This week: iPhone SE.... 2! Let's talk about it... Plus: Apple is “scrambling” to prevent iPhone 12 delays; and we wrap up with an all new What We’re Into, Quarantine Edition! We’ll tell you about the shows, game videos, and stuff we’re doing with our extra "free" time.

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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. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

WSJ: Apple ‘scrambling’ to prevent iPhone delays amid COVID-19 pandemic

• Over the last several weeks, various reports have detailed how Apple is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the supply chain and product development. Now, a report from The Wall Street Journal adds more detail to the ongoing situation.

Foxconn confident it can deliver iPhone 12 this fall

• Foxconn’s previous guidance suggested that it would be back up and running at its normal levels by late March. Last week, the manufacturer said that it had hired enough workers at its major Chinese plants to meet seasonal demand for iPhone manufacturing.

Apple supposedly pencils in April 15 launch for iPhone 9

• Apple has supposedly penciled in an April 15 launch date for its low-cost iPhone 9.

What we're Into (quarantine edition!)

Webcam darts

Pennyworth

Animal crossing: New Horizons

Tiger King

Westworld, season 3

The Wire

Colony

Relic radio vintage radio podcasts

This week: forget the A12Z and LIDAR camera, it’s iPadOS and the new Magic Keyboard that just super charged the iPad Pro—we discuss!

Plus, we’ll tell you the best new features in iOS 13.4. And the Cookie uses Apple’s massive supply chain prowess to deliver hugely-needed supplies for medical workers—we got the story for ya right here!

This episode supported by

Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

2020 iPad Pro review roundup: Still stellar, but little reason to upgrade

• Apple’s newest iPad Pro will begin landing on customers’ doorsteps today, Wednesday, March 25. Will it be worth their hard-earned cash? Let’s find out from reviewers who already have their hands on one. And from LK!

iPadOS and iOS 13.4 finally arrive, bringing tons of big changes [Updated]

• iPad and iPhone both just received important software updates, with iPadOS 13.4 and iOS 13.4 bringing a range of new features. Apple’s tablets now enjoy robust mouse/trackpad support. iPhones and iPads both gain iCloud Drive folder sharing.

Apple donating 9 million N95 masks for coronavirus fight

• U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced Tuesday that Apple has donated nine million N95 respirator masks to help hospitals and medical workers deal with the growing coronavirus pandemic.

Apple TV+ misses out on big COVID-19 surge in streaming demand

• It’s a surprise to no one that video streaming services are seeing big surges in demand while everyone is stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it seems Apple TV+ is missing out.

This week: our reactions to Apple’s new hardware! Plus, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the new Mac mini, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Magic Keyboard.

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. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

Surprise iPad Pro refresh brings LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, trackpad support

• Apple on Wednesday surprised us with a brand-new iPad Pro that packs a LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, and studio-quality microphones. It’s powered by an improved A12Z Bionic chip that makes it faster than many laptops.

New MacBook Air announced with $999 starting price, Magic Keyboard and 6K display support

• Apple updated its MacBook Air lineup Wednesday with a re-designed scissor-switch Magic Keyboard, twice the storage, a reported two times faster CPU performance, and a lower price tag starting at $999.

Apple doubles SSD storage capacity for Mac mini

• Apple announced Wednesday an update of its entire Mac mini line, offering double the SSD storage capacity at the regular price.

5 reasons why iPad Pro’s new Magic Keyboard blows our minds

• Apple’s exciting new Magic Keyboard is going to make working on iPad Pro better than ever when the accessory debuts in May. It’s a huge improvement over the Smart Keyboard Folio in so many ways.

Movies Anywhere tests letting users loan out iTunes movies

• Movies Anywhere combines films bought through iTunes, Google Play, etc. into one service. And now it’s testing a new feature called Screen Pass that enables loaning your movies to other people.

• Now comes with double the storage capacity on the standard configurations.
• $799 now gets you 256GB instead of 128GB, and $1099 gets you 512GB instead of 256GB.
• Still using the same 6th-gen 4-year-old intel processor.

