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The great iOS 19 squircles controversy [The CultCast]

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Image of iPhone with leaked iOS 19 Home Screen, along with
Why is funnier: stouter squircles or squabbling leakers?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest video from Front Page Tech leaker in chief Jon Prosser gives us a closer look at what iOS 19 might look like. Its glossy UI elements and rounder “squircles” for app icons get us pondering the future. And the feud between Prosser and Bloomberg scoop machine Mark Gurman gets us laughing!

Also on The CultCast:

  • The iPhone 17 Pro might not look as different as previous rumors indicated.
  • The threat of rising prices due to tariffs propels some shoppers to Apple stores for a little (probably unnecessary 😬) panic buying.
  • On a related topic, if you thought Apple might move its manufacturing to the United States to avoid import tariffs, don’t hold your breath.
  • And finally, Griffin explains how you can do almost anything on your iPhone using voice commands.

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.

A tale of two Airs: iPad and MacBook reviews [The CultCast]

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CultCast 691 iPad Air vs MacBook Air
Which new Air is best? D. Griffin Jones puts the latest MacBook Air and iPad Air to the test.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Griffin goes deep on the M3 iPad Air and the M4 MacBook Air, which he recently reviewed from his unique perspective as a Mac mini fanatic. He loved them both, but which one rules the day? And can either of them come close to his desktop dynamo?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon digs into the M3 Ultra benchmarks.
  • There’s a shakeup in Siri land! Can the new boss fix Apple’s virtual assistant and/or deliver Siri’s promised AI upgrade?
  • Surprise, surprise — Apple is working on a new monitor.
  • iOS 19 might turn AirPods into real-time translators, which sounds like a killer feature for travelers.

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.

Metallica immersive video puts Vision Pro owners front and center

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A photo of Metallica guitarist James Hetfield with the words,
We don't recommend banging your head while wearing a Vision Pro.
Image: Apple

Apple’s new immersive concert video Metallica will give Vision Pro owners a unique experience of one of the band’s pulse-pounding shows. Filmed during the band’s M72 World Tour, it captures three Metallica songs in ultra-high-resolution, 180-degree video and Spatial Audio.

In a press release Tuesday, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich described the immersive video as a revolutionary twist on the standard concert film.

“Game-changing is putting it lightly,” Ulrich said. “Seeing our concert like that, along with the energy of the Mexico City fans — it’s very immersive, and it’s super-fun. We’ve always been interested in pushing the boundaries, and Metallica on Apple Vision Pro is exactly that.”

Tim Cook dazzles us with new Macs and iPads [The CultCast]

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AI-generated cartoon image of Apple CEO Tim Cook holding a three-eared rabbit and a magic wand, with the logo
Nevermind that rabbit's third ear. Tim Cook is a product magician!
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: There’s plenty to talk about after an absolutely magical barrage of new Apple products unveiled this week. We discuss the highlights (and lowlights) of all the new Macs and iPads.

Also on The CultCast:

  • What’s in the latest iOS 18.4 and visionOS 2.4 betas? Griffin gives us an overview of new features.
  • Erfon struggles with yet another Apple buying decision.
  • Griffin gives the iPhone 16e a surprise rave review.

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.

When it comes to making Siri smarter, the struggle is real

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Image of an iPhone with the words
It's official: The smarter Siri that Apple touted last year is taking longer than expected.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple confirmed Friday that the smarter Siri promised at WWDC24 isn’t coming together as quickly as anticipated. After touting the minor Siri upgrades that already rolled out, a company statement ended on a depressing note.

“We’ve also been working on a more personalized Siri, giving it more awareness of your personal context, as well as the ability to take action for you within and across your apps,” said Apple spokeswoman Jacqueline Roy. “It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.”

This confirms multiple previous rumors indicating that users pining for a smarter Siri shouldn’t hold their breath.

Pros and cons of the latest iPhone leaks [The CultCast]

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A mockup of an iPhone 17 Pro with a wide camera bump, plus
Lots of new iPhone rumors buzzing around this week!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: A new leak of CAD files gives us our supposed first look at the full iPhone 17 lineup. And, looking further into the future, it sounds like Apple ironed out the final wrinkle that was holding back a folding iPhone. We discuss the latest iPhone leaks and rumors, digging into what sounds good and what sounds bad. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an action-packed gaming experience, Smoke Lara takes you on a thrilling adventure—check out our Guardian of Light iPhone review to learn more.

Also on The CultCast:

  • What’s new in the first iOS 18.4 beta? Griffin gives us the rundown on new iPhone features coming soon.
  • iPhone 15 Pro users can look forward to Visual Intelligence, one of Apple’s more useful AI tools.
  • New MacBook Airs should be coming our way in the very near future.

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.

