This week, surprising new designs for the iPhone 16 AND incoming iPad Pros!  Plus: a new iPhone security issue steals your face to drain your bank account! We’ll tell you what you need to know, and we wrap with our review of a new mic we’re using on UNDER REVIEW. 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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com. BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month. This week’s stories: First-ever iOS trojan steals your face to break your bank For the first time, an iOS trojan has been spotted in the wild. It steals an iPhone user’s facial recognition data to go after money in banking and other financial apps. Original Post by Bleeping Computer Apple fortifies iMessage to foil hackers of the future An iMessage upgrade with post-quantum cryptography will make Apple’s instant messaging platform ready to fend off future hackers. Today’s encryption methods likely won’t be able to stand up, which is why Apple is bringing in the cutting-edge protocol. New Apple Sports app gives fans scores and stats for free The new Apple Sports app for iPhone gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues. Apple Sports on the App Store Woah! Is this the new iPhone 16 Pro camera? The latest iPhone 16 Pro camera rumor comes with an image that shows a radically redesigned lens module. MacRumors: Apple's Upcoming OLED iPad Pro Models Rumored to Be Much Thinner Such a slimmed down body suggests a notable design change, which is enabled by an even more significant update — OLED display technology. Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple is expected to introduce two new iPad Air models, including a larger 12.9-inch version for the first time. D. Griffin Jones: Why I don’t want to return my Vision Pro The two-week return window for my Vision Pro is fast approaching, so I need to make my keep it/toss it decision in a matter of days. And I desperately want to keep it. Under Review: RØDE Wireless Pro The RØDE Wireless Pro is a whole set of microphones you can use for recording videos with high-quality audio on the go.

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This week, we have Leander Kahney! It's our second-week thoughts on Vision Pro — after cooking, working out, typing tests and more, we've done it all. Are we keeping or returning ours? 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 your $5 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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com . Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor's delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50 and use offer code CultCast50 to get 50% off. This week's stories: People are returning Vision Pro in droves … or are they? Many early adopters seem set on returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets. As the 14-day return window approaches for people who bought the device on launch day, an avalanche of posts on X and other social media channels point to a wave of Vision Pro returns. Mark Zuckerberg says Quest 3 is better than Vision Pro Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company's mixed-reality headset beats Vision Pro in almost every way, despite the fact that it costs far less than Apple's device. In a short video posted Tuesday on Instagram, Zuckerberg called the Meta Quest headset the “better product, period.†Tweet by Azad Balabanian Griffin's Vision Pro tests What's it like working out wearing a Vision Pro? What's it really like to cook with Vision Pro? Typing on Vision Pro: A scientific test with surprising results MacRumors: iOS 17's AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Rolling Out ‘This Spring' Starting with iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, you can wirelessly stream content from your iPhone or iPad to a compatible hotel room TV via AirPlay, and we have now learned that the feature should begin rolling out at hotels over the coming months. They Are Coming! If you want the Fujifilm X100VI, I make a recommendation that I can't remember I've ever done in 12 years of blogging: pre-order it instantly.

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These are our hands-on reviews of Vision Pro — everything that’s good, everything that’s great, and then the parts you won’t like. We are RELAUNCHING CultCast Off Topic, a new ad-free weekly podcast covering our favorite weekly topics!  First new episode is coming soon. We're also relaunching The CultClub, a way for listeners to support your friends at The CultCast. Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast available for everyone, and it helps us secure our future as a 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. Your support also gives us back our creative freedom, freedom to make new experimental content in the style that you know but outside of our regular Apple topics.  Join us for just $5 a month at support.thecultcast.com. This week’s BIG story: Our Vision Pro Hands-on reviews.   Plus: Apple Vision Pro: In the wild! Can you get real work done inside Vision Pro? Vision Pro teardown finds pixels smaller than a red blood cell Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway] You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win.

This week we’re talking Vision Pro reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly! Also, we have some details on iOS 17.4 — and did Vanity Fair leak an image of the new iPad? This episode supported by: Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. If you like fresh tech, check out Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set. CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: Vision Pro review roundup: ‘Magic’ and ‘a revolution,’ but definitely unfinished The first reviews of Apple’s Vision Pro gush compliments on the augmented-reality headset, with one reviewer calling it “mind-blowing” and another “stunning.”However, there’s also plenty of criticism for the high price, weight and slim collection of software available when the product launches later this week.Vanity Fair: Why Tim Cook Is Going All In on the Apple Vision ProApple Vision Pro’s biggest problem: It’s highly addictive! Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway] You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win. iOS 17.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes The first beta of iOS 17.4 is here, and it packs several big changes. The beta build arrived just days after Apple released iOS 17.3 to the public.Auto-generated transcripts coming to Apple Podcasts Is this an unannounced iPad in a press photo? Some people think the first picture of Tim Cook wearing a Vision Pro also has a surprise: an iPad that Apple hasn’t released yet. But no. The tablet looks a bit odd, but that’s not because it’s a future one with a new design.Post by John SiracusaEdited image by David Schaub

This week: Vision Pro sells out in mere moments and its insane scalping prices, new Apple hardware coming this spring, and yes, the Apple Car is back on the menu! Plus: BREAKING NEWS on App Store sideloading and game streaming on iOS. What a week! This episode supported by: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today. This week’s stories: Too late: Apple Vision Pro preorders sell out fast Seven months after its announcement at WWDC23, Apple started accepting preorders for its Vision Pro headset Friday morning — and quickly sold out. Shipping dates for the company’s first AR headset slipped within minutes of preorders opening. More Vision Pro headsets sold on launch weekend than you might expect 9to5Mac: Vision Pro scalpers used bots to place thousands of pre-orders; face check no barrier Win a portable magnetic 3-in-1 wireless charger [Cult of Mac giveaway] Kuxiu X55 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger and Stand gives you a compact, lightweight way to keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wireless charging case charged up pretty much anywhere. New Apple sideloading rules require pre-approval for iPhone apps Apple gave EU developers the guidelines and access to the tools needed for sideloading — installing applications that don’t go through the App Store. iPhone App Store change allows streaming games and mini apps Apple will allow alternative browser defaults and engines in EU Apple opens iPhone tap-to-pay to third parties in EU MacRumors: New iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air Models Likely to Launch in March or April Finally, Apple car coming in 2028 Apple still plans to put a car on the road, but the release date for the Apple car is sometime in 2028, according to a new report. And designers had to slam the brakes on hopes for full self driving. The electric vehicle will allegedly offer some driver-assistance capabilities but these will fall far short of full autonomy.

This week: The Supreme Court is forcing big changes on the App Store, we have Apple’s Plan B to keep selling Apple Watches, last-minute Vision Pro details (are we ordering one?) and finally, 9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone! This episode supported by: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month. Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase. If you like fresh tech, check out Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set. This week’s stories: Supreme Court decision means major iPhone app change is on the way The U.S. Supreme Court effectively upheld a lower court’s ruling that Apple must allow third-party iPhone app developers to point customers to their websites when making purchases. This means the company is forced to drop its “anti-steering” rule for such applications — a major change. AppleInsider: Apple bills Epic Games $73 million in legal costs Following the end of the Epic Games vs Apple case, the "Fortnite" developer will be required to pay Apple over $73 million in legal fees. Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 without blood oxygen feature go on sale in US Apple is not making any hardware tweaks to the wearables. Instead, it will turn off the blood oxygen sensor feature through software. Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable [Cult of Mac giveaway] Time's running out on our latest giveaway: We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get either a Sunset or Moonrise case. Apple Vision Pro’s Lengthy Sales Pitch Will Include 25-Minute Demo Apple Inc. is facing one of the toughest marketing challenges in its history: pitching customers on a $3,499 headset with limited battery life, an unwieldy design and no killer app. MacRumors: Kuo: Apple Will Only Produce Up to 80,000 Vision Pro Headsets for Launch, Sellout Likely Gurman on Vision Pro Keyboard Apple Vision Pro’s killer feature might be neck pain 9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone YouTube Video There are a lot of things you can do with old iPhones. In fact, it might be worth keeping them around rather than trading them in. There are all kinds of things you can use an old iPhone for.

Vision Pro goes on sale NEXT WEEK — we have all the last-minute details! We’re also talking about the strange new AI hardware from CES, AI-powered Siri coming at WWDC, and finally, is it worth it to buy expensive phone cables? This episode supported by: Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today. CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: Apple Vision Pro launches February 2, preorders start January 19 [Updated] Apple’s Vision Pro headset finally has a release date. Apple will accept preorders for Vision Pro in the United States starting Friday, January 19, at 5 a.m. Pacific, the company said Monday. Steven Troughton-Smith on Mastodon First Vision Pro ad harks back to classic iPhone Hello advert Apple’s fun new Get Ready video for the upcoming Vision Pro headset is clearly intended to ratchet up the hype for the spatial computing device scheduled for release in early February. MacRumors: Apple 'Carefully Orchestrating' Vision Pro Reviews With Multiple Meetings Apple has a detailed plan for Apple Vision Pro reviews, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. YouTubers and members of the media selected for reviews will meet with Apple on January 16 for a hands-on experience, with a follow-up meeting to take place on January 23 to go over the device's features a second time. Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get one of these: Sunset or Moonrise. Ask AI-powered Rabbit R1 for anything (without touching an app) You can ask the new AI-powered Rabbit R1 gadget to do pretty much anything you’d normally do with some combination of apps on your smartphone, according to Rabbit’s fascinating keynote at CES 2024. Wave of Apple Generative AI Tools on Track for WWDC Debut In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman reaffirmed and expanded upon previous comments related to Apple's plans to announce a series of new tools based on generative AI at WWDC as part of iOS 18, including a revamped version of Siri. Cheap or Pricey: Which Charging Cables Last Longest? How many times have you left your phone plugged in overnight just to wake up and find that it hasn’t charged at all? It seems like a trivial thing, but when a charging cable fails, it can ruin your day.

This week, it’ll be the biggest update since the original — here comes Apple Watch X… Plus, app sideloading might be coming to the US next and we pitch our favorite shows, movies and stuff in an all-new What We’re Into! This episode supported by: Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac’s watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple’s. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: What to expect from Apple Watch in 2024: Series X 2024 looks like a big year for Apple Watch. The world’s most popular wearable could get the biggest redesign in its 10-year history in the form of a device potentially called “Apple Watch Series X” or simply “Apple Watch X.” Everything (else) Apple Will Announce in 2024 9to5Mac: US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is ‘firing on all cylinders’ The US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is “firing on all cylinders” according to the head of the Department of Justice unit responsible for policing breaches of competition law. Inside Apple’s massive push to transform the Mac into a gaming paradise Gaming on the Mac in the 1990s until 2020, when Apple made a big shift to its own custom silicon, could be boiled down to this: Apple was in a hardware arms race with the PC that it couldn’t win. “Apple silicon has changed all that,” Keppel tells Inverse. D. Griffin Jones on Extra Ordinary: The Weird, Cyclical State of Mac Gaming What We’re Into Griffin: Sausage with bell peppers and onions Erfon: Fujifilm X100V rumored successor

This week, the Apple Watch is back on sale already — but for how long? Jony Ive is pawning some BIG designers from Apple to work on a secret new AI project. And we close with the rest of our picks for the Best (and Worst) of 2023. This episode supported by: Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today. PDF Editor ,PDF Book Reader is your do-it-all PDF app, perfect for reading, creating, editing, signing, and scanning PDFs. And CultCast listeners can get a year of all pro features totally free. Here's how: First, download the app on your device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) Next, click on this link Enter the code CULTOFMAC You'll unlock a free year of pro features Code expires on Dec 1, 2023 or after 10,000 uses! CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: Federal court temporarily un-pauses Apple Watch ban During the temporary stay on the ban, the court will review Apple’s request. Now the ITC has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a stay. Another Apple Designer Joins Jony Ive to Work on Hardware for OpenAI Apple's vice president of product design Tang Tan is set to join Sir Jony Ive's LoveFrom to design hardware products for OpenAI. At Apple, Tang Tan is vice president of product design and reports to senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus. Tan is responsible for the design of the iPhone, Apple Watch, accessories, and acoustic devices like AirPods. Best of 2023 Round 1: Griffin: 404 Media is a journalist-run independent media company with excellent investigative reporting on the hottest tech news. Lewis: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe is a great night stand charger for your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. Erfon: Xbox Game pass is like the Netflix of video games, and with its ever-expanding library of indie, and now, big titles from major studios, it’s finally worth its monthly price. Best of 2023 Round 2: Griffin: Mastodon is an open-source social media platform that cuts out garbage ads, tracking and algorithms; cutting straight to the high-quality discussions with people you care about. Lewis: TRIGGERnometry Erfon: Juscant is a PC game with a beautiful aesthetic, intuitive climbing mechanics, and mysterious plot. Worst of 2023 Round 1: Griffin: Michael Darius is a former Apple employee who is selling his meager experience from nearly twenty years ago as some design guru and personal protégé of Steve Jobs. Lewis: Apple service price hikes Erfon: The state of streaming in 2023 is a huge mess. It’s like cable TV all over again. Worst of 2023 Round 2: Griffin: The feeling of being trusted to drive a stranger's car alone after you only met them earlier that same evening is a bizarre experience I hope to never repeat. Lewis: San Francisco Erfon: Amazon Prime keeps getting more expensive while offering fewer benefits.

This week, the Apple Watch is BANNED in the US! We’re also talking bad news about next year’s models and the future of CarPlay that was just announced, followed by new picks for the Best of 2023! This episode supported by: Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase. CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: It’s the last day to buy Apple Watch from Apple.com before US sales ban [Updated] U.S. sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple’s website stopped on December 21. Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year's Model Next-generation Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering them incompatible with all current bands, according to the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as “Kosutami.” Enter to win an iPhone 15 case and screen protector bundle from MagEasy Two winners will receive a MagEasy iPhone 15 case of their choice, along with a screen protector. Enter now for your chance to win! Porsche and Aston Martin preview gorgeous next-gen Apple CarPlay Now we have our first looks at what next-gen Carplay will look like thanks to Porsche and Aston Martin. Best of 2023: Erfon: Silo. In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo. Lewis: Slow Horses. This quick-witted spy drama follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents—and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb—as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces. Griffin: U.S. Interstate 77 is possibly the greatest highway on the planet, offering two lanes of 70 mph speeds with regular stops, little congestion or traffic, scenic views and a world-class interchange with Interstate 70 — it’s the fastest way to leave Cleveland.

This week: Apple just made it harder for the Gov to spy on your phone, iOS 17.3 makes your iPhone a lot harder to steal, and our picks for best (& worst!) gear (& stuff!) of 2023! This episode supported by: Factor Foods. Treat yourself to high-quality, delicious meals over the holidays. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50 and use offer code CultCast50 to get 50% off. Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today. CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: You can now buy stand-alone USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2… for $99! In September, Apple introduced a tweaked version of AirPods Pro 2 that comes with a charging case with a USB-C port. The MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) joined the online Apple store Wednesday. Apple makes ‘push notification spying’ more difficult Governments will find push notification spying harder to do now that they no longer enjoy easy access to records of push notifications sent to iPhone users. Apple changed its policy so that law enforcement and other government agencies need a court order to obtain this data. How Apple plans to ramp up iOS security for stolen iPhones The just-released iOS 17.3 beta 1 includes a surprise feature: Stolen Device Protection. The option makes it harder to reset the passcode on a stolen device if the thief already knows the current passcode. There are also new password protections. Why Google Play courtroom loss could hurt Apple, too Epic Games convinced a federal jury that the Google Play store for Android applications is an illegal monopoly. The decision might have wide repercussions. Apple reportedly offers to open iPhone NFC to other payment systems The days of the iPhone’s NFC capabilities being limited to just Apple Pay could be coming to an end. Apple is reportedly open to allowing other systems to use the wireless payment system. Best of 2023: Erfon: Matter is the best new smart home technology that brings all your devices together seamlessly. Lewis: The Last of Us is a show on Max about a hardened survivor (Pedro Pascal) taking care of a 14-year-old girl (Bella Ramsey) who may be humanity’s last hope. Griffin: Music, a great way to experience art in the form of rhythmic sounds, vocalizations and instruments. The Roland Cube 30X was designed for listening to music. Worst of 2023: Griffin: The KUXIU X55 is a garbage cheap plastic version of my favorite 3-in-1 charger, the KUXIU X40. Lewis: Apple predictive text makes confusing and erratic changes as you type. Erfon: The second-generation HomePod fails to live up to the premium listening experience of the original.

This week: new rumors say updated iPad Pros are right around the corner, along with the new M3 MacBook Air! Plus: the iPhone 16’s Action button is getting supercharged, and our first picks for the Best of 2023! This episode supported by: Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase. CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: Entire iPhone 16 lineup could feature force-sensitive Action button Apple reportedly will bring the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button to the entire iPhone 16 lineup next year. It will seemingly be a capacitive button and pack a lot of additional functionality. How Apple muffed the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action button by Leander Kahney MacRumors: ‘All-Screen’ iPhone Under-Display Camera Enters Development According to The Elec, LG Innotek has entered the preliminary development of the UDC, which sits under the display and does not result in a visible hole in the panel when the camera is not in use. Win a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie [Cult of Mac Giveaway] This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway prize is a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger that retails for $149.95. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously at maximum speed with this great fold-up Apple accessory. MacBook Air gets speedy M3 chip in spring 2024 The Apple M3 processor will make its way to the MacBook Air line in March 2024, according to a trusted source of insider info. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the laptop will receive the chip upgrade. 12.9-inch iPad Air, OLED iPad Pro pegged for March release March 2024 will bring a bonanza, according to a report Wednesday from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. A 12.9-inch iPad Air is supposedly on the docket. An updated 10.9-inch version will also be released. Apple confirms ‘push notification spying’ by government agencies Some governments are spying on push notifications sent to iPhone users, Apple confirmed Wednesday. By examining logs of push notifications sent by various apps, authorities can piece together surprisingly detailed information about smartphone users and their activities. Under Review: Griffin: Stray, by Annapurna Interactive Lewis: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Erfon: Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn on Apple TV+

This week: Apple’s falling out with Goldman Sachs could mean the end of Apple Card - we’ll fill you in. We’ll also give you the real deal on how NameDrop works and run through the top podcasts of 2023. And finally — could multiple cheaper Apple Vision headsets be in the works? This episode supported by: Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac’s watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple’s. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week’s stories: Apple reportedly ending Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs Apple’s partnership with Goldman Sachs for the Apple Card is reportedly coming to an end. The Wall Street Journal says Apple sent a proposal to the bank to exit from the agreement in the next 12 to 15 months. MacRumors: Interesting new features in iOS 17.2 Beta 4 Under Sounds & Haptics, there's a new "Default Alerts" section that allows you to choose the sound used for all incoming notifications aside from texts, mail alerts, and calendar alerts, which already had customization options. With the iPhone 15 Pro models, ProRes video can be recorded directly to an external device. iOS 17.2 appears to include a new pop up message that lets users know that external recording is not working because of a USB-C cable that is too slow. Arm ain’t happy about how little Apple pays for its chip tech All Apple computers run on chips based on technology licensed from Arm. And it turns out the licensing fee is surprisingly low. Pennies per device. New deal means fully American-made Apple silicon chips Apple silicon processors that TSMC makes at its Arizona plant will be packaged by Amkor at a nearby facility. Why iPhone NameDrop feature is not a security risk Parents are mistakenly being warned that they need to quickly deactivate iOS 17’s NameDrop feature on their children’s iPhones. The warnings claim that it’s causing the devices to broadcast their contact information to anyone nearby. This simply isn’t true. MacRumors: Work on Multiple Next-Gen Vision Pro Headsets Ongoing, Including Cheaper Model DigiTimes claims that there are a total of four different second-generation Vision Pro headsets in development, including a direct successor to the first-generation model and a more affordable model. The nature of the other two second-generation models is unclear.

GOBBLE GOBBLE YAAALL! This week: iPads are going OLED! More HUGE legislation is coming out of the EU, Sonos is taking on Apple and Tim Cook talks about his succession plan. And we wrap up another all-new Under Review! This episode supported by: Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week‘s stories: iPad Air and iPad mini with OLED screens pegged for 2026 release Add iPad Air and iPad mini to the list of Apple tablets getting OLED screens. At least, that’s what an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia says. And the mini will supposedly get a boost in display size. EU’s proposed right to repair law incentivizes repairs, bans parts pairing The European Parliament has voted to approve a strong Right to Repair proposal. It aims to make consumer electronic goods more repairable, with companies required to prioritize repairability over replacement. The EU’s draft law prevents parts pairing. Apple notoriously uses this software block to discourage iPhone users from getting their devices repaired by third-party shops. Enter to win a super-protective iPad case from Zugu [Cult of Mac Giveaway] We teamed up with Zugu to give five lucky winners the chance to win one of these fantastic iPad cases, which come with a great adjustable kickstand and a built-in Apple Pencil holder. MacRumors: Sonos to Launch $400+ Headphones and Set-Top Box, Competing with Apple Devices Popular speaker company Sonos is planning to enter several new product markets that will see it competing with Apple devices, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Apple CEO Succession Plans 'Very Detailed', Says Tim Cook In a 45-minute interview for the BBC Sounds podcast Dua Lipa: At Your Service hosted by singer Dua Lipa, Cook admitted that he does not know how long he will remain at Apple. Tim said, “I would say that my job is to prepare several people for the ability to succeed, and I really want the person to come from within Apple, the next CEO. So that's my role: That there's several for the board to pick from.” Under Review: The Apple II Age: How The Computer Became Personal by Laine Nooney 100W Right Angle USB C to USB C Cable, 2 Pack by SOOPII X-Air Duffel by Waterfield

This week, performance showdown! It's the 14 Vs. the 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pros - can the 14-inch keep up?! Plus: is 8 GB of memory enough for the base MacBook Pro; new features coming to iOS 17.2, iOS 18 and RCS finally coming to iMessage; and the huge iPad Air coming early next year! This episode supported by: Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week‘s stories: 14" vs 16" M3 Max MacBook Pro: Major OVERHEATING Issues! M3 MacBook Pro 8GB vs 16GB RAM - How BAD is base model? YouTube videos by MaxTech   New features coming in iOS 17.2 iOS 17.2 adds a Translate Action button shortcut, the Journal app and spatial video recording from the camera. Spatial video playing on Meta Quest   Enter to win a super-protective iPad case from Zugu [Cult of Mac giveaway] The prize in this week’s giveaway is every iPad owner’s dream: an iPad case from Zugu with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. We teamed up with Zugu to give five lucky winners the chance to win one of these fantastic iPad cases.   Shocker: Apple commits to RCS for better texting with Android users In what is apparently an enormous change of direction, Apple reportedly plans to add support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) to the iPhone Messages app in 2024. This will enable iPhones and Androids to communicate more securely.   ​​iPhone 16 Likely to Get Exclusive AI Features in iOS 18 Apple at WWDC 2024 will reveal a turbo-charged version of Siri powered by large language models (LLMs) that will debut in iOS 18, but some new cutting-edge generative AI features could be exclusive to iPhone 16 models.   12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024 Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.   Shop a refurbished Mac Studio Some M1 Ultra Mac Studios are available for steep discounts on the Apple Refurbished Store — while supplies last!  

This week: we’re looking at the cold hard truth of M3/Pro/Max MacBook Pros vs M2 and M1 generation — and there are some surprises. We also have rumors for iOS 18 and Apple is prepping a cutting-edge battery technology that will power your devices by 2025! This episode supported by: Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week‘s stories: Apple’s new M3 iMac and MacBook Pros hit store shelves Apple’s new M3 iMac and MacBook Pros are now officially on sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and select other countries. If you live in one of those locations, you can pick up the latest iMac or M3-powered MacBook Pro from your nearest Apple Store. The new M3 Max MacBook Pro will go on sale later in November.   All M3 MacBook pros reviewed: Same cars, better engines Geekbench 6 benchmark results for the new MacBook Pro models already leaked last week. The results showed that the M3 chip is up to 20% faster than the M2 chip, the M3 Pro is up to 6% faster than the M2 Pro, and the M3 Max is up to 50% faster than the M2 Max and roughly on par with the M2 Ultra chip.   MacRumors: Apple Silicon Buyer's Guide: Which Chip Should You Choose? Choosing a new Mac often involves consideration of the many Apple silicon chips now on offer, so our comprehensive guide covers their generations, variations, and performance benchmarks to help you decide which is best for you.   Apple pauses iOS 18 and macOS 15 development to root out bugs After reaching Milestone 1, Apple developers reportedly stopped adding new features to Milestone 2 for a week because the code had too many bugs.   Apple gets ready to make much better batteries Apple is developing greatly improved batteries for its future devices, according to a new report. It appears the iPhone-maker wants to create a custom process in-house and own it — rather than outsourcing — just like it did with Apple silicon chips.   This one simple change would make every USB-C cable better Simple labeling is a big help when you need a certain cable for, say, fast data transfer, but none of your cables comes right out and IDs itself as the right one for the specific job. Does it support fast data transfer? How about fast charging?  

This week: the pros and cons - it's our reactions to the new M3 MacBook Pros and iMac! Plus: a long-rumored health feature will finally debut in the next Apple Watch, and we find out the winner of last week's Scary Fast event predictions! This episode supported by: Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast. PDF Editor ,PDF Book Reader is your do-it-all PDF app, perfect for reading, creating, editing, signing, and scanning PDFs. And CultCast listeners can get a year of all pro features totally free. Here's how: First, download the app on your device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) Next, click on this link Enter the code CULTOFMAC You'll unlock a free year of pro features Code expires on Dec 1, 2023 or after 10,000 uses!   This week‘s stories: Apple M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max boost Mac performance up to 50% The M2 was a fairly modest improvement over the original version, but the M3 brings more of a boost. Much of that come from a switch from a 5nm production process to a 3nm one. Shrinking the chip’s components allows them to work faster while generating less waste heat. 3 new M3 MacBook Pro models promise blazing speed The basic new MacBook Pro is a 14-inch model with the M3 chip. “Perfect for aspiring creatives, students, and entrepreneurs, it now starts at $1,599,” Apple said. Orders start Monday for all the new laptops, with shipping starting November 7, Apple said. The base M3 MacBook Pro at $1,599 ($1,499 for education). M3 Pro starts at $1,999 ($1,849 for education). M3 Max starts at $2,499 ($2,299 for education). Good riddance: 13-inch MacBook Pro discontinued Apple has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It was the last MacBook in the company’s lineup with a Touch Bar, a thin, customizable OLED strip at the top of the keyboard that replaced the usual row of function keys. M1 vs. M3 24-inch iMac comparison: What’s changed? The biggest upgrade between the 2021 and 2023 24-inch iMac is the switch to the faster M3 chip. Apple claims its newest iMac delivers 2x faster performance. Fail: No USB-C update for Magic Mouse or Keyboard With the latest iPhones dropping the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, there was speculation (and hope) that Apple would release new versions of the Magic Mouse, Trackpad and Keyboard that also reject the Lightning port. Nope. How Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event was shot on iPhone [Updated] Apple shared a big surprise at the end of the scary fast event - the entire presentation was recorded using an iPhone. This is the first time Apple has used only one of its handsets to film an entire product launch event. Next-gen Apple Watch could offer limited blood pressure monitoring The 2024 edition of Apple Watch might finally include a feature that been a bit of a holy grail for the wearable: blood pressure monitoring. But a new report says the feature will be limited at first. The CultCast “Scary Fast” Predictions results Results from the prediction game we played on the show last week!

Next week’s “Scary Fast” event came out of nowhere, a total surprise! And now we know... Apple’s preparing a BARRAGE of new Macs. Get your wallets ready — you’re going to like what’s coming next! This episode supported by: Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac’s watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 This week‘s stories: Apple plans ‘Scary Fast’ event for Halloween eve It’s official, a second Apple product-release event of autumn takes place the evening before Halloween — Monday, October 30 at 5 p.m. PT. Most folks expect some new Macs to shamble forth. Apple drops big hint October event will be Mac focused Apple invited the world to a product-launch event on October 30. And the invitation strongly suggests that new Macs will be on the agenda. Mark Gurman’s tweets: “Apple’s iMacs and MacBook Pros are in extremely short supply” “Apple has been testing M3 Max and M3 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros” “Apple has been planning an M3 iMac for a while […] No other major changes other than the chip” “Inventory of existing high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros — as well as the all-in-one iMac desktop — has dwindled at Apple stores as well as retailers” Monday’s ‘Scary Fast’ Macs could sport M3 chips after all After Apple invited the world to its Scary Fast product event Monday, speculation turned more seriously to the idea that newly announced Macs might sport faster new M3 chips rather than versions of the current M2 series chips. MacRumors: OLED iPad and MacBook Rumored to Feature Specialized Display Materials Apple has apparently collaborated with LG Display to integrate new OLED material sets in some of its future devices, including forthcoming iPad Pro and MacBook models. AirPods 4 could deliver active noise cancellation AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 will get the axe in 2024 to be replaced with a fourth generation that will come in two versions, according to an unconfirmed report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. One AirPods 4 model will offer ANC and have a charging case that supports the Find My app. A cheaper version will not have either feature. Apple raises rates for Apple TV+ and other services by up to 40% The cost of watching Apple TV+ series and movies just went up 40%. […] The price for Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and Apple One also increased. But the cost of other services, like Apple Music, remains the same. Extra Ordinary: The CultCast ‘Scary Fast’ Predictions For (probably) the last time this year, Erfon, Lewis and I will be putting down our predictions for a surprise event on Monday.

This week: Apple's prepping a 32-inch iMac Pro - and this could be the iMac Pro replacement we've been waiting for... Plus: Apple's first foldable will be an iPad, and everything we know about the next iPad Pro, including it's whopping new price tag. ​ This episode supported by: Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. ​ Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. ​ Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com ​ CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 ​ This week‘s stories: ​ Griffin: Wait for new 32-inch iMac could stretch out to 2025 The much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is a couple of years away, according to an industry analyst who’s a reliable source of Apple predictions.   Erfon: Foldable iPad might launch in 2024 Apple’s first computer with a foldable display will reportedly be an iPad   Erfon: 2024 iPad Pro: 12 Rumors About What to Expect Griffin: Get ready to grab the first budget Apple Pencil Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad   Griffin: No, fast charging doesn’t hurt your iPhone battery Does it hurt your battery by charging an iPhone with a fast charger?  

This week: a super useful new iPhone 15 feature is coming to iOS 17.1! Plus: Why the next Apple Watch might not be too great; rumors say no new MacBooks before 2024, and the big problem with Vision Pro that no one's talking about. Then, we pitch our favorite gadgets in an all-new Under Review! ​ This episode supported by: ​ Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at store.cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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 ​ This week‘s stories: iOS 17.1 will add pocket-detection mode for iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button To avoid accidentally activating the action button, Apple plans to add a pocket-detection feature in iOS 17.1 (as spotted by MacRumors in the latest beta). This will ensure that pressing the Action button while the iPhone 15 Pro is in your pocket won’t activate the camera, flashlight or any other action that does not make sense. ​ 2024 Apple Watch 'Unlikely' to Have 'Significant' Innovation The 2024 Apple Watch is "unlikely" to offer "significant innovative experiences," according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. ​ M3 MacBooks unlikely to launch before 2024 A DigiTimes report corroborates an earlier prediction from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple will not launch new M3-powered MacBooks this year. ​ Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway] Three lucky winners can choose either a Laut Revive Prop or a Laut Prestige iPhone 15 case. (This week’s winners get to choose which type and size of case they want.) Both offer 10.5-foot drop protection. ​ Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear A key focus for Apple is making its device more comfortable to wear — with a smaller and lighter design. The company’s first headset, the Vision Pro, has caused neck strain in testing due to its size and weight. ​ Under Review: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Fujifilm X-S20 Sony Mavica FD-73: Example Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3

This week: get your wallets ready... cause a whole slew of new Macs are just around the corner! We'll tell you what to expect. Plus: more iPhone 15 Pro issues, Apple's prepping to unveil their next-gen display tech, and 12 years later - we remember Steve Jobs! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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. This week's stories GRIFFIN: New MacBook Pros with mini-LED, new iMac and new MacBook Air could all launch this year “Apple is expected to ship new models of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro devices in the fourth quarter of 2023,” Digitimes reported today.   LEWIS: Apple rushes out fix for ‘warmer than expected’ iPhones Our incredibly brief, slightly warmer than anticipated, international iPhone nightmare is over. iOS 17.0.3 just launched, and Apple promises it “addresses an issue that may cause iPhone to run warmer than expected.”   LEWIS: Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway] Three lucky winners can choose either a Laut Revive Prop or a Laut Prestige iPhone 15 case. (This week’s winners get to choose which type and size of case they want.)   Erfon: The iPhone 15 Pro has a weird USB-C charging problem Tried charging your new iPhone 15 from a power bank but came back to a dead iPhone? You're not alone! Here's what's going on.   Griffin: How Apple muffed the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action button I’ve been using my new iPhone 15 Pro for a couple of weeks now, but I still haven’t gotten used to the new Action button.   LEWIS: How to stop macOS Sonoma from flashing your desktop, aka, How to disable the coolest new feature in macOS Sonoma! This is the new “Click wallpaper to reveal desktop” feature in the new Mac operating system. If you find this functionality annoying, here’s how to turn it off. That way, you can safely click your Mac’s desktop again.   Erfon: Next Major Apple Watch Ultra Upgrade Rumored to Be MicroLED Display Technology MicroLED display technology will be the next major upgrade coming to the Apple Watch Ultra, according to a Weibo leaker with a proven track record for disclosing accurate information about Apple's plans.  

This week: new iPhone, new gate! Nerds on the internet are mad that the iPhone 15 Pros titanium finish has a big problem with finger oils - we discuss! Plus: we review the reviews for iPhone 15 Pro, cover some of its new hidden features, and we'll highlight the best new features in iOS 17! And we NEED to talk about Apple's new Finewoven cases… This episode supported by Notion Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Babbel Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast. Squarespace Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CoM Store Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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. This week's stories GRIFFIN: Apple Watch Series 9 Review How to fix your Apple Watch weather complications Apple on Tuesday offered two potential fixes for the recently reported Apple Watch issue where watch face Weather complications fail to load data.   Erfon: iPhone 15 Pro overheating may arise from Apple ‘compromises’ Widespread reports of iPhone 15 Pro handsets overheating probably don’t stem from the new 3nm manufacturing process for the A17 Pro chip but from shortcuts Apple may have taken with the thermal system, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Tuesday.   Griffin: Next year’s standard iPhone won’t get a hand-me-down chip Rather than holding over iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the full upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will carry A18 and A18 Pro chips running on an updated TSMC 3nm production process, according to an analyst.   Griffin: The 36 best macOS Sonoma features you should try after you update macOS Sonoma may not have the same buzz as iOS, but there are loads of new features this year to try out on your Mac. You can get beautiful Apple TV-style aerial screensavers, widgets on your desktop, powerful enhancements to Safari and more.   Lewis: Kuo: Low-Cost Apple Vision Pro Might Be Canceled Apple may have canceled plans to produce a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. There were multiple rumors of a lower-cost model coming out sometime around 2025, but that may not happen.   Lewis: Kuo: Development of Apple Car Has 'Lost All Visibility' Apple's work on the Apple Car has "lost all visibility" at the current time, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He says that if Apple does not adopt some kind of acquisition strategy to make inroads in the automotive market, it is unlikely that the Apple Car will be able to go into mass production "within the next years."  

This week: new iPhone, new gate! Nerds on the internet are mad that the iPhone 15 Pros titanium finish has a big problem with finger oils - we discuss! Plus: we review the reviews for iPhone 15 Pro, cover some of its new hidden features, and we'll highlight the best new features in iOS 17! And we NEED to talk about Apple's new Finewoven cases… This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories LEWIS: iPhone 15 Pro demand overwhelms Apple [Updated] Anyone who even slightly delayed ordering the new iPhone 15 Pro models when they went on sale Friday morning faces a lengthy wait for their devices to be delivered. The delays extend into November for some handsets and configurations.   GRIFFIN: iPhone 15 Pro Max reviews Lewis: Replacing iPhone 15 Pro’s broken glass back won’t burn a hole in your wallet Apple first switched to a more repair-friendly internal design with the iPhone 14 in 2022.   The best cases for your iPhone 15/Pro The best screen protectors for your iPhone 15/Pro GRIFFIN: The new FineWoven iPhone cases are very bad “Folks, what you’ve heard so far is true. Apple’s new FineWoven iPhone cases and accessories are bad. Like, really bad. Seven days later, I still can’t make sense of them”   ERF: iPhone 15 displays how many times its battery has been charged Li-ion batteries inevitably wear out. Each one comes with a limited number of times it can be charged and discharged. A very approximate range to expect is 300 to 500 charge cycles.   ERF: iPhone 15 Models Feature New Setting to Strictly Prevent Charging Beyond 80% All of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models feature a new battery health setting that prevents the devices from charging beyond 80% at all times when enabled, as confirmed by The Verge's Allison Johnson during a Q&A session today.   ERF: PSA: An iPhone 15 Can Charge Another iPhone Apple's iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port for charging and data transfer purposes, and the new port allows the iPhones to charge a wide range of USB-C devices, including another iPhone.   GRIFFIN: The 50 best iOS 17 features you should try after you update Convert a list in Reminders into a groceries list. From any list, tap ⋯ and tap Show List Info and set List Type to Groceries. This will automatically sort the items into their common store categories, like Produce, Meat, Bakery, Frozen Foods, Household Items, Pet Care, etc.   LEWIS: These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year Apple has finally released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to the public. The latest OSes are packed with new features and enhancements.   Erfon: tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”  

This week: we're reacting and deep-diving into everything Apple announced at this week's Wonderlust event, including iPhone 15 Pro and Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, AirPods Pro 2 and more! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories GRIFFIN: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max pack new features, but only 1 higher price tag Predictions that both iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max would see price increases turned out to be partly true. iPhone 15 Pro remains at $999, like like iPhone 14 Pro. But iPhone 15 Max, with its major camera upgrades, goes up from to $1,099 to $1,199.   LEWIS: Apple Watch Series 9 gets big power boost and new double tap gesture Apple Watch Series 9 brings a faster S9 chip that the company says will boost performance, make Siri more usable, and enable an entirely new “double tap” gesture.   Erfon: Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here with a brighter display, faster S9 SiP The front is dominated by a 1.92-inch LTPO OLED panel that now gets brighter than before. It can now reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, an increase of 1,000 nits from the first-gen Ultra.   LEWIS: Enter to win a carbon fiber case and band for Apple Watch [Cult of Mac giveaway] Erfon: iPhone 15 adds Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, dumps Lightning port Gets some features trickled down from last year’s iPhone 14 Pro   GRIFFIN: Apple updates AirPods Pro 2 and EarPods with USB-C Small tweaks to the AirPods Pro 2 include USB C, an improved IP54 rating for improved dust resistance and lossless audio if you pair the earbuds to an Apple Vision Pro (which Apple confirmed is shipping early next year).   Lewis: iPhone 15's USB-C Port Can Charge Your Apple Watch and AirPods You'll need an appropriate cable to charge with an iPhone, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable for the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Charging Case, or a USB-C Apple Watch charging puck (which will probably come in the box with those products)   Erfon: All iPhone 15 Models Support DisplayPort for Up to 4K HDR Video Output The new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring and video output to an external display or TV, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices.   Erfon: Apple’s new FineWoven material for watch bands and iPhone cases makes leather obsolete To make its products more eco-friendly, Apple introduced a new material it calls “FineWoven” today. This material, which Apple says has a “suedelike” feel, will replace the company’s existing leather accessories for the iPhone and Apple Watch.   Erfon: iCloud+ storage capacities expand to 12TB Previously, the storage options were 50GB, 200GB and 2TB. The monthly cost for these is $0.99, $2.99 and $10.99, respectively.   GRIFFIN: “Wonderlust” prediction results

This week: we've got some new last-minute leaks on iPhone 15/Pro/Max cameras! Plus: Apple's working on the "low cost" MacBook they said they'd never make, and our predictions for next week's Wonderlust event! This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories ERFON: Leak details iPhone 15 Pro’s camera specs MacRumors report claims the primary camera on the iPhone 15 Pro models will remain the same as its predecessor. The phones will retain the 48MP Sony IMX803 sensor. So, any image-quality improvements will come from a faster image signal processor. Previous rumors indicated Apple might use a breakthrough new Sony sensor, but that’s seemingly not the case.    LEWIS: Enter to win a carbon fiber case and band for Apple Watch [Cult of Mac giveaway] In this week’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band and an Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case, both from Lululook.   LEW-WHEEZY: Low-cost MacBook aimed at students supposedly in development Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a price low enough to compete with Chromebooks in the education market.   GRIFFIN: Wonderlust event predictions!

This week: we decipher Apple’s “Wonderlust” event invitation and talk iPhone 15 colors and expectations! 🧙‍♂️🔥 This episode supported by Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories ERFON: Apple sets ‘Wonderlust’ iPhone 15 event for September 12 Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its annual September product launch event, which will happen September 12. The tagline is “Wonderlust,” so Apple is apparently hoping we’ll all be feeling both wonder and lust when it unveils the iPhone 15 series.   Here's the Apple invitation animation GRIFFIN: What could the ‘Wonderlust’ event invite mean? Apple’s “Wonderlust” event invite features the Apple logo in a windswept, sandy visage. How could the artwork relate to the expected announcements of the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 coming during the Apple event on September 12?   LEWIS: Take an early look at the likely iPhone 15 color options Apple reportedly will produce the iPhone 15 in an array of mostly muted colors. Yes, unfortunately, it sounds like the regular iPhone might be coming down with a case of the iPhone Pro blues -- boring colors!   LEWIS: Giveaway - Package deal: Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case and Carbon Fiber Band with Magnetic Clasp for Apple Watch from Lululook GRIFFIN: Apple tests 3D printing that could revolutionize manufacturing Apple is testing a 3D-printer-based manufacturing process for some of its upcoming Apple Watches that could radically change how it manufactures products generally, a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman.   ERFON: AirPods with USB-C might launch at Apple’s September event After nearly a decade of dragging its feet, Apple is finally switching iPhone to USB-C. The transition away from Lightning is being forced by the European Union, and this fall’s iPhone 15 series will almost certainly be the first with USB-C.  

This week: the good, the bad, the UGLY! We're talking what we like and don't about iPhone 15 and Vision Pro. Plus... a VERY special guest... This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories Leander: Apple backs California’s Right to Repair Act After years of Apple fighting and delaying the Repair bill in various US states, Apple sent Senator Sustan Talamantes Eggman a letter endorsing the Right to Repair Act in California.   Lewis: Apple’s iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers Reports say the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 is much faster, as we talked about last week, however, the cables that will ship with the iPhone 15 series will allegedly support only USB 2.0. If true, that will limit data transfers to a relatively poky 480 Mbit/s.   Leander: Meet an Unsung Apple Hero in this free e-book Interface designer Bas Ording is one of those little-known Apple employees who has had a huge influence on our digital lives.   Lewis: Clean your filthy Apple Watch bands, people Your Apple Watch band could be a breeding ground for potentially dangerous pathogens, according to a new study. Scientists found that 95% of the watchbands they tested were contaminated with “bacteria of public health importance.”   Griffin: 6 useful apps hiding in your Mac If you work on a Mac, these six useful apps can help you get that work done faster.  

This week: we’ve got more leaked iPhone 15 features, Apple’s plans for their new “Watch X” Apple watch redesign, Face ID coming to Macs, and this week’s other best Apple news! This episode supported by Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories Erfon: New evidence points to high-speed Thunderbolt connector in iPhone 15 A new leak adds weight to a previous report that the iPhone 15 series will support Thunderbolt. If true, this will allow their USB-C ports to transfer files, updates and other data at up to 40 Gbps.   Erfon: iPhone 15 could support faster 35W charging speeds A report based on industry sources claims the iPhone 15 will support peak charging speeds of 35W. The rumored switch from Lightning to USB-C on 2023 iPhones might have a role to play in this upgrade. iPhone 14 Pro users complain of major drops in battery health and capacity after less than a year   Apple’s MagSafe fuels new Qi2 wireless charging standard   Apple ‘Watch X’ with new design might arrive in 2024 In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman spills the beans on the Apple Watch X. He thinks the revamped smartwatch could launch in 2024 or 2025. It reportedly will feature a thinner watch casing.   Apple hasn’t given up on Face ID for MacBooks Apple just received a patent that covers building Face ID into a MacBook.   Clean your filthy Apple Watch bands, people

This week: we're talking expectations for Apple's September iPhone 15 event! Plus aaaaall the new M3 Macs Apple is working on.... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories iPhone 15 launch event reportedly will happen on September 13 ... or 12! Apple could unveil the iPhone 15 lineup on September 12 or 13, with a staggered launch after that to avoid supply chain and logistics problems.   Here are all the M3 Macs in development Apple is working on a slew of M3-powered Macs for late 2023 and 2024, and the latest mystery machine spotted on developers’ logs appears to be a new Mac mini.   Apple’s M3 Max chip spotted with 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU For comparison, the M2 Max ships with a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU. So, even if everything else remains constant, the additional CPU and GPU cores on the M3 Max alone should enable significant performance improvements. Apple will likely use newer CPU and GPU cores on the M3 for further performance gains.   Limited-edition iPhone case takes you back to 1969 moon landing [Cult of Mac giveaway] We joined forces with Pitaka this week for an exciting giveaway that will take you over the moon.   LEWIS: iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Bionic chip might sport a 6-core GPU, 6GB RAM Leaker @URedditor, who previously shared some accurate Apple-related leaks, provided more details about the company’s next A-series chip Wednesday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. While the A17 Bionic apparently will possess the same number of CPU cores as the A16 Bionic, Apple will bump its clock speed.   College students, you don’t need a MacBook Air Old conventional wisdom was that beyond the basics, you needed a MacBook Pro, but that’s just not true anymore Apple TV 4K can play Dolby Atmos sound to two pairs of AirPods in tvOS 17 One of the best features of the Apple TV 4K is its support for spatial audio, but this feature is limited to only one pair of Apple headphones in tvOS 16. That looks to be changing though, according to a feature that FlatpanelsHD spotted in the beta for tvOS 17.  

