Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Customize your Finder icons for instant recognition, stretch your Apple Watch battery on long workouts with Low Power Mode, and jump months back in your Messages history with a single tap. You’ll also learn how to force macOS 27 to download from Terminal when Software Update won’t show it, and how to run separate Claude Desktop apps for work and home. Then your two geeks and a pilot tackle whether you can migrate to a new iPhone from an iOS beta, whether you need Mail.app running to feed Apple Intelligence, and the one Search setting that might be keeping Siri from your data.

The big revelation is that you can now ask Siri why something failed, and she might actually tell you. No yelling required, though an emphatically kind request helps. You’ll get the best ways to connect to your Synology DiskStation without certificate warnings, and find out why Apple Watch battery service may get you a whole new watch, possibly with blood oxygen intact. Cool Stuff Found brings SetShot for tracking macOS settings changes, Marked QL for previewing Markdown in Quick Look, a folding case for iPhone Duo, and news that Apple will replace the Duo’s screen layer when the crease shows up. Press play, ask better questions, and Don’t Get Caught!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1163 for Monday, October 12th, 2026

October 12th: National Gumbo Day

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Quick Tips

00:00:01 Pilot Pete-QT-Customize macOS Finder icons

00:03:37 Jonathan-QT-Put your Apple Watch in Low Power Mode during extended workout sessions

00:06:00 PilotPete-QT-Getting to earlier messages quickly

00:09:14 NASANut-Try the Terminal if you can’t see macOS 27 in Software Update

softwareupdate –list-full-installers

softwareupdate –fetch-full-installer –full-installer-version 27.0.1

Dash for macOS

00:16:32 PorthosJon-QT-Run multiple Claude Desktop Apps for work/home

For a second account I have it running `open -n -a “Claude” –args –user-data-dir=”$HOME/.claude-instances/work”`

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Your Questions Answered – feedback@macgeekgab.com

00:23:41 Terry-Can I migrate from a phone running an iOS beta?

00:27:48 Are Pete and Dave still getting iPhone Duo?

00:29:14 Barry-Should I be running Mail.app to take advantage of Apple Intelligence?

hybridsearchd high CPU usage is often triggered by Smart Mailboxes using “Entire Message” criteria

00:35:21 Robb-DGC-Make sure Siri can see your apps’ data

00:37:22 Siri Can Answer Tech Support Questions About Your Mac

Try asking “Why did that fail?” and it might just tell you!

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MOAR Questions Answered and Tips shared – feedback@macgeekgab.com

00:48:13 NASANut-How do you connect to your DiskStations?

MariusHosting.com

00:55:32 James-1161-Apple replaced our Apple Watches when we repaired our batteries

00:57:35 Martin-1161-Apple Watch warranty replacements might display O2

Cool Stuff Found

00:58:48 Andrew-CSF-SetShot to track macOS Settings Changes

01:01:59 Allison-CSF-Marked QL QuickLook plugin (in Setapp, too)

Marked 3

01:05:47 Terry-CSF-Limitless iPhone Duo Case

01:10:12 Apple will replace Duo folding screen

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The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

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Kick off Mac Geek Gab 1162 with a stack of quick tips. You’ll stop your iPhone’s Camera Control from firing on every accidental squeeze, flip the Mac app switcher into reverse without lifting a finger, and ask Safari to describe an extension and build it for you. You’ll snooze your alarm with S-Lady and get (a little) relief from macOS 27’s hybridsearchd CPU hog. You’ll also borrow a brilliant Shortcuts automation that swaps eSIMs the moment your plane leaves the gate. Then you’ll add your kids’ vital details to your own Medical ID, bring back every closed tab with Command-Shift-T, share contacts despite Apple’s Family Sharing limits, and learn why a quarterly check of your firewall, privacy, and notification settings keeps you from getting blindsided. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton also dig into the iPhone 18 Pro color controversy to find out whether it’s chromations, aberrations, or just a sheen.

