Lewis Wallace - page 6

Talking turkey about WWDC22 keynote predictions [The CultCast]

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The CultCast 547: It's time to discuss our last-minute WWDC22 predictions, hopes and fears.
It's time to discuss our last-minute WWDC22 predictions, hopes and fears.
Image: Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With WWDC22 coming next week, it’s time for last-minute predictions about what Apple will hit us with. The next-gen versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS are a given. But what about an AR/VR headset or the realityOS it supposedly will run on? A new MacBook Air with an M2 chip?

It’s time to talk turkey about Monday’s big keynote.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Will we finally get an iPhone with an always-on display this year?
  • In an all-new Under Review, Juuk’s metal Apple Watch bands — one that looks like Iron Man built it, and one that puts a rainbow on your wrist — blow us away.
  • Forget talking turkey. Erfon talks chickens in a pre-WWDC fever dream!

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

Is this purple iPhone 14 Pro the real deal? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders.
We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After eyeballing the latest iPhone 14 Pro renders from John Prosser and Ian Zelbo, we’re left with two big impressions. One, that iPhone looks awfully familiar. Two … purple? Really?!?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Please let the latest cryptic HomePod rumor be true.
  • Can your eyes handle the even-fancier Studio Display that’s supposedly coming soon? And can your wallet?
  • This week’s giveaway features a mophie 3-in-1 travel charger that makes us wish we could enter. (Don’t worry. You can, and we’ll try to hid our jealousy.)
  • Erfon’s got a bit of a crush on Soundcore Frames, the Bluetooth sunglasses you can hear.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor

CultCloth is the cleaning cloth that gives Apple’s expensive Polishing Cloth a serious run for its money. For a limited time, score a free 8×8 CarryCloth with any order when you use code CULTCAST at checkout.

Here comes that Apple Watch redesign we’ve been waiting for [The CultCast]

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The CultCast podcast: Will Apple Watch Series 8 bring the redesign we've been waiting for?
Will Apple Watch Series 8 bring the redesign we've been waiting for?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: That big, flat Apple Watch redesign we expected in 2021 might arrive this year to soothe our lingering disappointment. The latest renders by Ian Zelbo, spurred by a tweet from leaker ShrimpApplePro, make Apple Watch Series 8 look quite appealing.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Is Cupertino about to “fix” Apple TV’s biggest problem?
  • The AR/VR headset Apple’s been working on for so long sounds like it’s almost ready for prime time.
  • Apple employees, like many other tech workers these days, just don’t want to report to the office. Who can blame ’em?

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 livestream, embedded below.

This week’s show is sponsored by Jamf Now and Squarespace. See below for special offers.

Tributes to the late, great iPod flood Twitter

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The iPod is officially dead. Music lovers just lost a best friend.
Many music lovers just lost a best friend.
Image: Basic Apple Guy

Soon after Apple officially killed the iPod on Tuesday, users flooded Twitter with remembrances of the little music player that changed the world when it barged onto the scene in 2001.

From tech influencers to industry analysts to garden-variety music lovers — you know, the folks whose ears lit up when Apple gave them a device that put 1,000 songs in their pockets — it was a genuine iPod lovefest.

Here are some of the finest tributes to the iPod.

Soundcore’s new Bluetooth boombox belts out 80 watts of audio

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Soundcore Motion Boom Plus
The Motion Boom Plus is built to stand up to water so you can take your tunes anywhere.
Photo: Soundcore

Soundcore’s new Motion Boom Plus boombox is built to blast out the tunes wherever you go this summer. The 80-watt Bluetooth speaker packs an array of new features designed to deliver “punchy bass and detailed high end,” the company said.

“Combining an IP67 rating with its upgraded woofers, newly added tweeters, more power,
and portable carry handle, the Motion Boom Plus is the ideal Bluetooth speaker for the park
or at an outdoor pool or beach party,” said Frank Zhu, general manager of Soundcore’s
speaker division, in a press release Monday. “We’ve also made it two times louder than its predecessor to help keep the party going, all day and all night long.”

Plus, you don’t need to worry about losing it in the pool or the lake. It floats!

What makes Apple’s Studio Display truly special? [The CultCast]

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Artist Adam Duff explains why Apple's Studio Display makes perfect sense.
Artist Adam Duff explains why Apple's Studio Display makes perfect sense.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Haters gonna hate, but digital artist Adam Duff explains why Apple’s new Studio Display is the perfect monitor — for some users.

