Chris and Marty discuss the week’s Apple product releases and which ones seniors may be interested in.

Monday, March 2

iPhone 17e

• - A19 chip (same as iPhone 17), 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield 2
• - MagSafe finally comes to the “e” line — with faster wireless charging and a full accessory ecosystem
• - 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical-quality Telephoto, 4K Dolby Vision video
• - C1X modem — 2x faster than iPhone 16e’s C1
• - 256GB base storage at same $599 starting price; available in black, white, and new soft pink
• - Still has the notch — no Dynamic Island
• - Apple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-iphone-17e/
• - MacRumors coverage: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/02/apple-unveils-two-new-products/

iPad Air with M4

• - M4 chip — up to 30% faster than M3 model; 12GB unified memory (up from 8GB)
• - N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
• - C1X modem in cellular models for faster 5G
• - Same design as M3 model; same colors: blue, purple, starlight, space gray
• - Starts at $599 (11-inch) and $799 (13-inch); pre-orders open March 4, available March 11
• - Apple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-ipad-air-powered-by-m4/

Tuesday, March 3

MacBook Air with M5 (13-inch and 15-inch)

• - M5 chip with 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU; 4x faster AI performance than M4
• - 153 GB/s memory bandwidth — 28% faster than M4
• - N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
• - Base storage doubles to 512GB; prices start at $1,099 (13-inch) and $1,299 (15-inch) — $100 more than M4
• - Apple Newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5/

MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max (14-inch and 16-inch)

• - M5 Pro: 18-core CPU, up to 24-core GPU; M5 Max: 18-core CPU, up to 40-core GPU with 128GB unified memory
• - M5 Max memory bandwidth: up to 614 GB/s
• - N1 chip on all models: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
• - TechRadar live coverage: https://www.techradar.com/news/live/apple-march-2026-event-iphone-17e-ipad-air-macbook

New Studio Display and Studio Display XDR

• - Studio Display: 27-inch, 12MP Center Stage camera, Thunderbolt 5, $1,599
• - Studio Display XDR: 27-inch mini-LED, 2,000 nits peak HDR, 120Hz ProMotion $3,299 — replaces the 32-inch Pro Display XDR
• - Macworld live blog: https://www.macworld.com/article/3073997/apple-march-2026-event-live-blog.html

​​Wednesday, March 4 — “Apple Experience”

MacBook Neo — Official Announcement

- Apple’s first iPhone-chip Mac laptop — officially announced at the Apple Experience event in New York City

- Powered by the A18 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) — the same chip in the iPhone 16 Pro; first Mac to run an A-series rather than M-series chip

- 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2408×1506 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 1 billion colors — no notch

- 8GB unified memory (not upgradeable)

- 256GB storage at $599; 512GB model at $699 (adds Touch ID) — base model ships without Touch ID; education pricing starts at $499

- Colors: Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo

- Two USB-C ports: left port is USB 3 (also supports external display output); right port is USB 2 only — no MagSafe

- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6; headphone jack on left side

- 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual mics, dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio

- Up to 16 hours battery life (MacBook Air offers 18 hours); no backlit keyboard on base model

- Runs macOS Tahoe with Apple Intelligence; up to 3x faster on-device AI workloads vs. best-selling Intel PC laptop

- Apple’s most affordable laptop ever; targets students, casual users, and Chromebook/Windows switchers

      •   Apple Newsroom: 

           https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/say-hello-to-macbook-neo/

      •   9to5Mac coverage: 

           https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/04/macbook-neo-is-now-official/

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.net

Email: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang reviews their wishes, their interests, and their potential purchases for the March 4th Apple Experience.

What’s Happening on March 4?

Reports from Macworld, 9to5Mac, CNET, and MacRumors all suggest Apple will introduce multiple new products in early March, culminating in activity on March 4, 2026.

Apple Set to Launch at Least Five New Products by March 4

https://www.macworld.com/article/3068255/apple-set-to-launch-at-least-five-new-products-by-march-4.html 

Apple launching at least five products next week with March 4 event report

https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/22/apple-launching-at-least-five-products-next-week-with-march-4-event-report/ 

Apple Could Unveil at Least Five New Products at March 2026 Special Experience

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/apple-could-unveil-at-least-five-new-products-march-2026-special-experience/ 

Five New Apple Products Expected Next Week

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/22/five-new-apple-products-next-week/ 

Expected Product Announcements

1. New iPad Line Updates

Rumors suggest updates to:

- iPad Pro (potential M3 or M4 chip refinement)

- iPad Air refresh

- Possibly a new Apple Pencil iteration

What to watch for:

- OLED expansion?

- Chip bumps

- Battery efficiency improvements

- More aggressive education pricing?