Our predictions for Apple’s ‘newest member of the family’ [The CultCast]

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AI-generated cartoon image of a fortune teller looking at a crystal ball with Apple logo and tech products, plus
Match wits with The CultCast hosts in our traditional predictions game.
Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook’s cryptic tease about “the newest member of the [Apple] family” fuels speculation about what new products the company will announce. Let the predictions begin! While Apple’s future continues to spark debate, it’s interesting to look back at past predictions—such as when CNN speculated about Apple’s downfall. Ever wondered how much is CNN worth? Check out this historical perspective on Apple’s supposed decline.

We made our predictions live on the podcast. You can play along in our predictions game.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds offer cool features — and come in hot colors.
  • Erfon defends his decisions re: his recent MacBook Pro and iPad Pro purchases.
  • Apple’s venture into robotics sounds pretty serious. What might the first products look like?
  • And finally, the first folding iPhone might arrive next year. The latest rumor gives us hope.

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.

Apple’s cute robo-lamp looks adorable! [The CultCast]

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An image of Apple's robotic AI lamp, along with The CultCast logo (episode 685)
You've got to see Apple's AI-powered robotic lamp in action!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Our first glimpse at Apple’s AI-powered robotic lamp makes us giddy with hope for the secret iPad-on-a-stick project we’ve been skeptical about in the past. The surprisingly lifelike Apple robo-lamp looks just like Pixar’s Luxo Jr. How cute is that?!?

Join us for the conversation about the future of Apple robotics. (We really want the lamp.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple’s M5 chip is coming soon. How good will it be? And what product will it appear in first?
  • Griffin tells us all about Apple’s new Invites app, which makes party planning simple and elegant.
  • Erfon provides an update on his recent MacBook Pro and iPad Pro purchases. The 14-day return window is about to slam shut — and he’s not sure he’s keeping either of them! He explains why.
  • We weren’t sure we could top the Andy Warhol banana iPhone case, but Zugu’s iPad case with a built-in dead man’s switch is right up there on the “crazy products we love” list.

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.

Bad news for Apple AR glasses, good news for CarPlay and Siri [The CultCast]

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AI-generated image of AR glasses with the word
Another big Apple project bites the dust.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple pulls the plug on a secret AR glasses project. What does this mean for Vision Pro?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon discusses the pros and cons of the 13-inch iPad Pro.
  • Apple’s latest earnings call yields some astonishing factoids.
  • Apple still plans to fix Siri — and to roll out the delayed CarPlay 2.
  • We end with a laugh at one of the craziest iPhone cases we’ve ever seen.

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.

This is the most bananas iPhone case ever!

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Product shot of Andy Warhol x Casetify banana iPhone case
It even comes with a peel-off sticker!
Photo: Casetify

The banana-shaped iPhone case in the new Andy Warhol x Casetify collection is the most bizarre Apple accessory we’ve seen in a while. It’s gigantic, fragile and expensive. And it even comes with three stickers that look like what you’d see on an actual banana at the grocery store.

It’s only one of the many Apple accessories in the eye-catching new collection, produced by Casetify under license from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Will iOS 19 redesign look more like visionOS? [The CultCast]

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Image of iPhone with Camera app on it, along with The CultCast logo (episode 683)
The iOS overhaul might start with the Camera app.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Is 2025 the year we see a big iOS 19 redesign based on the look and feel of visionOS? A new rumor says so, starting with the Camera app. There’s much to discuss!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon finally made a decision on what size iPad Pro to buy.
  • We discuss the latest rumors about the upcoming iPhone SE and iPad Air models.
  • Apple takes steps to eliminate AI-generated fake news from notification summaries. But the company seems more intent than ever on getting everyone to use Apple Intelligence.

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.

Shocker: iPhone 17 Pro’s camera will be even better [The CultCast]

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AI-generated cartoon image of iPhone 17 Pro with a comically long telephoto lens. The CultCast logo, episode 682.
OK, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.
AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumors indicate the iPhone 17 Pro camera will get a major upgrade. Shocker!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Just how thin will the iPhone 17 Air be?
  • Three lesser Apple products should get big upgrades in 2025.
  • The next version of CarPlay might be even more awesome..
  • With the Severance season two premiere imminent, the creative Apple TV+ marketing is off the hook.
  • Erfon and Griffin get jazzed about the recently hyped Nintendo Switch 2.

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.

