The CultCast (general)

This week: The new M3 MacBook Air is only missing ONE thing¦ Plus: Big changes coming to apps thanks to new EU regulations, why you better act fast on the new 11-inch iPad Pro, what's coming next for CarPlay, and how to pay with an Apple Cash card number!

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 .

Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor's delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50 and use offer code CultCast50 to get 50% off.

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

This week's stories:

Entry-level M3 MacBook Air uses significantly faster SSD

  • Apple fixed the slow storage speed that plagued M2 Macs on the M3 MacBook Air. Early testing indicates the entry-level M3 MacBook Air delivers significantly faster read/write speeds than its predecessor.

No App Store needed: EU iPhone users can install apps directly from websites

  • Initially, Apple's plan for compliance required iPhone apps to be on alternative app marketplaces, not directly available for download.
  • That requirement, which brought complaints from developers, has now been rescinded.

11.1-inch iPad Pro supply shortage might push back launch

  • Apple will soon debut the M3 iPad Pros with OLED screens, but perhaps not as soon as many had hoped. And a new leak indicates the smaller 11.1-inch model could be in short supply at launch.

MacRumors: Here's Everything We Know About Apple's Next-Generation CarPlay

  • It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below, we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system.
  • Tim Cook cameo in Porsche event

How to pay with an Apple Cash card number

  • You can get a temporary debit card number to pay with Apple Cash online in case you want to pay with your balance on a site that doesn't accept Apple Pay.
  • If you have a lot of money sitting in your Apple Cash account, this can be a convenient way to pay without using your other cards.

Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

  • Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computers more efficient.
Direct download: CultCast_638.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm PDT

This week, Apple dropped the M3 MacBook Air, and the specs look good! But where’s the iPad? Also, we have details on the CRAZY canceled Apple car prototypes and a folding MacBook that’s still in development, Apple’s $2 BILLION dollar legal fight with Spotify, and new features you’ll get in iOS 17.4!

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 .

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Backblaze offers unlimited cloud backups for Macs, PCs and businesses for just $99 a year. Access your data from anywhere in the world. Get a fully-featured no-risk free trial at Backblaze.com/CultCast .

This week’s stories:

New M3 MacBook Air gets big specs boost with same awesome battery life

  • The 2024 MacBook Air lineup launched Monday by Apple runs on the company’s M3 chip, bringing a significant performance boost to the laptop.

Early benchmarks show M3 chip gives MacBook Air hefty performance boost

  • Early benchmark scores found by mysmartprice show that the new Air scored 12,020 on the Geekbench multicore test. That’s 25% better than the M2-based MacBook Air earned on the same test, and 45% better than the M1 version from 2020.

MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release

How indecision and hubris killed the Apple car

  • The history of the Apple car is littered with wild prototypes, astonishing hubris and a deadly dose of crippling indecision, according to a damning report that offers the best picture yet of the secretive Project Titan.

Get ready for new MacBooks and iPads at Apple March event

  • Another product we can expect in the pipeline is the OLED iPad Pro and the first 12.9-inch iPad Air.

EU fines Apple 1.8 billion euros over ‘abusive’ treatment of Spotify

Try these exciting iOS 17.4 features on your iPhone now

  • Apple just dropped iOS 17.4, bringing a plethora of new features — some of which fundamentally change how the iPhone works.
  • Monarch: Budget and track money
Direct download: CultCast_637.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:13pm PDT

D. Griffin Jones is joined by Allison McDaniel to talk more about Mac gaming, what games she's playing, what gear we use and the Stardew Valley speedrunning scene.

Remember that you can support The CultCast at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com and you can employ Allison McDaniel as a writer and digital marketing specialist.

Links:

Direct download: CultCast_Off_Topic_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:53pm PDT

After 10 years and 10 billion dollars, Apple finally calls it quits on the Apple car. What happened!? Plus: Apple's FineWoven cases are aging like milk, how to set up the best Mac screen saver, the future for Apple Arcade, and what comes next for Vision Pro.

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 .

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

This week's stories:

Apple car crashes to a halt

MacRumors: Not-So-FineWoven iPhone Case 'Browning Like a Rotten Banana'

  • Apple's $59 FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 took heavy flak when they were released last September for being subpar compared to the leather Apple cases they replaced. Now, The Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern has distilled customers' ire by sharing her own experience with the case after five months of use.
  • Poll by John Gruber

Apple Arcade's future: Kids win, but devs fear ‘smell of death'

  • Apple Arcade now focuses so heavily on family-friendly titles from well-known franchises that some indie game developers feel abandoned, according to a new report.

How to set up the best Mac screensaver, Aerial

  • Screensavers fell out of fashion a long time ago, but Apple's Aerial screensaver looks so beautiful, it just might make you reconsider. In fact, with its stunning visuals, it might just be the best Mac screensaver around.

Don't expect Vision Pro 2 or Vision Air before 2027

Direct download: CultCast_636.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:05pm PDT

Griffin and papa ERF list the games they're currently playing and which ones they like best.

Direct download: CCOT_3_-_Video_games_were_playing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:08pm PDT

This week, surprising new designs for the iPhone 16 AND incoming iPad Pros! 

Plus: a new iPhone security issue steals your face to drain your bank account! We’ll tell you what you need to know, and we wrap with our review of a new mic we’re using on UNDER REVIEW.

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.

BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month.

This week’s stories:

First-ever iOS trojan steals your face to break your bank

  • For the first time, an iOS trojan has been spotted in the wild. It steals an iPhone user’s facial recognition data to go after money in banking and other financial apps.
  • Original Post by Bleeping Computer

Apple fortifies iMessage to foil hackers of the future

  • An iMessage upgrade with post-quantum cryptography will make Apple’s instant messaging platform ready to fend off future hackers. Today’s encryption methods likely won’t be able to stand up, which is why Apple is bringing in the cutting-edge protocol.

New Apple Sports app gives fans scores and stats for free

  • The new Apple Sports app for iPhone gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues.
  • Apple Sports on the App Store

Woah! Is this the new iPhone 16 Pro camera?

  • The latest iPhone 16 Pro camera rumor comes with an image that shows a radically redesigned lens module.

MacRumors: Apple's Upcoming OLED iPad Pro Models Rumored to Be Much Thinner

  • Such a slimmed down body suggests a notable design change, which is enabled by an even more significant update — OLED display technology.
  • Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple is expected to introduce two new iPad Air models, including a larger 12.9-inch version for the first time.

D. Griffin Jones: Why I don’t want to return my Vision Pro

  • The two-week return window for my Vision Pro is fast approaching, so I need to make my keep it/toss it decision in a matter of days. And I desperately want to keep it.

Under Review: RØDE Wireless Pro

  • The RØDE Wireless Pro is a whole set of microphones you can use for recording videos with high-quality audio on the go.
Direct download: CultCast_635.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:49pm PDT

These are the strategies I use to get huge discounts on tech and most of my other online purchases!

CultCast Off Topic is our new podcast that's ad-free and free for all thanks to your support!  If you like us and want to support our future content, fork over $5 a month at support.thecultcast.com !

Direct download: Off_Topic_2_-_How_to_get_huge_discounts_on_your_favorite_tech.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm PDT

This week, we have Leander Kahney! It's our second-week thoughts on Vision Pro — after cooking, working out, typing tests and more, we've done it all. Are we keeping or returning ours?

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 your $5 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 .

Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor's delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50 and use offer code CultCast50 to get 50% off.

This week's stories:

People are returning Vision Pro in droves … or are they?

  • Many early adopters seem set on returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets. As the 14-day return window approaches for people who bought the device on launch day, an avalanche of posts on X and other social media channels point to a wave of Vision Pro returns.

Mark Zuckerberg says Quest 3 is better than Vision Pro

  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company's mixed-reality headset beats Vision Pro in almost every way, despite the fact that it costs far less than Apple's device. In a short video posted Tuesday on Instagram, Zuckerberg called the Meta Quest headset the “better product, period.â€
  • Tweet by Azad Balabanian

Griffin's Vision Pro tests

MacRumors: iOS 17's AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Rolling Out ‘This Spring'

  • Starting with iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, you can wirelessly stream content from your iPhone or iPad to a compatible hotel room TV via AirPlay, and we have now learned that the feature should begin rolling out at hotels over the coming months.

They Are Coming!

  • If you want the Fujifilm X100VI, I make a recommendation that I can't remember I've ever done in 12 years of blogging: pre-order it instantly.
Direct download: CultCast_634.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:55pm PDT

CultCast Off Topic is ad free and free for all thanks to you!  Please help us with $5 a month and get access to our exclusive CultClub Discord and maybe even end up on the show!  support.thecultcast.com

Direct download: CC_Off_Topic_1_Maxtech_Vision_Pro.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05pm PDT

These are our hands-on reviews of Vision Pro — everything that’s good, everything that’s great, and then the parts you won’t like.

We are RELAUNCHING CultCast Off Topic, a new ad-free weekly podcast covering our favorite weekly topics!  First new episode is coming soon.

We're also relaunching The CultClub, a way for listeners to support your friends at The CultCast.

Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast available for everyone, and it helps us secure our future as a 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.

Your support also gives us back our creative freedom, freedom to make new experimental content in the style that you know but outside of our regular Apple topics.  Join us for just $5 a month at support.thecultcast.com.

This week’s BIG story:

Our Vision Pro Hands-on reviews.  

Plus:

Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win.
Direct download: CultCast_633.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09pm PDT

<p>This week we’re talking Vision Pro reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly! Also, we have some details on iOS 17.4 — and did Vanity Fair leak an image of the new iPad?</p>

<p><strong>This episode supported by:</strong></p>

<p>Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at <a href="https://squarespace.com/cultcast">Squarespace.com/cultcast.</a>  Use offer code <strong>CultCast</strong> at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.</p>

<p>If you like fresh tech, check out <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hanselminutes-with-scott-hanselman/id117488860">Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes</a> wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set.</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://CultCloth.co">CultCloth.co</a></p>

<p><strong>This week’s stories:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/844748/vision-pro-review-roundup-magic-a-revolution-not-finished/">Vision Pro review roundup: ‘Magic’ and ‘a revolution,’ but definitely unfinished</a></p>
<ul><li>The first reviews of Apple’s Vision Pro gush compliments on the augmented-reality headset, with one reviewer calling it “mind-blowing” and another “stunning.”</li><li>However, there’s also plenty of criticism for the high price, weight and slim collection of software available when the product launches later this week.</li><li>Vanity Fair: <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/tim-cook-apple-vision-pro">Why Tim Cook Is Going All In on the Apple Vision Pro</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/845093/apple-vision-pro-addictive/">Apple Vision Pro’s biggest problem: It’s highly addictive!</a></li></ul>

<p><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/845065/lululook-fkm-sport-band-for-apple-watch-giveaway/">Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway]</a></p>
<ul><li>You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win.</li></ul>

<p><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/844407/ios-17-4-beta-features-changes/">iOS 17.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes</a></p>
<ul><li>The first beta of iOS 17.4 is here, and it packs several big changes. The beta build arrived just days after Apple released iOS 17.3 to the public.</li><li><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/844445/apple-podcasts-transcripts-auto-generated-release-date/">Auto-generated transcripts coming to Apple Podcasts</a></li></ul>

<p><a href="https://www.cultofmac.com/845067/is-this-an-unannounced-ipad-in-a-press-photo-no/">Is this an unannounced iPad in a press photo?</a></p>
<ul><li>Some people think the first picture of Tim Cook wearing a Vision Pro also has a surprise: an iPad that Apple hasn’t released yet. But no. The tablet looks a bit odd, but that’s not because it’s a future one with a new design.</li><li><a href="https://mastodon.social/@siracusa/111857250562641095">Post by John Siracusa</a></li><li><a href="https://mstdn.social/@dschaub/111857513902632560">Edited image by David Schaub</a></li></ul>

Direct download: CultCast_632.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:19pm PDT

This week: Vision Pro sells out in mere moments and its insane scalping prices, new Apple hardware coming this spring, and yes, the Apple Car is back on the menu! Plus: BREAKING NEWS on App Store sideloading and game streaming on iOS. What a week!

This episode supported by:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month.

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.

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

This week’s stories:

Too late: Apple Vision Pro preorders sell out fast

Win a portable magnetic 3-in-1 wireless charger [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Kuxiu X55 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger and Stand gives you a compact, lightweight way to keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wireless charging case charged up pretty much anywhere.

New Apple sideloading rules require pre-approval for iPhone apps

MacRumors: New iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air Models Likely to Launch in March or April

Finally, Apple car coming in 2028

  • Apple still plans to put a car on the road, but the release date for the Apple car is sometime in 2028, according to a new report.
  • And designers had to slam the brakes on hopes for full self driving. The electric vehicle will allegedly offer some driver-assistance capabilities but these will fall far short of full autonomy.
Direct download: CultCast_631.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm PDT

This week: The Supreme Court is forcing big changes on the App Store, we have Apple’s Plan B to keep selling Apple Watches, last-minute Vision Pro details (are we ordering one?) and finally, 9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone!

This episode supported by:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month.

Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase.

If you like fresh tech, check out Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set.

This week’s stories:

Supreme Court decision means major iPhone app change is on the way

  • The U.S. Supreme Court effectively upheld a lower court’s ruling that Apple must allow third-party iPhone app developers to point customers to their websites when making purchases. This means the company is forced to drop its “anti-steering” rule for such applications — a major change.

AppleInsider: Apple bills Epic Games $73 million in legal costs

  • Following the end of the Epic Games vs Apple case, the "Fortnite" developer will be required to pay Apple over $73 million in legal fees.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 without blood oxygen feature go on sale in US

  • Apple is not making any hardware tweaks to the wearables. Instead, it will turn off the blood oxygen sensor feature through software.

Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Time's running out on our latest giveaway: We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get either a Sunset or Moonrise case.

Apple Vision Pro’s Lengthy Sales Pitch Will Include 25-Minute Demo

9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone

  • YouTube Video
  • There are a lot of things you can do with old iPhones. In fact, it might be worth keeping them around rather than trading them in. There are all kinds of things you can use an old iPhone for.
Direct download: CultCast_630.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:09pm PDT

Vision Pro goes on sale NEXT WEEK — we have all the last-minute details! We’re also talking about the strange new AI hardware from CES, AI-powered Siri coming at WWDC, and finally, is it worth it to buy expensive phone cables?

This episode supported by:

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

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 Vision Pro launches February 2, preorders start January 19 [Updated]

  • Apple’s Vision Pro headset finally has a release date. Apple will accept preorders for Vision Pro in the United States starting Friday, January 19, at 5 a.m. Pacific, the company said Monday.
  • Steven Troughton-Smith on Mastodon

First Vision Pro ad harks back to classic iPhone Hello advert

  • Apple’s fun new Get Ready video for the upcoming Vision Pro headset is clearly intended to ratchet up the hype for the spatial computing device scheduled for release in early February.

MacRumors: Apple 'Carefully Orchestrating' Vision Pro Reviews With Multiple Meetings

  • Apple has a detailed plan for Apple Vision Pro reviews, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. YouTubers and members of the media selected for reviews will meet with Apple on January 16 for a hands-on experience, with a follow-up meeting to take place on January 23 to go over the device's features a second time.

Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable

  • We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get one of these: Sunset or Moonrise.

Ask AI-powered Rabbit R1 for anything (without touching an app)

  • You can ask the new AI-powered Rabbit R1 gadget to do pretty much anything you’d normally do with some combination of apps on your smartphone, according to Rabbit’s fascinating keynote at CES 2024.

Wave of Apple Generative AI Tools on Track for WWDC Debut

  • In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman reaffirmed and expanded upon previous comments related to Apple's plans to announce a series of new tools based on generative AI at WWDC as part of iOS 18, including a revamped version of Siri.

Cheap or Pricey: Which Charging Cables Last Longest?

  • How many times have you left your phone plugged in overnight just to wake up and find that it hasn’t charged at all? It seems like a trivial thing, but when a charging cable fails, it can ruin your day.
Direct download: CultCast_629.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44pm PDT

This week, it’ll be the biggest update since the original — here comes Apple Watch X… Plus, app sideloading might be coming to the US next and we pitch our favorite shows, movies and stuff in an all-new What We’re Into!

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:

What to expect from Apple Watch in 2024: Series X

  • 2024 looks like a big year for Apple Watch. The world’s most popular wearable could get the biggest redesign in its 10-year history in the form of a device potentially called “Apple Watch Series X” or simply “Apple Watch X.”
  • Everything (else) Apple Will Announce in 2024

9to5Mac: US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is ‘firing on all cylinders’

  • The US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is “firing on all cylinders” according to the head of the Department of Justice unit responsible for policing breaches of competition law.

Inside Apple’s massive push to transform the Mac into a gaming paradise

  • Gaming on the Mac in the 1990s until 2020, when Apple made a big shift to its own custom silicon, could be boiled down to this: Apple was in a hardware arms race with the PC that it couldn’t win.
  • “Apple silicon has changed all that,” Keppel tells Inverse.
  • D. Griffin Jones on Extra Ordinary: The Weird, Cyclical State of Mac Gaming

What We’re Into

Direct download: CultCast_628.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:04pm PDT

This week, the Apple Watch is back on sale already — but for how long? Jony Ive is pawning some BIG designers from Apple to work on a secret new AI project. And we close with the rest of our picks for the Best (and Worst) of 2023.

This episode supported by:

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

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:

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:

Federal court temporarily un-pauses Apple Watch ban

  • During the temporary stay on the ban, the court will review Apple’s request. Now the ITC has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a stay.

Another Apple Designer Joins Jony Ive to Work on Hardware for OpenAI

  • Apple's vice president of product design Tang Tan is set to join Sir Jony Ive's LoveFrom to design hardware products for OpenAI.
  • At Apple, Tang Tan is vice president of product design and reports to senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus. Tan is responsible for the design of the iPhone, Apple Watch, accessories, and acoustic devices like AirPods.

Best of 2023 Round 1:

  • Griffin: 404 Media is a journalist-run independent media company with excellent investigative reporting on the hottest tech news.
  • Lewis: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe is a great night stand charger for your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.
  • Erfon: Xbox Game pass is like the Netflix of video games, and with its ever-expanding library of indie, and now, big titles from major studios, it’s finally worth its monthly price.

Best of 2023 Round 2:

  • Griffin: Mastodon is an open-source social media platform that cuts out garbage ads, tracking and algorithms; cutting straight to the high-quality discussions with people you care about.
  • Lewis: TRIGGERnometry
  • Erfon: Juscant is a PC game with a beautiful aesthetic, intuitive climbing mechanics, and mysterious plot.

Worst of 2023 Round 1:

  • Griffin: Michael Darius is a former Apple employee who is selling his meager experience from nearly twenty years ago as some design guru and personal protégé of Steve Jobs.
  • Lewis: Apple service price hikes
  • Erfon: The state of streaming in 2023 is a huge mess. It’s like cable TV all over again.

Worst of 2023 Round 2:

  • Griffin: The feeling of being trusted to drive a stranger's car alone after you only met them earlier that same evening is a bizarre experience I hope to never repeat.
  • Lewis: San Francisco
  • Erfon: Amazon Prime keeps getting more expensive while offering fewer benefits.
Direct download: CultCast_627.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:12pm PDT

This week, the Apple Watch is BANNED in the US! We’re also talking bad news about next year’s models and the future of CarPlay that was just announced, followed by new picks for the Best of 2023!

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.

Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase.

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:

It’s the last day to buy Apple Watch from Apple.com before US sales ban [Updated]

  • U.S. sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple’s website stopped on December 21.

Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year's Model

  • Next-generation Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering them incompatible with all current bands, according to the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as “Kosutami.”

Enter to win an iPhone 15 case and screen protector bundle from MagEasy

  • Two winners will receive a MagEasy iPhone 15 case of their choice, along with a screen protector. Enter now for your chance to win!

Porsche and Aston Martin preview gorgeous next-gen Apple CarPlay

  • Now we have our first looks at what next-gen Carplay will look like thanks to Porsche and Aston Martin.

Best of 2023:

  • Erfon: Silo. In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.
  • Lewis: Slow Horses. This quick-witted spy drama follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents—and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb—as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.
  • Griffin: U.S. Interstate 77 is possibly the greatest highway on the planet, offering two lanes of 70 mph speeds with regular stops, little congestion or traffic, scenic views and a world-class interchange with Interstate 70 — it’s the fastest way to leave Cleveland.
Direct download: CultCast_626.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm PDT

This week: Apple just made it harder for the Gov to spy on your phone, iOS 17.3 makes your iPhone a lot harder to steal, and our picks for best (& worst!) gear (& stuff!) of 2023!

This episode supported by:

Factor Foods. Treat yourself to high-quality, delicious meals over the holidays. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50 and use offer code CultCast50 to get 50% off.

Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

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:

You can now buy stand-alone USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2… for $99!

  • In September, Apple introduced a tweaked version of AirPods Pro 2 that comes with a charging case with a USB-C port. The MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) joined the online Apple store Wednesday.

Apple makes ‘push notification spying’ more difficult

  • Governments will find push notification spying harder to do now that they no longer enjoy easy access to records of push notifications sent to iPhone users. Apple changed its policy so that law enforcement and other government agencies need a court order to obtain this data.

How Apple plans to ramp up iOS security for stolen iPhones

  • The just-released iOS 17.3 beta 1 includes a surprise feature: Stolen Device Protection. The option makes it harder to reset the passcode on a stolen device if the thief already knows the current passcode. There are also new password protections.

Why Google Play courtroom loss could hurt Apple, too

  • Epic Games convinced a federal jury that the Google Play store for Android applications is an illegal monopoly. The decision might have wide repercussions.

Apple reportedly offers to open iPhone NFC to other payment systems

  • The days of the iPhone’s NFC capabilities being limited to just Apple Pay could be coming to an end. Apple is reportedly open to allowing other systems to use the wireless payment system.

Best of 2023:

  • Erfon: Matter is the best new smart home technology that brings all your devices together seamlessly.
  • Lewis: The Last of Us is a show on Max about a hardened survivor (Pedro Pascal) taking care of a 14-year-old girl (Bella Ramsey) who may be humanity’s last hope.
  • Griffin: Music, a great way to experience art in the form of rhythmic sounds, vocalizations and instruments. The Roland Cube 30X was designed for listening to music.

Worst of 2023:

Direct download: CultCast_625.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:54pm PDT

This week: new rumors say updated iPad Pros are right around the corner, along with the new M3 MacBook Air! Plus: the iPhone 16’s Action button is getting supercharged, and our first picks for the Best of 2023!

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.

Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase.

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:

Entire iPhone 16 lineup could feature force-sensitive Action button

MacRumors: ‘All-Screen’ iPhone Under-Display Camera Enters Development

  • According to The Elec, LG Innotek has entered the preliminary development of the UDC, which sits under the display and does not result in a visible hole in the panel when the camera is not in use.

Win a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway prize is a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger that retails for $149.95. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously at maximum speed with this great fold-up Apple accessory.

MacBook Air gets speedy M3 chip in spring 2024

  • The Apple M3 processor will make its way to the MacBook Air line in March 2024, according to a trusted source of insider info. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the laptop will receive the chip upgrade.

12.9-inch iPad Air, OLED iPad Pro pegged for March release

  • March 2024 will bring a bonanza, according to a report Wednesday from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. A 12.9-inch iPad Air is supposedly on the docket. An updated 10.9-inch version will also be released.

Apple confirms ‘push notification spying’ by government agencies

  • Some governments are spying on push notifications sent to iPhone users, Apple confirmed Wednesday. By examining logs of push notifications sent by various apps, authorities can piece together surprisingly detailed information about smartphone users and their activities.

Under Review:

Direct download: CultCast_624.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm PDT

This week: Apple’s falling out with Goldman Sachs could mean the end of Apple Card - we’ll fill you in. We’ll also give you the real deal on how NameDrop works and run through the top podcasts of 2023. And finally — could multiple cheaper Apple Vision headsets be in the works?

This episode supported by:

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.

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 reportedly ending Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs

  • Apple’s partnership with Goldman Sachs for the Apple Card is reportedly coming to an end. The Wall Street Journal says Apple sent a proposal to the bank to exit from the agreement in the next 12 to 15 months.

MacRumors: Interesting new features in iOS 17.2 Beta 4

  • Under Sounds & Haptics, there's a new "Default Alerts" section that allows you to choose the sound used for all incoming notifications aside from texts, mail alerts, and calendar alerts, which already had customization options.
  • With the iPhone 15 Pro models, ProRes video can be recorded directly to an external device. iOS 17.2 appears to include a new pop up message that lets users know that external recording is not working because of a USB-C cable that is too slow.

Arm ain’t happy about how little Apple pays for its chip tech

  • All Apple computers run on chips based on technology licensed from Arm. And it turns out the licensing fee is surprisingly low. Pennies per device.

New deal means fully American-made Apple silicon chips

  • Apple silicon processors that TSMC makes at its Arizona plant will be packaged by Amkor at a nearby facility.

Why iPhone NameDrop feature is not a security risk

  • Parents are mistakenly being warned that they need to quickly deactivate iOS 17’s NameDrop feature on their children’s iPhones. The warnings claim that it’s causing the devices to broadcast their contact information to anyone nearby. This simply isn’t true.

MacRumors: Work on Multiple Next-Gen Vision Pro Headsets Ongoing, Including Cheaper Model

  • DigiTimes claims that there are a total of four different second-generation Vision Pro headsets in development, including a direct successor to the first-generation model and a more affordable model. The nature of the other two second-generation models is unclear.
Direct download: CultCast_623.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05pm PDT

GOBBLE GOBBLE YAAALL! This week: iPads are going OLED! More HUGE legislation is coming out of the EU, Sonos is taking on Apple and Tim Cook talks about his succession plan. And we wrap up another all-new Under Review!

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:

iPad Air and iPad mini with OLED screens pegged for 2026 release

  • Add iPad Air and iPad mini to the list of Apple tablets getting OLED screens. At least, that’s what an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia says. And the mini will supposedly get a boost in display size.

EU’s proposed right to repair law incentivizes repairs, bans parts pairing

  • The European Parliament has voted to approve a strong Right to Repair proposal. It aims to make consumer electronic goods more repairable, with companies required to prioritize repairability over replacement.
  • The EU’s draft law prevents parts pairing. Apple notoriously uses this software block to discourage iPhone users from getting their devices repaired by third-party shops.

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

  • We teamed up with Zugu to give five lucky winners the chance to win one of these fantastic iPad cases, which come with a great adjustable kickstand and a built-in Apple Pencil holder.

MacRumors: Sonos to Launch $400+ Headphones and Set-Top Box, Competing with Apple Devices

  • Popular speaker company Sonos is planning to enter several new product markets that will see it competing with Apple devices, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

Apple CEO Succession Plans 'Very Detailed', Says Tim Cook

  • In a 45-minute interview for the BBC Sounds podcast Dua Lipa: At Your Service hosted by singer Dua Lipa, Cook admitted that he does not know how long he will remain at Apple.
  • Tim said, “I would say that my job is to prepare several people for the ability to succeed, and I really want the person to come from within Apple, the next CEO. So that's my role: That there's several for the board to pick from.”

Under Review:

Direct download: The_CultCast_622.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm PDT

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

 

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!

 

Direct download: The-CultCast-621-2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:11pm PDT

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?

 

Direct download: The_CultCast_620.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:57pm PDT

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.

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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:

 

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!
Direct download: The_CultCast_619.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:40pm PDT

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.
Direct download: The_CultCast_618_Fixed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:59pm PDT

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?

 

Direct download: cultcast_617.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

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:

Direct download: CultCast_616.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:52pm PDT

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.

 

Direct download: cultcast_615.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:54pm PDT

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."

 

Direct download: cultcast_614.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:54am PDT

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.”

 

Direct download: cultcast_613.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:27am PDT

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

Direct download: cultcast_612.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44pm PDT

This week: we've got some new last-minute leaks on iPhone 15/Pro/Max cameras! Plus: Apple's working on the "low cost" MacBook they said they'd never make, and our predictions for next week's Wonderlust event!

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

ERFON: Leak details iPhone 15 Pro’s camera specs

  • MacRumors report claims the primary camera on the iPhone 15 Pro models will remain the same as its predecessor. The phones will retain the 48MP Sony IMX803 sensor. So, any image-quality improvements will come from a faster image signal processor. Previous rumors indicated Apple might use a breakthrough new Sony sensor, but that’s seemingly not the case. 

 

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

  • In this week’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band and an Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case, both from Lululook.

 

LEW-WHEEZY: Low-cost MacBook aimed at students supposedly in development

  • Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a price low enough to compete with Chromebooks in the education market.

 

GRIFFIN: Wonderlust event predictions!

Direct download: cultcast_611.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:09pm PDT

This week: we decipher Apple’s “Wonderlust” event invitation and talk iPhone 15 colors and expectations! 🧙‍♂️🔥

This episode supported by

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.

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

ERFON: Apple sets ‘Wonderlust’ iPhone 15 event for September 12

  • Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its annual September product launch event, which will happen September 12. The tagline is “Wonderlust,” so Apple is apparently hoping we’ll all be feeling both wonder and lust when it unveils the iPhone 15 series.

 

Here's the Apple invitation animation

GRIFFIN: What could the ‘Wonderlust’ event invite mean?

  • Apple’s “Wonderlust” event invite features the Apple logo in a windswept, sandy visage. How could the artwork relate to the expected announcements of the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 coming during the Apple event on September 12?

 

LEWIS: Take an early look at the likely iPhone 15 color options

  • Apple reportedly will produce the iPhone 15 in an array of mostly muted colors. Yes, unfortunately, it sounds like the regular iPhone might be coming down with a case of the iPhone Pro blues -- boring colors!

 

LEWIS: Giveaway - Package deal: Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case and Carbon Fiber Band with Magnetic Clasp for Apple Watch from Lululook

GRIFFIN: Apple tests 3D printing that could revolutionize manufacturing

  • Apple is testing a 3D-printer-based manufacturing process for some of its upcoming Apple Watches that could radically change how it manufactures products generally, a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman.