Also on The CultCast:

  • iPhone 14 leak reveals sizing, pricing and more.
  • Who needs a smart water bottle?
  • Apple TV+ has some hits on its hands.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

Next Macs and iPhones: Whose bump will be bigger? [The CultCast]

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CultCast 541: M2 Macs and iPhone 14: Which gets a bigger bump? The CultCast episode 541
Looks like 2022 is gonna be bumpin'!
Image: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: It sounds like Apple is planning nearly a dozen new Macs with a next-gen M2 processor. The question is, just how big of a speed bump will that new chip bring? And then there’s iPhone 14, which sounds like it might come with a very big bump indeed — and not the kind you might be hoping for.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The original HomePod never ceases to surprise.
  • iPhone 14 could be the ultimate smartphone for narcissists.
  • Apple might be prepping an ingenious hybrid device to take over your living room.
  • When you’re tired of wearing earbuds, you’ve got options. Very strange options.

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 what you hear.) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

WWDC22 predictions and those disappointing M1 Ultra speed tests [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: We have a date for WWDC22! Our WWDC22 predictions, M1 Ultra speed tests and more.
Our big peek into Apple's future plans is just two months away!
Image: Killian Bell
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’ve got a date for WWDC22! Now, the only question is, what tricks will Apple pull out of its virtual hat this year?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Is Apple’s M1 Ultra chip ultra-disappointing? The first speed tests look underwhelming.
  • The latest on Apple’s quest to develop a folding iPhone.
  • Ukrainians use Find My to locate thieving Russian troops.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Special thanks to this week’s CultCast sponsors:

  • The new Jamf Fundamentals plan gives small-to-midsize businesses the tools they need to easily manage all their Apple devices. CultCast fans can manage three devices free! Sign up at jamf.com/beyond.
  • Squarespace gives you all the tools you need to set up your very own website and start selling anything. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

We’ve got good news and bad news about iPhone 14 [The CultCast]

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iPhone 14 rumors: Just how big will the iPhone 14 Pro camera bump be? We discuss in our weekly Apple podcast,
Just how big will the iPhone 14 Pro camera bump be?
Image: 91 Mobiles and Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: So, what’ll it be first? Good news or bad news about iPhone 14? We’re talking about Touch ID, a possible Apple hardware subscription service and an even bigger camera bump on the Pro model. Hoo boy!

Also on The CultCast:

  • A peek inside Apple’s new Studio Display proves surprising.
  • Would a 15-inch MacBook Air by any other name smell as sweet?
  • The EU might wreck iMessage.
  • We’re giving away five leather crossbody iPhone cases from Noémie.
  • What “The Slap” heard ’round the world says about Apple events.

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 livestream, embedded below.

This week’s episode is brought to you by CultCloth. Forget about that overpriced Apple Polishing Cloth. This is the cleaning cloth your Apple devices deserve.

‘The Slap’ shows why Apple should shake up its events

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Will Smith slaps Chris Rock:
"The Slap" won the Oscars.
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr CC

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony shows why Apple should go back to doing live events.

No, not because we need to see deranged audience members assaulting Apple execs onstage. However, the mere possibility that something can go seriously sideways gives live events an undeniable advantage over the type of canned productions Apple began cranking out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m sure this goes against Cupertino’s deeply ingrained cultural bias toward controlling absolutely everything within its power. But if Apple doesn’t get back to putting on live events, its product launches will drift deeper into the uncanny territory of the overproduced infomercial. That’s boring — and it’s bad for both Apple and Apple fans.

M1 Ultra Mac Studio benchmarks look surprisingly anemic [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: The disappointingM1 Ultra Mac Studio benchmarks leave us scratching our heads.
Disappointing M1 Ultra Mac Studio benchmarks leave us scratching our heads.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first Mac Studio benchmarks make Apple’s much-ballyhooed M1 Ultra chip sound less amazing than we hoped. Maybe it’s not the unhinged beast we expected! But then, what do benchmarks really mean, anyway?

Also on The CultCast:

  • The new Studio Display suffers due to some odd choices on Apple’s part.
  • A software update might fix Studio Display’s tragic webcam.
  • A 15-inch MacBook Air would tick a lot of the right boxes.
  • And finally, a giveaway for the ladies!

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 livestream, embedded below.

This week’s sponsor is JAMF, an Apple device-management solution that gives individuals and businesses the tools they need to wrangle iPhones, Macs, iPads and more. Register with JAMF now to manage three devices for free.

