This week, performance showdown! It's the 14 Vs. the 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pros - can the 14-inch keep up?! Plus: is 8 GB of memory enough for the base MacBook Pro; new features coming to iOS 17.2, iOS 18 and RCS finally coming to iMessage; and the huge iPad Air coming early next year!

This episode supported by:

Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.

Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast.

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co

This week‘s stories:

14" vs 16" M3 Max MacBook Pro: Major OVERHEATING Issues!
M3 MacBook Pro 8GB vs 16GB RAM - How BAD is base model?

• YouTube videos by MaxTech

New features coming in iOS 17.2

• iOS 17.2 adds a Translate Action button shortcut, the Journal app and spatial video recording from the camera.
• Spatial video playing on Meta Quest

Enter to win a super-protective iPad case from Zugu [Cult of Mac giveaway]

• The prize in this week’s giveaway is every iPad owner’s dream: an iPad case from Zugu with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. We teamed up with Zugu to give five lucky winners the chance to win one of these fantastic iPad cases.

Shocker: Apple commits to RCS for better texting with Android users

• In what is apparently an enormous change of direction, Apple reportedly plans to add support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) to the iPhone Messages app in 2024. This will enable iPhones and Androids to communicate more securely.

​​iPhone 16 Likely to Get Exclusive AI Features in iOS 18

• Apple at WWDC 2024 will reveal a turbo-charged version of Siri powered by large language models (LLMs) that will debut in iOS 18, but some new cutting-edge generative AI features could be exclusive to iPhone 16 models.

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

• Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.

Shop a refurbished Mac Studio

• Some M1 Ultra Mac Studios are available for steep discounts on the Apple Refurbished Store — while supplies last!

This week: we’re looking at the cold hard truth of M3/Pro/Max MacBook Pros vs M2 and M1 generation — and there are some surprises. We also have rumors for iOS 18 and Apple is prepping a cutting-edge battery technology that will power your devices by 2025!

This episode supported by:

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co

This week‘s stories:

Apple’s new M3 iMac and MacBook Pros hit store shelves

• Apple’s new M3 iMac and MacBook Pros are now officially on sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and select other countries. If you live in one of those locations, you can pick up the latest iMac or M3-powered MacBook Pro from your nearest Apple Store.
• The new M3 Max MacBook Pro will go on sale later in November.

All M3 MacBook pros reviewed: Same cars, better engines

• Geekbench 6 benchmark results for the new MacBook Pro models already leaked last week. The results showed that the M3 chip is up to 20% faster than the M2 chip, the M3 Pro is up to 6% faster than the M2 Pro, and the M3 Max is up to 50% faster than the M2 Max and roughly on par with the M2 Ultra chip.

MacRumors: Apple Silicon Buyer's Guide: Which Chip Should You Choose?

• Choosing a new Mac often involves consideration of the many Apple silicon chips now on offer, so our comprehensive guide covers their generations, variations, and performance benchmarks to help you decide which is best for you.

Apple pauses iOS 18 and macOS 15 development to root out bugs

• After reaching Milestone 1, Apple developers reportedly stopped adding new features to Milestone 2 for a week because the code had too many bugs.

Apple gets ready to make much better batteries

• Apple is developing greatly improved batteries for its future devices, according to a new report. It appears the iPhone-maker wants to create a custom process in-house and own it — rather than outsourcing — just like it did with Apple silicon chips.

This one simple change would make every USB-C cable better

• Simple labeling is a big help when you need a certain cable for, say, fast data transfer, but none of your cables comes right out and IDs itself as the right one for the specific job. Does it support fast data transfer? How about fast charging?

This week: the pros and cons - it's our reactions to the new M3 MacBook Pros and iMac! Plus: a long-rumored health feature will finally debut in the next Apple Watch, and we find out the winner of last week's Scary Fast event predictions!

This episode supported by:

Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.

Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast.