 

ERFON: AirPods with USB-C might launch at Apple’s September event

  • After nearly a decade of dragging its feet, Apple is finally switching iPhone to USB-C. The transition away from Lightning is being forced by the European Union, and this fall’s iPhone 15 series will almost certainly be the first with USB-C.

 

Direct download: cultcast_610.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:03pm PDT

This week: the good, the bad, the UGLY! We're talking what we like and don't about iPhone 15 and Vision Pro. Plus... a VERY special guest...

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

Leander: Apple backs California’s Right to Repair Act

  • After years of Apple fighting and delaying the Repair bill in various US states, Apple sent Senator Sustan Talamantes Eggman a letter endorsing the Right to Repair Act in California.

 

Lewis: Apple’s iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers

  • Reports say the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 is much faster, as we talked about last week, however, the cables that will ship with the iPhone 15 series will allegedly support only USB 2.0. If true, that will limit data transfers to a relatively poky 480 Mbit/s.

 

Leander: Meet an Unsung Apple Hero in this free e-book

  • Interface designer Bas Ording is one of those little-known Apple employees who has had a huge influence on our digital lives.

 

Lewis: Clean your filthy Apple Watch bands, people

  • Your Apple Watch band could be a breeding ground for potentially dangerous pathogens, according to a new study.
  • Scientists found that 95% of the watchbands they tested were contaminated with “bacteria of public health importance.”

 

Griffin: 6 useful apps hiding in your Mac

  • If you work on a Mac, these six useful apps can help you get that work done faster.

 

Direct download: CultCast_No._609.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm PDT

This week: we’ve got more leaked iPhone 15 features, Apple’s plans for their new “Watch X” Apple watch redesign, Face ID coming to Macs, and this week’s other best Apple news!

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

Erfon: New evidence points to high-speed Thunderbolt connector in iPhone 15

  • A new leak adds weight to a previous report that the iPhone 15 series will support Thunderbolt. If true, this will allow their USB-C ports to transfer files, updates and other data at up to 40 Gbps.

 

Erfon: iPhone 15 could support faster 35W charging speeds

  • A report based on industry sources claims the iPhone 15 will support peak charging speeds of 35W. The rumored switch from Lightning to USB-C on 2023 iPhones might have a role to play in this upgrade.

iPhone 14 Pro users complain of major drops in battery health and capacity after less than a year

 

Apple’s MagSafe fuels new Qi2 wireless charging standard

 

Apple ‘Watch X’ with new design might arrive in 2024

  • In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman spills the beans on the Apple Watch X. He thinks the revamped smartwatch could launch in 2024 or 2025. It reportedly will feature a thinner watch casing.

 

Apple hasn’t given up on Face ID for MacBooks

  • Apple just received a patent that covers building Face ID into a MacBook.

 

Clean your filthy Apple Watch bands, people

Direct download: cultcast_608.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:04pm PDT

This week: we're talking expectations for Apple's September iPhone 15 event! Plus aaaaall the new M3 Macs Apple is working on....

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

iPhone 15 launch event reportedly will happen on September 13 ... or 12!

  • Apple could unveil the iPhone 15 lineup on September 12 or 13, with a staggered launch after that to avoid supply chain and logistics problems.

 

Here are all the M3 Macs in development

  • Apple is working on a slew of M3-powered Macs for late 2023 and 2024, and the latest mystery machine spotted on developers’ logs appears to be a new Mac mini.

 

Apple’s M3 Max chip spotted with 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU

  • For comparison, the M2 Max ships with a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU. So, even if everything else remains constant, the additional CPU and GPU cores on the M3 Max alone should enable significant performance improvements. Apple will likely use newer CPU and GPU cores on the M3 for further performance gains.

 

Limited-edition iPhone case takes you back to 1969 moon landing [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • We joined forces with Pitaka this week for an exciting giveaway that will take you over the moon.

 

LEWIS: iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Bionic chip might sport a 6-core GPU, 6GB RAM

  • Leaker @URedditor, who previously shared some accurate Apple-related leaks, provided more details about the company’s next A-series chip Wednesday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. While the A17 Bionic apparently will possess the same number of CPU cores as the A16 Bionic, Apple will bump its clock speed.

 

College students, you don’t need a MacBook Air

  • Old conventional wisdom was that beyond the basics, you needed a MacBook Pro, but that’s just not true anymore

Apple TV 4K can play Dolby Atmos sound to two pairs of AirPods in tvOS 17

  • One of the best features of the Apple TV 4K is its support for spatial audio, but this feature is limited to only one pair of Apple headphones in tvOS 16. That looks to be changing though, according to a feature that FlatpanelsHD spotted in the beta for tvOS 17.

 

Direct download: cultcast_607.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39pm PDT

This week: AirTags 2.0 are incoming with a strange new feature, and we've details on what to expect for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.0!

This episode supported by

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.

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

ERFON: Apple preps second-generation AirTag tracker with AR capabilities

  • The Apple AirTag item tracker sells well enough that an updated version is in early development, according to a reputable analyst. And it might include the AR capabilities that were rumored years ago.
  • The tiny tracker has reportedly been selling by the millions since the product launch in 2021.

 

LEWIS: Would you buy Apple Watch 9 or Ultra 2 in these new colors?

  • Reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro tweeted Tuesday about the possible new pink aluminum color for Apple Watch Series 9 and a black titanium case for Apple Watch Ultra 2.

 

GRIFFIN: 1 billion subscribers push Apple’s services revenue to all-time high

  • Apple announced one billion people now subscribe to Apple services, although total revenue decreased slightly during the June quarter, the third time that’s happened in a row. And the money coming in from all Apple’s hardware groups is down

 

ERFON: Tim Cook calls AI ‘absolutely critical’ to Apple products

  • Apple has been quiet about its plans for artificial intelligence, but CEO Tim Cook set out in a conference call with analysts and major investors on Thursday to make it clear that his company isn’t behind the curve on AI.

 

LEWIS: Win a posh leather iPad Pro sleeve from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • For this week’s giveaway, we partnered with Harber London to offer you an opportunity to win an exquisite, handmade Magnetic Envelope Sleeve for iPad Pro valued at $118.

 

The cheapest and easiest way to add wireless CarPlay to any vehicle

  • The vast majority of new cars sold today are compatible with CarPlay and/or Android Auto. surveys found that for more than 80% of new car buyers, CarPlay is an essential feature.

 

GRIFFIN: Here’s what I use my Apple Newton for in 2023

  • Apple Newton celebrated its 30th birthday just earlier this week

 

Direct download: cultcast_606.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm PDT

This week: we got more big iPhone 15 leaks, + Apple is considering big price hikes, + we argue over Spotify vs Apple Music... again!

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 14, 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.

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

This week's stories

 

Apple reportedly considers hiking iPhone 15 Pro prices

  • Apple is mulling raising prices for the iPhone 15 Pro and its Pro Max sibling in the United States. The company has yet to make a final decision on the matter, though.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Max price might increase $200

  • The iPhone 15 Pro Max could go up by as much as $200, according to an industry analyst.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Options Potentially Revealed in iOS 17 Code: Flashlight, Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and More

  • Remember that bright-orange Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra? The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max might come with something similar.

 

Apple’s 48MP camera heads for more affordable iPhone 15 models

  • The 48 megapixel camera that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro models is making its way to the “standard” iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, according to a trusted analyst.

 

Protect your iPad from bumps and scratches -- and look good doing it!

Apple lends Vision Pro AR headset to devs on a very short leash

  • A fortunate few will soon get their hands on the Apple Vision Pro. Developers can now apply to get a prerelease loaner unit with which to test the applications they’re creating for the upcoming AR headset.

 

Get the time without even looking at your Apple Watch

  • You can read the time without even looking at your Apple Watch using a little-known feature called Taptic Time. Hold two fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it tap the time out on your wrist.

 

8 reasons you should ditch Spotify for Apple Music

  • Apple Music is in a distant second place to Spotify in paying subscribers (except in the US!), but in my opinion, Apple Music is the better service. It has more advanced features like live lyrics, karaoke, lossless and spatial audio.

 

Direct download: cultcast_605.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

This week: Big battery and camera improvements are coming to iPhone! Plus: the Continuity features every Apple user MUST know; Apple preps their own version of ChatGPT;

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 14, 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

Stacked batteries could let iPhone 15 go longer between charges

  • Apple will put batteries that could last up to 10% longer in the upcoming iPhone 15 series, according to an unconfirmed report. These will be stacked batteries rather than wound ones.

 

2024 iPhone could get 12× telephoto zoom lens

  • While this year’s model reportedly will introduce a new periscope lens, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with an ultra-long telephoto periscope lens capable of 12× optical zoom.

 

6 mind-blowing Continuity features every Apple user should know

  • Nothing illustrates the power of Apple’s ecosystem like the Continuity features that help your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch work seamlessly together.

 

Apple gets ready to take on ChatGPT with ‘Apple GPT’

  • Apple reportedly developed its own generative AI chatbot that’s very similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While it might never be released, the underlying tech is already going into the company’s applications and services.

 

The Mac Pro we all want is 6 years away — at least

  • Similar to how the M1 Ultra was comprised of two M1 Max chips interposed together for double the power, when the tipster talks about “the quad chip,” he or she is referring to the rumored M1 Extreme that would have been comprised of four M1 Max chips.

 

Enter to win a leather MacBook folio from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Giving away one Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7 from Harber London!

 

Apple Card contributes to another $667 million loss for Goldman Sachs: ‘We did not execute well’

  • The exact amount of losses Goldman Sachs has seen with its Apple partnership isn’t quite clear, but since 2020 it’s somewhere in the ballpark of $1-3 billion.

 

Direct download: cultcast_604.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:06pm PDT

This week: Here's what to expect for the iPhone 15 and its big redesign! Plus: we go hands-on with the iOS 17 and watchOS 10 public betas, Jony Ive is back making new hardware, and we pitch our favorite gadgets in an all-new Under Review!

This episode supported by

Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off plus free shipping!

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 14, 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

What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15

  • Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. Still, early renders show the iPhone 15 series will look much like its predecessors.

 

Griffin: Think twice before installing iOS 17 public beta (or watchOS 10!)

  • Apple just gave the general public access to the latest iOS 17 beta, but before you put it on your iPhone, the Cult of Mac staff has some warnings. We’ve used the betas for weeks, and while it’s gone well for some people, it’s been a dumpster fire for others.

 

Much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is still over a year away

  • The iMac is Apple’s desktop PC with a built-in screen. This long-running product line was significantly revamped in 2021 with a slim design and M1 processor. Currently, the only version has a 24-inch screen, but there have been numerous calls for a larger variant.

 

Jony Ive returns to hardware design with $60,000 record player

  • If Apple made a turntable, would it cost $60,000? Almost certainly not, but that’s the lofty price tag on the new 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12-50, sketched out by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom.

 

Jony Ive’s discontinued Apple design book now goes for big bucks

  • Apple released Designed by Apple in California in 2016 to mixed but largely positive reviews — with a fair amount of snark about the pricing — and discontinued it in 2019.

 

Under Review

Griffin

Rode NT USB Plus

Rode NTH 100

Erfon

Anker Soundcore Motion x600

Lewis

Geometric Goods Leather AirTag Travel Wallet

Direct download: cultcast_603.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:42pm PDT

This week: We're talking BIG changes coming to AirPods, Apple's radical plan for new displays, and Twitter vs. Threads, battle of the the tech titans! Plus: Apple hits 3 TRILLION in market value, so Erfon's got another epic Apple stock update!

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 14, 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

Next-gen AirPods Pro could measure your body temperature

  • In the Sunday edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman shared Apple’s future roadmap for the AirPods. The company wants to position AirPods as a hearing aid replacement. It has hired engineers from traditional hearing aid companies to boost its research in this area.

Apple plans to launch a monitor that stays on when you shut down your Mac

Vision Pro’s complex design forces Apple to make significant production cuts

  • Apple reportedly made hefty cuts to its production goals for the Vision Pro due to the headset’s complex design, which makes mass production a challenge.

Lewis: Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This is a rare repeat - but this time it's open to contestants worldwide!

How to use Threads, the new (new (new)) Twitter replacement

  • Threads is the new social media platform with Twitter-like features, coming from Instagram.

Apple TV+ has a lot more subscribers than you might realize

  • The number of Apple TV+ subscribers has more than tripled in the past two years, according to data from a market-analysis firm.

Apple passes $3 trillion mark cap … again

  • Apple’s share price us up 53% this year!

 

Direct download: cultcast_602.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:40pm PDT

This week: We've got new intel on the next round of Apple's upcoming hardware releases including the long awaited 30-inch iMac (Pro?!), OLED iPads, the next Apple Watch Ultra, and more. Plus, fresh new images leak for iPhone 15 Pro Max!

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 14, 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 is reportedly working on iMac with 30-inch-plus screen

  • Aside from the inevitable iPhone refresh (and the headset everyone’s buzzing about), Apple reportedly has several other major new products lined up for launch in 2023 and the first half of 2024. This includes revamped iPad Pros with OLED displays, new Macs powered by a next-gen M3 processor and an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Max case leaks well ahead of fall announcement

  • Those eager to get their hands on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max should check out a short video showing a case supposedly designed for Apple’s next flagship smartphone. This helps confirm a few details that previously leaked out.

 

EU countries, lawmakers reach data rule deal targeting Big Tech

  • The European Commission proposed the Data Act last year to cover data generated in smart gadgets, machinery and consumer products, part of a raft of legislation aimed at curbing the power of U.S. tech giants.

 

Apple Hikes iCloud+ Subscription Prices in Many Countries Around the World

  • Apple has increased the price of iCloud storage in several regions around the world, including the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

 

Win this brilliant bundle from Function101 to whip your desk into shape [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • In this week’s giveaway, two lucky winners will bag themselves a magnetic Desk Mat Pro with two Cable Block XL cable managers from Function101. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to tidy up their desk and ensure wires are secure and easily accessible.

 

Direct download: cultcast_601.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:16am PDT

This week: Imagine being able to easily swap out the battery on your iPhone or iPad - the EU is about to force Apple to do just that. Plus, cool new features coming to Vision Pro and the Photos app!

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 14, 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

EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad

  • The European Parliament passed sweeping legislation last week intended to make recycling batteries easier. The new rules will require Apple to redesign iPhone and iPad so their batteries can be replaced by users. (Android devices will face the same mandate.)

 

Devs can now start making apps for Apple Vision Pro AR headset

  • Turning the Apple Vision Pro headset from an announcement into a shipping product took a big step forward Wednesday with the release of the visionOS SDK. This includes the software tools developers will use to write applications for the AR headset that Apple unveiled earlier this month.

 

Lewis: Win a 65W GaN travel charger you can plug in anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger packs two USB-C ports along with one USB-A port, making it easy to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Plus, its switchable plugs make it effortless for use when traveling in the United States and Europe. It retails for just $55.99, but you could snag one for free in this week’s giveaway.

 

8 New Photo Features Coming to iPhone in iOS 17

  • When viewing your photos, Apple has enhanced Visual Look Up in iOS 17 in a few ways, one being the ability to find recipes for similar dishes when meals are recognized in the picture.

