Liquid Glass isn't the only thing going on in iOS 26. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Now that we’re all running the latest software versions on our iPhones and Apple Watches, it’s time to go over the coolest new features.
Yes, Apple’s new Liquid Glass user interface takes some getting used to, but it’s pretty sweet in the end. And there are a bunch of other great additions we love. Join us for the conversation!
Also on The CultCast:
A MacBook Pro with a touchscreen?!? It might be in the pipeline.
The updates in iPadOS 26 finally fix the tablet’s multitasking problem.
The Mac App Store is currently broken — but there’s a workaround.
Cult of Mac’s buyback program buys everything from AirPods and iPhones to MacBooks and Magic Keyboards, damaged or not. Get your quote now.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Jobs apparently tried to take one of these on his private jet. Photo: SecretNinjaNews
September 14, 2010: Security workers reportedly stop Steve Jobs at Japan’s Kansai International Airport. The reason? The Apple CEO supposedly tried to bring ninja throwing stars onto his private plane while heading home from vacation. The “Steve Jobs ninja stars” story quickly becomes one of the most bizarre Jobs stories ever.
Apple, however, quickly spoils the internet’s fun. Cupertino issues a statement describing the reports as “pure fiction” (although Apple acknowledges that Jobs visited Japan over the summer).
The new iPhones and Apple Watches are almost here. Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple’s biggest day of the year is almost here! September 9 brings the Awe Dropping event that’ll be jam-packed with product launches. We’re definitely expecting multiple redesigned iPhones and upgraded Apple Watches, plus there could be a few more products on the agenda.
Here’s the full list of Apple products rumored to be coming on Tuesday.
iPhone 17 seems set to deliver significantly longer runtime. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The alleged battery capacity of the iPhone 17 lineup has surfaced online. It points to Apple using significantly bigger batteries on its upcoming iPhone.
And for the first time since adding eSIM support with the 2017 iPhone X, Apple may equip the eSIM-only models with a larger battery.
Will the AirPods Pro 3 debut alongside the iPhone 17 on September 9? Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
A new rumor suggests AirPods Pro 3 will debut this year, but won’t bring any breakthrough hardware upgrades. The rumored IR-equipped cameras, which supposedly will enable air gestures for interacting with the earbuds, might not arrive until 2026.
Apple could unveil its new flagship AirPods Pro 3 earbuds at Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event.
However, the earbuds won’t pack any breakthrough hardware upgrades, including IR-equipped cameras for air gesture support. That feature supposedly must wait until 2026.
Apple’s tiny smart speaker should get an AI upgrade soon. Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly preparing a new HomePod mini version, the first upgrade to the affordable smart speaker in five years. HomePod mini 2 rumors suggest a considerable jump in features, including support for Apple Intelligence.
Here’s what the rumors say about HomePod mini 2, which is supposedly coming soon.
Can you beat us at our own predictions game? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With Apple’s Awe Dropping event bearing down on us, it’s time to once again put our professional reputations (and our personal dignity) on the line with our traditional predictions game!
Who will win this time? And will a CultCast listener steal the glory once again?!?
Also on The CultCast:
A stripped-down version of the Vision Pro, possibly called the Vision Air, could reduce the strain on users’ necks (and wallets).
A proposed iMac Lego set is gaining supporters online. Let’s take it over the top!
Apple wins one in court — and it’s a big one. A judge rules that the $20 billion payments that Google forks over to Apple each year can continue.
Will you be willing to pay more for the iPhone 17 Pro? Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple will bump the RAM to 12GB and the base storage to 256GB on at least three iPhone 17 models. Combined with other improvements, TrendForce analysts believe the iPhone 17 Pro will cost $100 more than its predecessor.
Yet, the analysts project the iPhone 17 lineup will see a 3.5% increase in shipments over the 2024 iPhone 16.
The days of same-old iPad are almost over. Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple is bringing real change to the iPad line, with the first folding model reportedly on the drawing board. An analyst with generally reliable sources in Apple’s component supply chain predicts the company’s first foldable tablet will launch in 2028.
The new report contradicts an earlier one that said Apple put the cutting-edge device on hold.
Apple’s “World Knowledge Answers” could be baked into a future version of Siri. Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple will reportedly take on OpenAI and Perplexity with its own AI-powered web search. Known internally as the World Knowledge Answers, the feature should launch by next year.
The company will integrate it directly into Siri and may eventually bring it to Safari and Spotlight.
iPhone 17 Pro might run cooler under load. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro family may use more efficient displays and feature improved thermal efficiency. They will seemingly also pack bigger batteries to deliver long battery life.