PDF Editor ,PDF Book Reader is your do-it-all PDF app, perfect for reading, creating, editing, signing, and scanning PDFs. And CultCast listeners can get a year of all pro features totally free. Here's how:

• First, download the app on your device (iPhone, iPad or Mac)
• Next, click on this link
• Enter the code CULTOFMAC
• You'll unlock a free year of pro features
• Code expires on Dec 1, 2023 or after 10,000 uses!

This week‘s stories:

Apple M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max boost Mac performance up to 50%

• The M2 was a fairly modest improvement over the original version, but the M3 brings more of a boost. Much of that come from a switch from a 5nm production process to a 3nm one. Shrinking the chip’s components allows them to work faster while generating less waste heat.

3 new M3 MacBook Pro models promise blazing speed

• The basic new MacBook Pro is a 14-inch model with the M3 chip. “Perfect for aspiring creatives, students, and entrepreneurs, it now starts at $1,599,” Apple said.
• Orders start Monday for all the new laptops, with shipping starting November 7, Apple said. The base M3 MacBook Pro at $1,599 ($1,499 for education). M3 Pro starts at $1,999 ($1,849 for education). M3 Max starts at $2,499 ($2,299 for education).

Good riddance: 13-inch MacBook Pro discontinued

• Apple has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It was the last MacBook in the company’s lineup with a Touch Bar, a thin, customizable OLED strip at the top of the keyboard that replaced the usual row of function keys.

M1 vs. M3 24-inch iMac comparison: What’s changed?

• The biggest upgrade between the 2021 and 2023 24-inch iMac is the switch to the faster M3 chip. Apple claims its newest iMac delivers 2x faster performance.

Fail: No USB-C update for Magic Mouse or Keyboard

• With the latest iPhones dropping the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, there was speculation (and hope) that Apple would release new versions of the Magic Mouse, Trackpad and Keyboard that also reject the Lightning port. Nope.

How Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event was shot on iPhone [Updated]

• Apple shared a big surprise at the end of the scary fast event - the entire presentation was recorded using an iPhone. This is the first time Apple has used only one of its handsets to film an entire product launch event.

Next-gen Apple Watch could offer limited blood pressure monitoring

• The 2024 edition of Apple Watch might finally include a feature that been a bit of a holy grail for the wearable: blood pressure monitoring. But a new report says the feature will be limited at first.

The CultCast “Scary Fast” Predictions results

• Results from the prediction game we played on the show last week!

Next week’s “Scary Fast” event came out of nowhere, a total surprise! And now we know... Apple’s preparing a BARRAGE of new Macs. Get your wallets ready — you’re going to like what’s coming next!

This episode supported by:

Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast.

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac’s watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co

This week‘s stories:

Apple plans ‘Scary Fast’ event for Halloween eve

• It’s official, a second Apple product-release event of autumn takes place the evening before Halloween — Monday, October 30 at 5 p.m. PT. Most folks expect some new Macs to shamble forth.

Apple drops big hint October event will be Mac focused

• Apple invited the world to a product-launch event on October 30. And the invitation strongly suggests that new Macs will be on the agenda.

Mark Gurman’s tweets:

• “Apple’s iMacs and MacBook Pros are in extremely short supply”
• “Apple has been testing M3 Max and M3 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros”
• “Apple has been planning an M3 iMac for a while […] No other major changes other than the chip”
• “Inventory of existing high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros — as well as the all-in-one iMac desktop — has dwindled at Apple stores as well as retailers”

Monday’s ‘Scary Fast’ Macs could sport M3 chips after all

• After Apple invited the world to its Scary Fast product event Monday, speculation turned more seriously to the idea that newly announced Macs might sport faster new M3 chips rather than versions of the current M2 series chips.

MacRumors: OLED iPad and MacBook Rumored to Feature Specialized Display Materials

• Apple has apparently collaborated with LG Display to integrate new OLED material sets in some of its future devices, including forthcoming iPad Pro and MacBook models.

