The CultCast
This week: finally! According to a new report, Apple is ditching Lightning for USB-C, and that's going to bring some long-needed new features to iPhone. Plus, the legendary iPod is finally retired. We remember how the device changed Apple and the world.

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

iPhone 15 could finally ditch Lightning in favor of USB-C

  • It looks like Apple is finally preparing to make the switch to USB-C on its iPhone lineup next year. This prediction is based on the latest supply-chain survey by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything.

R.I.P. iPod: Apple discontinues its tiny music player

  • It’s the end of an era — Apple has stopped making the once-iconic iPod. The little music player helped save Apple, and made the company a powerhouse in the music industry, but its day is over.

Why the iPod was the signature music device of its era

  • Fire, the wheel, and the iPod. In the history of invention, gadgets don’t come more iconic than Apple’s digital music player. The iPod is to the 21st century what the big band was to the ’20s, the radio to the ’40s, or the juke-box to the ’50s — the signature technology that defines the musical culture of the era. And what a marvelous technology the iPod is.

An illustrated history of the iPod and its massive impact

Tony Fadell on the iPod wheel

Throwboy Launches New Mac-Themed Woven Throw Blankets

Direct download: cultcast_544.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35pm PDT

This week: new leaks give us our best look yet at the FOUR upcoming iPhone 14 models, including sizes, features, and BIG price increases. Plus: Mac Studio orders are now getting BIG delays, the $80 "smart water bottle", and our first impressions of Paramount+ streaming service!

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Apple Studio Displays & Mac Studio - A Digital Artist's Perspective

Wait times for Mac Studio stretch into July

  • There’s no version of the Mac Studio available from Apple’s online store in less than a week. And the only configurations that ship so quickly are the ones with the base model M1 Max processor, 512GB of storage, and either 32GB or 64GB of RAM.

Leaked iPhone 14 front panels offer best size comparison yet

  • An image supposedly showing the front screen panels of all four iPhone 14 models has leaked out. It gives a side-by-side comparison of some of the most significant changes coming this fall to Apple’s 2022 handsets.

Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything.

Apple integrates two new smart water bottles with Health app

  • Are you drinking enough water? Probably not. But if you want to know for sure, Apple’s online and retail stores have started selling two new smart water bottles from HidrateSpark. They automatically track your water intake and sync it to the Apple Health app.

Paramount+ has nearly 40 million subscribers

  • A lot of people are paying for Paramount+ to watch Halo and Star Trek: Picard, even if neither series has been particularly outstanding. On Tuesday, Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) announced that it added 6.8 million new Paramount+

Plus: Shining Girls thriller could be another hit for Apple TV+ - Lewis basically a quick plug for our reviews!

  • The metaphysical-horror-thriller Shining Girls only premiered on Apple TV+ a few days ago, but the Elisabeth Moss series is already in the top 10 most streamed shows. And it’s drawing positive reviews, too.
Direct download: cultcast_543.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:29am PDT

This week:

  • How to get a M1 MacBook Pro fast and cheap!
  • Apple "fixes" the Studio Display...
  • New EU regulations could be HUGE changes for iOS!
  • Our reactions to Elon's Twitter buy

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Apple pushes February MacBook Pro orders back to June

  • People who ordered a top-tier MacBook Pro in February are being notified that it won’t be delivered until June. The delay results from COVID-19 lockdowns in China hampering notebook assembly.

Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway] - lewis

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything.

Apple now offers parts and tools needed to fix your own iPhone

  • Apple has long faced criticism from “right to repair” advocates for being strictly against DIY fixes. But government regulators around the world are starting to force companies to loosen up on allowing users to fix their own devices. Apple is bowing to the pressure.

Leaked ‘final’ EU antitrust bill looks bad for Apple

  • The European Union may force Apple to make big changes to its App Store as well as services like FaceTime and Messages, if a leaked version of an EU antitrust proposal becomes law.

Elon Musk buys Twitter for a cool $44 billion

  • Twitter said Monday it accepted Elon Musk’s offer to purchase the company for $44 billion. That gives the billionaire — who is the world’s wealthiest person — absolute control of the social media platform after the deal is approved.
Direct download: cultcast_542.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05am PDT

This week: we've got new leaks on iPhone 14's cameras, plus new intel on NINE new upcoming M2 Macs!

 
And and the HomePod ain't dead yet, baby! Apple's prepping a whole new HomePod with all-new superpowers.