The information comes from a Chinese leaker known for his accurate iPhone-related leaks in the past.
Apple expects foldable iPhone to sell in big numbers. Photo: ChatGPT
Apple’s foldable iPhone won’t launch until at least H2 2026. Yet, the company is seemingly already optimistic about its demand, raising its shipment forecast.
A reputed Apple analyst says Apple has bumped its 2026 and 2027 shipment forecasts by a few million units.
You might actually be able to afford Apple’s Vision Air. Photo: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple must have heard the complaints about the cost and weight of the Vision Pro AR headset, because it’s reportedly working on a Vision Air that will be half as expensive and almost half the weight. That’s the word coming Tuesday from a source who’s built a reputation by often being accurate in predictions about future Apple products.
It’ll take Apple a while to develop the new product, though.
Apple may ditch the physical SIM card in more countries with the iPhone 17. A report points to the company going eSIM-only with its upcoming iPhones in Europe this year.
Apple dropped the physical SIM slot entirely in the US starting with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
Here's everything to expect from Apple's premium earbuds. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple looks poised to unveil its highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3 at its Awe Dropping event on September 9, marking the first major update to the premium noise-canceling earbuds since 2022. Multiple sources suggest the third-generation model will bring significant hardware upgrades alongside Apple’s continued software feature rollouts. Check out all the AirPods Pro 3 rumors below.
We're getting fired up and ready to be awed! Image: Cult of Mac
This week, invites are out for the “awe dropping” iPhone event! Also: Touch ID and bumper cases making a comeback like it’s 2013, how to combine emojis, the first ergonomic dual-ultra-widescreen setup, Twitter versus Mastodon and Leander’s review of PowerBeats Pro 2!
Does the invitation to the Apple event hint at what the company will announce? Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac
The graphic in the invitation to Apple’s upcoming “Awe dropping” product launch event looks like a thermal image, and that set off furious speculation Tuesday about whether it’s a hint about a feature coming to one of the many products expected to debut that day.
Could it refer to a way to cool the iPhone 17 Pro? Or a new Apple Watch sensor? Something else?
Apple sometimes uses its event invitations to hint about what it will announce, so it’s possible the company is clueing us in.
Apple Watch Series 11 might bring a rush of new features. Or maybe not. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
With the launch of Apple Watch Series 11 likely just weeks away, rumors about what to expect remain surprisingly rare. Still, we know a fair amount about what’s coming, based on watchOS 26 and Apple’s usual moves. Additionally, some rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 features might arrive on the regular model, too.
So, will Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 bring only minor upgrades, as in the last few years? Or will 2025 be the year Apple recaptures the buzz surrounding its smartwatch, adding exciting new features?
Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 11 so far.
Stay informed ahead of the release of the basic iPhone 17. Image: Cult of Mac
The iPhone 17 is less than a month away, and early rumors are already stirring excitement. It may be Apple’s basic model, but it’s still expected to get a better, larger screen, enhanced selfie camera, as well as a faster processor and a new range of color options.
Would you use a bumper case with the iPhone 17 Air? Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple internally tested launching an iPhone 4-style bumper case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, according to an unconfirmed report. The slim case would have covered the phone’s edges, leaving the back exposed.
Such a thin case would highlight the iPhone 17 Air’s super-thin design. However, it’s unclear whether Apple will launch the case.
Surprise! The AirPods Pro 3 release date could be mere weeks away. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
AirPods Pro 3 could reach customers this fall, according to a reliable source. Earlier rumors said Apple’s next-generation premium wireless earbuds might not be out until 2026.
Expect at least one new health-related feature in the new version.
A folding iPhone might be in short supply for a long time. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
The first folding iPhone reportedly will utilize Apple’s in-house C2 modem, switch to an advanced display technology to improve touch accuracy and make the screen crease less visible, and bring back a classic feature: Touch ID.
Codenamed V68, the book-style foldable is on track to debut in 2026
The latest TechWoven leaks trigger us a little with memories of FineWoven. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: A string of leaks from Majin Bu showcase a new line of “TechWoven” iPhone cases. This looks to be Apple’s replacement for the hated FineWoven cases, with a new material that will make the whole thing less sucky.
But does the world really need a replacement for leather iPhone cases?
Also on The CultCast:
iPhone 17e might take a welcome trip to the Dynamic Island, and the Apple Watch might add Touch ID.
An eye-popping eight-display setup leaves us slightly amazed and full of questions.
Anker’s brand-new iPhone power bank is super-slim and super-cool.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video version, embedded below.