This week: AirTags 2.0 are incoming with a strange new feature, and we've details on what to expect for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.0! This episode supported by Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories ERFON: Apple preps second-generation AirTag tracker with AR capabilities The Apple AirTag item tracker sells well enough that an updated version is in early development, according to a reputable analyst. And it might include the AR capabilities that were rumored years ago. The tiny tracker has reportedly been selling by the millions since the product launch in 2021.   LEWIS: Would you buy Apple Watch 9 or Ultra 2 in these new colors? Reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro tweeted Tuesday about the possible new pink aluminum color for Apple Watch Series 9 and a black titanium case for Apple Watch Ultra 2.   GRIFFIN: 1 billion subscribers push Apple’s services revenue to all-time high Apple announced one billion people now subscribe to Apple services, although total revenue decreased slightly during the June quarter, the third time that’s happened in a row. And the money coming in from all Apple’s hardware groups is down   ERFON: Tim Cook calls AI ‘absolutely critical’ to Apple products Apple has been quiet about its plans for artificial intelligence, but CEO Tim Cook set out in a conference call with analysts and major investors on Thursday to make it clear that his company isn’t behind the curve on AI.   LEWIS: Win a posh leather iPad Pro sleeve from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway] For this week’s giveaway, we partnered with Harber London to offer you an opportunity to win an exquisite, handmade Magnetic Envelope Sleeve for iPad Pro valued at $118.   The cheapest and easiest way to add wireless CarPlay to any vehicle The vast majority of new cars sold today are compatible with CarPlay and/or Android Auto. surveys found that for more than 80% of new car buyers, CarPlay is an essential feature.   GRIFFIN: Here’s what I use my Apple Newton for in 2023 Apple Newton celebrated its 30th birthday just earlier this week  

This week: we got more big iPhone 15 leaks, + Apple is considering big price hikes, + we argue over Spotify vs Apple Music... again! This episode supported by Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories   Apple reportedly considers hiking iPhone 15 Pro prices Apple is mulling raising prices for the iPhone 15 Pro and its Pro Max sibling in the United States. The company has yet to make a final decision on the matter, though.   iPhone 15 Pro Max price might increase $200 The iPhone 15 Pro Max could go up by as much as $200, according to an industry analyst.   iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Options Potentially Revealed in iOS 17 Code: Flashlight, Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and More Remember that bright-orange Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra? The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max might come with something similar.   Apple’s 48MP camera heads for more affordable iPhone 15 models The 48 megapixel camera that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro models is making its way to the “standard” iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, according to a trusted analyst.   Protect your iPad from bumps and scratches -- and look good doing it! Apple lends Vision Pro AR headset to devs on a very short leash A fortunate few will soon get their hands on the Apple Vision Pro. Developers can now apply to get a prerelease loaner unit with which to test the applications they’re creating for the upcoming AR headset.   Get the time without even looking at your Apple Watch You can read the time without even looking at your Apple Watch using a little-known feature called Taptic Time. Hold two fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it tap the time out on your wrist.   8 reasons you should ditch Spotify for Apple Music Apple Music is in a distant second place to Spotify in paying subscribers (except in the US!), but in my opinion, Apple Music is the better service. It has more advanced features like live lyrics, karaoke, lossless and spatial audio.  

This week: Big battery and camera improvements are coming to iPhone! Plus: the Continuity features every Apple user MUST know; Apple preps their own version of ChatGPT; This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Stacked batteries could let iPhone 15 go longer between charges Apple will put batteries that could last up to 10% longer in the upcoming iPhone 15 series, according to an unconfirmed report. These will be stacked batteries rather than wound ones.   2024 iPhone could get 12× telephoto zoom lens While this year’s model reportedly will introduce a new periscope lens, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with an ultra-long telephoto periscope lens capable of 12× optical zoom.   6 mind-blowing Continuity features every Apple user should know Nothing illustrates the power of Apple’s ecosystem like the Continuity features that help your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch work seamlessly together.   Apple gets ready to take on ChatGPT with ‘Apple GPT’ Apple reportedly developed its own generative AI chatbot that’s very similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While it might never be released, the underlying tech is already going into the company’s applications and services.   The Mac Pro we all want is 6 years away — at least Similar to how the M1 Ultra was comprised of two M1 Max chips interposed together for double the power, when the tipster talks about “the quad chip,” he or she is referring to the rumored M1 Extreme that would have been comprised of four M1 Max chips.   Enter to win a leather MacBook folio from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway] Giving away one Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7 from Harber London!   Apple Card contributes to another $667 million loss for Goldman Sachs: ‘We did not execute well’ The exact amount of losses Goldman Sachs has seen with its Apple partnership isn’t quite clear, but since 2020 it’s somewhere in the ballpark of $1-3 billion.  

This week: Here's what to expect for the iPhone 15 and its big redesign! Plus: we go hands-on with the iOS 17 and watchOS 10 public betas, Jony Ive is back making new hardware, and we pitch our favorite gadgets in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off plus free shipping! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15 Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. Still, early renders show the iPhone 15 series will look much like its predecessors.   Griffin: Think twice before installing iOS 17 public beta (or watchOS 10!) Apple just gave the general public access to the latest iOS 17 beta, but before you put it on your iPhone, the Cult of Mac staff has some warnings. We’ve used the betas for weeks, and while it’s gone well for some people, it’s been a dumpster fire for others.   Much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is still over a year away The iMac is Apple’s desktop PC with a built-in screen. This long-running product line was significantly revamped in 2021 with a slim design and M1 processor. Currently, the only version has a 24-inch screen, but there have been numerous calls for a larger variant.   Jony Ive returns to hardware design with $60,000 record player If Apple made a turntable, would it cost $60,000? Almost certainly not, but that’s the lofty price tag on the new 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12-50, sketched out by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom.   Jony Ive’s discontinued Apple design book now goes for big bucks Apple released Designed by Apple in California in 2016 to mixed but largely positive reviews — with a fair amount of snark about the pricing — and discontinued it in 2019.   Under Review Griffin Rode NT USB Plus Rode NTH 100 Erfon Anker Soundcore Motion x600 Lewis Geometric Goods Leather AirTag Travel Wallet

This week: We're talking BIG changes coming to AirPods, Apple's radical plan for new displays, and Twitter vs. Threads, battle of the the tech titans! Plus: Apple hits 3 TRILLION in market value, so Erfon's got another epic Apple stock update! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Next-gen AirPods Pro could measure your body temperature In the Sunday edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman shared Apple’s future roadmap for the AirPods. The company wants to position AirPods as a hearing aid replacement. It has hired engineers from traditional hearing aid companies to boost its research in this area. Apple plans to launch a monitor that stays on when you shut down your Mac Vision Pro’s complex design forces Apple to make significant production cuts Apple reportedly made hefty cuts to its production goals for the Vision Pro due to the headset’s complex design, which makes mass production a challenge. Lewis: Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway] This is a rare repeat - but this time it's open to contestants worldwide! How to use Threads, the new (new (new)) Twitter replacement Threads is the new social media platform with Twitter-like features, coming from Instagram. Apple TV+ has a lot more subscribers than you might realize The number of Apple TV+ subscribers has more than tripled in the past two years, according to data from a market-analysis firm. Apple passes $3 trillion mark cap … again Apple’s share price us up 53% this year!  

This week: We've got new intel on the next round of Apple's upcoming hardware releases including the long awaited 30-inch iMac (Pro?!), OLED iPads, the next Apple Watch Ultra, and more. Plus, fresh new images leak for iPhone 15 Pro Max! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple is reportedly working on iMac with 30-inch-plus screen Aside from the inevitable iPhone refresh (and the headset everyone’s buzzing about), Apple reportedly has several other major new products lined up for launch in 2023 and the first half of 2024. This includes revamped iPad Pros with OLED displays, new Macs powered by a next-gen M3 processor and an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra.   iPhone 15 Pro Max case leaks well ahead of fall announcement Those eager to get their hands on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max should check out a short video showing a case supposedly designed for Apple’s next flagship smartphone. This helps confirm a few details that previously leaked out.   EU countries, lawmakers reach data rule deal targeting Big Tech The European Commission proposed the Data Act last year to cover data generated in smart gadgets, machinery and consumer products, part of a raft of legislation aimed at curbing the power of U.S. tech giants.   Apple Hikes iCloud+ Subscription Prices in Many Countries Around the World Apple has increased the price of iCloud storage in several regions around the world, including the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.   Win this brilliant bundle from Function101 to whip your desk into shape [Cult of Mac giveaway] In this week’s giveaway, two lucky winners will bag themselves a magnetic Desk Mat Pro with two Cable Block XL cable managers from Function101. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to tidy up their desk and ensure wires are secure and easily accessible.  

This week: Imagine being able to easily swap out the battery on your iPhone or iPad - the EU is about to force Apple to do just that. Plus, cool new features coming to Vision Pro and the Photos app! This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad The European Parliament passed sweeping legislation last week intended to make recycling batteries easier. The new rules will require Apple to redesign iPhone and iPad so their batteries can be replaced by users. (Android devices will face the same mandate.)   Devs can now start making apps for Apple Vision Pro AR headset Turning the Apple Vision Pro headset from an announcement into a shipping product took a big step forward Wednesday with the release of the visionOS SDK. This includes the software tools developers will use to write applications for the AR headset that Apple unveiled earlier this month.   Lewis: Win a 65W GaN travel charger you can plug in anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway] The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger packs two USB-C ports along with one USB-A port, making it easy to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Plus, its switchable plugs make it effortless for use when traveling in the United States and Europe. It retails for just $55.99, but you could snag one for free in this week’s giveaway.   8 New Photo Features Coming to iPhone in iOS 17 When viewing your photos, Apple has enhanced Visual Look Up in iOS 17 in a few ways, one being the ability to find recipes for similar dishes when meals are recognized in the picture.   iPhone media apps can play music on HomePod using Siri with iOS 17 Apple will finally make playing music from third-party sources on your HomePod easier. Starting with iOS 17, you can ask Siri to play music on your HomePod from music apps installed on your iPhone.   MacBooks make up a whopping 77% of Mac If you own a Mac, it’s almost certainly a MacBook rather than a desktop. New data from a market research firm show that Apple’s notebooks made up the lion’s share of macOS sales over the last year.  

This week: We react to reviews of the M2 Mac Studio, Mac Pro, and 15" MacBook Air - Plus: all this week's best Apple stories!   This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 2023 Mac Studio review roundup: Eye-watering power The primary difference between the new Mac Studio and its predecessor is the processor, so this was the focus of many of the reviews.   M2 Ultra Mac Pro proves twice as fast as Intel Mac Pro — at half the price In Geekbench 6 stats that surfaced online Saturday, the M2 Ultra scored 2,776 and 21,402 in single-core and multi-core benchmarks, respectively. For comparison, the M1 Ultra scores 2,379 and 17,579 in the same set of tests. This indicates Apple’s M2 Ultra packs a 20% faster CPU.   First Benchmark Result Surfaces for Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip The first Geekbench 6 benchmark result for the new Mac Pro surfaced today, providing a closer look at the M2 Ultra chip's CPU performance in the desktop tower.   Win a Ugreen Nexode a fast 65W Charger with universal plugs 15-inch MacBook Air review roundup: Killer for consumers Reviewers have plenty of praise for the first 15-inch MacBook Air, with comments like it “does its job very, very well” (The Verge) and it’s “more than good enough” (CNET).   Cheaper Apple Vision Headset Likely to Launch by End of 2025 Apple still plans to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset by the end of 2025, with the non-Pro model likely to be called "Apple Vision One," or more  

This week: We're talking all the best announcements at WWDC 23, reactions to the Vision Pro and "Spacial Computing", iOS 17 hidden features, and we reveal the winner of last week's WWDC '23 predictions! This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories First looks at Vision Pro: Apple nails the hardware (and the experience) The headset, which Apple says will launch in 2024 and with a $3,499 price tag, represents the company’s first foray into what it calls “spatial computing.”   iOS 17 Tidbits: Enhanced Siri Suggestions, Multiple Timers, Recipe Visual Look Up, and More If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, Apple has added an optional button in Control Center that enables you to ping your watch if you have misplaced it.   Enter to win a clever AirTag bike reflector mount [Cult of Mac giveaway] For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Device Therapy, which makes a clever disguise to keep an eye on your bicycle. Three lucky winners will receive an awesome Bike Reflector Mount that can help foil thieves who want to steal your two-wheeler.   Mac Studio updated with ‘most powerful chip ever made for a personal computer’ The desktop machine now comes with Apple’s new M2 Ultra chip — the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” according to Apple.   Mac Pro finally gets updated to Apple silicon, is 3X faster The new Mac Pro features the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” and is up to 3x faster than the previous-generation Intel-based model.   WWDC23 Prediction Results

This week's we're talking: New Macs expected at WWDC 23 Last-minute rumors on what to expect Our most anticipated announcements What will make the Apple headset completely different from everything on the market More! This episode supported by Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast16 and use code cultcast16 for 16 FREE meals plus free shipping!   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories WWDC 23: What to expect from Apple’s blockbuster keynote New high-end Macs with M2 Max and Ultra chips could debut at WWDC23 Rumored 4K screens could let Apple VR/AR headset offer real world-like clarity The CultCast WWDC23 Predictions

This week's we're talking: All the new iOS 17 leaks! New Apple TV+'s shows top the streaming charts The return of MoviePass, the company that won't die!   This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iOS 17 might add smart home display mode to iPhone The always-on display in recent iPhone Pros will get a new use in iOS 17, according to a tipster. The device will reportedly show upcoming appointments, controls for smart home accessories, and more.   iOS 17 to Include Dedicated Journaling App and Mood Tracking The iOS 17 update that Apple plans to announce in June will include a dedicated journaling app, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The Wall Street Journal in April highlighted Apple's work on a Day One-style journaling app, but at the time, it was not clear if it would come in iOS 17 .   More intel on Apple's journaling app iOS 17 Said to Feature Wallet, Find My, SharePlay, and AirPlay Upgrades Enter to win the ultimate protection for your Apple Watch Ultra [Cult of Mac giveaway] Apple Watch Ultra owners, this week’s giveaway is for you. We teamed up with Elkson to give away five Quattro Pro 2.0 cases for Apple Watch Ultra. All winners also will receive an Apple Watch Ultra screen protector for an added layer of protection.   3 Apple TV+ hits are more popular than almost anything else on streaming Silo, Ted Lasso and Ghosted all showed up in this week’s lists of the most-watched streaming movies and TV shows. They offer further proof that Apple TV+ can successfully compete against Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. In fact, Silo currently ranks as the most popular series on any streaming service.   MoviePass relaunches nationwide with a new pricing model

This week: we've got FIVE reasons the Apple VR/AR headset is turning into an incredible product.  Plus: five hidden iMessage tips do you didn't know about, and Erfon's dead HomePod story takes an unexpected turn! This episode supported by Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. MacBreak Weekly Podcast From Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Apple TV to the ins and outs of Apple shaking things up in tech… you name it, the MacBreak Weekly podcast covers it. Get a new episode of MacBreak Weekly every Tuesday by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   This week's stories 5 reasons to get excited about the Apple VR/AR headset Apple’s next-gen M3 Pro chip could pack even more CPU and GPU cores  5 hidden features in iMessage 

This week: Apple's internal sting operation just nabbed them one of Twitter's most prolific leakers — but how'd they do it? Plus: our reactions and details on Final Cut Pro and Logic for iPad, and a new startup staffed with a stable of Apple's top ex-employees showcases a new gadget they say is BETTER than the iPhone. This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple busts major iOS 17 leaker with spycraft ‘canary trap’ The tipster who went by analyst941 leaked a large number of details about iOS 17, but his or her inside source apparently was caught by Apple in a sting operation. The source has reportedly been fired, and both they and the tipster could face legal action by the iPhone-maker. Apple unveils Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro for iPad With Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro becoming available for Apple’s tablets, “music and video creators can now unleash their creativity in new ways that are only possible on iPad,” Apple said. iPhone users want pro camera mode from Final Cut Pro for iPad The iPad version of Final Cut Pro that Apple recently unveiled includes a “pro camera mode” with a number of manual settings not included in the standard camera application. iPhone users saw this and quickly started calling for these features to be brought over to iOS, too. Enter to win a stylish MacBook case from SwitchEasy [Cult of Mac giveaway] Two lucky winners will bag a SwitchEasy Urban MacBook Sleeve. Made of water-resistant threaded polyester material, these laptop cases will protect a MacBook from scuffs and scrapes. And they look good while doing so! Apple brings in robust iPhone revenue but Mac and iPad are down During the first three months of 2023, Apple’s total revenue dropped 3% year over year. iPhone was a bright spot, but revenue from virtually all of the company’s other product segments saw annual declines. CEO Tim Cook blamed the drop on a “challenging macroeconomic environment.” Why Humane’s screenless AI gadget will not replace your iPhone Humane, the hot Silicon Valley startup that’s been drumming up interest in its secretive product recently, finally showed the world what its A-list talent has been working on.  

This week: iPadOS 17 could make Stage Manager a lot better How to install the first-ever iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response Apple to Announce 15-Inch MacBook Air at WWDC Apple to Upgrade Its Watch Operating System With New Focus on Widgets Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts   This episode supported by Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package. Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast16 and use code cultcast16 for 16 free meals, plus free shipping! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPadOS 17 could make Stage Manager a lot better Apple reportedly will make meaningful improvements to the Stage Manager multitasking feature in iPadOS 17. Leaker @analyst941, who previously shared several tidbits about iOS 17, claims Apple is working on some big Stage Manager changes for iPadOS 17. How to install the first-ever iOS and macOS Rapid Security Response Apple began rolling out a Rapid Security Response to fix urgent security problems in iOS 16.4.1, macOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1. Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week we teamed up with Kuxiu to put an X40 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger and stand in the hands of one lucky winner. Apple to Announce 15-Inch MacBook Air at WWDC Apple to Upgrade Its Watch Operating System With New Focus on Widgets Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts, 'Siri X,' and Headset Voice Controls

This week: MORE iOS17 leaks! Not even Apple knows the point of their upcoming headset Side-loading KIND OF coming to iOS Apple planning journaling app How to download the Watch Face Tim Cook uses! This episode supported by Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST. Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iOS 17 could bring new Lock Screen features, App Library customization As WWDC23 inches closer to its scheduled date, more leaks about iOS 17 are surfacing online. A new rumor details all the Lock Screen changes Apple plans to debut in the next iOS release. The tweaks include changing the Lock Screen font size, sharing custom Lock Screen designs with other iPhone users, and more. This is all we need to say >>> iOS 17 Rumored to Feature Wallet and Find My Improvements, macOS 14 to Be Minor Update Appeals court agrees App Store doesn’t violate US antitrust law A United States appeals court agreed with a lower court’s ruling that Apple’s App Store does not break U.S. antitrust law. This is a victory for Apple’s efforts to keep the government from changing the way the App Store runs. Apple Health app might finally come to iPad Apple is reportedly about to fill a glaring hole in the collection of software that comes bundled on iPads. A version of Apple’s Health app for tablets will, at long last, launch in autumn 2023, according to a reliable source. Also - Apple Watch might sync to iPad and Mac with watchOS 10 “Apple Watch will sync across multiple iOS/iPadOS/Mac devices, and will no longer be tied to one single iPhone,” according to a tipster who calls themselves @analyst941 on Twitter. Apple poised to launch wellness-focused journaling app Apple Inc. is planning an iPhone app to let users compile their daily activities as part of its efforts in the market for mental and physical health technology, according to documents viewed by The Wall Street Journal. The software will compete in a category of so-called journaling apps, such as Day One, which lets users track and record their activities and thoughts. The new Apple product underscores the company’s growing interest in mental health.   Apple Will Take Scattershot Approach to Pitching AR/VR Headset How Apple headset’s external battery pack will work Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset reportedly will use an external battery pack with a new type of proprietary magnetic connector. The wearer will keep the external battery in their pocket while using the headset.     Download the Apple Watch face Tim Cook uses

This week: MAJOR leaks on Apple's new "Reality" headset, Apple's killer new savings account, and WWDC hardware predictions! This episode supported by Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories The scramble to create killer apps for Apple’s AR/VR headset is on There’ll be a lot more to Apple’s VR/AR headset than new hardware: an unconfirmed report leaks details on Apple’s plans for software. There’ll be games and fitness apps, a VR version of FaceTime and more. That’s not surprising. What is eye-opening is the assertion that the headset will be able to run third-party iPad applications right out of the box.   Apple Plans to Launch More Than Just Its New Headset at WWDC Apple’s powerful M3 processor goes into production later in 2023 Enter to win a limited-edition iPhone case from Pitaka For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Pitaka to offer four people the chance to win a limited-edition iPhone case worth $89.99.   Stash your cash in a high-yield Apple Card Savings account Apple Card Savings launched Monday, allowing money earned from Apple Card’s cash-back program to go into a high-yield savings account. And it is high-yield — at 4.15%, the annual rate is about 10 times higher than the national average.   Watch Tim Cook's Reaction as Fan Brings Vintage Macintosh to Apple Store Opening in Mumbai

This week: we got some big last-minute changes coming to iPhone 15 Pro, plus we finally have some intel on the changes coming to iOS 17! And we pitch our favorite new podcast, food, and shows in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 6 ways to avoid ‘juice jacking’ at public iPhone charging stations Cybersecurity experts warn that bad actors can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Malware installed through a corrupted USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. Criminals can then use that information to access online accounts or sell it to other bad actors. iOS 17 Rumored to Improve Search, Dynamic Island, Control Center, and More iPhone 15 Pro’s rumored solid-state buttons reportedly shelved

This week: M2 Mac mini, the mini monster! We've got our full review for you. Plus: Apple's praying their headset will replace your iPhone, and BIG watchOS changes are incoming! This episode supported by Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST. Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!” Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories kuo: Apple's AR/VR Headset Announcement is 'Last Hope' for Persuading Investors It Will Be the Next 'Star Product' Apple's announcement event is likely the last hope for convincing investors that the AR/MR headset device could have a chance to be the next star product in consumer electronics," Kuo wrote in a Medium article estimating upcoming virtual reality headset sales from Sony and Meta. Justin ‘I’m a Mac’ Long now advertises Intel PCs Best value computer for sale today, the M2 Pro Mac mini review Enter to win a magnetic iPad stand with built-in wireless charger [Cult of Mac giveaway] “The new watchOS should be a fairly extensive upgrade” Steve Jobs’ Make Something Wonderful comes out April 11 (for free) The Steve Jobs Archive’s first major release — a digital book titled Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words — will arrive April 11.  

This week: our WWDC23 predictions, Apple’s headset is finally incoming, and even more dizzying examples of the unreal power of AI. This episode supported by Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories WWDC23 kicks off June 5 with online event The official invitation to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 went out Wednesday, confirming we’ll get our first look at what’s on the company’s near-term agenda on June 5. Apple promises WWDC23 will bring an opportunity “to learn the latest about Apple platforms, technologies, and tools.”   WWDC23 invite might hint at Apple VR headset The colorful image Apple used Wednesday to invite developers to WWDC23 set off speculation that it’s a hint that the company’s long-awaited VR/AR headset will be unveiled at the June event.   Apple VR headset production reportedly pushed back again   15 new features in iOS 16.4 you should try right away Once you install iOS 16.4, the biggest point release of iOS 16 so far, check out these 15 features to try right away — including the new “high five emoji” combo.   How to enable Voice Isolation for iPhone calls in iOS 16.4   First ChatGPT-generated app hits the App Store 5 Movies, likely the first iPhone app generated almost entirely by ChatGPT, was approved by Apple and published on the App Store late Thursday night.   Wozniak, Musk and leading researchers urge pause on ‘out of control’ AI dev A new open letter signed by tech leaders urges a six-month pause on development of advanced artificial intelligence applications that may pose “profound risks to society and humanity.”   This viral ‘photo’ of the pope in a puffer jacket fooled the internet. How can we spot AI deepfakes?

This week: more details on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro leak, Apple's about to make a big push into movie theaters, and we review the astounding accuracy of the newest generation of AI image creation. This episode supported by Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package. Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories... Get 30% off your first year of Mylio Phtoos when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Voice Isolation for phone calls finally coming to iPhone The Voice Isolation feature iPhone users have become accustomed to in video chats will soon expand to regular phone calls. It will make participants in these voice calls easier to understand.   iPhone 15 Pro Max to 'Break Record' for Thinnest Bezels on a Smartphone - erfon The largest version of the iPhone 15 reportedly will come with the smallest screen bezels. Like, record-breaking thin.   Let’s hope the latest iPhone 15 leak is wrong The traditional mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max supposedly will be replaced with a static, touch-sensitive button. If true, it’s possible this will be too easy to activate so users don’t get the notifications they expect.   Enter to win a versatile selfie stick that does it all [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis, aka the Giveaway King Two lucky winners have a chance to win an EasySelfie Stick, a not-so-ordinary selfie stick from SwitchEasy, in this week’s giveaway.   Incredibly clever selfie stick does triple duty as tripod and remote [Reviews] Apple might pour $1 billion into movies for theatrical release Apple reportedly hopes to make a big splash at your local movie theater in the very near future. The company supposedly will spend $1 billion to make films for the big screen.   The astounding power of Midjourney 5

This week: Apple's prepping a new HomePod with a 7" touchscreen, plus: Apple might enter the AI game, and TC order headset release as designers warn it's not ready! This episode supported by Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple working on a HomePod with 7-inch display for 2024 Apple could launch its first smart display as soon as next year. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is preparing a HomePod with a 7-inch display for H1 2024.   Tim Cook approves AR headset’s 2023 launch despite opposition from Apple design team Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly sided with COO Jeff Williams to launch the company’s AR/VR headset this year, despite the fact that Cupertino’s design team wanted to wait a few more years to launch a sleeker pair of AR glasses.   Enter to win a versatile selfie stick that does it all [Cult of Mac giveaway] Report: Apple to 'Re-Examine' AI Development Apple is planning to "re-examine" its development of artificial intelligence, according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.   The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse wins Oscar for Apple TV+ The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave Apple TV+ its latest Oscar win, this time for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. It is hand-drawn animation, and it therefore took home the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.   Apple Music Classical finally makes its debut performance A preview of Apple Music Classical appeared Thursday on the App Store. When available, the app will offer access to the world’s largest classical music catalog, with more than  

This week: a new iMac and (M3!) MacBook Airs are incoming! Plus: new yellow iPhone 14s, new details on iPhone 15 Pro, and we compare Apple Mail vs the newly FREE Microsoft Outlook! This episode supported by Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple launches yellow iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, plus new case colors Apple rolled out yellow versions of its iPhone 14 and 14 Plus handsets Tuesday as part of a typical midcycle refresh. The new color joins midnight, starlight, Product(Red), blue and purple in the lineup. Apple made four new silicone case colors available, too. Brighten up your iPhone with new wallpaper coming with yellow iPhone 14 New multicolored Hermès Apple Watch band is $599 of unicorn vomit Apple Readies Its Next Range of Macs, Including — Finally — a New iMac 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air reportedly will use the M3 chip Apple plans to use the entry-level variant of the M3 system-on-a-chip with an eight-core CPU in both models, according to 9to5Mac. Cupertino apparently does not plan on offering the 15-inch MacBook Air with a more powerful Pro variant of its 3nm chip. Microsoft makes Outlook for Mac free for everyone Microsoft no longer charges for Outlook for Mac. It’s free to use, no subscription fee required.  

This week: All the best new features in the iOS 16.4 betas, plus: the new HomePod Vs the Original! Papa Erf has some surprising sound tests to discuss… This episode supported by Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iOS 16.4 beta 1 & 2: All the new features and changes Simple security hack keeps your iCloud account safe from iPhone thieves A Basic iPhone Feature Helps Criminals Steal Your Entire Digital Life (The Wall Street Journal) How Apple’s secret Exploratory Design Group makes magic happen Few outside of Apple have ever heard of the company’s secretive Exploratory Design Group. However, the team includes many of Apple’s brightest minds — and is developing some of its most innovative products.   HomePod 2: Does it sound better or worse than the original? The CultCast host Erfon Elijah finally got our hands on the coveted HomePod 2 speakers. He put the 2023 model head-to-head with the 2018 model the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: in a stereo pair.   Enter to win a high-end backpack from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway] We’re giving one lucky person the chance to win a lavish Commuter Backpack from Harber London in this week’s giveaway. This spacious, 17-liter backpack retails for $234. iMessage is coming to Windows … kind of People never thought it would happen. People didn’t think it was possible. But in an update to Windows 11, you will be able to send and receive iMessages and manage your notifications through a PC.  

This week: We've got our first look at iPhone 15 and the secret new color coming to iPhone 15 Pro. Plus: Apple's prepping a world changing feature for Apple Watch. This episode supported by Save 50% on a Dashlane subscription with code cultofmac50! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more! This week's stories Leaked iPhone 15 CAD renders reveal bigger 6.2-inch display with Dynamic Island 3D CAD renders of the 2023 iPhone 15 have leaked online, revealing all the design changes Apple is planning. This includes bringing the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island to the non-Pro iPhones this year. TSMC’s entire 3nm chip output goes to Apple Apple designs its own processors but they’re made by TSMC. And the foundry has been able to shrink the components of Apple’s chips every year or two, allowing them to work faster while generating less waste heat. Enter to win a sturdy, folding iPad stand that rotates 360 degrees [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a convenient 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook. Available in two sleek colors, space gray and silver, this rock-solid iPad stand will definitely complement your device. Inside the secret mission to add glucose monitor to Apple Watch Apple Watch is well-known as a health tracker, but a new report said a secret project dating back to Steve Jobs’ era — to use the wearable to monitor glucose without pricking the skin to get blood — has made headway recently. And that has major implications. Why the Apple Watch might be banned from US import A decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission to block Apple Watch imports reportedly received a go-ahead from the Biden administration.  

This week: We roundup the features coming iPhone 15 Pro and Max! Plus: a new 15.5-inch MacBook is INCOMING, and don’t forget to update the software on your MagSafe cable! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more! This week's stories What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15 in 2023 Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. But no images or CAD drawings showing the exact changes have emerged yet.   Apple supposedly will use titanium in at least one of the Pro models. 15.5-inch MacBook Air could arrive in April A super-size MacBook Air is supposedly right around the corner. An analyst who’s built a solid reputation for accurately predicting Apple products says the next macOS notebook will be out in six weeks or so.   We're giving away five 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook. Made of aluminum with a heavy-duty base, this stable tablet stand can hold everything from an iPad Pro to a iPhone (plus Android devices -- boo!).   Don’t forget to update the software on your MagSafe cable Apple issued an important software update recently — and we’re not talking for iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. It’s 2023, so it’s for something way more esoteric: a power cable. Yes, the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable comes with a tiny computer inside of it that needs software updates, for some inscrutable reason.   King Charles coronation logo created by iPhone designer The official logo for King Charles III's coronation, which will show up at street parties and on social media and souvenirs, has been revealed by Buckingham Palace. It has been created by Sir Jony Ive, known for his innovative designs of Apple gadgets, including the iPhone.  

This week: Details leak about iPhone ULTRA, a higher-end iPhone with a higher price! Plus, Apple execs reveal why they really ditched Intel... This episode supported by The Lectric XP 3.0 is a compact but powerful folding eBike you can take anywhere! At just $999, with its 45 mile range and speeds up to 28 MPH, the XP 3.0 is one of the best eBike values on the market. Visit lectricebikes.com to learn more! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple could launch an ‘Ultra’ high-end iPhone as soon as 2024 Apple’s Tim Cook told investors that consumers are willing to pay up for the best iPhone they can get, signaling that even more ritzy models may be on the way.   ‘iPhone Ultra’ concept envisions what a titanium iPhone might look like Exclusive: iPhone reverse wireless charging development continues after Apple missed target Win a supreme stand that mounts your MagSafe iPhone anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week’s giveaway will see three lucky winners receiving an Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand by SwitchEasy.The multifunctional stand works with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone. And it lets you mount that iPhone practically anywhere, from your desk to monitor to your car’s dash (thanks to the 3M sticker on the back).   Who will be Apple’s next Jony Ive? Nobody, apparently. Apple reportedly stopped looking for a replacement industrial design chief. This is surprising, as it’s a high-profile position once held by Jony Ive, who led the team that created the iconic look of the iPhone, iMac and more.   Apple execs reveal what went wrong with Intel What pulled Apple away from Intel? In a new interview, Apple executives Tim Millet and Bob Borchers reveal why the company shifted to making its own Mac chips.  

This week: The HomePods are arriving at people's doorsteps and the reviews are in — let's have an honest chat about HomePod V2. Plus: Apple is planning an even BIGGER Ultra Watch, and a folder iPad is in the works! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories HomePod 2 review roundup: Great sound but no giant leap forward If there’s a bottom line to HomePod 2 reviews published Tuesday by the likes of CNET, The Verge, TechRadar and TechCrunch, it’s that the new full-size HomePod is a fine choice for hardcore Apple users of means — but not so much for anyone else. HomePod 2 wait times stretch out until March Order the recently unveiled HomePod 2 from the online Apple store today and it might not arrive until March. Preorders for the revived version of Apple’s full-size smart speaker have surpassed the launch-day supply. Kuo: Apple to Release Foldable iPad With Carbon Fiber Kickstand in 2024 Apple will launch a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand sometime next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple Smart Home Display: Everything We Know Apple is working on a new Home accessory that is designed to serve as a central hub for smart home management. The Apple TV and the HomePod are already home hubs and almost all Apple devices can control a HomeKit setup, but Apple is designing an all-in-one home management product to make control even easier. The giveaway this week is from SwitchEasy it's for the Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand. SwitchEasy’s Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand is fully adjustable and extendable for the perfect view, with strong magnets to mount any MagSafe-compatible iPhone (or compatible case). Apple Watch Ultra With Nearly 10% Larger Display Rumored to Launch Next Year A new Apple Watch Ultra with a larger 2.1-inch display will be released in 2024, according to a report today from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes, citing industry sources. Jony Ive creates ‘perfect’ schnoz for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Legendary Apple design chief Jony Ive, responsible for the look and feel of iconic products like iPhone, grabbed headlines Wednesday for a new creation — a big, red paper nose. That may sound odd, but it’s for a good cause.

This week: Yes the new M2 MacBook Pro is a spec bump, but it's a BIG one! Plus: why the new Mac mini is both exciting AND disappointing, and the original HomePods get another big update! This episode supported by Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 2023 MacBook Pro review roundup: M2 Max brings considerable performance boost Yes, the M2 MacBook Pro is a spec bump, but a really great one. First independent look at the newest macOS notebooks. The reviewers’ consensus is that the only noticeable change is the performance gain coming from the new M2 Max or M2 Pro processors. Review roundup: M2 and M2 Pro chips jack up new Mac mini models The Mac mini first came out in 2005 as a compact and affordable desktop option that could draw new Mac users. Entry-level 2023 Mac mini and MacBook Pros use significantly slower SSDs Enter to win a charming Apple Watch Band from Goldenerre iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 arrive After a relatively short beta period, Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 to the public.

This week: They're finally here, the new M2 MacBook Pros, mew Mac mini and Mac mini "Pro", and the brand new HomePods! This episode we react and discuss all of it.... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple Announces New MacBook Pros With M2 Pro and M2 Max Chips, Up to 96GB RAM, and More The new M2 Pro chip features a 10-core or 12-core CPU and offers up to 20% faster performance than the M1 Pro chip, according to Apple. The chip also has a 16-core or 19-core GPU that delivers up to 30% faster graphics performance over the M1 Pro, while the 16-core Neural Engine is up to 40% faster compared to the previous generation. 2024 MacBook Pro will feature even-faster 3nm Apple M3-series processors Apple designs the CPUs for its computers but they are produced by TSMC. And while the Taiwanese company has been able to consistently shrink the components of Apple’s chips every couple of years, but serious problems with the 3nm process that rollout was delayed many months. Apple launches powerful new Mac mini at a lower cost Apple launched a new Mac mini Tuesday, an upgraded model that uses the M2 chip seen last summer in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. A higher-end version runs on the brand-new M2 Pro chip, which also powers the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, also introduced today. Apple resurrects full-size HomePod with hot new features, same old price The first-generation HomePod debuted in 2018, and received equal parts praise for its audio quality and criticism for its $349 price. A drop to $299 did little to raise interest in the product, so Apple discontinued the HomePod in 2021. HomePod head-to-head: How Apple’s new smart speaker compares to original Secret sensor in your HomePod mini will activate soon Shortly after HomePod mini launched in 2020, teardowns of the device discovered a sensor to measure both temperature and humidity. No one outside of Apple had been aware of it before because the functionality has been inaccessible to users. But that’s about to change.

This week: They said they'd never do it! But... according to a new report, Apple is now testing a Mac with a touchscreen, and will be supercharging the a cutting edge new display technology (and more!). Plus: Apple's mixed reality headset is almost here, and is now in the hands of a secret cabal of developers who are building apps and preparing for launch. This episode supported by Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple ‘seriously considering’ a touchscreen MacBook Apple now has engineers “actively engaged in the project” of adding touchscreens to Mac computers, starting with the popular MacBook Pro. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, a consistent and reliable leaker, the first Mac with a touchscreen display could ship as soon as 2025. Enter to win spectacular iPad Pro accessory bundle from Pitaka [Cult of Mac giveaway] The Cult of Mac giveaway this week is a corker. We teamed up with Pitaka for one lucky winner to get the chance to win an iPad Pro accessory bundle worth $190. Apple’s in-house display could debut on the Apple Watch Ultra in 2024 Apple wants to reduce its reliance on sourcing displays for its products from Samsung and LG. So, the company is working on its own custom displays that it intends to use as early as 2024. Apple's 2023 Roadmap: When to Expect New Product Launches This Year No major AirPods, iPad or Apple Watch upgrades planned for 2023 Every year, Apple has some significant hardware upgrades planned for at least a few devices in its product lineup. 2023 could be an outlier, though.

This week: We just got our biggest leaks yet of Apple's Mixed Reality headset! Plus: there will soon be some serious competition for Apple's Studio Display, and we add MORE picks to our best of 2022, part 3! This episode supported by Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple headset uses waist-mounted battery pack — new details emerge After testing a version of Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset with an internal battery, the company’s engineers have resorted to using a separate battery pack connected by a wire, according to a new report about the secret project. Mac Pro and M2 Mac mini pegged for launch at huge Apple event in March The long-awaited Mac Pro desktop will finally debut at a big March event, according to a new rumor. Dell’s new 32-inch 6K monitor gives Apple’s ProDisplay XDR some competition With Dell’s new 32-inch 6K UltraSharp monitor, the Apple Pro Display XDR is no longer in a category of its own. Dell’s new monitor does things a little differently, though, blending elements from Apple’s $4,999 monitor and the $1,599 Studio Display, providing a possible best of both worlds when it comes to productivity and performance. Samsung ViewFinity S9 first look: a sleek alternative to Apple’s Studio Display Samsung announced its ViewFinity S9 monitor earlier this week. With a 5K (5120 x 2880) resolution and stylish aluminum enclosure, it seems like Samsung is trying to square off with Apple’s Studio Display — likely for a lower price — and LG’s high-resolution monitors Apple uses AI to voice its latest audiobook catalog Apple’s latest catalog of books uses artificial intelligence as a narrator instead of a human voice. This is the first time the Cupertino giant has used AI for audiobook narration. The move could have a wide-reaching effect in the audiobook space and mark the beginning of the end of human narrators.

This week: What Apple hardware is coming next in 2023? We got the list! Plus: it's part 2 of our best of 2022 picks, with our favorite tech, shows, and movies! This episode supported by Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 5 most exciting Apple products coming in 2023 An Apple Watch Ultra for $48? No, but you can get this obvious knockoff Some rugged, outdoorsy types might hesitate over the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag. But what if they could get a lookalike watch for less than $50? Apple silently downgraded the default resolution of videos when viewed on macOS Photos

This week: It's part 1 of our best of 2022 picks, with our favorite tech, shows, and movies! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Don’t give up on the iMac Pro just yet The first iMac Pro launched in 2017, with a powerful Intel Xeon processor, a 27-inch 5K display and a starting price of $5,000. The first iMac designed for professionals, the pricey computer failed to find a market. Apple nixed it in 2021 without ever releasing follow-up versions. But it’s apparently not too late. Apple seemingly cancels ‘M2 Extreme’ Mac Pro At WWDC20, Apple promised to complete its transition to Apple silicon inside Macs in two years. It missed that deadline, and the company is yet to reveal a replacement for its 2019 Intel Mac Pro. Apple store rewards procrastinators with free two-hour deliveries It’s almost Christmas, while Hanukkah is already in full swing, and the Apple store is helping last-minute shoppers with free two-hour delivery of some items. Why AirTags make the ultimate Apple stocking stuffers

This week: The best new features in iOS 16.2, plus: this is unreal—alternate app stores, side loading, and A LOT more coming to iOS! This episode supported by Rocket Money shows you all your subscriptions all in one place, and then cancels for you whatever you don’t want with a single click! Cancel your unnecessary subscriptions right now at rocketmoney.com/cultcast. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple gears up for alternative app stores on iPhone and iPad Apple has launched a major project to allow alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads by 2024. The effort is meant to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, coming fully into force then, and other possible national or regional laws that make Apple allow side loading, according to new report Tuesday. Apple Considering Dropping Requirement for iPhone Web Browsers to Use WebKit As part of a larger story about Apple's plans to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone and iPad in EU countries, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that Apple is also considering removing its requirement for iPhone and iPad web browsers to use WebKit, the open source browser engine that powers Safari. 10 new iOS 16.2 features to try right away Get way more done with full external display support in iPadOS 16.2 iPad users can now connect a second display and open up to four application windows on it. This at least doubles the available space to work in. Adding 27-inch screen to an 11-inch iPad is a dramatic change. Winner’s choice! Enter to win any mophie product [Cult of Mac giveaway] The giveaway this week is slightly different, as we teamed up with Zagg to give five lucky winners the opportunity to choose their own prize from the extensive lineup of mophie products. Escape Apple TV+ subscription fees with Emancipation-themed trial offer With Emancipation now streaming on Apple TV+, Apple wants to make sure Will Smith fans can watch it. So the company is offering a free two-month trial of its streaming video service. That’s much longer than the usual 7-day trial.

This week: We're talking Apple's "20-inch folding MacBook", new features in iOS 16.2, + the big changes coming to iCloud! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 20-inch folding screen could change MacBooks forever Apple could be working on a MacBook far larger than the current 16-inch model – a 20.25-inch one is supposedly in development. But don’t picture a standard laptop, as this will supposedly use a folding display. iOS 16.2 with Freeform, Apple Music Sing and more is just days away Apple seeded the iOS 16.2 release candidate to developers Wednesday, taking a huge step toward giving iPhone users access to the Freeform collaboration app, the recently announced Apple Music Sing and other exciting new features. Apple vastly expands iCloud data encryption with 3 security updates Apple said Wednesday users are gaining three new security features to protect their data in the cloud, with some available now and some to come. The overall program is called Advanced Data Protection. Enter to win a tough, titanium Apple Watch Ultra band from Lululook [Cult of Mac giveaway] - Lewis This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a sturdy Apple Watch Ultra Titanium Band from Lululook. The band matches the new Apple Watch Ultra perfectly, thanks to its sleek titanium finish. Apple car just got a lot less ambitious Apple’s plan for a completely autonomous vehicle has gone back onto the drawing board, according to a reliable source. The company supposedly is still prepping an electric car but the self-driving capabilities much more limited. Dyson is making the strangest headphones on the planet

This week: We're talking leaked M2 Max MBP benchmarks, the problem with iCloud, Elon Vs. Apple, the Tesla Phone, and the poor chum who got mugged while carrying 300 brand new iPhones! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Elon Musk declares war on Apple Elon Musk declared war on Apple on Monday afternoon. A Twitter war, anyway. The new owner of Twitter very publicly objects to the 30% fee the iPhone-maker claims from purchases made through the iPhone software store, and also says Apple has threatened to pull the Twitter app from the App Store. Elon Musk might release a Twitter phone - erfon Elon Musk says he’ll release a phone that competes with iPhone and Android if he has to. The owner of Twitter might be forced to make a handset if Apple and Google ban the social network from their software stores. Elon meeting with TC Elon Musk admits Apple never planned to kick Twitter out of iPhone App Store Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday walked back his claim that Apple was threatening to remove Twitter from the App Store. Leaked 2023 MacBook Pro benchmarks show it’ll support much more RAM Very early benchmark scores for what is apparently the 2023 MacBook Pro show buyers will be able to configure it with much more RAM. And new details on the M2 Max processor were revealed, too. iCloud Storage Over the Years Why walking the streets of NYC with 300 iPhones is a bad idea A man was robbed of 300 iPhones he’d just purchased at the famous Apple store on Fifth Avenue early Monday. He walked out of the store and was soon assaulted by a pair of criminals who drove off with a bag carrying $95,000 worth of handsets.

This week: iPhone 15 going Thunderbolt Insane Black Friday deals More! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPhone 15 Pro could feature significantly faster wired data-transfer speeds 2023 iPhone 15 Pro models could feature faster data-transfer speeds over a wired connection. Rumors indicate Apple will transition to USB Type-C connectors across its entire iPhone lineup next year. But the faster data-transfer speeds could be limited to the Pro models. Rounded corners and edges plus titanium case rumored for iPhone 15 A leaker with a pretty good track record for accuracy said Sunday the upcoming iPhone 15 series will feature rounded corners and edges, plus a titanium case. Rounded corners would harken way back to earlier iPhones and a titanium case would be a first for Apple handsets. See also Leander's piece from Cult of Mac Today newsletter: "Next iPhone might be titanium In the newsletter, he talks all about Apple's alternating "Extrudo" and "Sandwich" design styles. It's been switching between the two from the very beginning! Enter to win a Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV and say, ‘So long, Siri’ [Cult of Mac giveaway] Three lucky winners in this week’s giveaway will be able to cast aside the Siri Remote forever. We’re giving away three Function101 Button Remotes for Apple TV.e But even if you don’t win, you can still free yourself from one of Apple’s most divisive devices. Retailing at just $29.95, the Button Remote is a deal for everyone who doesn’t like the Apple TV’s Siri Remote. The best Black Friday deals on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads and Apple Watch Black Friday is just around the corner, and that means you can get hefty discounts on Apple products. While the shopping event is a few days away, Black Friday deals have already gone live across various retailers. Mondo drops ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ vinyl soundtracks for Severance Collectibles seller Mondo will release a soundtrack Wednesday for Apple TV+’s Severance season 1 in two versions, both on vinyl: Innie Edition and Outie Edition.