2. Mac Updates

Possible announcements include:

- MacBook Air refresh

- Mac Studio update

- M4 chip expansion into more models

The big question:

Is this a spec bump cycle — or something meaningful?

3. Accessories & Ecosystem Updates

There’s speculation about:

- Updated Magic accessories (USB-C refinements)

- Possibly AirPods updates

- Ecosystem alignment across devices

YouTube: YouTube.com/@OldMacGang

Email: [email protected]

Website: ThePodTalk.Net

The Old Mac Gang chats about their use of Apple Reminders and functions that have yet to try.

Simple Things You Can Start Using Today

1. Use Siri for Quick Capture

“Hey Siri, remind me to call Bob tomorrow at 9 AM.”

“Remind me to take the chicken out of the freezer when I get home.”

2. Location-Based Reminders

Set reminders triggered by arriving at home, leaving the office, or arriving at a specific store.

Example: “Remind me to return the Amazon package when I get to UPS.”

3. Smart Grocery Lists

Create a list called “Groceries.”

Reminders automatically categorizes items like Produce, Dairy, Meat, Bakery.

4. Subtasks for Small Projects

Create a reminder called “Prepare for Tax Appointment” and add subtasks such as Print bank statements, Download 1099, Gather receipts, Email accountant.

5. Scheduled + Recurring Reminders

Perfect for medications, trash day, monthly backups, calling parents, paying quarterly taxes.

6. Tagging and Smart Lists

Add tags like #health, #podcast, #errands, #work and create Smart Lists to group them automatically.

7. Shared Lists

Share lists with spouse, family, co-host, or committee members.

Resources

Apple Reminders Overview:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102484 

Mac User Guide:

https://support.apple.coUse Reminders on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Supportm/guide/reminders/welcome/mac 

Using Location-Based Reminders:

https://support.apple.com/guide/reminders/add-dates-or-locations-to-reminders-remnd4b206fb/7.0/mac/26 

Using Tags in Reminders:

https://support.apple.com/guide/reminders/tag-reminders-remn45640f4f/7.0/mac/26 

Shared Reminders Lists:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/share-and-collaborate-iph2a8f9121e/26/ios/26 

Due

https://www.dueapp.com/

Things

https://culturedcode.com/things/

Subscribe, share, and join us next time for more practical Apple talk.

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.net

Email: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang shares a new discovery with their use of the Apple Support app

Apple Support App 

• First released: 2016
• Cost: Free
• Platform: iPhone, iPad
• Purpose: Central hub for personalized Apple device support

Then vs. Now

Early Version (2016–2018)

• Look up AppleCare coverage
• Find nearby Apple Stores
• Call support directly
• Basic troubleshooting links

Today’s Version (iOS 26 Era)

• Automatically recognizes devices tied to your Apple ID
• Shows software versions and common issues
• Suggests relevant troubleshooting steps immediately
  

Apple Support App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044

Get to know the Apple Support app for iPhone, iPad, and …
https://youtu.be/tPhI3LgEYn8
Apple Support App: Features Every Apple User Should Know!
https://youtu.be/BAZD9sgwfuI 

What Makes It Senior-Friendly?

• Plain-language problem descriptions
• Step-by-step instructions with screenshots
• No technical jargon required
• Many issues solved without calling support

When You Do Need a Human

• Start a live chat session
• Schedule a phone call (no waiting on hold)
• Remote screen sharing with an advisor
• Book a Genius Bar appointment

AppleCare Integration

• View warranty status
• See AppleCare / AppleCare+ coverage
• Check repair pricing estimates
• Review coverage expiration dates

Preventive Help Features

• Low storage warnings
• Backup issue alerts
• Battery health notifications
• Software update reminders

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.net

Email: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang shares their ideas about use of call waiting and screening on iOS 26

Reference Links

How to use Call Screening on iPhone | Apple Support
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ir_hrbFHMk 

How To Enable Call Screening On iPhone (iOS 26) - Full Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRSBm3GM1kM

Screen and block calls on iPhone
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/screen-and-block-calls-iphe4b3f7823/ios 

Manage unknown callers on iPhone
https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106 

Apple Details iOS 26 Features Like Call Screening, Live Translation, AutoMix, and More

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-details-ios-26-features-like-call-screening-live-translation-automix-and-more.2466226/

How to Set Up Call Waiting (iOS 26)

1. Open Settings


2. Tap Apps → Phone


3. Tap Call Waiting


4. Toggle Call Waiting ON


Note: Call Waiting availability depends on your carrier.

How to Set Up Call Screening / Spam Handling

1. Open Settings


2. Tap Apps → Phone


3. Review options for Unknown Callers and Spam Filtering


4. Enable the options that match your comfort level



Tip: If you are expecting calls from doctors, schools, or businesses, check voicemail and Recents regularly.