 

iPhone media apps can play music on HomePod using Siri with iOS 17

  • Apple will finally make playing music from third-party sources on your HomePod easier. Starting with iOS 17, you can ask Siri to play music on your HomePod from music apps installed on your iPhone.

 

MacBooks make up a whopping 77% of Mac

  • If you own a Mac, it’s almost certainly a MacBook rather than a desktop. New data from a market research firm show that Apple’s notebooks made up the lion’s share of macOS sales over the last year.

 

Direct download: cultcast_600.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

This week: We react to reviews of the M2 Mac Studio, Mac Pro, and 15" MacBook Air - Plus: all this week's best Apple stories!

 

This episode supported by

With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

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 14, 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

2023 Mac Studio review roundup: Eye-watering power

  • The primary difference between the new Mac Studio and its predecessor is the processor, so this was the focus of many of the reviews.

 

M2 Ultra Mac Pro proves twice as fast as Intel Mac Pro — at half the price

  • In Geekbench 6 stats that surfaced online Saturday, the M2 Ultra scored 2,776 and 21,402 in single-core and multi-core benchmarks, respectively. For comparison, the M1 Ultra scores 2,379 and 17,579 in the same set of tests. This indicates Apple’s M2 Ultra packs a 20% faster CPU.

 

First Benchmark Result Surfaces for Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip

  • The first Geekbench 6 benchmark result for the new Mac Pro surfaced today, providing a closer look at the M2 Ultra chip's CPU performance in the desktop tower.

 

Win a Ugreen Nexode a fast 65W Charger with universal plugs

15-inch MacBook Air review roundup: Killer for consumers

  • Reviewers have plenty of praise for the first 15-inch MacBook Air, with comments like it “does its job very, very well” (The Verge) and it’s “more than good enough” (CNET).

 

Cheaper Apple Vision Headset Likely to Launch by End of 2025

  • Apple still plans to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset by the end of 2025, with the non-Pro model likely to be called "Apple Vision One," or more

 

Direct download: cultcast_599.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:46pm PDT

This week: We're talking all the best announcements at WWDC 23, reactions to the Vision Pro and "Spacial Computing", iOS 17 hidden features, and we reveal the winner of last week's WWDC '23 predictions!

This episode supported by

With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

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 14, 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

First looks at Vision Pro: Apple nails the hardware (and the experience)

  • The headset, which Apple says will launch in 2024 and with a $3,499 price tag, represents the company’s first foray into what it calls “spatial computing.”

 

iOS 17 Tidbits: Enhanced Siri Suggestions, Multiple Timers, Recipe Visual Look Up, and More

  • If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, Apple has added an optional button in Control Center that enables you to ping your watch if you have misplaced it.

 

Enter to win a clever AirTag bike reflector mount [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Device Therapy, which makes a clever disguise to keep an eye on your bicycle. Three lucky winners will receive an awesome Bike Reflector Mount that can help foil thieves who want to steal your two-wheeler.

 

Mac Studio updated with ‘most powerful chip ever made for a personal computer’

  • The desktop machine now comes with Apple’s new M2 Ultra chip — the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” according to Apple.

 

Mac Pro finally gets updated to Apple silicon, is 3X faster

  • The new Mac Pro features the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” and is up to 3x faster than the previous-generation Intel-based model.

 

WWDC23 Prediction Results

Direct download: 598.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22am PDT

This week's we're talking:

  • New Macs expected at WWDC 23
  • Last-minute rumors on what to expect
  • Our most anticipated announcements
  • What will make the Apple headset completely different from everything on the market
  • More!

This episode supported by

Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast16 and use code cultcast16 for 16 FREE meals plus free shipping!

 

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 14, 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

WWDC 23: What to expect from Apple’s blockbuster keynote

New high-end Macs with M2 Max and Ultra chips could debut at WWDC23

Rumored 4K screens could let Apple VR/AR headset offer real world-like clarity

The CultCast WWDC23 Predictions

Direct download: cultcast_597.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03pm PDT

This week's we're talking:

  • All the new iOS 17 leaks!
  • New Apple TV+'s shows top the streaming charts
  • The return of MoviePass, the company that won't die!

 

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 14, 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

iOS 17 might add smart home display mode to iPhone

  • The always-on display in recent iPhone Pros will get a new use in iOS 17, according to a tipster. The device will reportedly show upcoming appointments, controls for smart home accessories, and more.

 

iOS 17 to Include Dedicated Journaling App and Mood Tracking

  • The iOS 17 update that Apple plans to announce in June will include a dedicated journaling app, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The Wall Street Journal in April highlighted Apple's work on a Day One-style journaling app, but at the time, it was not clear if it would come in iOS 17 .

 

More intel on Apple's journaling app iOS 17 Said to Feature Wallet, Find My, SharePlay, and AirPlay Upgrades

Enter to win the ultimate protection for your Apple Watch Ultra [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Apple Watch Ultra owners, this week’s giveaway is for you. We teamed up with Elkson to give away five Quattro Pro 2.0 cases for Apple Watch Ultra. All winners also will receive an Apple Watch Ultra screen protector for an added layer of protection.

 

3 Apple TV+ hits are more popular than almost anything else on streaming

  • Silo, Ted Lasso and Ghosted all showed up in this week’s lists of the most-watched streaming movies and TV shows. They offer further proof that Apple TV+ can successfully compete against Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+.
  • In fact, Silo currently ranks as the most popular series on any streaming service.

 

MoviePass relaunches nationwide with a new pricing model

Direct download: cultcast_596.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47pm PDT

This week: we've got FIVE reasons the Apple VR/AR headset is turning into an incredible product.  Plus: five hidden iMessage tips do you didn't know about, and Erfon's dead HomePod story takes an unexpected turn!

This episode supported by

Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package.

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 14, 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.

MacBreak Weekly Podcast

  • From Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Apple TV to the ins and outs of Apple shaking things up in tech… you name it, the MacBreak Weekly podcast covers it.
  • Get a new episode of MacBreak Weekly every Tuesday by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

 

This week's stories

5 reasons to get excited about the Apple VR/AR headset

Apple’s next-gen M3 Pro chip could pack even more CPU and GPU cores 

5 hidden features in iMessage 

Direct download: cultcast_595.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33am PDT

This week: Apple's internal sting operation just nabbed them one of Twitter's most prolific leakers — but how'd they do it? Plus: our reactions and details on Final Cut Pro and Logic for iPad, and a new startup staffed with a stable of Apple's top ex-employees showcases a new gadget they say is BETTER than the iPhone.

This episode supported by

With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

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 14, 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 busts major iOS 17 leaker with spycraft ‘canary trap’

  • The tipster who went by analyst941 leaked a large number of details about iOS 17, but his or her inside source apparently was caught by Apple in a sting operation. The source has reportedly been fired, and both they and the tipster could face legal action by the iPhone-maker.

Apple unveils Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro for iPad

  • With Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro becoming available for Apple’s tablets, “music and video creators can now unleash their creativity in new ways that are only possible on iPad,” Apple said.

iPhone users want pro camera mode from Final Cut Pro for iPad

  • The iPad version of Final Cut Pro that Apple recently unveiled includes a “pro camera mode” with a number of manual settings not included in the standard camera application. iPhone users saw this and quickly started calling for these features to be brought over to iOS, too.

Enter to win a stylish MacBook case from SwitchEasy [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Two lucky winners will bag a SwitchEasy Urban MacBook Sleeve. Made of water-resistant threaded polyester material, these laptop cases will protect a MacBook from scuffs and scrapes. And they look good while doing so!

Apple brings in robust iPhone revenue but Mac and iPad are down

  • During the first three months of 2023, Apple’s total revenue dropped 3% year over year. iPhone was a bright spot, but revenue from virtually all of the company’s other product segments saw annual declines. CEO Tim Cook blamed the drop on a “challenging macroeconomic environment.”

Why Humane’s screenless AI gadget will not replace your iPhone

  • Humane, the hot Silicon Valley startup that’s been drumming up interest in its secretive product recently, finally showed the world what its A-list talent has been working on.

 

Direct download: 594.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:10pm PDT

This week:

  • iPadOS 17 could make Stage Manager a lot better
  • How to install the first-ever iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response
  • Apple to Announce 15-Inch MacBook Air at WWDC
  • Apple to Upgrade Its Watch Operating System With New Focus on Widgets
  • Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts

 

This episode supported by

Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package.

Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast16 and use code cultcast16 for 16 free meals, plus free shipping!

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 14, 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

iPadOS 17 could make Stage Manager a lot better

  • Apple reportedly will make meaningful improvements to the Stage Manager multitasking feature in iPadOS 17. Leaker @analyst941, who previously shared several tidbits about iOS 17, claims Apple is working on some big Stage Manager changes for iPadOS 17.

How to install the first-ever iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response

  • Apple began rolling out a Rapid Security Response to fix urgent security problems in iOS 16.4.1, macOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1.

Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week we teamed up with Kuxiu to put an X40 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger and stand in the hands of one lucky winner.

Apple to Announce 15-Inch MacBook Air at WWDC

Apple to Upgrade Its Watch Operating System With New Focus on Widgets

Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts, 'Siri X,' and Headset Voice Controls

Direct download: 593.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50pm PDT

This week:

  • MORE iOS17 leaks!
  • Not even Apple knows the point of their upcoming headset
  • Side-loading KIND OF coming to iOS
  • Apple planning journaling app
  • How to download the Watch Face Tim Cook uses!

This episode supported by

Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST.

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 14, 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

iOS 17 could bring new Lock Screen features, App Library customization

  • As WWDC23 inches closer to its scheduled date, more leaks about iOS 17 are surfacing online. A new rumor details all the Lock Screen changes Apple plans to debut in the next iOS release.
  • The tweaks include changing the Lock Screen font size, sharing custom Lock Screen designs with other iPhone users, and more.

This is all we need to say >>> iOS 17 Rumored to Feature Wallet and Find My Improvements, macOS 14 to Be Minor Update

Appeals court agrees App Store doesn’t violate US antitrust law

  • A United States appeals court agreed with a lower court’s ruling that Apple’s App Store does not break U.S. antitrust law. This is a victory for Apple’s efforts to keep the government from changing the way the App Store runs.

Apple Health app might finally come to iPad

  • Apple is reportedly about to fill a glaring hole in the collection of software that comes bundled on iPads. A version of Apple’s Health app for tablets will, at long last, launch in autumn 2023, according to a reliable source.

Also - Apple Watch might sync to iPad and Mac with watchOS 10

  • “Apple Watch will sync across multiple iOS/iPadOS/Mac devices, and will no longer be tied to one single iPhone,” according to a tipster who calls themselves @analyst941 on Twitter.

Apple poised to launch wellness-focused journaling app

  • Apple Inc. is planning an iPhone app to let users compile their daily activities as part of its efforts in the market for mental and physical health technology, according to documents viewed by The Wall Street Journal.
  • The software will compete in a category of so-called journaling apps, such as Day One, which lets users track and record their activities and thoughts. The new Apple product underscores the company’s growing interest in mental health.

 

Apple Will Take Scattershot Approach to Pitching AR/VR Headset

How Apple headset’s external battery pack will work

  • Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset reportedly will use an external battery pack with a new type of proprietary magnetic connector. The wearer will keep the external battery in their pocket while using the headset.
  •  

 

Download the Apple Watch face Tim Cook uses

Direct download: cultcast_592-112.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35pm PDT

This week: MAJOR leaks on Apple's new "Reality" headset, Apple's killer new savings account, and WWDC hardware predictions!

This episode supported by

Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package.

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 14, 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

The scramble to create killer apps for Apple’s AR/VR headset is on

  • There’ll be a lot more to Apple’s VR/AR headset than new hardware: an unconfirmed report leaks details on Apple’s plans for software. There’ll be games and fitness apps, a VR version of FaceTime and more.
  • That’s not surprising. What is eye-opening is the assertion that the headset will be able to run third-party iPad applications right out of the box.

 

Apple Plans to Launch More Than Just Its New Headset at WWDC

Apple’s powerful M3 processor goes into production later in 2023

Enter to win a limited-edition iPhone case from Pitaka

  • For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Pitaka to offer four people the chance to win a limited-edition iPhone case worth $89.99.

 

Stash your cash in a high-yield Apple Card Savings account

  • Apple Card Savings launched Monday, allowing money earned from Apple Card’s cash-back program to go into a high-yield savings account. And it is high-yield — at 4.15%, the annual rate is about 10 times higher than the national average.

 

Watch Tim Cook's Reaction as Fan Brings Vintage Macintosh to Apple Store Opening in Mumbai

Direct download: cultcast_591.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:22pm PDT

This week: we got some big last-minute changes coming to iPhone 15 Pro, plus we finally have some intel on the changes coming to iOS 17! And we pitch our favorite new podcast, food, and shows in an all-new Under Review!

This episode supported by

With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

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 14, 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

6 ways to avoid ‘juice jacking’ at public iPhone charging stations

  • Cybersecurity experts warn that bad actors can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Malware installed through a corrupted USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. Criminals can then use that information to access online accounts or sell it to other bad actors.

iOS 17 Rumored to Improve Search, Dynamic Island, Control Center, and More

iPhone 15 Pro’s rumored solid-state buttons reportedly shelved

Direct download: cultcast_590.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:37am PDT

This week: M2 Mac mini, the mini monster! We've got our full review for you. Plus: Apple's praying their headset will replace your iPhone, and BIG watchOS changes are incoming!

This episode supported by

Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST.

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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 14, 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

kuo: Apple's AR/VR Headset Announcement is 'Last Hope' for Persuading Investors It Will Be the Next 'Star Product'

  • Apple's announcement event is likely the last hope for convincing investors that the AR/MR headset device could have a chance to be the next star product in consumer electronics," Kuo wrote in a Medium article estimating upcoming virtual reality headset sales from Sony and Meta.

Justin ‘I’m a Mac’ Long now advertises Intel PCs

Best value computer for sale today, the M2 Pro Mac mini review

Enter to win a magnetic iPad stand with built-in wireless charger [Cult of Mac giveaway]

“The new watchOS should be a fairly extensive upgrade”

Steve Jobs’ Make Something Wonderful comes out April 11 (for free)

  • The Steve Jobs Archive’s first major release — a digital book titled Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words — will arrive April 11.

 

Direct download: cultcast_589.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58pm PDT

This week: our WWDC23 predictions, Apple’s headset is finally incoming, and even more dizzying examples of the unreal power of AI.

This episode supported by

Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast

With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

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 14, 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

WWDC23 kicks off June 5 with online event

  • The official invitation to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 went out Wednesday, confirming we’ll get our first look at what’s on the company’s near-term agenda on June 5. Apple promises WWDC23 will bring an opportunity “to learn the latest about Apple platforms, technologies, and tools.”

 

WWDC23 invite might hint at Apple VR headset

  • The colorful image Apple used Wednesday to invite developers to WWDC23 set off speculation that it’s a hint that the company’s long-awaited VR/AR headset will be unveiled at the June event.

 

Apple VR headset production reportedly pushed back again

 

15 new features in iOS 16.4 you should try right away

  • Once you install iOS 16.4, the biggest point release of iOS 16 so far, check out these 15 features to try right away — including the new “high five emoji” combo.