This week: Apple's free Emergency satellite SOS goes live! Apple is building a rival to the metaverse iPhone 4K video - it’s a scam! The magic of Apple's Find My network Steve Jobs’ stinky old sandals go to auction This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 models iPhone 14 models can now use Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service. It allows users of the latest iOS handsets to exchange texts with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple is building a rival to the metaverse Apple job listings offer a peek into the development of the company’s long-rumored AR headset. Cupertino seemingly wants to create augmented reality and 3D content for its mixed-reality device, which could arrive in early 2023. Steve Jobs’ sandals sell for a lot more than you might imagine anyone paying for used shoes - lewis

This week: it's about to get a lot harder to buy Macs, iPhones, AirPods and more. Get'em while you can! Plus: Apple's about to make it even easier to accidentally turn on Siri, and the strange story no one's talking about: Apple's industrial design team is falling apart right before our eyes. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Bad news for Xmas: Apple’s largest factory forced into ‘total lockdown’ Days after reports of Foxconn employees hopping fences and fleeing from their jobs, a report from Taiwan News says Apple’s biggest iPhone factory is now on “total lockdown.” These new restrictions could have a big impact on Apple’s sales during the crucial holiday period. Apple wants to shorten ‘Hey Siri’ trigger phrase to simply ‘Siri’ Apple is working on changing the “Hey Siri” hotword to just plain “Siri,” and the change could roll out as early as next year. Apple News will be shoved into the Weather app In the latest beta of iOS 16.2, certain cities have an additional section for weather news, slotted between the 10-day forecast and the air quality meter. On iPadOS and macOS Ventura, this section occupies an even larger widget in the corner. Apple's Product Design Team Reportedly Focused More on Costs in Recent Years Apple's efforts to replace its former design chief Jony Ive have been hindered by increased turnover within the company's product design team over the past few years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The report claims that Apple has lost the majority of senior designers who worked under Ive, with many of them jumping ship to his new design firm LoveFrom, which he started after leaving Apple in 2019.

This week: CultCast is talking iPhone 15 going buttonless, backlit Apple logo making a comeback, and our review of Apple's weird workplace drama Severance! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPhone 15 Pro could use solid-state volume and power buttons Apple could switch to solid-state volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro series. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has made this claim based on his latest supply chain checks. Don’t expect new MacBook Pro or Mac mini before 2023 Apple is done introducing Macs in 2022, according to a reliable source of insider information. The MacBook Pro models with the M2 Pro and M2 Max allegedly won’t be out until late in Q1 2023. Backlit Apple Logo Could Make a Comeback on Future MacBooks The first Mac laptop with a lit-up Apple logo was the third-generation PowerBook G3 launched in 1999, and the glowing symbol proved a mainstay through consecutive Apple notebooks for the next 16 years. The only change in that period was that the logo got flipped upright, so that it no longer appeared upside down to onlookers when someone was sat in public with the lid open. New EU Law Could Force Apple to Allow Other App Stores, Sideloading, and iMessage Interoperability Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the rules will apply to tech giants that meet its "gatekeeper" criteria and force them to open up their various services and platforms to other companies and developers. Filming begins on Severance season 2 with 8 new stars Fans of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance can rejoice that production on season 2 started this week. More of what Stephen Colbert called a “dystopian workplace sci-fi mystery black comedy psychological thriller” is on the way.

This week: all the best new and hidden features in iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, and macOS Ventura. Plus: Apple releases yet another great update for the original HomePod, and BestBuy beats Apple in providing a way to pay for your new Mac monthly and trade it in when new models come out. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apples hikes prices of Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple One Apple plans to raise the prices of some of its subscription services by $1 to $3 each, reports indicated Monday. The services include Apple TV+, Apple Music and the Apple One subscription bundle. 4 great iPadOS 16.1 features that aren’t Stage Manager Apple finally released iPadOS 16.1. The debut of the Stage Manager multitasking system has drawn most of the attention, but plenty of other new features are worth checking out, too. Monday’s launch is extra-significant because iPadOS 16 never launched. Version 16.1 is the first replacement for last year’s iPadOS 15.x. 5 iOS 16.1 features to try right away How to share an iCloud Photo Library iOS 16.1 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.1 Apple Releases New HomePod 16.1 Software With Matter Support According to Apple's release notes, HomePod software version 16.1 includes support for the Matter smart home standard. Best Buy's 'Upgrade+' Program Lets Customers Get a New Mac Laptop Every Three Years With Monthly Financing Best Buy today announced a new financing and upgrade program called "Upgrade+." The program involves a combination of interest-free financing through Citizens Pay and an option to upgrade to a new Mac laptop after three years.

This week: new iPad Pros, new iPads, new Apple TVs, and a brand new DONGLE! We're talking ALL the hardware Apple just announced. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 2022 iPad Pro gets speed boost from M2 chip but no new ports Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models with the M2 processor, which brings a 15% speed boost to the tablets. But Tuesday’s announcement was a disappointment for those hoping for wireless charging or more ports. New entry-level iPad 10 looks more Pro than ever Apple gave the 2022 version of the basic iPad a larger screen, USB-C, a faster processor and other enhancements. And the Home button is gone. But along with the new features comes a huge 36% price increase. Enter to win a rugged Apple Watch accessory bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you want a tactical-looking Apple Watch band that doesn’t skimp on comfort, the Mifa Nylon Sports Leather Band is for you. In this week’s giveaway, you can win one — along with an Elkson Quattro Bumper Case that will protect your Apple Watch from whatever mayhem you might get into. New $249 Magic Keyboard Folio goes with iPad 10 While the iPad 10 costs much more than previous versions, starting at $449 instead of $329, if you want the detachable keyboard and stand Apple now makes for it, you have to add another $249. Absurd Apple Pencil dongle sends fans into spiral of grief The decision to make the all-new iPad compatible with the original Apple Pencil looks likely to go down as one of Apple’s most ridiculous design decisions. Logitech Crayon offers kid-friendly USB-C active stylus for iPad 10 The latest version of the Logitech Crayon iPad stylus charges via USB-C, just like the new iPad 10. That makes it a simpler option than the Apple Pencil 1 that still uses Lightning. And the stylus is designed with children in mind. New Apple TV 4K is faster and cheaper Apple has unveiled the 2022 Apple TV 4K with significantly faster internals and a lower price. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found inside the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series. macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 are coming on October 24 After months of beta testing, Apple is finally ready to release iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura to the public. Both OSes will release on October 24.

This week: some super useful new features are FINALLY coming to Apple Music and iCloud; our first impressions of Meta's $1500 "Pro" VR headset; the problem with Apple's "Find My"; and AI creates a creepy podcast episode with Steve Jobs and Joe Rogan. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Roller coasters set off iPhone 14 Crash Detection People are reportedly getting off roller coasters and discovering that their new iPhone 14 called 911 for them. Turns out the handsets mistook thrilling rides for a car wreck and thought their users needed emergency help. It’s an unintended result of Crash Detection, a feature added to Apple’s latest handsets. Joe Rogan interviews Steve Jobs in eerie, AI-generated podcast - Lewis If you want to hear Steve Jobs talk about the meaning of life, we've got a podcast for you. It's an artificial intelligence-generated conversation between the late Apple co-founder and podcasting superstar Joe Rogan. Meta Quest Pro: A $1,500 Virtual-Reality Headset for Working in the Metaverse - Wall Street Journal (Joanna Stern) Welcome to Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of the future of work, where we all convene in the metaverse to collaborate and be productive. Oh yes, to achieve this, we all have to have the company’s new $1,500 face computer. Apple iCloud photo libraries will soon be viewable in Windows It should soon be much easier to access your iPhone's photo collection on a Windows-based PC. Apple Music finally launches on Xbox Apple Music is now available on the Microsoft Store for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, providing subscribers with access to the streaming music service, complete with large album art, full-screen time-synced lyrics, and more. As noted by users on Reddit, music can be played in the background while gaming. No, Lufthansa isn’t banning AirTags from checked bags German airline Lufthansa is not banning Apple’s AirTags and similar tracking tags from checked luggage, the company said Wednesday.

This week: lawmakers in the EU are forcing iPhone and other devices to go USB-C, remembering Steve Jobs on the 11th anniversary of his passing, and things you didn't know you could do with dynamic island! This episode supported by Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs dies at 56 October 5, 2011 Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at the age of 56 in his home in Palo Alto, California. EU passes law forcing Apple to switch to USB-C by 2024 The European Parliament voted in an overwhelming majority Tuesday to enforce USB-C as the standard charging port across a wide range of consumer electronics. The law will come into effect by the end of 2024. How to control the Dynamic Island with swipes Take high-resolution 48MP photos with your iPhone 14 Pro Best Apple Watch Ultra bands: Rugged and ready for adventure 9 things you probably didn’t know about Apple Watch Ultra

This week: iOS 16's best features + our hardware predictions for Apple's definitely-gonna-happen October event! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 16 Hidden iOS 16 Features You Didn't Know About Other than the headlining features, there are a number of quality-of-life changes, improvements, and new capabilities baked into iOS 16 that help improve the iPhone experience. Enter to win a shiny new elago iPhone 14 case of your choice [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week’s giveaway is to ensure your glossy new iPhone 14 is protected the best way possible. elago, one of our favorite Apple accessory-makers, just launched its new iPhone 14 cases, and we are giving three lucky readers a chance get their hands on one of them. The best bit is, if you win, the case choice is yours. Apple Releases New HomePod 16 Software Alongside iOS 16, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16, Apple today released new software that's designed for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. iPhone 14 Pro wait times already stretch into October If you procrastinated on ordering one of the new iPhone 14 Pro models, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a lengthy wait for it to be delivered. Kuo: iPhone 14 Plus Pre-Orders Worse Than iPhone 13 Mini, Product Strategy 'Fails' The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have seen "bad" pre-order results, indicating that Apple's positioning of the two new standard models may have failed, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Steve Jobs' Daughter Shares Then Deletes Meme Mocking iPhone 14's Modest Upgrades After Apple's iPhone 14 launch event, Steve Jobs' daughter Eve Jobs shared a meme on Instagram that mocked the new iPhones as basically unchanged compared to last year's iPhone 13. Elon says Apple's in talks with StarLink... His tweet: We’ve had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. iPhone team is obv super smart.

This week: Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 14 Pro, AirPods Pro 2 — our reactions to everything! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPhone 14 Pro models get major camera upgrades and always-on displays Apple revealed its new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max handsets Wednesday with numerous updates, including massive camera upgrades, always-on displays, an improved A16 chip and the notorious “notch” replaced with a pill-shaped cutout with new “Dynamic Island” interactive functionality. iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island looks … shockingly original? On iPhone 14 Pro models, the notch is gone! It's replaced by what Apple calls the Dynamic Island -- This transforms the pill-shaped cutout into a wild new way to . Always active, it shows information from native and third-party apps, including alerts, so you can keep track of things at a glance, no matter what app you’re in. iPhone 14 Plus ushers in big changes The two Pro models usually get all the attention, but it’s the “standard” iPhone that’s the top seller. That makes the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 the most important model introduced at the event. Apple Watch Ultra is a big, bulky, beautiful beast Measuring 49mm in height, the Ultra is a whopping 4mm taller than the largest Series 7. It boasts the largest watch screen Apple has ever made. New AirPods Pro support personalized Spatial Audio and precision finding With a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier, Apple says the new H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 provides an "exceptional acoustic experience", including richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies.

This week: ahead of next week's Apple event, we've got last-minute details on iPhone 14 and the super secret Apple Watch Pro! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Expect Apple Watch Pro to sport 47mm display A critical detail has leaked about about Apple’s upcoming wearable designed for serious athletes. The new top-tier Apple Watch will have a 47mm screen, according to a new report coming out of Asia. iPhone 14 Pro ultra-wide camera might surprise with its low-light performance Shocker! It seems Apple has significant camera upgrades planned for this year’s iPhones. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 14 Pro will use a new ultra-wide sensor with larger 1.4µm pixels. That’s up from the current 12MP sensor featuring a 1.0µm pixel size. It is unclear if the ultra-wide camera will also see a resolution bump from 12MP. iPhone 14 Pro screen cutouts might not look as expected [Updated] Leaks about the “pill and hole” design of the iPhone 14 Pro models started months ago, but Apple still might have a surprise up its sleeve. A new report indicates that software will merge the two display cutouts into one. Apple and Globalstar Rumored to Announce Satellite Connectivity Feature for iPhone 14 at September 7 Event Apple may announce its long-rumored satellite connectivity feature for the iPhone 14 next month, according to Tim Farrar, a satellite communications consultant at California-based research firm Telecom, Media and Finance Associates. iPhone 13 might offer emergency satellite communication, too While large swaths of the world have cellular coverage, there are still huge areas without it. That’s a problem for hikers, boaters and anyone traveling through the remote areas without cell service.   T-Mobile and SpaceX want to connect your iPhone to satellites to end network dead zones You won’t need an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 for satellite connectivity. SpaceX and T-Mobile have announced their plan to bring cell connectivity everywhere in the US using satellites. An AI-Generated Artwork Won First Place at a State Fair Fine Arts Competition, and Artists Are Pissed A man came in first at the Colorado State Fair’s fine art competition using an AI generated artwork on Monday. “I won first place,” a user going by Sincarnate said in a Discord post above photos of the AI-generated canvases hanging at the fair.

This week: let's talk Apple's "Far Out" event predictions! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple’s ‘far out’ event invite hints at iPhone 14 features The starry invitation to the September 7 Far Out event that went out this week might drop a clue to one or more long-rumored features finally coming to the iPhone 14. M2 MacBook Air runs Windows 11 faster than pricier Dell laptop Real-world experiments with the new MacBook Air show Apple’s latest can use Parallels 18 to run Windows 11 faster than a Dell XPS Plus. Enter to win Bucardo’s unique Apple Watch accessories [Cult of Mac giveaway] Two lucky winners will receive one Bucardo Apple Pocket Watch and one Bucardo Sports Band. Together, the items in this unique bundle retail for $189. Enter below for your shot at taking home the big prize. After 20 years, what’s the most ‘Shazamed’ song of all time? Apple bought the popular music-recognition app Shazam, which can name any song you hear, in 2018. Friday marks the app’s 20th birthday. And this week it officially surpassed 70 billion song recognitions, Cupertino said. MoviePass to relaunch on Labor Day in beta form with pricing ranging from $10-$30 a month MoviePass will relaunch in beta form on Labor Day. How to get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free (new or returning subscribers)

This week: September 7th Apple event, here we go! Let's talk hardware expectations. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories September 7 might bring iPhone 14 unveiling Some iPhone 14 models jumping in price, but not all Enter to win Bucardo’s unique Apple Watch accessories [Cult of Mac giveaway] Beats Fit Pro gets a Kim Kardashian makeover — and sells out fast [Updated] Berkshire Hathaway added 3.9M more Apple shares in Q2 2022 Does Mark Zuckerberg Not Understand How Bad His Metaverse Looks?

This week: we review iOS 16's best new features, and Apple is hard at work on some very interesting new HomePods, including the original HomePod V2! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iOS 16 beta 5: All the new features and changes The biggest highlight of iOS 16 beta 5 is the ability to show the battery percentage in the status bar of notched iPhones. Currently, the feature is available on the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone X and XS series. For some strange reason, the iPhone 11 lineup and both the iPhone mini models are missing from this list, but this could change in a future beta release. Every new email trick in iOS 16 that you need to know Enter to win a versatile Laut backpack [Cult of Mac giveaway] We teamed up with Laut to give Cult of Mac readers a chance to win a roomy City Daypack 12ltr Backpack, retailing at $69.99. 'High-Accuracy' Apple Watch Temperature Sensor Revealed by Patent Filing Just Weeks Before Series 8 Unveiling Gurman: Apple Considering Updated HomePod Mini Alongside New High-End HomePod

This week: M2 MacBook Air blows away other Macs in speed test iPhone 14 Pro always-on screen behavior previewed in new iOS 16 wallpaper details Apple earnings beat pessimistic predictions Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states NYC man learns the hard way to not track down thieves with an AirTag This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories M2 MacBook Air blows away other Macs in speed test The new M2 MacBook Air got an amazing score on the Speedometer 2.0 benchmarking app. Apple’s latest notebook solidly beat other Macs in this test of web browser speed. iPhone 14 Pro always-on screen behavior previewed in new iOS 16 wallpaper details 9to5Mac found multiple references to always-on display support in iOS 16, which corroborates all the iPhone 14 Pro rumors. Apple earnings beat pessimistic predictions Back in April, Apple warned that global supply constraints and COVID-19 lockdowns in China could sap between $4 billion and $8 billion in revenue from the June quarter. The company struggled to assemble enough Macs and iPads to meet demand, though it seems to have kept up with iPhone orders. Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states If you ride a bike, now you can now get turn-by-turn navigation from Apple Maps in all 50 states. That’s because cycling directions recently arrived in Hawaii. I built a time machine. A time machine that sends you back to the era of iPods and boxed NYC man learns the hard way to not track down thieves with an AirTag A New York City man had his scooter stolen. But he’d put one of Apple’s AirTag item trackers on the bike, so he was able to track down the thieves … who beat the $%#@ out of him.

This week: Former Lamborghini exec will help steer Apple car design team Apple's patent history reveals a major push into autos Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready BIG - EU adopts final approval of new rules for app stores This is what Saudi Arabia's 100-mile long emission-free smart city could look like. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Former Lamborghini exec will help steer Apple car design team A former Lamborghini executive recently joined Apple to lead design of the company's long-rumored self-driving car, according to a new report Wednesday. Apple's patent history reveals a major push into autos Nikkei and Intellectual Property Landscape found that as of June 1, Apple applied for and published 248 automobile-related patents after 2000. Why Apple never shipped M1 Mac Pro when it was ready Apple reportedly had an M1-powered Mac Pro ready to ship months ago but decided against launching it. Instead, the company decided to unveil an M2 Extreme-powered version later this year. Anker pushes GaN envelope with 6 new fast chargers DMA: Council gives final approval to new rules for fair competition online With the final adoption of the Digital Markets Act, we will finally make large online platforms responsible for their actions. Hereby, the EU will change the online space worldwide. Enter to win a 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station and 200W GaN charger bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week we are teaming up with Ugreen to give two lucky winners a shot at winning a sleek 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station, retailing at $159.99, plus a six-port Nexode 200W USB-C Desktop Charger priced at $199.99. This is what Saudi Arabia's 100-mile long emission-free smart city could look like In 2021, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman revealed the country's plans to build The Line, a smart linear city that will be constructed vertically, have no roads or cars and run purely on renewable energy. Now, the Saudi government has released image renders of what The Line

This week: the new M2 MacBook Pros are INCOMING! PLUS iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration Amazon's Prime Air drones will soon be making deliveries The legendary DeLorean is about to be REBORN! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories MacBook Pros with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips could launch this fall Apple reportedly has a very aggressive timeline for adding to its M2 chip lineup. iOS 16 Introduces New Capabilities for Accessories With U1 Chip Integration As part of WWDC last month, Apple announced that iOS 16 will allow third-party accessories with U1 chip integration to interact with iPhone apps even when the app is running in the background, enabling new "hands-free user experiences." Amazon's Prime Air drones will soon make deliveries in Texas Amazon, after 9 years of development and research, and more than two done prototypes, will start offering Prime Air service deliveries with drones. Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi is ‘really close’ to human transport as vehicle passes key safety tests AMAZON’s robotaxi startup, Zoox, is the first self-driving tech company to achieve a five-star federal crash rating from the NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.] The DeLorean lives! Alpha 5 - all electric 4 seat sports coupe with limited production Should debut in August at Pebble Beach Production slated for 2024. Only 88 initial units are planned. Designed by the original designer of the original DeLorean Cars will be built in Italy. Several other models are also planned, including an 8-cylinder sports car.

This week: we discuss M2 MacBook Pro performance, first impressions, and reviews. Plus: the end of an era, Jony Ive leaves Apple for good. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories M2 MacBook Air review roundup: The fast and the beauteous The M2 MacBook Air is easily the most important notebook Apple will release in 2022, and it’s a winner. Jony Ive slips Apple’s golden handcuffs Jony Ive’s 30-year partnership with Apple is over. Proposed new emoji list shows we already have all the emoji we need The collection of emoji will grow in the coming months, with the 31 proposed new entries including a shaking face, hearts in range of colors, a donkey and a jellyfish. There’s also left- and right-facing hands that will likely be used for high fives. Win an iPad mini 6 magnetic stand from Lululook [Cult of Mac Giveaway] If you own an iPad mini 6, Lululook’s magnetic stand can turn your tiny tablet into a miniature iMac. And this week, we’re teaming up with Lululook to give away five of these great stands, which retail for $80, to five lucky winners. Hasbro will 3D-print your face onto its iconic action figures Have you ever wanted to see your own face on the body of a Power Ranger or a Ghostbuster? Thanks to an ingenious partnership between Hasbro and 3D-printing specialists Formlabs, now you can. BMW starts selling heated seat subscriptions for $18 a month BMW is now selling subscriptions for heated seats in a number of countries — the latest example of the company’s adoption of microtransactions for high-end car features.

This week: Extra-rugged Apple Watch for athletes will pack biggest screen yet! Plus: the Mac Studio is now available with heavy discounts, Apple adding a new "hyper secure" lockdown mode to iOS 16, and US awards Steve Jobs the country's highest honor. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Extra-rugged Apple Watch for athletes will pack biggest screen yet The rugged Apple Watch designed for hardcore athletes will come with the smartwatch’s biggest screen yet, according to a new report. These iOS 16 features won’t be available at launch Not all new iOS 16 features will arrive on day one when the operating system launches this fall. A handful of them will come later, after Apple has had a chance to polish them and get them ready for prime time. Win a 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand with built-in nightlight [Cult of Mac giveaways] This week’s giveaway is a sturdy, MagSafe-compatible, multi-device wireless charger that includes a convenient nightlight. Buy refurbished Mac Studio from Apple with hefty discounts [Updated] Apple has started selling refurbished Mac Studio in the United States, Canada, and select other European countries. You can save up to 15% by picking up a refurbished Mac Studio instead of purchasing a brand new unit. New Lockdown Mode makes iPhone secure from sophisticated digital attacks A new hyper-secure Lockdown Mode should help protect the iPhones, iPads and Macs of journalists, politicians and activists who face “highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware,” Apple said Wednesday. President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

This week: Apple's prepping to drop an "ambitious deluge" of new hardware, including the return of one of the greatest Apple products of all time... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple Readies iPhone 14 and HomePod Upgrade in Flood of New Products Gurman: From what I’ve been told, the company is about to embark on one of the most ambitious periods of new products in its history—with the deluge coming between the fall of 2022 and first half of 2023. Don’t expect a speed boost in Apple Watch Series 8 The Apple Watch Series 8 expected this fall won’t have better performance than its recent predecessors, according to a reliable tipster. Win a 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand with built-in nightlight [Cult of Mac giveaways] This week’s giveaway is a sturdy, MagSafe-compatible, multi-device wireless charger that includes a convenient nightlight. Apple’s next HomePod could be less mini and more powerful Apple is working on a new HomePod that could launch next year with a new S8 chip. The smart speaker reportedly will be similar in size to the original HomePod rather than the HomePod mini. Entry-level M2 MacBook Pro’s SSD is slower than M1 MacBook Pro Apple’s new M2 MacBook Pro ships with a notably slower SSD than its predecessor. Tests show the speed difference is as big as 50% in some scenarios. M1 MacBook Pro beats the newer M2 model in real-life stress tests The slower SSD on the entry-level M2 MacBook Pro has a noticeable impact on its performance in daily use. Tests show the M1 MacBook Pro beating its successor in stress tests that rely heavily on swap memory usage. ‘Severe’ thermal throttling in Apple M2 chip raises questions about MacBook Air performance The just-released MacBook Pro running Apple’s new M2 processor offers generally good performance, but its single fan can’t stop it from experiencing ‘severe’ thermal throttling under certain conditions, according to tests done on the device. AirPods Pro 2 could act as heart monitor and hearing aid AirPods Pro 2 will look much like AirPods 3 from 2021, but with the soft tips necessary for ANC, according to information leaked to 52audio. That means the stems aren’t going away, and the buttons will stay, too. Commercials are coming to Netflix (and other streamers!) It’s official: Netflix is adding a cheaper ad-supported tier to its streaming service. The change is apparently intended to reverse a recent drop in subscribers.

This week: The first reviews of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 are in and they are not kind! Plus: new details elude to a new MacBook that may be a hybrid between an MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, iOS 16 is adding a MUST-HAVE SMS feature, and an odd Apple show becomes one of most popular shows streamed on any streaming service. This episode supported by CleanMyMac X is a decluttering app for Mac that can keep it in tip-top shape. It includes 49 tools to find and delete invisible computer junk, and helps keep your Mac running at maximum speed. Get CleanMyMac X today with 5% off at https://macpaw.app/cultcast ... The discount is valid until June 30. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories M2 MacBook Pro review roundup: Powerful chip, archaic design The first reviews of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Apple M2 processor are not kind. It gets called a “Pro in name only” and “literally a processor update and nothing more.” 15-inch MacBook with M2 Pro might launch in spring 2023 A 15-inch MacBook will debut in less than a year that offers either an M2 or an M2 Pro processor, according to a reliable Apple analyst. That could make it one of the first with the upgraded version of the M2. Apple M2 is fast, but not faster than M1 Pro or M1 Max The first real-world benchmark tests of the Apple M2 processor show that the just-launched processor is about 20% to 25% faster than the original M1, which is welcome news for anyone in the market for a MacBook or iPad in the next few years. Win a 65W GaN mini charger that packs a punch [Cult of Mac giveaway] The Cult of Mac giveaway prize this week is a perfect fit for anyone who needs a powerful yet compact charger. We teamed up with Lululook to give five lucky winners a chance to get their hands on a three-port, 65W gallium nitride charger. Apple’s New CarPlay Is the Foreshock to Releasing Its Own Vehicle iOS 16 beta 2 improves SMS filtering on Messages to iPhone users Apple had already teased in a WWDC 2022 session that iOS 16 would add 12 new subcategories to the SMS filtering API. With beta 2, they’re now available to developers to use. Apple TV+ sci-fi drama For All Mankind rockets to popularity For All Mankind is one of the most popular shows available on streaming, according to a ratings tracker. Season three of the alternate-history sci-fi series premiered on Apple TV+ in early June, and it’s been a Top 10 show both weeks since then.

This week: The M2 benchmarks have leaked and this new chip is even better than we hoped. Plus: new details on iPhone 14, a 12 and 15-inch MacBook Air, and new 14-inch iPad Pro MAX. This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories First MacBook Pro with speedy M2 chip goes up for preorder June 17 - Lewis, and then Erfon takes the benchmarks?!? Preorders for the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro packing the powerful new Apple M2 processor will begin Friday, June 17, two weeks after it was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. iPhone 14’s front camera could get some much-needed upgrades The iPhone’s front camera was last upgraded in September 2019 with the iPhone 11’s release. Apple bumped the camera resolution to 12MP and paired it with an f/2.2 lens. Since then, Android smartphones have added 40MP selfie cameras with autofocus, but iPhones have stuck with the same setup. Win a multi-device charger with built-in MagSafe battery pack [Cult of Mac giveaway] Worth $130, the MagEZ Slider from Pitaka is great way to charge your iPhone and AirPods on your desk or nightstand. But better yet, the charger has an integrated battery pack that attaches magnetically to your iPhone to continue charging away from home. Apple pushes ahead with 15-inch M2 MacBook Air and 12-inch M2 MacBook Apple is developing new form factors and planning upgrades for its MacBook lineup, Bloomberg reported Thursday. That should result in a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air and a new version of a 12-inch M2 MacBook arriving by late 2023 or early 2024. Apple may launch 14.1-inch mini-LED iPad Pro with M2 chip Apple is working on an iPad Pro with a 14.1-inch mini-LED display, ProMotion and Face ID, sources suggested on Thursday. Unfortunately for folks who are already salivating at the idea of such a big Apple tablet, it probably won’t arrive until early 2023. Apple TV will stream all Major League Soccer games for 10 years Cupertino unveiled a major new sports deal Tuesday, saying Apple TV will be the exclusive streaming destination for all Major League Soccer (MLS) games for 10 years, starting with the 2023 season.

This week: iO16, macOS Ventura, Stage Manager, M2 MacBook Air — our reactions to all WWDC22's best announcements! This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories These big surprises blew our minds at WWDC22 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro sneaks into WWDC22 with new MacBook Air Meet the svelte new M2 MacBook Air Continuity Camera admits MacBook cameras need help Continuity Camera, a new feature coming in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, will upgrade video calls by bringing the iPhone’s pristine camera to the Mac. CarPlay kicks into high gear The next-generation system is able to display metrics like speed, distance, engine RPM, gas levels, oil temperature and engine temperature. Massive Home app makeover brings Matter support and more - erfon Among the many new products and features Apple showcased at WWDC22 came news of a revamped Home app for the HomeKit smart-home platform. iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16 The new multitasking system is called Stage Manager. “With Stage Manager activated, I can now resize windows exposing a powerful new way to work with apps on iPad,” said Craig Federighi. “And the dock is visible so I can easily get to all my apps.” Ming Chi Kuo says Apple's mixed reality headset will be announced at a special event in January. watchOS 9 brings massive upgrade to Workout app and other health improvements

This week: With WWDC22 RIGHT around the corner, we're talking hardware and software predictions and expectations. This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Analyst says Apple’s AR headset and realityOS will be a no-show at WWDC22 Apple is unlikely to showcase its long-rumored AR/MR headset — or even demo the realityOS that powers it — at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Maybe new MacBook Air - range of colors, possibly with M2 (but that probably doesn't make sense, does it? Maybe a new version of M1?) Win a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger [Cult of Mac Giveaway] This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously with this great fold-up Apple accessory. iOS 16 could make your iPhone’s lock screen more useful In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says Apple will overhaul the iPhone lock screen with new wallpapers that offer widget-like features. The report is light on details about this, but it looks like Apple intends to improve the lock screen’s usability with the upcoming iOS release. Under Review! Juuk Vitero Watch Band

This week: we got them! New renders show us exactly what the iPhone 14 will look like. Plus: A new "Studio Display Pro" with mini-LED screen is incoming, and Apple preps a new LARGER HomePod! This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories New renders show iPhone 14 in all its purported purple glory New renders based on the most reliable leaks give us the best look yet at the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro. They show off the "pill and hole" replacement for the notch at the top of the screen and the even-more-bulbous camera hump we've heard of before. iPhone 14 Pro models could feature an always-on display Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 Pro models could feature always-on displays because of the handsets’ ProMotion technology, which allows for variable refresh rates, a well-known analyst said Tuesday. Win a mophie 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger [Cult of Mac Giveaway] This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is a 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger from mophie. The compact charger is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who’s on the go. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously with this great fold-up Apple accessory. Studio Display Pro with gorgeous mini-LED screen could launch this fall An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display will reach customers this fall, according to a very reliable source of insider into. This version of the monitor will feature a mini-LED screen, making it look better than the current model that has a standard LCD. What could be in store for the return of the big HomePod? Apple plans to produce an updated version of the HomePod as soon as the fourth quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Friday. This week's Under Review Anker SoundCore Frames https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Landmark-Bluetooth-Interchangeable-Polarized/dp/B09DSCDRLT

This week: Apple Watch Series 8 getting the redesign we’ve ALL been waiting for, a cheaper smaller Apple TV is in the works, Apple’s mixed reality headset is ALMOST ready, and working from home vs the office — how much would YOU need to get paid to go back to the office full time? We reveal our numbers! This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Sound familiar? Apple Watch 8 display might be flat Remember last year when rumors were flying that Apple Watch Series 7 would feature a flat display and squared-off edges? DIDN'T HAPPEN. But a new rumor suggests those traits might define this year's Apple Watch Series 8. More affordable Apple TV might launch soon A new Apple TV streamer will launch in the second half of 2022, according to a trusted analyst. And there’s a hint in the prediction that the device will cost less than its predecessors. Apple shows off AR/VR headset to board of directors Although Apple's VR/AR headset is still supposed to be a secret project, the company's board of directors reportedly got a look at the device recently. This could be a sign the product is moving close to a release. COVID-19 throws off Apple’s return-to-office plan yet again Apple reportedly slowed the pace at which it will require its corporate employees to return to the office. They were scheduled to be back at their desks three days a week starting later this month, but rising numbers of COVID-19 cases supposedly pushed that back. Apple's Director of Machine Learning Resigns Due to Return to Office Work Apple's director of machine learning, Ian Goodfellow, has resigned from his role a little over four years after he joined the company after previously being one of Google's top AI employees, according to The Verge's Zoë Schiffer.

This week: finally! According to a new report, Apple is ditching Lightning for USB-C, and that's going to bring some long-needed new features to iPhone. Plus, the legendary iPod is finally retired. We remember how the device changed Apple and the world. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPhone 15 could finally ditch Lightning in favor of USB-C It looks like Apple is finally preparing to make the switch to USB-C on its iPhone lineup next year. This prediction is based on the latest supply-chain survey by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything. R.I.P. iPod: Apple discontinues its tiny music player It’s the end of an era — Apple has stopped making the once-iconic iPod. The little music player helped save Apple, and made the company a powerhouse in the music industry, but its day is over. Why the iPod was the signature music device of its era Fire, the wheel, and the iPod. In the history of invention, gadgets don’t come more iconic than Apple’s digital music player. The iPod is to the 21st century what the big band was to the ’20s, the radio to the ’40s, or the juke-box to the ’50s — the signature technology that defines the musical culture of the era. And what a marvelous technology the iPod is. An illustrated history of the iPod and its massive impact Tony Fadell on the iPod wheel Throwboy Launches New Mac-Themed Woven Throw Blankets

This week: new leaks give us our best look yet at the FOUR upcoming iPhone 14 models, including sizes, features, and BIG price increases. Plus: Mac Studio orders are now getting BIG delays, the $80 "smart water bottle", and our first impressions of Paramount+ streaming service! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple Studio Displays & Mac Studio - A Digital Artist's Perspective Wait times for Mac Studio stretch into July There’s no version of the Mac Studio available from Apple’s online store in less than a week. And the only configurations that ship so quickly are the ones with the base model M1 Max processor, 512GB of storage, and either 32GB or 64GB of RAM. Leaked iPhone 14 front panels offer best size comparison yet An image supposedly showing the front screen panels of all four iPhone 14 models has leaked out. It gives a side-by-side comparison of some of the most significant changes coming this fall to Apple’s 2022 handsets. Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything. Apple integrates two new smart water bottles with Health app Are you drinking enough water? Probably not. But if you want to know for sure, Apple’s online and retail stores have started selling two new smart water bottles from HidrateSpark. They automatically track your water intake and sync it to the Apple Health app. Paramount+ has nearly 40 million subscribers A lot of people are paying for Paramount+ to watch Halo and Star Trek: Picard, even if neither series has been particularly outstanding. On Tuesday, Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) announced that it added 6.8 million new Paramount+ Plus: Shining Girls thriller could be another hit for Apple TV+ - Lewis basically a quick plug for our reviews! The metaphysical-horror-thriller Shining Girls only premiered on Apple TV+ a few days ago, but the Elisabeth Moss series is already in the top 10 most streamed shows. And it’s drawing positive reviews, too.

This week: How to get a M1 MacBook Pro fast and cheap! Apple "fixes" the Studio Display... New EU regulations could be HUGE changes for iOS! Our reactions to Elon's Twitter buy This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple pushes February MacBook Pro orders back to June People who ordered a top-tier MacBook Pro in February are being notified that it won’t be delivered until June. The delay results from COVID-19 lockdowns in China hampering notebook assembly. Win an Aer Fit Pack 3 backpack and go from work to gym in style [Cult of Mac giveaway] - lewis This week’s Cult of Mac giveaway is for the Fit Pack 3 backpack from Aer. The Fit Pack 3 is more than just a backpack, though. It’s a hybrid duffle/backpack that will carry you from work to the gym without hassle because it has special compartments for everything. Apple now offers parts and tools needed to fix your own iPhone Apple has long faced criticism from “right to repair” advocates for being strictly against DIY fixes. But government regulators around the world are starting to force companies to loosen up on allowing users to fix their own devices. Apple is bowing to the pressure. Leaked ‘final’ EU antitrust bill looks bad for Apple The European Union may force Apple to make big changes to its App Store as well as services like FaceTime and Messages, if a leaked version of an EU antitrust proposal becomes law. Elon Musk buys Twitter for a cool $44 billion Twitter said Monday it accepted Elon Musk’s offer to purchase the company for $44 billion. That gives the billionaire — who is the world’s wealthiest person — absolute control of the social media platform after the deal is approved.

This week: we've got new leaks on iPhone 14's cameras, plus new intel on NINE new upcoming M2 Macs!   And and the HomePod ain't dead yet, baby! Apple's prepping a whole new HomePod with all-new superpowers. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple preps 9 Macs with new M2 processor iPhone 14 might be Apple’s first with an autofocus selfie camera iPhone 14 molds show massive camera hump on all four versions Discontinued HomePod keeps going up in value Don’t give up hope for combination Apple TV, HomePod, FaceTime camera

This week: MaxTech joins us to talk Mac Studio, M1 Ultra Performance, and Apple REUSING the M1 in the 2022 MacBook Air! This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Ming Chi Kuo with some Twitter Bangers Apple’s got way too many AirPods models and it’s confusing as hell! Under the screen face ID is coming to iPhone, but not for a while (marketing issue) Next MacBook Air will reuse the M1 chip! New Apple Watch health features: What’s in, what’s out - Lewis Cupertino is likely to add body temperature readings and other new health features to Apple Watch and the Health app in 2022, but it looks like blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring will have to wait, according to a new report. Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects updated for latest M1 processors Apple and Adobe added better support for Apple silicon to a couple of their marquee applications for video professionals. This is what Apple’s upcoming dual USB-C charger looks like Photos of Apple’s unreleased dual USB-C charger with a total output of 35W have surfaced online.

This week: WWDC 2022 has just been announced, and it looks like Apple’s still got some surprises left for us… Plus: M1 Ultra, an “Ultra Disappointment”, and Apple is actively testing a 9-inch foldable iPhone! This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/beyond Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories WWDC22 starts June 6, will be ‘online-only’ (with a twist) The 2022 iteration of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference will start June 6. Apple promised Tuesday the event will showcase the latest innovations in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS — which is code for unveiling the next major upgrades for these operating systems. M1 Ultra - An ULTRA Disappointment... Mac Studio (M1 Ultra 64-core) vs 16 inch MacBook Pro (M1 Max 32-core) - Speed Test using our custom benchmarking tool. Apple teams up with LG to build foldable iPad and MacBook devices Apple is reportedly collaborating with LG on new foldable iPad and MacBook models with flexible OLED displays and Ultra-Thin Cover Glass. LG is already gearing up to supply similar displays to HP for a foldable laptop scheduled to launch this year. - 10,000 units of the panel. Apple ‘actively testing’ 9-inch foldable, but don’t expect foldable iPhone before 2025 The company’s “priority order” for foldables is said to be medium, large and then small devices, according to ol' reliable, Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities. However, he noted that Apple's current prototype is being used to test new technologies and may not be indicative of an upcoming product. Ukrainians use ‘Find My’ to track Russian troops who stole devices Ukrainians are using Apple’s Find My network to watch the progress of their stolen hardware – in the hands of Russian troops who took it – in real time.

This week: we've got new iPhone 14 leaks, Apple is working on another new Mac, and big changes are coming to iMessage and iOS. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple preps subscription service for iPhone, Mac and more According to Bloomberg: "Apple Inc. is working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other hardware products, a move that could make device ownership similar to paying a monthly app fee, according to people with knowledge of the matter." iPhone 14 Pro’s camera upgrade could mean an even fatter hump Lewis Apple is expected to give iPhone 14 Pro a rather significant camera upgrade that could include a 48-megapixel wide angle sensor. It will mean sharper iPhone photos than ever before — but a much bigger camera bump. iPhone might never get in-screen Touch ID Touch ID died with the move to Face ID with the launch of the iPhone X in 2017. Though people love Face ID, there’s a lot of us who would love to see Touch ID return in some form in addition to Face ID. Win a chic crossbody iPhone case from Noémie [Cult of Mac giveaway] This Cult of Mac giveaway is for the ladies! Five lucky winners will each receive a stylish Napa crossbody iPhone case from Noémie. These cases looks chic and are great for running errands or going out on the town when a bigger bag is not needed. On the inside, Apple Studio Display looks more sophisticated than expected iFixit showed people the interior of the new Apple Studio Display next to a partially disassembled iMac and asked them to pick which is which. You can play along at home by looking at the image above. Apple’s upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air may come with a different name In the interests of portability, MacBook Air has only ever been available in smaller 11- and 13-inch sizes. But it seems Apple is finally preparing a larger display option for those who have long been calling for it. EU plans to force iMessage to work with WhatsApp, other messaging apps The European Union plans to break down the barriers between mobile messaging services. With its Digital Markets Act, it plans to force services like iMessage, WhatsApp, and smaller messaging platforms to play nicely together. ‘The Slap’ shows why Apple should shake up its events Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony shows why Apple should go back to doing live events.

Benchmarks have been pouring in for the Mac Studio with M1 Max and M1 Ultra, and while in some tests the benefits of Ultra is clear, in many it’s not performing better than the Max, and in some tests it does worse! What’s going on here? This episode supported by Remotely manage your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with Jamf. Manage 3 devices for FREE at jamf.com/cultcast Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories M1 Ultra Mac Studio - Benchmarks & Thermals (The TRUTH!) Mac Studio storage is removable but Apple blocks user upgrades Breaking open the new Mac Studio reveals that its solid-state storage modules are easily removable, but forget trying to upgrade them yourself. Apple has taken several steps to prevent DIY upgrades. Win a chic crossbody iPhone case from Noémie [Cult of Mac giveaway] This Cult of Mac giveaway is for the ladies! Five lucky winners will each receive a stylish Napa crossbody iPhone case from Noémie. These cases looks chic and are great for running errands or going out on the town when a bigger bag is not needed. "The Apple Studio Display is a Bad Deal" Apple vows to fix Studio Display’s disappointing webcam Studio Display has divided early reviewers. While many praise its impressive 5K screen and built-in speakers, others find its missing features (like HDR and ProMotion) to be unfortunate. Apple can change Studio Display stands after purchase Studio Display stands and mounts can be swapped and upgraded by taking the monitor to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. It’s not necessary to replace the whole monitor. 15-inch MacBook Air could be in development, at long last A 15-inch MacBook Air is on Apple’s agenda for 2023, according to a reliable source. And the current 13-inch version could be replaced by a one with somewhat larger screen.

This week: the Mac Studio and Studio Display reviews are in — let’s talk. Plus: a reliable source says a strange change is coming to iPhone 14. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Some iPhone 14 models might miss out on Apple’s new A16 processor The basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will launch this fall with the same A15 processor as the 2021 models, according to a reliable tipster. Supposedly, only the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will sport a new A16 chip. iPad Air 5 is every bit as fast as iPad Pro Early benchmark scores for the soon-to-be-released iPad Air 5 show the tablet has approximately the same performance as the iPad Pro models that cost much more. Floating app windows could be coming to iPad. Finally. iPad users will soon be able to work with applications in floating windows, if an unconfirmed report is correct. This is a highly requested feature from those who want Apple’s tablet to function more like a Mac. With Apple Debuting Its Last M1 Chip, Here’s What’s Next During and after the keynote, the company dropped a couple of pieces information regarding the rest of its Apple Silicon lineup... How Apple Studio Display stacks up against Pro Display XDR and others Apple’s massive Mac mini upgrade may not be ready until 2023 Apple’s next major refresh for Mac mini may not come until 2023, according to the latest claims from one analyst, who has proven reliable in the past. Apple’s next Mac mini could be powered by new ‘M2’ and ‘M2 Pro’ chips Most of us expected Apple’s first M2 chipset to debut on Tuesday in a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro, which was to be more powerful than its predecessor but still more affordable than the latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro options.

This week: our reactions to Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPad Air 5, and iPhone SE, plus we dive in deep on the Mac Studio and Studio display, and we found ain't all great. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 13, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple goes green with new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro colors Apple added two new green finishes to its iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro lineups Tuesday to generate a colorful midseason jolt of excitement. Apple needs to shake up its boring iPhone Pro color options Apple’s new Mac Studio is a blazing-fast desktop with an M1 Ultra chip Apple on Tuesday gave us our first glimpse at its brand-new Mac Studio — its first desktop featuring the M1 Ultra chip. It’s bigger than a Mac mini but smaller than a Mac Pro, and it’s the most powerful machine Apple has built to date. The Mac is back, with its best lineup in years (Graham's opinion piece) Apple Studio Display brings high-end monitor down to affordable price Ever since Apple introduced the iMac with 4K and 5K displays, and the later iMac Pro, people have been asking, “Why can’t Apple just sell the iMac without the computer and call it a display?” Enter to win American-made Apple accessories from Raptic [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week we're giving away a pair of protective accessories from Raptic (formerly Defense by X-Doria). Apple TV+ scores Friday night Major League Baseball games iPad Air 5 goes super-fast with M1 processor The iPad Air 5 starts at $599. This version comes with 64GB of storage. Pricing for a 256GB version has not yet been announced. Plus: Why iPad Air 5 is a better choice than 11-inch iPad Pro New iPhone SE brings serious upgrades at slightly higher price

This week: confirmed! Apple's "Peek Performance" event is March 8th. Let's talk hardware! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Experience ‘peek performance’ at Apple spring 2022 event set for March 8 What to expect at Apple spring 2022 event: New iPhone, iPad and Mac Apple Watch Series 8 could bring ‘major’ activity tracking upgrades The gory online campaign Ukraine hopes will sow anti-Putin dissent probably violates the Geneva Conventions - Washington Post Win a 100W GaN fast charger from Ugreen

This week: Apple's March 8th event! Let's talk hardware expectations... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple Readies New MacBooks and iMacs for Part Three of Overhaul Before the calendar flipped to 2022, I wrote that Apple Inc. is planning a massive slew of upgrades this year. The new products will include the Apple Watch Series 8 line, iPhone 14 and a new iPad Pro, but a lot of the attention will be on the Mac. Win a 100W GaN fast charger from Ugreen This week, Cult of Mac is giving away 10 — count ’em, 10! — powerful GaN fast chargers from award-winning company Ugreen. With three USB-C ports, a USB-A port and 100 watts of power, they let you charge multiple devices at once. They’re perfect for travel, too, because they’re so small and pack such a punch. iOS 15.4 beta 4 adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag Apple’s newest iOS 15.4 beta adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag that were first announced earlier this month. The fourth beta release, which rolled out to registered developers on Tuesday, includes a new AirTag setup warning that states it is illegal to use the device to track people without their consent in many regions. Apple Stores remove face mask requirements as omicron variant recedes Apple has stopped requiring face masks at many U.S. retail locations as states ease mandates. Plus, in-person Today at Apple classes will resume soon. The moves come as the omicron COVID-19 surge comes to an end. Apple Ring is the health accessory we need We keep hearing about Apple's AR/VR headset, but who really wants it? Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy has a better idea - and let's hope Tim Cook is listening!