Then your questions get answered. You’ll fix macOS 27 Golden Gate headaches like broken login items, a Hazel that’s gone on strike, and a Spotlight index that needs a fresh start. You’ll turn your Apple Health data into a readable report your doctor can actually use, and you’ll learn how to make your AirPods Pro work as real hearing protection at your next concert. Finally, you’ll find the best path to building Shortcuts, whether that’s a trusted field guide or letting AI write one for you. Press play, tune up your settings, and whatever you do, Don’t Get Caught!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1162 for Monday, October 5th, 2026

October 5th: National Do Something Nice Day

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Quick Tips

00:00:01 Todd-QT-Set Double Click to open the camera app

Nomad Traditional Leather Case

00:06:26 Paul-QT-Cmd+Shift+Back-Tick AppSwitch in Right to Left Direction

00:09:13 Stephen-QT-Hey Safari, Describe an Extension

Produce four sliders to adjust the brightness (50-200%), contrast (50-200%), saturation (0-200%) and hue of all images. Label sliders  B, C, S, H. Include a minimize button labelled -. Put the panel half way up the window. Include a reset  button to return values to 100, 100, 100 and 0. Minimise after 10 seconds since last use. Reduce empty space in panel. When minimized only show standard brightness and contrast icons (black and white versions) side-by-side. Tap on those to restore panel. Save the values.

00:12:22 macOS 27 (developer beta 2) begins to resolve hybridsearchd high CPU usage

00:13:21 Adam-QT-Hey S-Lady, Snooze!

00:16:21 Kevin-QT-Shortcuts to Travel By – Switching eSim Networks seamlessly!

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MOAR Quick Tips

00:23:34 Marcelo-QT-Add your children’s details to your own iPhone’s Medical ID

00:26:22 Jeff-QT-Cmd+Shift+T to reopen multiple closed browser tabs

History > Reopen Last Closed [Window|Tab]

00:28:25 Andrew-QT-Check and confirm your presumed system settings

00:32:32 Managing Notifications Settings

00:37:05 SarasotaSteve-QT-Sharing Contacts in spite of Apple Restrictions

00:40:50 iPhone 18 Pro Color Controversy

Sponsors

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Your Questions Answered – feedback@macgeekgab.com

00:49:20 Jeremy-GoldenGate Woes Call for Help

sudo mdutil -a -E

Bartender for macOS 27

00:58:23 Michael-How to Share iOS Health App Data with Medical Professionals?

Vitalina app

01:04:37 Rob-Airpods Pro Hearing Protection Provided?

01:13:05 Mark-?-Best method to build a shortcut?

MacSparky’s Shortcuts Field Guide

01:19:55 MGG 1162 Outtro

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

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Kick off Mac Geek Gab 1161 with a round of Quick Tips: flip through browser tabs with Command-Shift-[ and ], kill your iPhone flashlight with one tap, and learn iOS 27’s new swipe-down layout, where notifications, Siri, and Control Center each get their own corner. You’ll also bring CarPlay widgets back into your life, compare the apps on all your Macs with one Terminal command (and a little AI help), and find the Identity Documents collection hiding in iOS 27 Photos.

Then Don’t Get Caught by SIM protection blocking your new iPhone setup, a watch battery “replacement” that quietly swaps your Apple Watch and takes blood oxygen readings with it, or a GPS-only Apple Watch that can’t call for help when you need it most.

Next, your two geeks and a pilot figure out why iCloud Drive won’t keep your files local, share how they juggle iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Synology Drive, and help a caregiver limit an iPhone’s outgoing calls to a trusted few. You’ll get the right way to speed test your internet from your router, a fix for Siri AI that won’t leave, and an update on hybridsearchd eating your Mac’s CPU in macOS 27.