 

How to enable Voice Isolation for iPhone calls in iOS 16.4

 

First ChatGPT-generated app hits the App Store

  • 5 Movies, likely the first iPhone app generated almost entirely by ChatGPT, was approved by Apple and published on the App Store late Thursday night.

 

Wozniak, Musk and leading researchers urge pause on ‘out of control’ AI dev

  • A new open letter signed by tech leaders urges a six-month pause on development of advanced artificial intelligence applications that may pose “profound risks to society and humanity.”

 

This viral ‘photo’ of the pope in a puffer jacket fooled the internet. How can we spot AI deepfakes?

Direct download: cultcast_588.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm PDT

This week: more details on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro leak, Apple's about to make a big push into movie theaters, and we review the astounding accuracy of the newest generation of AI image creation.

This episode supported by

Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package.

Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio Phtoos when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.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 14, 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

Voice Isolation for phone calls finally coming to iPhone

  • The Voice Isolation feature iPhone users have become accustomed to in video chats will soon expand to regular phone calls. It will make participants in these voice calls easier to understand.

 

iPhone 15 Pro Max to 'Break Record' for Thinnest Bezels on a Smartphone - erfon

  • The largest version of the iPhone 15 reportedly will come with the smallest screen bezels. Like, record-breaking thin.

 

Let’s hope the latest iPhone 15 leak is wrong

  • The traditional mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max supposedly will be replaced with a static, touch-sensitive button. If true, it’s possible this will be too easy to activate so users don’t get the notifications they expect.

 

Enter to win a versatile selfie stick that does it all [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis, aka the Giveaway King

  • Two lucky winners have a chance to win an EasySelfie Stick, a not-so-ordinary selfie stick from SwitchEasy, in this week’s giveaway.

 

Incredibly clever selfie stick does triple duty as tripod and remote [Reviews]

Apple might pour $1 billion into movies for theatrical release

  • Apple reportedly hopes to make a big splash at your local movie theater in the very near future. The company supposedly will spend $1 billion to make films for the big screen.

 

The astounding power of Midjourney 5

Direct download: cultcast_587.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:46pm PDT

This week: Apple's prepping a new HomePod with a 7" touchscreen, plus: Apple might enter the AI game, and TC order headset release as designers warn it's not ready!

This episode supported by

Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.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 14, 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 working on a HomePod with 7-inch display for 2024

  • Apple could launch its first smart display as soon as next year. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is preparing a HomePod with a 7-inch display for H1 2024.

 

Tim Cook approves AR headset’s 2023 launch despite opposition from Apple design team

  • Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly sided with COO Jeff Williams to launch the company’s AR/VR headset this year, despite the fact that Cupertino’s design team wanted to wait a few more years to launch a sleeker pair of AR glasses.

 

Enter to win a versatile selfie stick that does it all [Cult of Mac giveaway]

Report: Apple to 'Re-Examine' AI Development

  • Apple is planning to "re-examine" its development of artificial intelligence, according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.

 

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse wins Oscar for Apple TV+

  • The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave Apple TV+ its latest Oscar win, this time for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. It is hand-drawn animation, and it therefore took home the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.

 

Apple Music Classical finally makes its debut performance

  • A preview of Apple Music Classical appeared Thursday on the App Store. When available, the app will offer access to the world’s largest classical music catalog, with more than

 

Direct download: cultcast_586.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:42pm PDT

This week: a new iMac and (M3!) MacBook Airs are incoming! Plus: new yellow iPhone 14s, new details on iPhone 15 Pro, and we compare Apple Mail vs the newly FREE Microsoft Outlook!

This episode supported by

Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.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 14, 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 launches yellow iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, plus new case colors

  • Apple rolled out yellow versions of its iPhone 14 and 14 Plus handsets Tuesday as part of a typical midcycle refresh. The new color joins midnight, starlight, Product(Red), blue and purple in the lineup. Apple made four new silicone case colors available, too.

Brighten up your iPhone with new wallpaper coming with yellow iPhone 14

New multicolored Hermès Apple Watch band is $599 of unicorn vomit

Apple Readies Its Next Range of Macs, Including — Finally — a New iMac

13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air reportedly will use the M3 chip

  • Apple plans to use the entry-level variant of the M3 system-on-a-chip with an eight-core CPU in both models, according to 9to5Mac. Cupertino apparently does not plan on offering the 15-inch MacBook Air with a more powerful Pro variant of its 3nm chip.

Microsoft makes Outlook for Mac free for everyone

  • Microsoft no longer charges for Outlook for Mac. It’s free to use, no subscription fee required.

 

Direct download: cultcast_585.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07pm PDT

This week:

All the best new features in the iOS 16.4 betas, plus: the new HomePod Vs the Original! Papa Erf has some surprising sound tests to discuss…

This episode supported by

Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.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 14, 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

iOS 16.4 beta 1 & 2: All the new features and changes

Simple security hack keeps your iCloud account safe from iPhone thieves

A Basic iPhone Feature Helps Criminals Steal Your Entire Digital Life (The Wall Street Journal)

How Apple’s secret Exploratory Design Group makes magic happen

  • Few outside of Apple have ever heard of the company’s secretive Exploratory Design Group. However, the team includes many of Apple’s brightest minds — and is developing some of its most innovative products.

 

HomePod 2: Does it sound better or worse than the original?

  • The CultCast host Erfon Elijah finally got our hands on the coveted HomePod 2 speakers. He put the 2023 model head-to-head with the 2018 model the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: in a stereo pair.

 

Enter to win a high-end backpack from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • We’re giving one lucky person the chance to win a lavish Commuter Backpack from Harber London in this week’s giveaway. This spacious, 17-liter backpack retails for $234.

iMessage is coming to Windows … kind of

  • People never thought it would happen. People didn’t think it was possible. But in an update to Windows 11, you will be able to send and receive iMessages and manage your notifications through a PC.

 

Direct download: cultcast_584.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:44pm PDT

This week:

We've got our first look at iPhone 15 and the secret new color coming to iPhone 15 Pro. Plus: Apple's prepping a world changing feature for Apple Watch.

This episode supported by

Save 50% on a Dashlane subscription with code cultofmac50!

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 14, 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.

The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more!

This week's stories

Leaked iPhone 15 CAD renders reveal bigger 6.2-inch display with Dynamic Island

  • 3D CAD renders of the 2023 iPhone 15 have leaked online, revealing all the design changes Apple is planning. This includes bringing the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island to the non-Pro iPhones this year.

TSMC’s entire 3nm chip output goes to Apple

  • Apple designs its own processors but they’re made by TSMC. And the foundry has been able to shrink the components of Apple’s chips every year or two, allowing them to work faster while generating less waste heat.

Enter to win a sturdy, folding iPad stand that rotates 360 degrees [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis

  • This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a convenient 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook. Available in two sleek colors, space gray and silver, this rock-solid iPad stand will definitely complement your device.

Inside the secret mission to add glucose monitor to Apple Watch

  • Apple Watch is well-known as a health tracker, but a new report said a secret project dating back to Steve Jobs’ era — to use the wearable to monitor glucose without pricking the skin to get blood — has made headway recently. And that has major implications.

Why the Apple Watch might be banned from US import

  • A decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission to block Apple Watch imports reportedly received a go-ahead from the Biden administration.

 

Direct download: cultcast_583.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35pm PDT

This week:

We roundup the features coming iPhone 15 Pro and Max! Plus: a new 15.5-inch MacBook is INCOMING, and don’t forget to update the software on your MagSafe cable!

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 14, 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.

The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more!

This week's stories

What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15 in 2023

  • Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. But no images or CAD drawings showing the exact changes have emerged yet.

 

Apple supposedly will use titanium in at least one of the Pro models. 15.5-inch MacBook Air could arrive in April

  • A super-size MacBook Air is supposedly right around the corner. An analyst who’s built a solid reputation for accurately predicting Apple products says the next macOS notebook will be out in six weeks or so.

 

We're giving away five 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook.

  • Made of aluminum with a heavy-duty base, this stable tablet stand can hold everything from an iPad Pro to a iPhone (plus Android devices -- boo!).

 

Don’t forget to update the software on your MagSafe cable

  • Apple issued an important software update recently — and we’re not talking for iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. It’s 2023, so it’s for something way more esoteric: a power cable.
  • Yes, the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable comes with a tiny computer inside of it that needs software updates, for some inscrutable reason.

 

King Charles coronation logo created by iPhone designer

  • The official logo for King Charles III's coronation, which will show up at street parties and on social media and souvenirs, has been revealed by Buckingham Palace.
  • It has been created by Sir Jony Ive, known for his innovative designs of Apple gadgets, including the iPhone.

 

Direct download: cultcast_582.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22pm PDT

This week:

Details leak about iPhone ULTRA, a higher-end iPhone with a higher price! Plus, Apple execs reveal why they really ditched Intel...

This episode supported by

The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more!

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 14, 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 could launch an ‘Ultra’ high-end iPhone as soon as 2024

  • Apple’s Tim Cook told investors that consumers are willing to pay up for the best iPhone they can get, signaling that even more ritzy models may be on the way.

 

‘iPhone Ultra’ concept envisions what a titanium iPhone might look like

Exclusive: iPhone reverse wireless charging development continues after Apple missed target

Win a supreme stand that mounts your MagSafe iPhone anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week’s giveaway will see three lucky winners receiving an Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand by SwitchEasy.The multifunctional stand works with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone. And it lets you mount that iPhone practically anywhere, from your desk to monitor to your car’s dash (thanks to the 3M sticker on the back).

 

Who will be Apple’s next Jony Ive? Nobody, apparently.

  • Apple reportedly stopped looking for a replacement industrial design chief. This is surprising, as it’s a high-profile position once held by Jony Ive, who led the team that created the iconic look of the iPhone, iMac and more.

 

Apple execs reveal what went wrong with Intel

  • What pulled Apple away from Intel? In a new interview, Apple executives Tim Millet and Bob Borchers reveal why the company shifted to making its own Mac chips.

 

Direct download: cultcast_581.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm PDT

This week:

The HomePods are arriving at people's doorsteps and the reviews are in — let's have an honest chat about HomePod V2. Plus: Apple is planning an even BIGGER Ultra Watch, and a folder iPad is in the works!

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 14, 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

HomePod 2 review roundup: Great sound but no giant leap forward

  • If there’s a bottom line to HomePod 2 reviews published Tuesday by the likes of CNET, The Verge, TechRadar and TechCrunch, it’s that the new full-size HomePod is a fine choice for hardcore Apple users of means — but not so much for anyone else.

HomePod 2 wait times stretch out until March

  • Order the recently unveiled HomePod 2 from the online Apple store today and it might not arrive until March. Preorders for the revived version of Apple’s full-size smart speaker have surpassed the launch-day supply.

Kuo: Apple to Release Foldable iPad With Carbon Fiber Kickstand in 2024

  • Apple will launch a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand sometime next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple Smart Home Display: Everything We Know

  • Apple is working on a new Home accessory that is designed to serve as a central hub for smart home management. The Apple TV and the HomePod are already home hubs and almost all Apple devices can control a HomeKit setup, but Apple is designing an all-in-one home management product to make control even easier.

The giveaway this week is from SwitchEasy it's for the Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand.

  • SwitchEasy’s Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand is fully adjustable and extendable for the perfect view, with strong magnets to mount any MagSafe-compatible iPhone (or compatible case).

Apple Watch Ultra With Nearly 10% Larger Display Rumored to Launch Next Year

  • A new Apple Watch Ultra with a larger 2.1-inch display will be released in 2024, according to a report today from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes, citing industry sources.

Jony Ive creates ‘perfect’ schnoz for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day

  • Legendary Apple design chief Jony Ive, responsible for the look and feel of iconic products like iPhone, grabbed headlines Wednesday for a new creation — a big, red paper nose. That may sound odd, but it’s for a good cause.
Direct download: cultcast_580.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41pm PDT

This week:

Yes the new M2 MacBook Pro is a spec bump, but it's a BIG one! Plus: why the new Mac mini is both exciting AND disappointing, and the original HomePods get another big update!

This episode supported by

Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.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 14, 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

2023 MacBook Pro review roundup: M2 Max brings considerable performance boost

  • Yes, the M2 MacBook Pro is a spec bump, but a really great one.

First independent look at the newest macOS notebooks. The reviewers’ consensus is that the only noticeable change is the performance gain coming from the new M2 Max or M2 Pro processors.

Review roundup: M2 and M2 Pro chips jack up new Mac mini models

  • The Mac mini first came out in 2005 as a compact and affordable desktop option that could draw new Mac users.

Entry-level 2023 Mac mini and MacBook Pros use significantly slower SSDs

Enter to win a charming Apple Watch Band from Goldenerre

iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 arrive

  • After a relatively short beta period, Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 to the public.
Direct download: cultcast_579.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27pm PDT

This week:

They're finally here, the new M2 MacBook Pros, mew Mac mini and Mac mini "Pro", and the brand new HomePods! This episode we react and discuss all of it....

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 14, 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 Announces New MacBook Pros With M2 Pro and M2 Max Chips, Up to 96GB RAM, and More

  • The new M2 Pro chip features a 10-core or 12-core CPU and offers up to 20% faster performance than the M1 Pro chip, according to Apple. The chip also has a 16-core or 19-core GPU that delivers up to 30% faster graphics performance over the M1 Pro, while the 16-core Neural Engine is up to 40% faster compared to the previous generation.

2024 MacBook Pro will feature even-faster 3nm Apple M3-series processors

  • Apple designs the CPUs for its computers but they are produced by TSMC. And while the Taiwanese company has been able to consistently shrink the components of Apple’s chips every couple of years, but serious problems with the 3nm process that rollout was delayed many months.

Apple launches powerful new Mac mini at a lower cost

  • Apple launched a new Mac mini Tuesday, an upgraded model that uses the M2 chip seen last summer in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. A higher-end version runs on the brand-new M2 Pro chip, which also powers the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, also introduced today.

Apple resurrects full-size HomePod with hot new features, same old price

  • The first-generation HomePod debuted in 2018, and received equal parts praise for its audio quality and criticism for its $349 price. A drop to $299 did little to raise interest in the product, so Apple discontinued the HomePod in 2021.

HomePod head-to-head: How Apple’s new smart speaker compares to original

Secret sensor in your HomePod mini will activate soon

  • Shortly after HomePod mini launched in 2020, teardowns of the device discovered a sensor to measure both temperature and humidity. No one outside of Apple had been aware of it before because the functionality has been inaccessible to users. But that’s about to change.
Direct download: cultcast_578.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20pm PDT

This week:

They said they'd never do it! But... according to a new report, Apple is now testing a Mac with a touchscreen, and will be supercharging the a cutting edge new display technology (and more!). Plus: Apple's mixed reality headset is almost here, and is now in the hands of a secret cabal of developers who are building apps and preparing for launch.

This episode supported by

Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast.

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CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, 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 ‘seriously considering’ a touchscreen MacBook

  • Apple now has engineers “actively engaged in the project” of adding touchscreens to Mac computers, starting with the popular MacBook Pro. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, a consistent and reliable leaker, the first Mac with a touchscreen display could ship as soon as 2025.