• $100 price cut.
• Standard storage has been doubled too.  
• You get 256GB for $999 now, and 512GB for $1299.
• Features the same scissor-mech keyboard as the new 16-inch MBP.
• Using Intel's newest 10th gen chip, Quad Core 1.2GHz i7, Apple claims speeds are about twice as fast as previous gen. Probably cause last gen was dual-core. 
• GPU performance increase of up to 80%.

• Now with triple lenses, kind of.
• Still the same 11" and 12.9" sizes.
• A12Z Bionic chip which supports a 8-core GPU.
• Apple says this setup is faster than most PC laptops.
• Apple says you can edit 4K videos with the iPad Pro.
• Pro Motion 120hz display
• Five-studio quality microphones, just like Apple packed into the 16-inch MBP
• Now features a 10MP ultrawide camera
• Also includes a 12PM main camera, which is probably the same one found in the iPhone 11/11 Pro
• Brand new LiDAR so depth sensing.  LiDAR is the same technology that self-driving cars use for depth sensing and object tracking.  It's what the Mars Rover uses too.
• How will iPad Pro use it?  Definitely for Virtual Reality, but who knows what else.
• Now supports WiFi 6.
• 60% faster gigabit LTE for LTE models.
• Size is about the same, but slightly thicker and heavier.
• Price is the same, but now the base level of storage has been upgraded from 64GB to 128GB.
• Upgrading to 256GB of storage is $50, so $1200 instead of $1250.
• 1TB is $1300 instead of $1350.

• Coming in May.  
• Features passthrough charging to the iPad via its own USB-C port on the hinge.
• Features a full-size Magic Keyboard with backlighting, scissor keyboard switches, and trackpad with multi-gesture support.
• iOS 13.4 will feature cursor support.  Works with both the older and new ipad 11" Pro for $300.
• Or $350 for the 12.9" keyboard....

This week: iOS 14 leaks! We’ll run through the best new features. Plus: Corona has hit Apple hard, and will mean delays for some of your most anticipated tech. Is Apple’s March event going to be canceled too? We’ll tell you what we know.

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Keeps’ treatments are are up to 90% effective at reducing and stopping further hair loss, so the sooner you start using Keeps, the more hair you’ll save! Visit keeps.com/cultcast to get started and get your first month's treatments free.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

Game over for E3 2020: COVID-19 takes out gaming’s biggest event

• E3 2020 is the latest major event to be scrapped amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The game industry’s biggest trade show was scheduled to kick off in Los Angeles on June 9. It will no longer go ahead this year.

With iPhone SE 2 delayed indefinitely, source confirms Apple nixes rumored March event

• Apple decided to postpone a March product launch event after continuing delays in the production of an expected successor to the iPhone SE, a source at Apple confirmed to Cult of Mac.

iOS 14 could bring brand-new Home screen layout with list view

• iOS 14 will ship with a brand-new Home screen layout that allows users to arrange icons in a list, according to a new report. The view is expected to be customizable and will incorporate Siri Suggestions for making your most frequently used apps easier to access.

Apple tests iMessage mentions, retractions and more for iOS 14

• Apple is reportedly testing a number of new iMessage features that could debut with iOS 14 later this year. They include the ability to retract messages after they’re sent, and to tag other people in group chats. We could also get the option to mark messages as unread.

Apple’s HomeKit may add Night Shift to smart lights

• Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system will reportedly get a version of Night Shift to reduce the amount of blue in smart light bulbs as each day nears its end. This feature, allegedly coming with iOS 14 in the fall, is supposed to help people sleep better.

This week: Apple is prepping a new 14.1” MacBook Pro with an all-new mini-LED display, plus a new iMac and iMac mini! We’ll tell you what you need to know. And in the wake of Corona virus, will Apple need to cancel WWDC? We discuss. And stay tuned for the best ways to disinfect your iPhone, iPad, keyboard, 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. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

Apple preps 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with mini-LED display

• Apple plans to make an aggressive push adding mini-LED displays to its products in 2020, according to one of the most reliable Apple analysts in the game.

