The CultCast
The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, news, and accessories for your iDevices and Mac—but more importantly—we do it with pizzaz. Why listen to another dreary tech program? Tune in to the CultCast each week for a healthy dose of Apple, jokes gone sour, and plenty of tangents.
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What will Apple announce next week? Our predictions! (CultCast #686)
02/14/2025
What will Apple announce next week? Our predictions! (CultCast #686)
Surprise Apple announcement coming next week — we’ll lay out our predictions! Also, we’re talking about the new Powerbeats Pro 2, and Apple’s shift into foldable iPhones and robotics. This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at This week’s stories: Tim Cook revealed Thursday that Apple plans to launch a new product on February 19. Cook’s post is deliberately vague, saying only, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” The updated and redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s first set of earbuds to feature built-in heart rate monitoring, and feature ear hooks for a secure fit during workouts. A report from late last year suggested Apple wants to launch its first foldable in 2026. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates the same in his latest Power On newsletter. Robots may become Apple’s next big thing. It’s looking for a completely new product category to grow its business, and robots might be the answer, according to an unconfirmed report from Ming-Chi Kuo. For the first time this year, we must place our predictions for Apple’s… event? Announcements? Day of stuff? Who knows!
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COOL: Our first glimpse of Apple’s iPad-on-a-moving-robot-arm thing (CultCast #685)
02/07/2025
COOL: Our first glimpse of Apple’s iPad-on-a-moving-robot-arm thing (CultCast #685)
This week: Apple’s secret robot desk lamp revealed! Is this a first look of Apple’s wacky iPad-on-a-robot-arm? Also, the Apple M5 chip enters production, the new Invites app, the iPad case with a kill switch, and Erfon’s two-week review of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: Apple's amazing new lamp-like robot prototype, developed for both functionality and social interaction, looks a lot like Pixar's mascot. The latest Apple M5 processor is ready to enhance the performance of Macs and iPads. You can plan events with Apple Invites, an app that lets users share invitations and photos and collaborate on music playlists with ease. Protect your secrets with the In Case of Death Case for iPad Pro. It automatically bricks your tablet if/when you die. Really. Under Review: The Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile mechanical keyboard is slim, compact and super quiet.
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The car repair saga... (CCOT #19)
02/05/2025
The car repair saga... (CCOT #19)
Erfon's mini van is back at the shop (for the same issue!!), and he learns his local repair shop is not who they seem....
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Bad news about Apple AR glasses… (CultCast #684)
02/01/2025
Bad news about Apple AR glasses… (CultCast #684)
This week: Bad news about Apple’s AR glasses — was another Vision product canceled? The solution to Siri is on the way… just like CarPlay 2, right? Also, you won’t believe this new iPhone case! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at This week’s stories: Apple kills its AR glasses project, an attempt at lightweight specs that connect to Macs. The glasses join Apple Car on the scrap heap. Here are the high points from the Apple earnings call with investors on Thursday as quickly and as interesting as we can make them. In a new move to catch up with AI competitors, Apple taps software veteran to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence. She has a good track record. Despite delays, Apple reaffirms its commitment to next-gen CarPlay and confirms it is working with several automakers on it. The Andy Warhol x Casetify collection turns the pop artists iconic works into whimsical Apple accessories, like a banana-shaped iPhone case.
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iOS 19 — Radical new design? (CultCast #683)
01/24/2025
iOS 19 — Radical new design? (CultCast #683)
This week, the first details on iOS 19’s radical new design. Also, details on the iPhones and iPads just around the corner, and you’re getting Apple Intelligence — whether you like it or not… This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Apple might be preparing a big, visionOS-inspired revamp for the iPhone's Camera app in iOS 19 with a cleaner look. Rumors indicate the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will come with a larger display, but no screen notch or Home button. An M3 iPad Air could bring in improved speed and performance, and rumor indicates the tablet is right around the corner. Following major criticism from major media outlets, Apple is making changes to how its AI-powered notifications summaries work with iOS 18.3 beta 3.
