The CultCast

America's favorite Apple Podcast
The CultCast

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.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Leaked! — Here is the M4 MacBook Pro (CultCast #668)

    This week, new Macs and iPads are coming soon — but the MacBook Pro is already here! It’s the biggest leak since the iPhone 4. Also, Apple silicon modems are back on the table, our hands-on with Apple Intelligence and the scoop on Apple’s new update strategy! 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 Core Graham Bower and Charlie Sorrel explore the story behind a different Apple product in each episode. Apple’s next-gen M4 Macs and iPad mini 7 are almost here Apple’s next-gen M4 Macs will reportedly arrive November 1, rather than in October as is generally expected. M4 MacBook Pro allegedly unboxed weeks before release An alleged unboxing video of the M4 MacBook Pro went live on YouTube over the weekend. The early hands-on, if real, shows that Apple’s next MacBook will pack impressive performance improvements over the M3 version. iPhone SE 4’s in-house Apple 5G modem could deliver major power savings The upcoming iPhone SE 4 will reportedly sport a new design that will see Apple ditch the physical Home button. It will also stand out for being the first product in Apple’s portfolio to use its in-house 5G modem. Hands-on with the first 10 Apple Intelligence features Apple Intelligence makes its debut with 10 new features — some of it is fantastic, some of it is kind of pointless. YouTube video Bloomberg: Apple Slowly Moves Away From Its Annual Product Release Strategy Apple has clearly realized that there’s an issue. Pursuing a big fall launch for most of its new hardware and software offerings has become too much of a toll — and the company is ever-so-slightly inching away from that path.

    1h 13m
  2. OCT 4

    M4 Macs, new iPads, iPhone SE are all coming — even Vision Pro 2! (CultCast #667)

    This week, EVERYTHING that’s coming next — new Macs and iPads, the iPhone SE, Vision Pro 2 and a brand-new smart display with Apple Intelligence. Finally, we’ll wrap it up with Erfon’s week-long review of AirPods 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 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. This week’s stories: What Macs and iPads to expect at Apple’s rumored October event Rumors say an Apple event should bring new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with the M4 chip, with a new iPad mini and budget iPad also on the agenda. iPhone SE 4 with Apple Intelligence on course for early 2025 iPhone SE 4 should debut early next year with some major upgrades. iPad Air could be in for a quick performance upgrade The revamped iPad Air debuted in May, but there’s already word that a replacement is on Apple’s drawing board. Next-gen Vision Pro with M5 chip will support Apple Intelligence Ming-Chi Kuo detailed some planned improvements from Apple for the next-gen Vision Pro. Apple smart display with Apple Intelligence coming in 2025 Apple might launch a new smart display running a new operating system called homeOS early next year. The device could feature FaceTime integration and act as a smart home controller.

    1h 19m
  3. SEP 27

    Our one week reviews of iPhone 16 Pro & Apple Watch 10! (CultCast #666)

    This week — our hands-on, week-one reviews of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2’s new color + the Milanese loop controversy… 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 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at 1password.com/cultcast This week’s stories: Why you should choose iPhone 16 or 16 Plus over iPhone 16 Pro I’d like to save you between $200 and $400. It’s easy: Don’t assume you must buy an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max to get an excellent handset. The more-affordable iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are both brilliant. iPhone 16 Pro: Not much new, but everything is better The iPhone 16 Pro is a much-refined iPhone. All the features that make the it pro have been improved. iPhone 16 Pro users face intermittent touchscreen problems Some users report that their iPhone 16 Pros don’t properly detect all their touches and swipes, leading to a frustrating experience. Don’t panic: Mysterious iOS 18 update for iPhone 16 is nothing to worry about Don’t be alarmed if your brand-new iPhone 16 prompts you to update to iOS 18 even though your phone is already running iOS 18. And also don’t freak out when you see a fear-inducing “Welcome to iPhone” screen after you update. Apple Watch 10: The best gets gloriously better Larger, thinner, lighter and more lushly curvaceous than predecessors, the 10th anniversary Apple Watch is, technically, a redesign. AirPods 4 review roundup: ANC really works without ear tips The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well.

    1h 16m
  4. SEP 22

    Our iPhone 16 Pro hands-on first impressions LIVE! (CultCast #665)

    This week, it’s our live unboxing, hands-on and first impressions of the iPhone 16 Pro! Also, review roundups of AirPods and Apple Watch, and leaked details on the Apple Watch SE and MacBook Pro we didn’t get. 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 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. This week’s stories: Video: Unboxing the iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro cases OtterBoxSymmetry Series Cactus Leather OtterBox Lumen Series with Camera Control Apple Clear Case OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT AirPods 4 review roundup: ANC really works without ear tips The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are in to answer the question, how well does active noise cancellation work without foam ear tips? The consensus: pretty well. Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black is what ‘Batman would buy’ Rather than Apple Watch Ultra 3, we got the Ultra 2 in a “satin black” titanium finish. This might be more disappointing if early reviewers weren’t raving about the new color. Apple Watch SE 3 now expected in 2025 After two years, one might think a new Apple Watch SE is imminent but the Apple Watch Series 10 announcement on September 9 came and went with no mention of a cheaper little brother. OLED MacBook still at least 2 years away Apple’s switch from LCD to OLED in its MacBook line isn’t moving quickly. A pair of respected industry analysts agree that it won’t happen before 2026.