What to expect from this month’s new iMac

• This week, serial rumor-tweeter CoinX predicted the imminent release of a new iMac and a new Mac mini. But what does that mean exactly? A giant, 30-inch iMac that looks like the Pro Display XDR? Apple’s first ARM-based Mac? Probably not. So what changes can we expect?

Apple’s biggest manufacturer says production will return to normal by end of March

• Apple manufacturer Foxconn hopes to resume regular production in China by the end of March.

COVID-19 virus means tough decisions about WWDC and rumored Apple keynote

• Apple faces mounting pressure to decide whether to cancel, delay or change the format of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, typically held in June. The same holds true, although to a lesser extent, for Apple’s rumored March product keynote.

How to disinfect your Mac, iPhone, mouse, trackpad, keyboard and cases

This week: Apple’s first ARM-based Mac is headed our way—we’ll tell you what we know.

Plus, Apple’s new AirTags tracking tiles will be unlike anything we’ve seen, and way more powerful than we thought. We discuss! And stay tuned—we’ll tell you the weird rule Apple makes big movies follow if they want to put iPhones or Macs on the silver screen.

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.

The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant.

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

Apple’s first Mac with a custom chip expected in early 2021

• This would be Apple’s first computer powered by a custom Arm chipset. It would also be the first brand-new Mac to launch without an Intel CPU since Apple made the switch from PowerPC processors back in 2006.

AirTags Said to Be 'Completely Waterproof' and Use Magnetic Charging Like Apple Watch

• In a report touching on several topics today, Japanese site Mac Otakara claims that Apple's Tile-like "AirTags" item trackers will be "completely waterproof" and use similar magnetic wireless charging to that seen on the Apple Watch.

Apple should steal this iPad multitasking concept right now

• This amazing mockup/concept was executed by design student Tommy Rutherling using the Principle app to create the interactive animations.

Director Rian Johnson Breaks Down a Scene from 'Knives Out'

• Write and director Rian Johnson talks about making his new movie Knives Out, but in the process reveals a insider tidbit about using Apple products in movies

This week: new iPads Pros, new AirPods, and AirTags are incoming, but Apple warns coronavirus could mean big manufacturing delays. Plus: from cut and paste, to Newton, and more—we remember the inventions of tech folk hero Larry Tesler. And stick around for an all new Under Review, where Leander pitches some of the more bizarre shows on TV.

This episode supported by

Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6.

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 iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

iPad Pro refresh expected this March, but supplies could be limited

• Apple is expected to deliver a big iPad Pro refresh this March, and that’s still on track despite the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, according to a new report. Supplies could be limited at launch, however, with production likely to be slow to ramp up until after April.

Apple warns of iPhone 'supply shortages' due to coronavirus outbreak

• The consequences of the coronavirus outbreak will be worse than expected for Apple. The tech firm has warned that global iPhone supply will be "temporarily constrained" while it resumes production.

Wait for ‘AirPods Pro Lite’ will drag on as production is reportedly delayed

• We could be waiting longer for the mysterious “AirPods Pro Lite” headphones Apple is rumored to be developing. A new report claims production will not begin during the second half of 2020 as originally planned.

MacBooks may be in short supply after March

• Now might be the best time to buy that MacBook you’ve been considering. Factory shutdowns in China because of the coronavirus outbreak will reportedly lead to shortages of components needed to make laptops.

AirTags on the radar for roll out in the second half of 2020

• Apple’s fall product launch will include a tiny gadget with a big responsibility: knowing the whereabouts of your devices when you lose them.

What We're Into Picks

• Lost in space
• Mind Hunter
• American Factory
• The 1,000 pound sisters
• My feet are killing me
• Dr. Pimple Popper

This week: Apple is prepping iPhone SE 2, but trouble in China could mean massive delays across the entire tech industry. Plus: masOS leaks hint at BIG CPU upgrades on the way; and a famous celebrity calls out Mac’s troubled keyboards.

This episode supported by

Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

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 iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

iPhone SE 2 could cost $399 just like the first-gen iPhone SE

• Apple is ramping up production on the new iPhone SE 2, a report published by Fast Companyover the weekend claims.