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Apple preps 9 Macs with new M2 processor

iPhone 14 might be Apple’s first with an autofocus selfie camera

iPhone 14 molds show massive camera hump on all four versions

Discontinued HomePod keeps going up in value

Don’t give up hope for combination Apple TV, HomePod, FaceTime camera

Direct download: cultcast_541.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:44pm PDT

This week: MaxTech joins us to talk Mac Studio, M1 Ultra Performance, and Apple REUSING the M1 in the 2022 MacBook Air!

This episode supported by

Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Ming Chi Kuo with some Twitter Bangers

Apple’s got way too many AirPods models and it’s confusing as hell!

Under the screen face ID is coming to iPhone, but not for a while (marketing issue)

Next MacBook Air will reuse the M1 chip!

New Apple Watch health features: What’s in, what’s out - Lewis

  • Cupertino is likely to add body temperature readings and other new health features to Apple Watch and the Health app in 2022, but it looks like blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring will have to wait, according to a new report.

Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects updated for latest M1 processors

  • Apple and Adobe added better support for Apple silicon to a couple of their marquee applications for video professionals.

This is what Apple’s upcoming dual USB-C charger looks like

  • Photos of Apple’s unreleased dual USB-C charger with a total output of 35W have surfaced online.
Direct download: CultCast_540.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:42am PDT

This week: WWDC 2022 has just been announced, and it looks like Apple’s still got some surprises left for us…
Plus: M1 Ultra, an “Ultra Disappointment”, and Apple is actively testing a 9-inch foldable iPhone!

This episode supported by

Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

WWDC22 starts June 6, will be ‘online-only’ (with a twist)

  • The 2022 iteration of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference will start June 6. Apple promised Tuesday the event will showcase the latest innovations in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS — which is code for unveiling the next major upgrades for these operating systems.

M1 Ultra - An ULTRA Disappointment...

  • Mac Studio (M1 Ultra 64-core) vs 16 inch MacBook Pro (M1 Max 32-core) - Speed Test using our custom benchmarking tool.

Apple teams up with LG to build foldable iPad and MacBook devices

  • Apple is reportedly collaborating with LG on new foldable iPad and MacBook models with flexible OLED displays and Ultra-Thin Cover Glass. LG is already gearing up to supply similar displays to HP for a foldable laptop scheduled to launch this year. - 10,000 units of the panel.

Apple ‘actively testing’ 9-inch foldable, but don’t expect foldable iPhone before 2025

  • The company’s “priority order” for foldables is said to be medium, large and then small devices, according to ol' reliable, Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities. However, he noted that Apple's current prototype is being used to test new technologies and may not be indicative of an upcoming product.

Ukrainians use ‘Find My’ to track Russian troops who stole devices

  • Ukrainians are using Apple’s Find My network to watch the progress of their stolen hardware – in the hands of Russian troops who took it – in real time.
Direct download: cultcast_539.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am PDT

This week: we've got new iPhone 14 leaks, Apple is working on another new Mac, and big changes are coming to iMessage and iOS.

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Apple preps subscription service for iPhone, Mac and more

  • According to Bloomberg: "Apple Inc. is working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other hardware products, a move that could make device ownership similar to paying a monthly app fee, according to people with knowledge of the matter."

iPhone 14 Pro’s camera upgrade could mean an even fatter hump Lewis

  • Apple is expected to give iPhone 14 Pro a rather significant camera upgrade that could include a 48-megapixel wide angle sensor. It will mean sharper iPhone photos than ever before — but a much bigger camera bump.

iPhone might never get in-screen Touch ID

  • Touch ID died with the move to Face ID with the launch of the iPhone X in 2017. Though people love Face ID, there’s a lot of us who would love to see Touch ID return in some form in addition to Face ID.

Win a chic crossbody iPhone case from Noémie [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This Cult of Mac giveaway is for the ladies! Five lucky winners will each receive a stylish Napa crossbody iPhone case from Noémie. These cases looks chic and are great for running errands or going out on the town when a bigger bag is not needed.

On the inside, Apple Studio Display looks more sophisticated than expected

  • iFixit showed people the interior of the new Apple Studio Display next to a partially disassembled iMac and asked them to pick which is which. You can play along at home by looking at the image above.

Apple’s upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air may come with a different name

  • In the interests of portability, MacBook Air has only ever been available in smaller 11- and 13-inch sizes. But it seems Apple is finally preparing a larger display option for those who have long been calling for it.

EU plans to force iMessage to work with WhatsApp, other messaging apps

  • The European Union plans to break down the barriers between mobile messaging services. With its Digital Markets Act, it plans to force services like iMessage, WhatsApp, and smaller messaging platforms to play nicely together.

