The CultCast

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THIS WEEK: 

• 🤖 MORE new awesome iOS 27 features you'll actually use.

• 📱 Apple’s folding iPhone Ultra may be delayed to 2027 over hinge problems.

• 💻 Why MacBook Ultra is GREAT NEWS for Pro users.

• 📺 tvOS 27 adds a super useful new feature.

• 🚪 A new Silo season 3 teaser reveals a major change.

• 💸 Plex users are furious over a massive lifetime price increase.

• 📺 My Sony TV failure story gets an unexpected new twist.

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This week’s stories

iPhone Ultra delayed until 2027?

https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-ultra-delayed-until-2027-apple-is-reportedly-struggling-to-solve-a-major-hinge-problem-but-the-phones-visually-creaseless-display-sounds-promising

MacBook Ultra could be very good news for MacBook Pro users

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/20/macbook-ultra-could-be-very-good-news-for-macbook-pro-users/

tvOS 27 will give Apple TV 4K a useful new display setting

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/20/tvos-27-will-give-apple-tv-4k-a-useful-new-display-setting/

iOS 27’s new video feature could prove one of Apple’s best additions

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/19/ios-27s-new-video-feature-could-prove-one-of-apples-best-additions/

Apple just revealed an iOS 27 feature that hints at Siri’s new powers

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/19/apple-just-revealed-an-ios-27-feature-that-hints-at-siris-new-powers/

Silo season 3’s significant character change revealed in new teaser

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/21/silo-season-3s-significant-character-change-revealed-in-new-teaser/

Plex's lifetime subscription cost is tripling to $750

https://www.engadget.com/2176760/plexs-lifetime-subscription-cost-is-tripling-to-dollar750/

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THIS WEEK: WWDC is almost here, and NEW leaks are painting us our best picture yet of iOS 27: a totally redesigned AI-powered Siri, a customizable pro-style Camera app, ads invading Apple Maps, and even reports that Apple may turn to Intel to help manufacture future chips. 

Plus, how much is my 100K Apple investment worth now?!  All is revealed!

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This week’s stories

Report: Intel is Testing Production of Some iPhone, iPad, and Mac Chips

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/14/kuo-intel-iphone-ipad-mac-chips/

Ads Aren't in the Apple Maps App Yet, But They're Coming Soon

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/13/apple-maps-app-ads-summer-2026/

OpenAI considering suing Apple because ChatGPT integrations weren't a money fountain

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/05/14/openai-considering-suing-apple-because-chatgpt-integrations-werent-a-money-fountain

iOS 27 Getting Major Siri Redesign With Chat Interface and Dedicated App

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/12/ios-27-siri-redesign/

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THIS WEEK: The worldwide RAM shortage is finally hitting Apple, and you won’t like where this is going!

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This week’s stories

Apple Stops Selling Mac Mini With 256GB of Storage, Starting Price Rises to $799

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/01/mac-mini-now-starts-at-799/

Apple Cuts More Mac Studio and Mac Mini RAM Options as Memory Shortage Worsens

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/05/apple-mac-studio-mac-mini-ram-cuts/

Apple May Drop Base $599 MacBook Neo as Chip, DRAM Costs Climb

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/07/apple-drop-base-macbook-neo-costs-climb/

MacBook Neo Could Get New Colors to Cushion Potential Price Hike

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/07/macbook-neo-new-colors-cushion-price-hike/

Apple to Unveil macOS 27 Next Month With These New Features

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/01/macos-27-rumors/

AI performances and screenplays won't be eligible for Oscars

https://www.engadget.com/2162342/ai-performances-and-screenplays-wont-be-eligible-for-oscars/

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Watch this episode on YouTube!

