624 episodes

The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, news, and accessories for your iDevices and Mac—but more importantly—we do it with pizzaz. Why listen to another dreary tech program? Tune in to the CultCast each week for a healthy dose of Apple, jokes gone sour, and plenty of tangents.

The CultCast America's favorite Apple Podcast

    • Technology
    • 4.6 • 1.1K Ratings

The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, news, and accessories for your iDevices and Mac—but more importantly—we do it with pizzaz. Why listen to another dreary tech program? Tune in to the CultCast each week for a healthy dose of Apple, jokes gone sour, and plenty of tangents.

    Nothing but the truth! One week w/iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, & Apple Watch 9 (CultCast #614)

    Nothing but the truth! One week w/iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, & Apple Watch 9 (CultCast #614)

    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."  

    • 1 hr 44 min
    iPhone 15 Pro reviews + we talk “print gate” & hidden features! (CultCast #613)

    iPhone 15 Pro reviews + we talk “print gate” & hidden features! (CultCast #613)

    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.”  

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Our reactions to iPhone 15 Pro, Max, Ultra 2, AirPods Pro 2 & ALL Wonderlust announcements! (CultCast #612)

    Our reactions to iPhone 15 Pro, Max, Ultra 2, AirPods Pro 2 & ALL Wonderlust announcements! (CultCast #612)

    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

    • 1 hr 41 min
    Last-minute iPhone 15 leaks + our predictions for next week's Wonderlust iPhone event! (CultCast #611)

    Last-minute iPhone 15 leaks + our predictions for next week's Wonderlust iPhone event! (CultCast #611)

    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!

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Apple’s “Wonderlust” iPhone 15 event - let’s talk! (CultCast #610)

    Apple’s “Wonderlust” iPhone 15 event - let’s talk! (CultCast #610)

    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.  

    • 1 hr 11 min
    iPhone 15 & Vision Pro - the Good, the Bad, the UGLY! + a special surprise guest! (CultCast #609)

    iPhone 15 & Vision Pro - the Good, the Bad, the UGLY! + a special surprise guest! (CultCast #609)

    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.  

    • 1 hr 7 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
1.1K Ratings

1.1K Ratings

DRKbadger ,

Awesome show

I’m a new listener and I love this podcast. Y’all are funny and I just love tech and a good time 😂

Bannerr27 ,

Apple problem not many ( if any) may know.

I have an issue with my Apple products, from my phone (13 pro max) Apple Watch, MacBook and ipad. Also how at the Apple Store, I went in because I was locked out because I was unable to reset my phone because I was only using an iCloud. Someone came up to me put done thing that resembled an iPad and was able to reset it just by scanning it. Bank- scanned it, a few seconds later it was completely reset.

AnonymousReviewerToday ,

It’s Fun!

For me, this is the number podcast covering Apple. They don’t take themselves so seriously, as some do in the podcasting, tech world. It’s like hanging out and talking with your buddies. Keep it up!

Updated review….

First, let me say, Erfon is the podcast. It’s been that way from day one. He’s the one that makes it fun and entertaining. I will say though, I never realized how much Leander meant to the podcast until he left. There’s a certain balance that he added to the podcast with Erfon, and the two of them were great together. Without Leander, it has taken a little step back. I still enjoy it, but for that reason, I have to take a star away.

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