AirPods 4 could deliver active noise cancellation

• AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 will get the axe in 2024 to be replaced with a fourth generation that will come in two versions, according to an unconfirmed report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. One AirPods 4 model will offer ANC and have a charging case that supports the Find My app. A cheaper version will not have either feature.

Apple raises rates for Apple TV+ and other services by up to 40%

• The cost of watching Apple TV+ series and movies just went up 40%. […] The price for Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and Apple One also increased. But the cost of other services, like Apple Music, remains the same.

Extra Ordinary: The CultCast ‘Scary Fast’ Predictions

• For (probably) the last time this year, Erfon, Lewis and I will be putting down our predictions for a surprise event on Monday.

This week: Apple's prepping a 32-inch iMac Pro - and this could be the iMac Pro replacement we've been waiting for... Plus: Apple's first foldable will be an iPad, and everything we know about the next iPad Pro, including it's whopping new price tag.

​

This episode supported by:

Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.

​

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

​

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com

​

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 CultCloth.co

Check out the Calm History Podcast!

This week‘s stories:

​

Griffin: Wait for new 32-inch iMac could stretch out to 2025

• The much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is a couple of years away, according to an industry analyst who’s a reliable source of Apple predictions.

Erfon: Foldable iPad might launch in 2024

• Apple’s first computer with a foldable display will reportedly be an iPad

Erfon: 2024 iPad Pro: 12 Rumors About What to Expect

Griffin: Get ready to grab the first budget Apple Pencil

• Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad

Griffin: No, fast charging doesn’t hurt your iPhone battery

• Does it hurt your battery by charging an iPhone with a fast charger?

This week: a super useful new iPhone 15 feature is coming to iOS 17.1! Plus: Why the next Apple Watch might not be too great; rumors say no new MacBooks before 2024, and the big problem with Vision Pro that no one's talking about. Then, we pitch our favorite gadgets in an all-new Under Review!

​

This episode supported by:

​

Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.

Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast.

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co

​

This week‘s stories:

iOS 17.1 will add pocket-detection mode for iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button

• To avoid accidentally activating the action button, Apple plans to add a pocket-detection feature in iOS 17.1 (as spotted by MacRumors in the latest beta). This will ensure that pressing the Action button while the iPhone 15 Pro is in your pocket won’t activate the camera, flashlight or any other action that does not make sense.

​

2024 Apple Watch 'Unlikely' to Have 'Significant' Innovation

• The 2024 Apple Watch is "unlikely" to offer "significant innovative experiences," according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

​

M3 MacBooks unlikely to launch before 2024

• A DigiTimes report corroborates an earlier prediction from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple will not launch new M3-powered MacBooks this year.

​

Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway]

• Three lucky winners can choose either a Laut Revive Prop or a Laut Prestige iPhone 15 case. (This week’s winners get to choose which type and size of case they want.) Both offer 10.5-foot drop protection.

​

Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear

• A key focus for Apple is making its device more comfortable to wear — with a smaller and lighter design. The company’s first headset, the Vision Pro, has caused neck strain in testing due to its size and weight.

​

Under Review:

• Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe
• Fujifilm X-S20
• Sony Mavica FD-73: Example Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3

This week: get your wallets ready... cause a whole slew of new Macs are just around the corner! We'll tell you what to expect. Plus: more iPhone 15 Pro issues, Apple's prepping to unveil their next-gen display tech, and 12 years later - we remember Steve Jobs!

This episode supported by

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

GRIFFIN: New MacBook Pros with mini-LED, new iMac and new MacBook Air could all launch this year

• “Apple is expected to ship new models of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro devices in the fourth quarter of 2023,” Digitimes reported today.

LEWIS: Apple rushes out fix for ‘warmer than expected’ iPhones

• Our incredibly brief, slightly warmer than anticipated, international iPhone nightmare is over.
• iOS 17.0.3 just launched, and Apple promises it “addresses an issue that may cause iPhone to run warmer than expected.”

