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The CultCast
Hosted by America's favorite Apple Podcast · EN
The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, tech news, and accessories—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 and tech news, jokes gone wrong, and unending tangents.
31episodes
Episodes
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Apple’s next CEO + Dialing back Liquid Glass? (CultCast #707)
Jul 10, 202501:22:50Tap to summarizeSend us a text!This week, Leander and Griffin are joined by Graham Bower to talk about the latest iPhone 17 leaks, Jeff Williams stepping down and what that means for Apple’s next CEO, toning down Liquid Glass in iOS 26, how to vibe code to make your next iOS app, a perplexing user setup, MacBook Pro buying advice… and a review of an exciting handheld video game console!This episode supported by:The Cult of Mac Today Newsletter. Get all the top stories, Leander’s daily musings, top tweets, the daily wallpaper, inspirational Steve Jobs quote and vote in our reader polls — all delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.comThis week’s stories:iPhone 17 leak teases Pro-exclusive design upgradesThe upcoming iPhone 17 series may pack big design changes, at least on the Pro models, with the base variant featuring subtle changes.Majin Bu: iPhone 17 Air Could Be Available in 4 New Color OptionsJeff Williams stepping down as Apple COOJeff Williams, whose role as COO put him charge of Apple’s global operations since 2010, will retire later this year.Why this dark horse candidate could be Apple’s next CEOEverything new in iOS 26 Beta 3iOS 26 beta 3 tweaks the Liquid Glass design, making the UI elements frosty to improve readability while making multiple smaller changes.Vibe codingReps & SetsApple’s Swift tutorials in Swift PlaygroundSwiftUI tutorialsApple’s Human Computer Interaction guidelinesCursor IDEApple Developer ProgramYamaha studio monitors power MacBook Pro rig’s soundFor MacBook setup speakers, you can do worse than this user's Yamaha studio monitors. And his headphones and audio interfaces impress, too.Under Review
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The MacBook is finally coming BackBook! (CultCast #706)
Jul 4, 202501:12:11Tap to summarizeSend us a text!This week, the MacBook might be coming back as Apple’s cheapest laptop ever! Also: Apple might be borrowing Claude or ChatGPT to power Siri, details on the next three years of Apple Vision headsets, the best Apple Watch faces, what to do when you’re low on iCloud storage, and a new 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.comFactor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on 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.This week’s stories:Apple may launch its most affordable MacBook yet next yearApple could launch a more affordable MacBook early next year with a 13-inch display and an A18 Pro chipset.Apple might rely on AI rivals to make Siri smarterApple’s struggle to develop artificial intelligence might reach the point where the company needs to outsource Siri to an AI partner.Lighter, cheaper Vision Air could rescue Apple’s headset dreamThe Vision Air is reportedly on the drawing board. This more affordable version might revive Apple’s flagging AR headset sales.These are the best and coolest Apple Watch facesIf you want to spice up and individualize your Apple Watch, here are the best and coolest faces out of the dozens of options.Long live Apple’s late great iPod Hi-Fi stereoSure, HomePod and HomePod mini are amazing, but this man-shed MacBook user insists iPod Hi-Fi is the best speaker Apple ever made.Listener QuestionsClever Cleaner iPhone storage cleanup app: Free to use and free of ads, forever!Under Review: Portable CarPlay screens7" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay10" Touchscreen Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay6.8" Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with Apple CarPlay
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Get ready for the M5 iPad Pro — and R.I.P. Dynamic Island (CultCast #705)
Jun 27, 202501:00:31Tap to summarizeSend us a text!This week, Sam Henri Gold joins Leander and Griffin to talk iOS 26 Beta 2, future iPhones without a screen cutout, folding iPads, M5 iPads and more!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.comThis week’s stories:iPhone may not get rid of its camera cutout for 5 yearsThe gradual process of reducing the size of the iPhone screen cutout allegedly won’t be complete until 2030.Get a sneak peek at the entire iPhone 17 seriesDon’t wait until September to see the four models in the iPhone 17 series. Rumors include a “glamour shot” of them posing for the camera.iPadOS 26 paves the way for super-size folding iPadiPadOS 26 is a huge step toward Apple making a folding iPad, while the company shows no interest in putting macOS on a foldable tablet.Why you should expect an M5 iPad Pro this fallComponents for the M5 iPad Pro are already in production, and the next generation of Apple’s tablet could be mere moths away.iOS 26 beta 2: All the new features and changesiOS 26 beta 2 brings subtle refinements, visual tweaks. and small usability improvements. Find out everything that’s new here.
