Looks like Cate Blanchett might get a vile taste of her own medicine at the hands of Kevin Kline in upcoming psychological thriller Disclaimer, according to a “first look” at the limited series Apple TV+ put out Tuesday. That could be dawning horror on the Oscar winner’s face in the new image, above.

Notably, Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity, Roma) created and directed the show. Based on a bestselling novel, Disclaimer premieres on Apple TV+ October 11.

In a move bound to raise eyebrows, Apple and Meta Platforms reportedly discussed integrating Meta’s generative AI model into Apple Intelligence. Besides Meta, AI startups Perplexity and Anthropic also reportedly talked with Apple about integrating their offerings into Apple Intelligence.

Update: The initial report of a possible partnership to bring Meta’s Llama large language model to Apple Intelligence made it sound like talks were ongoing. However, a new story published Monday said Apple rejected Meta’s LLM “months ago.”

iPad styluses are common enough that you can find one that (mostly) works for a super-low price. But opting for a third-party stylus instead of an Apple Pencil means missing out on innovation. It might work, but what if you could get something a whole lot nicer for basically the same price? Like, for instance, this open-box deal on an Apple Pencil that drops the price to just $59.99?

The European Commission said Monday that it made a preliminary decision that Apple breached the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Apple’s rules “prevent [iPhone] app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content,” according to the EC.

The commission also said it started an investigation into whether Apple’s new Core Technology Fee complies with the DMA. If Apple doesn’t change its policies, the EC could levy extremely heavy fines.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple seems dead-set on producing a much more affordable version of the Vision Pro. The current $3,499 price tag is definitely a dealbreaker. But will a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset take off? We discuss the pros and cons — and a possible solution!

Also on The CultCast:

• Apple’s former obsession with making its products thin and light might make a comeback. Maybe even with Apple Watch Series 10 later this year.
• We might not have too much longer to wait for MacBook Pros powered by M4 chips.
• Griffin the risk-taker gives us his hands-on impressions of iOS 18, including 11 “hidden” features that Apple didn’t even mention during the WWDC24 keynote.
• And finally, the MoviePass saga gets a proper retelling, in the form of an HBO documentary.

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 revealed Friday that it will not introduce in the European Union the artificial intelligence features for iPhone, Mac and iPad it recently announced. The company blamed the EU’s Digital Markets Act for the decision.

Several other new features of the upcoming macOS Sequoia, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will also not debut in the EU.

M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air users that have been waffling on Apple Pencil Pro, Amazon has a deal that might convince you that now is the time to get the powerful stylus. The third generation model from Apple adds a new “squeeze” gesture and Find My support, and you can grab one now for just $119.

Alternatively you can pick up Apple Pencil (USB-C) for just $69.

FIFA’s ongoing struggle to launch and broadcast a new international soccer tournament next year in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup continue, as its talks with Apple over broadcast rights have stalled, according to a report.

Apparently $1 billion won’t cut it for soccer’s global governing body.

Apple’s latest retail shop sports a stunning multilevel design featuring an exotic hat on top — aka a tiered-pyramid roof. The iPhone giant showcased its first store in Malaysia, Apple The Exchange TRX, on Thursday. It opens Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. It will employ a staggering 160 team members offering the full array of Apple products and services in a dramatic location.

“We live for moments when we can surprise and delight our customers, and we’re excited to do that in Malaysia with the opening of our first store in the country, Apple The Exchange TRX,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“Being able to support and directly connect with a new community is always a special experience for our retail teams, and we can’t wait to welcome customers to this beautiful space designed for discovery, creativity, and shopping for the world’s most innovative products,” she added.

A rubber Apple Watch band has plenty of uses, like when want to you take the wearable along for heavy workouts or swimming without worrying about getting it wet. Add some style, just the right amount of ventilation and a secure clasp and you have solid athletic Apple Watch band. And that’s just what you get in the new Journey Motion Apple Watch Sport Band (with just a few quibbles, below).