Apple goes green with new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro colors

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Peek Performance event: Green is the iPhone color of the day.
Green is the iPhone color of the day.
Photo: Apple

Apple added two new green finishes to its iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro lineups Tuesday to generate a colorful midseason jolt of excitement.

“Today we’re introducing two gorgeous new finishes,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the streamed “Peek Performance” event. “iPhone 13 looks stunning in this bold new green with its precision-milled back glass and color-matched aluminum edges. And iPhone 13 Pro in a sophisticated new alpine green joins the most Pro lineup we’ve ever created.”

Apple needs to shake up its boring iPhone Pro color options

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In some lighting, the Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro looks OK. In others, not so much.
In some lighting, the Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro looks OK. In others, not so much.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Confession time: I’ve got the Sierra Blue blues.

Like so many others, I absolutely love my iPhone 13 Pro. It’s the perfect size, and the amped-up camera works beautifully. (Love those macro shots!) Six months on, the performance, the reliability, that gorgeous ProMotion screen — it’s all fantastic.

But the one thing that fails to surprise and delight me after half a year is the Sierra Blue color I picked. It’s just … meh.

A sneak peek at Apple’s ‘Peek Performance’ event [The CultCast]

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Apple Peek Performance event predictions March 8: Here comes the first new Apple gear of 2022.
Here comes the first new Apple gear of 2022.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We can’t stop speculating about what new Apple gear we’ll see at Tuesday’s big “Peek Performance” event. Best bets are iPhone SE, iPad Air and … some kind of Mac?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Will this really be a big year for Apple Watch?
  • Apple punishes Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
  • Social media gets gory during wartime.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Waiting for Apple event invites, impatient fans can’t stop hitting refresh

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Apple event March 8 rumors: Hey Apple fans -- try not to give yourself RSI hitting your inbox's refresh button!
Hey Apple fans -- try not to give yourself RSI hitting your inbox's refresh button!
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

With everyone primed for a rumored Apple event on March 8, fans are eagerly awaiting the invites that will confirm the date. As of Tuesday morning, however, Cupertino left everyone twisting in the wind.

But that didn’t stop Apple fans and tech journos from speculating about the possible spring event. On Twitter, the hashtag #AppleEvent served as a showcase for theories, jokes and concept art concerning the matter.

Brace yourself for Macs and more at Apple’s March event [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: New Macs and Apple's spring 2022 event.
The Apple news drought is about to come to a thunderous end. It's going to be raining Macs!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: As Apple’s rumored spring event approaches, all signs point toward new Macs. Lots and lots of new Macs. And an iPhone and an iPad. But we can’t stop talking about Macs. It’s like a cult or something around here.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Is Apple fixing AirTag — or ruining it?
  • Most Apple Stores in the United States lift their mask mandates (but they’re handing out freebies).
  • Apple needs to put a ring on our fingers.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Which Macs will pop out of Apple’s magic pipeline next? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: We thought the Touch Bar was going the way of the dodo, but maybe not.
We thought the Touch Bar was going the way of the dodo, but maybe not.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Thanks to regulatory filings, we know that new MacBooks are coming soon. Now, the only question is … just exactly what Macs should we expect at Apple’s rumored March event? (We know what we want.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • Maybe MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar isn’t a goner after all.
  • There’s new hope for ancient Macs, from a very unlikely company.
  • Sony’s weird new earbuds look oddly intriguing.
  • Another great giveaway that you have an excellent chance of winning.
  • And a Steve Jobs-era Apple mystery — solved at last!

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 livestream, embedded below.

Apple’s AR/VR headset is about to get real [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Another realityOS leak takes us one step closer to strapping Apple gear onto our faces.
Another realityOS leak takes us one step closer to strapping Apple gear onto our ugly mugs.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple code once again refers to a mysterious “realityOS” for a virtual/augmented-reality headset. Vague rumors about the new device, which we’ve been hearing for years now, look set to become very real, very soon.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Why no Face ID on Macs?
  • Apple’s workaround for accepting third-party payments is a joke, but developers definitely aren’t laughing.
  • iPhones are about to become cash registers!

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 livestream, embedded below.