CES 2025’s best and weirdest new gadgets [The CultCast]

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Image of person wearing Nanoleaf's IR therapy mask, plus the CultCast logo (episode 681).
Nanoleaf's new LED therapy face mask: bargain-basement Iron Man or high-tech luchador?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: First, Erfon recounts his recent, extremely lengthy trip to the Apple Store to check out the latest MacBook Pros. He put the nano-texture screen to the test — and came back with a surprising verdict. Then, we discuss some of the coolest — and some of the weirdest — new gear shown off at CES this week.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 won’t arrive as soon as some Apple rumormongers suspected.
  • Dell “borrows” Apple’s iPhone naming convention to simplify to its product lineup … and then blows it!
  • Griffin wraps up with a pro tip that you almost need to see to believe.

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.

iPhone 18 Pro camera in for a big change? [The CultCast]

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AI-generated image of person taking photo with smartphone, plus The CultCast logo (episode 680).
OK, so the iPhone 18's camera is not gonna look like that. But it might be stunning nevertheless!
Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumors indicate the iPhone 18 Pro will pack a variable aperture camera. Erfon and Griffin break down what that could mean — and why it could bring a significant photographic boost to the device.

Also on The CultCast:

  • We’ve got some picks for what to watch during this weekend’s Apple TV+ free binge-o-rama.
  • From the iPhone 17 Air to AirTags 2 (and maybe AirPods Pro 3), it looks like 2025 might be an exciting year for Apple — we discuss the stuff we’re most psyched about.
  • Apple’s Magic Mouse is due for an upgrade. But will it really come with voice controls?
  • We wrap up the show with our final picks for the best stuff of 2024.

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.

Is this really what iPhone 17 Pro will look like? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 678, with iPhone 17 Pro renders based on latest Apple rumors
Is this the iPhone you want?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Some new iPhone 17 Pro renders make us ponder whether Apple will (or should) create such a device. We discuss the pros, cons and alternative theories.

Also on The CultCast:

  • An update on when we might see the very first folding iPhone.
  • A ridiculous Apple Intelligence screwup lands Apple in hot water.
  • We wrap up with round two of our picks for best and worst of 2024.

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.

Why AirTags make the ultimate stocking stuffers for Apple fans

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AirTag ultimate Apple stocking stuffer: Looking for a last-minute gift for the Apple fan in your life? You can't go wrong with AirTags.
Make things merry with a gift any Apple fan will appreciate.
Photo: Luke Southern/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for an Apple fan in your life, there’s one surprisingly simple answer: Get them an AirTag. Or a bunch of them. With frequent discounts from Amazon and other retailers, AirTags make the ultimate stocking stuffer for anybody in the Apple ecosystem.

The MacBook of our dreams, plus our first picks for best of 2024! [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 677 logo, plus an AI-generated image of a futuristic laptop that's definitely not a 5G OLED MacBook Pro
Apple plans to make the MacBook Pro of our dreams. Just don't hold your breath.
AI image: Image Playground/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: According to the latest Apple rumors, the 5G OLED MacBooks we’ve been anticipating forever are finally on the way … in 2026.

Also on The CultCast:

  • A quick rundown of some of the fun new features in iOS 18.2.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3 might gain a feature that could save your bacon in an emergency. Plus, Cupertino’s still working on another potentially lifesaving feature we’ve been waiting on for years.
  • And we wrap up with the first installment of our top picks for the best stuff of 2024.

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.

The Touch Bar lives (sorta)! [The CultCast]

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Images of Flexbar, a new piece of hardware that aims to resurrect Apple's Touch Bar, plus the CultCast logo (episode 676).
Will this Touch Bar-inspired project catch on?
Image: Flexbar/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: An interesting new gadget called the Flexbar takes Apple’s doomed Touch Bar idea and runs with it. Instead of being fixed in place like on the MacBook Pro, this customizable OLED strip connects to Macs and PCs via USB-C.

It looks pretty cool! But can it succeed where the Touch Bar failed?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Almost as surprising as the Touch Bar making a comeback: A company figured out how to offer aftermarket SSDs for the Mac Studio, at much more affordable prices than Apple’s upgrades. (OK, that last part’s not surprising.)
  • The first M5-powered iPad Pros reportedly will arrive in the second half of next year. And it sounds like that crazy hybrid iPad/HomePod might become a reality in 2025, too.
  • And finally, Erfon tells us all about a sweet aftermarket CarPlay display in a new “Under Review” segment.

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.

Finally, Apple makes fixing Siri a priority [The CultCast]

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The CultCast logo, episode 675, with a photo of an iPhone
Sounds like Apple's finally getting Siri-ous about fixing its AI assistant.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With a slightly smarter Siri on the way in iOS 18.4, a new rumor indicates Apple might actually fix Siri once and for all … in 2026! We discuss the “LLM Siri” that supposedly will catch up with ChatGPT and other chatty competitors. As Apple refines its AI capabilities, companies like Buyback Boss are also innovating in tech resale and trade-in solutions. Find out more about the latest updates.

But the question remains: Can Apple really afford to wait that long to make its AI assistant less of a laughingstock?