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The major iPhone 17 Pro camera overhaul + Nintendo Switch 2! (CultCast #682)
01/17/2025
The major iPhone 17 Pro camera overhaul + Nintendo Switch 2! (CultCast #682)
This week, we have details on the major changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro cameras, we know exactly how thin the iPhone 17 Air may be, three Apple products coming that you may have forgotten about… and our Nintendo Switch 2 first impressions! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may get a 48MP tetraprism 5x shooter and 24MP selfie camera, enabling them to capture more detailed pictures. The iPhone 17 Air could be slimmer than rumored, measuring just 5.5mm. But this thinness may come with some compromises. Apple neglected these products recently, but that should change soon. Here’s what’s to expect from Apple TV, AirTag and HomePod in 2025. A batch of newly leaked images show CarPlay 2 widgets that look similar to familiar iPhone, iPad and Mac interfaces. Vinegar: With new episodes of Apple TV+'s strangely engrossing workplace series coming Friday, two new "Severance" season two promos get weird. Apple: Switch 2 first impressions
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The best and weirdest gadgets of CES + Apple’s next event date (CultCast #681)
01/10/2025
The best and weirdest gadgets of CES + Apple’s next event date (CultCast #681)
The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show is in full effect — we’ve got the best and weirdest gadgets for you! Plus: When’s the next Apple event coming? We may have an answer! Also: How to create the coolest Lock Screen wallpapers… This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: If all goes according to "plan," Apple will only launch the iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 by April, and not with iOS 18.3 this month. In a move that’s sure to catch the attention of Mac users — particularly those with the latest M4 Pro machines — LG just unveiled its new UltraFine 6K Display at CES 2025. In a surprising move at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nanoleaf ventured into the personal care market with its LED Light Therapy Face Mask. Anker Solix unveiled two cool outdoor products Monday at CES 2025 in Las Vegas: Its first solar-powered beach umbrella, and an upgraded, high-performance electric cooler in three sizes, designed for extended outdoor use. Get ready for the Dell Pro Max. The company rebranded all its PCs with names that should sould sound very familiar to Apple users. In just a few minutes, you can create a cool iPhone Lock Screen wallpaper that can switch between two images with just a tap.
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Hottest Apple tech of 2025 + New iPhone 18 intel! (CultCast #680)
01/04/2025
Hottest Apple tech of 2025 + New iPhone 18 intel! (CultCast #680)
The next big leap for iPhone cameras, the coolest Apple products coming in 2025, how to get free Apple TV+ — and our last picks for the best of 2024! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: Apple could adopt a variable aperture system for the iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera that would enable the device to adjust the aperture size and light intake depending on surroundings. Apple TV+ will open its doors to all for an unprecedented free streaming weekend, January 3-5, 2025. That gives everyone unlimited access to its entire catalog of original content. Apple will launch several products in 2025, but these are the 5 things from the company that could wow us. MacRumors: A completely redesigned version of the Magic Mouse featuring touch and voice controls is coming in 2026, a Korean leaker claims. Best of 2024:
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The best and worst gadgets, shows, movies and stuff of 2024! (CultCast #679)
12/28/2024
The best and worst gadgets, shows, movies and stuff of 2024! (CultCast #679)
It's our final show of the year, and we're ready to argue which stuff ruled and ruined 2024. This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at 2024 Picks: Griffin: Erfon: Lewis: Griffin: buy-one-get-one deal every Tuesday (when ordering online with coupon code BOGO) Erfon: — specifically, Matthew Berry Lewis: Griffin: Trying to buy a house Erfon: Erfon: Lewis:
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First look at iPhone 17 Pro + the best and worst of 2024! (CultCast #678)
12/20/2024
First look at iPhone 17 Pro + the best and worst of 2024! (CultCast #678)
This week, we’re looking at the RADICAL new design of the iPhone 17 Pro! Love it or hate it? Also, when to expect the first folding iPhone, Apple’s bad AI summaries ruin headlines, and more picks for the best (and worst) of 2024! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: With purported details of the iPhone 17 Pro Max appearing online many months before the device’s launch, a Russian YouTube channel prepared renders that reveal what Apple’s next top-tier handset could look like. Hoping to boost sales, Apple could launch its first folding iPhone as soon as 2026, according to The Wall Street Journal. International journalism organization Reporters Without Borders is calling for Apple to remove its new artificial intelligence-powered news notifications, following a complaint from the BBC over a bogus news summary. Best and Worst of 2024: Erfon: Lewis: Griffin: Erfon:
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The Accidental Cooking Podcast (CCOT #18)
12/19/2024
The Accidental Cooking Podcast (CCOT #18)
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The BIG changes coming to MacBooks and iPads… in 2026 (CultCast #677)
12/13/2024
The BIG changes coming to MacBooks and iPads… in 2026 (CultCast #677)
This week, the 5G OLED MacBooks and iPads of our dreams are on the way… in 2026. Also, the next big leap for Apple Watch Ultra, new features in iOS 18.2, and our first picks for BEST OF 2024! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Apple reportedly intends to introduce MacBooks and an iPad mini with an OLED screen in 2026 as the switch away from LED continues. A 5G MacBook might finally be on the horizon thanks to Apple's plans to introduce its own cellular modem in 2025. iOS 18.2 drops a huge number of new features onto the iPhone. Even if you’re not interested in Apple Intelligence, there’s a lot to unpack in this update. Apple Watch Ultra 3 reportedly will let travelers send texts via a satellite connection when cellular communication isn’t available. Best of 2024: Lewis: Erfon: Griffin: Apple Vision Pro with , and
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FIXED! - VS - Movie Edition! (CCOT#17)
12/09/2024
FIXED! - VS - Movie Edition! (CCOT#17)
We pit movie against movie and argue which one's best while compiling out top 100 list.
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The return of upgradable storage and the Touch Bar!? (CultCast #676)
12/06/2024
The return of upgradable storage and the Touch Bar!? (CultCast #676)
This week we’re talking about what’s in store for the next iPad Pro, when to expect the HomePod with a screen, the RETURN of upgradable Mac storage… and the Touch Bar? Also, an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to to try the powerful Notion AI today. 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at This week’s stories: The next big iPad Pro refresh will arrive in the second half of 2025 at the earliest, according to a new report. The upgraded M5 iPad Pro reportedly will be the first product to use the next-gen Apple silicon chip. The HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display that’s been the subject of previous rumors will launch after Apple’s developer conference in June, according to a report on Wednesday from a reliable source. The French company Polysoft reverse engineered Apple’s proprietary NVMe SSDs for the Mac Studio and put them on the market at prices well below Apple’s. Flexbar, developed by Hong Kong startup Eniac Technology, reimagines the controversial MacBook Pro feature as a standalone accessory that promises to deliver on the Touch Bar’s original potential. Under Review: The Carpod Go T3 is a convenient way to add a wireless CarPlay tablet to your car — with a responsive 8.9-inch 700 nit display.
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Apple to FINALLY fix Siri + Radical change coming to iPhone 17 (CultCast #675)
11/29/2024
Apple to FINALLY fix Siri + Radical change coming to iPhone 17 (CultCast #675)
This week, the real REAL good Siri could be… 18 months away? Also, we’re talking about the radical new look for the iPhone 17 lineup and an exciting new Under Review! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Deals: Apple plans to further improve Siri with iOS 19 in 2025 by using advanced next-generation large language models (LLMs). Mark Gurman's sources say “a larger-than-usual number of features” of iOS 19 will be delayed from its initial launch in September 2025 to iOS 19.4’s release in spring 2026. Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air could be even thinner than initially rumored. Apple plans to make “significant design changes” with the iPhone 17 Pro series next year, according to The Information. Apple is not planning any major upgrades to AirPods Max anytime soon. The company plans to keep the headphones around in its current iteration for the “foreseeable future.” Under Review: Asus’ new ProArt 5K desktop monitor costs just half of what you’ll pay for Apple’s Studio Display but offers many of the same features.
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New details on iPhone 17 Air, AirTag 2, and hands-on with Image Playground! (CultCast #674)
11/22/2024
New details on iPhone 17 Air, AirTag 2, and hands-on with Image Playground! (CultCast #674)
This week: New details on the super slim iPhone 17, what’s coming next for AirTags 2, a hidden MacBook Pro feature Apple didn’t mention — and our hands-on with Image Playground! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to to try the powerful Notion AI today. 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at This week’s stories: The rumored iPhone 17 Air might measure just 6mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. Apple’s first AirTag upgrade is another step closer to launch, with the tracking tags reportedly progressing to “manufacturing tests.” The latest MacBook Pro screen reportedly includes a quantum dot film. The result is a better-looking display in the new Mac notebook. In a surprise move, the M4 Mac mini includes a removable, swappable SSD. iOS 18.2 will bring exciting new Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence and ChatGPT integration. Bloomberg: If Apple’s smart display on, it will help set the stage for more home devices. It may even revisit the idea of making an Apple-branded TV set, something it’s evaluating.