Adjusting volume and ringtones for specific contacts
Selective Ring Volume Based on Callers on iOS

You can customize your iPhone to control the ring volume based on specific callers using the  Focus Mode feature along with custom ringtones. Here's how to do it:

Setting Up Focus Mode

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on Focus

3. Choose the Focus mode you want to customize (e.g., Do Not Disturb).

4. Tap on People.

5. Under the Allowed Notifications From section, add the specific contacts whose calls you want to receive while in this mode. You can allow calls from favorites, specific contacts, or groups.

Custom Ringtones for Contacts

1. Open the **Contacts** app.

2. Select a contact you want to customize.

3. Tap on **Edit** in the upper right corner.

4. Scroll down to **Ringtone** and choose a unique ringtone for them.

5. Tap **Done** to save.

Adjusting Ring Volume

To ensure the specific ringtone is heard, you might want to adjust your overall volume:

- Use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone to control the ring volume when no other notifications are active.

These steps ensure that when specific people call, their unique ringtone can be easily distinguished, allowing you to set your volume accordingly.

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.net

Email: [email protected]

The whole Old Mac Gang returns to talk about iOS 26 favorites and Liquid Glass

Apple elevates the iPhone experience with iOS 26 — Apple Newsroom

https://www.apple.com/newsro om/2025/06/apple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26/

iOS 26: Everything We Know — MacRumors

https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-26/

Everything new — and still to come — in the iOS 26 iPhone update — Macworld

https://www.macworld.com/article/2575705/ios-26-features-release-date-beta.html

iOS 26’s Messages app adds five great new group chat features — 9to5Mac

https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/12/ios-26s-messages-app-adds-five-great-new-group-chat-features/

Here’s What’s New in iOS 26.3 So Far — MacRumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/12/ios-26-3-new-features/

What’s new in iOS 26 — Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/whats-new-in-ios-26-iphfed2c4091/ios

iOS 26 adoption on iPhones is staggeringly low — TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/ios-26-adoption-on-iphones-is-staggeringly-low-here-are-3-reasons-why

YouTube.com: Youtube.com/@OldMacGang
Email: [email protected]
Website: ThePodTalk.net

The Old Mac Gang speaks out the new year predictions of Apple releases.

Everything Apple Is Releasing in 2026: iPhone Fold, LLM, Low‑Cost MacBook and More
  https://www.macrumors.com/guide/what-to-expect-from-apple-2026/

Apple will launch 20+ new products next year, here’s what’s coming
https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/22/apple-will-launch-20-new-products-next-year-heres-whats-coming/

5 new Apple products for 2026 that will change everything
  https://www.tomsguide.com/tech/apple-in-2026

Will Apple kick off 2026 with a bang or a whimper?
https://www.macworld.com/article/3017533/will-apple-kick-off-2026-with-a-bang-or-a-whimper.html

Apple 2026 Product Launch Timeline (Rumored & Expected)

Early 2026 (Winter–Spring)• iPhone 17e – Budget-friendly iPhone refresh.• Low-Cost MacBook – Entry-level MacBook using Apple silicon.• MacBook Air (M5) – Chip update and minor refinements.• MacBook Pro (M5 Pro / Max) – Performance refresh.• Studio Display / Pro Display XDR – Next-generation displays.• Entry-level iPad (12th gen) – Updated chip and Apple Intelligence support.• iPad Air (M4).• iPad mini (OLED, possible).• AirTag 2 – Improved UWB tracking.• Apple TV 4K refresh• HomePod Touch / HomePad – New smart display.• HomePod mini 2.
Mid-2026 (Summer)• Mac mini (M5).• Mac Studio (M5 Max / Ultra).• WWDC 2026 – iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27 announced.

Fall 2026 (September–October)• iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max.• Foldable iPhone (first generation).• iPad mini OLED (if not spring).• AirPods Pro 3 (with cameras).• Apple Watch Series 12.• Apple Watch Ultra 4.• MacBook Pro redesign (OLED).

Late 2026 / TBD• Apple AR Glasses (possible slip to 2027).• Smart Home accessories (camera, doorbell).

YouTube at YouTube.com/@OldMagGang and wherever you get your podcasts.

Our email is: [email protected]

Our website is ThePodTalk.Net

The Old Mac Gang meets up for the final episode of the year to talk about their tech resolutions for 2026 and what’s on their wishlist for the coming year. 