This week:

• Vision Pro just went from future to flop 🥽
• Apple’s giant iPad Ultra dream could be folding fast 📉
• MagSafe might not be as permanent we thought 🧲
• Good luck getting your hands on Mac Mini or Studio⚡
• Rising memory prices will make your next Mac cost more 💸
• The “Liquid Glass” iPhone is LOOKING pretty awesome 📱
• MacBook Ultra could be Apple’s next big flex - here’s what to expect 💻

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This week’s stories

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-vision-pro-m5-flop/

Apple Has Likely Abandoned 'iPad Ultra' Plans

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-likely-abandoned-ipad-ultra-plans/

Apple Reportedly Questioning Whether iPhone Should Drop MagSafe

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-questioning-iphone-magsafe/

Apple Says Mac Studio and Mac Mini Will Be in Short Supply for Months

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/30/mac-studio-mac-mini-constrained-months/

Apple Expects 'Significantly Higher Memory Costs' in June Quarter and Beyond

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/30/apple-memory-costs-significantly-higher/

20th Anniversary iPhone's 'Liquid Glass' Display to Make Bezels Vanish

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/28/20th-anniversary-iphone-liquid-glass-display/

Apple to Launch 'MacBook Ultra' With These Six New Features

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/macbook-ultra-up-to-six-new-features/

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This week: our beautiful Tim Cook Era comes to a conclusion. We look back at his past 15 years, and see why everyone's excited about Apple under John Ternus.

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Stories

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/20/tim-cook-stepping-down/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/macrumor-readers-react-john-ternus-ceo/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/tim-cook-executive-chairman-role/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/ternus-apple-ceo-jobs-style-decisiveness/

John Ternus: we might just be in good hands

https://x.com/TrungTPhan/status/2046969886795251977?s=20

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/apple-teases-incredible-road-map-ahead/

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This week: Apple’s $600 MacBook Neo is absolutely breaking expectations—and maybe Apple’s own plans—as demand explodes and supply starts running thin. 

Plus, macOS just got a HUGE new feature you’ve probably never noticed, And Apple’s satellite tech is about to go next-level, with faster speeds, new capabilities, and features that could completely change how your iPhone works when you’re off the grid. 

Also: a surprise DaVinci Resolve update that could shake up photo editing, and new details on Apple’s upcoming smart glasses that feel straight out of sci-fi.

Sponsors

Clean My Mac

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Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

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Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Apple's $599 MacBook Neo Sold Out Through April Amid Surging Demand

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/16/macbook-neo-demand-surging/

Microsoft Raises Prices for All Surface PCs, Making Them More Expensive Than Equivalent Macs

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/14/microsoft-surface-pc-price-hike/

Make Your MacBook Battery Last Longer With This Setting

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/macbook-charge-limit-setting-benefits/

Apple has four new iPhone satellite features rumored, here’s what’s coming

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/16/apple-has-four-new-iphone-satellite-features-rumored-heres-whats-coming/

DaVinci Resolve 21 Adds Photo Editing and AI Search Tools

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/14/davinci-resolve-21-photo-editing-ai-search/

Apple Testing Four Smart Glasses Styles Made of High-End Materials

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/16/apple-has-four-new-iphone-satellite-features-rumored-heres-whats-coming/

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This week: iPhones are officially in SPACE! 🚀… but it almost didn’t happen. We break down the wild story of how the iPhone barely made it onto a NASA mission and the insane approval process behind it. 

Plus: Apple’s cooking up something just as shocking—a folding “iPhone Ultra” that WILL cost over $2,000. 

Plus plus: Apple’s long-term iPhone strategy and the strange struggles of the iPhone Air. From Cupertino… to the Moon 🌕—this one’s a ride.

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Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Apple's Three-Year Plan to 'Reinvent' the iPhone is Underway

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/apple-three-year-plan-to-reinvent-iphone/

iPhone Ultra's Price Range Revealed

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/iphone-ultra-price-range-revealed/

Apple is Reportedly Facing a 'Massive Dilemma' With the MacBook Neo

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/07/macbook-neo-massive-dilemma/

Leaker: Apple Will Release iPhone Air 2 No Matter How Badly It May Sell

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/iphone-air-2-to-launch-no-matter-what/

Apple Had to Heavily Discount the iPhone Air to Sell It

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/09/iphone-air-needed-discount-to-sell/

How NASA approved the iPhone 17 Pro Max for the Artemis II space mission

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/04/how-nasa-approved-the-iphone-17-pro-max-for-the-artemis-ii-space-mission

iPhone's iconic space photos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55187293546/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55187189317/in/photostream/

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This week: We’re heading back to the Moon (with iPhones in tow!), Tim Cook might actually become Tim Cook™, and iOS 27 could finally fix autocorrect once and for all. 