This week: it's all but confirmed! Three new Macs are incoming, but WHICH will they be.... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple registers 3 new Mac models ahead of rumored spring event It looks like several new Macs are on the way, likely to be unveiled at an Apple event in March. Apple recently registered three machines — with the model numbers A2615, A2686 and A2681 — with the Eurasian Economic Commission. iMac Pro with mini-LED display might launch in early summer The iMac Pro might start reaching customers in early summer, according to a very reliable tipster. While some are hoping for a debut as soon as March, that’s apparently overly optimistic. Chrome OS Flex turns 2009 MacBook into a useful computer again If you have an elderly Mac that’s not up to the demands of the latest macOS version, you can turn it into a Chromebook. All you need is Chrome OS Flex, an operating system Google created for older Macs and PCs. Would you pay $178 for Sony’s strange new earbuds? Usually when headlines end in question marks, the answer is "no." With this one it's a ... maybe. These days, you've got tons of options for earbuds with active noise cancellation, wireless charging, long battery life, solid waterproofing and other features for about $75 to $150. Forensics finally prove who wrote those mysterious Apple 1 serial numbers From time to time you hear about Apple’s first computer, the Apple 1, selling to collectors at auction for big bucks. But did you know some of those surviving antiques carry an enduring mystery? For decades, no one could figure out who wrote the serial numbers on their circuit boards. Until now.

This week: Apple spills ‘realityOS’ again as new AR/VR headset inches closer! Don't expect FaceID in your Mac ANYTIME soon... Apple’s new Tap to Pay feature lets your iPhone accept contactless payments with ZERO additional hardware Absolutely vile: Devs react to Apple’s 27% cut of third-party payments This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple spills ‘realityOS’ again as new AR/VR headset inches closer Another reference to Apple’s unreleased “realityOS” operating system leaked Wednesday in new open source code. It suggests the company’s highly anticipated mixed-reality headset is inching closer to its public debut. Apple considered Face ID for M1 iMac, but it’s not ready for MacBook yet Apple considered bringing Face ID to the M1 iMac, which would have been an ideal candidate for the facial recognition technology, according to a new report. Apple’s new Tap to Pay feature lets iPhone accept contactless payments iPhones are about to become cash registers! Absolutely vile: Devs react to Apple’s 27% cut of third-party payments Dutch regulators — and those in other countries - have been pushing for third-party payments. They have ruled it must accept third-party payments, but they have not stated how much Apple can charge for apps and subscriptions it does not process. Add ports to your M1 Mac with a Satechi USB-C Multiport MX Adapter [Cult of Mac giveaway] Cal Digit's new Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a beast

This week: iOS 15.4 beta lets you use Face ID while wearing a mask iOS 15.4 allows third-party apps to use 120Hz ProMotion on iPhone 13 Pro Fun new emoji coming in iOS 15.4 will let you salute, melt and tear up Mini-LED iMac Pro launch might slip to summer Hey Siri, darken the sunroof glass in my Apple Car This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iOS 15.4 beta lets you use Face ID while wearing a mask Face ID in iOS 15.4 will let users unlock their iPhones while wearing a mask. The system will simply scan "unique features around the eye area to authenticate," Apple says. iOS 15.4 allows third-party apps to use 120Hz ProMotion on iPhone 13 Pro Apple’s new iOS 15.4 beta eliminates a bug that prevents third-party apps from using iPhone 13 Pro’s super-smooth ProMotion feature. Mini-LED iMac Pro launch might slip to summer The new iMac Pro with a mini-LED display rumored to launch this-coming spring might not come along so soon. It now looks more likely to show up sometime during the summer, display analyst Ross Young said Monday. Add ports to your M1 Mac with a Satechi USB-C Multiport MX Adapter - Giveaway Cult of Mac is giving away two USB-C Multiport MX Adapters from Satechi. This adapter allows you to experience the full potential of your M1 Mac with multitudes of data ports using just a single USB-C port. How to download Wordle to your device so it stays free forever When word went out that The New York Times bought Wordle, panic struck for lots of people who play the popular game. Will the Times ruin Wordle by placing it behind a paywall? (The Times charges for other games.)

This week: Apple readies its ‘widest array’ of new products ever for this fall Better, faster iMac Pro and Mac mini could reach shelves this spring iPad Pro with speedy Apple M2 processor on course for fall 2022 Apple Maps erects gigantic digital wall to hide Tim Cook’s house This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple readies its ‘widest array’ of new products ever for this fall Apple is preparing to launch the “widest array” of new products in its history, according to a new report. This fall is expected to bring new iPhone models, a more affordable MacBook Pro, and big refreshes for iMac and Mac Pro. Better, faster iMac Pro and Mac mini could reach shelves this spring Add faster versions of the Mac mini to the list of products predicted for an spring 2022 Apple event. The tiny desktop will supposedly be upgraded with the latest Apple processors. Win an Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker and stop losing things [Cult of Mac giveaway] iPad Pro with speedy Apple M2 processor on course for fall 2022 The next generation of iPad Pro will fittingly have Apple’s next-generation processor, the M2. At least according to a generally reliable tipster. Apple Maps erects gigantic digital wall to hide Tim Cook’s house If you find yourself taking a virtual stroll through Palo Alto inside Apple Maps and Google Maps, you're no longer going to see Tim Cook’s house. The modern, four-bedroom condo has had a giant digital wall erected right in front of it. Turns out it's not that hard to get Apple or Google to erase your house from their maps - we've got a how-to!

This week: Apple could scrap 13-inch MacBook Pro, bring 5G to 10.2-inch iPad in 2022 13-MacBook Pro’s days are numbered 10.2-inch iPad to get 5G, new MacBook Air this year Mac Pro with faster M1 chip to complete Apple silicon transition in 2022 Eurasian filings reveal new iPhone and iPad coming soon Apple education store now requires Unidays and only 1 device per year This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple could scrap 13-inch MacBook Pro, bring 5G to 10.2-inch iPad in 2022 Apple will scrap the 13-inch MacBook Pro this year after introducing a new 14-inch model with a next-generation “M2” chip, one tipster claims. Mac Pro with faster M1 chip to complete Apple silicon transition in 2022 Apple will introduce a new Mac Pro with an upgraded M1 chipset by the end of the year to complete its Apple silicon transition, according to a tipster. Win an Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker and stop losing things [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you live in a big city, you likely suffered the misfortune of having something stolen. Maybe thieves swiped your bike, motorcycle, car or backpack. Eurasian filings reveal new iPhone and iPad coming soon The Eurasian Economic Commission confirmed that Apple plans to release a new iPhone and iPad in the near future. The devices appear in the online database of the regulatory agency. Apple education store now requires Unidays and only 1 device per year The legendary Apple education discount loophole, now closed!

This week: iPhone 14 Pro could pack strange ‘hole + pill’ screen cutout to replace notch Apple continues testing multiple folding iPhone prototypes Apple’s first headset could be 3 years ahead of rivals in computing power Apple VR headset won’t create a full metaverse Apple’s fancy Polishing Cloth is finally back in stock Apple loses head of Mac chip design to Intel This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories iPhone 14 Pro could pack strange ‘hole + pill’ screen cutout to replace notch It was previously believed that Apple would use a hole punch cutout, like a lot of rival smartphone makers. Then that changed to a pill-shaped camera cutout. Now, one analyst, who has proven reliable in the past, says we should expect both. “We now believe Apple will have a hole + pill design on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models,” tweeted Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, on Wednesday. “The smaller hole will not be invisible.” Apple continues testing multiple folding iPhone prototypes Word that the iPhone-maker continues working on folding handset comes from Dylandkt in a thread on Twitter: "For those who are curious about a foldable iPhone, Apple is definitely working and testing multiple prototypes that contain foldable displays. Too many compromises still exist with foldable display technology though. Apple’s first headset could be 3 years ahead of rivals in computing power Apple’s first mixed-reality headset will ship with the same 96W power adapter that you get with some 14-inch MacBook Pro models, according to an analyst, who says that’s proof the device will pack plenty of computing power. Apple VR headset won’t create a full metaverse While Apple is creating a VR headset, it’s reportedly not developing a complete virtual world for users. It plans on virtual reality games, video and other experiences. But these supposedly won‘t be connected into a single VR metaverse. Apple’s fancy Polishing Cloth is finally back in stock Sick of sticky smudges all over your Apple devices? The company’s pricey Polishing Cloth is now back in stock for those who didn’t get a chance to buy one before it quickly sold out last fall. GIVEAWAY Win a Journey 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station for all your Apple gear [Cult of Mac giveaway] Apple loses head of Mac chip design to Intel – erfon The person responsible for overseeing the transition from Intel to Apple silicon left the company. Jeff Wilcox was Director, Mac System Architecture before his departure.

This week: Gurman's back at it laying out what we can expect Apple to release in 2022, plus new intel on AirPods Pro V2, a new cheaper Pro XDR Display, and we'll show you our favorite tech from CES 2022! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Gurman: iPhone 14 Models Without Notch, Redesigned MacBook Air With M2 Chip, and More to Launch in 2022 In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated his expectations for new Apple products in 2022, including the iPhone 14 series, a redesigned MacBook Air with an M2 chip, an iPad Pro with wireless charging, and more. Redesigned AirPods Pro 2 will support high-quality lossless audio Apple will launch a second generation of AirPods Pro in the fall, according to an analyst who’s also a reliable tipster. The upgraded earbuds allegedly will offer better sound than the current version, via support for lossless audio. And there reportedly will be other changes, too, including a new design. Apple’s next desktop monitor could cost half the price of Pro Display XDR Apple’s next desktop monitor won’t be cheap, but it could be significantly less expensive than the high-end Pro Display XDR, according to a new report. Apple wins race to $3 trillion market cap Apple just became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at a whopping $3 trillion. AAPL stock topped out at $182.88 a share Monday before dropping slightly, bringing the market cap back below the $3 trillion milestone. Win a Journey 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station for all your Apple gear [Cult of Mac giveaway] The holidays are finally over, and if you were lucky enough to receive an Apple Watch, iPhone or AirPods as gifts, this latest giveaway is for you. Journey, a maker of innovative consumer electronics, is giving three lucky winners its 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station. Comes in black or white, retails for $99.99 -- they are also having a 30% off sale right now. CES products This smart collar wants to be your dog’s Apple Watch Most canine trackers use accelerometers and GPS sensors, but Invoxia has gone further with its new collar. The company, which makes a variety of location trackers, said it worked with board-certified veterinary cardiologists to develop deep-learning artificial intelligence (AI) that relies on miniaturized radar sensors for health readings. Targus backpack uses Apple Find My without AirTag You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in. Schlage rolls out first smart lock in US to support Apple Home Key Schlage introduced the first smart lock in North America to support Apple Home Key — the Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt — on Tuesday at CES 2022. Samsung beats Apple to truly wireless charging over Wi-Fi waves Despite Apple’s lengthy and ongoing efforts to deliver much-improved charging technologies, archrival Samsung has beaten Cupertino in the race for truly wireless charging. Except you won’t find it in a smartphone … yet.

This week: Apple is about to COMPLETE their move to Apple silicon, which means we're in for an EXPLOSION of new hardware in 2022, including an iMac "Pro", redesigned MacBook Air, new iPads, new Mac Pro, and new Mac Mini "Pro"! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories What to expect from iMac in 2022 2022 could be the year Apple takes iMac to the next level. Various leaks point to an iMac Pro with a blazing-fast processor and a beautiful screen. What to expect from MacBook Air and the M2 processor in 2022 The 2022 MacBook Air will reportedly look different even at first glance, with the classic tapered design being replaced with a squarer casing reminiscent of the 2021 MacBook Pro, but even slimmer. The more svelte design will supposedly still have room for a pair of USB-C ports as well as MagSafe charging, though. And it’ll allegedly be available in the same range of colors as the 2021 iMac. What to expect from iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini and basic iPad in 2022 Apple won‘t let the iPad languish in 2022. Most notably, some big improvements are reportedly coming to the display and charging capabilities of the iPad Pro line. Win a Koala 2.0 iPhone harness from Hangtime [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you like epic adventures, you are going to want to enter our latest giveaway. Cult of Mac is giving away six Koala 2.0 iPhone harnesses from Hangtime to three lucky winners. This super-grip harness is the smartphone leash for life on the go. Apple hires Meta AR comms chief for its rumored headset launch Apple reportedly hired Meta’s AR communications chief recently, a move that fits with Cupertino’s long-rumored plan to launch an augmented reality/virtual reality headset.

This week: we've got our bet look yet at Apple's upcoming mixed reality AR headset, but do Apple fans care!? Plus: we reveal even more picks from our list of Gear of the Year! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK Apple’s first AR/VR headset might look like ski goggles Concept artist Ian Zelbo took the rumors about an upcoming Apple augmented reality and virtual reality headset and turned them into a possible design for a product that could be unveiled in 2022. TSA will accept Apple Wallet’s digital IDs from February 2022 When Apple unveiled digital IDs for the Wallet app at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, the plan was to launch it sometime this year, with the TSA being its first supporter. Unfortunately, like a number of new additions to iOS 15, Apple later delayed the rollout. Crime-busting mom tracks down Christmas decoration thief with AirTags A Texas woman put Apple AirTags on her outdoor Christmas inflatables in case they were stolen. And when they were, she was able to use the item trackers to easily find them.

This week: we're talking iPhone 14 Pro with 48 Megapixels and 8K video! Plus: we reveal more of our picks for Gear of the Year! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK iPhone 14 Pro could pack 48-megapixel camera and 8GB of RAM Camera updates could again be a big reason to upgrade to the newest iPhone lineup next year, with Apple expected to pack new 48-megapixel sensors — by far its biggest to date — into iPhone 14 Pro. Apple building smaller, more affordable alternatives to Pro Display XDR Apple is currently building two smaller, more affordable alternatives to its 32-inch Pro Display XDR, according to one leaker. The company is also said to be working on a new high-end display with a built-in A13 chipset. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss on making The Matrix Awakens with Epic Games Win a Wacom Intuos Pro creative pen tablet [Cult of Mac giveaway] We're giving away one of these $300 tablets. If you fancy yourself an artist, this giveaway is for you. Cult of Mac is giving one lucky winner an Intuos Pro tablet with pen from Wacom, the global leader in the pen display and tablet market. You can connect it via Bluetooth or USB to your Mac (or PC), and use it to draw, paint or retouch photos. Gear of the year, part 3! RadWagon 4 cargo bike AirTags! LG C1 OLED TV

This week: get your wallet ready, cause Apple has some BIG releases planned for 2022! Plus: we reveal our Gear of the Year, part 2! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK SNAP’S FIRST AR SPECTACLES ARE AN AMBITIOUS, IMPRACTICAL START Apple has big plans for 2022, including iPad Pro and MacBook Air overhauls Apple reportedly plans ambitious upgrades for a number of its hottest products in 2022, including major revamps for iPad Pro and MacBook Air — as well as an Apple silicon boost for the Mac Pro. Mac mini is also expected to see a refresh. Samsung could make iPhone 14’s first ‘hole punch’ displays Apple made iPhone’s notch slightly smaller this year with iPhone 13. However, it remains a rather unsightly cutout that continues to be noticeable when watching fullscreen videos, playing games, and more. That could change in 2022. Win a Wacom Intuos Pro creative pen tablet [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you fancy yourself an artist, this giveaway is for you. Cult of Mac is giving one lucky winner an Intuos Pro tablet with pen from Wacom, the global leader in the pen display and tablet market. You can connect it via Bluetooth or USB to your Mac (or PC), and use it to draw, paint or retouch photos. Gear of the Year, Part 2 iPhone 13 Pro! Winmau Dart Dock! Synology DS1520+ NAS

This week: Apple’s much-anticipated augmented reality headset could finally drop in 2022, a new 5G iPhone SE is RIGHT around the corner, and we reveal our picks for 2021's Gear of the Year, part 1! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK Apple’s first AR headset could arrive late next year with super-speedy chip Apple’s much-anticipated augmented reality headset could finally drop late next year, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. iPhone SE 3 with 5G could be right around the corner Apple is on course to introduce its third-generation iPhone SE early in 2022, according to a market-analysis firm. It’s expected to be the first in this budget line with 5G cellular-wireless networking. Apple hasn’t given up on making a do-it-all charger for multiple devices Apple continues to work on a wireless charger, similar to the abandoned AirPower mat, that will allow users to charge multiple devices simultaneously, according to a new report. The company also hopes to develop truly wireless charging in the future. GIVEAWAY Choetech is giving away MagSafe charging stands and a 40% discount code [Cult of Mac Giveaway] Elon Musk: Don’t waste money on ‘silly’ Apple Polishing Cloth, buy our $50 Tesla whistle Tesla CEO Elon Musk thinks you should avoid wasting your money on a “silly” Apple Polishing Cloth and instead spend it on his company’s $50 Cyberwhistle. Gear of the Year, Part 1 AirPods 3 Burley D'Lite bike trailer M1 MacBook Air! Framed tech from GridStudio.cc

This week: Apple’s next-generation iMac Pro could feature an “M1 Max Duo” chip with 20 cores for processing and up to 64 graphics cores! Plus: we reveal our favorite new gadgets, movies, and shows in an all-new What We're Into. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro vs $15,000 Mac Pro: Embarrassing Apple aims to build self-driving car with no steering wheel. New iMac Pro could pack insane ‘M1 Max Duo’ chip with up to 20 CPU cores Apple’s next-generation iMac Pro could feature an “M1 Max Duo” chip with 20 cores for processing and up to 64 for graphics, according to a new report. For those who think the M1 Pro and M1 Max in the MacBook Pro are impressive, the new Mac Pro desktop is expected to come in at least two variations For those who think the M1 Pro and M1 Max in the MacBook Pro are impressive, the new Mac Pro desktop is expected to come in at least two variations: 2X and 4X the number of CPU and GPU cores as the M1 Max. That’s up to 40 CPU cores and 128 GPU cores on the high-end. Choetech is giving away MagSafe charging stands and a 40% discount code [Cult of Mac Giveaway] Is it a Black Friday sale or a giveaway? This week it’s both! Choetech is giving away three MagSafe wireless 2 in 1 charging stands. These minimalist magnetic chargers are perfect for anybody who pairs a MagSafe-compatible iPhone with wirelessly charging AirPods. The best Black Friday deals on Apple’s hottest devices It’s that time of the year again. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the Black Friday discounts are coming in thick and fast. It’s the perfect time to do some holiday shopping — especially if you’re on the lookout for Apple devices.

This week: just how well does a $3500 M1 Max MacBook Pro perform against a $15,000 Mac Pro? These results are INSANE. Plus: Apple is prepping an Apple Car for 2025, and it will be fully autonomous! And we wrap up with our favorite shows in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro vs $15,000 Mac Pro: Embarrassing Apple aims to build self-driving car with no steering wheel. Project Titan - aka the secret Apple car project -- is the on again/off again mother of all Apple rumors. The latest twist, based on info from anonymous insiders, is that Apple is reportedly committed to making a car capable of driving completely autonomously. Apple will sell parts and tools so customers can repair their own devices Apple on Wednesday revealed its new Self Service Program, which will provide customers with the parts and tools they need to repair their own devices. It marks a major shift in the company’s approach to hardware fixes. Get the fantastic Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition book at more than 70% off If you’re looking for a holiday gift for an Apple fan, consider The Cult of Mac, 2nd Edition. This great-looking coffee table book about the Apple community is on sale right now for just $9.99 — a whopping 71% off. Co-written by David Pierini and yours truly, the gorgeously designed, full-color book details many aspects of the Apple fan universe. Win a BluShark gift card to buy Apple Watch bands Our latest giveaway is from BluShark, maker of high-quality watch straps -- just look at them! Totally colorful, and they are made from a variety of materials, including leather, canvas, silicone, knit weave and Cordura.

This week: you just KNEW there was gonna be a "Gate" for the new M1 MacBook Pros, and now we've got it! The internet has decided that the brand new MagSafe connector the M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro includes a fatal flaw that can't be ignored. We'll tell you what you need to know, and you can decided for yourself. And we talk or favorite gadgets and Apple+ movies in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK Apple spoils the one thing that made MacBook’s MagSafe charger so great Apple brought back the MagSafe charger for its newest MacBook Pro models — much to the delight of long-time fans who have appreciated the proprietary charging port in the past. And although it might be faster now, Cupertino has spoiled one of the biggest things that made MagSafe charging so great. The next Mac revolution: Companies rush to buy new M1 machines The likes of Reddit, Twitter and others are rolling out 2021 MacBook Pro units to employees so that they can take advantage of the massive performance gains. “Engineering hours are much more expensive than laptops,” one said. Win a BluShark gift card to buy Apple Watch bands [Cult of Mac giveaway] Our latest giveaway is from BluShark, maker of high-quality watch straps. Three lucky winners will each win a $100 BluShark gift card to buy Apple Watch bands. Jony Ive confirms LoveFrom works for Apple Jony Ive is continuing his long-term collaboration with Apple via his design agency LoveFrom, the former Chief Design Officer has revealed, confirming his departure hasn't completely ended the relationship between the designer and the iPhone maker. Apple Business Essentials gives companies tools to manage employee devices Apple launched a new service aimed at small businesses Wednesday. Now in beta, Apple Business Essentials bundles device management, Apple support and iCloud storage into flexible subscription plans for companies with up to 500 employees. iCloud for Windows now supports ProRes videos and ProRaw photos Apple threw a bone to iPhone owners who are also PC users on Wednesday. iCloud for Windows version 13 adds support for Apple ProRes videos and Apple ProRaw photos. Under Review! Liberty 3 Pro Finch Roborock S6 robot vacuum

This week: just how well does a M1 Max MacBook Pro perform against a MONSTER PC build with top-tier components? These results might blow your mind lol. Plus: we got new details on the upcoming iMac “Pro”, and we wrap up with our favorite shows and movies in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK iMac Pro could make a comeback in 2022 with Apple’s newest M1 chips The high-end iMac Pro is expected to return next year with Apple’s newest M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets. One tipster also claims the powerful all-in-one will feature a 27-inch mini-LED display — and possibly even Face ID. New leaks on the upcoming iMac (Pro)! MacBook Pro M1 Max vs Windows Desktop (RTX3090, Ryzen9 5950x) M1Max Outperforms more expensive PC! MacBook Pro with M1 Max VS PC MONSTER Build! iPhone and Apple Watch could get car crash detection next year Apple Watch already offers fall detection, which, as its name suggests, uses built-in sensors to detect hard falls and then gives users the option to call emergency services. It can also send a message to select contacts. Win a sleek Satechi Trio Wireless Charging Pad [Cult of Mac giveaway] This beautiful-looking charging pad from Satechi juices up an iPhone, an Apple Watch and AirPods all at once. It retails for $119.99, and we're giving away FOUR of them. Apple's Craig Federighi Says Sideloading on iPhone Would Open the Floodgates to Malware Speaking at the Web Summit conference in Portugal, Federighi said sideloading would result in the "floodgates" opening to malware.

This week: Pro MacBook Pro Vs. the Intel MacBook Pro—battle of the benchmarks! And the performance differences are absolutely INSANE. Plus: our hands-on review of AirPods 3, and Apple is perfectly poised to release and actual Apple Television. Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace 2021 MacBook Pro review roundup: Just what we hoped for The first reviews of the 2021 MacBook Pro just dropped, and they’re generally quite positive. There’s praise for the mini-LED display, the return of useful ports, and the sheer power of Apple’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. New MacBook Pros prove surprisingly good at gaming Apple’s M1 Pro and M1 Max processors in the new MacBook Pro offer powerful graphic performance. That’s intended for artists rendering video and other professional tasks, but tests show that it translates to excellent gaming performance. Intel CEO: My job is to win Apple back Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger says the ball is in the chip giant's court to win back lost business from the Mac making Apple. Win a sleek Satechi Trio Wireless Charging Pad [Cult of Mac giveaway] Hands-on: AirPods 3 sound great thanks to lots of trickle-down tech [Review] The new AirPods 3 are marvelous little earbuds. They sound fantastic, are dead easy to set up and use, and the wireless charging case is a godsend. Amazon TVs to Support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Amazon's Omni and 4-Series Omni TVs launch today, featuring 4K HDR, voice controls with Amazon Alexa, and close integration with the Fire TV user experience. Upon the launch of the new TVs, Amazon today announced that it plans to add support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit "soon." The Iconic Pillow Collection 2 by Throwboy  

This week: everything you need to know about the new M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, including new details! Plus: our reactions to everything Apple “Unleashed”, and Tim Cook Sherlocks the CultCloth! Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace MacBook Pro gets insane M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, gorgeous new design “We set out to create the world’s best pro notebook, and today we’re excited to introduce the all-new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max — a game-changing combination of phenomenal performance, unrivaled battery life, and groundbreaking features,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a press release after the event. “The all-new MacBook Pro adds a breathtaking XDR display, more ports like MagSafe 3, an advanced 1080p camera, and a sensational six-speaker sound system, all in a stunning new design. The new MacBook Pro simply has no equal and is by far the best pro notebook we’ve ever built.” M1 Max chip could deliver even greater graphics than PlayStation 5 MacBook Pro’s mind-blowing M1 Max chip could deliver even greater graphics than Sony’s newest PlayStation 5 console, according to early estimates. It has even more raw GPU power, at least on paper, with up to 32 graphics cores. Early benchmarks show crazy performance gains for Apple M1 Max The M1 Max blows all the MacBook chips that came before it — not just those made by Intel, but even Apple’s own M1 — right out of the water, with up to 181% faster graphics than the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro. New MacBook Pros Include Improved Thermal System That Apple Says You'll Rarely Need Thanks to Apple Silicon The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros include entirely new designs and a new chassis, and one improvement of the newer chassis compared to its predecessor is improved thermals. Some MacBook Pro wait times stretch nearly to Christmas Order the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage from Apple.com on Monday and it’ll arrive sometime between October 26 and November 2. That’s as quick as anyone can get the new notebook — the launch date is Oct. 26. Apple Music gets a ‘Voice Plan’ that costs just $4.99 a month Win an iPhone 13 case bundle from Smartish [Cult of Mac giveaway] Upgraded AirPods gain spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and more Apple used part of its “Unleashed” event on Monday to announce a major refresh of it signature earbuds. The new third-generation AirPods feature spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking and come with a redesign that makes them look more like AirPods Pro (although without the silicone ear tips). I got Sherlocked at Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ event!

This week: Finally! Here come the M1X Macs! We talk our predictions for Monday’s Apple “Unleashed” event! Plus: a rumor says Apple is prepping a Nintendo Switch-like gaming console, and we reveal our favorite new shows on an all-new What We’re Into! Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace New MacBook Pros Likely to Launch at Apple Event This Month, Says Gurman In his latest newsletter, Gurman says Apple y is poised to announce the M1X powered MacBook Pros within the next month, noting that "Apple typically does its major new Mac introductions in October. So stay tuned." Apple invites the world to Oct. 18 ‘Unleashed’ event; new M1X Macs expected Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its much-anticipated October product launch event. The tagline is “Unleashed,” and the streaming event almost certainly will bring the debut of redesigned MacBooks and perhaps an iMac running an updated Apple processor. M1X MacBook Pros might start at 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 120Hz screen A tipster who goes by Dylandkt reported Tuesday via Twitter that the base models for both sizes of the 2021 MacBook Pro will have 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Those are double the amounts in the 13-inch M1 MacBook released in 2020. But they are the same as the current base model 16-inch MacBook Pro, which uses an Intel processor. Win an iPhone 13 case bundle from Smartish [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you just got an iPhone 13, this week’s giveaway is for you. Popular case-maker Smartish is giving one lucky winner a bundle that will keep their new iPhone protected, organized and charged. Laughable report claims Apple will take on Nintendo Switch with powerful hybrid console Apple is developing its own “Nintendo Switch style gaming console” with a hybrid design that “will outperform anything that Microsoft or Sony offers in 2021,” according to one very sketchy report citing unnamed sources. Apple Arcade goes big with NBA 2K22 and Transformers: Tactical Arena Apple’s gaming service will soon launch a pair of big-name titles. Basketball season starts soon, and that means it’s time for NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition. Meanwhile, Transformers: Tactical Arena will let players choose their favorite characters and battle it out in PvP action. Apple signals entertainment ambitions with major Los Angeles expansion With plans underway to build two adjoining facilities on the border of Los Angeles and Culver City, Apple has signaled it means business in the entertainment industry. The new development will serve as its regional headquarters, the Cupertino tech giant said. Classic iPhone Game 'Tiny Wings' Launches on Apple Arcade This Friday Over a decade after being released on the App Store, the classic hit iPhone game Tiny Wings is coming to Apple Arcade this Friday. What We’re Into! The Boys (Amazon Prime) Loki (Disney +) ROBIN Test Footage Scene Foundation (Apple TV+)

This week: M1X MacBook Pro is coming soon! We discuss. And remembering Steve Jobs, we miss him. Plus: it's back—an all new Under Review! We're revealing our favorite new gadgets. Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace New MacBook Pros Likely to Launch at Apple Event This Month, Says Gurman In his latest newsletter, Gurman says Apple y is poised to announce the M1X powered MacBook Pros within the next month, noting that "Apple typically does its major new Mac introductions in October. So stay tuned." How to get ready to pre-order Apple Watch Series 7 The time when you can preorder the next generation of Apple Watch is drawing close. Apple will start taking people’s money at exactly 5 a.m. PDT this Friday, Oct. 8. Apple stays strangely silent on most Apple Watch Series 7 prices Apple Watch Series 7 launches Friday but pricing information for most configurations remains a mystery less than a day from the debut. All Apple has revealed so far is that the base model is $399. Win a bundle of iPhone 13 cases from Case-Mate [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you just bought the latest iPhone 13 and need some new cases, this week’s giveaway is for you. Case-Mate is giving away five of its most popular cases that are both pretty and protective. Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs dies at 56 October 5, 2011: Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at the age of 56 in his home in Palo Alto, California. Jobs’ official cause of death is respiratory arrest arising from complications related to a rare type of pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed with the cancer eight years earlier, and officially stepped down from his role as Apple CEO in August 2011. Tim Cook reflects on Steve Jobs’ legacy on 10th anniversary of his passing This week, Tim Cook sent a memo to all employees about his former boss and friend. In it, he says that Jobs’ passion to change the world for the better lives on in the company. Apple pays touching tribute to Steve Jobs a decade after his passing Apple today commemorates its co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs ten years after he passed away from pancreatic cancer. The company’s homepage has been adorned with images of Jobs throughout his years at Apple, as well as an official film and a statement from the Jobs family. Jony Ive on What He Misses Most About Steve Jobs My memories of that brutal, heartbreaking day 10 years ago are scattered and random. I cannot remember driving down to his house. I do remember a hazy October sky and shoes that were too tight. I remember afterwards Tim and I sat quietly in the garden together for a long time.

This week: we've been using our iPhone 13/Pros for one week now—here are our honest reviews! Plus: iOS 15, bugs galore! We'll cover all the major iOS 15 and iPhone 13 bugs you need to know about. Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 13, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13 Pro truly is the Goldilocks phone [Review] Is there such a thing as the fabled Goldilocks phone? You know, a phone that is just right? Not too big. Not too small. Great camera and screen. Amazing battery life. iPhone 13 component shortage lengthens wait times Production of the new iPhone 13 series isn’t catching up to demand. A shortage of a critical component is keeping wait times long for many versions of the handset. Can’t wait for an iPhone 13? Win one!!! New iPhone 13 cases and accessories in the Cult of Mac Store Apple vows to fix iPhone 13 bug that breaks Unlock with Apple Watch Apple has promised to fix an iPhone 13 bug that prevents owners from using Unlock with Apple Watch. In the meantime, users can disable the feature to prevent an “Unable to Communicate with Apple Watch” error from appearing. iPhone owners suffer intermittent touch input issues under iOS 15 Some iPhone models are being plagued by touchscreen issues under Apple’s newest iOS 15 firmware. The problem, which seems to affect iPhone 13 owners most, causes devices to not respond to touch inputs. iOS 15 problems continue as iPhone 13 owners report CarPlay crashes The long list of problems that have surfaced in iOS 15 continues to grow as iPhone 13 owners report new issues with CarPlay. Some say they are unable to play tracks in Apple Music or third-party apps like Spotify without the system crashing completely. There are some fixes you can try, like disabling the equalizer if it’s active, that may solve the problem. iPhone 14 Coming With “Complete Redesign” Next Year, Says Mark Gurman

This week: the early reviews are in—let’s talk about the best and worst parts of iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and the iPad mini. Plus: Apple is prepping yet another great feature coming soon to your HomePod—it ain’t dead yet, baby! Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13 review roundup: Stellar displays, cracking cameras, outstanding battery life BRO WTF. The iPhone 13 Pro Might Not Work With MagSafe Duo Because of Its Fat Ass. LMFAO. - FrontPageTech.com iPhone 13 Pro photos by Austin Mann Win iPhone 13 and a bundle of MagSafe-compatible cases from Speck [Cult of Mac giveaway] For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Speck to offer Cult of Mac readers the chance to win an iPhone 13 and a bundle of three of Speck's nifty MagSafe-compatible cases. 2021 iPad mini review roundup: Splendidly small yet super-powerful Spoiler alert: Yes, the 2021 iPad mini is worth every penny of its $499 price tag. Critics love its form factor, which, despite being small enough to go with you everywhere, still leaves enough room for productivity, games and media. Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos return to HomePod in 15.1 beta Apple’s newest HomePod beta, issued alongside the iOS and iPadOS 15.1 betas on Tuesday, brings back lossless audio and Dolby Atmos support. Both features can be enabled from inside the Home app, but only if you have an invite.

This week: reacting to iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, iPad mini, and and what the h-e-double hockey sticks happened to Apple Watch Series 7?! Plus: iPhone 13 Vs. iPhone 13 Pro - what you need to know before you buy! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13’s Cinematic mode marks new era in computational photography Of all the things Apple revealed Tuesday, to me the most impressive was the iPhone 13’s new Cinematic mode. The depth-of-field effect creates amazing focus transitions between subjects. Win one year of unlimited cloud backup from Backblaze [Cult of Mac giveaway] Apple Watch Series 7 looks like a late substitution for the upgrade Apple wanted to deliver Apple Watch Series 7 is not the upgrade most of us expected to see from Tuesday’s Apple event. The new model doesn’t sport the big design refresh multiple sources said was coming. It doesn’t even pack a new chip. Apple Watch Series 7 Tidbits: S7 Chip, Storage Remains 32GB, USB-C Fast Charging Cable in the Box, and More MacRumors can confirm several details about the Series 7 not currently shared by Apple. First, the Apple Watch Series 7 is indeed powered with an S7 branded chip, which Apple indicates will offer the same 20% advantage in performance compared to the S5 chip found in the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 as the Apple Watch Series 6 did. New budget iPad 9 gets better video chat, doubles storage On the inside is an Apple A13 processor, an improvement over the A12 in its predecessor. Apple promises that brings 20% faster CPU and GPU performance. iPad mini gets its biggest, most amazing upgrade yet Apple today surprised us with a brand-new 2021 iPad mini — its best compact tablet to date. It sports a gorgeous new design inspired by iPad Pro, an Liquid Retina display, and a blazing-fast A15 Bionic chip with 5G connectivity. What's Still Coming in 2021 at Apple's Second Fall Event

This week: iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, AirPods 3, Apple Watch Series 7, and... more? We're talking hardware predictions for next week's "California Streaming" Apple event. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace It’s official: Apple confirms iPhone 13 event for September 14 Apple today confirmed it will host its next big keynote on Tuesday, September 14. The “California streaming” event will likely be focused on iPhone 13, as well as Apple Watch Series 7 and a possible third-generation AirPods upgrade. Leaker Max Weinbach releases new details on next week’s hardware drop GIVEAWAY! This week, Cult of Mac is giving away four Origami Protective Cases for iPad from SwitchEasy. This versatile iPad case folds in four different ways to make it easy to type, read or browse your iPad. Spoiler alert: Here’s a sneak peek at next year’s ‘iPhone 14 Yes, you heard that right: iPhone 14 will be the first to pack an edge-to-edge display with no notch, according to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech. Renders produced by wunderkind Ian Zelbo, based on leaks from Prosser’s sources, suggest next year’s iPhone will instead feature one small “hole punch” cutout for its front-facing camera — like many modern Android devices. iPhone 14 leak could trigger full wrath of Cupertino Jon Prosser’s iPhone 14 leak is every Apple fan’s dream — and Tim Cook’s biggest nightmare. The audacious revelation, dropped Wednesday morning via Prosser’s YouTube channel, Front Page Tech, showcased what next year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max might look like.

This week: iPhone 13 has a secret satellite trick that will give you signal anywhere on earth! Plus: sorry, Apple Watch Series 7 might be a much smaller update than we’ve been told… And a radical new South Korean law is forcing Apple to open up their app store, and other countries are now sure to follow. And, sadly, it couldn’t last forever.... It sounds like our beloved Tim Cook is eyeing his retirement from Apple. So who at Apple will take the reins next? We got it all figured out! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Rumored iPhone satellite communications could be for serious emergencies only News that the iPhone 13 will be able to exchange texts and phone calls with low Earth orbit satellites first came from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo over the weekend. And on Monday Mark Gurman from Bloomberg seconded the report. But he said it’ll be strictly for serious emergencies only. ’No chance’ Apple Watch Series 7 will pack blood pressure monitoring There is “no chance” Apple Watch Series 7 will be able to monitor your blood pressure, despite recent claims that the next-generation device has been delayed to accommodate this feature, according to one reliable reporter. Get organized with a PadFolio from tomtoc [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week, Cult of Mac is giving away six practical and protective PadFolio Cases for your iPad Pro from tomtoc. Designed to carry your 12.9-inch iPad Pro, keyboard, chargers, dongles and all your necessary accessories, this case will protect your iPad Pro while keeping everything in place. South Korea is first to say App Store must allow third-party payments South Korea has become the first country to tell Apple that it must open up the App Store to third-party payment platforms. The same law also applies to Google, and other countries likely will implement similar rules. Apple agrees to relax App Store rules for ‘reader’ apps like Netflix, Spotify Apple will relax App Store rules for “reader” apps that let users access previously purchased content and subscriptions for books, magazines, music and more, the company said Wednesday. Submissions fall to all-time low as devs lose interest in Mac App Store Developers are seemingly losing interest in bringing their titles to the Mac App Store, with new submissions steadily declining since the beginning of 2021. There were fewer than 300 new releases for the first time ever in July. Apple AR glasses launch could mark end of Tim Cook era Tim Cook took over as CEO from Steve Jobs almost exactly 10 years ago. He’s 60 years old, and has been at Apple for 23 years, and it sounds like he’s considering his exit strategy.

This week: If you're excited about the new 14" Macbook Pro, well, we got good news and bad news for you.... Plus: sweet heat! iPhone 13 may be packing Apple's next-GEN FaceID, and it has a special trick. Plus plus: hold on to your cheeks, cause now we got the launch date for you. And stay tuned for our roundup of iOS 15's best new HomeKit and iCloud+ features! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace 14-inch MacBook Pro could be just as fast, almost as pricey as 16-inch model The next-generation 14-inch MacBook Pro will be nearly identical to the 16-inch model that launches alongside it in terms of performance, according to one tipster. Both machines are expected to feature the same M1X chip. iPhone 13 could land September 17, AirPods 3 soon after The wait for Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup could be over in less than a month. A new report, citing information from a Chinese retailer, claims iPhone 13 will make its big debut on September 17, followed by AirPods 3. Yep! iPhone 13 Pre-Orders Starting September 17th, Launch on September 24th That being said, I would usually insert my usual “take it with a grain of many butt hairs” and you still should, BUTT 🍑, since this date is not only lining up with what our own sources said and with Apple’s traditional pre-pandemic schedule of a September launch date timeframe, take it with a smol speck of butt hair, because these dates are looking right. EXCLUSIVE: Apple Testing New iPhone 13 Face ID Apple has developed new Face ID hardware that they are currently testing with a COVID-like landscape in mind, according to sources. Faster ‘M1X’ Mac mini with more ports coming ‘in the next several months’ Apple’s “high-end, M1X Mac mini” will launch “in the next several months,” according to the latest Power On newsletter from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. “It will have an updated design and more ports.” Apple could host multiple events in September for a bunch of new products Last year, Apple staggered its fall events over September, October and November. But according to some sources, it will unleash a barrage of hardware within just a few weeks this time around. What's New With HomeKit in iOS 15 iCloud+ subscribers can now create custom email domains iCloud+ subscribers can now start using custom domain names with iCloud Mail. The new feature, announced at WWDC 2021 alongside iOS and iPadOS 15, just rolled out in beta with support for up to five custom domains.

This week: Apple’s about to bring two powerful new features to your beloved HomePods—they just keep making them better! Plus: the big problem with AirPods Max; a proposed law would force profound changes on Apple App Store; Applecare+ get some big changes; and we react to the new Foundation trailers, the Apple’s epic new sci-fi coming to AppleTV+. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Netflix gets more immersive with Spatial Audio support Netflix has begun rolling out Spatial Audio support. This lets the streaming service offer a surround sound-like experience but without all the speakers. Currently, it requires AirPods Pro or AirPods Max but that’ll change soon. ​​HomePod beta brings Dolby Atmos and lossless music support Dolby Atmos (spatial audio) and lossless music are on their way to HomePod and HomePod mini. Both features are available for testing in Apple’s latest HomePod 15 beta, rolled out to registered developers on Thursday. Proposed law would force profound changes on Apple App Store Apple currently puts up significant roadblocks to sideloading — installing applications onto an iPhone or iPad from a Mac. The Open App Markets Act would require Apple to allow sideloading. Apple now offers annual AppleCare+ subscriptions for new Mac owners Apple recently updated its AppleCare+ for Mac price structure, allowing new owners to purchase the extended coverage as an annual subscription instead of a three-year up front commitment. Apple now allows AppleCare+ for Mac to continue beyond three years In certain major territories, including the U.S., Apple will now let users keep AppleCare+ for Mac active beyond its original three-year limit. ‘Wool’: Tim Robbins Joins Rebecca Ferguson In Apple TV+ Series Wool is a set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them. Apple TV+ presents trailer for eagerly anticipated series “Foundation,” set to premiere around the world on Friday, September 24, 2021 Apple TV+ today released the trailer for “Foundation,” the highly anticipated epic saga based on Isaac Asimov’s timeless trilogy of the same name. Revealing a deeper look than ever before at the unprecedented adaptation, the trailer invites audiences across the galaxy to embark on a thrilling and emotional journey following a band of exiles who discover that the only way to save the Galactic Empire from destruction is to defy it.

This week: We got it, ALL the iPhone 13 details. We’ll tell you what to expect. Plus, the Apple Privacy debacle—is Apple scanning all your photos and the pictures you send in iMessages? The answer is yes... and no. We got the cold hard facts for you, and you may not like them. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Mini-LED MacBook Pros launching before the end of September The long wait for redesigned 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro models is probably nearing its end. A reliable source for Apple info says these Macs will be out in September at the latest, and will have mini-LED screens. iPhone 13 could bring ProMotion display, camera upgrades, smaller notch This year’s iPhone refresh could be a lot more exciting than the incremental upgrades we’ve seen in previous years. A new report claims Apple’s next-generation smartphone lineup — which could be called iPhone 13 — will bring faster ProMotion displays, pro camera upgrades, and a smaller notch. Apple plans to scan iPhones and iCloud for child abuse imagery [Updated] Apple plans to scan photos stored on peoples’ iPhones and in their iCloud accounts for imagery suggesting child abuse, according to news reports Thursday. The effort might aid in law-enforcement investigations, but also could invite controversial access to user data by government agencies. Apple looks to ease CSAM photo scanning concerns with new FAQ Apple has published a new FAQ on its plan to scan user photos for child abuse imagery (CSAM) in an effort to combat the growing concerns. iPhone Messages app will warn parents if kids send, receive nude photos Apple will soon offer a new tool to protect children from sexual predators. The Messages application will be able to detect if an iPhone or iPad user gets or sends sexually explicit photos. Apple TV, HomePod combo on the way to combat weak living room strategy Apple TV engineers say “there isn’t much optimism” over the company’s weak living room hardware strategy, but there plans to change it with new devices, according to a new report from one reliable reporter.

This week: now that the M1 Macs are out, Apple is prepping to release a barrage of “Pro” Macs, including MacBook Pros, a Mac Mini Pro, a Mac Pro mini, and a powerhouse new Mac Pro with up to 40 cores. Hold on to your buns! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple Watch 7, new Mac upgrades appear in regulatory filings ahead of launch A number of new Apple devices including Apple Watch Series 7 and two new MacBook Pro models have appeared in regulatory filings ahead of an official unveiling. The listings suggest we could see a launch in the near future. Think Apple Silicon is exciting now? Just wait and see what’s to come Apple just reported a hugely successful quarter for the Mac — one of its best ever — and it looks like it’s only going to get better. A new report detailing the company’s Apple Silicon roadmap says the best is yet to come. HomePod smart speaker had a great quarter in the US HomePod shipments in the United States increased 180% year-on-year in the last quarter, eclipsing the growth of smart speaker makers Amazon and Google during the period, market intelligence firm Omdia reports. Apple Working on Combined TV Box, Speaker to Revive Home Efforts The company is working on a product that would combine an Apple TV set-top box with a HomePod speaker and include a camera for video conferencing through a connected TV and other smart-home functions, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. Brendan Fraser Boards Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ & Legendary Comedy ‘Brothers’ EXCLUSIVE: Brendan Fraser (No Sudden Move) has joined the casts of Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Max Barbakow’s Brothers. Apple.com gets a redesigned Store section with its very own tab Apple on Tuesday rolled out a fresh new look for its online store, with a dedicated “Store” tab that makes everything easier to find. The company calls it “the best way to buy the products you love.”