‘The Slap’ shows why Apple should shake up its events

  • Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony shows why Apple should go back to doing live events.
Direct download: cultcast_538.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:17pm PDT

Benchmarks have been pouring in for the Mac Studio with M1 Max and M1 Ultra, and while in some tests the benefits of Ultra is clear, in many it’s not performing better than the Max, and in some tests it does worse! What’s going on here?

This episode supported by

Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

M1 Ultra Mac Studio - Benchmarks & Thermals (The TRUTH!)

Mac Studio storage is removable but Apple blocks user upgrades

  • Breaking open the new Mac Studio reveals that its solid-state storage modules are easily removable, but forget trying to upgrade them yourself. Apple has taken several steps to prevent DIY upgrades.

Win a chic crossbody iPhone case from Noémie [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This Cult of Mac giveaway is for the ladies! Five lucky winners will each receive a stylish Napa crossbody iPhone case from Noémie. These cases looks chic and are great for running errands or going out on the town when a bigger bag is not needed.

"The Apple Studio Display is a Bad Deal"

Apple vows to fix Studio Display’s disappointing webcam

  • Studio Display has divided early reviewers. While many praise its impressive 5K screen and built-in speakers, others find its missing features (like HDR and ProMotion) to be unfortunate.

Apple can change Studio Display stands after purchase

  • Studio Display stands and mounts can be swapped and upgraded by taking the monitor to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. It’s not necessary to replace the whole monitor.

15-inch MacBook Air could be in development, at long last

  • A 15-inch MacBook Air is on Apple’s agenda for 2023, according to a reliable source. And the current 13-inch version could be replaced by a one with somewhat larger screen.
Direct download: cultcast_537.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

This week: the Mac Studio and Studio Display reviews are in — let’s talk. Plus: a reliable source says a strange change is coming to iPhone 14.

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Some iPhone 14 models might miss out on Apple’s new A16 processor

  • The basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will launch this fall with the same A15 processor as the 2021 models, according to a reliable tipster. Supposedly, only the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will sport a new A16 chip.

iPad Air 5 is every bit as fast as iPad Pro

  • Early benchmark scores for the soon-to-be-released iPad Air 5 show the tablet has approximately the same performance as the iPad Pro models that cost much more.

Floating app windows could be coming to iPad. Finally.

  • iPad users will soon be able to work with applications in floating windows, if an unconfirmed report is correct. This is a highly requested feature from those who want Apple’s tablet to function more like a Mac.

With Apple Debuting Its Last M1 Chip, Here’s What’s Next

  • During and after the keynote, the company dropped a couple of pieces information regarding the rest of its Apple Silicon lineup...

How Apple Studio Display stacks up against Pro Display XDR and others

Apple’s massive Mac mini upgrade may not be ready until 2023

  • Apple’s next major refresh for Mac mini may not come until 2023, according to the latest claims from one analyst, who has proven reliable in the past.

Apple’s next Mac mini could be powered by new ‘M2’ and ‘M2 Pro’ chips

  • Most of us expected Apple’s first M2 chipset to debut on Tuesday in a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro, which was to be more powerful than its predecessor but still more affordable than the latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro options.
Direct download: cultcast_536.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50pm PDT

This week: our reactions to Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPad Air 5, and iPhone SE, plus we dive in deep on the Mac Studio and Studio display, and we found ain't all great.

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 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week's stories

Apple goes green with new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro colors

  • Apple added two new green finishes to its iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro lineups Tuesday to generate a colorful midseason jolt of excitement.

Apple needs to shake up its boring iPhone Pro color options

Apple’s new Mac Studio is a blazing-fast desktop with an M1 Ultra chip

  • Apple on Tuesday gave us our first glimpse at its brand-new Mac Studio — its first desktop featuring the M1 Ultra chip. It’s bigger than a Mac mini but smaller than a Mac Pro, and it’s the most powerful machine Apple has built to date.

The Mac is back, with its best lineup in years (Graham's opinion piece)

Apple Studio Display brings high-end monitor down to affordable price

  • Ever since Apple introduced the iMac with 4K and 5K displays, and the later iMac Pro, people have been asking, “Why can’t Apple just sell the iMac without the computer and call it a display?”

Enter to win American-made Apple accessories from Raptic [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week we're giving away a pair of protective accessories from Raptic (formerly Defense by X-Doria).

Apple TV+ scores Friday night Major League Baseball games

iPad Air 5 goes super-fast with M1 processor

  • The iPad Air 5 starts at $599. This version comes with 64GB of storage. Pricing for a 256GB version has not yet been announced.

Plus: Why iPad Air 5 is a better choice than 11-inch iPad Pro

New iPhone SE brings serious upgrades at slightly higher price

Direct download: cultcast_535.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:16am PDT