Plus: Apple randomly drops the price of the XDR display, a must-know iPhone video trick you’ll actually use, and the unbelievable story of Apple employee #8, the man who never left. 

And to wrap it up — ERF relives his surreal Stand By Me live experience… the full story!

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Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Phones are going to the Moon on Artemis II

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/02/iphones-are-going-to-the-moon-on-artemis-ii

Tim Cook Says iPhone Launch Was His Favorite Apple Moment in 50th Anniversary Interview

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/01/tim-cook-50th-anniversary-interview/

iOS 27 Rumored to Feature Keyboard Upgrade

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/01/ios-27-upgraded-keyboard-rumor/

Studio Display XDR without tilt-adjustable stand now costs less

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/01/studio-display-xdr-without-tilt-adjustable-stand-now-costs-less

Stop Your iPhone Suppressing Background Audio in Videos

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/clearer-audio-zoomed-iphone-videos/

Apple employee #8 Chris Espinosa on working his whole life at one company

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/02/apple-employee-8-chris-espinosa-on-working-his-whole-life-at-one-company/

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This week: 

• 💀 Apple just killed the Mac Pro—and it’s $700 wheels too!
• 🧠 WWDC 26 is official—Apple is about to unveil their AI master plans
• 🔊 We’re about to get new all new HomePods, yes, including the big ones
• 💸 Apple is throwing HUGE money at talent to stop them from leaving for OpenAI
• 📱 Let’s go through all the cool new features in iOS 26.4!

Sponsors

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Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week's stories

Apple Confirms Mac Pro Is Dead, No Future Models Planned

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/apple-discontinues-mac-pro/

Apple's $700 Mac Pro Wheels Kit Discontinued Along With Mac Pro

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/mac-pro-wheels-kit-discontinued/

Apple Announces WWDC 2026 Will Take Place June 8 to 12

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/23/apple-announces-wwdc-2026-dates/

WWDC 2026 to Showcase Apple's 'AI Advancements'

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/23/wwdc-2026-ai-advancements/

New HomePod Expected Alongside Updated HomePod Mini and Apple TV

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/new-full-size-homepod-rumor/

Apple Plans to Let Rival AI Chatbots Integrate With Siri in iOS 27

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/apple-ios-27-siri-chatbot-integration/

iOS 26.4 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.4

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-features/

Anthropic's Claude AI Can Now Use Your Mac While You're Away

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/24/claude-use-mac-remotely-iphone/

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This week: The MacBook Neo has a surprise no one’s talking about, the Studio Display XDR is seriously testing my willpower, and I break down what’s actually new (and not) with AirPods Max 2!

Sponsors

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NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

This week's stories

iFixit Teardown: MacBook Neo Has Most Accessible Mac Battery in Over a Decade

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/13/ifixit-macbook-neo-teardown/

Apple Studio Display XDR Hands-On: Better Than the Pro Display XDR in Almost Every Way

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/17/studio-display-xdr-hands-on/

10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/airpods-max-2-audio-improvements/

What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/what-hasnt-changed-with-airpods-max-2/

Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/apple-acquires-motionvfx/

Tim Cook on iPhone's Future: 'There's So Much Left That We Can Do'

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/18/tim-cook-comments-on-iphone-future/

Tim Cook denies imminent retirement rumors, 'can't imagine life without Apple'

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/03/17/tim-cook-denies-imminent-retirement-rumors-cant-imagine-life-without-apple

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This week: The MacBook Neo is here — but Apple’s next wave of devices will be even more surprising...