This week: now that the M1 Macs are out, Apple is prepping to release a barrage of “Pro” Macs, including MacBook Pros, a Mac Mini Pro, a Mac Pro mini, and a powerhouse new Mac Pro with up to 40 cores. Hold on to your buns! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple Watch 7, new Mac upgrades appear in regulatory filings ahead of launch A number of new Apple devices including Apple Watch Series 7 and two new MacBook Pro models have appeared in regulatory filings ahead of an official unveiling. The listings suggest we could see a launch in the near future. Think Apple Silicon is exciting now? Just wait and see what’s to come Apple just reported a hugely successful quarter for the Mac — one of its best ever — and it looks like it’s only going to get better. A new report detailing the company’s Apple Silicon roadmap says the best is yet to come. HomePod smart speaker had a great quarter in the US HomePod shipments in the United States increased 180% year-on-year in the last quarter, eclipsing the growth of smart speaker makers Amazon and Google during the period, market intelligence firm Omdia reports. Apple Working on Combined TV Box, Speaker to Revive Home Efforts The company is working on a product that would combine an Apple TV set-top box with a HomePod speaker and include a camera for video conferencing through a connected TV and other smart-home functions, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. Brendan Fraser Boards Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ & Legendary Comedy ‘Brothers’ EXCLUSIVE: Brendan Fraser (No Sudden Move) has joined the casts of Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Max Barbakow’s Brothers. Apple.com gets a redesigned Store section with its very own tab Apple on Tuesday rolled out a fresh new look for its online store, with a dedicated “Store” tab that makes everything easier to find. The company calls it “the best way to buy the products you love.”

This week: we got hot new intel on AirPods 3, new ‘Pro” iMacs, and MacBook Air. Plus: Apple’s planning to bring FaceID to EVERYTHING, and we discuss the most insane parts of Apple’s latest financial call. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Twitter leaker @dylandkt reports bad news for iMac, good news for Airpods 3 https://twitter.com/dylandkt AirPods 3 https://twitter.com/dylandkt/status/1419103317683212290 https://twitter.com/dylandkt/status/1414645969216495619 iMac M1X https://twitter.com/dylandkt/status/1418602808010584066 Smile! Face ID may come to Mac in the next couple of years Apple aims to bring Face ID to Mac within the next couple of years, reports Mark Gurman in his weekend “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg. Markus Gurman: Face ID Coming to the Mac, All iPhones and iPads Within ‘Couple of Years' In his latest edition of “Power On,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple plans to bring Face ID to the Mac in another super vague, strange timeframe. Okay, in all seriousness, he says the next ‘couple of years.’ Let’s just be happy that’s not the ‘next few decades.’ Mini-LED MacBook Air likely to arrive in mid-2022 Apple’s new MacBook Air with 13.3-inch Mini-LED display will debut in mid-2022, says respected TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new note to clients, seen by Cult of Mac. Smashed records, short supplies and other takeaways from Apple’s record Q3 Apple just revealed that its made heaps of money last quarter. It broke all kinds of revenue records, and Mac, iPhone and iPad contributed strongly to the total.

This week: we got new intel on iPhone 13, MacBook Pro, and the next iPad mini, and you’re gonna like what you hear. Plus an Apple partner demos tech reportedly coming to Apple Watch, and it’s totally insane. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13 event rumored for September 14, Apple expectations sky high In a Wednesday note to clients, seen by Cult of Mac, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives suggests Apple is gearing up to produce between 90 million and 100 million iPhone 13 units. That’s a 15% increase year-on-year over the iPhone 12, whose initial orders were for 80 million units. iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an ‘always on’ display “Apple has tasked suppliers with building up to 90 million new iPhones for this fall,” Gurman wrote. “That’s a 20% increase over the 75 million units Apple planned for the iPhone 12 in 2020 — despite only readying mostly minor changes. Expect a faster A15 chip, smaller notch, a new display for better battery life and the potential of an Apple Watch-like always on mode and a 120Hz refresh rate and upgrades to video recording.” 'iPhone 13 Pro' to come in new colors, including bronze-like 'Sunset Gold' An apparent supply chain leak is corroborating rumors that Apple's higher-end "iPhone 13" models could be offered in new colors like "sunset gold," matte black and a pale rose gold. Next iPad mini may get oversized speed boost from Apple A15 processor The much-anticipated iPad mini 6 will boast the Apple A15 processor, according to an unconfirmed report. That should bring a significant performance increase. And the tablet will allegedly have a USB-C port and a Smart Connector. Gurman: MacBook Pro with miniLED display coming between September-November Apple supplier launches non-invasive glucose monitor & health sensor tech A new "clinic-on-the-wrist" digital health system from Apple supplier Rockley Photonics backs up expectations that the Apple Watch will ultimately gain non-invasive glucose monitoring.

This week: Apple’s new Magsafe Battery Pack CONFIRMS iPhone 12 has a very cool hidden feature, and we discuss if the Magsafe Battery is worth its steep $100 price. Plus: Gurman confirms iPhone 13’s feature set, and, BAD NEWS, in-screen Touch ID didn't make the cut… And stay for one of our weirdest stories ever: why Apple’s iOS weather app won’t show 69 degrees. Lol. Yeah…. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple launches MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12 series On its website Tuesday, Apple offered a new MagSafe Battery Pack, designed to work with the iPhone 12 series from mini to Pro Max. That is, it’s designed to work as of the release of iOS 14.7, due imminently. Apple Seeks Up to 20% Increase in New iPhone Production for 2021 Apple Inc. has asked suppliers to build as many as 90 million next-generation iPhones this year, a sharp increase from its 2020 iPhone shipments, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The shares jumped to a record. Larger iMac ‘en route’ and could bring even faster ‘M2X’ chip A larger iMac powered by Apple Silicon is “en route” and could feature an even faster “M2X” chip, according to reporter Mark Gurman. Apple could bring 1080p FaceTime cameras to all next-gen Mac models Apple is planning to bring high-definition FaceTime cameras to all next-generation Mac models, one tipster claims. The move will start with the upcoming MacBook Pro refresh, expected later this year. Apple’s iPhone Weather app is hilariously prudish You can be certain it’s never 69 degrees in Cupertino. Never. In what might be a somewhat amazing level of prudishness, Apple’s default iPhone Weather app reportedly will not indicate that the temperature is one degree warmer than 68.

This week: a reliable source says M2 Macs are right around the corner, and M1X will be the pro variant chip we’ve been hoping for! We got all the details. Plus: Woz says it’s time for Apple to embrace Right To Repair, and the Biden admin’s new rules may force Apple to support it. And big ERF’s back with an Apple stock update—this is a big one! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Win an AirTag dog collar for worry-free adventure [Cult of Mac giveaway] If you have a dog that runs away or just doesn’t listen, this week’s giveaway is for you. The CollarTrek dog collar securely holds an AirTag in place, making sure Fido’s location is easily trackable at all times. Apple’s next-gen M2 chips could roll out in early 2022 The tipster, known as Dylandkt, has an 81.3% accuracy rating according to Apple Track based on 16 previous rumors. Dylandkt said the M2 chip will be released alongside “the upcoming colorful MacBook Air.” U.S. President Joe Biden to Direct FTC to Draft Right to Repair Rules President Joe Biden plans to direct the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to create new right to repair rules that would affect tech companies like Apple, reports Bloomberg. Steve Wozniak speaks on Right to Repair Original HomePods reportedly ‘bricked’ by 14.6 software update Recent reports suggest owners of the original HomePod should steer clear of the device’s software version 14.6 and the newer version 15 update for beta users. Warren Buffett’s premature Apple selloff cost his firm $20 billion Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway firm has long invested in Apple, with Buffett once saying that, “I don’t think of Apple as a stock. I think of it as our third business. It’s probably the best business I know in the world. And that is a bigger commitment than we have in any business except insurance and the railroad.”

This week: a new report provides even more proof that new 14” and 16” mini-LED MacBook Pros are right around the corner—we discuss! Plus: Apple’s planning new iPads with HUGE screens, iPhone 13 is getting a big camera upgrade, and Apple’s whacky new scheme to keep employees from leaking! This one is hilarious. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace MacBook Pro with mini-LED display could land this year in 2 sizes Apple is teaming up with two new suppliers to bring mini-LED displays to MacBook Pro later this year, according to a new report. The next-generation machines are expected to come in 14- and 16-inch sizes. Going beyond 13 inches, Apple reportedly ‘exploring larger iPads’ Someday, Apple could make tablets as large as the biggest MacBooks. The company is reportedly investigating making super-size iPad models with displays larger than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to a reliable source for insider info. iPhone 13 Pro may pack improved Ultra Wide camera with autofocus Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup will pack an improved Ultra Wide camera with autofocus, according to a reliable analyst. The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max models are expected to get the upgrade first. Apple allegedly requires employees to wear body cameras to stop leaks Apple is reportedly forcing some of its employees to wear “police-grade” body cameras in an effort to stop them from leaking proprietary information. How to download Apple Watch’s new international Stripes faces Apple introduced new International Collection bands for Apple Watch on Tuesday, priced at $49 each. There are 22 available and each comes with an accompanying Stripes face you can download from Apple’s website.

This week—new leaks give us our best look yet at iPhone 13! We got details and pics to share. Plus: Apple has a stunningly new retail location, and we review their most beautiful retail stores, and we review the dizzying number of new original shows and movies coming to Apple TV+—it might finally be worth the price! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace New iPhone 13 dummies and renders show incremental changes Leaker Sonny Dickson showed off iPhone 13 dummies Wednesday of four possible models that could be released this fall, in addition to case renders and video of a case, included below. They all suggest a handful of tweaks to iPhone 12 that may be forthcoming in the new models. iPhone 13 will come with new, improved batteries and faster 5G for many users The next-gen iPhone will boast “more flexible SiP battery modules and LCP antenna modules,” backing up previous rumors that it will come with a new, improved battery and bring new ultra-speedy mmWave 5G to new countries. 1 in 5 customers say they’d skip iPhone 13 due to superstition A massive 74% of people surveyed think Apple’s next iPhone should be called something other than “iPhone 13.” And triskaidekaphobia — aka fear of the number 13 — could stop one in five Apple users from buying the next-gen smartphone if it bears that name. Apple’s new Tower Theatre store in LA looks preposterously beautiful Apple previewed its newest retail location at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The company announced the store’s Thursday opening in conjunction with the launch of the Today at Apple Creative Studios global mentorship initiative for young creatives. Here’s when Foundation and other big shows hit Apple TV+ The free Apple TV+ trial offered when the service debuted runs out at the end of June, and the iPhone-maker is trying to build excitement for upcoming series by announcing their debut dates. Apple TV+ prepares a visit to Nathan Pyle’s whimsical Strange Planet Dan Harmon will reportedly turn Nathan Pyle’s humorous Strange Planet webcomic into an Apple TV+ animated series. This will combine a comic that’s already become a series of best-selling graphic novels with the creator/writer of Rick and Morty.

This week: leaked! A new report outlines everything we can expect from Apple Watch Series 7, and it’s kind of a surprising.... Plus: Apple’s Beats Studio Buds are like cheaper AirPods Pro, M1 iMacs are shipping with crooked screens, and some big Apple TV+ changes you need to know about. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Win not one but two Quattro Pro Apple Watch bumper cases [Cult of Mac Giveaway] You might make your Apple Watch look like a retro Casio with our giveaway this week. Four lucky winners will receive not one but two Quattro Pro Apple Watch bumper cases from Elkson. That’s one to keep and one to give to a friend. Apple Watch Series 7 will feature updated display, Explorer Edition will ship in 2022 The Apple Watch Series 7 will boast a faster processor, better wireless connectivity, and a new, improved screen, says a new report from Bloomberg. The screen will have thinner bezels and a “new lamination technique that brings the display closer to the front cover.” This would be the first Apple Watch form factor redesign since 2018. iOS 15: How to Get Notified If You Leave an AirTag or Apple Device Behind In iOS 15, Apple has added separation alerts to the Find My app, which let you know when you leave an AirTag or other Apple device behind. Separation alerts also support Find My-enabled third-party accessories. 9 great but easily overlooked features in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey Apple made an enormous number of changes in its 2021 operating system updates. Many of these drew plenty of attention — like the FaceTime upgrade — but some useful improvements might have been overlooked in all the hoopla. Here are nine new features in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey you might have overlooked. Some M1 iMac Models Shipping With Crooked Mountings Some M1 iMacs appear to have a manufacturing defect that causes the display to be mounted on the stand in a way that's not perfectly aligned, leading to a crooked display. EU regulation would ‘destroy the security of the iPhone,’ Tim Cook warns Apple’s CEO told the audience at France’s VivaTech conference that a critical part of the European Union’s proposed Digital Markets Act isn’t in the best interests of iPhone users. The proposal would require Apple to allow users to sideload applications, something CEO Tim Cook and the company are adamantly opposed to. Cupertino quietly cuts full-year Apple TV+ trial to just 3 months Apple quietly reduced the one-year Apple TV+ free trial for customers who buy new Apple devices to three months. The company made the change in a note on its Apple TV+ website. While customers who buy and activate an eligible device (that’s an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac) before July 1 will get the one-year trial, those who do so from July 1 onward will qualify only for three months. How to cancel the Apple TV+ free trial before you have to pay up When Apple TV+ made its big debut in 2019, Apple offered a one-year trial to those who bought a new iPhone, iPad or Mac. It then extended the free trial twice, first to January 2021 and then to the end of June.

This week: we recap and react to all the best WWDC '21 keynote announcements! Plus: what the heck happened to the rumored MacBook Pros?? We discuss! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace 9 things that blew us away at WWDC 2021 iCloud+ makes your online activities more secure on Apple devices iCloud+ is a new service that promises to make your online activities more private and more secure. It’s included at no extra cost with a premium iCloud subscription, and it works across all your Apple devices. Here’s what Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video in iCloud+ can do for you. tvOS 15 lets you sign into apps using Face ID or Touch ID on iPhone tvOS 15 will offer a “Sign in with Apple Device option.” Selecting it will deliver a notification to your iPhone and iPad (if they’ve been updated), where you’ll be able to sign in quickly using Face ID or Touch ID.tfv iOS 15 brings back word magnifier for easier text selection The iPhone text magnifier makes a comeback in iOS 15. It disappeared two years ago, but returns in the next version of iOS and iPadOS. The magnifier makes it easier to place the cursor exactly where the user wants, without it being hidden behind their fingertip. Live Text in iOS 15 is completely amazing Like so many people, I’ve gotten in the habit of taking a picture of anything I want to remember later. Live Text makes this even more useful. Rather than saving a whole image, I can turn the text in it into a note or a reminder. You may be waiting a few more months for Apple’s new MacBook Pro Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pros were erroneously expected by some to show up at this year’s WWDC. But according to a report from Digitimes, the next-gen Apple notebooks will not launch until the third quarter of 2021. This could be due to a lower-than-expected production yield for the mini LED screens for the computer. Live Text and other macOS Monterey features not coming to Intel Macs Many of macOS Monterey’s most exciting new features will not be available on Mac models powered by Intel processors. Live Text, Portrait mode for FaceTime video calls and more all require Apple’s own M1 chip.

This week: it’s all but confirmed… ANOTHER source is saying we’re getting new Macs at WWDC’s keynote on Monday. They're incoming!   Plus we’ll review all iOS 15’s rumored features, and there’s something going on with HomePod that Apple’s not telling us… there’s hope for us HomePod fans! Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Expect to see updated MacBook Pros at WWDC Wedbush analyst Dan Ives expects new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros to be among Apple’s announcements for the usually software-focused WWDC. The company’s 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off with a keynote address next Monday. Why interactive widgets might be the best improvement in iOS 15 Widgets actually debuted in iPadOS 13, then made the jump to iOS in 2020. But Apple has yet to make them interactive. The current version gives fast access to useful information. A widget is convenient for seeing what’s coming up on your calendar, or checking the weather. But they can’t do anything. Apple has a pair of intriguing HomePod devices in the works A proposed HomePod speaker with a built-in screen, and another device combining HomePod, FaceTime camera, and Apple TV, remain in “early development” at Apple, a Bloomberg report Friday states. Mysterious ‘homeOS’ platform leaks in Apple job listing [Updated] There’s macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS. How about homeOS, signaling a ramping up of Apple’s smart home ambitions? That is one take-home from a new Apple Music job posting spotted online. It references a hitherto-unannounced mobile operating system called “homeOS.” While Apple rolled out its HomeKit smart home platform in 2014, it has — to date — been a part of iOS/iPadOS, rather than its own fully fledged operating system. That could change soon.

This week: Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set for June 7, and the “M1X” MacBook Pro will almost certainly be making its debut. We’ll tell you all we know. Plus: Prosser says a Pro version of the Mac Mini with M1X is incoming, Apple may be making moves into crypto, and a BIG update on Apple Music lossless and your HomePod. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple details plans for WWDC 2021 Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is scheduled for June 7, and on Monday the iPhone-maker revealed that the all-important keynote address for WWDC 2021 will be held at 10 a.m. PDT on that day. This is almost certainly when they wraps will come off the next major upgrades for iOS, macOS and the company’s other operating systems. WWDC Invite all but confirms new MacBook Pros! The evidence: https://twitter.com/SamiFathi_/status/1396861652012785669 Prosser now confirming new MacBook Pros coming to WWDC: https://twitter.com/jon_prosser/status/1396915038154334214 Next Mac mini refresh could bring slimmer design, faster ‘M1X’ chip Apple’s next Mac mini refresh could prove even more exciting than the last, thanks to a slimmer chassis design and a faster “M1X” chipset, according to a reliable leaker. Apple could be cashing into cryptocurrency It’s no rumor that Apple is looking for an expert in alternative payment providers. The job description is for someone with at least five years experience with “digital wallets, BNPL, Fast Payments, cryptocurrency and etc.” Apple Music lossless WILL be coming to your HomePods, but AirPods Max still uncertain https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212183 HomePod Mini specs AirPods Max specs

This week: the new M2 MacBook Pros are right around the corner, along with a new and larger “Pro” iMac. We’ll share the details! Plus: everything you need to know about Apple’s new Lossless audio format coming soon to Apple Music. This is going to be a huge leap in sound quality, and it’s totally free! And Lewis fills us in on Apple’s wild new accessibility features coming to Apple Watch. Get 2-3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Redesigned MacBook Pro could arrive this summer, larger iMac in the works A redesigned MacBook Pro could hit Apple Store shelves as early as this summer, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Apple Watch Series 7 might feature flat-edged design, green color option [Updated] The next-gen Apple Watch could get a huge makeover, with a new, flat-edged design and a green option reminiscent of the AirPods Max. Apple Music will add lossless audio, Spatial Audio for no extra cost Apple Music is going lossless — at no extra cost to subscribers. Apple revealed the free upgrade Monday, a day ahead of its rumored launch. The company said Apple Music will bring lossless audio to more than 75 million tracks starting in June so listeners can hear songs “the way the artists created them in the studio.” Spotify HiFi: quality, price, release date, free trial and latest news Spotify HiFi is the popular music streaming service's long-anticipated entry into CD-quality streaming. Set to launch in 2021, it will allow Spotify Premium subscribers to 'upgrade' their membership so they can listen to higher-quality, lossless audio streams. AirPods, HomePod lose out on Apple Music lossless audio streaming [Updated] Apple Music fans who are super-excited about the just-announced lossless audio option should be aware that it won’t work with AirPods or HomePod. Not even the $549 AirPods Max. What you need to enjoy amazing lossless audio on Apple Music You’ll be able to enjoy some of that magic with Apple headphones. Spatial Audio with support for immersive Dolby Atmos will be available on all AirPods and Beats with an H1 or W1 chip. You will also be able to listen to it through the built-in speakers on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. AirPods might offer lossless Apple Music after software update On the new episode of his Front Page Tech YouTube show, Prosser said the limitation was because of Bluetooth. And that that restriction is about to be removed. AssistiveTouch lets users control Apple Watch by clenching a fist Apple plans to release software updates this year that will make its devices far easier to use for people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities.

This week: a dubious rumor says Apple is making a portable gaming console, but... the puzzle pieces seem to add up. Apple's up to something. We discuss. Plus: the new M1 iMac is insanely powerful, and Prosser leaks more MacBooks! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Enter to win a high-end Qrono Apple Watch band from Juuk [Cult of Mac giveaway] This week, Cult of Mac is giving away two fantastic metal Apple Watch bands from Juuk, a high-end watch strap company. We’re giving away two aluminum Qruno straps in cosmic grey. New MacBook Air renders look thin, flat and colorful Apple plans to release a surprisingly thin MacBook Air in the same colors as the current iMacs, according to leaker Jon Prosser. High school student makes impressive 3D renders of big-time Mac leaks [Setups] It’s not every day you come across a high school student running a successful tech-based business – never mind one whose 3D renderings are routinely seen by thousands of people. But that’s the case with 17-year-old New Yorker Ian Zelbo and his RendersbyIan. M1 iMac can’t match fastest Intel iMacs in early benchmarks People were hoping the M1 would supercharge the iMac, but the first benchmark scores for the upcoming 24-inch machine are out, and the all-in-one desktop is the same speed as the other M1 Macs released in 2020, but not faster. The previous-generation high-end 21.5-inch iMac earned a single-core Geekbench score of 1109, and a multi-core score of 6014. 2021 iPad Pro beats every Intel MacBook in early benchmark tests The first iPad Pro with an M-series processor is apparently going to be as fast as many had hoped. Benchmark tests for the upcoming tablet show that it’s almost as speedy as the Macs released in late 2020. And faster than any Intel-based MacBook ever. Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Developing Nintendo Switch-Style Gaming Console Apple is working on a Nintendo Switch-style handheld games console, according to a sketchy new rumor coming from Asia. According to a post on a Korean forum, shared by Twitter user @FrontTron, Apple is developing a portable hybrid games console, comparable to the Nintendo Switch. While the sourcing of the rumor is suspect, it has gained some visibility in larger news outlets over the past day or two, so we figured it was at least worth acknowledging. Apple TV Is Missing the Moment “For next year, Apple is planning an upgraded box with a stronger gaming focus, an updated remote and a new processor.” Apple said to be spending more than $500M on Arcade gaming subscription effort Apple’s new gaming subscription service Apple Arcade may have been a bit of a footnote at its Services event earlier this month compared to the stage time given to more prime time-ready efforts like Apple TV+ and Apple News+, but the company is throwing some major funding behind its effort to get people paying a monthly fee for exclusive titles.

This week: Apple’s working on a folding iPhone, and it’ll be here sooner than you think! We’ll fill you in. Plus: A new sensor could turn 2022 Apple Watch into a doctor on your wrist, the honest truth about AirTags, and an EPIC update on Apple Vs. Fortnite. Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace 8-inch folding iPhone might launch in 2023 A folding iPhone is two years away, according to a trusted industry analyst. When open, the device will have an 8-inch screen, significantly bigger than the current largest iOS model, which has a 6.7-inch display. New sensor could turn 2022 Apple Watch into a doctor on your wrist A deal between Apple and Rockley Photonics could add new medical sensors to the Apple Watch in 2022. That might include non-invasive monitoring of blood sugar levels, body temperature and blood pressure. It might even add the ability to measure blood-alcohol levels. Creeps could use AirTags to stalk people with ‘frightening’ ease While Apple says that it’s been careful to incorporate anti-stalking measures to stop the AirTags being used in this way, a Washington Post report argues that Apple’s countermeasures are not effective. AirTag Owners Bemoan Inability to Let Others Track Their Items Via Family Sharing On the face of it, sharing the location of an AirTag via Apple's Family Sharing feature should be a no-brainer, since individual members in a Family Sharing group can use the Find My app to see the location of other family members' Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and Apple Watches. rint a variety of useful AirTag holders with these free 3D models It’s not necessary to buy an accessory to attach an Apple AirTag to your keys, bike or dog’s collar if you own a 3D printer. Read Epic Games’ reasonable idea for opening up the App Store Epic Games suggested a change to the iPhone App Store that, if Apple had followed it, might have prevented the lawsuit that put the two tech giants in court this week.

This week: redesigned M2 MacBook Pros are incoming! And they’re gonna be awesome… we’ll tell you everything we know. Plus: we’ll bring you the highlights from Apple’s blockbuster quarter, and discuss the two insanely great features introduced in iOS 14.5. Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple tipster claims M1 iMac, new iPad Pro, updated Apple TV 4K will go on sale May 21 [Updated] According to (generally) reliable Apple tipster Jon Prosser, Apple will release its new 2021 iMac, iPad Pro with M1 chip, and faster Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote on May 21. 5 takeaways from Apple’s latest Mac-tastic quarter Apple pulled in more revenue from selling Macs last quarter than it ever has before. Not just the most revenue it’s ever made in a January-through-March quarter. The most revenue ever. There’s been no back-to-school rush or holiday shopping season that resulted in $9.1 billion in Mac sales. And that’s an amazing increase of 70% compared to the same quarter last year. iOS 14.5 brings App Tracking Transparency, mask-friendly Face ID Apple on Monday gave all iPhone users access to iOS 14.5. And iPad users can install iPadOS 14.5 Today’s updates bring a ton of new features, including unlocking an iPhone with an Apple Watch while wearing a mask.

This week: our reactions and first impressions to all the hardware announced at Apple's Spring Loaded keynote event! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple AirTag tracking tags will help you find all the things AirTags appear in a new Items tag in the Find My app. This allows users to order a tracking tag to play a sound, making the device easier to find. But that’s just the start. The software uses an onscreen pointer to guide the user to the exact location of a misplaced item. The accuracy of UWB should really come in handy here. M1 iMac is faster, thinner and more incredible than ever The world’s most popular all-in-one now runs on Apple Silicon. The all-new and beautifully colorful iMac, unveiled today at Apple’s Spring Loaded event, packs a blazing-fast M1 chip into an aluminum form factor that’s just 11.5mm thick. 2021 iPad Pro boasts M1 processor, beautiful mini-LED display The 2021 iPad Pro is built around an Apple M1 processor that brings a tremendous speed boost. Apple is saying 50% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU. Apple TV 4K gets speedy A12 chip and sweet new Siri Remote Apple took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Apple TV 4K on Tuesday. The upgraded set-top box boasts Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which should bring a welcome performance boost. But perhaps more importantly, Apple redesigned the controversial Siri Remote.

This week: This week: what hardware will be announced at next week’s Apple event? We got it all figured out!. Plus: Apple’s got a zany new HomePod under development, and Apple TV+ is about to get some big upgrades. Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace Apple’s ‘Spring Loaded’ event happens April 20: Here’s what to expect The next Apple product-release event will happen April 20. Invites went out Tuesday morning for the virtual “Spring Loaded” event, just hours after Siri leaked the date. Mini-LED iPad Pro is on the way this month, but good luck getting it right away The new iPad Pro likely will be Apple’s first hardware release of 2021. Despite the comparatively paltry upgrades this year. The next-gen iPad Pro will be Apple’s first to boast Mini-LED display technology, offering superior screens visuals to the current LCD displays. However, this new screen tech will only be available on the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, not the 11-inch model. Apple Plans First iMac Desktop Redesign in Nearly a Decade Apple Inc. is planning the first redesign of its iMac all-in-one desktop computer since 2012, part of a shift away from Intel Corp. processors to its own silicon, according to people familiar with the plans. Apple could combine HomePod speaker, Apple TV and smart camera for ultimate smart home device Apple is working on a new smart home product that would combine Apple TV, a HomePod speaker and a camera for FaceTime or Zoom-style video conferencing, Bloomberg reported Monday. Apple TV+ will get at least 10-12 original movies per year Apple TV+ is looking to ramp up its investment in original movies, and has hired a former WarnerMedia executive to help it, claims The Information. The Matrix 4: Cast, release date, plot and everything you need to know

This week: Apple preps “Find My” to locate ALL your gadgets; a big update to Apple Arcade may finally make it worth the price; Will.i.am is back a ridiculous new tech product you might actually want; and we try to figure out Falcon and Winter Soldier is actually good in an all-new Under Review! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple opens Find My network to third-party gadgets The Find My application built into iOS and macOS finally opened up to device trackers made by other companies, not just Apple. Wednesday’s move allows iPhones, Macs and iPads to locate lost items produced by third-party accessory makers without needing to install additional software. New Star Trek and NBA games lead major Apple Arcade expansion Apple made a huge push for its gaming service on Friday, launching 11 original games. These cover a range of genres, from NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition to Star Trek: Legends. And Fantasian from the creator of the Final Fantasy series also launched in Apple Arcade. Plus many, many more. Fantasian from the creator of Final Fantasy launches on Apple Arcade Apple Arcade subscribers are in for a treat. Hironobu Sakaguchi, who also made the classic Final Fantasy series, also created Fantasian for Apple’s gaming service. It mixes computer-generated characters with handmade sets for a truly unique look. Will.i.am's i is a $299 HEPA face mask with ANC earphones built in With face coverings becoming a necessity during the pandemic, we've seen countless variations on masks from the worlds of fashion, merchandise and tech. Enter Willi.i.am, a pop star who has tried with varying levels of success to straddle all of those industries. The Black Eyed Peas frontman has teamed up with Honeywell on a $299 tech-imbued face mask that wouldn't look out of place in a cyberpunk movie or game.

This week: Apple just announced WWDC 2021 kicks off June 7th, so we're talking hardware predictions! Plus: Apple is prepping a new remote for next-gen Apple TV, a leaker reveals the price of Apple's AirTags, and we celebrate 45 years of Apple with their 45 best creations! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace All-virtual WWDC 2021 will kick off June 7 Apple will kick off this year’s Developers Conference on June 7. And, for the second year running, this will be an all-virtual event, the company said Tuesday. Surprise! Apple might unveil mixed-reality headset in 2021 Apple is aiming to announce a mixed-reality headset at an in-person event sometime in the "next several months," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple works on a new remote for next-gen Apple TV Apple is working on a new remote for its next-gen Apple TV. While the story doesn’t share specific details about the rejigged remote, it suggests Apple might move away from the controversial Siri Remote that debuted with the fourth-gen Apple TV. Leaker Reveals Size of Apple's AirTags and Says They'll Cost Around $39 Apple's rumored AirTags item trackers will be slightly larger than a 50 cent coin and around three times the thickness, based on dimensions offered by leaker Max Weinbach (via YouTube channel EverythingApplePro). 45 ways Apple put a ding in the universe

This week: we now have our best look yet at iPhone 13, and Apple is packing in tons of great features—we’ll give you all the juicy details. Plus: Apple packed two hidden features into HomePod mini, Jon Prosser says so long to his eyebrows, and we’ll tell you how to get your old AirPods back to working like new! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13 may boast 1TB storage, LiDAR on all model The iPhone 13 will boast a maximum storage capacity that’s double that of the iPhone 12, according to Wedbush analysts Strecker Backe and Daniel Ives in a new note to clients, seen by Cult of Mac. Leaked iPhone 13 screen panel photo shows shrinking notch The notch in this autumn’s iPhone 13 will slim down noticeably, according to pictures that supposedly show the front glass panels of the upcoming handset. None of the components will be removed, just rearranged. Apple leaker Jon Prosser shaves eyebrows after missing key prediction Prosser was so sure we’d get a March 23rd Apple event, he promised to shave his eyebrows off if he was wrong. Unfortunately for Jon, his prediction was as wrong as his face without eyebrows. HomePod Mini Features Dormant Temperature and Humidity Sensor That Could Be Activated in a Future Software Update Apple's HomePod mini includes a dormant hidden sensor that can measure temperature and humidity, potentially providing the means to power upcoming features that could arrive in a future software update, according to Bloomberg. Two College Roommates and Some Robots: How Podswap Replaces AirPod Batteries Like most AirPod owners, Emily Alpert found that, after 18 months, her wireless buds didn’t last, not even for one full run. Unlike most AirPod owners, Alpert, along with her best friend, got a robot to fix her problem.

This week: Apple’s March hardware event ain’t happening, and may have been nothin but a trap to catch Prosser and his fellow leakers. But don't worry, it looks like a April Hardware event is incoming! Plus: RIP to the beloved HomePod, one of Apple’s best products--what happened!? We discuss! And Justin “I’m a Mac” Long is now Schilling Intel PCs. Lol! You’re not gonna believe this… And Apple brought a LIFE CHANGING feature to the iOS beta--we’ll fill you in! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace Apple’s rumored March event may have been a ploy to catch leakers The misinformation about Apple’s March April special event may have been an attempt by Cupertino to catch out the people leaking information about the company’s plans. Apple’s rumored March event reportedly will take place in April Apple’s next product launch will take place in April, not March, a soon-to-be-eyebrowless Jon Prosser claimed Wednesday. When the music stops: Apple discontinues full-size HomePod The $299 version of Apple’s HomePod smart speaker has been discontinued. The company is already selling out of its remaining supply. Justin ‘I’m a Mac’ Long now advertises Intel PCs Intel has released a bunch of new ads promoting PCs… starring Justin Long. The new ads riff on the classic “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” ads by presenting Long in front of a white background, with tinkly music, comparing the finer points of Mac and PC. Except that, this time round, Long comes down firmly on the side of Wintel. Why Apple Watch’s iPhone unlock will change your freakin’ face-mask life iOS 14.5 will be the best update of the pandemic era because it works with your Apple Watch to remove the hassle of unlocking your iPhone while wearing a face mask. You don’t have to type in your passcode every single damn time. The phone just unlocks. Like it’s supposed to.

This week: AirTags, AirPods, iPads, new Macs? Prosser says Apple’s next hardware event is March 23rd—we’ll tell you what to expect! Plus: iMac Pro gets discontinued is a great sign of things to come—we discuss! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace Apple’s next big keynote could take place on March 23: Here’s what to expect Get your wallets ready, because Apple will supposedly launch an array of new products on March 23. On the docket for the event will supposedly be an updated iPad Pro, AirPods and Apple TV, as well as the debut of AirTags. Check out Apple’s sleek MagSafe power bank that might never launch Two different leakers claim to give the world very early looks at Apple’s MagSafe power bank for on-the-go charging. This will allegedly attach to an iPhone with magnets so it can wireless juice up the handset. But there are questions whether Apple can fix problems with development and actually release the product. iMac Pro discontinued: Get it before it’s gone Apple discontinued the iMac Pro, which is still one of the fastest Macs available despite being more than three years old. Whether the move means an updated version of the all-in-one desktop is on the way is unclear. Good riddance to iMac Pro and the era of underwhelming Macs The iMac Pro is seemingly nearing the end of its natural lifespan — and good riddance to it. In fairness, the iMac Pro was not a bad computer. It was even, technically, a pretty great one. But it epitomized an era of Mac design that may have been the most uninspired and directionless in Apple history.

This week: according to two accurate leakers, an Apple event is coming our way in March, and AirTags will definitely be involved. Plus: in-screen touch ID is coming to iPhone, and the notch is going bye bye… And we’ll tell you about two insanely great features in iOS 14.5 beta! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace John Prosser says we're getting a March Apple event Replacing iPhone notch with hole-punch camera makes no damn sense Apple might get rid of the screen notch in the 2022 iPhone. iPhone 13 could boast the bigger battery you desperately desire In a note to investors sent Monday and seen by Cult of Mac. Kuo says the four iOS handsets coming in the second half of the year will have much in common with the iPhone 12, including the same screen sizes and Lightning ports. But there will be a number of improvements, nevertheless. Find My app gets ‘Items’ tab for gadget tracking in iOS 14.5 beta 3 Apple’s newest iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 betas add a new “Items” tab to the built-in Find My app that allows users to tracks Beats headphones, luggage and other third-party gadgets. iOS 14.5 Beta 3 Includes 'Item Safety Feature' for AirTags and Other Tracked Items to Help Prevent Stalking iOS and iPadOS 14.5 beta 3 includes a new "Item Safety Feature" that helps prevent someone from stalking or tracking you with item trackers such as AirTags. Arizona Advances Bill That Will Let Developers Skirt Apple's In-App Purchase Rules The Arizona House of Representatives today passed HB2005, a state bill that would provide developers with an alternative to Google and Apple's in-app purchase options by allowing developers to use their own payment solutions within apps.

This week: we got new details and leaks on the upcoming MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Mac Pro mini… or will it be the Mac Mini Pro??? Plus: lossless music is coming to Spotify, which means the mythical Apple Music lossless is also coming our way. Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Blast from the past: 2021 iMac could bring back multiple colors Apple leaker Jon Prosser shared renders of the upcoming new iMac design. Visually, it looks a lot like Apple’s Pro Display XDR, with a hint of iPad Pro. However, the big difference is that this year’s iMac supposedly will come in a range of colors. Exciting new render previews Mac Pro mini Apple leaker Jon Prosser shared the first image of what he claims is Apple’s forthcoming "Mac Pro mini" in his latest FrontPageTech video, along with news about the multiple color options for the forthcoming iMac redesign. HDMI port and SD card reader supposedly will return to MacBook Pro this year TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros to launch in the second half of this year. How to tell if Silver Sparrow malware is hiding on your Mac Some of the first malware targeting both M-series and Intel Macs has affected thousands of computers. At this point, the malicious code — called “Silver Sparrow” — is not dangerous, and Apple may have pulled its teeth. But users of the latest macOS computers still might want to know if their device has it. And the same goes for owners of Intel-based Macs. Here’s how to find out if your computer has been hit. Spotify HiFi will bring CD-quality audio to 'select markets' this year The company confirmed today that it plans to launch a Spotify HiFi service in 'select markets' later this year.

This week: my fellow Govs, we got leaks. Let’s talk about the new features coming to iPhone 13! Plus, Stoners rejoice!—the new emojii coming to ioS 14.5 are exactly what you’ve been waiting for. And we wrap up with our favorite new shows and vape apparati in an all-new What We’re Into! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an always-on display The iPhone 13 series will borrow the always-on screen from the Apple Watch, according to an unconfirmed report. And the upcoming iPhone supposedly will support some new camera tricks, including Portrait Mode for video. It’s shaping up to perhaps be more than a speed-bumped version of Apple’s 2020 models. Apple Wins Patent for iPhone Display With Variable Refresh Rates Up to 240Hz A new Apple patent published this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes an iPhone display that, with high refresh mode enabled, could be capable of updating content at two times, three times or even four times the native refresh rate, as reported by Patently Apple. For example, an iPhone with a 60Hz display would be able to increase its variable refresh rate to 120Hz, 180Hz or 240Hz automatically. New iOS 14.5 emoji will set your heart on fire [Updated] https://blog.emojipedia.org/first-look-217-new-emojis-in-ios-14-5/ The fresh emoji appearing in the second iOS 14.5 beta will set your heart afire. Or at least let you show that in texts. The new collection of pictographs also includes some new faces, and plenty of additional variations to show how we couple up in the 21st century. Apple Music Subscribers Can Share Lyrics and Song Clips in iOS 14.5 Beta 2 Apple on Tuesday released the second betas of iOS and iPadOS 14.5 to developers, and while there were some new additions worth highlighting, most of the more notable features were thought to be already available in the first set of betas. How Apple’s first COO turned ‘chaotic’ company into international powerhouse Long before Tim Cook brought his operations wizardry to Apple, Del Yocam lent his logistical prowess to Cupertino. Apple’s first chief operating officer, he helped transform the company from a chaotic, scrappy startup into a streamlined manufacturing powerhouse.

This week: ☑️ Apple's mysterious mixed reality headset is about way more than just games ☑️ Why there should never be another iPhone mini ☑️ Apple Maps will let drivers report accidents, speed traps and other hazards ☑️ How to set Spotify and others as your default music player in iOS 14.5 ☑️Tim Cook Featured on Outside Magazine Cover, he's a rugged outdoorsman! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week: There should never be another iPhone mini iPhone 12 mini is the worst selling of the new iOS handsets by a wide margin. Apple should be embarrassed because there was plenty of evidence before the launch that sales would be poor. Take note: Another super-small iPhone would just compound the mistake. Top Apple engineer now heads AR/VR glasses development Dan Riccio, one of Apple’s top designers, is reportedly now concentrating all his efforts on the company’s virtual-reality visor and augmented-reality glasses. Apple Mixed Reality Headset Renders Depict Rumored Design Apple Maps will let drivers report accidents, speed traps and other hazards Apple Maps will start collecting crowd-sourced accident reports when iOS 14.5 is released. The beta version already lets users test sharing the locations of accidents, speed traps and other hazards. How to set Spotify and others as your default music player in iOS 14.5 The recently released iOS 14.5 beta gives iPhone and iPad users the ability to change their default music player for the first time. Third-party apps like Spotify and Tidal are supported, and switching is super-simple. Tim Cook Featured on Outside Magazine Cover, Talks Health and Wellness Cook said that Apple Park is "like working in a national park," with a design that "brings the outside in and the inside out."

This week: imagine a car that can drive you around like a taxi, and come pick you up from wherever you are… that’s Apple Car, and it’s coming sooner than you think. Plus: Apple’s VR headset will be a MONSTER. Could boast 8K display, advanced hand-eye-tracking, and a ridiculous $3,000 price tag. Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple gears up to sign $3.6 billion deal with Kia to build Apple Car In early January, Hyundai said it engaged in conversations with Apple about a potential partnership to manufacture cars for Cupertino. However, the South Korean company later pulled back on these reports and removed Apple’s name from some of its public statements. Apple Car might never need a driver No one will ever drive an Apple Car, according to leaked information. Apple is reportedly planning a vehicle that’s completely autonomous. It’ll be programmed, not driven. Apple Car could finally hit the road in 2025, but it won’t be cheap Apple Car could ship in 2025, and will be “positioned as a very high-end” model in terms of pricing, claims TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple’s $3,000 VR headset could boast 8K display, advanced hand- and eye-tracking Apple’s mixed-reality headset could cost around $3,000, solidifying its status as a niche luxury item, The Information claims in a new report. How to use iCloud Passwords inside Google Chrome on Windows Apple has rolled out a somewhat surprising Google Chrome extension that allows users to access iCloud Passwords on Windows machines. Apple Pulls Version 12 of iCloud for Windows That Supported iCloud Passwords Chrome Extension [Update: It's Back]

This week: ☑️ Wall Street Bets, APPL Stock, and the aftermath ☑️ Strong iPhone 12 sales fuel MASSIVE $111.4 billion quarter... What's next for Apple? ☑️ Apple Watch Series 7 could pack game-changing blood sugar sensor ☑️ Finally! iCloud password supporting coming to Windows! ☑️ iOS 14.4 brings new U1 chip features to HomePod mini, and they're super cool. We do a demo! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Strong iPhone 12 sales fuel record $111.4 billion quarter for Apple As a company, Apple is firing on all cylinders. It pulled in record revenue from iPhone, Wearables and Services during its most-recent financial quarter. And there was healthy growth in Mac and iPad revenue too. Apple Watch Series 7 could pack game-changing blood sugar sensor This year’s Apple Watch upgrade will reportedly add another potentially transformative medical feature: a blood sugar sensor. iCloud for Windows Gaining Support for iCloud Passwords Chrome Extension Apple yesterday released a new version of iCloud for Windows 10, and based on multiple reports and the update's release notes, it appears Apple is introducing an iCloud Passwords extension designed for Chrome, which will allow iCloud Keychain passwords to be used on Windows machines. HomePod mini music handoffs just got better The recently released HomePod mini got a raft of new features in a software update released Tuesday. The process of handing off songs from an iPhone to the smart speaker now comes with some visual, audio and haptic effects. And media controls automatically appear on the iPhone when it nears the diminutive HomePod.

This week: we got leaks! So many. We'll tell you every cool new thing coming to iPhone 13, the new iPad mini 6, Apple's VR Goggles, and the exciting new features coming to the next MacBook Pro (Magsafe! Ports! More!). Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Go to https://nordvpn.com/cultcast and use the coupon CULTCAST at checkout to get a 2-year plan with a huge discount plus 1 additional month for free. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Apple’s first VR headset could be an expensive disappointment Apple’s first headset, which could launch as early as next year, will focus mostly on virtual reality experiences, Gurman warns. And despite shipping with a limited feature set, it will still be wildly expensive. New iPhone lineup may bring smaller notch, better sensor-shift cameras Apple will finally shrink iPhone’s notch for its next-generation devices, while all will pack even greater sensor-shift stabilization cameras, according to a new report citing sources in the company’s supply chain. Touch ID could return in 2021 iPhone 13 A fingerprint scanner might once again be part of Apple’s iPhone line, according to a reliable source. Touch ID might appear in 2021 alongside Face ID, not in place of it. iPad mini 6 might get the big redesign it deserves Apple’s smallest tablet is allegedly about to get the redesign so many people have hoped for. The screen bezels in the 2021 iPad mini will shrink significantly, supposedly allowing the display to increase to over 9 inches and become nearly edge-to-edge. MagSafe charger could make triumphant return to MacBook Pro this year The original MagSafe charger was a fixture of MacBooks from the first MacBook Pro in 2006 through 2016. During that time, it was used on every MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. In 2016, Apple started transitioning away from the MagSafe to USB-C.

CultCast Off Topic is our new weekly variety show dedicated to tech, money, business, movies, games, and anything else we're into. Hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends! Get get Off Topic 3X a week for just $6! support.thecultcast.com

This week: the one small change will make your AirPods Max sound 10X better! Plus: Apple TV+ packs in even more content, but is it actually worth paying for? And Apple is introducing powerful new features to your Find My app, we’ll fill you in! Get 3 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Go to https://nordvpn.com/cultcast and use the coupon CULTCAST at checkout to get a 2-year plan with a huge discount plus 1 additional month for free. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace Ridley Scott taps Joaquin Phoenix to play Napoleon in Apple TV + biopic Ridley Scott will reportedly direct an epic starring Joaquin Phoenix as French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Kitbag will be produced by Apple and shown on Apple TV+. You can see evidence of AirTags on your own iPhone There’s no reason to be skeptical about Apple’s plans for AirTags. Any iPhone, iPad or Mac user can see evidence that Apple is about to add support for item trackers to the Find Me application. Latest Apple Pay offer will score you 4 months of Panera Bread coffee Fancy four months of unlimited coffee at Panera Bread? Of course you do. And, thanks to Apple Pay, that’s exactly what you can get — provided you’re willing to sign up for a MyPanera+ Coffee subscription, that is. Plus, we've got Safari tips!