Incoming: New features in iOS 15.4, new gear at Apple’s March event [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Face ID might play nice with masks in the near future. Better late than never!
Face ID might play nice with masks in the near future. Better late than never!
Photo: Julio Lopez/Unsplash license; Image: Killian Bell, Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 15.4 packs a punch with some fun and useful new features. It’s still just a beta, but it will give us lots of new emoji for our critical, high-level communications when it goes live. Plus, the beta includes a convenient new way to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask — just in time for the end of the pandemic! 🤞

Also on The CultCast:

  • An Apple event in March looks quite likely.
  • Mini-LED iMac Pro might be delayed.
  • An Apple car patent sheds light on an advanced sunroof.
  • How to download Wordle, just in case The New York Times screws up the popular game.
  • Donkey talk!

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 livestream, embedded below (down by the headlines and donkey links).

2022 looks like a humdinger for new Apple hardware [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: What new Apple hardware is popping out of Apple's magic pipeline this year?
What's popping out of Apple's magic pipeline this year?
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Will Apple blow our minds (and our wallets) with a devastating blitz of new hardware in 2022? Signs point to yes. This week we’re discussing the latest rumors about new Apple gear coming this year — and trying not to get too excited.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Tim Cook’s alleged stalker sounds just plain sad in Apple’s restraining order application.
  • And the Apple CEO’s house has disappeared behind a massive, Minecraft-looking wall in Apple Maps.
  • You can make make your house go to blurs-ville, too!

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 livestream, embedded below.

Apple gets temporary restraining order against alleged Tim Cook stalker

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Apple continues to soar under Tim Cook's assured leadership.
An alleged stalker reportedly showed up at Tim Cook's house on more than one occasion.
Photo: Apple

A San Francisco Bay Area court granted Apple a temporary restraining order Friday against a woman who claimed to be Tim Cook’s wife and threatened the Apple CEO. She also allegedly trespassed at Cook’s home in Palo Alto, California.

The 45-year-old woman began tweeting about Cook in late 2020, referring to him as her “bed man,” among other things. She also allegedly emailed him multiple times, sometimes sending photographs of pistols, bullets and MacBooks.

‘Frankenchip’ and other big changes coming to pro Macs this year [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: The next Mac Pro might get a monstrous chip.
A "monstrous" chip might power the next Mac Pro.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Leaks, rumors and government filings give us an even clearer look at what Apple’s product pipeline looks like for 2022. We’re expecting big changes to the pro Mac lineups this year — including a hybrid Apple “Frankenchip” based on the M1 series.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Bye-bye, 13-inch MacBook Pro!
  • See you soon, new iPhone SE and iPad!
  • We’ll miss you, Apple discount “loophole” for teachers and students! (Post-show update: It’s back.)

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 livestream, embedded below.

Future iPhones: Talking ‘pillholes’ and foldables [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Will an iPhone with a
Will an iPhone with a "hole+ pill" screen cutout really look better than the notch?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re not 100% on board for the rumored “hole + pill” screen cutouts that might replace the notch in iPhone 14. But we’re definitely intrigued by the concept of a folding iPhone.

Also on The CultCast:

  • How powerful will Apple’s AR/VR headset be, and what will it do?
  • That pricey Apple Polishing Cloth is available again.
  • Cupertino loses yet another key member of its chipmaking team as competitors look to steal M1’s crown.

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 livestream, embedded below.

This beefy leather AirTag keychain will sucker you in [Review]

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WaterField Designs Leather AirTag Keychain review: This keychain can handle a clutch of keys.
This AirTag keychain from WaterField Designs can handle a clutch of keys.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

WaterField Designs’ AirTag Leather Keychain looks a little like a squid’s head. The oval-ish leather keychain comes with a heavy-duty matte black key ring at one end. (Your keys would be the squid’s tentacles in this tortured simile.) And a metal grommet at the other end lets you attach an included steel carabiner or cable loop to expand your options.

The San Francisco company constructed this crucial AirTag accessory out of beefy full-grain leather and high-end components. It definitely looks and feels premium. And it seems built to last a lifetime.

The only real downside is size-related: This is one giant squid!

Apple’s hardware plans for 2022 sound positively intoxicating [The CultCast]

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Apple's hardware plans for 2022 sound intoxicating [The CultCast]
This year's looking good!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Even more details surface about Apple’s hardware plans for 2022. If last year was “modest” (LOL), this year looks jam-packed with major updates. We’re talking redesigned AirPods Pro, a new Apple monitor, even-more-impressive MacBook Airs and … an iPhone? You gotta be kidding us.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple hits $3 trillion market cap, albeit briefly.
  • A giveaway that features a great-looking charger from Journey.
  • The most interesting products out of this year’s big CES trade show in Las Vegas.

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 livestream, embedded below.