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What’s really happening with Apple Intelligence? (CultCast #704)
Jun 20, 202501:16:22Tap to summarizeSend us a text!This week, Graham, Charlie and Leander are still here to ask, what the heck is going on with Apple Intelligence? Also: visionOS 26 features, the complicated situation of iPad repairability, the small demand for folding iPhones, and the great hidden features in iOS 26!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.comFactor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.This week’s stories:Wait for AI-enhanced Siri stretches out almost a yearThe release date for the AI-enhanced version of the Siri voice assistant will likely come in spring 2026, a year later than expected.Apple Intelligence in iOS 26Third-party apps can build custom AI features on top of Apple’s custom Foundation model. This will let developers use the powerful on-device capabilities for free, rather than spend money on an expensive third-party service.visionOS 26 brings spatial widgets, better Personas and new accessoriesvisionOS 26 will bring spatial widgets, better Personas, new accessories, Look to Scroll and so much more to the powerful headset.iFixit: Apple Finally Admits That The iPad Is A Beast To RepairOn May 29, the iPad joined the Self Service Repair Program. And the documentation they released confirms what we’ve always known: the iPad is a nightmare to repair.Folding iPhone could stay a niche product for yearsProduction of the long-awaited folding iPhone reportedly begins in a few months, but Apple will only make a few million of them.Apple Core: iOS 7 - the battle for the future of software designiOS 7 represented more than just a fresh new look. It marked a major shift in Cupertino’s design philosophy, which arose from a bitter boardroom bust-up between two of Steve Jobs’ most trusted lieutenants.Hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn’t talk about at WWDC25While Apple highlighted iOS 26’s major features during the WWDC25 keynote, many meaningful quality-of-life improvements flew under the radar. Here are some of the smaller, hidden features in iOS 26 that you shouldn’t miss.
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Liquid Glass, iOS + macOS 26 and ALL the WWDC25 news! (CultCast #703)
Jun 13, 202501:23:47Tap to summarizeSend us a text!Leander, Graham and Charlie join us again to break down all the WWDC25 announcements — Liquid Glass, iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26 — and review our prediction game results!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.comEasily 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:Liquid Glass: Apple’s biggest design refresh everLiquid Glass is the name of Apple's new interface design across all its platforms, and is the company's most ambitious design effort in decades.iOS 26 sports striking redesign, smarter AI, better cross-platform integrationApple showcased iOS 26 at WWDC25. Its striking design changes, enhanced AI and improved platform integration transform how we use iPhone.iOS 26 reimagines the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold AssistiPhone gets Live Translation plus more modest AI enhancementsAI updates bring new tricks to Apple Maps, Music, Wallet and more across devicesNew Apple Games app centralizes play across iPhone, iPad and MacwatchOS 26 wants to be your new workout buddyThe Workout app gets the biggest makeover, featuring a new Workout Buddy that delivers personalized attaboy messages when you need a little extra mojo.tvOS 26 shines with new Liquid Glass designWith its glossy new look and some thoughtful tweaks, the tvOS 26 announcement at WWDC25 makes it look like a sweet (if minor) upgrade.macOS 26 Tahoe debuts with sleek design and smarter SpotlightmacOS 26 Tahoe brings Apple's new “Liquid Glass” look, makes Spotlight more powerful, and brings the Phone app to Mac for the first time.macOS Tahoe will be the last for Intel MacsiPadOS 26 makes iPad more Mac-like than everThe WWDC25 keynote unveils iPadOS 26, which lets Apple tablets act more like a Mac than ever before, including new options for app windows.The CultCast WWDC25 PredictionsCongratulations to listeners Michael Dennis and Ian Williamson for winning with 18 points.
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Last-minute WWDC25 rumors + Our predictions! (CultCast #702)
Jun 6, 202501:29:02Tap to summarizeSend us a text!Submit your predictions hereThis week, we have a real blockbuster show with Leander, Graham and Charlie all joining us to talk about leaked iPhone details, Apple Intelligence, last-minute WWDC25 rumors… and our predictions for Monday’s keynote!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.comFactor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on 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.This week’s stories:Apple Intelligence may take a backseat this WWDCApple doesn’t have as many Apple Intelligence features to announce this year at WWDC25 — here's what's coming.Apple dubs macOS 26 ‘Tahoe’ as company prepares major interface redesignIn a tradition of California place names going back to OS X Mavericks in 2013, Apple names macOS 26 after the famous Lake Tahoe.iOS 19 may turn your AirPods into a remote camera buttonApple will reportedly make the AirPods even better with iOS 19/iOS 26 by adding sleep new head gestures, sleep detection and more.Apple A20 chip will move to 2nm and bring the RAM insideThe A20 chip, which will power the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone, will use a new technology that integrates RAM inside the chip.All the sweet new watchOS features we expect at WWDC25What features will the next version of watchOS add to Apple Watch? A look at what's coming soon to your wrist at WWDC25.Apple Watch excels at some fitness tracking metrics, sucks at othersThe CultCast WWDC25 PredictionsFor the second time this year, it is time to lay out our Apple Event predictions.Submit your predictions here