This week: a reliable analyst says Apple Glass is landing in 2021, and it could enable some powerful new features on your Mac and iPhone. We'll fill you in! Plus: Elon Musk is now the world’s richest man, which only affirm and Apple Car is on the way (we’ll explain), and we wrap up with a cool new line of iPhone and Mac chargers that are smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more powerful than Apple's! Get three episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, decidated to tech, gaming, gadgets, and more. Join Cult Support, dear friend! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Go to https://nordvpn.com/cultcast and use the coupon CULTCAST at checkout to get a 2-year plan with a huge discount plus 1 additional month for free. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Thank you to our Cult Supporters! Jeffrey Dickerson Geoff Druin RattMippetoe Corey Blosser Sean Logue Mark Thiel Connor Zach Hicks Ian MF Medina Rob Butchart Dan Ferris DP Spender Keith Pettit Dan Finan Jordon  Joe Cavicchiolo Lane Gandy Sam Farrar Tesla_420 ayzee chris schmauch Anthony Scouras Matt Craft Jordan Deville Eric Alba Larry Wanger Eric Granata Timothy Savage Bruce Patrick John Powell JR Shultz John Lee Clair Jamie Pullman Gavin Miller Josef  Adrian Raudaschl   Here's the 100w Gallium Nitride charger we talked about https://amzn.to/35Ek6bZ (Amazon) Here's the 20w Gallium Nitride Anker charger we talked about https://amzn.to/3s6clVI (Amazon) Apple Car would only need 2% of mobility market to equal iPhone revenue Apple would only need to capture 2% of the mobility market with a possible Apple Car to equal the revenue that it currently gets from the iPhone, Morgan Stanley researchers note. Elon Musk surpasses Jeff Bezos as wealthiest person on earth Apple Glass might finally make its anticipated debut in 2021 Apple plans to release an augmented-reality device in 2021, according to a trusted analyst. Ming Chi-Kuo. Apple Glass AR glasses reportedly enter second phase of production Prototype “Apple Glass” augmented reality glasses are reportedly set to enter the second phase of production, Digitimes reported Wednesday. Awesome macOS concept imagines the AR iMac of the future A designer’s radical new concept shows what future Macs could look like if augmented reality glasses replaced the computers’ physical screens. Apple ties executive bonuses to progress on environmental initiatives Apple made it clear to executives that it won’t be enough to simply talk about protecting the environment. Starting in 2021, the amount of cash bonuses will be impacted by how well each executive lives up Apple’s values. Rejoice! Smaller MacBook chargers could be coming MacBook users might be getting a charger from Apple that’s less of a brick. At last! The Mac-maker reportedly will start sourcing power adapters made with gallium nitride. GaN semiconductors allow these vital accessories to be significantly smaller than the old silicon ones.

This week: all our favorite stuff of 2020! Plus: Ming-Chi provides a big update Apple Car, and we’ll tell you what you need to know about AirPods Max Sweatgate—yes, it’s a problem! Support CultCast content and get CultCast Off Topic, our new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, for just $6 a month! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Thank you to our Cult Supporters! Jeffrey Dickerson Geoff Druin RattMippetoe Corey Blosser Sean Logue Mark Thiel Connor Zach Hicks Ian MF Medina Rob Butchart Dan Ferris DP Spender Keith Pettit Dan Finan Jordon  Joe Cavicchiolo Lane Gandy Sam Farrar Tesla_420 ayzee chris schmauch Anthony Scouras ( Tonipepperoni77) Matt Craft Jordan Deville Eric Alba Larry Wanger Eric Granata Timothy Savage Bruce Patrick John Powell JR Shultz John Lee Clair Jamie Pullman Gavin Miller Josef  Adrian Raudaschl This week's stories AirPods Max condensation makes some owners sweat Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are drawing complaints from some users after drops of water formed inside the earpads after extended use. Condensation is not an uncommon problem with over-the-ear headphones, though the metal ear cups and tight fit of the Apple version might increase the amount. https://twitter.com/donaldfilimon/status/1343295141403111426?s=21 Quite a few users in the twitter thread an in my vid covering this have said they’re having the same issue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLZ211I6WSk Max Stand adds wireless charging to AirPods Max German design studio Floating Pixels dreamed up an improvement to AirPods Max. They created the Max Stand -- it holds the over-the-ears headphones upright, making them easy to pick up and use. And it adds wireless charging, rather than requiring users to plug in a cable. Pick up these gold-plated AirPods Max for a mere $108,000 Caviar came up with a pair of AirPods Max that's even more expensive than the original. They are gold-plated, and the headband is covered in crocodile leather. You can get them in black or white -- one-click ordering for your convenience! WaterField makes the AirPods Max case Apple should have WaterField Designs delivered what Apple didn’t - a protective case for AirPods Max. The San Francisco company's new Max Shield Case was designed with input from Apple fans. Kuo: Apple Car Still in Early Stages, Unlikely to Launch Until 2025-2027 at Earliest Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Apple is targeting 2024 for production of its long-rumored electric vehicle with "next level" battery technology, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that a launch is unlikely until 2025-2027 at the earliest.

This week: a new report says Apple Car is in production and coming... in 2021! Plus a newly revealed Elon Musk story all but confirms Apple’s own car is incoming. And we wrap up with more details on the next Apple TV, and our picks for favorite stuff of the year!   This episode supported by YOU!  CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! NordVPN has Super Fast servers in 59 countries! And with their double encryption, your data and browsing will be safe and secure. Get 4 free months of NordVPN with a two year subscription at NordVPN.com/CULTCAST, and use code CultCast at checkout. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Thank you to our Cult Supporters! Jeffrey Dickerson Geoff Druin RattMippetoe Corey Blosser Sean Logue Mark Thiel Connor Zach Hicks Ian MF Medina Rob Butchart Dan Ferris DP Spender Keith Pettit Dan Finan Jordon  Joe Cavicchiolo Lane Gandy Sam Farrar Tesla_420 ayzee chris schmauch Anthony Scouras ( Tonipepperoni77) Matt Craft Jordan Deville Eric Alba Larry Wanger Eric Granata Timothy Savage Bruce Patrick John Powell JR Shultz John Lee Clair Jamie Pullman Gavin Miller Josef  Adrian Raudaschl This week's stories Innovative batteries might power Apple Car by 2024 Apple is reportedly prepping a vehicle that’s aimed at the consumer market, according to Reuters. Leaked information indicates Apple is going to make a car and sell it to the public, not just develop self-driving technology to license to other companies. Apple turned down offer to buy Tesla on the cheap Apple could have bought electric automaker Tesla at a bargain price, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But Apple’s chief executive wasn’t interested. Next-gen Apple TV with gaming focus, updated remote coming in 2021 A new report adds weight to rumors that an Apple TV set-top box supercharged for gaming is coming next year. “Apple is planning an upgraded box with a stronger gaming focus, an updated remote and a new processor,” according to Bloomberg.

This week: the $549 AirPods Max—we got them, here’s what we think! Plus: Jony Ive might’ve just landed a new job, as the CEO of... Ferrari? And we wrap up with more of our favorite stuff of 2020! CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Thank you to our Cult Supporters! Jeffrey Dickerson Geoff Druin RattMippetoe Corey Blosser Sean Logue Mark Thiel Connor Zach Hicks Ian MF Medina Rob Butchart Dan Ferris DP Spender Keith Pettit Dan Finan Jordon  Joe Cavicchiolo Lane Gandy Sam Farrar Tesla_420 ayzee chris schmauch Anthony Scouras ( Tonipepperoni77) Matt Craft Jordan Deville Eric Alba Larry Wanger Eric Granata Timothy Savage Bruce Patrick John Powell JR Shultz John Lee Clair Jamie Pullman Gavin Miller Josef  Adrian Raudaschl This week's stories THIS IS MY FACE HEARING AIRPODS MAX I recorded AirPods Max with a $1,000 mic so YOU can hear what I'm hearing! Apple leaps to the defense of its crazy AirPods Max case A goal was to make a case that’s not too bulky. “We travel a lot, so we know how important it is to fit in a bag. So it’s extremely storage efficient,” said Hankey (in a machine translation). Jony Ive is reportedly in the running to take the driver’s seat at Ferrari Since leaving Apple in the middle of last year, Sir Jony Ive has launched a new design agency, LoveFrom, and taken on clients including Airbnb. Now he could be headed for the figurative driver’s seat at Ferrari — as the Italian luxury carmaker’s next CEO. Possibly. Strong demand for iPhone 12, new Apple TV on the way in 2021 Our favorite stuff of 2020!

This week: AirPods Max first impressions! LET’S TALK… Plus, it looks like an Apple Car is back on the menu, boooooys. This is a crazy plot twist in the ongoing saga of Project Titan. And it’s that time again for our picks of the year! This week, we reveal our favorite shows of 2020, and we got some great ones for you. CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Thank you to our Cult Supporters! Jeffrey Dickerson Geoff Druin RattMippetoe Corey Blosser Sean Logue Mark Thiel Connor Zach Hicks Ian MF Medina Rob Butchart Dan Ferris DP Spender Keith Pettit Dan Finan Jordon  Joe Cavicchiolo Lane Gandy Sam Farrar Tesla_420 ayzee chris schmauch Anthony Scouras ( Tonipepperoni77) Matt Craft Jordan Deville Eric Alba Larry Wanger Eric Granata Timothy Savage Bruce Patrick John Powell JR Shultz John Lee Clair Jamie Pullman Gavin Miller Josef  Adrian Raudaschl This week's stories AirPods Max first impressions: Impressive build, ridiculous case The “first impressions” reviews of the AirPods Max are out, and, well, they’re pretty darn good. Water-resistance, U1 chip, swappable bands are just a few things MIA from AirPods Max Apple’s U1 chip, which lets devices more accurately connect to others nearby using ultra-wideband technology, didn't make it into Apple’s pricey new $549 AirPods Max headphones. That weird AirPods Max case gives jokesters plenty of ammo After Apple unveiled AirPods Max this morning, the internet jumped quickly into mockery mode. The pricey over-the-ears headphones come with a case that lots of jokesters think looks like a bra. Apple Car could hit the road in 2024 Apple is moving ahead with an autonomous vehicle. It’s reportedly already talking to component makers and might unveil the Apple Car in 2024 or 2025.

This week: get your wallets ready, Apple has a mysterious hardware release planned for December 8! Plus: the M1 Mac mini is an unstoppable monster, we’ve got more insane benchmarks to share. Seriously, do not waste your money on anything but an M1 Mac. And Apple’s quietly bringing a much-welcomed feature to most older iPhones! You’re gonna like what you see, we guarantee it... CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple plans mysterious hardware release on December 8 Apple could have a Christmas surprise up its sleeve. M1 Mac mini runs Windows 10 far faster than Microsoft Surface Pro X New tests show relatively speedy performance for a Mac mini with an ARM-based Apple M1 processor running the ARM version of Windows 10. Even though the OS is running as a virtual machine, benchmarks show the device can handle X86 applications far faster than the Microsoft Surface Pro X, which also uses an ARM chip. Don’t waste your money on anything but an M1 Mac M1 13" MacBook Pro vs 16" MacBook Pro: I'm dumbfounded.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MUTS7xvKhQ M1 Mac Mini vs Intel i7 Mac Mini + eGPU for Pro Apps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59gAjXT7qyw iOS 14.2 Quietly Added FaceTime 1080p Support to iPhone 8 and Later Models Back in early November, Apple released iOS 14.2 and announced with it a slew of new features for iPhones, but one thing it didn't mention was the apparent addition of support for 1080p FaceTime calls on iPhone 8 and later devices. iPhone 12 is Apple’s best-selling handset in years In the first weeks they were available, each of the iPhone 12 models sold far better than any of their predecessors released in the past three years, according to a research firm.

This week: Here’s our one week review of the M1 MacBook Air! TDLR; it's ridiculous. Then: how do the new M1 Macs perform with 8GB vs 16GB of RAM? The differences are surprising! Plus: Apple’s about to do their best Black Friday sale yet, we discuss. And we’ll wrap up with a hands-on review of Stereo HomePod minis. CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories M1 MacBook Air is an instant classic [Review] I just opened more than 650 tabs in Safari on a new M1 MacBook Air. I would have opened more, but I got bored. The MacBook Air is just humming. I’ve never seen anything like it. Video Demos Performance Differences Between 8GB and 16GB Apple M1 MacBook Pro All of the M1 Mac models use the same M1 chip, so the upgrade options are limited to SSD storage space and RAM. We haven't seen many comparisons that demonstrate the difference between a machine with 8GB RAM and the upgraded 16GB RAM option, but Max Tech today shared a video highlighting the performance between an 8GB MacBook Pro and a 16GB MacBook Pro. Apple offers gift cards of up to $150 in new Black Friday promotion Apple today unveiled its four-day shopping event that kicks off on Black Friday. The company is offering gift cards of up to $150 when you buy select products, including iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. The event runs through Monday, November 30, but it excludes some of Apple’s newest products — such as iPhone 12 and the new iPad Air. Apple Watch, MacBook tipped for big redesigns in late 2021 Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities expects Apple’s next-generation Apple Watch to bring “innovative health management functions.” No details, but could be the long-rumored blood glucose monitor. And while the M1 Macs looks exactly the same as previous models, new form factors are coming, Kuo says. Again, no details. He also told investors iPhone 12 is off to a strong start. 6 reasons an M1 Mac might not be right for you

This week: Apple’s new M1 Macs are breaking all the benchmarks, and are now officially the fastest Macs ever made. The MacBook Air is outperforming the iMac! These M1 Macs are insane. Plus: iPhone 12 Pro Max Vs. Mini — we’ve got them both! Which one is the keeper? We discuss. And stay tuned for our HomePod mini review, and our favorite tire inflator in an all-new Under Review! CultCast is now listener supported! If you 💖 what we do, & if want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us. Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends), and a lot more! Join CultCast Support! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Erfon Elijah's YouTube channel http://youtube.com/erfonelijah On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories First M1 Macs blow reviewers’ socks off Still on the fence over Apple’s new M1 Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro despite their stellar benchmarks? Find out what tech experts think of them in new reviews and hands-on videos. M1 MacBook Review + Mac Mini (Dave2D) iPhone 12 mini is the ultimate one-handed phone [Review] Buying a compact smartphone used to mean making some big sacrifices. You either had to settle for an older model, or you had to opt for an Android handset (ugh!). That’s no longer the case, thanks to iPhone 12 mini. iPhone 12 Pro Max: Bigger, bolder and undeniably better [Review] iPhone 12 Pro Max is Apple’s biggest smartphone to date, with a Super Retina XDR display that measures at 6.7 inches diagonally. It’s also the fastest handset on the market, thanks to an incredibly speedy A14 Bionic processor that’s coupled with 5G connectivity (where available).

This week: early benchmarks are in for Apple’s new M1 silicon, and they show the new chip makes the new MacBook Air FASTER than the 16-inch MacBook Pro.  The M1 performance is HARD TO BELIEVE, and then there's the insane battery life... Plus, HomePod mini reviews are in, and we go hands-on with Dolby Atmos on Apple TV with original HomePod! CultCast is now listener supported! Today we announced that CultCast is going listener supported. If you 💖 what we do, & want to see more content with the same CultCast gusto, please join us! Supporters get CultCast: Off Topic!, a new variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah (and friends). Patreon - patreon.com/thecultcast Subscribe Star - subscribestar.com/cultcast This episode supported by Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Performance trajectory shows why jump to Apple Silicon makes perfect sense Apple improved its processors’ performance by a massive 3x in the past five years, according to analysis carried out by AnandTech. Apple Silicon M1 Chip in MacBook Air Outperforms High-End 16-Inch MacBook Pro In comparison to Macs, the single-core M1performance is better than any other available Mac, and the multi-core performance beats out all of the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro models, including the 10th-generation high-end 2.4GHz Intel Core i9 model. Apple Silicon M1’s biggest surprise? Insane battery life Apple Silicon was widely expected to be fast, but perhaps the biggest surprise of the new M1 chip is the insane battery life it enables. First HomePod mini reviews: Superior audio that’s better late than never What HiFi?: “the HomePod Mini outperforms its size and price like no other smart speaker you can buy.” HomePods + Apple TV + Dolby Atmos - WOW (review, sound test and reactions) Apple has brought Dolby Atmos support to HomePods!

This week: New MacBook Pros are right around the corner, and their Apple silicon are looking like powerhouses! Plus: a new leak gives us our first glimpse as the next-gen AirPods, and they look even better than we hoped. And forget everything you’ve heard about AirTags--Apple has BIG plans for this tech that extends far beyond what we’ve been told. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Is this our first glimpse of the next-gen AirPods? Apple’s third-generation AirPods reportedly will look very similar to the AirPods Pro, and a new photo shared online may give us our first glimpse of the new design. Get ready for Apple Silicon Mac at ‘One More Thing’ event Apple sent out invites on Monday to an unprecedented third product launch event. This will almost certainly be the debut of Macs running Apple Silicon, the company’s own processors, and the long rumored AirTags. Apple to Launch MacBooks With Own Chips Next Week Apple and overseas suppliers are ramping up production of three Mac laptops with Apple processors: new 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros and a new 13-inch MacBook Air, according to people familiar with the matter. A14X Bionic to Be ‘Nearly on Par’ With 8-Core Intel Core i9-9880H, According to Fresh Performance Analysis Two Massive Master Patents covering Apple AirTags has been Published illustrating many styles and Applications

This week: next-gen's AirPods are getting massive changes, we’ll tell you what we know! Plus: the original HomePod remains absolutely OUTSTANDING, but the Intercom feature needs work; and we’ve got another update on Erfon’s $100,000 APPL stock investment! Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple Plans Smaller AirPods Pro, Revamped Entry-Level Model Apple is currently working on updates for its entry-level AirPods and AirPods Pro, which could debut in 2021, Bloomberg reported Monday. Original Home REMAINS outstanding, now getting even better I’ve broken apart my stereo pair so one is now in my living room. Breaking apart stereo pair was not a simple process. HomePod blows away Echo in my living room. Just one fills the room beautifully. Apple may have underestimated the popularity of iPhone 12 Pro Apple was seemingly banking on the iPhone 12 being its most popular new handset this year. But it appears the company may have underestimated just how popular the new iPhone 12 Pro is with users. Apple earnings: Can iPad and Mac pick up the iPhone slack again? Weak iPhone sales likely pulled down Apple earnings in its last financial quarter. But the pandemic almost certainly pushed up demand for iPad and Mac. Still, total revenue is expected to be down slightly.

This week: the reviews are in, let's talk about iPhone 12! Plus—the honest truth about of 5G, HomePod gets a game changing new feature, and Jony Ive gets a brand new job. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iPhone 12 and 12 Pro first impressions: Apple does it again The first reviews of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro landed online Tuesday, and the devices’ marquee feature — 5G wireless connectivity — largely went unnoticed. iPhone 12 sees strong start with twice as many preorders as iPhone 11 iPhone 12 has seen twice as many preorders as last year’s iPhone 11, while iPhone 12 Pro is proving more popular than iPhone 11 Pro, according to new estimates from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Early iPhone 12 and 12 Pro battery tests suggest 5G comes at a cost The new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro bring 5G to Apple’s smartphones for the first time. But it comes at a cost to your battery. iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 Pro Camera Test HomePod will soon have Dolby Atmos support for Apple TV 4K An upcoming home cinema feature will soon enable Apple HomePod to blast Dolby Atmos audio from Apple TV 4K. The feature, which is on the way as part of a future firmware update, will also support 5.1 and 7.1 channel audio (via The Verge). Only the regular HomePod will get the option, however. The new HomePod mini won’t support Atmos.

This week: it’s our iPhone 12/Pro/Mini and HomePod Mini reactions! We review everything Apple announced at the "Hi, Speed" event, and we dig into all the new features. We’ve got a lot to say…. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories With HomePod mini, Apple goes small, cheap and smart Apple took the wraps of the HomePod mini Tuesday, showcasing a pint-size smart speaker that promises high-end audio at a lower price than its big brother. But the most interesting parts might have nothing to do with music. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini look anything but standard Apple showcased the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 handsets Tuesday, showing just how powerful an “entry level” smartphone can be. iPhone 12 Pro dazzles with new design, 5G, improved cameras Like its predecessor, iPhone 12 Pro comes in two size options. The smaller model offers a 6.1-inch display, while the larger Max model packs a 6.7-inch display — the largest ever in an iPhone. And yet, both devices are just as portable as iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max. They’re also available in new color options: silver, graphite, gold, and Pacific blue.

This week: iPhone 12! HomePods Mini! AirTags! Next Gen Macs! Air Power Mat? We’re talking our “Hello, Speed” Apple event hardware predictions. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad and other tech sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple October event invite might hide AirTags in plain sight The invite to an Apple October product event might have an upcoming device hidden in plain sight. Part of the graphic included with the invite apparently bears a strong resemblance to AirTags, the item-location tags that are supposedly on the docket for the October 13 event. Apple ‘Hi, Speed’ event on Oct. 13 could bring iPhone 12, new Mac and more Apple just invited the world to an event on October 13. No agenda was announced, but there’s little doubt the star will be the iPhone 12, the first iOS device with 5G wireless networking. Apple hinted at the coming upgrade with the title of the HomePod mini on the way this year, but don’t expect HomePod 2 Apple will introduce a HomePod mini in 2020, but don’t get your hopes up about a sequel to the original HomePod smart speaker, claims a reliable Apple leaker.

This week: whoopsie! Apple accidentally leaks the new iPhone 12 mini—we talk prices and storage options. Plus: Apple’s beefs up AppleCare+ and slashes the cost; and we wrap up with an EPIC update to the Fortnite Vs. Apple app store antitrust case. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories CONFIRMED! 'iPhone 12 mini' Name Reappears in Leaked Apple iPhone 12 Case Stickers Earlier this week a proven leaker (L0vetodream) claimed that the iPhone 12 lineup would be named "iPhone 12 mini," "iPhone 12," "iPhone 12 Pro," and "iPhone 12 Pro Max," and today the same nomenclature has appeared again in a photo depicting alleged stickers from unreleased Silicone iPhone cases originating from Apple's international distribution center in Ireland. iPhone 12 will come in a 64GB storage option after all Don’t bid farewell to the 64GB storage option for the iPhone just yet! According to Apple leaker Jon Prosser, the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 will come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. AppleCare+ Updated to Cover 2 Accidental Damage Incidents Every 12 Months, Theft and Loss Deductible Lowered Apple today updated its AppleCare+ protection plan for Apple devices to cover two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months. Prior to now, AppleCare+ covered two incidents of accidental damage every 24 months. Epic’s decision to bypass Apple’s App Store policies were dishonest, says US judge A US judge hearing arguments in Epic’s antitrust lawsuit against Apple has criticized the game developer’s decision to breach its contract with the iPhone maker by pushing a version of Fortnite with a custom payment system onto the App Store. The decision resulted in Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store.

This week: don't miss our one week reviews of Apple Watch Series 6!  We’ll tell you if it’s worth upgrading... Plus: multiple sources are now confirming a NEW Apple hardware event coming October 13th, where a new “iPhone 12 Mini” may be announced—we’ll tell you what we know. And stick around for more Apple Stock talk! Erfon’s reveals what his $100K investment is worth now after this month’s depressing APPL stock plummet! Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple Watch Series 6: Color us impressed [Review] Almost all the reviews of the Apple Watch Series 6 say the same thing: Yeah, it’s great, but it’s an incremental upgrade, and if you already have a Series 5, skip the upgrade. Multiple sources point to iPhone 12 event on October 13 The iPhone 12 will debut at a special event on October 13, multiple sources claimed on Wednesday. The release date will reportedly come shortly thereafter. Apple’s smallest iPhone 12 could be called ‘iPhone 12 mini’ For the first time ever, Apple will adopt its “mini” branding for the iPhone, claims Apple leaker L0vetodream. According to the tipster, Apple will use the name “iPhone 12 mini” for the smallest of four models coming this year. iPhone Home screen modders go crazy with iOS 14 Ever wanted to make your brand-new iPhone look like it’s running Windows 95? That’s the outrageously novel idea that sprang into the mind of Ashley, an 18-year-old from Indiana who wants to work as a graphic designer, after she upgraded to iOS 14 last week. Apple has lost more than $500 billion in market cap so far this month Apple has lost more than $500 billion in market cap since the start of this month, CNBC reported over the weekend.

This week: we’re talking Apple Watch Series 6, and the freshly leaked AirPods Studio headphones! Plus: we recap all the best announcements from Apple’s Time’s Up event, discuss the power of the U1 chip, and explain Spatial Audio, the crazy good new feature added to AirPods Pro. Join our CultCast Live stream, Friday Sept 18th @11:30am PT! https://youtu.be/HngYh6PXdYk     This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK Apple Watch SE packs essential features, larger screen for just $279 Unveiled alongside Apple Watch Series 6 on Tuesday, the more affordable model packs an egde-to-edge display, a super-speedy S5 processor, fall detection, and more. Compare Apple Watches: https://www.apple.com/watch/compare/ Leaks give us first uninspiring look at AirPods Studio headphones After months of near quiet, a images and even video leaked out supposedly showing Apple’s first over-the-ears headphones, possibly called AirPods Studio. Apple quietly reveals the Watch Series 6 will be the first with U1 locator chip In September 2019, Apple added a new feature to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro without saying a single word onstage — and it did it again today with the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple Updates AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro Firmware to Version 3A283 Apple has released new 3A283 firmware updates for the second-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro. What in the update? No clue.

This week: it’s our “Time Flies” Apple event hardware predictions! Are we really getting just an iPad and the new Apple Watch at the September 15th event? We’re not so sure… Plus: the Jon Prosser vs. Mark Gurman epic battle of the Apple leakers takes a big turn, and Apple reveals their newest invention--the Apple Face Mask. Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK   This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   This week's stories Apple preps virtual event for Sept. 15, but don’t expect iPhone 12 Apple’s next virtual event will take place on September 15 — but don’t expect to see the new iPhone 12 models. Apple sets iPhone 11 videos to private on YouTube ahead of iPhone 12 launch Apple frequently sets videos of its older products to private when a replacement product comes to the market. This is done to avoid product confusion in the event that YouTube’s algorithm unearths older videos. Jon Prosser gets his leaks wrong, kinda…. https://twitter.com/jon_prosser/status/1303150728647671808 https://twitter.com/jon_prosser/status/1303350520548073479 https://twitter.com/jon_prosser/status/1303406324626096128 Design-obsessed Apple designs its own face masks Apple designed its own face masks because of course it did. A company long known for setting itself apart from the competition with superior design couldn’t use over-the-counter masks.

This week: popular Apple leaker Jon Prosser says new Apple hardware is coming next week! But what? We'll discuss. Plus: what we know about the next gen iPad Air, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple TV, and the killer tracking features coming to Apple’s AirTags.   And the next iPhone 12 color, revealed! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week Sources affirm plans for new iPad Air, 2 Apple Watch models this fall Sources familiar with Apple’s plans have confirmed to Bloomberg that a new iPad Air and Apple Watch refresh are on their way this fall, along with a new Apple TV with a new remote. Faster Apple TV could get ‘upgraded’ remote with Find My feature Apple’s next-generation Apple TV could debut with an “upgraded” remote and a Find My remote feature, according to a new report from Bloomberg. iPhone 12 to Come in 'Dark Blue' Color Option Apple will offer a new "dark blue" model in its upcoming iPhone 12 lineup, according to a new report today. Apple Delays Ad Anti-Tracking Features Planned for iOS 14 [Updated] Apple told some developers that it will delay the enforcement of an anti-tracking feature that's being implemented in iOS 14, reports The Information.

This week: a new leak confirms some exciting iPhone 12 specs! Plus: a new iPad and Apple Watch Series 6 are right around the corner; the Fortnite Vs. Apple case takes an interesting turn; and Erfon divulges how his $95,000 Apple stock investment is performing! This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories New leak confirms some of the most exciting iPhone 12 specs New images and video of a prototype iPhone 12 Pro Max allegedly fell into the hands of frequent Apple leaker Jon Prosser. New iPad, Apple Watch Series 6 leak via Eurasian database A listing of multiple unknown tablets by the Eurasian Economic Commission confirms that Apple will soon introduce a range of new 2020 iPad models. No Apple device can play the new Fortnite season Epic Games and Apple are fighting over revenue sharing, and players are getting caught in the middle. Earlier this month, Epic Games tried to circumvent Apple’s requirement that the iPhone-maker receive 30% of in-app payments. The result was that Fortnite was booted from the App Store. Judge protects Unreal Engine during Epic Games’ battle with Apple [Updated] In an order issued Monday night, a U.S. district judge blocked Apple from revoking Epic Games’ developer accounts as the legal battle between the two companies moves toward trial. Apple's Share Price Soars Past the $500 Mark After becoming the first U.S. company to reach a market capitalization of $2 trillion last week, Apple's stock has continued to soar as investors pour money into the company. Apple's stock officially opened Monday above the $500 mark, and shot up as high as $515 before coming back down to around $503. Historically, AAPL stock splits have seen stock rise 10% in next 12 months Multi-asset investment platform eToro analysed 60 years of data, and found that on average companies that split their stocks see their share price surge by a third in the 12 months after the split.

This week: Battle of the Titans—Fortnite maker Epic Games takes Apple to court over its App Store policies, and they just might get their way. Plus: Apple and its stock hit another astonishing milestone; Prosser was right—Apple has begun rebranding Beats; and Apple TV+ finally makes the move we’ve been waiting for: bundling premium channels for one low price. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple expels Fortnite from the App Store; Epic Games sues Early last Thursday, Epic Games launched the Fortnite Mega Drop. This offers up to 20% discounts on in-app purchases made on iPhone, iPad or Android, as long as these are direct payments. Making the same purchases though the App Store costs the regular price. Epic Games tries to talk Spotify, Sonos into creating anti-App Store coalition Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, is recruiting a team of like-minded companies to join its fight against Apple and its App Store policies, according to a report from The Information (paywall). Apple hits astonishing $2 trillion market cap [Updated] And early Wednesday, Apple hit a massive $2 trillion valuation, becoming the first publicly traded U.S. company in history to hit this milestone. Beats 1 becomes Apple Music 1 as Cupertino launches two new radio station Apple is rebranding Beats 1 as Apple Music 1, while also launching two new radio stations, the company said Tuesday. Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country will both feature their own exclusive radio shows. Apple TV+ subscribers get 2-for-1 Showtime and CBS All Access bundle A subscription to Showtime costs $10.99 per month, while commercial-free CBS All Access is $9.99 per month, but Apple TV+ subscribers in the US can now also add a bundle of CBS All Access and Showtime for only $9.99 per month more.

This week: Thanks to a new leak, we now know the exact release dates for iPhone 12, Apple Watch, and more. We'll tell you what to expect! Plus: Apple stock adventure, part 2! Erfon talks about his massive Apple stock purchase, including how much he spent, why he bought in now, and how much his investment is now worth. We talk real numbers! And if you’ve been thinking about getting a new Mac with the butterfly keyboard, DON’T DO IT until you hear this episode.  COVID keyboard repairs are now a total nightmare. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories We might know exactly when iPhone 12 will arrive Apple will hold an iPhone 12 event the week of October 12, with the device shipping a week later, according to up-and-coming leaker Jon Prosser. Mark Gurman doesn't like Jon Prosser's new hardware predictions (again)

This week: the brand new iMac may look the same, but it’s so powerful video editors are gleefully buying 2 to 3 at a time—we’ll tell you everything that’s new 🔥 Then: Phil Schiller, Apple Worldwide Marketing VP, and one of Steve Job’s original generals, is stepping down. We’ll remember some of Phil’s most memorable Apple moments. And forget buying the new iMac, get Apple’s stock instead! Erfon goes all in, and reveals the huge cash stockpile he’s about to dump into Apple stock, why he’s buying it now, and the cash value of his current investment. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace This week's stories New iMac packs faster internals into all-too-familiar shell The wait for Apple’s newest iMac is over. Cupertino today dropped a faster all-in-one with an even more glorious Retina 5K display. Phil Schiller’s new role as Apple Fellow means big promotion for Joz Schiller continues to report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook in his new position, as an Apple Fellow, and will now lead App Store and Apple Events. Greg “Joz” Joswiak takes up Schiller’s previous role. 10 reasons why I’ll miss Phil Schiller Tuesday marked the end of an era. Phil Schiller has stepped down from his role as VP of worldwide marketing. How Apple made money in the middle of a crushing pandemic People around the world turned to Apple products at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. And the result was an 11% increase in Apple revenue during the June quarter. Apple shares close at new all-time high [Updated] Apple shares hit a new all-time high Friday on the back of the company’s shockingly good Q3 earnings. Apple stock will split 4-to-1 Apple’s board of directors has approved a four-to-one stock split.

This week: Apple leaker Jon Prosser returns to the internet, and he’s got some tasty new Apple rumors to share... Plus: Tim Cook gets grilled by congress over Apple’s app store, and at least one house member says it’s time to break up Big Tech. And if you love movies, you’ll be happy to hear why new releases will soon be heading to your Apple TV just weeks after release. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Jon Prosser Lives! And he's got some new Apple rumors to share... iPhone 12 and New iPads On the 9to5 New Intel iMac rumor Tim Cook mostly avoids grilling during historic congressional antitrust hearing Apple CEO Tim Cook mostly avoided questioning during Wednesday’s historic congressional antitrust hearing on the business practices of Big Tech. Universal will sell digital movies just weeks after their theatrical debut A new deal means that movie fans won’t be waiting as long to see Universal Pictures movies pop up for sale on iTunes and other digital platforms after their theatrical debut.

This week: Apple—and its entire supply chain—will go 100% carbon neutral by 2030, pushing the entire world of tech towards BIG changes… A powerful iOS 14 privacy feature will be great for consumers, buuuut may kill a billion dollar ad industry Some exciting new podcast features are coming to Spotify We talk about CultCast... Video! And we’ll tell you about the gadgets we’re testing in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple (and its entire supply chain) will be 100% carbon neutral by 2030 Apple will become carbon neutral across its entire business and manufacturing chain by 2030, the company said Tuesday. Apple Is Killing A Billion-Dollar Ad Industry With One Popup A new iOS 14 privacy feature spells trouble for advertisement agencies and promises to end an era of personalized ads Spotify debuts video podcasts for select shows This week, the streaming service announced the format’s official debut on a handful of shows. Under Review gadget picks Anker PowerCore 10K Wireless Zens Liberty 16-coil wireless charger Mophie UV sanitizer with wireless charging

This week: a massive global hack has Apple pushing a bitcoin scam to millions! Plus: iOS 13.6 brings some cool new features to Apple News. And we’ll tell you the newest info on Apple Glass, while pondering the fate of Jon Prosser, the prolific Apple insider who vanished right after leaking them. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Hackers hit Apple’s Twitter account in widespread bitcoin scam Apple is one of many companies and people who had their Twitter accounts hijacked on Wednesday. A hacker found a way to post on what seems to be any account, indicating that it’s Twitter itself that has been hacked. iOS 13.6 brings expanded Apple News features and other cool stuff Apple released iOS 13.6 Wednesday, boosting its Apple News offering and bringing other new features to iPhone and iPad. Apple’s biggest supplier is already making trial lenses for Apple Glass Foxconn has reportedly started trial production on polarized, semi-transparent AR lenses that could be used for Apple Glass, according to The Information. Mark Gurman is still mad about the Apple Glass Prosser story!

This week: we've got more details on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Apple Maps gets a new feature that blows us away! Plus: we talk our two week impressions of iOS 14, and a major Hollywood film is coming to Apple TV+.  This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Start testing exciting new iOS 14 features with first public beta After giving developers start testing iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 at WWDC in June, Apple on Thursday let the general public access pre-release versions too. 14-Inch MacBook Pro With Mini-LED Display Expected to Enter Production in 2021 Apple suppliers will begin competing to win manufacturing orders for new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Mini-LED displays in the first quarter of 2021, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce. Tom Hanks thinks having his new movie debut on Apple TV+ is an ‘absolute heartbreak’ Tom Hanks made a few not-so-flattering comments about the “Apple overlords” in an interview about his new World War II movie Greyhound. The film, which was originally supposed to launch in theaters, was pulled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, it will premiere on Apple TV+ this Friday.

This week: with iPhone 12 right around the corner, a new rumor says it will be missing one key feature, and the internet is not happy. Plus: it’s a CultCast Exclusive! We’ll tell you how Apple’s planning to bring the Apple store right to your home. And we discuss our favorite new shows and "Mary Jane" accessories in an all-new What We’re Into. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iPhone 12 might not come with earbuds or a charger in the box The iPhone 12 is rumored to not be shipping with packaged earbuds, but according to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo it may also be lacking another standard piece of kit in its box: A charger. Microsoft Stores are closing for good Microsoft is pulling the plug on its chain of retail stores, the company announced Friday. All stores are going to be shuttered for good, although four — in New York City, London, Sydney, and its Redmond campus — will be turned into experience centers that don’t sell products. What we’re Into! Slymer Refined Live Resin Rowan and Martin’s laugh-in Seinfeld on Hulu Reunited Apart Johnny Carson episodes

This week: we bring you a huge list of great iOS 14 features Apple DID NOT mention on-stage at WWDC 20, and there’s a lot to love. Plus: why iOS 14's new Home screen widgets aren't as powerful as you might think, and get ready to log into websites with Face ID or Touch ID. This episode supported by CleanMyMac X is an all in one utility that takes care of your Mac's health: it’s a macOS cleaner, a performance monitor, a malware remover, and occasionally, a lifesaver. And until July 5th, you can go to macpaw.com/cultofmac to get CleanMyMac X with a 30% discount. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iOS 14's new Home screen widgets aren't as powerful as you might think Widgets in iOS 14 currently offer little more than a tiny snippet of useful information. They can display weather conditions, upcoming appointments, items on your to-do list, and what you’re listening to. But Apple doesn’t make them (or allow them to be) interactive like Google does. macOS Big Sur One of the most significant redesigns since Yosemite 6 years ago. Almost everything has changed. macOS now looks a lot like iOS All-new sounds. Trash sound different. Move files sounds different. Translucent menu bar with new icons All-new icons for drives and folders Dock has been redesigned with a note iOS-type feel Icons for Apple’s apps are now square, like their iOS counterparts Message notifications now give much more information The icons used in open folders look those those in iOS Popup menus are translucent and have new buttons New control toggle in the menu bar that brings up icons for Wi-Fi-, Bluetooth, brightness and sound, just like the control panel on your iPhone or iPad Maps and messages now look and feel just like the iPhone versions. iOS 14 hidden features Double or triple tap back to activate shortcut Widget stacks let you use the same space for up to 10 different widgets. You can swipe through them. Smart stack widget uses on device AI to show the right widget based on factors like time, location, and activity. Battery notification lets you know when you need to charge your AirPods, or when your Apple Watch has been charged Hide home screen pages you’re not using Picture in picture will let you watch a video while using another app, but you can also use it for FaceTime, so you can see your caller while doing something else And just like on the iPad, you can move the picture off screen but still hear the audio. You probably remember you can have pinned conversations in messages. But did you know can have up to nine pinned conversations and they will sync across Messages in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. In group messages conversations, people can now @ your name to speak directly to you, and you can set your notifications to only ping when someone @’s you. Memoji get new hairstyles, new face coverings, new headwear, and accurate facial movements More age options "Six new age options let you customize your look whether you’re baby-faced, in your golden years, or somewhere in between.” FaceTime FaceTime can make video calling more natural by helping you establish eye contact even when you’re looking at the screen instead of the camera. FaceTime delivers improved video quality with up to 1080p resolution on supported devices Camera Time to first shot is now 25% quicker You can now lock an exposure compensation value for photos and videos for an entire camera session while separately locking camera focus and exposure for a specific shot. You can now capture QuickTake video in Photo mode on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. Weather Stay informed about severe weather events19 and learn about upcoming shifts in weather, so you know if it will be significantly warmer, colder, or wetter the next day. In the U.S. you can see a chart that shows a minute‑by‑minute forecast of precipitation intensity over the next hour. Health New hearing features help you understand how loud you’re listening to media through headphones and how that could impact your hearing over time. Maps Maps now routes cyclists along bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly roads. Preview the elevation for your ride, check how busy a street is, and set routes to avoid steep inclines or stairs. Maps lets you know when you’re approaching speed cameras and red-light cameras along your route. In the translate app, you can view your recent history and save phrases that you just translated as favorites. Siri 20x more facts You can now ask Siri for cycling directions. While navigating with Apple Maps, you can ask Siri to share your ETA with a contact. Car Keys Even when your iPhone battery runs low, you’ll be able to access and start your vehicle for up to five hours. Photos You can sort any of your albums, including Shared Albums, by oldest or newest first. Notes Draw lines, arcs, and shapes, including hearts, stars, and arrows. Pause slightly at the end, and your imperfect shape snaps into a perfect one. Collapse or expand your pinned notes list. AirPods Adjust your AirPods audio to account for hearing differences. Headphone Accommodations amplifies soft sounds and can tune for your individual hearing, to help music, phone calls, and more sound crisp and clear. Connect two sets of AirPods to your Apple TV 4K so you can enjoy movies and shows with someone else without disturbing others.11 Privacy Easily switch to Sign in with Apple when logging in to participating apps. You’ll keep the account you already use, but have one less password to keep track of. Share only your approximate location rather than your exact location with apps— perfect for apps like local news or weather. iOS will display an indicator whenever an app is using the mic or camera, both in the app and in Control Center. Get ready to log into websites with Face ID or Touch ID | Cult of Mac Safari users soon will be able to securely log into websites using Face ID and Touch ID. The new feature, which Apple is rolling out in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and macOS Big Sur, should take away one of the most irritating things about using the web — remembering, and then typing in, user names and complicated passwords.

This episode: We react to all our favorite WWDC 2020 announcements! And there's a whole lot to discuss. This episode supported by CleanMyMac X is an all in one utility that takes care of your Mac's health: it’s a macOS cleaner, a performance monitor, a malware remover, and occasionally, a lifesaver. And until July 5th, you can go to macpaw.com/cultofmac to get CleanMyMac X with a 30% discount. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

This week: we talk our WWDC 2020 hardware and software predictions, and there’s A LOT to say. Plus: a new leak details a next generation iPhone with dual displays; the new 5600M MacBook Pro GPU is a absolute MONSTER; and Apple’s back-to-school promo is back for the summer, but with an interesting twist... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Set your reminder for Monday’s keynote via WWDC’s YouTube livestream link Apple has posted the YouTube live stream link that will allow viewers to tune into its WWDC 2020 keynote next week. The June 22 event will kick off at 10am PT/1pm ET, streaming directly from Apple Park. This is the second time Apple has streamed a Special Event on YouTube, following last year’s iPhone unveiling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEZhD3J89ZE&feature=emb_title Redesigned iMacs to iOS 14: Everything we expect to see at WWDC 2020 Apple execs won’t get to feed off the usual live audience’s energy during next Monday’s WWDC 2020 keynote, but doesn’t mean there’s nothing to get excited about. Apple’s first foldable phone could feature 2 displays joined by hinges Apple’s “foldable” iPhone will use dual displays to get around the foldable screen problem that plagues other folding phones like Samsung’s beleaguered Galaxy Fold, claims Apple leaker Jon Prosser. 16-inch MacBook Pro gets more powerful AMD 5600M graphics option Apple has updated its 16-inch MacBook Pro buying options by offering the new Radeon Pro 5600M mobile GPU. This joins the existing Radeon Pro 5300M and 5500M GPU options for the MacBook Pro. Apple offers college students free AirPods along with deals on Mac and iPad Summer is just starting but Apple is already thinking back-to-school. College students and teachers can save up to $200 on a MacBook or iMac. Or up to $100 on iPads. And get a pair of AirPods gets thrown in for free.

This week: we talk our WWDC 2020 hardware and software predictions, and there’s A LOT to say. Plus: a new leak details a next generation iPhone with dual displays; the new 5600M MacBook Pro GPU is a absolute MONSTER; and Apple’s back-to-school promo is back for the summer, but with an interesting twist... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Set your reminder for Monday’s keynote via WWDC’s YouTube livestream link Apple has posted the YouTube live stream link that will allow viewers to tune into its WWDC 2020 keynote next week. The June 22 event will kick off at 10am PT/1pm ET, streaming directly from Apple Park. This is the second time Apple has streamed a Special Event on YouTube, following last year’s iPhone unveiling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEZhD3J89ZE&feature=emb_title Redesigned iMacs to iOS 14: Everything we expect to see at WWDC 2020 Apple execs won’t get to feed off the usual live audience’s energy during next Monday’s WWDC 2020 keynote, but doesn’t mean there’s nothing to get excited about. Apple’s first foldable phone could feature 2 displays joined by hinges Apple’s “foldable” iPhone will use dual displays to get around the foldable screen problem that plagues other folding phones like Samsung’s beleaguered Galaxy Fold, claims Apple leaker Jon Prosser. 16-inch MacBook Pro gets more powerful AMD 5600M graphics option Apple has updated its 16-inch MacBook Pro buying options by offering the new Radeon Pro 5600M mobile GPU. This joins the existing Radeon Pro 5300M and 5500M GPU options for the MacBook Pro. Apple offers college students free AirPods along with deals on Mac and iPad Summer is just starting but Apple is already thinking back-to-school. College students and teachers can save up to $200 on a MacBook or iMac. Or up to $100 on iPads. And get a pair of AirPods gets thrown in for free.