Enter to win spectacular iPad Pro accessory bundle from Pitaka [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • The Cult of Mac giveaway this week is a corker. We teamed up with Pitaka for one lucky winner to get the chance to win an iPad Pro accessory bundle worth $190.

Apple’s in-house display could debut on the Apple Watch Ultra in 2024

  • Apple wants to reduce its reliance on sourcing displays for its products from Samsung and LG. So, the company is working on its own custom displays that it intends to use as early as 2024.

Apple's 2023 Roadmap: When to Expect New Product Launches This Year

No major AirPods, iPad or Apple Watch upgrades planned for 2023

  • Every year, Apple has some significant hardware upgrades planned for at least a few devices in its product lineup. 2023 could be an outlier, though.
Direct download: cultcast_577.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50pm PDT

This week:

We just got our biggest leaks yet of Apple's Mixed Reality headset! Plus: there will soon be some serious competition for Apple's Studio Display, and we add MORE picks to our best of 2022, part 3!

This episode supported by

Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.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 14, 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 headset uses waist-mounted battery pack — new details emerge

  • After testing a version of Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset with an internal battery, the company’s engineers have resorted to using a separate battery pack connected by a wire, according to a new report about the secret project.

Mac Pro and M2 Mac mini pegged for launch at huge Apple event in March

  • The long-awaited Mac Pro desktop will finally debut at a big March event, according to a new rumor.

Dell’s new 32-inch 6K monitor gives Apple’s ProDisplay XDR some competition

  • With Dell’s new 32-inch 6K UltraSharp monitor, the Apple Pro Display XDR is no longer in a category of its own. Dell’s new monitor does things a little differently, though, blending elements from Apple’s $4,999 monitor and the $1,599 Studio Display, providing a possible best of both worlds when it comes to productivity and performance.

Samsung ViewFinity S9 first look: a sleek alternative to Apple’s Studio Display

  • Samsung announced its ViewFinity S9 monitor earlier this week. With a 5K (5120 x 2880) resolution and stylish aluminum enclosure, it seems like Samsung is trying to square off with Apple’s Studio Display — likely for a lower price — and LG’s high-resolution monitors

Apple uses AI to voice its latest audiobook catalog

  • Apple’s latest catalog of books uses artificial intelligence as a narrator instead of a human voice. This is the first time the Cupertino giant has used AI for audiobook narration.
  • The move could have a wide-reaching effect in the audiobook space and mark the beginning of the end of human narrators.
Direct download: cultcast_576.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:24pm PDT

This week:

What Apple hardware is coming next in 2023? We got the list! Plus: it's part 2 of our best of 2022 picks, with our favorite tech, shows, and movies!

This episode supported by

Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.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 14, 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

5 most exciting Apple products coming in 2023

An Apple Watch Ultra for $48? No, but you can get this obvious knockoff

  • Some rugged, outdoorsy types might hesitate over the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag. But what if they could get a lookalike watch for less than $50?

Apple silently downgraded the default resolution of videos when viewed on macOS Photos

Direct download: cultcast_575.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27pm PDT

This week:

It's part 1 of our best of 2022 picks, with our favorite tech, shows, and movies!

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 14, 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

Don’t give up on the iMac Pro just yet

  • The first iMac Pro launched in 2017, with a powerful Intel Xeon processor, a 27-inch 5K display and a starting price of $5,000. The first iMac designed for professionals, the pricey computer failed to find a market. Apple nixed it in 2021 without ever releasing follow-up versions. But it’s apparently not too late.

Apple seemingly cancels ‘M2 Extreme’ Mac Pro

  • At WWDC20, Apple promised to complete its transition to Apple silicon inside Macs in two years. It missed that deadline, and the company is yet to reveal a replacement for its 2019 Intel Mac Pro.

Apple store rewards procrastinators with free two-hour deliveries

  • It’s almost Christmas, while Hanukkah is already in full swing, and the Apple store is helping last-minute shoppers with free two-hour delivery of some items.

Why AirTags make the ultimate Apple stocking stuffers

Direct download: cultcast_574.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20pm PDT

This week:

The best new features in iOS 16.2, plus: this is unreal—alternate app stores, side loading, and A LOT more coming to iOS!

This episode supported by

Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels for you whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.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 14, 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 gears up for alternative app stores on iPhone and iPad

  • Apple has launched a major project to allow alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads by 2024. The effort is meant to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, coming fully into force then, and other possible national or regional laws that make Apple allow side loading, according to new report Tuesday.

Apple Considering Dropping Requirement for iPhone Web Browsers to Use WebKit

  • As part of a larger story about Apple's plans to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone and iPad in EU countries, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that Apple is also considering removing its requirement for iPhone and iPad web browsers to use WebKit, the open source browser engine that powers Safari.

10 new iOS 16.2 features to try right away

Get way more done with full external display support in iPadOS 16.2

  • iPad users can now connect a second display and open up to four application windows on it. This at least doubles the available space to work in. Adding 27-inch screen to an 11-inch iPad is a dramatic change.

Winner’s choice! Enter to win any mophie product [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • The giveaway this week is slightly different, as we teamed up with Zagg to give five lucky winners the opportunity to choose their own prize from the extensive lineup of mophie products.

Escape Apple TV+ subscription fees with Emancipation-themed trial offer

  • With Emancipation now streaming on Apple TV+, Apple wants to make sure Will Smith fans can watch it. So the company is offering a free two-month trial of its streaming video service. That’s much longer than the usual 7-day trial.
Direct download: cultcast_573.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33pm PDT

This week:

We're talking Apple's "20-inch folding MacBook", new features in iOS 16.2, + the big changes coming to iCloud!

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 14, 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

20-inch folding screen could change MacBooks forever

  • Apple could be working on a MacBook far larger than the current 16-inch model – a 20.25-inch one is supposedly in development. But don’t picture a standard laptop, as this will supposedly use a folding display.

iOS 16.2 with Freeform, Apple Music Sing and more is just days away

  • Apple seeded the iOS 16.2 release candidate to developers Wednesday, taking a huge step toward giving iPhone users access to the Freeform collaboration app, the recently announced Apple Music Sing and other exciting new features.

Apple vastly expands iCloud data encryption with 3 security updates

  • Apple said Wednesday users are gaining three new security features to protect their data in the cloud, with some available now and some to come. The overall program is called Advanced Data Protection.

Enter to win a tough, titanium Apple Watch Ultra band from Lululook [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis

  • This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a sturdy Apple Watch Ultra Titanium Band from Lululook. The band matches the new Apple Watch Ultra perfectly, thanks to its sleek titanium finish.

Apple car just got a lot less ambitious

  • Apple’s plan for a completely autonomous vehicle has gone back onto the drawing board, according to a reliable source. The company supposedly is still prepping an electric car but the self-driving capabilities much more limited.

Dyson is making the strangest headphones on the planet

Direct download: cultcast_572.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20pm PDT

This week:

We're talking leaked M2 Max MBP benchmarks, the problem with iCloud, Elon Vs. Apple, the Tesla Phone, and the poor chum who got mugged while carrying 300 brand new iPhones!

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 14, 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

Elon Musk declares war on Apple

  • Elon Musk declared war on Apple on Monday afternoon. A Twitter war, anyway. The new owner of Twitter very publicly objects to the 30% fee the iPhone-maker claims from purchases made through the iPhone software store, and also says Apple has threatened to pull the Twitter app from the App Store.

Elon Musk might release a Twitter phone - erfon

  • Elon Musk says he’ll release a phone that competes with iPhone and Android if he has to. The owner of Twitter might be forced to make a handset if Apple and Google ban the social network from their software stores.

Elon meeting with TC

Elon Musk admits Apple never planned to kick Twitter out of iPhone App Store

  • Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday walked back his claim that Apple was threatening to remove Twitter from the App Store.

Leaked 2023 MacBook Pro benchmarks show it’ll support much more RAM

  • Very early benchmark scores for what is apparently the 2023 MacBook Pro show buyers will be able to configure it with much more RAM. And new details on the M2 Max processor were revealed, too.

iCloud Storage Over the Years

Why walking the streets of NYC with 300 iPhones is a bad idea

  • A man was robbed of 300 iPhones he’d just purchased at the famous Apple store on Fifth Avenue early Monday. He walked out of the store and was soon assaulted by a pair of criminals who drove off with a bag carrying $95,000 worth of handsets.
Direct download: cultcast_571.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

This week:

  • iPhone 15 going Thunderbolt
  • Insane Black Friday deals
  • 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 14, 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 Pro could feature significantly faster wired data-transfer speeds

  • 2023 iPhone 15 Pro models could feature faster data-transfer speeds over a wired connection. Rumors indicate Apple will transition to USB Type-C connectors across its entire iPhone lineup next year. But the faster data-transfer speeds could be limited to the Pro models.

Rounded corners and edges plus titanium case rumored for iPhone 15

  • A leaker with a pretty good track record for accuracy said Sunday the upcoming iPhone 15 series will feature rounded corners and edges, plus a titanium case. Rounded corners would harken way back to earlier iPhones and a titanium case would be a first for Apple handsets.

See also Leander's piece from Cult of Mac Today newsletter: "Next iPhone might be titanium

  • In the newsletter, he talks all about Apple's alternating "Extrudo" and "Sandwich" design styles. It's been switching between the two from the very beginning!

Enter to win a Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV and say, ‘So long, Siri’ [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Three lucky winners in this week’s giveaway will be able to cast aside the Siri Remote forever. We’re giving away three Function101 Button Remotes for Apple TV.e
  • But even if you don’t win, you can still free yourself from one of Apple’s most divisive devices. Retailing at just $29.95, the Button Remote is a deal for everyone who doesn’t like the Apple TV’s Siri Remote.

The best Black Friday deals on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads and Apple Watch

  • Black Friday is just around the corner, and that means you can get hefty discounts on Apple products. While the shopping event is a few days away, Black Friday deals have already gone live across various retailers.

Mondo drops ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ vinyl soundtracks for Severance

  • Collectibles seller Mondo will release a soundtrack Wednesday for Apple TV+’s Severance season 1 in two versions, both on vinyl: Innie Edition and Outie Edition.
Direct download: cultcast_570.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm PDT

This week:

  • Apple's free Emergency satellite SOS goes live!
  • Apple is building a rival to the metaverse
  • iPhone 4K video - it’s a scam!
  • The magic of Apple's Find My network
  • Steve Jobs’ stinky old sandals go to auction

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 14, 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 launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 models

  • iPhone 14 models can now use Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service. It allows users of the latest iOS handsets to exchange texts with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Apple is building a rival to the metaverse

  • Apple job listings offer a peek into the development of the company’s long-rumored AR headset. Cupertino seemingly wants to create augmented reality and 3D content for its mixed-reality device, which could arrive in early 2023.

Steve Jobs’ sandals sell for a lot more than you might imagine anyone paying for used shoes - lewis

Direct download: cultcast_569.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:11pm PDT

This week: it's about to get a lot harder to buy Macs, iPhones, AirPods and more. Get'em while you can! Plus: Apple's about to make it even easier to accidentally turn on Siri, and the strange story no one's talking about: Apple's industrial design team is falling apart right before our eyes.

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 14, 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

Bad news for Xmas: Apple’s largest factory forced into ‘total lockdown’

  • Days after reports of Foxconn employees hopping fences and fleeing from their jobs, a report from Taiwan News says Apple’s biggest iPhone factory is now on “total lockdown.” These new restrictions could have a big impact on Apple’s sales during the crucial holiday period.

Apple wants to shorten ‘Hey Siri’ trigger phrase to simply ‘Siri’

  • Apple is working on changing the “Hey Siri” hotword to just plain “Siri,” and the change could roll out as early as next year.

Apple News will be shoved into the Weather app

  • In the latest beta of iOS 16.2, certain cities have an additional section for weather news, slotted between the 10-day forecast and the air quality meter. On iPadOS and macOS Ventura, this section occupies an even larger widget in the corner.

Apple's Product Design Team Reportedly Focused More on Costs in Recent Years

  • Apple's efforts to replace its former design chief Jony Ive have been hindered by increased turnover within the company's product design team over the past few years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The report claims that Apple has lost the majority of senior designers who worked under Ive, with many of them jumping ship to his new design firm LoveFrom, which he started after leaving Apple in 2019.
Direct download: cultcast_568.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46pm PDT

This week: CultCast is talking iPhone 15 going buttonless, backlit Apple logo making a comeback, and our review of Apple's weird workplace drama Severance!

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 Pro could use solid-state volume and power buttons

  • Apple could switch to solid-state volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro series. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has made this claim based on his latest supply chain checks.

Don’t expect new MacBook Pro or Mac mini before 2023

  • Apple is done introducing Macs in 2022, according to a reliable source of insider information. The MacBook Pro models with the M2 Pro and M2 Max allegedly won’t be out until late in Q1 2023.

Backlit Apple Logo Could Make a Comeback on Future MacBooks

  • The first Mac laptop with a lit-up Apple logo was the third-generation PowerBook G3 launched in 1999, and the glowing symbol proved a mainstay through consecutive Apple notebooks for the next 16 years. The only change in that period was that the logo got flipped upright, so that it no longer appeared upside down to onlookers when someone was sat in public with the lid open.

New EU Law Could Force Apple to Allow Other App Stores, Sideloading, and iMessage Interoperability

  • Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the rules will apply to tech giants that meet its "gatekeeper" criteria and force them to open up their various services and platforms to other companies and developers.

Filming begins on Severance season 2 with 8 new stars

  • Fans of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance can rejoice that production on season 2 started this week. More of what Stephen Colbert called a “dystopian workplace sci-fi mystery black comedy psychological thriller” is on the way.
Direct download: cultcast_567.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:56pm PDT

This week: all the best new and hidden features in iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, and macOS Ventura. Plus: Apple releases yet another great update for the original HomePod, and BestBuy beats Apple in providing a way to pay for your new Mac monthly and trade it in when new models come out.

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 14, 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

Apples hikes prices of Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple One

  • Apple plans to raise the prices of some of its subscription services by $1 to $3 each, reports indicated Monday. The services include Apple TV+, Apple Music and the Apple One subscription bundle.

4 great iPadOS 16.1 features that aren’t Stage Manager

  • Apple finally released iPadOS 16.1. The debut of the Stage Manager multitasking system has drawn most of the attention, but plenty of other new features are worth checking out, too.
  • Monday’s launch is extra-significant because iPadOS 16 never launched. Version 16.1 is the first replacement for last year’s iPadOS 15.x.

5 iOS 16.1 features to try right away

How to share an iCloud Photo Library

iOS 16.1 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.1

Apple Releases New HomePod 16.1 Software With Matter Support

  • According to Apple's release notes, HomePod software version 16.1 includes support for the Matter smart home standard.

Best Buy's 'Upgrade+' Program Lets Customers Get a New Mac Laptop Every Three Years With Monthly Financing

  • Best Buy today announced a new financing and upgrade program called "Upgrade+." The program involves a combination of interest-free financing through Citizens Pay and an option to upgrade to a new Mac laptop after three years.
Direct download: cultcast_566.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm PDT

This week: new iPad Pros, new iPads, new Apple TVs, and a brand new DONGLE! We're talking ALL the hardware Apple just announced.