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NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

This week's stories

MacBook Neo Reviews: Is Just 8GB of RAM Enough?

https://www.macrumors.com/review/macbook-neo/

Apple Still Has More New Macs Planned for 2026

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/08/apple-still-has-more-new-macs-planned/

Apple Could Launch Three New 'Ultra' Devices This Year

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/08/apple-to-launch-three-new-ultras-this-year/

Apple Planning 'MacBook Ultra' With Touchscreen and Higher Price

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/08/apple-planning-macbook-ultra/

Apple Vision Pro is Getting the 'World's Most Advanced Flight Simulator'

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/11/apple-vision-pro-x-plane-flight-simulator/

iPhone Fold Said to Come in These Three Storage Options

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/12/iphone-fold-these-three-storage-capacities/

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/12/apple-announces-50th-anniversary-plans/

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This week:  Apple had a huge week. New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros just landed with massive performance gains and surprising efficiency improvements. 

Apple also introduced the Mac Neo — a $500 Mac that Steve Jobs once said Apple could never build — plus a new Studio Display XDR that might quietly be the most exciting announcement of the bunch. In this episode, I break down everything Apple announced, what’s actually impressive, where the compromises are hiding, and which of these new products might really matter going forward.

Sponsors

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Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

Send us a text!

This week:  Apple’s about to hit the big red LAUNCH button: March 4 brings an “Apple Experience” happening in New York, London, and Shanghai, and we'll likely see days of product drops and press releases. 

Plus: we’re diving into the coming “cheap MacBook” with questionable compromises, then fast-forwarding to the truly unhinged future: a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro with a Dynamic Island, and an iPhone 18 Pro that allegedly shrinks the Island even more. 

Plus plus: Jony Ive + OpenAI - we finally know what they're working on....

Send us a text!

 This week:

• Why your next iPhone could run on satellites
• What's the future for Vision Pro?
• Vision Pro gets a LONG awaited app
• Apple is prepping multiple foldable iPhones
• And Jony Ive debuts one of his most beautiful designs since iPhone

Send us a text!

I’m joined by listener-turned-guest Major Dr. Zach Hicks, an Air Force physician living in Japan, to talk  how Apple’s translation tech is making daily life in Tokyo not just possible, but actually kind of magical. We dive into using AirPods for real-time translation, navigating Japan without speaking the language, and why this stuff feels like a genuine sci-fi breakthrough. Along the way, we wander into raising kids overseas, Japanese culture shock, aviation anxiety, flying in military cargo planes, and why understanding how airplanes work might make you more nervous, not less. It’s a classic CultCast off-topic episode: part tech, part travel, part existential aviation dread — and a reminder that some of the best conversations come straight from the listener community.

Send us a text!

With reseller stock drying up, new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros appear to be RIGHT around the corner!   We’ve also got more intel on Apple’s first OLED MacBook Pro (with a full redesign!). Plus: major new features landing in iOS 26.3 and 26.4, what Apple’s second-largest acquisition reveals about Siri’s future, autonomous AI agents are coming to Xcode, and a disappointing new rumor about the next Studio Display…

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This week’s stories

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/m5-pro-max-macbook-pro-imminent/

Report: OLED MacBook Pro to Launch This Year

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/report-oled-macbook-pro-to-launch-this-year/

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/ios-26-3-and-ios-26-4-features/

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/apple-second-biggest-acquisition/

Xcode 26.3 Lets AI Agents From Anthropic and OpenAI Build Apps Autonomously

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/xcode-26-3-agentic-coding/

Apple's Studio Display 2 Rumored to Have Up to 90Hz Refresh Rate Instead of 120Hz

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/04/apple-studio-display-2-unusual-feature-rumor/

Send us a text!