Also on The CultCast:

  • New rumors and renders show what the iPhone 17 lineup might look like.
  • Uh-oh: We’ve got bad news about AirPods Max.
  • And finally, Griffin talks up a solid — and much cheaper — stand-in for Apple’s Studio Display in an all-new Under Review.

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.

Latest Apple rumors: Thinner iPhones, better AirTags [The CultCast]

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Photo of a hand holding an iPhone, along with The CultCast logo and episode 674.
Next year might bring an oddball iPhone.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The rumored “iPhone 17 Air” supposedly will delete major features to become Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever — and sell at a premium price. We debate the pros and cons of such a scenario. Plus, Apple reportedly plans to make AirTags even better … and might be reconsidering making an actual TV set.

It’s a rumor-packed podcast!

Also on The CultCast:

  • We discuss the possibility of Apple selling SSD upgrades for Mac mini.
  • Apple slipped a surprise feature into the M4 MacBook Pro.
  • Image Playground produces some truly ridiculous images. See a sampling below. Is this the best Apple Intelligence can do?

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.

M4 Mac reviews go multiball! [The CultCast]

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An M4 Mac mini setup on a desk, with The CultCast episode 673 mentioned
Cult of Mac reviewers go hands-on with M4 Mac mini, MacBook Pro and iMac, and we're here to talk about it.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: So … many … M4 Mac reviews! Griffin tells us why the new Mac mini and the updated iMac make him go gaga. And the faster MacBook Pros are no slouches, either.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The “updated” Apple accessories — Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse — pack exactly one new feature. It’s not exactly magical.
  • Apple reportedly plans to launch an inexpensive touchscreen device for managing smart home gear. But what purpose would it serve, really?
  • Apple Music turns its ridiculous 100 Best Albums list into an even more ridiculous $450 coffee-table tome.

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.

M4 MacBook Pros sound like absolute monsters! [The CultCast]

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CultCast episode 672 - M4 MacBook Pros are monsters
Everyone agrees: Apple's monstrous new laptops are blazing fast!
Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first benchmarks for the M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros come in amazingly good. And early reviews from the “access media” rave about the new Apple laptops, too. (What else did you expect?)

It might be time for Erfon’s long-overdue upgrade.

Also on The CultCast:

  • There’s another reason you should buy an M4 laptop rather than waiting for next year’s model.
  • iOS 18.2 is almost here, and Griffin runs down all the exciting new features it brings.
  • The next iPhone could come with even more custom Apple hardware inside.
  • And finally … Erfon actually got his hands on the camera he’s been waiting forever to receive. His first impressions are … mixed.

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.

M4 Macs: So much to love [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 671: M4 Pro and M4 Max chips from the new M4 Macs.
You can almost feel the power of the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After a whirlwind week of M4 Mac releases, we weigh up the pros (tons) and cons (very few). Mostly it’s a lovefest as we talk about the new M4 Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pros.

Also on The CultCast:

  • What’s up with Apple putting the new Mac mini power button on the bottom? (Luckily, the internet has some “fixes.”)
  • Apple surprised us by upgrading the RAM on M2 and M3 MacBook Airs — without raising the prices!
  • We wrap up with a discussion of what new Apple gear we ordered after this week’s Mac-o-rama.

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.

M4 Macs lead parade of upcoming Apple products [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 667 features discussion of M4 MacBook Pros
Sounds like new Macs will pop out of Tim Cook's magic pipeline in the very near future.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: If Apple does host a big October event, M4 Macs and iPads likely will steal the show. We talk about what to expect from the upcoming Apple products.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Other Apple gear is on a longer timeline, including iPhone SE 4, upgraded iPad Airs and a next-gen Vision Pro.
  • There’s also a rumored low-end smart display running a mysterious new operating system called “homeOS.”
  • And finally, Erfon gives us an in-depth, ears-on review of one week with AirPods 4. He’s not crazy about the fit, and the active noise cancellation is a mixed bag.

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.

iPhone 16 Pro: What we like and what we don’t [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 660: iPhone 16 Pro review
Join us for episode 666 of The CultCast. It's the podcast of the beast!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After nearly a week with our new iPhone 16 Pros, it’s time for a spirited conversation about the things we love — and several things we don’t. The Camera Control is undeniably interesting, but touchscreen problems and software glitches take a little of the shine off the new iPhone experience.

Also on The CultCast:

  • We also discuss what Cult of Mac reviewers had to say about the regular iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10. We can’t help but be a little jealous of those new iPhone colors.
  • Why you don’t need to worry about a weird “upgrade to iOS 18” message on your iPhone that’s already running iOS 18.
  • And finally, Erfon talks about seeing the new satin black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in person — and why he walked away without one.

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.