LEWIS: Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway]

• Three lucky winners can choose either a Laut Revive Prop or a Laut Prestige iPhone 15 case. (This week’s winners get to choose which type and size of case they want.)

Erfon: The iPhone 15 Pro has a weird USB-C charging problem

• Tried charging your new iPhone 15 from a power bank but came back to a dead iPhone? You're not alone! Here's what's going on.

Griffin: How Apple muffed the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action button

• I’ve been using my new iPhone 15 Pro for a couple of weeks now, but I still haven’t gotten used to the new Action button.

LEWIS: How to stop macOS Sonoma from flashing your desktop, aka, How to disable the coolest new feature in macOS Sonoma!

• This is the new “Click wallpaper to reveal desktop” feature in the new Mac operating system. If you find this functionality annoying, here’s how to turn it off. That way, you can safely click your Mac’s desktop again.

Erfon: Next Major Apple Watch Ultra Upgrade Rumored to Be MicroLED Display Technology

• MicroLED display technology will be the next major upgrade coming to the Apple Watch Ultra, according to a Weibo leaker with a proven track record for disclosing accurate information about Apple's plans.

This week: new iPhone, new gate! Nerds on the internet are mad that the iPhone 15 Pros titanium finish has a big problem with finger oils - we discuss!

Plus: we review the reviews for iPhone 15 Pro, cover some of its new hidden features, and we'll highlight the best new features in iOS 17!

And we NEED to talk about Apple's new Finewoven cases…

This episode supported by

Notion

Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast.

Babbel

Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

CoM Store

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

CultCloth

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 CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

GRIFFIN: Apple Watch Series 9 Review

How to fix your Apple Watch weather complications

• Apple on Tuesday offered two potential fixes for the recently reported Apple Watch issue where watch face Weather complications fail to load data.

Erfon: iPhone 15 Pro overheating may arise from Apple ‘compromises’

• Widespread reports of iPhone 15 Pro handsets overheating probably don’t stem from the new 3nm manufacturing process for the A17 Pro chip but from shortcuts Apple may have taken with the thermal system, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Tuesday.

Griffin: Next year’s standard iPhone won’t get a hand-me-down chip

• Rather than holding over iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the full upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will carry A18 and A18 Pro chips running on an updated TSMC 3nm production process, according to an analyst.

Griffin: The 36 best macOS Sonoma features you should try after you update

• macOS Sonoma may not have the same buzz as iOS, but there are loads of new features this year to try out on your Mac. You can get beautiful Apple TV-style aerial screensavers, widgets on your desktop, powerful enhancements to Safari and more.

Lewis: Kuo: Low-Cost Apple Vision Pro Might Be Canceled

• Apple may have canceled plans to produce a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. There were multiple rumors of a lower-cost model coming out sometime around 2025, but that may not happen.

Lewis: Kuo: Development of Apple Car Has 'Lost All Visibility'

• Apple's work on the Apple Car has "lost all visibility" at the current time, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He says that if Apple does not adopt some kind of acquisition strategy to make inroads in the automotive market, it is unlikely that the Apple Car will be able to go into mass production "within the next years."

This week: new iPhone, new gate! Nerds on the internet are mad that the iPhone 15 Pros titanium finish has a big problem with finger oils - we discuss!

Plus: we review the reviews for iPhone 15 Pro, cover some of its new hidden features, and we'll highlight the best new features in iOS 17!

And we NEED to talk about Apple's new Finewoven cases…

This episode supported by

Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co.

iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips

This week's stories

LEWIS: iPhone 15 Pro demand overwhelms Apple [Updated]

• Anyone who even slightly delayed ordering the new iPhone 15 Pro models when they went on sale Friday morning faces a lengthy wait for their devices to be delivered. The delays extend into November for some handsets and configurations.

GRIFFIN: iPhone 15 Pro Max reviews

Lewis: Replacing iPhone 15 Pro’s broken glass back won’t burn a hole in your wallet

• Apple first switched to a more repair-friendly internal design with the iPhone 14 in 2022.