Apple manufacturer reopens factory — but fewer than 10% of employees turn up

• Key iPhone manufacturer Foxconn continues to feel the effects of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. The company recently reopened its factory in the eastern central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, but fewer than 10% of its workforce returned to work, according to Reuters.

Big macOS leak hints at future switch to AMD chips

• Could Apple be preparing to make a surprise switch to AMD processors in a future Mac? References to a number of new AMD APUs have been spotted in the latest macOS 10.15.4 beta, which rolled out to developers on Wednesday.

Apple brings Swift Playgrounds to the Mac

• Apple’s educational coding app, Swift Playgrounds, has finally made its way to the Mac.

Jojo Rabbit screenwriter vents about ‘horrendous’ MacBook keyboard

• Actors love to have some political message to impart to viewers at award shows. At last night’s Oscars, Taika Waititi, winner of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, voiced his own passionate plea — for Apple to change its MacBook keyboards.

This week: the new iOS 13.4 beta just leaked new hardware, new iPhone features, and MORE. We’ll share aaaaall the juicy details. Plus: how your iPhone might soon replace your car keys; Apple Maps just got a massive update; and Microsoft quietly stole Apple’s secret recipe…

This episode supported by

The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6.

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 iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

iOS 13.4 beta code hints at new Apple TV device

• An updated Apple TV 4K could soon roll out of Apple’s product pipeline, based on references to an unreleased product discovered in the latest iOS beta.

Apple’s universal purchases will change how you buy and use apps

• Apple is laying the groundwork to make it easier for developers to distribute their apps across all of Apple’s platforms.

CarKey feature buried in iOS beta might let iPhones replace car keys

• Apple reportedly added code to iPhone and Apple Watch to let these devices function as car keys, giving users one less thing to constantly carry around.

Apple debuts redesigned Maps with major U.S. improvements

• Apple today made its major Maps redesign with big improvements available to all users in the United States.

Microsoft is merging its Windows and hardware teams

• Panos Panay, Microsoft's hardware head honcho and the creator of Surface, is set to oversee the Windows team too. The company will reportedly roll the product and Windows groups into a single unit called Windows + Devices later this month with Panay at the helm. The move, which is part of a broader reorganization, is a strong indicator that Microsoft is eager to tie Windows and hardware more closely together.

This week: A huge lineup of new Apple products is coming our way. We’ll tell you what we know... Plus: how is Apple doing under Tim Cook’s leadership? We dare to ask the question. And if you thought AppleTV+ felt a little dry on content, Apple’s got a plan for that—buying one of the industries biggest movie studios. WE DISCUSS.

This episode supported by

The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6.

Keeps’ treatments are are up to 90% effective at reducing and stopping further hair loss, so the sooner you start using Keeps, the more hair you’ll save! Visit keeps.com/cultcast to get started and get your first month's treatments free.

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 iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

This week's stories

The biggest surprises from Apple’s shockingly good earnings report

• The first Apple earnings report of 2020 was a smashing success that shattered most of Apple’s previous records. Thanks to shockingly strong iPhone sales and a surging wearables business that is bigger than the Mac and the iPad, Apple managed to surpass even the most optimistic expectations.

AirPods Pro supply problems couldn’t stop Apple’s surging wearables business

• When Apple reported an all-time record for quarterly revenue Tuesday, it got a big boost from one of its smallest products: the AirPods Pro.

Kuo: Huge 2020 lineup of new Apple products brings AirPower alternative

• A new report says major new hardware products are headed our way, including a 4.7-inch LCD iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro/Air, smaller wireless charging mat, UWB tag, and a high-end Bluetooth headphones.

DoubleTake is a video app that lets you shoot with 2 cameras

• A new iOS app lets users simultaneously record video using multiple iPhone cameras. DoubleTake is created by the makers of popular camera app Filmic Pro.

Buying MGM could prove crucial to Apple TV+ growth

• Apple is reportedly in talks to buy MGM, which would bring a catalogue of classic and modern movies to the iPhone maker’s streaming video service.