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.

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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