This week: an all-new iMac, and the mythical ARM Mac, will finally be unveiled at WWDC. We’ll tell you what we know! Plus, we wrap up with our favorite new 360 camera, feather-light carbon bike wheels, and a must-have ethernet testing tool in an all-new Under Review. This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple details exactly how WWDC 2020 will go down leander Apple laid out its plans for “the biggest WWDC to date” in a press release Wednesday, detailing exactly how the first online-only developers conference will go down. Apple could confirm Mac’s transition to ARM chips at WWDC 2020 Apple reportedly will confirm the Mac’s transition to ARM chips during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on June 22. Redesigned iMac inspired by iPad Pro could debut at WWDC 2020 Apple could reveal a redesigned iMac inspired by iPad Pro at WWDC 2020, according to one tipster. The new all-in-one is expected to feature significantly slimmer bezels like Pro Display XDR, plus AMD Navi graphics. Apple Store sells out of 27-inch iMac, suggesting new model at WWDC Apple doesn’t have the 27-inch iMac in stock on its website. Orders placed today won’t ship until several days after the start of this month’s Worldwide Developers Conference. This adds weight to previous reports that a significantly updated 2020 version of this macOS desktop will debut at WWDC. Under Review Insta360 One X Chinese carbon fiber bike wheels Ethernet wire tracker

This week: Apple’s next iPad Pro could be one of the most exciting iPad refreshes in ages… we’ll tell you what you need to know. Plus: some welcome changes are coming to the iPad Air, and we wrap up with our favorite new movies, specialty drinks, and bubblers, in an all-new What We’re Into. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories 2021 iPad Pro will have 5G, A14X processor and mini-LED display, leakers claim Apple’s next iPad Pro could be one of the most exciting iPad refreshes in ages — with 5G cellular, an A14X processor and a mini-LED display, according to increasingly reliable Apple tipsters L0vetodream and @choco-bit. (Yes, despite the odd Twitter handles, both have impressive reputations when it comes to sharing details of next-gen Apple products.) Next iPad Air could ditch Lightning for USB-C connector The fourth-generation iPad Air will reportedly come with a USB-C connector instead of the Lightning connector of previous models, claims a Mac Otakara report, citing sources in the Chinese supply chain. From just fine to simply divine: Ranking every iMac design Cult of Mac gives you the authoritative (and totally subjective) ranking of the best iMac designs. What we’re into! Scrappy’s firewater bitters John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Snowpiercer GRAV® Small Upright Bubbler

This week: we discuss the strange controversy around our episode with Jon Prosser, and the surprising depth of Prosser’s Apple sources. Plus: Apple is prepping big changes to Messages for Mac; Future AirPods could count steps, track heart rate and monitor health conditions; and we discuss AppleTV+’s best new shows! This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Mark Gurman calls Prosser’s iGlass report “Complete Fiction" Apple could save Messages on Mac with new iPad app port Apple looks to be gearing up to port iPad’s built-in Messages app over to Mac. The move could immediately fix Messages’ biggest problems on Mac, including its glaring lack of features. Future AirPods could count steps, track heart rate and monitor health conditions Future AirPods could boast ambient light sensors that track users’ heart rate, head movements and steps taken, Digitimes claimed Monday. Bob’s Burgers creator can’t make lightning strike twice in Central Park [Apple TV+ review] Despite an impressive pedigree and a marketable cast, new Apple TV+ show Central Park seems primed to annoy as many people as it will please. Defending Jacob finally justifies the existence of Apple TV+ [Review] With a hot cast and a true-crime sheen, Defending Jacob is one of the most highly anticipated Apple TV+ series so far. It’s based on a best-selling novel. It’s helmed by an Oscar-nominated director. And the first three episodes arrived Friday, primed for a literally captive audience seeking its latest obsession.

This week: we talk Apple leaks with the man Tim Cook wants to silence... Jon Prosser! And we cover it all, including juicy NEW details on  Glass,  Car, Apple’s master plan for the next iPhone, the next  TV, Apple’s secret VR gaming headset, which big leaks are coming next, and more…. This episode supported by Keeps’ treatments are are up to 90% effective at reducing and stopping further hair loss, so the sooner you start using Keeps, the more hair you’ll save! Visit keeps.com/cultcast to get started and get your first month's treatments free. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @jon_prosser This week's stories UNBOX THERAPY - the TRUTH about Lew's new phone cases [UPDATED] Apple's AR Glasses! HERE YOU GO! Design, Name, Price, Release date, and more! EXCLUSIVE LEAKS! iPhone 12 - HERE YOU GO! Prices and more! Exclusive leaks!

This week: details leak on AirPods Studio, Apple’s super secret pro headphones. Plus: Cupertino is opening for business as Apple gets ready to get back to work. And we wrap up with a high-tech “oregano” grinder, mini beer tap, and an electric bike cruiser styled like a vintage moped in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple to bring essential staff back to offices in phased return Apple reportedly plans to gradually return its corporate employees to work over the next few months, likely starting with those focused on major hardware projects. Over-ear headphones dubbed ‘AirPods Studio’ might debut in June Apple is allegedly prepping a set of over-ear wireless headphones that will be part of the AirPods line. Over-ear AirPods headphones might pile on advanced features Apple’s rumored over-the-ear headphones will include sensors to detect from the head or neck if they have been removed to stop or start audio as well as customized equalizer settings, according to a published report Monday. Under Review New Vape Grinder Hopsy beer tap at home RadRunner e-bike

This week: Apple announces WWDC 2020! We talk our hardware and software predictions. Plus: a new leak gives us some exciting new info on the upcoming AppleTV hardware, and the iPhone 12 lineup, including some surprising prices and new features. We wrap up with a look at the new 13” MacBook Pro, so stay tuned sucka! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple’s virtual Worldwide Developers Conference to begin June 22 Apple announced Tuesday it will host its 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference virtually, beginning June 22. It will be available to view using the Apple Developer app, streamed on the Apple Developer website and free for all registered developers. iPhone 12 prices rumored to stay close to current models, even with OLED screen upgrades Front Page Tech analyst Jon Prosser tweeted Thursday base pricing on what Cult of Mac has reported as four new iPhone 12 models coming later this year. New Apple TV ‘ready to ship’ with much faster A12X chip A new Apple 4K Apple TV with the company’s A12X chip, which made its debut with the 11-inch iPad Pro in 2018, is primed to drop any time, claims Apple tipster Jon Prosser. New 13-inch MacBook Pro brings Magic Keyboard, double storage and 10th-gen Intel chips Apple unveiled a new 13-inch MacBook Pro on Monday, bringing a slew of upgrades to its smaller high-end laptop.

This week: a new full-size HomePod may be on the way... We discuss! Plus: the $400 iPhone SE outperforms even the most expensive Androids, and clever software tricks make its camera almost as good as iPhone 11’s. And reveal our favorite new shows in an all-new What We’re Into, Quarantine Edition… Part 2! This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Bag a brand-new HomePod for under $205 before they’re all gone MacSales is currently offering brand-new HomePod units for as little as $204.99 — a generous $94 off the usual price Is a HomePod refresh on the way? Lots of iPhone SE components are swappable with iPhone 8 — but not all As the iFixit teardown confirms, the new iPhone SE is, in many senses, an updated iPhone 8. iPhone SE uses software trick to give photos beautiful bokeh The 2020 iPhone SE is the first Apple smartphone to offer Portrait Mode photos created entirely with software techniques rather than hardware. That’s not true of any previous iOS device, not even iPhone XR. Apple Watch workouts Apple Watch supports a huge selection of workout types, but most of the popular ones, like running and swimming, you probably can’t do right now thanks to the coronavirus lockdown. Fortunately, if you delve a little deeper, you’ll find plenty of Apple Watch home workouts you can choose from that require little or no special equipment. Cult of Mac redesign For the last 10 years or so, Cult of Mac used the standard blog format, a reverse scroll of stories with the newest posts published at the top of the site. What We're Into picks! Handmaids Tale Star Trek The Next Generation Devs

This week: the next generation of AirPods are incoming! We’ll tell you what we know. Plus: Final Cut Pro and Logic are coming to iPad, along with microLED and TouchID… UNDER the screen... This could be the new TouchID tech we’ve been waiting for. And we’ll tell you how to listen to YouTube music in the background, WITHOUT paying for YouTube Red. It’s a hot tip, and it’s coming your way. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Kuo: 5G iPhone delayed until October; iPhone SE Plus pushed back until late 2021 The first iPhone with 5G reportedly won’t debut alongside the other new iOS handsets early this autumn. Trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple will begin producing a pair of 4G handsets in September, but won’t start making the 5G model until October. Leaker: Apple Planning iPad Air With Under-Screen Touch ID, ARM MacBook, Game Controller, and More An anonymous Twitter account with a fairly accurate track record has shared details about several Apple products that are supposedly under development. Devs might be able to write software on iPad and iPhone with Xcode for iOS macOS and iOS software developers will soon be able to code on an iPad or even iPhone, if an unconfirmed report is correct. iPadOS 14 and the iPhone equivalent will reportedly include support for Xcode, Apple’s software development environment. New AirPods could be on the way as soon as next month New AirPods, which Apple reportedly planned to unveil at its canceled-before-it-was-announced March event, are ready to go, claims regular Apple leaker Jon Prosser. How to listen to YouTube music in the background on iPhone Can you make YouTube play just the audio, even when you’re not showing the video? You can, and it’s really, really simple.

This week: iPhone SE 2 is finally here, and the amount of tech packed into this $400 phone is truly remarkable. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. Plus, a new report outlines Apple’s plans for iPhone 12 with 5G, a new mini, possibly portable, HomePod, and the AirPower mat, resurrected! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories 2020 iPhone SE combines a familiar face with new technology for $399 Here’s what you get for just $399: Apple's best camera and their fastest chip. Why the 2020 iPhone SE is the perfect iPhone for a rotten time Talk about good timing. Apple unleashed its new budget-priced iPhone SE successor Wednesday, smack in the middle of a worldwide health crisis that’s wreaking havoc on health care, economies and behavioral norms. Surprise! Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro launches early The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is now available to order on the Apple Store. The version make for the 11-inch iPad is $299. Apple asks $349 for the one designed for its 12.9-inch tablet, putting this accessory well above the cost of rival keyboard cases. Bloomberg: As many as 4 new 5G iPhones coming in the fall Bloomberg reported early Monday that as many as four new iPhone models will include 5G technology with at least two of them re-designed with flat stainless steel edges and a flat-screen with no notch at the top of the screen, similar in design to Apple’s latest iPads… AirPower wireless charging pad project reignited with A11 chip to manage heat issues The AirPower charging mat has been resurrected from the dead.

This week: a tipster says the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is right around the corner! We’ll tell you what we know... Plus: Apple is readying their secret over-the-ear headphones, and a mysterious little product called the AirPods X. We discuss! And we wrap up with a USB-C charger that can charge it all, Logitech’s new Streamcam, and a double duty iPhone/Apple Watch stand in an all-new Under Review. And stay tuned for Erfon's Corona virus update.... This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's, and our Easter sale will save you up to 70% on our most popular accessories. Find your next strap at store.cultofmac.com. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iOS 14 could bring new wallpaper settings, Home screen widgets The latest iOS 14 leaks hint that new wallpaper settings and Home screen widgets are coming to iPhone and iPad. Apple readies new headphones, AirPods X; plans to ‘phase out Beats’ Apple is readying new over-ear headphones and “AirPods X” for 2020 as it plans to slowly “phase out Beats,” a tipster claimed Tuesday. Apple expected to deliver new 13-inch MacBook Pro in May Apple’s much-anticipated 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh will arrive next month, according to one popular tipster. Apple reveals COVID-19 Face Shield details in new support doc Tim Cook revealed last weekend that Apple is making 1 million face shields a week for medical workers and thanks to a new support document, we finally got a good look at how they work. Under Review picks! Logitech Streamcam Highrise duet PowerPort Atom PD 4 100W USB-C charger

This week: iPhone SE.... 2! Let's talk about it... Plus: Apple is “scrambling” to prevent iPhone 12 delays; and we wrap up with an all new What We’re Into, Quarantine Edition! We’ll tell you about the shows, game videos, and stuff we’re doing with our extra "free" time. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories WSJ: Apple ‘scrambling’ to prevent iPhone delays amid COVID-19 pandemic Over the last several weeks, various reports have detailed how Apple is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the supply chain and product development. Now, a report from The Wall Street Journal adds more detail to the ongoing situation. Foxconn confident it can deliver iPhone 12 this fall Foxconn’s previous guidance suggested that it would be back up and running at its normal levels by late March. Last week, the manufacturer said that it had hired enough workers at its major Chinese plants to meet seasonal demand for iPhone manufacturing. Apple supposedly pencils in April 15 launch for iPhone 9 Apple has supposedly penciled in an April 15 launch date for its low-cost iPhone 9. What we're Into (quarantine edition!) Webcam darts Pennyworth Animal crossing: New Horizons Tiger King Westworld, season 3 The Wire Colony Relic radio vintage radio podcasts

This week: forget the A12Z and LIDAR camera, it’s iPadOS and the new Magic Keyboard that just super charged the iPad Pro—we discuss! Plus, we’ll tell you the best new features in iOS 13.4. And the Cookie uses Apple’s massive supply chain prowess to deliver hugely-needed supplies for medical workers—we got the story for ya right here! This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories 2020 iPad Pro review roundup: Still stellar, but little reason to upgrade Apple’s newest iPad Pro will begin landing on customers’ doorsteps today, Wednesday, March 25. Will it be worth their hard-earned cash? Let’s find out from reviewers who already have their hands on one. And from LK! iPadOS and iOS 13.4 finally arrive, bringing tons of big changes [Updated] iPad and iPhone both just received important software updates, with iPadOS 13.4 and iOS 13.4 bringing a range of new features. Apple’s tablets now enjoy robust mouse/trackpad support. iPhones and iPads both gain iCloud Drive folder sharing. Apple donating 9 million N95 masks for coronavirus fight U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced Tuesday that Apple has donated nine million N95 respirator masks to help hospitals and medical workers deal with the growing coronavirus pandemic. Apple TV+ misses out on big COVID-19 surge in streaming demand It’s a surprise to no one that video streaming services are seeing big surges in demand while everyone is stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it seems Apple TV+ is missing out.

This week: our reactions to Apple’s new hardware! Plus, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the new Mac mini, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Magic Keyboard. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Surprise iPad Pro refresh brings LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, trackpad support Apple on Wednesday surprised us with a brand-new iPad Pro that packs a LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, and studio-quality microphones. It’s powered by an improved A12Z Bionic chip that makes it faster than many laptops. New MacBook Air announced with $999 starting price, Magic Keyboard and 6K display support Apple updated its MacBook Air lineup Wednesday with a re-designed scissor-switch Magic Keyboard, twice the storage, a reported two times faster CPU performance, and a lower price tag starting at $999. Apple doubles SSD storage capacity for Mac mini Apple announced Wednesday an update of its entire Mac mini line, offering double the SSD storage capacity at the regular price. 5 reasons why iPad Pro’s new Magic Keyboard blows our minds Apple’s exciting new Magic Keyboard is going to make working on iPad Pro better than ever when the accessory debuts in May. It’s a huge improvement over the Smart Keyboard Folio in so many ways. Movies Anywhere tests letting users loan out iTunes movies Movies Anywhere combines films bought through iTunes, Google Play, etc. into one service. And now it’s testing a new feature called Screen Pass that enables loaning your movies to other people.   Hardware notes   Mac Mini Now comes with double the storage capacity on the standard configurations. $799 now gets you 256GB instead of 128GB, and $1099 gets you 512GB instead of 256GB. Still using the same 6th-gen 4-year-old intel processor.   MacBook Air $100 price cut. Standard storage has been doubled too.   You get 256GB for $999 now, and 512GB for $1299. Features the same scissor-mech keyboard as the new 16-inch MBP. Using Intel's newest 10th gen chip, Quad Core 1.2GHz i7, Apple claims speeds are about twice as fast as previous gen. Probably cause last gen was dual-core.  GPU performance increase of up to 80%.   iPad Pro Now with triple lenses, kind of. Still the same 11" and 12.9" sizes. A12Z Bionic chip which supports a 8-core GPU. Apple says this setup is faster than most PC laptops. Apple says you can edit 4K videos with the iPad Pro. Pro Motion 120hz display Five-studio quality microphones, just like Apple packed into the 16-inch MBP Now features a 10MP ultrawide camera Also includes a 12PM main camera, which is probably the same one found in the iPhone 11/11 Pro Brand new LiDAR so depth sensing.  LiDAR is the same technology that self-driving cars use for depth sensing and object tracking.  It's what the Mars Rover uses too. How will iPad Pro use it?  Definitely for Virtual Reality, but who knows what else. Now supports WiFi 6. 60% faster gigabit LTE for LTE models. Size is about the same, but slightly thicker and heavier. Price is the same, but now the base level of storage has been upgraded from 64GB to 128GB. Upgrading to 256GB of storage is $50, so $1200 instead of $1250. 1TB is $1300 instead of $1350.   New Magic Keyboard  Coming in May.   Features passthrough charging to the iPad via its own USB-C port on the hinge. Features a full-size Magic Keyboard with backlighting, scissor keyboard switches, and trackpad with multi-gesture support. iOS 13.4 will feature cursor support.  Works with both the older and new ipad 11" Pro for $300. Or $350 for the 12.9" keyboard....

This week: iOS 14 leaks! We’ll run through the best new features. Plus: Corona has hit Apple hard, and will mean delays for some of your most anticipated tech. Is Apple’s March event going to be canceled too? We’ll tell you what we know. This episode supported by Keeps’ treatments are are up to 90% effective at reducing and stopping further hair loss, so the sooner you start using Keeps, the more hair you’ll save! Visit keeps.com/cultcast to get started and get your first month's treatments free. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Game over for E3 2020: COVID-19 takes out gaming’s biggest event E3 2020 is the latest major event to be scrapped amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The game industry’s biggest trade show was scheduled to kick off in Los Angeles on June 9. It will no longer go ahead this year. With iPhone SE 2 delayed indefinitely, source confirms Apple nixes rumored March event Apple decided to postpone a March product launch event after continuing delays in the production of an expected successor to the iPhone SE, a source at Apple confirmed to Cult of Mac. iOS 14 could bring brand-new Home screen layout with list view iOS 14 will ship with a brand-new Home screen layout that allows users to arrange icons in a list, according to a new report. The view is expected to be customizable and will incorporate Siri Suggestions for making your most frequently used apps easier to access. Apple tests iMessage mentions, retractions and more for iOS 14 Apple is reportedly testing a number of new iMessage features that could debut with iOS 14 later this year. They include the ability to retract messages after they’re sent, and to tag other people in group chats. We could also get the option to mark messages as unread. Apple’s HomeKit may add Night Shift to smart lights Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system will reportedly get a version of Night Shift to reduce the amount of blue in smart light bulbs as each day nears its end. This feature, allegedly coming with iOS 14 in the fall, is supposed to help people sleep better.

This week: Apple is prepping a new 14.1” MacBook Pro with an all-new mini-LED display, plus a new iMac and iMac mini! We’ll tell you what you need to know. And in the wake of Corona virus, will Apple need to cancel WWDC? We discuss. And stay tuned for the best ways to disinfect your iPhone, iPad, keyboard, and more. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple preps 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with mini-LED display Apple plans to make an aggressive push adding mini-LED displays to its products in 2020, according to one of the most reliable Apple analysts in the game. What to expect from this month’s new iMac This week, serial rumor-tweeter CoinX predicted the imminent release of a new iMac and a new Mac mini. But what does that mean exactly? A giant, 30-inch iMac that looks like the Pro Display XDR? Apple’s first ARM-based Mac? Probably not. So what changes can we expect? Apple’s biggest manufacturer says production will return to normal by end of March Apple manufacturer Foxconn hopes to resume regular production in China by the end of March. COVID-19 virus means tough decisions about WWDC and rumored Apple keynote Apple faces mounting pressure to decide whether to cancel, delay or change the format of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, typically held in June. The same holds true, although to a lesser extent, for Apple’s rumored March product keynote. How to disinfect your Mac, iPhone, mouse, trackpad, keyboard and cases

This week: Apple’s first ARM-based Mac is headed our way—we’ll tell you what we know. Plus, Apple’s new AirTags tracking tiles will be unlike anything we’ve seen, and way more powerful than we thought. We discuss! And stay tuned—we’ll tell you the weird rule Apple makes big movies follow if they want to put iPhones or Macs on the silver screen. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. And check out CoM's handsome new Bay Blue leather strap collar with Clessant. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple’s first Mac with a custom chip expected in early 2021 This would be Apple’s first computer powered by a custom Arm chipset. It would also be the first brand-new Mac to launch without an Intel CPU since Apple made the switch from PowerPC processors back in 2006. AirTags Said to Be 'Completely Waterproof' and Use Magnetic Charging Like Apple Watch In a report touching on several topics today, Japanese site Mac Otakara claims that Apple's Tile-like "AirTags" item trackers will be "completely waterproof" and use similar magnetic wireless charging to that seen on the Apple Watch. Apple should steal this iPad multitasking concept right now This amazing mockup/concept was executed by design student Tommy Rutherling using the Principle app to create the interactive animations. Director Rian Johnson Breaks Down a Scene from 'Knives Out' Write and director Rian Johnson talks about making his new movie Knives Out, but in the process reveals a insider tidbit about using Apple products in movies

This week: new iPads Pros, new AirPods, and AirTags are incoming, but Apple warns coronavirus could mean big manufacturing delays. Plus: from cut and paste, to Newton, and more—we remember the inventions of tech folk hero Larry Tesler. And stick around for an all new Under Review, where Leander pitches some of the more bizarre shows on TV. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iPad Pro refresh expected this March, but supplies could be limited Apple is expected to deliver a big iPad Pro refresh this March, and that’s still on track despite the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, according to a new report. Supplies could be limited at launch, however, with production likely to be slow to ramp up until after April. Apple warns of iPhone 'supply shortages' due to coronavirus outbreak The consequences of the coronavirus outbreak will be worse than expected for Apple. The tech firm has warned that global iPhone supply will be "temporarily constrained" while it resumes production. Wait for ‘AirPods Pro Lite’ will drag on as production is reportedly delayed We could be waiting longer for the mysterious “AirPods Pro Lite” headphones Apple is rumored to be developing. A new report claims production will not begin during the second half of 2020 as originally planned. MacBooks may be in short supply after March Now might be the best time to buy that MacBook you’ve been considering. Factory shutdowns in China because of the coronavirus outbreak will reportedly lead to shortages of components needed to make laptops. AirTags on the radar for roll out in the second half of 2020 Apple’s fall product launch will include a tiny gadget with a big responsibility: knowing the whereabouts of your devices when you lose them. What We're Into Picks Lost in space Mind Hunter American Factory The 1,000 pound sisters My feet are killing me Dr. Pimple Popper

This week: Apple is prepping iPhone SE 2, but trouble in China could mean massive delays across the entire tech industry. Plus: masOS leaks hint at BIG CPU upgrades on the way; and a famous celebrity calls out Mac’s troubled keyboards. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iPhone SE 2 could cost $399 just like the first-gen iPhone SE Apple is ramping up production on the new iPhone SE 2, a report published by Fast Companyover the weekend claims. Apple manufacturer reopens factory — but fewer than 10% of employees turn up Key iPhone manufacturer Foxconn continues to feel the effects of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. The company recently reopened its factory in the eastern central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, but fewer than 10% of its workforce returned to work, according to Reuters. Big macOS leak hints at future switch to AMD chips Could Apple be preparing to make a surprise switch to AMD processors in a future Mac? References to a number of new AMD APUs have been spotted in the latest macOS 10.15.4 beta, which rolled out to developers on Wednesday. Apple brings Swift Playgrounds to the Mac Apple’s educational coding app, Swift Playgrounds, has finally made its way to the Mac. Jojo Rabbit screenwriter vents about ‘horrendous’ MacBook keyboard Actors love to have some political message to impart to viewers at award shows. At last night’s Oscars, Taika Waititi, winner of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, voiced his own passionate plea — for Apple to change its MacBook keyboards.

This week: the new iOS 13.4 beta just leaked new hardware, new iPhone features, and MORE. We’ll share aaaaall the juicy details. Plus: how your iPhone might soon replace your car keys; Apple Maps just got a massive update; and Microsoft quietly stole Apple’s secret recipe… This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iOS 13.4 beta code hints at new Apple TV device An updated Apple TV 4K could soon roll out of Apple’s product pipeline, based on references to an unreleased product discovered in the latest iOS beta. Apple’s universal purchases will change how you buy and use apps Apple is laying the groundwork to make it easier for developers to distribute their apps across all of Apple’s platforms. CarKey feature buried in iOS beta might let iPhones replace car keys Apple reportedly added code to iPhone and Apple Watch to let these devices function as car keys, giving users one less thing to constantly carry around. Apple debuts redesigned Maps with major U.S. improvements Apple today made its major Maps redesign with big improvements available to all users in the United States. Microsoft is merging its Windows and hardware teams Panos Panay, Microsoft's hardware head honcho and the creator of Surface, is set to oversee the Windows team too. The company will reportedly roll the product and Windows groups into a single unit called Windows + Devices later this month with Panay at the helm. The move, which is part of a broader reorganization, is a strong indicator that Microsoft is eager to tie Windows and hardware more closely together.

This week: A huge lineup of new Apple products is coming our way. We’ll tell you what we know... Plus: how is Apple doing under Tim Cook’s leadership? We dare to ask the question. And if you thought AppleTV+ felt a little dry on content, Apple’s got a plan for that—buying one of the industries biggest movie studios. WE DISCUSS. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Keeps’ treatments are are up to 90% effective at reducing and stopping further hair loss, so the sooner you start using Keeps, the more hair you’ll save! Visit keeps.com/cultcast to get started and get your first month's treatments free. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories The biggest surprises from Apple’s shockingly good earnings report The first Apple earnings report of 2020 was a smashing success that shattered most of Apple’s previous records. Thanks to shockingly strong iPhone sales and a surging wearables business that is bigger than the Mac and the iPad, Apple managed to surpass even the most optimistic expectations. AirPods Pro supply problems couldn’t stop Apple’s surging wearables business When Apple reported an all-time record for quarterly revenue Tuesday, it got a big boost from one of its smallest products: the AirPods Pro. Kuo: Huge 2020 lineup of new Apple products brings AirPower alternative A new report says major new hardware products are headed our way, including a 4.7-inch LCD iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro/Air, smaller wireless charging mat, UWB tag, and a high-end Bluetooth headphones. DoubleTake is a video app that lets you shoot with 2 cameras A new iOS app lets users simultaneously record video using multiple iPhone cameras. DoubleTake is created by the makers of popular camera app Filmic Pro. Buying MGM could prove crucial to Apple TV+ growth Apple is reportedly in talks to buy MGM, which would bring a catalogue of classic and modern movies to the iPhone maker’s streaming video service.

This week: it’s not your imagination, Apple changed AirPods Pro and it made them worse—we’ll tell you what’s going on… Plus: a new report says Apple caved to FBI pressure to keep your iCloud backups less safe. And stay tuned to hear about about Tim Cook’s favorite new… shower tech? Rub a dub dub yaaaaaaaall! And stick around for our favorite new Netflix shows and crack pipes in an all-new What We're Into. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple reportedly dropped iCloud encryption plans amid FBI pressure Apple ditched plans to let users fully encrypt backups of their devices using iCloud, a new report by Reuters claims. Apple reportedly made the decision after the FBI complained that this would make it harder to carry out future investigations. AirPods Pro noise cancellation spoiled by firmware updates, users say A growing number of users say their buds aren’t blocking out background noise as effectively as they once did. And testing confirms that to be the case. Now you can shower like Tim Cook without getting soaked Nebia, the eco-friendly shower head company adored by Tim Cook, unveiled a new version of its shower system today. Unlike the previous two-generations, this one is priced to sell. What We're Into! Messiah Mind Hunter Doomsday Preppers Another Life Pax 3 vaporizer crack pipe

This week: Apple is working on a way to make your existing MacBook Pro far more powerful—we’ll tell you everything we know. Plus: get your wallet ready! Apple is getting ready to release the portable MacBook Pro you’ve been waiting for. And we’ll tell you why Apple may soon be forced ditch Lighting in their iPhones and iPads. And stick around for our spoiler-free review of the full first season of SEE! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Unreleased ‘Pro Mode’ may bring performance boost to MacBooks Apple is working on a new software feature for macOS that can crank Macs’ processing powers into overdrive. Mystery MacBook spilled in new filing ahead of release Apple has filed for approval of a new MacBook ahead of its official debut. A listing in the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database reveals a model number of “A2289.” Its description confirms it is a portable Mac. EU Parliament debates forcing Apple to kill the Lightning port The European Parliament will soon vote on whether to require all phones, tablets and other mobile devices to use a single type of charger. If passed, this could force Apple to abandon its proprietary Lighting port in future iPhones. US Attorney General demands Apple unlock Pensacola shooter’s iPhones Apple could be headed for another collision course with U.S. federal law enforcement, similar to the spat it had with the FBI over creating backdoors into iOS. Dave Bautista battles onto next season of See Jason Momoa was the big star of the first season of See on Apple TV+, but he’s reportedly being joined by Dave Bautista, perhaps best known for playing Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

This week: Tim Cook strikes back! Ricky Gervais tore Apple a new one live at the Golden Globes, but TC always gets the last laugh... we discuss. Plus: we round up the coolest, weirdest, and whackiest gadgets announced at the 2020 Consumer Electronics show. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @mistercharlie This week's stories Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais: Apple ‘runs sweatshops in China’ * Apple’s first night at the Golden Globes didn’t go exactly as Tim Cook may have hoped — with none of the nominations for Apple TV+ show The Morning Show resulting in award wins. Adding insult to injury, returning host Ricky Gervais quipped that Apple used sweatshops to make its products. And even drew parallels to terrorist group ISIS. Why Samsung will probably get away with ‘borrowing’ Face ID icon * Eagle-eyed viewers spotted something oddly familiar during Samsung’s CES keynote Monday. On a slide regarding Samsung Pass, its new biometric “identity management as-a-service” product, Samsung included a logo that looks (to be polite) “borrowed” from Apple’s Face ID. Crock-Pot's latest slow cooker comes with Alexa voice control * Belkin has quietly unveiled a 6 quart Crock-Pot slow cooker with a new twist: you can control it with Amazon Alexa. Segway’s S-Pod looks weird, but it’s a lot of fun to drive * Segway’s newest self-balancing vehicle is a strange egg-shaped S-Pod wheelchair. PiBo is a robotic companion for single people * It can get lonely living on your own, especially when you've got a landlord that doesn't allow pets or roommates. That’s where PIBO comes in, a cute robotic companion robot from Korean developer, Circulus Don’t worry: Impossible Foods is already working on fake bacon * Impossible Foods CEO Pat Brown has revealed that his company is working on a plant-based version of bacon.

This week: According to a new report, Apple is prepping a new super-charged GAMING Mac for WWDC! We discuss... Plus: full-screen TouchID will be replacing FaceID in a notch-less 2020 iPhone, at least according to a new rumor. And stick around for the second half where we reveal all our favorite apps of 2019!   This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple could eliminate iPhone’s notch and Face ID for 2020 flagship Apple could deliver a flagship iPhone without a notch in 2020, according to a new report. The device is expected to feature a new Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into its display — rather than Face ID. Its front-facing camera will also be hidden away behind its screen. Analysts at Credit Swiss believe Apple will release a high-end iPhone with Touch ID embedded within its screen in 2020. The technology will replace Face ID, allowing Apple to do away with the handset’s notch. Why I’m not holding my breath for Apple’s rumored gaming Mac [Opinion] Apple is reportedly working on a new “gaming-focused” Mac that it will unveil at WWDC, a sketchy new rumor claims. This machine would cost up to $5,000 and be a Mac rival to gaming PCs. It would take aim at the fast growing “e-sports” market, which Apple has not previously catered to. Could such a machine turn Apple into a gaming powerhouse? My 5 most-used apps this year For my job at Cult of Mac, I test a lot of apps. But of course, I also use a lot of apps, for work, for recreation, and for making music. I thought I’d make a short list of my most-used apps this year. Our favorite apps of 2019! Beat maker 3 for iPad Launch Bar Just press record Brave Browser Ulysses writing app Darkroom photo editing for iPad Focos photo editing app Alfred 4 TikTok Blind

This week: Apple is entering the space game with their own fleet of satellites... but why? Plus, we wrap up 2019 with our final picks for Best of the Year! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple exploring satellite network to beam data directly to iPhones Apple is building a larger research group to investigate ways to transmit data directly to iPhones and other devices, Bloomberg reported Friday. According to the report, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly made the project a company priority. Apple is said to be hiring software, hardware, and aerospace engineers to find new methods of data transfer for the iPhone and other products. The goal is to reduce the dependence on traditional wireless carriers.

This week on The CultCast: From the hottest gift of 2019, to our favorite tech and travel locations, it's more of our picks for Best of the Year! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11, Apple Watch, Mac Pro and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories AirPods to hit quarterly sales of $4B, surpassing peak iPod sales AirPods is has grown into a massive business. How big? Last year, in Q4 2018, Apple Watch surpassed $4B quarterly in revenue in, overtaking the revenue earned during the best quarter of peak iPod sales, and now it looks like it may be AirPods‘ turn. Asymco published a research note this week estimates that AirPods could overtake the peak iPod revenue of $4 billion next quarter. Asymco also believes Apple will see over 50% growth year over year for Wearables. The research note also predicts a 51% increase y/y for Wearables and 24% growth in Watch. This results in a Watch revenues of about $5.2 billion. This is your best shot at snagging AirPods Pro today Even though AirPods Pro are basically sold out everywhere, there’s still a chance you could snag a pair today. And with a simple Siri trick, Apple makes it easy for you to snag 2019’s hottest gift. If you absolutely want to get AirPods Pro by Christmas, and don’t want to pay a reseller a premium, here’s your best shot for finding a pair ASAP. Apple joins rivals to create open standard for smart home devices Apple is teaming up with Amazon, Google, and the Zigbee Alliance to create a new open and royalty-free standard for smart home devices. Project “Connected Home over IP” aims to increase compatibility among smart home gadgets and make development easier for device manufacturers. It should also simplify smart technology for consumers This means it shouldn’t matter which smart home platform you’ve chosen to adopt; any and all smart home devices (in the future, at least) should work together seamlessly. Get ahold of the hot new Cult of Mac book, V2.0!

This week on The CultCast: The new Mac Pro proves Apple’s still got it! We cover our first impressions, plus discuss some of the insane upgrades available for Apple’s new powerhouse Mac. Plus, we reveal more of our favorite tech, shows, movies, and more in our Best of the Year, part 2! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories The Cult of Mac book giveaway! Apple’s powerful Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR arrive at last It costs $400 to add wheels to your new Mac Pro By default the Mac Pro ships with stainless steel feet. And that’s what you should stick with if your machine is going to be stationary most of the time. They look a lot better. But for a meager sum of just $400, Apple will install four wheels on the bottom of your Mac Pro that make it easier to cart around. Apple doesn’t want you defiling Pro Display XDR’s special glass with a regular cloth Apple sure likes having its own proprietary version of things it doesn’t deem quite good enough. The same is true of the new Pro Display XDR with nano-texture glass for the Mac Pro. No, we’re not talking about the screen itself; but rather Apple’s insistence that you clean it using a special Apple-approved cleaning cloth. But there’s a good reason for it. Best of the year, part 2! Choetech dual wireless charger Apple TV+ Rodecaster Pro podcasting mixer Servant Roomba

This week: Apple is readying a new display technology that could be huge change for MacBook Pro and iPad; our favorite Black Friday hauls; and it’s time for our favorite Gear of the Year!  Plus our favorite movies, TV shows, and all the other stuff we loved most in 2019.  It’s a party and you’re invited.     This episode supported by   The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6.   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's.  See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week   @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   This week's stories   New screen tech might make upcoming MacBook and iPad most beautiful yet   According the Ming Chi Kuo, Apple’s long interest in Mini LED technology could come to fruition in late 2020. He says both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro with this new type of screen are in development.     Best of the year picks!   Disney+ The Mandalorian AirPods Pros AirPods 2 Chernobyl Succession

This week: on the cusp of its release, authors Leander Kahney and David Pierini regale us with stories from their new book, The Cult of Mac 2.0, and we hear of the strange and often unbelievable lengths fans go through to celebrate their love of all things Apple. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Steve Jobs, the opera  Kansas fest, the world's largest gathering of nerds celebrating Apple, and swapping old software, hardware, and copies of Nibble magazine.  The story of Alex Jason, a teen who used lawn-mowing money to build one of the most rare and impressive collections of Apple devices in existence. Dmitry Lischina, a man who built a career pimping out the iPhones of the rich and fabulous  Simon Pierro, a magician who weaved his iPad into his mesmerizering act

This week: another Apple event is coming December 2! We’ll tell you what to expect. Plus: the benchmarks prove it—the new 16-inch MacBook Pro is the powerful update we’ve all been waiting for. And, finally, it’s hard to admit, but Apple’s new Mac shows there may be some advantages to a post-Ive era. We discuss. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple to host surprise event for apps and games on December 2 Members of the press received surprise invitations from Apple this morning to attend a first-of-its-kind event to honor 2019’s top apps and games on December 2 in New York City. 16-inch MacBook Pro beats predecessors by overcoming thermal throttling The higher tier MBP has the same i9-9880H process as previous model. In a 30 minute stress test, Dave 2D measured the CPU average speed at 3.1Ghz where previous model was at 2.7GHz. Other stress tests show a similar result, the same CPU is about 10% faster in the 16-inch MBP. 13-inch MacBook Pro dropping horrible Butterfly keyboard The smaller MacBook Pro will reportedly be upgraded next year with a keyboard that users can trust, just as the new 16-inch version recently was. If true, it means the current 13-inch MacBook Pro will be the last with the infamous Butterfly keyboard. This improved version is supposedly scheduled for the first half of 2020. How a Magic Keyboard made it into the new 16-inch MacBook Pro In a new interview, Apple marketing SVP Phil Schiller talked about redesigning Apple’s notebook keyboard. And whether or not the non-butterfly keyboard will make it to other Apple laptops anytime soon. 16-inch MacBook Pro shows the advantages of a post-Jony Ive Apple [Opinion] Now that Jonny’s stepping away, will Apple tempter the enthusiasm of the design team make their products more practical?

This week on The CultCast: everything you need to know about the new 16-inch MacBook Pro!  Plus our first impressions of this hot new machine... And we discuss Disney+, and why it may beat Netflix and Amazon as the best streaming service available. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories 16-inch MacBook Pro: MacBook is finally PRO again! 16-inch MacBook Pro wows writers in first hands-on reviews Apple finally unleashed its long-rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro on the world this morning, and according to some lucky people who got to play with it early, it was well worth the wait. 16-inch MacBook Pro surprises: No Wi-Fi 6, 720p webcam, 96W charger There are some interesting surprises with the 16-inch MacBook Pro that you won’t find in Apple’s press release. So we’ve rounded up the big ones here so you don’t miss anything before buying. Top 40 tips that make you love the Touch Bar Once you get in touch with your Touch Bar, it turns out to have some genuinely useful time-saving features. Especially if you use apps that support it, like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office. Here are 40 top Touch Bar tips. Disney+ races past 10 million sign-ups in first day After launching on November 12, the Mickey Mouse company revealed this morning that it has already surpassed 10 million sign-ups, making the “millions” Apple TV+ pulled in during its first week look pretty weak. Demand for Disney+ exceeded even Disney’s highest expectations. Technical problems plagued the service on launch day as customers flooded servers to watch new shows like The Mandolorian, or old classics from Disney’s huge vault of content. Disney shares are up more than 3% on the news.

This week on The CultCast: SEE, Morning Show, For all Mankind—here are our reviews of Apple’s new TV shows—spoiler free! Plus: the one part of AppleTV+ that needs a total overhaul; and Apple’s new HomePod update includes a new hidden talent. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at your local Best Buy and at Netgear.com/bestwifi6. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple TV+ blesses us with highest-quality 4K streams Apple’s new service streams the highest-quality 4K content yet. Better than all the rest. That’s according to new tests that measure the bitrate of video streams. They reveal See has the highest bitrate so far, closely following by The Elephant Queen. See’s average bitrate of 29 Mbps, which can peak to 41 Mbps, is the highest measured so far. The Elephant Queen averages around 26 Mbps, while Dickinson peaks at around 24 Mbps. Opinion: The worst part of Apple TV+ is the TV app The idea of the TV app, introduced in 2016, was to combine all the TV shows and movies from all of the apps and unify the viewing experience into a single interface, with a combined Up Next queue. How to play relaxing, ambient sounds with your HomePod How about a nice, relaxing rainstorm to help you fall asleep? Or some white noise to fill the space left by your grownup children when they left you behind to start their own lives? If you have a HomePod running iOS 13.2 or later, your smart speaker stands ready to help blank out the soul-bleeding silence of your empty life. You just need to ask.  

This week on The CultCast: AirPod Pros! You want them, we got them. We’ll tell you what’s new, what’s good, what’s not, and how they compare to the regular AirPods. We've got LOTS to say… Plus: the first AppleTV+ reviews are trickling in, and, well… they’re not great. This episode supported by Our thanks to Belkin for supporting this episode. Belkin Cables are built to last and supported with a 5-year warranty. If you're tired of broken and burnt-out cables, switch to Belkin, and save 30% off your order with code CultCast at checkout. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Unboxing the floating DeLorean from Back To the Future 2! AirPods Pro — EVEN BETTER than I hoped! (unboxing, first impressions, sound test REACTION) Apple’s new AirPods Pro with noise cancellation are already here Apple has unleashed AirPods Pro with an all-new design and active noise cancellation, but are they worth the premium price tag? First damning Apple TV+ reviews indicate an alarming lack of vision [Opinion] The first Apple TV+ reviews are out — and, broadly speaking, they’re not great. Critics generally slammed the marquee shows on the Apple TV+ slate. Anyone wanting to pull together a movie poster with positive pull-quotes would need to do some serious wading through bile to emerge with choice excerpts. For example, The Morning Show — Apple’s pricey, A-list newsroom drama — got slammed in one review as a “painful belly flop.” The Telegraph, meanwhile, slams See, Apple’s answer to Game of Thrones, as “likely to collapse under the weight of its own self-importance.” TVLinedescribes a “largely incoherent story” filled with “goofy confidence Variety writer Daniel D’Addario had this to say: “None of the shows, to my eye, are truly successful because each feels in its own way curated to death, overworked with an eye on transmitting quality rather than actually allowing it to spontaneously happen.  

This week on The CultCast: The new 16-inch MacBook Pro just leaked, but its "new design" has a lot people disappointed. Plus, we'll tell you why 2020 could deliver Apple's impressive hardware in years. And stick around for our favorite new router, mouse, keyboard, and iPhone 11 case in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links Here’s your first glimpse of that 16-inch MacBook Pro. Or not. Behold, we have appeared to have images of the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro. All pulled form a macOS Catalina beta. A French blog this week published what it called a rendering for a new Mac laptop that was discovered hidden in a macOS Catalina beta. Skeptics, from Twitter to tech news sites, quickly tamped down any excitement by pointing out the icon’s similarities to the current 15-inch model. 2020 will deliver Apple’s ‘most impressive hardware’ in years 2020 will be the year Apple unveils its “most impressive hardware in some time,” according to a new report. Alongside big upgrades for iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac, Cupertino also is expected to deliver its first augmented reality glasses. It’s been two years since Apple introduced a major iPhone redesign. The Apple Watch hasn’t changed significantly since its debut. But 2020 could change all that. Bloomberg expects Apple to blow everyone away next year with huge upgrades and brand-new product lines. Under Review! TP-Link M9 Plus mesh routers Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse Logitech Keys Grovemade iPhone cases  

This week on The CultCast: iPhone SE 2 is almost here! And its specs and price are SURPRISING... Plus: finally! Long awaited camera upgrades are coming to iOS 13; Apple TV+ is coming to a TV near you, and to Roku, and to other platforms. It’s gonna be everywhere. And AMC's new movie streaming is going to take on Apple Movies with a genius feature Apple can’t possibly match. This episode supported by Our thanks to Belkin for supporting this episode. Belkin Cables are built to last and supported with a 5-year warranty. If you're tired of broken and burnt-out cables, switch to Belkin, and save 30% off your order with code CultCast at checkout. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links iPhone SE 2 will be Apple’s most affordable smartphone to date iPhone 6 is not supported by Apple’s newest iOS 13 update. That means the iPhone 6 won’t work with services like Apple Arcade and Apple TV+. But Apple has a plan to boost upgrades. The upcoming device, which is expected to look like iPhone 8 and be powered by Apple’s new A13 Bionic chip, is expected to cost less than $400 when it goes on sale in early 2020. iOS 13.2 finally brings frame rate, resolution settings to Camera app An iOS developer exploring iOS 13.2 beta 2 said the Camera app will allow video shooters to adjust frame rates and resolution without going into the Settings app. Apple TV+ is coming to Roku Apple TV+ will be available on Roku boxes when it launches next month. Roku revealed this morning that the Apple TV app will be available on its platform starting today, allowing users to access their iTunes video library as well as subscribe to Apple TV channels right from their Roku devices. Even though Apple and Roku compete against each other making streaming devices for TVs, Apple has embraced third-party platforms for its own streaming service. In addition to putting the Apple TV app on Roku, you’ll also be able to get it on smart TVs made by Samsung, LG and Vizio. Finding Apple TV+ trailers and show details just got way simpler Apple just launched a website with details about all its upcoming Apple TV+ shows. The site is supposed to be for journalists, but serves as a one-stop shop for everyone to learn more about all the original programs available soon — many are scheduled for next month. Th site is dubbed “Apple TV+ Press,” and it includes details of 15 shows that will launch soon from this streaming video service. For the initial offerings that will debut November 1, there are also trailers and images, as well a lists of cast and crew. AMC Theaters will launch its own service for renting and buying digital films AMC Theaters, the largest movie theater chain in the US, is launching an on-demand video service, according to The New York Times. The service will let customers rent or buy movies, much in the same way Apple’s iTunes Store and Amazon’s Prime Video have operated for years.  

Leander's got his bus ride to the Who concert all worked out

This week: Apple’s AR glasses are about to be announced! At least according to one very reliable analyst…. we discuss. Plus: Mac OS Catalina is out, but you probably shouldn’t install it—we'll tell you why. And Final Cut Pro just got a massively faster in a new update, and a long awaited iOS 13 feature FINALLY goes live. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links macOS Catalina is out with new apps, Apple Arcade, Sidecar and more Apple’s big update for Macs, macOS Catalina, is finally out today bringing with it a host of new features, apps, privacy improvements, and much more. But if you have lots of Adobe plugins, or older apps that aren't 64-bit, you should hold off. Apple’s first AR glasses could arrive in second quarter of 2020 Kuo reports in a note to investors, seen by MacRumors, that Apple’s first AR glasses will enter mass-production as soon as the fourth quarter of this year. They could arrive in early 2020. The device will be marketed as an iPhone accessory, and will rely on an Apple handset for computing, networking, and the sensors required for augmented reality. Apple Prime? Giant bundle of entertainment services under consideration Currently, its biggest fans have to sign up separately for Apple Music ($9.99 a month), Apple TV+ ($4.99 a month), Apple News+ ($9.99 a month) and Apple Arcade ($4.99 a month). A bundle would allow people to get all of these as a single subscription — presumably at a lower cost. Apple is reportedly mulling offering all its entertainment services in one giant bundle as a sort of “Apple Prime.” If true, then a single subscription would include the company’s music, video, and gaming services It’s that last part that’s supposedly the sticking point with people in the music industry, according to Financial Times. These executives are concerned that reducing the amount subscribers pay would mean less money going to music producers. Final Cut Pro X gets new Metal engine for big performance boost The latest version of Final Cut Pro X is out now with a new Metal engine that promises a big performance boost. It also make optimizations for the all-new Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR. Apple also brought the same Metal engine to Motion and Compressor, too. The new Metal engine in Final Cut Pro 10.4.7 improves playback and accelerates graphics tasks like rendering, real-time effects, and exporting on compatible machines. Apple says you will enjoy performance that is up to 20% faster on the newest 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 35% faster on the iMac Pro. And that’s not all you get in this update. Sidecar support lets you extend Final Cut Pro X onto an iPad in macOS Catalina. You can then use the second screen, connected wired or wirelessly, as the browser or viewer, Apple says. You can now also select which internal or external GPU is used to accelerate graphics processing. Spotify update brings Siri support in iOS 13, new Apple TV app One of the many changes and new features in iOS 13 is a SiriKit API that lets third-party music streaming services take advantage of Apple’s virtual assistant for the first time. Well this week the Spotify update we’ve been waiting for since the launch of iOS 13 has landed. The latest version of the app finally adds Siri support, so you can ask the virtual assistant to play artists, tracks, and more. You can ask Siri to play artists, albums, tracks, and playlists after updating to the latest version of the app. Simply remember to add “with Spotify” to the end of your Siri requests.  

