platform sync, alternatives to Safari Festivities: Holiday widget app expands from Mac to iOS News: WWDC announced as anticipation for layout clues and possible iPhone Fold Shortcuts Corner: Automating Apple Watch workout prompts via location App Caps: Aqara presence sensor boosts home automation; Pokémon Go gets users outdoors 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

This week, the hosts get hands-on with their favorite "chill" apps and say why subtle design choices, like haptic feedback and story-driven gameplay, make all the difference in truly relaxing tech. Hear which picks have earned their spot as go-to digital escapes. Pigment and Lake: Adult coloring book apps for iPad Coloring ASMR app for quick relaxation on the go Loner: Minimalist zen flying game with soothing visuals Satisgame: Quick, tactile puzzle app with haptic feedback Apple's sound therapy music and ambient background sounds Dark Noise and background sound customization for relaxation Flow Free+ game for puzzle-based relaxation App Cap: Marble Sort app for satisfying gameplay 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.