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Hands-on with ALL the M4 Macs (CultCast #673)
11/15/2024
Hands-on with ALL the M4 Macs (CultCast #673)
This week, it’s our hands-on reviews with ALL the M4 Macs and Magic peripherals — the good, the bad and the ugly. Also: Apple’s weird new smart home device coming next March, and Apple’s even weirder new coffee table book… This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at This week’s stories: The desktop computer is an endangered breed, but if you have room for one in your life, the new iMac offers a beautiful design and some impressive performance. While the M1 Pro and M4 Pro laptops could be the same exact machine judging from the outside — same as all M-series MacBook Pro models — the new one takes some big steps forward in performance. The new Mac mini with M4 Pro chip offers incredible power at an unbelievable price. And on top of all that, it’s super-tiny. What’s not to love? Reviews for the new peripherals: Apple plans to release “a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps” from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Back when Apple Music put out its 100 Best Albums of all time list, some people expressed shock at the No. 1 pick — 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. And now they might be shocked they’re being asked to pay a whopping $450 for a fancy-schmancy, limited-edition coffee-table book version of the whole list.
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MacBook Pro reviews are in — it’s a monster! (CultCast #672)
11/08/2024
MacBook Pro reviews are in — it’s a monster! (CultCast #672)
This week, reviews are in — and the M4 Macbook Pro performance is absolutely mind blowing. Is it finally time to upgrade from M1? Plus: When to expect the next big MacBook redesign with OLED displays, new features in iOS 18.2, the next big step in Apple silicon… and the Under Review you’ve been waiting for! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Apple’s latest M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro refresh brings significant improvements to its professional laptop line, with reviewers praising the upgraded base model and impressive performance gains across the board. Early Geekbench 6 benchmark results show impressive performance improvements for the new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, says the big MacBook Pro overhaul will arrive in 2026 rather than 2025, when some people expected it. A couple of weeks after releasing the first iOS 18.2 beta with new Apple Intelligence features, Apple seeded the second beta to developers with several new features. Apple might switch to in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips starting with next year’s iPhone 17. The company plans to fully transition to its custom Wi-Fi chips within three years after that. Under Review:
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M4 Macs — nitty gritty details, and our reactions! (CultCast #671)
11/01/2024
M4 Macs — nitty gritty details, and our reactions! (CultCast #671)
This week, they’re here — ALL the M4 Macs. The iMac, the Mac mini, the MacBook Pros, the new accessories. What did we order? This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to to try the powerful Notion AI today. This week’s stories: Apple unveiled the radically redesigned Mac mini on Tuesday, with versions powered by the M4 chip and a new M4 Pro chip. Apple launched an upgraded iMac with an M4 chip and support for Apple Intelligence on Monday, calling it “the world’s best all-in-one for AI.” While the new laptops sport the same design as their predecessors, they deliver faster performance and a staggering 24 hours of battery life, the company says. Apple on Wednesday increased the RAM in the base model M2 and M3 MacBook Air from 8GB to 16GB. And the enhancement comes without a price increase. Apple’s new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad showed up for sale Monday. As expected, they switch from Lightning connector to USB-C.
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New M4 Macs — here they come! (CultCast #670)
10/25/2024
New M4 Macs — here they come! (CultCast #670)
This week, don’t call it an event — but M4 Macs are coming next week! Also, the second wave of Apple Intelligence, all the Apple products coming next spring, their expensive Apple Card mistake, and is production ending on Vision Pro? This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at This week’s stories: Apple let the world know on Thursday that its much-anticipated October event isn’t going to be a traditional one. Instead, it’ll be a week of announcements of new products via press releases. While some M4 Macs may arrive in the next week, Apple also gears up for a bigger expansion of its M4 chip rollout, including the M4 MacBook Air coming in early 2025. Ahead of iOS 18.1’s public release, Apple released the first iOS 18.2 beta to developers. The second major point release of iOS 18 packs several changes, including new Apple Intelligence features. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) imposed nearly $90 million in combined penalties on Apple and Goldman Sachs, the agency said Wednesday. Apple reportedly might end production of the Vision Pro by the end of the year. That doesn’t mean the mixed-reality headset is about to be discontinued, however.