Transcribe →Apple’s big rebranding coming at WWDC (CultCast #701)
May 29, 202501:19:26Tap to summarizeSend us a text!Send us a voicemail!This week, Apple’s making the big change we’ve wanted for years… also, Apple glasses are coming sooner than you think, future iPhones might get cameras with insane resolution, Game Center is coming back, and more of your listener voicemails!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.comCultCloth will keep your iPhone, MacBook, display, 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.coThis week’s stories:Apple may switch all OS version numbers to yearsWith an announcement reportedly coming at WWDC25 on June 9, Apple may switch all OS names from version numbers to years.Apple fast-tracks its smart glasses for 2026 launchGet ready for Apple smart glasses in 2026. Take an early look at what the tech in these wearables will be capable of doing for their wearers.Future iPhone might go ultra high-res with 200MP cameraApple may equip future iPhones with a 200MP camera, as it internally tests such a sensor for the primary shooter.Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused appA new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV.How to keep your iPhone battery from going to crapThere are a few simple changes you can make that will preserve your iPhone battery health for many years of loyal service.YouTube videoListener voicemails
Transcribe →Jony Ive + OpenAI take on Apple! (CultCast #700)
May 22, 202500:48:55Tap to summarizeSend us a text!Send us a voicemail!This week: Jony Ive’s new best friend, Sam Altman, bought his secretive startup for $6.5 billion! What are they working on? Also: The next big steps for Apple Intelligence and Siri.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.comEasily 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:Jony Ive, Sam Altman tease mysterious prototype as OpenAI buys ioAs OpenAI buys io, honchos Sam Altman and Jony Ive vaguely tease a mystery prototype in a video and webpage announcement.New details leak about Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s coming ‘AI companions’OpenAI CEO Sam Altman details his company's ambitious plan to produce 100 million AI devices "fully aware of a user's surroundings and life."Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developersApple plans to open AI models to third-party developers in hopes of spurring a lot more app development around Apple Intelligence.Apple isn’t as far behind in AI as some might fearApple might finally let you ditch Siri for a smarter assistant
Transcribe →CarPlay Ultra is here + Major features coming at WWDC! (CultCast #699)
May 16, 202501:14:57Tap to summarizeSend us a text!Send us a voicemail!This week, we have the first details on the iPhone 20 — or will it be the iPhone XX? Also: CarPlay Ultra is HERE, major new features coming in iOS 19 and visionOS 3, and more listener voicemails!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.comInsta360 X5 is the new flagship 360° camera from Insta360. To score a free 45-inch invisible selfie stick with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.comand use the promo code CultCast — available for the first 30 purchases only.This week’s stories:What to expect from the 20th anniversary iPhoneApple plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a fresh design: no cutouts on a truly edge-to-edge, curved screen.CarPlay Ultra finally arrives with complete dashboard makeover (for some)Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road — but only with Aston Martin for now.Apple unveils major accessibility upgrades coming soonApple accessibility upgrades coming later this year will help users with visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive challenges.visionOS 3 may let you scroll hands-free using your eyesThe next major update to visionOS could include eye scrolling, for navigating long lists and webpages entirely hands-free.Apple turns to AI to extend iPhone battery lifeApple’s iPhone AI battery innovations could significantly enhance efficiency, increasing time between recharges the smart way.Listener voicemailsM4 MacBook Air: Perfect for practically everybody
Transcribe →GOTTEM: Here are iPhone 16’s cameras and colors (CultCast #661)
Aug 23, 2024Tap to summarizeSend us a text!This week: The iPhone 16 event leaks — but it’s a fake! Also, we have all the details on the iPhone 16 cameras and the curious colors it’ll come in and an all-new 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 This week’s stories: iPhone 16 invite prankster says he’ll do it again! Beware, Apple leakers: The hoaxer who created a fake Apple invite for the iPhone 16 event says he’ll probably try to pull off a similar prank in the future. iPhone 16 event invite leaks [Update: It’s a hoax] Feast your eyes on iPhone 16 Pro in bronze titanium Unconfirmed reports say the iPhone 16 Pro models will come in natural titanium, black titanium and white titanium, and there’ll supposedly be a new option: bronze titanium. All iPhone 16 models could score new Capture button plus camera improvements Every model in the iPhone 16 series will get a button dedicated to taking pictures, according to information leaked to AppleInsider. The same source details a range of improvements to the cameras. Typing these 4 characters in the wrong place crashes your iPhone Want to make your iPhone crash? It’s easy. Type four simple characters into the App Library’s search field and the iOS SpringBoard will go down like a house of cards. Under Review: ANNAPRO Comfort Head Strap for Vision Pro The Pressure-Reducing Comfort Head Strap for Apple Vision Pro by Annapro is an absolute must-have game-changing accessory. It makes using the headset in its default mixed-reality mode far more engaging and comfortable, as it lets you use the device without Apple’s peripheral-blinding Light Seal.
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