The best cases for your iPhone 15/Pro The best screen protectors for your iPhone 15/Pro

GRIFFIN: The new FineWoven iPhone cases are very bad

• “Folks, what you’ve heard so far is true. Apple’s new FineWoven iPhone cases and accessories are bad. Like, really bad. Seven days later, I still can’t make sense of them”

ERF: iPhone 15 displays how many times its battery has been charged

• Li-ion batteries inevitably wear out. Each one comes with a limited number of times it can be charged and discharged. A very approximate range to expect is 300 to 500 charge cycles.

ERF: iPhone 15 Models Feature New Setting to Strictly Prevent Charging Beyond 80%

• All of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models feature a new battery health setting that prevents the devices from charging beyond 80% at all times when enabled, as confirmed by The Verge's Allison Johnson during a Q&A session today.

ERF: PSA: An iPhone 15 Can Charge Another iPhone

• Apple's iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port for charging and data transfer purposes, and the new port allows the iPhones to charge a wide range of USB-C devices, including another iPhone.

GRIFFIN: The 50 best iOS 17 features you should try after you update

• Convert a list in Reminders into a groceries list. From any list, tap ⋯ and tap Show List Info and set List Type to Groceries. This will automatically sort the items into their common store categories, like Produce, Meat, Bakery, Frozen Foods, Household Items, Pet Care, etc.

LEWIS: These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year

• Apple has finally released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to the public. The latest OSes are packed with new features and enhancements.

Erfon: tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K

• Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”

This week: we're reacting and deep-diving into everything Apple announced at this week's Wonderlust event, including iPhone 15 Pro and Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, AirPods Pro 2 and more!

This episode supported by

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

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 CultCloth.co.

iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips

This week's stories

GRIFFIN: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max pack new features, but only 1 higher price tag

• Predictions that both iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max would see price increases turned out to be partly true. iPhone 15 Pro remains at $999, like like iPhone 14 Pro. But iPhone 15 Max, with its major camera upgrades, goes up from to $1,099 to $1,199.

LEWIS: Apple Watch Series 9 gets big power boost and new double tap gesture

• Apple Watch Series 9 brings a faster S9 chip that the company says will boost performance, make Siri more usable, and enable an entirely new “double tap” gesture.

Erfon: Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here with a brighter display, faster S9 SiP

• The front is dominated by a 1.92-inch LTPO OLED panel that now gets brighter than before. It can now reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, an increase of 1,000 nits from the first-gen Ultra.

LEWIS: Enter to win a carbon fiber case and band for Apple Watch [Cult of Mac giveaway]

Erfon: iPhone 15 adds Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, dumps Lightning port

• Gets some features trickled down from last year’s iPhone 14 Pro

GRIFFIN: Apple updates AirPods Pro 2 and EarPods with USB-C

• Small tweaks to the AirPods Pro 2 include USB C, an improved IP54 rating for improved dust resistance and lossless audio if you pair the earbuds to an Apple Vision Pro (which Apple confirmed is shipping early next year).

Lewis: iPhone 15's USB-C Port Can Charge Your Apple Watch and AirPods

• You'll need an appropriate cable to charge with an iPhone, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable for the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Charging Case, or a USB-C Apple Watch charging puck (which will probably come in the box with those products)

Erfon: All iPhone 15 Models Support DisplayPort for Up to 4K HDR Video Output

• The new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring and video output to an external display or TV, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices.

Erfon: Apple’s new FineWoven material for watch bands and iPhone cases makes leather obsolete

• To make its products more eco-friendly, Apple introduced a new material it calls “FineWoven” today. This material, which Apple says has a “suedelike” feel, will replace the company’s existing leather accessories for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Erfon: iCloud+ storage capacities expand to 12TB

• Previously, the storage options were 50GB, 200GB and 2TB. The monthly cost for these is $0.99, $2.99 and $10.99, respectively.

GRIFFIN: “Wonderlust” prediction results