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New iPad mini is here — but where are the Macs? (CultCast #669)
10/18/2024
New iPad mini is here — but where are the Macs? (CultCast #669)
This week, a new iPad mini drops — what does this mean for the Macs on the way? Also, details on all the weird Vision products Apple’s working on… This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: The iPad mini 7, the first new version released in three years, offers support for the AI features dubbed Apple Intelligence. Plus, the tablet comes with a significant jump in storage capacity and supports the new Apple Pencil Pro. Mac notebooks and desktops with the M4 processor are still expected to premiere soon. Just maybe more quietly. For wider adoption, Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper Vision headset. In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that the low-end Vision headset “cost about $2,000 and probably use an inferior processor and cheaper materials.” Apple reportedly wants to repurpose some of the technology that went into its Vision Pro headset for simpler products. That includes a pair of smart glasses plus AirPods with IR cameras. Apple is finally preparing to compete for the smart home market after falling behind Amazon and Google.
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SECRETS... (CCOT #16)
10/17/2024
SECRETS... (CCOT #16)
Erfon reveals three secrets, LEWIS reveals NONE.
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Leaked! — Here is the M4 MacBook Pro (CultCast #668)
10/11/2024
Leaked! — Here is the M4 MacBook Pro (CultCast #668)
This week, new Macs and iPads are coming soon — but the MacBook Pro is already here! It’s the biggest leak since the iPhone 4. Also, Apple silicon modems are back on the table, our hands-on with Apple Intelligence and the scoop on Apple’s new update strategy! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to to try the powerful Notion AI today. This week’s stories: Graham Bower and Charlie Sorrel explore the story behind a different Apple product in each episode. Apple’s next-gen M4 Macs will reportedly arrive November 1, rather than in October as is generally expected. An alleged unboxing video of the M4 MacBook Pro went live on YouTube over the weekend. The early hands-on, if real, shows that Apple’s next MacBook will pack impressive performance improvements over the M3 version. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 will reportedly sport a new design that will see Apple ditch the physical Home button. It will also stand out for being the first product in Apple’s portfolio to use its in-house 5G modem. Apple Intelligence makes its debut with 10 new features — some of it is fantastic, some of it is kind of pointless. Bloomberg: Apple has clearly realized that there’s an issue. Pursuing a big fall launch for most of its new hardware and software offerings has become too much of a toll — and the company is ever-so-slightly inching away from that path.
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M4 Macs, new iPads, iPhone SE are all coming — even Vision Pro 2! (CultCast #667)
10/04/2024
M4 Macs, new iPads, iPhone SE are all coming — even Vision Pro 2! (CultCast #667)
This week, EVERYTHING that’s coming next — new Macs and iPads, the iPhone SE, Vision Pro 2 and a brand-new smart display with Apple Intelligence. Finally, we’ll wrap it up with Erfon’s week-long review of AirPods 4! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Rumors say an Apple event should bring new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with the M4 chip, with a new iPad mini and budget iPad also on the agenda. iPhone SE 4 should debut early next year with some major upgrades. The revamped iPad Air debuted in May, but there’s already word that a replacement is on Apple’s drawing board. Ming-Chi Kuo detailed some planned improvements from Apple for the next-gen Vision Pro. Apple might launch a new smart display running a new operating system called homeOS early next year. The device could feature FaceTime integration and act as a smart home controller.
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Our one week reviews of iPhone 16 Pro & Apple Watch 10! (CultCast #666)
09/27/2024
Our one week reviews of iPhone 16 Pro & Apple Watch 10! (CultCast #666)
This week — our hands-on, week-one reviews of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2’s new color + the Milanese loop controversy… This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at This week’s stories: I’d like to save you between $200 and $400. It’s easy: Don’t assume you must buy an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max to get an excellent handset. The more-affordable iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are both brilliant. The iPhone 16 Pro is a much-refined iPhone. All the features that make the it pro have been improved. Some users report that their iPhone 16 Pros don’t properly detect all their touches and swipes, leading to a frustrating experience. Don’t be alarmed if your brand-new iPhone 16 prompts you to update to iOS 18 even though your phone is already running iOS 18. And also don’t freak out when you see a fear-inducing “Welcome to iPhone” screen after you update. Larger, thinner, lighter and more lushly curvaceous than predecessors, the 10th anniversary Apple Watch is, technically, a redesign. The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well.