This week:

• A deep dive into Apple’s new Creator Studio and whether it’s actually a good value for creative professionals
• Everything you need to know about AirTag 2!
• Not one but TWO new MacBook Pros are likely coming this year.
• A rundown of 20+ Apple products expected to launch this year, from Macs and iPads to totally new stuff.
• Google’s new $7.99 AI Plus plan and what it says about the rapidly heating AI arms race
• Revelations from my trip to Stockholm using my $2K mirrorless vs my iPhone 17 Pro camera

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This week's stories

Apple Creator Studio review: Incredible value for most creative pros

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/28/apple-creator-studio-review-incredible-value-for-most-creative-pros

10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/26/10-things-to-know-about-the-new-airtag-2/

Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Year

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/25/macbook-pro-two-upgrades-in-2026-rumor/

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/25/rumored-apple-products/

Google Brings Cheaper $7.99 'AI Plus' Plan to 35 Countries, Including U.S.

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/27/google-ai-plus-plan-expansion/

Send us a text!

This week on the pod, Apple’s future starts to come into focus — and it’s getting very interesting. John Ternus quietly steps into a major design role as Apple’s long-term CEO chessboard shifts, while a new report says Craig Federighi taking the reins on Apple’s evolving AI strategy. 

We also dig into the biggest Siri shake-up in years: a full-on chatbot experience coming in iOS 27. Plus: five all-new Apple products are expected this year and new details on the upcoming MacBook Pro redesign!

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This week’s stories

Apple's John Ternus Takes Over Design in Latest CEO Succession Move

Report: Apple's New AI Strategy Firms Up Under Craig Federighi

A Siri Chatbot is Coming in iOS 27

Will Apple Charge for Its Siri Chatbot?

Apple Expected to Unveil Five All-New Products This Year

MacBook Pro to Receive Up to Six New Features by Next Year

Send us a text!

I found him in a box in downtown Scottsdale! It's the return of my old friend and former co-host, the beautiful Buster Heine.  

If you like this episode, consider supporting big Papa Erf at support.thecultcast.com

Send us a text!

THIS WEEK

• iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features. 
• Apple's new Creator Studio - will Final Cut Pro on Mac will keep getting new features without paying a subscription?  
• A new Studio or Pro XDR Display is RIGHT around the corner.
• And, it's official!  Google Gemini will overhaul Siri - what can we expect?

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This weeks' stories

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

New Studio Display or Pro Display XDR Spotted in Regulatory Database

Apple's Google Gemini Deal Could Be Worth $5 Billion

Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features

Will Final Cut Pro on Mac Get Every New Feature Without a Subscription? Here's What Apple Says

Send us a text!

Greetings my beautiful Govs!  Lots to talk about this week, including:

Update: what's coming next for this show

Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/five-iphone-features-rumored-ios-27/

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/openai-chatgpt-health-apple-health-integration/

John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEO

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/john-ternus-profile/

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An episode in three acts: 

Act I - where did I go?

Act II - what's going on with the CultCast?

Act III - what's the future for CultCast?

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week, the iMac Pro may be back from the dead — with an M5 Max and a 32-inch display! Also: The iPhone 20th anniversary edition may go beyond edge-to-edge, leaked features from iOS 26.4, how to stay 18 forever (iOS 18 that is), and our new trivia quiz — Apple Genius!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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CleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care. Get tidy today — try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CULTCAST

This week’s stories:

iMac Pro could make an epic M5 Max-powered comeback

• The iMac Pro all-in-one could be poised for a return, this time with a huge processor upgrade for professional users — the M5 Max.

20th anniversary iPhone’s display might wrap around all four sides

• Apple may be planning its boldest redesign yet for the iPhone's 20th anniversary, including a display that curves on all four sides.

iOS 26.4 features surface in new internal Apple leak

• Thanks to a leaked internal iOS 26 build, we now know about several new features that Apple could introduce with iOS 26.4.

Secret trick will stop your iPhone from updating to iOS 26 — forever!

• You can stop the iOS 26 update in its tracks if you want. This trick will keep your iPhone on iOS 18 forever.
• How to control volume with your Apple TV remote (FB21368004)

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: Have you forgotten about the HomePad? Apple hasn’t! Also: The one exec Apple can’t afford to lose, the great new features coming to the Studio Display 2, how to ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone, a question about the Mac that Apple should make, and a review of the Beats Pill!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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This week’s stories:

Why you’ll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub

• Apple's HomePad smart home hub starts to look interesting, especially after the latest rumors reveal advanced features.