Three Types of Tech Resolutions

1. Simplification

• Reducing redundant devices or apps
• Cleaning up workflows
• Letting go of tech that no longer fits how you work or live

2. Capability Expansion

• Learning features you already own but don’t use
• Improving productivity, creativity, or accessibility
• Using Apple ecosystem features more effectively

3. Future-Focused Planning

• Preparing for hardware upgrades
• Watching Apple roadmap trends (chips, OS changes, services)
• Budgeting intentionally rather than impulse buying

Building a Personal Tech Roadmap for 2026

Questions to ask yourself:

• What do I actually use daily?
• What frustrates me repeatedly?
• What tasks should feel easier than they do?
• What am I curious to learn next year?

A roadmap doesn’t mean buying everything—it means deciding what matters.

Tech Wishlists vs. Tech Needs

A wishlist can include:

• Hardware you don’t need now
• Features Apple hasn’t shipped yet
• Improvements to software you already love

Ecamm.com

Notion.com

Apple Knowledge Navigator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umJsITGzXd0

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

https://www.thepodtalk.net

The whole Old Mac Gang discusses their use of iPads, favorite apps, and tips for new users.

Daily Use Cases

• Reading & Viewing

• Light Productivity

• Creative Tools

• Entertainment

iPad Tips

• Stage Manager: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213336 

• Sidecar: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210380 

• Split View / Slide Over: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207582 

• Focus Modes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212608 

• Scribble: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211774 

• Quick Notes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212354 

Recommended Apps

GoodNotes: https://www.goodnotes.com 

Notability: https://www.notability.com 

Things 3: https://culturedcode.com/things 

Libby: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby 

Sun Seeker - Sunlight Tracker: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sun-seeker-sunlight-tracker/id330247123

Moon Seeker - Lunar Calendar and tracker; https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moon-seeker/id375612556 

Jump Desktop - https://jumpdesktop.com/

Screens - https://edovia.com/en/screens

Hoopla: puts your public library at your fingertips https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Flipster: digital magazines via libraries https://about.ebsco.com/products/flipster 

Accessories

• Magic Keyboard: https://apple.com/ipad-keyboards 

• Logitech Combo Touch: https://logitech.com/combo-touch
• Typecase Edge + https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCFVQNTQ 

• Apple Pencil USB‑C: https://apple.com/apple-pencil• Metapen Pencil $20- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCWGC7GJ

Accessibility

• Larger Text: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202828 

• AssistiveTouch: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202658 

• Voice Control: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210417 

• Magnifier: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209517 

Next Episode

Join us next Wednesday at 9 PM EST on YouTube: https://YouTube.com/@OldMacGang

Replay available anytime—share with your local Mac User Group!

Email & Website

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.thepodtalk.net

Chris, Charlie, Peter and Marty share their favorite apps and tech they have discovered this year.

App 1

Chris - Project Indigo - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/project-indigo/id6742591546

Tech article: https://research.adobe.com/articles/indigo/indigo.html

Peter - Acorn for MacOS

https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/Charlie - Collaborative Open-Source Document Editing - https://www.collaboraonline.com// 

Marty: On The Way: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weather-on-the-way/id1471394318 subscription 20$ a year 

App 2
Chris - DuckDuckGo, Duck.ai - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duckduckgo-duck-ai-optional/id663592361

https://duckduckgo.com/duckduckgo-help-pages/change-default-search-engine/safari

Peter - Callsheet for iOS/iPadOS

https://callsheetapp.com/

Charlie

Roku app: allows for Roku controller and pairs with my aipod4s so I don't bother my stepson late at night.  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-roku-app-official/id482066631 

Marty Festivitas https://mac.festivitas.app/ 

Tech 1

Chris - Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount for Desktop Monitor - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZP93WPY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 

Peter - “Swarm” Decal Cover for Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13" (M4) Essential Kit 

https://dbrand.com/shop/skins/magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-13-m5-skins#/customizer/details

Charlie - Ring Pet Tag | Easy-to-use tag with QR code   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLXHWPLP 

Marty OLIGHT IMINI 2 Rechargeable EDC Flashlight, 50 Lumens Mini LED Keychain Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C54ZH8WW 19$

Tech 2

Chris - Twelve South HiRise 2 Deluxe 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station - https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-South-Wireless-Charging-Station/dp/B0DV5SYN27/ 

Peter - Twelve South BookArc and BookArc Flex

https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/bookarc-for-macbook

https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/bookarc-flex

Charlie - Multi cable: USBA to iwatch, USBmicro, USBC and lightning 

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/74IJ5nY 

Marty Logitech MX Master 4 for Mac, Ergonomic Bluetooth Mouse with Advanced Performance Haptic Feedback, Ultra-Fast Scrolling, USB-C Charging, MacOS, iPadOS, Windows - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC5C7VCJ  120$

Email & Website

Email us at [email protected]

Visit our website: https://www.thepodtalk.net