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.

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This week’s stories:

Tim Cook teases new Apple product, but what is it?

• 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.”

Redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds feature heart-rate monitoring

• 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.

First foldable iPhone might arrive in 2026

• 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.

Apple is really getting into robots

• 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.

The CultCast February 2025 Predictions

• For the first time this year, we must place our predictions for Apple’s… event? Announcements? Day of stuff? Who knows!
• Submit your own answers here

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!

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s amazing desktop robot looks straight out of Pixar

• Apple's amazing new lamp-like robot prototype, developed for both functionality and social interaction, looks a lot like Pixar's mascot.

Next-gen Apple M5 chip already in mass production

• The latest Apple M5 processor is ready to enhance the performance of Macs and iPads.

Plan a party with the new Apple Invites app

• You can plan events with Apple Invites, an app that lets users share invitations and photos and collaborate on music playlists with ease.

iPad case lets you take your secrets to the grave

• 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: ROG Falchion RX Low Profile

• The Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile mechanical keyboard is slim, compact and super quiet.

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....

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 support.thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 kills AR glasses project to focus on Vision Pro’s future

• Apple kills its AR glasses project, an attempt at lightweight specs that connect to Macs. The glasses join Apple Car on the scrap heap.

Mind-melting stats from Apple’s profitable earnings call

• Here are the high points from the Apple earnings call with investors on Thursday as quickly and as interesting as we can make them.

Apple pulls out the big guns to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence

• 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.

Apple confirms CarPlay 2 is still coming — but when?

• Despite delays, Apple reaffirms its commitment to next-gen CarPlay and confirms it is working with several automakers on it.

This is the most bananas iPhone case ever!

• The Andy Warhol x Casetify collection turns the pop artists iconic works into whimsical Apple accessories, like a banana-shaped iPhone case.