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Our iPhone 16 Pro hands-on first impressions LIVE! (CultCast #665)
09/22/2024
Our iPhone 16 Pro hands-on first impressions LIVE! (CultCast #665)
This week, it’s our live unboxing, hands-on and first impressions of the iPhone 16 Pro! Also, review roundups of AirPods and Apple Watch, and leaked details on the Apple Watch SE and MacBook Pro we didn’t get. This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: Video: The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well. Rather than Apple Watch Ultra 3, we got the Ultra 2 in a “satin black” titanium finish. This might be more disappointing if early reviewers weren’t raving about the new color. After two years, one might think a new Apple Watch SE is imminent but the Apple Watch Series 10 announcement on September 9 came and went with no mention of a cheaper little brother. Apple’s switch from LCD to OLED in its MacBook line isn’t moving quickly. A pair of respected industry analysts agree that it won’t happen before 2026.
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What we like (and don’t!) about the new iPhone 16, AirPods, and Apple Watches (CultCast #664)
09/13/2024
What we like (and don’t!) about the new iPhone 16, AirPods, and Apple Watches (CultCast #664)
This week, what we like (and don’t!) about the new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, AirPods 4, AirPods Max and Apple Watch Series 10. AND — who won the event prediction game! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This week’s stories: The new iPhones feature an iPhone X-like rear camera design and upgraded internals for Apple Intelligence support. The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets boast size increases, thinner bezels for larger screens, a leap in battery life and new features, including impressive camera and audio upgrades. The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and an optional titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in a new black titanium finish — apparently the only change. New fourth-generation AirPods are the latest models of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. The minor updates include new colors for Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, tweaks to their active noise cancellation feature and the removal of the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. Extra Ordinary: Congratulations to listeners Lane Gandy, TuckerJJ and Shane Lother.
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Our “Glowtime” Apple event predictions! (CultCast #663)
09/06/2024
Our “Glowtime” Apple event predictions! (CultCast #663)
This week, is it gold or bronze? The latest iPhone rumors have us worried… also, what you can expect from AirPods 4, the exciting new Mac mini, and OUR PREDICTIONS for the September event! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at This week’s stories: A new render shows the iPhone 16 Pro in a gold titanium finish, rather than the bronze that was rumored previously. Here’s what to look forward to in new AirPods variants when they’re unveiled at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9. Reports suggest the Mac mini could finally get a new design this year. The revamp will make the overall machine much smaller, about the same size as an Apple TV. iPad users can look forward to a less expensive version of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, according to information leaking out of Apple.
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Here comes iPhone 16 and M4 Macs! (CultCast #662)
08/30/2024
Here comes iPhone 16 and M4 Macs! (CultCast #662)
This week, it’s official — iPhone 16 is coming! Here’s what to expect. Also, M4 Macs are on the way and might ship with double the RAM, why Apple Intelligence isn’t far behind OpenAI, and the best Apple features you probably aren’t using! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at — OR at CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at This week’s stories: Apple sent out invitations Monday for a press event on September 9. Apple's supply chain is beginning mass production of next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in August, according to Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes. A white paper on Apple Intelligence reveals two important facts about Apple’s homegrown LLM: it’s the safest in design and highly competitive with both Llama and GPT-4. Extra Ordinary: Apple: The new AI-powered Clean Up feature in the Apple Photos app got people raving about the magical ability to “fix” pictures — and posting examples of when things go horribly wrong. Apple will seemingly continue offering enhanced specs on its Pro Max iPhone to differentiate it from other models. Reportedly, the company is testing multiple M4 Macs with 16 or 32GB of system memory. The lack of an 8GB model indicates the company might do away with that configuration entirely. Nothing illustrates the power of Apple’s ecosystem like the Continuity features that help your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch work seamlessly together.
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COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC! (CCOT #15)
08/29/2024
COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC! (CCOT #15)
In this episdoe we go where no CultCast has gone before....
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