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

2022 iPad Pro gets speed boost from M2 chip but no new ports

  • Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models with the M2 processor, which brings a 15% speed boost to the tablets. But Tuesday’s announcement was a disappointment for those hoping for wireless charging or more ports.

New entry-level iPad 10 looks more Pro than ever

  • Apple gave the 2022 version of the basic iPad a larger screen, USB-C, a faster processor and other enhancements. And the Home button is gone. But along with the new features comes a huge 36% price increase.

Enter to win a rugged Apple Watch accessory bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • If you want a tactical-looking Apple Watch band that doesn’t skimp on comfort, the Mifa Nylon Sports Leather Band is for you. In this week’s giveaway, you can win one — along with an Elkson Quattro Bumper Case that will protect your Apple Watch from whatever mayhem you might get into.

New $249 Magic Keyboard Folio goes with iPad 10

  • While the iPad 10 costs much more than previous versions, starting at $449 instead of $329, if you want the detachable keyboard and stand Apple now makes for it, you have to add another $249.

Absurd Apple Pencil dongle sends fans into spiral of grief

  • The decision to make the all-new iPad compatible with the original Apple Pencil looks likely to go down as one of Apple’s most ridiculous design decisions.

Logitech Crayon offers kid-friendly USB-C active stylus for iPad 10

  • The latest version of the Logitech Crayon iPad stylus charges via USB-C, just like the new iPad 10. That makes it a simpler option than the Apple Pencil 1 that still uses Lightning.
  • And the stylus is designed with children in mind.

New Apple TV 4K is faster and cheaper

  • Apple has unveiled the 2022 Apple TV 4K with significantly faster internals and a lower price. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found inside the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series.

macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 are coming on October 24

  • After months of beta testing, Apple is finally ready to release iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura to the public. Both OSes will release on October 24.
Direct download: cultcast_565.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm PDT

This week: some super useful new features are FINALLY coming to Apple Music and iCloud; our first impressions of Meta's $1500 "Pro" VR headset; the problem with Apple's "Find My"; and AI creates a creepy podcast episode with Steve Jobs and Joe Rogan.

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

Roller coasters set off iPhone 14 Crash Detection

  • People are reportedly getting off roller coasters and discovering that their new iPhone 14 called 911 for them. Turns out the handsets mistook thrilling rides for a car wreck and thought their users needed emergency help. It’s an unintended result of Crash Detection, a feature added to Apple’s latest handsets.

Joe Rogan interviews Steve Jobs in eerie, AI-generated podcast - Lewis

  • If you want to hear Steve Jobs talk about the meaning of life, we've got a podcast for you. It's an artificial intelligence-generated conversation between the late Apple co-founder and podcasting superstar Joe Rogan.

Meta Quest Pro: A $1,500 Virtual-Reality Headset for Working in the Metaverse - Wall Street Journal (Joanna Stern)

  • Welcome to Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of the future of work, where we all convene in the metaverse to collaborate and be productive. Oh yes, to achieve this, we all have to have the company’s new $1,500 face computer.

Apple iCloud photo libraries will soon be viewable in Windows

  • It should soon be much easier to access your iPhone's photo collection on a Windows-based PC.

Apple Music finally launches on Xbox

  • Apple Music is now available on the Microsoft Store for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, providing subscribers with access to the streaming music service, complete with large album art, full-screen time-synced lyrics, and more. As noted by users on Reddit, music can be played in the background while gaming.

No, Lufthansa isn’t banning AirTags from checked bags

  • German airline Lufthansa is not banning Apple’s AirTags and similar tracking tags from checked luggage, the company said Wednesday.
Direct download: cultcast_564.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37pm PDT

This week: lawmakers in the EU are forcing iPhone and other devices to go USB-C, remembering Steve Jobs on the 11th anniversary of his passing, and things you didn't know you could do with dynamic island!

This episode supported by

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs dies at 56

  • October 5, 2011 Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at the age of 56 in his home in Palo Alto, California.

EU passes law forcing Apple to switch to USB-C by 2024

  • The European Parliament voted in an overwhelming majority Tuesday to enforce USB-C as the standard charging port across a wide range of consumer electronics. The law will come into effect by the end of 2024.

How to control the Dynamic Island with swipes

Take high-resolution 48MP photos with your iPhone 14 Pro

Best Apple Watch Ultra bands: Rugged and ready for adventure

9 things you probably didn’t know about Apple Watch Ultra

Direct download: cultcast_563.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41pm PDT

This week: iOS 16's best features + our hardware predictions for Apple's definitely-gonna-happen October event!

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

16 Hidden iOS 16 Features You Didn't Know About

  • Other than the headlining features, there are a number of quality-of-life changes, improvements, and new capabilities baked into iOS 16 that help improve the iPhone experience.

Enter to win a shiny new elago iPhone 14 case of your choice [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week’s giveaway is to ensure your glossy new iPhone 14 is protected the best way possible. elago, one of our favorite Apple accessory-makers, just launched its new iPhone 14 cases, and we are giving three lucky readers a chance get their hands on one of them.
  • The best bit is, if you win, the case choice is yours.

Apple Releases New HomePod 16 Software

  • Alongside iOS 16, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16, Apple today released new software that's designed for the HomePod and the HomePod mini.

iPhone 14 Pro wait times already stretch into October

  • If you procrastinated on ordering one of the new iPhone 14 Pro models, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a lengthy wait for it to be delivered.

Kuo: iPhone 14 Plus Pre-Orders Worse Than iPhone 13 Mini, Product Strategy 'Fails'

  • The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have seen "bad" pre-order results, indicating that Apple's positioning of the two new standard models may have failed, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Steve Jobs' Daughter Shares Then Deletes Meme Mocking iPhone 14's Modest Upgrades

  • After Apple's iPhone 14 launch event, Steve Jobs' daughter Eve Jobs shared a meme on Instagram that mocked the new iPhones as basically unchanged compared to last year's iPhone 13.

Elon says Apple's in talks with StarLink...

  • His tweet: We’ve had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. iPhone team is obv super smart.
Direct download: cultcast_562.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:55pm PDT

This week: Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 14 Pro, AirPods Pro 2 — our reactions to everything!

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 14 Pro models get major camera upgrades and always-on displays

  • Apple revealed its new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max handsets Wednesday with numerous updates, including massive camera upgrades, always-on displays, an improved A16 chip and the notorious “notch” replaced with a pill-shaped cutout with new “Dynamic Island” interactive functionality.

iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island looks … shockingly original?

  • On iPhone 14 Pro models, the notch is gone! It's replaced by what Apple calls the Dynamic Island -- This transforms the pill-shaped cutout into a wild new way to . Always active, it shows information from native and third-party apps, including alerts, so you can keep track of things at a glance, no matter what app you’re in.

iPhone 14 Plus ushers in big changes

  • The two Pro models usually get all the attention, but it’s the “standard” iPhone that’s the top seller. That makes the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 the most important model introduced at the event.

Apple Watch Ultra is a big, bulky, beautiful beast

  • Measuring 49mm in height, the Ultra is a whopping 4mm taller than the largest Series 7. It boasts the largest watch screen Apple has ever made.

New AirPods Pro support personalized Spatial Audio and precision finding

  • With a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, Apple says the new H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 provides an "exceptional acoustic experience", including richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies.
Direct download: cultcast_561.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:54pm PDT

This week: ahead of next week's Apple event, we've got last-minute details on iPhone 14 and the super secret Apple Watch Pro!

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

Expect Apple Watch Pro to sport 47mm display

  • A critical detail has leaked about about Apple’s upcoming wearable designed for serious athletes. The new top-tier Apple Watch will have a 47mm screen, according to a new report coming out of Asia.

iPhone 14 Pro ultra-wide camera might surprise with its low-light performance

  • Shocker! It seems Apple has significant camera upgrades planned for this year’s iPhones.
  • Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 14 Pro will use a new ultra-wide sensor with larger 1.4µm pixels. That’s up from the current 12MP sensor featuring a 1.0µm pixel size. It is unclear if the ultra-wide camera will also see a resolution bump from 12MP.

iPhone 14 Pro screen cutouts might not look as expected [Updated]

  • Leaks about the “pill and hole” design of the iPhone 14 Pro models started months ago, but Apple still might have a surprise up its sleeve. A new report indicates that software will merge the two display cutouts into one.

Apple and Globalstar Rumored to Announce Satellite Connectivity Feature for iPhone 14 at September 7 Event

  • Apple may announce its long-rumored satellite connectivity feature for the iPhone 14 next month, according to Tim Farrar, a satellite communications consultant at California-based research firm Telecom, Media and Finance Associates.

iPhone 13 might offer emergency satellite communication, too

  • While large swaths of the world have cellular coverage, there are still huge areas without it. That’s a problem for hikers, boaters and anyone traveling through the remote areas without cell service.
  •  

T-Mobile and SpaceX want to connect your iPhone to satellites to end network dead zones

  • You won’t need an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 for satellite connectivity. SpaceX and T-Mobile have announced their plan to bring cell connectivity everywhere in the US using satellites.

An AI-Generated Artwork Won First Place at a State Fair Fine Arts Competition, and Artists Are Pissed

  • A man came in first at the Colorado State Fair’s fine art competition using an AI generated artwork on Monday. “I won first place,” a user going by Sincarnate said in a Discord post above photos of the AI-generated canvases hanging at the fair.
Direct download: cultcast_560.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:35pm PDT

This week: let's talk Apple's "Far Out" event predictions!

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’s ‘far out’ event invite hints at iPhone 14 features

  • The starry invitation to the September 7 Far Out event that went out this week might drop a clue to one or more long-rumored features finally coming to the iPhone 14.

M2 MacBook Air runs Windows 11 faster than pricier Dell laptop

  • Real-world experiments with the new MacBook Air show Apple’s latest can use Parallels 18 to run Windows 11 faster than a Dell XPS Plus.

Enter to win Bucardo’s unique Apple Watch accessories [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Two lucky winners will receive one Bucardo Apple Pocket Watch and one Bucardo Sports Band. Together, the items in this unique bundle retail for $189. Enter below for your shot at taking home the big prize.

After 20 years, what’s the most ‘Shazamed’ song of all time?

  • Apple bought the popular music-recognition app Shazam, which can name any song you hear, in 2018. Friday marks the app’s 20th birthday. And this week it officially surpassed 70 billion song recognitions, Cupertino said.

MoviePass to relaunch on Labor Day in beta form with pricing ranging from $10-$30 a month

  • MoviePass will relaunch in beta form on Labor Day.

How to get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free (new or returning subscribers)

Direct download: cultcast_559.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm PDT

This week: September 7th Apple event, here we go! Let's talk hardware expectations.

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

September 7 might bring iPhone 14 unveiling

Some iPhone 14 models jumping in price, but not all

Enter to win Bucardo’s unique Apple Watch accessories [Cult of Mac giveaway]

Beats Fit Pro gets a Kim Kardashian makeover — and sells out fast [Updated]

Berkshire Hathaway added 3.9M more Apple shares in Q2 2022

Does Mark Zuckerberg Not Understand How Bad His Metaverse Looks?

Direct download: cultcast_558.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08pm PDT

This week: we review iOS 16's best new features, and Apple is hard at work on some very interesting new HomePods, including the original HomePod V2!

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

iOS 16 beta 5: All the new features and changes

  • The biggest highlight of iOS 16 beta 5 is the ability to show the battery percentage in the status bar of notched iPhones. Currently, the feature is available on the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone X and XS series. For some strange reason, the iPhone 11 lineup and both the iPhone mini models are missing from this list, but this could change in a future beta release.

Every new email trick in iOS 16 that you need to know

Enter to win a versatile Laut backpack [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • We teamed up with Laut to give Cult of Mac readers a chance to win a roomy City Daypack 12ltr Backpack, retailing at $69.99.

'High-Accuracy' Apple Watch Temperature Sensor Revealed by Patent Filing Just Weeks Before Series 8 Unveiling

Gurman: Apple Considering Updated HomePod Mini Alongside New High-End HomePod

Direct download: cultcast_557.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46pm PDT

This week:

  • M2 MacBook Air blows away other Macs in speed test
  • iPhone 14 Pro always-on screen behavior previewed in new iOS 16 wallpaper details
  • Apple earnings beat pessimistic predictions
  • Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states
  • NYC man learns the hard way to not track down thieves with an AirTag

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

M2 MacBook Air blows away other Macs in speed test

  • The new M2 MacBook Air got an amazing score on the Speedometer 2.0 benchmarking app. Apple’s latest notebook solidly beat other Macs in this test of web browser speed.

iPhone 14 Pro always-on screen behavior previewed in new iOS 16 wallpaper details

  • 9to5Mac found multiple references to always-on display support in iOS 16, which corroborates all the iPhone 14 Pro rumors.

Apple earnings beat pessimistic predictions

  • Back in April, Apple warned that global supply constraints and COVID-19 lockdowns in China could sap between $4 billion and $8 billion in revenue from the June quarter. The company struggled to assemble enough Macs and iPads to meet demand, though it seems to have kept up with iPhone orders.

Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states

  • If you ride a bike, now you can now get turn-by-turn navigation from Apple Maps in all 50 states. That’s because cycling directions recently arrived in Hawaii.

I built a time machine. A time machine that sends you back to the era of iPods and boxed

NYC man learns the hard way to not track down thieves with an AirTag

  • A New York City man had his scooter stolen. But he’d put one of Apple’s AirTag item trackers on the bike, so he was able to track down the thieves … who beat the $%#@ out of him.
Direct download: cultcast_556.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm PDT

This week:

  • Former Lamborghini exec will help steer Apple car design team
  • Apple's patent history reveals a major push into autos
  • Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready
  • BIG - EU adopts final approval of new rules for app stores
  • This is what Saudi Arabia's 100-mile long emission-free smart city could look like.

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

Former Lamborghini exec will help steer Apple car design team

  • A former Lamborghini executive recently joined Apple to lead design of the company's long-rumored self-driving car, according to a new report Wednesday.

Apple's patent history reveals a major push into autos

  • Nikkei and Intellectual Property Landscape found that as of June 1, Apple applied for and published 248 automobile-related patents after 2000.

Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready

  • Apple reportedly had an M1-powered Mac Pro ready to ship months ago but decided against launching it. Instead, the company decided to unveil an M2 Extreme-powered version later this year.

Anker pushes GaN envelope with 6 new fast chargers

DMA: Council gives final approval to new rules for fair competition online

  • With the final adoption of the Digital Markets Act, we will finally make large online platforms responsible for their actions. Hereby, the EU will change the online space worldwide.

Enter to win a 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station and 200W GaN charger bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • This week we are teaming up with Ugreen to give two lucky winners a shot at winning a sleek 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station, retailing at $159.99, plus a six-port Nexode 200W USB-C Desktop Charger priced at $199.99.

This is what Saudi Arabia's 100-mile long emission-free smart city could look like

  • In 2021, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman revealed the country's plans to build The Line, a smart linear city that will be constructed vertically, have no roads or cars and run purely on renewable energy. Now, the Saudi government has released image renders of what The Line
Direct download: cultcast_555.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:14pm PDT

This week: the new M2 MacBook Pros are INCOMING!