Stick around for Cool Stuff Found, where Adam finally ends years of naked-iPhone with a screen protector (and a dose of shame) that goes on perfectly every time. Press play and get your answers before your gear gets you!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1161 for Monday, September 28th, 2026

September 28th: National Family Day

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Quick Tips

00:00:01 Todd-QT-1160-use Command-Shift-[ to switch between browser tabs

00:04:45 Martin-QT-Turn off the Flashlight with a quick tap of the icon

00:07:37 Dr. Dream-QT-iOS 27 Swipe Down has a third option now

00:08:47 Andrew-QT-Use CarPlay Widgets again in iOS 27

00:13:08 Andrew-QT-Compare apps on all your Macs

ls /Applications > ~/Desktop/apps-list.txt

00:17:51 Manhattan Glen-QT-iOS 27 Photos has Identity Documents

00:21:50 Genius Scan to scan things

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Don’t Get Caught

00:26:14 Bill-DGC-Disable SIM Lock/Protection before transferring to your new iPhone

00:28:27 Brian-1159-Replacing the battery might replace your Apple Watch…and lose features

00:34:42 Doug-DGC-Carefully Consider a GPS-only Apple Watch

Your Questions Answered – feedback@macgeekgab.com

00:35:47 Joe-Why is iCloud Drive not syncing down all of my files?

Cirrus & Bailiff from Eclectic Light

Dropbox

OneDrive

Google Drive

Synology Drive

Resilio Sync

00:45:38 HiFiGMan-How do I limit outgoing calls to only certain people?

Sponsors

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Follow-Ups

00:58:40 Andrew-1160-Use your router’s speed test app

Netgear Orbi

Eero

UniFi Cloud Gateway Max

01:01:19 Larry-Siri AI hangs around too long

01:04:50 More about hybridsearchd CPU usage in macOS 27

Cool Stuff Found

01:10:00 ATC-CSF- Spigen GLAS.tR EZ Fit – Screen protector

AILUN iPhone Screen Protectors

01:21:18 MGG 1161 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

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You’ll learn how to ask S-Lady to find a family member through Find My so you don’t have to call them, and why Command-Backtick (one key up from Tab) cycles windows inside a single app while Command-1, 2, 3 hops tabs in Safari, Chrome, Comet, and even Mail. You’ll follow Dave down the iPhone system data rabbit hole, where 59GB of mystery storage led to a full wipe, a genuinely useful “keep eSIMs and erase data” option, and then 52GB creeping right back three days later. You’ll turn an always-on Mac mini into an AirPlay music server you drive from the Remote app, so the party keeps playing after you make a beer run. You’ll discover that Terminal’s Secure Keyboard Entry checkbox is why your TextExpander and Rocket Typist snippets quit firing. And you’ll hear the cheapest Wi-Fi fix in history: delete the speed test app. Plus, AI as a genealogy research partner: the kind that surfaces buried leads you verify yourself.

Don’t Get Caught after a macOS update wondering why Hazel stopped filing your bank statements: the rules were fine, but Spotlight’s index was in a bad state, so rebuild it with OnyX or Terminal and reboot. You’ll get real numbers on the Apple Upgrade Program: zero percent APR, financed through Klarna, three mandatory choices at the end of your term, and a “good condition” clause nobody defines. You’ll learn the Apple Watch Ultra 4’s screen really is bigger than Series 12’s, and that a 99-cent app called O2 Buddy puts blood oxygen back on your wrist. Then you’ll rethink family contact cards using smart lists built on a keyword in the Notes field, and hear why Contacts is the one thing Dave has ever lost to sync. Watch where new contacts get saved, or you’ll be staring at a text thinking…old contact, who dis? Closing it out: why Siri still wants a data connection for requests that should never leave your phone.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1160 for Monday, September 21st, 2026

September 21st: Wife Appreciation Day

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Quick Tips

00:00:01 Si-QT-Find my person with S lady

00:03:05 Dennis-QT-Cmd+` to Change Windows Cmd+[n] (n=number) to change tabs within an App