The one executive Apple is fighting to keep

• Johny Srouji, the architect behind Apple silicon, says he's not planning to leave the company "anytime soon."

ProMotion and HDR could finally make Studio Display a true pro tool for creators

• The pro-grade features of the upcoming Apple Studio Display 2 include ProMotion, HDR and a mini-LED panel upgrade.
• How to convert an old iMac into a 5K monitor for less than $200

How to ping your lost Apple Watch from your iPhone

• You can ping a lost Apple Watch from your iPhone. The reverse has always been one of the best uses of an Apple Watch.

Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

• The Beats Pill delivers powerful, room-filling sound. The bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displaces 90% more air volume, packing more of a punch with deeper, fuller bass.

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week, it’s the biggest brain drain at Apple for decades — and a lot of Apple fans are celebrating! Also: Intel is coming back to the Mac (but it’s not what you think!) and another pedantic Mac question only Griffin can answer. 

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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This week’s stories:

Apple design chief quits for Meta. Some say good riddance!

• Social media users responded to big news that Alan Dye will join Meta with Liquid-Glass-focused sarcasm. Is it really such a big loss?

Meet Apple’s new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called ‘Margaret’

• Meet Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, and learn why Steve Jobs called him “Margaret.”

Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence

• Apple's AI chief is out after a string of failures. Learn about the new leadership for the company's critical AI development efforts.

Macs might soon have Intel inside again — but there’s a twist

• In a surprising shift in Apple's chip strategy, Intel will reportedly fabricate low-end M-series chips for future MacBook Air and iPad Pro.

How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025

• Apple Music Replay is where you find your most-played songs, artists and albums from 2025. Here's how to find it.
• Griffin on Apple Music
• Lewis on Apple Music
• Leander on Apple Music

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: iOS 27 is getting a “Snow Leopard” update, Android is getting AirDrop support, your Mac is getting custom folder icons, Griffin is getting the best cheap 5K display — and you’re getting our top Black Friday deals!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

CultCloth 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.co

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This week’s stories:

iOS 27 focuses on the one feature every iPhone user wants most

• With iOS 27, Apple is making the absolute best move it can to improve the iPhone. The same goes for Macs running macOS 27.

File sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop

• Google updated its Quick Share feature to allow wireless direct file sharing between Android and iPhone users.

Why you might want to pass on Apple’s Black Friday deals

• An Apple Store shopping event kicks off on Black Friday, but you should probably shop elsewhere. Here's why.

Black Friday week Apple sales are here — check out the best deals

• We have the ultimate guide on the best Black Friday 2025 deals on Apple gear — and all the accessories you could want. See our top picks.
• iPhone deals
• MacBook deals
• iPad deals
• AirPods deals
• Apple Watch deals

Give your Mac a makeover with custom icons

• Unique Mac icons are a great way to customize your machine. Learn how to change Mac icons for folders, apps, disks, files and more.

Review: ViewSonic VP2788-5K

• ViewSonic’s offering has the best balance of build quality, connectivity options, display panel and price.

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: This quarter. It could be Tim Cook’s last! We could have CEO John Ternus by January. Also: iOS 26.2 lets you replace Siri (in Japan), the Mac Pro canceled again, iPhone Pocket sells out instantly, thieves are giving Android phones back to their victims, and the most expensive Mac setup money can buy!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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This week’s stories:

Griffin’s M5 Vision Pro on eBay

Apple preps for a post–Tim Cook era

• Apple may be nearing a CEO transition, with a report claiming the board is stepping up its search for a Tim Cook replacement.

iPhone side button will soon get a quiet upgrade

• With iOS 26.2, Apple will allow iPhone users to launch third-party voice assistants using the side key (but only in Japan so far).
• Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts

Apple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again

• Apple's ill-fated Mac Pro might not get an M5 Ultra upgrade in 2026, with the company pushing the Mac Studio instead.

Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit

• If you didn't move quickly, you missed your chance to get an iPhone Pocket on launch day. The accessory divides Apple fans, though.

London’s iPhone-loving thieves ‘don’t want no Samsung’ for a reason

• In a surprising twist in the smartphone wars, iPhone-craving thieves reject low-value Androids like Samung on the mean streets of London.

Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford

• Sure, maybe you can't afford thousands of dollars for a desk setup worth drooling over, but it's still fun to look, right?
• In our dreams: Studio Displays flank Pro Display XDR in M2 Ultra Mac Pro rig

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: Everyone yearns for the Apple TV, but instead, we have the $230 iPhone sling! Also: Apple’s new digital passport, Tesla gets on the CarPlay bandwagon, a question about an old iTunes feature you definitely forgot about, our favorite 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, and our first impressions of Pluribus!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone

• Apple unveils the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted iPhone accessory designed in collaboration with Japan's Issey Miyake.

Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID

• Forget turning your driver’s license into a digital ID, now you can add your passport info to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet.

Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs

• After years of avoidance, Tesla plans to add CarPlay to its electric vehicles to boost sales. That's a big win for Apple.

Genius Mixes

• Use Genius Shuffle or Genius Playlists in Music on Mac
• Use Genius Shuffle, Genius Playlists, or Genius Mixes in iTunes on PC
• Let Autoplay pick what plays next

Kuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy

• The Kuxiu X40 Turbo is a great 3-in-1 charger that supports the fastest MagSafe and Qi charging speeds possible on the latest iPhones.
• Buy on Amazon

Pluribus on Apple TV

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: Apple’s cheap MacBook sending PC makers into a panic, Google Gemini rescuing the new Siri from vaporware, the next iPhone Air that may (or may not) solve its biggest problem, the battle over Apple CarPlay and iOS 26.1 features you should try. Also: AirPods Pro Mad Libs.

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’

• With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, the PC industry should definitely be worried.

Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix

• The brains behind the upcoming AI-enhanced version of Siri will reportedly be provided by Google, not Apple’s own tech. For a hefty price.

Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem

• Want an iPhone Air wide-angle camera? That could come in the second generation, partly addressing a big criticism of the slim handset.

How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future

• Despite CarPlay's ongoing popularity, its future is under threat. Automakers can't resist the profit they see in providing their own services.

5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss

• Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is out now; there are five features you should check out after you install it — changes to Liquid Glass and more.
• Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1
• Everything new in iOS 26.1
• YouTube: Everything new in iOS 26.1

AirPods Pro Mad Libs

• Article screenshot

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This week: Project Bongo is back to replace your iPhone buttons with haptics, (almost) every iPad is turning OLED, AirPods Pro 3 are having troubles, when you should upgrade your iMac — and our full reviews of the M5 Vision Pro and Apple Watch Series 11!

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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.com

CultCloth 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.co

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This week’s stories:

iPhone 20 could make buttons a thing of the past

• iPhone 20 might replace buttons with haptics -- at last. The 20th anniversary handset could finally go with motion-sensing, vibrating tech.

Here’s when every iPad gets a beautiful OLED screen

• Apple plans to put gorgeous OLED displays in almost every iPad. Here’s when to expect the tablets to switch away from LCDs.
• Apple could bring iPhone-style water resistance to iPad mini
• How Apple might give the M6-powered iPad Pro a serious performance boost

Weird AirPods Pro 3 glitch proves unbearable at 30,000 feet

• Some users of AirPods Pro 3 are plagued by a whistle noise when using the earbuds on a flight. Here’s how to be ready if it happens to you.

The M5 Vision Pro is still the ultimate entertainment device

• The new M5 Vision Pro brings a huge leap in compute power and graphics performance — plus a more comfortable head band in the box.
• Review on YouTube

Apple Watch Series 11

• How to use advanced Apple Watch sleep stage tracking