    1h 6m
  5. SEP 13

    What we like (and don’t!) about the new iPhone 16, AirPods, and Apple Watches (CultCast #664)

    This week, what we like (and don’t!) about the new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, AirPods 4, AirPods Max and Apple Watch Series 10. AND — who won the event prediction game! 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 1Password Extended Access Management solves the problems traditional IAM and MDM can’t. It’s security for the way we work today. Check it out at 1password.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. This week’s stories: iPhone 16 brings refined design, snazzy new colors and A18 chip The new iPhones feature an iPhone X-like rear camera design and upgraded internals for Apple Intelligence support. Bigger iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max beef up cameras and AI processing power The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets boast size increases, thinner bezels for larger screens, a leap in battery life and new features, including impressive camera and audio upgrades. Tweet showing Desert Titanium in a darker hue Apple Watch Series 10 gets major upgrade, catches up with Ultra The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and an optional titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in black titanium, plus new Hermès model The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in a new black titanium finish — apparently the only change. Apple refreshes AirPods with two new fourth-generation models New fourth-generation AirPods are the latest models of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. Apple changes up AirPods Max colors, swaps in USB-C The minor updates include new colors for Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, tweaks to their active noise cancellation feature and the removal of the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. Extra Ordinary: “It’s Glowtime” Predictions Results Congratulations to listeners Lane Gandy, TuckerJJ and Shane Lother. Harry Potter and the Stone An Open Letter To Steve Jobs — Fix Apple TV

    1h 21m
  6. SEP 6

    Our “Glowtime” Apple event predictions! (CultCast #663)

    This week, is it gold or bronze? The latest iPhone rumors have us worried… also, what you can expect from AirPods 4, the exciting new Mac mini, and OUR PREDICTIONS for the September event! 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 This week’s stories: Mockup reveals iPhone 16 Pro gold titanium color A new render shows the iPhone 16 Pro in a gold titanium finish, rather than the bronze that was rumored previously. AirPods 4 rumors: Dramatic change coming next week Here’s what to look forward to in new AirPods variants when they’re unveiled at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9. M4 Mac mini might give up on USB-A entirely Reports suggest the Mac mini could finally get a new design this year. The revamp will make the overall machine much smaller, about the same size as an Apple TV. More affordable iPad Magic Keyboard is in development iPad users can look forward to a less expensive version of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, according to information leaking out of Apple. The CultCast “It’s Glowtime” Predictions Submit your own guesses

    1h 6m
  7. AUG 30

    Here comes iPhone 16 and M4 Macs! (CultCast #662)

    This week, it’s official — iPhone 16 is coming! Here’s what to expect. Also, M4 Macs are on the way and might ship with double the RAM, why Apple Intelligence isn’t far behind OpenAI, and the best Apple features you probably aren’t using! This episode supported by: Listeners like you. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone; and helps us secure the future of the podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, give us show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at support.thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars, glasses and lenses sparkling clean! For a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a two free CarryCloths with any order $20+ at CultCloth.co This week’s stories: Apple September 9 event invite promises ‘It’s Glowtime’ Apple sent out invitations Monday for a press event on September 9. MacBook Pros With M4 Pro and M4 Max Chips Reportedly Being Mass Produced This Month Apple's supply chain is beginning mass production of next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in August, according to Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes. Apple is definitely not behind in AI, research paper shows A white paper on Apple Intelligence reveals two important facts about Apple’s homegrown LLM: it’s the safest in design and highly competitive with both Llama and GPT-4. Extra Ordinary: Notes on the Apple Intelligence White Paper Apple: Apple Intelligence Foundation Language Models Apple Photos app’s Clean Up feature works great … unless it doesn’t! The new AI-powered Clean Up feature in the Apple Photos app got people raving about the magical ability to “fix” pictures — and posting examples of when things go horribly wrong. iPhone 17 Pro Max might exclusively ship with a superior cooling system Apple will seemingly continue offering enhanced specs on its Pro Max iPhone to differentiate it from other models. Apple’s entry-level M4 Macs might ship with double the RAM Reportedly, the company is testing multiple M4 Macs with 16 or 32GB of system memory. The lack of an 8GB model indicates the company might do away with that configuration entirely. 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. Video on YouTube

    1h 5m
4.6
out of 5
1,149 Ratings

About

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.

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