00:06:31 DLH-Keep your sims and erase the data

00:12:47 JW Blat-Using your Mac as an AirPlay music server

00:15:43 Pilot Pete-QT-Kill Secure Input Quickly if Terminal is Open

TextExpander

Rocket Typist

00:18:15 QT-Fix your WiFi by deleting the SpeedTest app

00:25:50 Russ-QT-Using A/I As a Genealogy Research Assistant

MGG Reviews at https://macgeekgab.com/reviews

00:32:33 VirtualStash-MGG Review-Best podcast out there

Don’t Get Caught

00:33:45 Pilot Pete-DGC-After a macOS update Spotlight Index was in a Bad State

OnyX

Or one way from Terminal:

sudo mdutil -a -i off

sudo rm -rf /System/Volumes/Data/.Spotlight-V100 /.Spotlight-V100

sudo mdutil -a -i on

Sponsors

00:36:49  SPONSOR: Shopify. If you’re ready to stop putting off your business and start selling, sign up for your free trial and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/MGG

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Apple Event Errata and Updates

00:39:16 Tom-Feedback / Question: Apple Upgrade Program Pricing Structure

00:51:48 Tim A-The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has a bigger screen than the Apple Watch 12

00:54:24 Bob-CSF-O2 Buddy brings Data On Your Watch Anyway!

00:56:26 What did your geeks order?

Your Questions Answered – feedback@macgeekgab.com

01:00:16 David-What’s the best way to manage Family Contact Cards in Contacts?

01:08:40 DJ Val-Why does Siri need a data connection for offline requests

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

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Apple’s September 2026 keynote is in the books, and Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton are here to help you figure out what’s actually worth your money. You kick things off with the big question: what are your three favorite geeks gonna buy? They then dig into the reasons, starting with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: battery life, new health sensors, Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and an Audio Intelligence feature that really should’ve been called Audible Intelligence. Then it’s on to the star of the show, the iPhone Duo, where you get the real story on its price, how much storage you actually need, and that crease. And, oh yeah, MagSafe.

From there, you’ll size up the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and find out why Siri AI may be what finally pushes you to upgrade your hardware, and how iCloud+ quietly turned into an AI paywall. Before you sign up for Apple Upgrade, you’ll learn that the fine print calls it a lease. Then you get the lowdown on AirPods 5 and whether AppleCare One Family at $49.99 a month makes sense for your household.

By the end, you’ll know whether all this talk changed anyone’s shopping list, and whether it should change yours. Don’t Get Caught overpaying for your next upgrade!

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1159 for Monday, September 14th, 2026

September 14th: National Cream Filled Donut Day

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00:05:08 What are you gonna buy?

Pete: AppleCare One Family, iPhone Duo

Adam: iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12

Dave: iPhone Duo, Maybe an Apple Watch?

00:07:06 Apple Watch Series 12 / Ultra 4

Battery Life

New Health Sensors

Audio Intelligence (really should be Audible Intelligence)

Live Rewind

Siri Recap

00:18:07 Legal implications of tech that is always recording

00:20:38 Pete’s thoughts on the Apple Watch Battery Life

S11 Chip

Bee app for listening

00:25:49 Cellular on Apple Watch

US Mobile uses it

Mint Mobile can’t

Sponsors

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00:32:21 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/MACGEEK

00:33:42 iPhone Duo

Linus Tech on iPhone Duo

Marques Brown on iPhone Duo

The price of the iPhone Duo

Storage on an iPhone Duo

00:55:02 iPhone Duo has a crease

00:58:59 iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max

01:04:24 Siri AI is the reason for a hardware upgrade

iCloud+ quietly became an AI paywall

01:10:23 “Apple Upgrade” is a lease

01:13:53 AirPods 5

01:18:50 AppleCare One Family

$49.99/mo for the Family Plan

01:29:58 Did this discussion change what you’re gonna buy?

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Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab iOS app

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Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

feedback@macgeekgab.com

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network