PLUS

  • iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration
  • Amazon's Prime Air drones will soon be making deliveries
  • The legendary DeLorean is about to be REBORN!

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

MacBook Pros with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips could launch this fall

  • Apple reportedly has a very aggressive timeline for adding to its M2 chip lineup.

iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration

  • As part of WWDC last month, Apple announced that iOS 16 will allow third-party accessories with U1 chip integration to interact with iPhone apps even when the app is running in the background, enabling new "hands-free user experiences."

Amazon's Prime Air drones will soon make deliveries in Texas

  • Amazon, after 9 years of development and research, and more than two done prototypes, will start offering Prime Air service deliveries with drones.

Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi is ‘really close’ to human transport as vehicle passes key safety tests

  • AMAZON’s robotaxi startup, Zoox, is the first self-driving tech company to achieve a five-star federal crash rating from the NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.]

The DeLorean lives!

  • Alpha 5 - all electric 4 seat sports coupe with limited production
  • Should debut in August at Pebble Beach
  • Production slated for 2024.
  • Only 88 initial units are planned.
  • Designed by the original designer of the original DeLorean
  • Cars will be built in Italy.
  • Several other models are also planned, including an 8-cylinder sports car.
Direct download: cultcast_554.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41pm PDT

This week: we discuss M2 MacBook Pro performance, first impressions, and reviews. Plus: the end of an era, Jony Ive leaves Apple for good.

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

M2 MacBook Air review roundup: The fast and the beauteous

  • The M2 MacBook Air is easily the most important notebook Apple will release in 2022, and it’s a winner.

Jony Ive slips Apple’s golden handcuffs

  • Jony Ive’s 30-year partnership with Apple is over.

Proposed new emoji list shows we already have all the emoji we need

  • The collection of emoji will grow in the coming months, with the 31 proposed new entries including a shaking face, hearts in range of colors, a donkey and a jellyfish. There’s also left- and right-facing hands that will likely be used for high fives.

Win an iPad mini 6 magnetic stand from Lululook [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

  • If you own an iPad mini 6, Lululook’s magnetic stand can turn your tiny tablet into a miniature iMac. And this week, we’re teaming up with Lululook to give away five of these great stands, which retail for $80, to five lucky winners.

Hasbro will 3D-print your face onto its iconic action figures

  • Have you ever wanted to see your own face on the body of a Power Ranger or a Ghostbuster? Thanks to an ingenious partnership between Hasbro and 3D-printing specialists Formlabs, now you can.

BMW starts selling heated seat subscriptions for $18 a month

  • BMW is now selling subscriptions for heated seats in a number of countries — the latest example of the company’s adoption of microtransactions for high-end car features.
Direct download: cultcast_553.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm PDT

This week: Extra-rugged Apple Watch for athletes will pack biggest screen yet! Plus: the Mac Studio is now available with heavy discounts, Apple adding a new "hyper secure" lockdown mode to iOS 16, and US awards Steve Jobs the country's highest honor.

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

Extra-rugged Apple Watch for athletes will pack biggest screen yet

  • The rugged Apple Watch designed for hardcore athletes will come with the smartwatch’s biggest screen yet, according to a new report.

These iOS 16 features won’t be available at launch

  • Not all new iOS 16 features will arrive on day one when the operating system launches this fall. A handful of them will come later, after Apple has had a chance to polish them and get them ready for prime time.

Win a 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand with built-in nightlight [Cult of Mac giveaways]

  • This week’s giveaway is a sturdy, MagSafe-compatible, multi-device wireless charger that includes a convenient nightlight.

Buy refurbished Mac Studio from Apple with hefty discounts [Updated]

  • Apple has started selling refurbished Mac Studio in the United States, Canada, and select other European countries. You can save up to 15% by picking up a refurbished Mac Studio instead of purchasing a brand new unit.

New Lockdown Mode makes iPhone secure from sophisticated digital attacks

  • A new hyper-secure Lockdown Mode should help protect the iPhones, iPads and Macs of journalists, politicians and activists who face “highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware,” Apple said Wednesday.

President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

  • The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Direct download: cultcast_552.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:59am PDT

This week: Apple's prepping to drop an "ambitious deluge" of new hardware, including the return of one of the greatest Apple products of all time...

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 Readies iPhone 14 and HomePod Upgrade in Flood of New Products

  • Gurman: From what I’ve been told, the company is about to embark on one of the most ambitious periods of new products in its history—with the deluge coming between the fall of 2022 and first half of 2023.

Don’t expect a speed boost in Apple Watch Series 8

  • The Apple Watch Series 8 expected this fall won’t have better performance than its recent predecessors, according to a reliable tipster.

Win a 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand with built-in nightlight [Cult of Mac giveaways]

  • This week’s giveaway is a sturdy, MagSafe-compatible, multi-device wireless charger that includes a convenient nightlight.

Apple’s next HomePod could be less mini and more powerful

  • Apple is working on a new HomePod that could launch next year with a new S8 chip. The smart speaker reportedly will be similar in size to the original HomePod rather than the HomePod mini.

Entry-level M2 MacBook Pro’s SSD is slower than M1 MacBook Pro

  • Apple’s new M2 MacBook Pro ships with a notably slower SSD than its predecessor. Tests show the speed difference is as big as 50% in some scenarios.

M1 MacBook Pro beats the newer M2 model in real-life stress tests

  • The slower SSD on the entry-level M2 MacBook Pro has a noticeable impact on its performance in daily use. Tests show the M1 MacBook Pro beating its successor in stress tests that rely heavily on swap memory usage.

‘Severe’ thermal throttling in Apple M2 chip raises questions about MacBook Air performance

  • The just-released MacBook Pro running Apple’s new M2 processor offers generally good performance, but its single fan can’t stop it from experiencing ‘severe’ thermal throttling under certain conditions, according to tests done on the device.

AirPods Pro 2 could act as heart monitor and hearing aid

  • AirPods Pro 2 will look much like AirPods 3 from 2021, but with the soft tips necessary for ANC, according to information leaked to 52audio. That means the stems aren’t going away, and the buttons will stay, too.

Commercials are coming to Netflix (and other streamers!)

  • It’s official: Netflix is adding a cheaper ad-supported tier to its streaming service. The change is apparently intended to reverse a recent drop in subscribers.
Direct download: cultcast_551.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:12pm PDT

This week: The first reviews of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 are in and they are not kind!

Plus: new details elude to a new MacBook that may be a hybrid between an MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, iOS 16 is adding a MUST-HAVE SMS feature, and an odd Apple show becomes one of most popular shows streamed on any streaming service.

This episode supported by

CleanMyMac X is a decluttering app for Mac that can keep it in tip-top shape. It includes 49 tools to find and delete invisible computer junk, and helps keep your Mac running at maximum speed. Get CleanMyMac X today with 5% off at https://macpaw.app/cultcast ... The discount is valid until June 30.

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

M2 MacBook Pro review roundup: Powerful chip, archaic design

  • The first reviews of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Apple M2 processor are not kind. It gets called a “Pro in name only” and “literally a processor update and nothing more.”

15-inch MacBook with M2 Pro might launch in spring 2023

  • A 15-inch MacBook will debut in less than a year that offers either an M2 or an M2 Pro processor, according to a reliable Apple analyst. That could make it one of the first with the upgraded version of the M2.

Apple M2 is fast, but not faster than M1 Pro or M1 Max

  • The first real-world benchmark tests of the Apple M2 processor show that the just-launched processor is about 20% to 25% faster than the original M1, which is welcome news for anyone in the market for a MacBook or iPad in the next few years.

Win a 65W GaN mini charger that packs a punch [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • The Cult of Mac giveaway prize this week is a perfect fit for anyone who needs a powerful yet compact charger. We teamed up with Lululook to give five lucky winners a chance to get their hands on a three-port, 65W gallium nitride charger.

Apple’s New CarPlay Is the Foreshock to Releasing Its Own Vehicle

iOS 16 beta 2 improves SMS filtering on Messages to iPhone users

  • Apple had already teased in a WWDC 2022 session that iOS 16 would add 12 new subcategories to the SMS filtering API. With beta 2, they’re now available to developers to use.

Apple TV+ sci-fi drama For All Mankind rockets to popularity

  • For All Mankind is one of the most popular shows available on streaming, according to a ratings tracker. Season three of the alternate-history sci-fi series premiered on Apple TV+ in early June, and it’s been a Top 10 show both weeks since then.
Direct download: cultcast_550.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:56pm PDT

This week: The M2 benchmarks have leaked and this new chip is even better than we hoped. Plus: new details on iPhone 14, a 12 and 15-inch MacBook Air, and new 14-inch iPad Pro MAX.

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

First MacBook Pro with speedy M2 chip goes up for preorder June 17 - Lewis, and then Erfon takes the benchmarks?!?

  • Preorders for the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro packing the powerful new Apple M2 processor will begin Friday, June 17, two weeks after it was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

iPhone 14’s front camera could get some much-needed upgrades

  • The iPhone’s front camera was last upgraded in September 2019 with the iPhone 11’s release. Apple bumped the camera resolution to 12MP and paired it with an f/2.2 lens. Since then, Android smartphones have added 40MP selfie cameras with autofocus, but iPhones have stuck with the same setup.

Win a multi-device charger with built-in MagSafe battery pack [Cult of Mac giveaway]

  • Worth $130, the MagEZ Slider from Pitaka is great way to charge your iPhone and AirPods on your desk or nightstand. But better yet, the charger has an integrated battery pack that attaches magnetically to your iPhone to continue charging away from home.

Apple pushes ahead with 15-inch M2 MacBook Air and 12-inch M2 MacBook

  • Apple is developing new form factors and planning upgrades for its MacBook lineup, Bloomberg reported Thursday. That should result in a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air and a new version of a 12-inch M2 MacBook arriving by late 2023 or early 2024.

Apple may launch 14.1-inch mini-LED iPad Pro with M2 chip

  • Apple is working on an iPad Pro with a 14.1-inch mini-LED display, ProMotion and Face ID, sources suggested on Thursday. Unfortunately for folks who are already salivating at the idea of such a big Apple tablet, it probably won’t arrive until early 2023.

Apple TV will stream all Major League Soccer games for 10 years

  • Cupertino unveiled a major new sports deal Tuesday, saying Apple TV will be the exclusive streaming destination for all Major League Soccer (MLS) games for 10 years, starting with the 2023 season.
Direct download: cultcast_549.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49pm PDT

This week: iO16, macOS Ventura, Stage Manager, M2 MacBook Air — our reactions to all WWDC22's best announcements!

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

These big surprises blew our minds at WWDC22

13-inch M2 MacBook Pro sneaks into WWDC22 with new MacBook Air

Meet the svelte new M2 MacBook Air

Continuity Camera admits MacBook cameras need help

  • Continuity Camera, a new feature coming in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, will upgrade video calls by bringing the iPhone’s pristine camera to the Mac.

CarPlay kicks into high gear

  • The next-generation system is able to display metrics like speed, distance, engine RPM, gas levels, oil temperature and engine temperature.

Massive Home app makeover brings Matter support and more - erfon

  • Among the many new products and features Apple showcased at WWDC22 came news of a revamped Home app for the HomeKit smart-home platform.

iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16

  • The new multitasking system is called Stage Manager. “With Stage Manager activated, I can now resize windows exposing a powerful new way to work with apps on iPad,” said Craig Federighi. “And the dock is visible so I can easily get to all my apps.”

Ming Chi Kuo says Apple's mixed reality headset will be announced at a special event in January.

watchOS 9 brings massive upgrade to Workout app and other health improvements

Direct download: cultcast_548.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm PDT

This week: With WWDC22 RIGHT around the corner, we're talking hardware and software predictions and expectations.

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

Analyst says Apple’s AR headset and realityOS will be a no-show at WWDC22

  • Apple is unlikely to showcase its long-rumored AR/MR headset — or even demo the realityOS that powers it — at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Maybe new MacBook Air - range of colors, possibly with M2 (but that probably doesn't make sense, does it? Maybe a new version of M1?)

Win a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously with this great fold-up Apple accessory.

iOS 16 could make your iPhone’s lock screen more useful

  • In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says Apple will overhaul the iPhone lock screen with new wallpapers that offer widget-like features. The report is light on details about this, but it looks like Apple intends to improve the lock screen’s usability with the upcoming iOS release.

Under Review!

Juuk Vitero Watch Band

Direct download: cultcast_547.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20pm PDT

This week: we got them! New renders show us exactly what the iPhone 14 will look like. Plus: A new "Studio Display Pro" with mini-LED screen is incoming, and Apple preps a new LARGER HomePod!

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

New renders show iPhone 14 in all its purported purple glory

  • New renders based on the most reliable leaks give us the best look yet at the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro. They show off the "pill and hole" replacement for the notch at the top of the screen and the even-more-bulbous camera hump we've heard of before.

iPhone 14 Pro models could feature an always-on display

  • Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 Pro models could feature always-on displays because of the handsets’ ProMotion technology, which allows for variable refresh rates, a well-known analyst said Tuesday.

Win a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

  • This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously with this great fold-up Apple accessory.

Studio Display Pro with gorgeous mini-LED screen could launch this fall

  • An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display will reach customers this fall, according to a very reliable source of insider into. This version of the monitor will feature a mini-LED screen, making it look better than the current model that has a standard LCD.

What could be in store for the return of the big HomePod?

  • Apple plans to produce an updated version of the HomePod as soon as the fourth quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Friday.

This week's Under Review

Anker SoundCore Frames

https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Landmark-Bluetooth-Interchangeable-Polarized/dp/B09DSCDRLT

Direct download: cultcast_546.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am PDT

This week: Apple Watch Series 8 getting the redesign we’ve ALL been waiting for, a cheaper smaller Apple TV is in the works, Apple’s mixed reality headset is ALMOST ready, and working from home vs the office — how much would YOU need to get paid to go back to the office full time? We reveal our numbers!

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

Sound familiar? Apple Watch 8 display might be flat

  • Remember last year when rumors were flying that Apple Watch Series 7 would feature a flat display and squared-off edges? DIDN'T HAPPEN. But a new rumor suggests those traits might define this year's Apple Watch Series 8.

More affordable Apple TV might launch soon

  • A new Apple TV streamer will launch in the second half of 2022, according to a trusted analyst. And there’s a hint in the prediction that the device will cost less than its predecessors.

Apple shows off AR/VR headset to board of directors

  • Although Apple's VR/AR headset is still supposed to be a secret project, the company's board of directors reportedly got a look at the device recently. This could be a sign the product is moving close to a release.

COVID-19 throws off Apple’s return-to-office plan yet again

  • Apple reportedly slowed the pace at which it will require its corporate employees to return to the office. They were scheduled to be back at their desks three days a week starting later this month, but rising numbers of COVID-19 cases supposedly pushed that back.

Apple's Director of Machine Learning Resigns Due to Return to Office Work

  • Apple's director of machine learning, Ian Goodfellow, has resigned from his role a little over four years after he joined the company after previously being one of Google's top AI employees, according to The Verge's Zoë Schiffer.
Direct download: cultcast_545.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47pm PDT

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

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