This week: Mac Pro, AirPods 3, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro—let’s talk about all the hardware we expect Apple to unveil at their unannounced October event. Plus Microsoft unveiled their newest gadgets and they’re actually pretty cool! We discuss... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. The MNML super thin unbranded iPhone 11 case is barely visible and offers just the right amount of protection. Save 35% off your new case at mnmlcase.com/discount/CultofMac. CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links What to expect at an Apple October event Revamped AirPods with noise cancellation spilled by iOS 13.2 Microsoft’s new Surface Earbuds are unbelievably fugly Microsoft’s dual-screen Surface Neo is a vision of the future Microsoft’s sleek Surface Pro X hits iPad Pro where it hurts [Updated]  

This week: Mac Pro, AirPods 3, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro—let’s talk about all the hardware we expect Apple to unveil at their unannounced October event. Plus Microsoft unveiled their newest gadgets and they’re actually pretty cool! We discuss... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. The MNML super thin unbranded iPhone 11 case is barely visible and offers just the right amount of protection. Save 35% off your new case at mnmlcase.com/discount/CultofMac. CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links What to expect at an Apple October event Revamped AirPods with noise cancellation spilled by iOS 13.2 Microsoft’s new Surface Earbuds are unbelievably fugly Microsoft’s dual-screen Surface Neo is a vision of the future Microsoft’s sleek Surface Pro X hits iPad Pro where it hurts [Updated]  

This week: we just completed our first week with iPhone 11 Pro, and it's even better than we hoped. We'll dive into all the features we love most. Plus: details are emerging about iPhone 12, and we like what we're seeing! And is Apple Watch series 5 worth the upgrade? We discuss... This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com Enter for a chance to win a free Series 5 Apple Watch. CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links The iPhone 11 Pro unboxing you MUST SEE before buying (Space Grey First Impressions) Here’s why the iPhone 11 Pro camera is UNBEATABLE iPhone 11 Pro Max review: the best gets better This thing is a beauty. The first thing you notice is the glass back. The frosted matte finish makes it semi-translucent, giving it a weirdly illusory depth. It looks great. Not even the controversial, compound-eye camera bump can spoil its good looks. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best-looking iPhone to date, and I love it. 2020 iPhone design could take notes from the classic iPhone 4 look Apple could go back to one of its most beloved iPhone designs with next year’s iPhone refresh. According to a new report from seasoned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s 2020 iPhone redesign will resemble the iPhone 4. Apple Watch Series 5 teardown confirms it’s a tweaked Series 4   Disassembling the latest Apple Watch doesn’t find very much that’s different from last year’s model. That doesn’t mean there aren’t improvements in the new Series 5; they’re just not visible in a teardown, even one done by the experts at iFixit.    

This week: iPhone 11 Pro’s cameras are the largest leap forward yet. We’ll tell why the cameras alone make iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro worth the upgrade. Plus: iPhone 11 Pro may have dual wireless charging built in after all; and it looks like Apple Watch Series 5 is just an upgraded series 4. We’ll tell you what you need to know. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's story links First iPhone 11 Pro Max teardown shows off gigantic new battery One of the specs Apple refuses to reveal about the iPhone 11 Pro Max has been revealed by a teardown of this new model: it includes a 3,969 mAh battery, significantly larger than the one in the XS Max. That's hugely larger than the 3,174 mAh power cell in last year’s iPhone XS Max. And of course Apple is reporting the 11 Pro features 4 hours of extra battery life, while the iPhone 5 clock 5 extra hours. iPhone 11 Pro review roundup: Big battery, camera, display upgrades There’s no question about it: the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are two of the best iPhones Apple has ever built — and arguably the best handsets in the world right now. Verge says it has the best camera in a phone. “[T]he iPhone 11 Pro cameras are an enormous improvement over the XS, and they beat the Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 Plus in most of our side-by-side comparisons. In fact, I think the iPhone 11 Pro is the best smartphone camera on the market right now.” Tom’s Guide loved the screen "iPhone 11 Pro Max’s 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display vastly outshined the Galaxy Note 10 Plus” What about speed you ask. Hold on to your butts. Wired had this to say: “The phones are fast. Downloading apps is fast. Switching between apps is fast. Processing and editing photos is fast. Apple Pay is faster on this phone; Face ID feels slightly faster. FaceID supports more face angles too “ iPhone 11 supposedly capable of two-way wireless charging One feature we expected but didn’t get from the iPhone 11 lineup is two-way wireless charging. But Apple could surprise us with it later. Two-way or bilateral wireless charging would allow you to charge certain devices — including other smartphones — by placing them down on the back of your iPhone. Tipster Sonny Dickson, citing “reliable sources,” reports that iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max do feature the hardware required for two-way wireless charging. It’s just that Apple hasn’t enabled it yet. "Reliable sources are saying iPhone 11 and 11 Pro do include the hardware for bilateral charging, but that it is software disabled. Uncertain whether this was removed prior to final production run.” It’s not clear why or when two-way wireless charging may have been deactivated. Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently suggested the “efficiency may not meet Apple’s requirements.” Bizarre that Apple would not have at least MENTIONED this feature and announced an anticipated release date. Apple Watch Series 5 has same CPU as Series 4 The insides of the Apple Watch Series 5 aren’t all that different from last year’s Series 4 upgrade. Other than the new always-on display, the only other internal changes Apple promoted were the new compass and increased storage. The latest build of Xcode reveals that those are basically the only changes, as the Series 5 uses the same CPU and GPU found in Apple Watch Series 4.  

This week: everything you need to know about iPhone 11 and 11 Pro! We dive deep into the coolest features buried in Apple's newest iPhones. Plus: our reactions to everything announced at the iPhone 11 event... And it's all but confirmed: we'll tell you why there's almost definitely a October hardware event coming our way, and what gadgets Apple will be unveiling in their next big keynote. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   This week's story links Erfon's YouTube channel! If this is iPhone 11 camera’s Night mode, we can’t wait iPhone 11 vs. Pro vs. Pro Max: Which one should you buy? Why Apple Watch Series 5 is a welcome surprise Lower iPhone 11 price shows Apple got the message [Opinion] Ex-Netflix exec thinks Apple TV+ will have no problem competing Leaked iPhone 11 specs show upgraded RAM and battery Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Series 3: Which one should you buy? 3D Touch disappears, and that’s great for people who love it [Opinion]  

This week: a noted leaker says the September 10th Apple event will include a mythical One More Thing... But what could it be?? Plus: more leaks shine a light on next week's iPhone announcements; a new turbocharged Apple TV is on the way; and Apple Watch will finally get a long-awaited feature. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace Phone 11 Lineup Tipped to Have Familiar Rollout: September 13 Pre-Orders, September 20 Launch A tipster who claims to work at a major carrier has since provided MacRumors with internal communication that suggests the rumored iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models will be available to pre-order Friday, September 13 ahead of deliveries to customers and in-store availability starting Friday, September 20. iPhone XR will become iPhone 11, iPhone XS will be the iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone XS Max will be the iPhone 11 Pro. Faster Apple TV hardware might turbocharge Apple Arcade The first Apple TV update in two years is reportedly coming soon. The update Apple TV will supposedly be powered by the same chip that’s in the iPhone XS series, potentially making it a better way to play Apple Arcade games than its predecessors. The current Apple TV runs the A10X Fusion CPU from several years ago, and while it's perfectly capable of handling a streaming video service, Apple Arcade games that will undoubtedly benefit from the extra horsepower in the A12X chip. Respected leaker CoinX tweets “One more thing…” Apple’s first AR headset spilled by iOS 13 Apple is still developing its own augmented reality headset, according to code discovered in iOS 13. The mythical headset is apparently codenamed “garta" Sleep-tracking could come to Apple Watch this year Apple will introduce sleep tracking to Apple Watch, a new report claims. The new feature will reportedly not require any additional hardware, but rather be software-based. It’s not clear whether it will be limited only to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 5, however.  

This week: Confirmed! Apple’s September 10th has just been announced—don’t miss our hardware and software predictions! Plus: comparing Disney’s new streaming service to Apple TV Plus; Steve Jobs is spotted in Egypt; and one of Earth’s greatest Steve Jobs artifacts hits the auction block. This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney This week's stories Apple’s Sept. 10 event invitation might hint at iPhone 11 colors Apple just sent out invitations to a press event to be held on Sept. 10, 10am, at Steve Jobs Theater. This is widely expected to be launch of three new iOS handsets, among them the first “iPhone Pro” models. The invite has an Apple logo divided up into green, blue, yellow, red and purple sections. While clearly an homage to the multi-colored logo the company used for many years, there are differences. A first look at Disney+ This week, Disney again showcased its upcoming streaming service at the D23 Expo in California, offering new details on what exactly the $6.99 per month price tag will get you. As detailed by Engadget, that $7 per month Disney+ tier will include up to four simultaneous streams, as well as 4K quality at no extra cost. You’ll also be able to create up to seven different user profiles with a single Disney+ subscription. Steve Jobs look-alike blows internet’s mind Every Apple TV Plus show announced so far A total of 31 shows and movies are in production. Apple is also planning to make six small-budget, award-worthy films every year, with an eye on generating buzz for the service and nabbing some Academy Award nominations along the way. Rumored 9.99 price tag Steve Jobs autograph takes Toy Story poster to $25,000 … and beyond! A movie poster for Toy Story featuring Steve Jobs’ signature will hit the auction block in Los Angeles on Thursday. Jobs, the legendary founder of Apple, ran Pixar Animations Studios when its first blockbuster, Toy Story, hit silver screens in 1995. Considered one of the all-time best animated movies, Tory Story earned $373.6 million at the box office and garnered three Oscar nominations. Starting bid: $25,000. The starting bid might seem high. But experts don’t consider the price exorbitant when it comes Jobs. The late Apple co-founder signed his name in all lowercase letters — but rarely gave out his signature. The auction house says fewer than 10 Jobs-autographed items exist.    

This week: the stage is set… NEW iPhones. NEW Macs… Apple Watches galore. New leaks paint a picture of a MASSIVE hoard of Apple hardware heading our way, and we even have a date. Plus: a new report shares more details than ever on iPhone 11. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories iOS 13 beta asset suggests iPhone 11 Apple event on September 10th Apple has released the latest beta of iOS 13 to developers, and in it is a piece of evidence that may have accidentally outed the date of the upcoming hardware event./li> Buried deep in the code, is an asset called “holdforrelease”. The image is an iOS screenshot, and show shows the date of Tuesday, the 10. Aka, september 10. Database exposes loads of incoming Apple products Multiple new MacBook, Apple Watch, iPod touch and iPhone models are coming this fall, according to a database that’s so far been very accurate about upcoming products. It belongs to the Eurasian Economic Commission, which become a gold mine for information on Apple computers that are right around the corner. The database lists 11 products that are described as “portable personal computers,” that run macOS Catalina. Four of these models are new, and the rest are updated versions of computers already registered with the Eurasian Economic Commission. The Eurasian Economic Commission lists twelve model numbers of wearables running watchOS 6. These are clearly the Apple Watch Series 5 devices that could launch next month. The EEC database also indicates we’ll receiving two new “media players” which run iOS 13, most likely meaning new iPod Touches. Two dozen smartphone models! In the past, devices have generally debuted a few months after appearing on this agency’s website, so all these newly-listed Apple computer models should be out well before the end of the year 2019 iPhone to bring tougher glass, even better Face ID We weren’t expecting much from the 2019 iPhone lineup. The rumors led us to believe they would be very similar to existing models, but with faster chips and improved cameras. But Reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman today reveals that we can also look forward to a more robust design for high-end models that uses unspecified “shatter-resistance technology.” New ‘iPhone 11 Pro’ cases make way for … Apple Pencil? ul> Accessory makers are already preparing cases for Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup, including an “iPhone 11 Pro” that will support a brand new Apple Pencil. We’ve heard whispers of Apple Pencil support for the iPhone 11. One analyst promised the upgrade back in July. But this is the first time we’ve seen what might be considered real evidence. A new case from case maker Olixar features a spot in the back to hold an Apple Pencil, but not the version we currently have... “This goes someway to confirming recent rumours that suggest the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be compatible with a new version of the Apple Pencil,” says MobileFun, which obtained these images. Sure, it’s only a case from a third-party accessory maker. But Olixar’s predictions have been right on the money in the past.   Apple Arcade’s cheap price will attract even non-gamers Buried in an API used by the iOS app store is a promotional message that says an Arcade subscription will cost $4.99 a month. A one-month free trial service will also be offered. That’s much lower that predictions. HSBC analysts estimated it will be $12.99. Google’s Stadia Pro service will cost $9.99 a month when it debuts in November.

This week: a Foxconn insider spills BIG iPhone 11 secrets. Plus: the Pros and Con of Apple Card, Apple’s new maps start rolling out across the country, and a strange twist in the MoviePass story unveils the unbelievable shenanigans they pulled to stayed in business, and they are far worse than we ever imagined! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apparent Foxconn insider spills big iPhone 11 secrets Some huge new details about this year’s iPhone 11 refresh have been spilled by an apparent Foxconn insider. Apple Card Unboxing & Impressions! It's a digital card that lives in the wallet app, and it is also a physical card (that you use when the vendor doesn't. 2% cash-back on all purchases when you pay with Apple Pay, 1% cash-back when you pay using the physical card, and 3% cash-back on purchases made directly from AppleApp is the most beautiful financial app out there. Digital card changes colors as you use it. App also categorizes all your purchases, shows you maps of where they were made, and helps you understand how much interest you'll pay when you don't pay off your balance. Cash back daily. No fees, not even late fees. High approval rates. Even subprime borrowers are being approved. Cons Offers pretty much the same spending insights as other apps, like Mint. 2% cash back only available for Apple Pay. 1% for card and non-apple pay purchases isn’t great. 3% cash back for Apple purchases is only 1-2% more than other cashback cards. Card number is not on the card, so if you need it you have to go get your phone, open the app, and find it. You can’t add authorized users, meaning you can’t share a card with your spouse. Only one card per person per Apple ID. No price protection. No extended warranty. Revamped Apple Maps Now Available in Texas, Louisiana, and Southern Mississippi Last year, Apple announced plans to rebuild its Maps app with its own first-party data. The overall look and feel of Apple Maps is similar, but zooming and panning reveals more details like grass, trees, sports fields, and parking lots. Apple is also focused on making search results more relevant. The definitive story of how a controversial Florida businessman blew up MoviePass and burned hundreds of millions The MoviePass shenanigans are way worse than we ever thought....  

This week: Apple enters the ASMR business! Plus: first impressions of Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 10, and the features iPhone should steal; how to mute and decline calls on your iPhone; and finally, when the internet is following you… strange stories of your digital life showing up in your real life. This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple’s soothing ASMR iPhone videos will put you to sleep Apple is jumping on the ASMR trend for its latest series of shot on iPhone ads that were created to help you relax no matter where you are. ASMR — short for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” — it's a psycho-physiological response to quiet sounds, and it spawned a popular community on YouTube that makes videos designed to make the back of your neck tingle. In its first ASMR effort, Apple has unleashed 30 minutes worth of soothing sounds accompanied by gorgeous videos all recorded on the iPhone. The four videos take you threw hiking trails, a woodshop, ghost forest and more. Samsung Galaxy Note 10/10+ Impressions: A Great Duo! Note 10 = $949 Note 10 Plus $1099 Both come with a base of 256GB RAM Edge to edge OLED screens with virtually zero bezel No notch, just a tiny camera hole Interesting iridescent rainbow color They REMOVED the headphone jack... Apple is shipping $1000 phones with 64gb base storage while Samsung base storage starts at 256GB So I decided to tune in on Samsungs new Note 10 launch. I won't lie I was super salty when I saw Samsung base storage is 256GB with the note 10 at $950. Kinda feels bad considering I paid $999 for my XS with 64GB. I am hoping Apple bumps their base storages across all their products. Edit: Idid not expect this to make it to the front page. But I'm glad the general consensus is 64GB on a $1000 phone and 128GB (non-upgradable) on a $1200 laptop is not enough. Overtime everything is starting to take more storage so it'd be nice for Apple to step it up and give us a little more for our money. How to decline and mute calls with iPhone Muting a call is easy, just click the sleep/wake button once, or depending on the iPhone you have, you can probably just hit the volume button once too. Muting a call silences the ringer or vibration, but lets the caller hear 4 rings before sending them to voicemail.  

This week: Apple’s working on something BIG, and their massive increase in R&D spending proves it. Plus: we discuss all the surprises Apple unveiled in their recent earnings report, and it was another record breaker. And if you think your conversations with Siri are private, think again! Apple’s been caught reviewing your most personal sound bytes. We’ll give you the details. And finally, a new Moviepass competitor has emerged with a very interesting offer, but is it worth the price? This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories The key surprises from Apple’s upbeat earnings report iPhone is no longer king Mac Pro could make an American comeback Apple Card is coming in August R&D is at an all-time high Apple contractors 'regularly hear confidential details' on Siri recordings Workers hear drug deals, medical details and people having sex, says whistleblower Apple contractors regularly hear confidential medical information, drug deals, and recordings of couples having sex, as part of their job providing quality control, or “grading”, the company’s Siri voice assistant, the Guardian has learned. Regal offers a new unlimited movie viewing plan, but there are plenty of catches The plan comes in three tiers: Regal Unlimited for $18 a month for unlimited movies at more than 200 theaters; Regal Unlimited Plus for $21 a month for unlimited movies at more than 400 theaters; and Regal Unlimited All Access for $23.50 a month for unlimited movies at any Regal theater.  

This week: the all-new 16-inch MacBook Pro—a new report gives us a price tag and release date. Then: a new hire signals that the Apple Car is far from dead; and there’s finally a way to get podcasts recommendations tailored just for you. Plus stayed tuned for our favorite shows and comic con trailer in an all-new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone XS, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro might start at $3,000 Anyone eager to get their hands on the much-rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro better be saving their pennies. It could cost as much as $3000, if an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia is correct. The Chinese-language Economic Daily News predicts this will be Apple’s most expensive laptop ever. The starting price could be over $2,975, or even as much as $3,300 The EDN report goes on to say that the 16-inch macOS laptop will have a 3072 by 1920 LCD screen, in line with earlier rumors. The largest MacBook in years will supposedly debut in October. New 13.3-inch versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will allegedly launch at the same time. BMW will charge outrageous annual fee for CarPlay BMW has decided that it will charge customers an annual fee if they want to enjoy CarPlay in its newest vehicles. It is the first car-maker to turn Apple’s platform into a subscription service. Most now include CarPlay as standard, or as an optional feature that lasts as long as the vehicle. It took BMW longer than most automakers to support CarPlay, and it doesn’t come cheap. The company charges $300 to add the platform to existing vehicles with a built-in navigation system. If you want CarPlay in a 2019 BMW, you can forget that one-time fee. In fact, you’ll get to enjoy the first year for free. But every year of CarPlay access after that will cost you $80. Overcast adds fantastic new podcast recommendations feature Overcast, the podcast app of choice for lovers of good design, just added a brand-new recommendations feature. Previously, Overcast used a Twitter-based recommendation engine. But developer Marco Arment says almost nobody used it. Now, he’s replaced it with recommendations based on users’ personal listening habits, and the result is amazing. Other notable features include Smart Speed (which cuts out silences) and Voice Boost (which pumps up spoken audio). Overcast also works great with the Apple Watch. Apple hires the engineer who led the design of Tesla's car interiors   What we’re into! Jablinski Games 2019 Tour de France Peaky Blinders Star Trek: Picard  

This week: FaceApp, the mega viral app that ages your face, might also be stealing your data! Plus: why your next iPhone or Mac may feature Apple’s rainbow logo; Apple might soon make a big move into original podcasts; and we’ll tell you about the wild lengths some Apple factory works go through to smuggle out top secret tech. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple’s retro rainbow logo might make a comeback There have been some clues earlier this year that Apple might be ready to embrace its old logo again. Apple renewed its trademark on the logo last year. Jony Ive also meticulously created a rainbow stage at Apple Park that used the rainbow Apple logo’s design. Although Ive was a fan of minimalist design, even he seemed to want to bring the rainbow Apple logo back. “There is the resonance with the rainbow logo that’s been part of our identity for many years,” Jony Ive recently explained. Is viral FaceApp stealing your photos? Not all of them FaceApp has become incredibly popular in recent weeks. It’s gone viral. You’ve probably see the pictures everywhere. But there’s concern over what happens to your photos when you use the app, particularly since the devs are… THE RUSSIANS! Apple might soon feature original and exclusive podcasts Apple’s growing services business will soon feature original podcasts, according to a report that, if true, amps up the tech giant’s battle with rival Spotify. Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported Apple executives are in preliminary discussions with media companies to buy the rights to podcasts. Spotify has spent millions of dollars positioning itself to be the go-to podcast app. It has acquired three podcast companies, including Gimlet Media, in the last two years to build up premium content. The Apple Podcasts app comes with iPhones and is considered the go-to platform for listening to podcasts. However, Apple Podcasts is merely a directory of links for users to download podcasts from other platforms. Apple Once Caught Factory Workers 'Digging a Small Tunnel in a Corner' in Attempt to Smuggle iPhone Parts After photos of the colorful iPhone 5c leaked in 2013, the report claims Apple created a "New Product Security" team to monitor security at its most sensitive suppliers in China. At one point, the team reportedly topped more than 30. The security team is said to have uncovered workers going to extreme lengths to smuggle valuable components out of factories over the years, with some attempting to hide parts in crawl spaces, tissue boxes, shoes, belt buckles, bras, used mop water, under discarded metal shavings, and beyond.  

This week: Big Mac updates! But not like a Big Mac. We're talking computers. Never mind, look—Apple just updated the MacBook Air, dropped the price, and supercharged the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Plus: a new report says Apple will finally update the butterfly with the design we were all hoping for. And we wrap with a true story that could save you thousands: how neglecting the batteries in your tech could cost you BIG. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Apple may be gearing up to replace controversial MacBook keyboard According to a new research note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to replace them with a whole new keyboard switch mechanism. According to big Ming, this will debut with the 2019 MacBook Air (more on that in a second) This would be a return to the previous keyboard design, but with an Apple twist. Kuo says the switches in the new scissor keyboards will be made from glass-filled nylon, and material that is stronger than plastic, so it allows Apple to make the internal components stronger and thinner. This is the same material used in the switches of the 2015 butterfly keyboard mechanisms. Latest MacBooks still use Apple’s flawed butterfly keyboard Big Ming got it wrong: Apple's newest MacBooks use the same 3rd-gen keybaord as the 2019 MacBook Pro, and are already included in the extended keyboard repair warranty. The new keyboard will likely debut in the 16" MacBook Pro. Apple brings True Tone to MacBook Air, faster chips to MacBook Pro Apple has updated the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro for the back-to-school season. And they’re now more affordable. The revised MacBook Air, now starts at $1,099 (down from $1,199) or $999 for college students, and has been updated with True Tone. The biggest improvements, however, are to the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple officially ditches the 12-inch MacBook Apple has dropped the 12-inch MacBook after introducing an improved MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. The previous MacBook Air without a Retina display, which was Apple’s most affordable notebook, has also been ditched.  

This week: A new report details why Jony Ive is departing Apple, and it paints a troubling picture. Plus, Leander tells us about the “fiddle factor,” the unique quality that made Jony Ive our time’s greatest designer. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney This week's stories Jony Ive’s absence from Apple caused iPhone X headaches A new report from the WSJ paints a bleak picture of Jony’s Ive’s departure, saying he’s been drifting away from the company for years, and it’s because they increasingly are not taking design seriously. Tim Cook slams alleged rift with Jony Ive as ‘absurd’ Why Apple will miss Jony Ive’s fabulous ‘fiddle factor’ The fiddle factor cuts to the heart of Jony Ive’s design genius. In a career spanning 30 years, no designer has been more successful at making computers friendly and approachable, largely by adding tactile elements to his designs. As a design student back in the 1980s, a teenage Jony Ive spent a semester with a design agency in London, the Roberts Weaver Group. One of his first projects was designing a new pen for Japan’s Zebra Co. Ltd., a pen-maker based in Tokyo.  

This week: we knew it was coming, but now it’s official, Jony Ive is leaving Apple. Plus: 16-inch MacBook Pro could arrive sooner than you think; Apple just poached one of the world’s premiere ARM CPU architects; and we’ll tell you about the huge Apple scam going around that you need to watch out for! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/wifi6. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories Jony Ive is leaving Apple Apple long-time design boss Jony Ive revealed today in an interview that he is leaving the company. After helping create some of the most iconic consumer products of all-time for Apple, Ive says he is going to strike out on his to create a new creative business called LoveFrom. “After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer. Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history,” Instead of naming a new head of design that reports to Cook, Apple’s two design leaders — Evans Hankey and Alan Dye — will report to COO Jeff Williams. 16-inch MacBook Pro could arrive sooner than you think A new 16-inch MacBook Pro is coming this fall, according to analysts at IHS Markit. They claim that Apple will unleash the new laptop at the company’s September media event, alongside the new iPhone. The new laptop will supposedly include a 3072 × 1920 resolution, up from the 2880 × 1800 display in Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro It will continue using an LCD display, rather than switching to OLED. Apple just poached one of the world’s premiere ARM CPU architects One of the top CPU architects in the world has joined Apple’s chip team. Mike Filippo, who created some of ARMs most impressive CPUs over the last few years, was hired last month by Apple, signifying the company could be gearing up to switch to ARM CPUs on the Mac. Filippo spent 5 years at Intel. 8 Years at AMD. Then 10 years at ARM as the lead architect creating the chips that have been competing with Apple’s. Apple warning customers that App Store gift cards can't pay income taxes Apple is now warning customers up front that iTunes gift cards, in fact, cannot be used to pay taxes as number of fraud calls ramp up.  

This week: new iPhone rumors point to some BIG changes… Plus: Leander gives his take on the new betas; two long-awaited features are finally coming to tvOS; and scientists say iPhone is making teenagers too... horny This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace This week's stories 2020 iPhone XS Max will get bigger display Ming Chi-Kuo sent a note to investors claiming Apple will put out three different iPhone models in 2020. The 2020 iPhone XR equivalent will be upgraded to a 6.1-inch OLED display but it won’t get 5G. The 2020 iPhone XS Max successor will be upgraded from a 6.5-inch display to a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen. The 2020 iPhone XS successor will have a 5.45-inch screen, a slight downgrade from the current 5.8-inch display currently in use. Like the larger model, it will also have 5G. iOS 13 uses iPhone to perfectly sync wireless audio on Apple TV Nothing ruins a good movie like sound that’s completely out of sync. But thanks to iOS 13 and tvOS 13, you will no longer have to suffer that when watching video on your Apple TV. When iOS 13 and tvOS 13 roll out to everyone this fall, you’ll be able to use your iPhone or iPad to fix unsynchronized audio on Apple TV. It works by using your iOS device to listen to tones played through your speakers. The feature calculates the time it takes for the audio to be heard after your Apple TV plays it, then adjusts your settings accordingly. Apple TV finally gains picture-in-picture support One of the best media features for iPad is finally coming to Apple TV. With the new tvOS 13 beta released this morning, Apple added picture-in-picture support to Apple TV, allowing users to watch a show while searching for the next thing to watch. Apple never mentioned the new picture-in-picture feature during the Apple TV segment of the WWDC 2019 keynote. Works just like it does on the iPad. You can minimize the picture to a corner of the screen then keep browsing content while it plays. Phone overuse makes millennials grow spikes on their skulls Doctors have noted a change in the shape of many millennials’ skulls: spikes are growing just above the neck, and researchers into the phenomenon blame it on too much cell phone use. However, this apparently isn’t some bizarre radiation-induced mutation, but is instead the skeleton adapting to the bent-over posture phone users typically adopt. The scientists were examining the growing prevalence on young adults skulls of enthesophytes — growths where tendons or ligaments attach. These typically become more common with age, but not a specific example at the base of the skull, a condition they call enlarged external occipital protuberance (EEOP). These are more likely to show up in 18- to 30-year-olds than in people decades older. By examining X-rays, the pair found 41 percent of patients aged 18 to 30 had these skull horns.  

Two friends discuss fatherhood, and meeting their kids for the first time

This week: the super useful iOS 13 features you haven’t heard about! Plus: we discuss the best new features in iPadOS. And we’ll tell you about our favorite new gadgets in an all-new Under Review. This episode supported by The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/wifi6. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   This week's stories iOS 13 now shows a map of where apps have been tracking you when requesting permission iOS 13 now presents a popup notification when an app is using your location in the background, and the notification shows a map of the location data a specific app has tracked. iOS 13 Apple Maps: Share your live route ETA with a friend In iOS 13, integrated right into Apple Maps, you can share your journey status with your contacts in a feature called Share ETA. NFC gets a lot more powerful in iOS 13 NFC — the technology that helps power Apple Pay as well other clever features for iOS apps like Launch Center Pro’s tappable stickers — is getting a big upgrade with the launch of iOS 13 iOS 13’s NFC triggers bring Shortcuts to the real world The iOS 13 Shortcuts app has been updated to support automatic scheduled and location-based shortcuts But it also includes NFC triggers. So if you have a compatible iPhone, you can combine NFC tags with Shortcuts. That is, you can run any shortcut just by tapping your iPhone onto an NFC sticker. Under Review! Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/2Rflbyb Rodecaster Pro podcast mixer https://www.rode.com/rodecasterpro Choetech Dual Wireless Fast Charger https://www.cultofmac.com/630664/choetech-dual-wireless-fast-charger-review/  

Two life-long playas talk about their favorite games, and which future titles they're most excited for.

This week: Our WWDC reactions! Apple keynotes don’t get more legendary than this one. Plus: the crazy cryptographic tech powering Apple’s new Find My app, and our favorite features of iOS 13, macOS Catalina, tvOS and watchOS. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   This week's stories How new Mac Pro borrows from Apple’s best designs Aside from looks, there are many similarities to the G5, plus a couple of ideas from other older Apple machines. Here are some of the clearest design influences on the new Mac Pro Apple prods devs to give ‘Sign in with Apple’ top billing Not only will Apple require all apps that use third-party login services like Facebook to also support Apple’s privacy-focused login service, but it is also asking that the button be placed above competitors’ options. THE CLEVER CRYPTOGRAPHY BEHIND APPLE'S 'FIND MY’ FEATURE How to use a PS4 or Xbox One controller with iOS 13 and iPadOS iOS 13, iPadOS, and tvOS 13 will allow you to play games with a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller. Everything Apple showed off at WWDC 2019 in under 8 minutes [Video]  

Is the power of a Hackintosh worth the hassle of building and maintaining one?  Big daddy Erf gets the answers with YouTube creator and Hacktintosh expert Peter Paul Chato.

Apple may be prepping the Mac Pro for its big reveal...don’t miss our WWDC 2019 hardware expectations. This week: Apple may be prepping the Mac Pro for its big reveal... don’t miss our WWDC 2019 hardware expectations! Plus: the pros and cons of the 2019 MacBook Pro... we discuss. And did you know all the best Get a Mac ads never actually aired? We’ll tell you the odd reason why... All that and SO MUCH MORE. This episode supported by It is hackable? From laptops and webcams to drones, virtual-reality headsets, and smart plugs, that's the question the Hackable podcast asks every single week, and no gadget is safe. Check out new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/wifi6. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   This week's stories Latest MacBook Pro blows away its predecessors The top-tier new MacBook Pro employs a Intel 9th-generation Core i9 processor, which just debuted. It’s clocked at 2.4GHz with Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz. This is Apple’s first 8-core laptop, and the promotional materials promises “40 percent more performance than a 6-core MacBook Pro.” Geekbench benchmark scores are now confirming that this macOS laptop is around 30 percent speedier depending the the tests look at. The multi-core score for this device is around 29180. Last year’s speediest 6-core version of the MacBook Pro topped out at 22620, indicating that its predecessor is 29 percent faster. The single-core score for the new model is around 5900, up from about 5350 in the 2018 version. That’s almost a 10% improvement. One YouTuber reported the new MacBook Pro is beating his base iMac Pro in some tests! 2019 MacBook Pro teardown reveals minimal keyboard changes Keyboard seems largely the same, though iFixit has confirmed Apple has changed some of the material used in the dome switch mechanism and keyboard condom. Steve Jobs didn’t want the ‘Get a Mac’ ads to be too funny Justin Long was recently on a episode of People Magazine’s TV show called Couch Surfing reciting why all the best Get a Mac ads never aired. Though 66 ads aired, apparently they filmed over 300! According to Long, it was Steve Jobs who kept the best ads off the air because they were just too funny. “One, in particular, I remember Zach Galifianakis played a drunken Santa Claus and I was dying to see this one,” Long said on the episode, which aired on Sunday. “Basically, Steve Jobs preferred when they weren’t super funny. It’s because he thought that would detract from the point of the commercial. He thought if people were too focused on humor, they would lose sight of the product.” But the commercials worked! Apple experienced a sales increase of 200,000 Macs after the first month of the campaign in May 2006. By July, Apple sold 1.3 million and at the end of the fiscal year, there was a 39 percent increase from the previous year’s Mac sales

This week: Apple releases the MacBook Pro we never thought possible, packed with Intel’s newest 8-core chip! But can a machine this slim handle the heat? Plus: WWDC 2019 is officially on! We talk our keynote predictions. And even more good news, Apple announces two new warranty repair programs to fix MacBook’s most troubling issues… for FREE. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/wifi6. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   This week's stories Apple’s wacky unicorn invites press to June 3 WWDC keynote Invitations to the keynote address for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference just went out. The design features a unicorn whose brain is exploding with ideas. You can catch Episode #387 for our rundown of all features expected to be announced for iOS 13, macOS 10.5, watchOS, all the OSs iOS 13 But Apple is expected to unveil a whole bunch of new and upgraded apps for iOS, a Dark Mode, possibly a new swipe keyboard. They’re adding new features to the Health, Books, Maps, and Messages Apple is also planning to let the HomePod respond to different users’ voices, creating a multiuser mode. iPad is getting some loving', including an updated home screen, updates to multi-tasking, and the ability to use two instances of the same apps. watchOS New apps for the Apple watch that will make it more independent from the iPhone, health tracking enhancements, and an Apple Watch store so you can download apps on the go. Marzipan is set to be unveiled for the Mac, meaning developers can bring their iPad apps to the Mac. This should be interesting. Apple will be bringing the Podcast app to the Mac, along with Find my Friends, Find my iPhone, and Screen Time. New voice memos app so you can record notes from your wrist. New watch faces (from Bloomberg: A “Gradient” face that makes a gradient look out of a color the user chooses, at least two new “X-Large” faces that show jumbo numbers in different fonts and colors, a “California” dial that looks like a classic watch face and mixes Roman numerals with Arabic numerals, a redesigned “Solar Analog” watch face that looks like a sundial, and a new “Infograph Subdial” one that includes larger complication views like a stock market chart or the weather. Apple is also adding more complications Hardware There’s a chance we could see new hardware, like the new Mac Pro, or Bloomberg says there’s a possibility we’ll see a new Apple Display featuring HDR. Apple unleashes its fastest ever MacBook Pro Apple just brought Intel’s latest eighth- and ninth-generation chips to the MacBook Pro, making it the company’s fastest ever laptop. The newest 8-core models deliver up to twice the performance of a quad-core MacBook Pro, and up to 40% more than a 6-core model. They also promise powerful graphics, a T2 Security Chip, super-fast SSDs, and “all-day” battery life. Apple also addressed problems with the Butterly keyboard, noting that these new models use different materials in the keyboards which will supposedly reduce the well-publicized issues with keys sticking. According to Apple: You’ll get to enjoy up to twice as many Alchemy plugins in Logic Pro X. You’ll render 3D scenes up to twice as fast in Maya Arnold. You’ll get to apply complex edits and filters up to 75% faster in Photoshop. And you’ll compile code up to 65% faster in Xcode. What’s more, video editors now have the ability to edit up to 11 simultaneous multicam steams of 4K video in Final Cut Pro X. And you don’t just get new chips. All MacBooks with butterfly keyboards are now eligible for free repairs Apple updated its Keyboard Service Program today to also include support for the 2018 MacBook Pro and 2018 MacBook Air. The news comes on the heels of Apple’s unveiling of new MacBook Pros this morning with 8-core processors and butterfly keyboards with new materials. With the updated program, any MacBook with a butterfly keyboard is now eligible for service free of charge. Theory: It seems like Apple has no plans to ditch the butterfly keyboards… Apple Launches New Backlight Service Program for 2016 13-Inch MacBook Pro Display to Address 'Flexgate’ Issues Alongside the launch of new MacBook Pro models, Apple today introduced a new Backlight Service Program for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Strangely, this is the only model Apple will fix even though there have been reports of the 15” also having the stagelight issue  

This week: new leaks give us our best look yet at iPhone XI and XIR. Plus: new US tariffs could skyrocket the prices of your next iPhone and iPad. And a new US Supreme Court ruling could break Apple’s iron control of the app store, making even alternate app stores a real possibility. This episode supported by Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in WiFi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/wifi6. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   This week's stories New 2019 iPhone leak hints at extra camera lenses (again) Mark Gurman has posted molds of the iPhone XI, XI Max, and XR2, and not everyone is happy with how they look. Apple's Tariff Tradeoff: Raise Phone Prices or Suffer Margin Hit A new round of tariffs proposed by the U.S. on Monday includes mobile phones, meaning the iPhone. If these tariffs take effect, iPhone could be hit with a with a 25% import levy. Supreme Court sides against Apple in big antitrust case A lawsuit targeting Apple and the App Store will be allowed to proceed, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided. The case involves whether or customers technically buy apps from Apple, or whether Apple is a middleman connecting app developers with consumers. The Supreme Court ruled against Apple on Monday by 5 votes to 4. The Apple Inc. v. Robert Pepper case dates back to 2011. The broad argument is that Apple has artificially driven up the price of apps by virtue of its monopolistic control over the App Store. By passing the cost of Apple’s 30% cut onto consumers, iPhone users argue that it is an unfair use of monopoly power. Apple, meanwhile, argued that only app developers — and not users — should be able to bring this lawsuit against Apple.  

This week: WWDC 2019 is right around the corner, and a new report sheds light on everything Apple's prepping to reveal. We discuss! Plus: the magic of Corning glass, and how making your iPhone just slightly thicker would make it indestructible. And we reveal how and why Jony Ive and team created the massive mystery rainbow structure now present at the heart of Apple Park. This episode supported by Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace   This week's stories Order Leander's new book, signed! Apple to Reveal New Home-Grown Apps, Software Features at WWDC Apple Inc. is planning to unleash a slew of new apps, features and development tools at its annual software conference next month. How (and why) Jony Ive built the mysterious rainbow Apple Stage It’s the latest creation by Jony Ive’s team — and it’s just as thoughtfully and intricately designed as you might imagine. Apple Park: The Inner Spaceship Stage - May 2019  

This week: will it be a car, glasses, or a full frame camera? iPhones aren’t selling like they used to, and Apple’s looking for their next huge hit! We discuss... Plus: even with iPhone sales way down, Apple managed to have another MASSIVE quarter, and you won’t believe how they pulled it off. And stay tuned for our favorite shows and games in an all-new What We’re Into 🔥 This episode supported by Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace   This week's stories Order Leander's new book, signed! Apple’s wearables is now the size of a Fortune 200 company Sales of the Apple Watch grew 50% compared to the same quarter last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Apple’s Q2 2019 quarterly analyst call on Tuesday. If Apple’s wearables business — which includes the Apple Watch and the popular AirPod earbuds — were a stand-alone company, it would be in the Fortune 200, Cook said. Apple’s wearables business also includes its home and accessories category. Together, sales in the March quarter hit a record $5.1 billion in revenue, up from $3.94 billion in the year-ago quarter. Wearables now almost as big as the Mac business (5.5B last quarter). Services business is now more than twice as big as the Mac business! Apple Shipped an Estimated 36.4 Million iPhones Worldwide in Q1 2019, a 30% Year-Over-Year Decline Apple shipped an estimated 36.4 million iPhones worldwide during the first calendar quarter of 2019, which corresponds to Apple's second fiscal quarter, according to new estimates shared today by IDC. Apple's worldwide smartphone shipments were down 30.2 percent from 52.2 million iPhones shipped in the first quarter of 2018. The decline in sales led to Apple losing the number two worldwide smartphone vendor spot to Huawei. In Q1 2019, Huawei shipped an estimated 59.1 million smartphones. Our Under Review picks! The Man in the High Castle Borderlands 3 official gameplay trailer  

This week: some major changes are in store for Apple’s legendary industrial design team… we discuss. Plus: Apple commits to fixing all MacBook keyboard issues in just ONE day. This is huge. And it looks like not one but TWO new versions of the AirPods are in development, with one being released this year. We’ll fill you in. And the new Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones are almost here, and they look like the higher quality AirPods we’ve always wanted. This episode supported by Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   This week's stories Order Leander's new book, signed! Apple sets 24-hour turnaround time for MacBook keyboard repairs Apple has ordered that sticky MacBook keys be repaired fast enough that, whenever possible, the owner can get their computer back the next day. An internal Apple memo said this: “Most keyboard-related repairs will be required to be completed in store until further notice. Additional service parts have been shipped to stores to support the increased volume. These repairs should be prioritized to provide next-day turnaround time.” Keyboard issues were previously being sent out for repairs, which could take a full week. Apple is now prioritizing repairs and they will be done in store whenever possible. The goal is to get your laptop back to you in 24 hours. My source says they see rarely see issues with the 3rd get butterfly keyboard He works at one of the busiest stores on the the west coast. They see 2017 and 2016 MBP keyboard issues all the time... When they do see issues, it’s usually with someone who does a lot of typing For 2016 2017 models, he said most issues are from debris under the keys. They use a special tool to remove the key, blow it out with canned air, and wipe it out with alcohol, then it’s “good as new” Renowned Apple analyst thinks 2 new AirPod models are on the way Ming-Chi Kuo says Cupertino plans to release two new models of AirPods, either at the end of this year or the start of 2020. The two models Kuo mentions will include a more expensive and a cheaper option. This would make the AirPods product lineup similar to how Apple has been dividing the iPhone since 2013’s iPhone 5c and 5s. Kuo says the pricier AirPods option will include a redesigned form factor. The cheaper models, meanwhile, will retain the same design and pricing as the current model. Third-gen AirPods may be on the way before end of 2019 We may only just be getting used to our second-gen AirPods, but Apple is reportedly gearing up to release its third generation AirPods. According to a new Digitimes report, the AirPods 3 headphones will go on sale by the end of 2019. The main selling point of the new AirPods will be their smart noise-cancelling tech. AirPods are reportedly Apple’s second-best-selling new product of all time. Powerbeats Pro will only be available in black at launch Apple revealed the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds earlier this month with black, ivory, moss and navy color options. The ivory ones look especially sleek, but it appears that only the black ones will be available at launch. Black launch mid May, others available this summer. The new Powerbeats Pro are the first truly wireless earbuds to come out of the Beats by Dre labratory. They’re pretty much the same as the new AirPods, only they have better sweat and water resistance. Longer battery life is one of the other standout features and they have the same H1 wireless chip you’ll find in the updated AirPods that came out last month. Samsung delays Galaxy Fold launch Samsung is hitting the brakes on the launch of its folding smartphone, the Galaxy Fold and have recalled all the review units. Galaxy Fold units were supposed to start shipping to customers on April 26th with units costing $1980 a piece. Samsung is now saying they’ll be reinforcing the screen, and announcing another new release date "in the coming weeks." If you don’t know the screens were having all sorts of issues. Rewiewers were unknowably removing the plastic screen protector which was causing failures. One reviewer found that something got behind the bend of the display and caused a bulge. There’s was a weirdly visible crease in on the screen where it folds. The Verge highlighted that.

This week: is the CultCast crew too critical of Apple? Some say yes. We discuss! Plus, we talk about the pros and cons of Apple’s reported modular Mac Pro. And we’ll look at why Samsung’s new folding phone is already breaking! And this fatal flaw might mean its demise... This episode supported by Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace   This week's stories Order Leander's new book, signed! Modular Mac Pro - Apple’s next flop? Samsung Galaxy Fold vs Flagship Smartphones Samsung’s folding smartphones break on Day 1 Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold smartphone has a serious problem with its folding display. Multiple early reviewers are reporting that the display has broken after just one or two days of use. It appears that the hinge on some units is defective, causing the screen to be unusable. The Verge, Bloomberg, and other high profile reviewers have had the screens on their units break  

This week: Apple’s readying a totally redesigned MacBook Pro with next gen display! We discuss. Plus: Apple’s working on the next generation of Magsafe! And we take a fascinating look at the unbelievable scale and size of Apple’s megafactories from a bonus chapter of Leander’s new book, Tim Cook: The genius who took Apple to the next level. This episode supported by Techmeme Ride Home is silicon valley's water cooler podcast. Stay up to date on the latest tech news with new episodes each day--search for Ride Home podcast in your podcast app of choice and give it a listen! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   This week's stories Pre-Order Leander's new book, signed! 9 months with stereo HomePods! The good, bad, & the UGLY! Apple cuts price of HomePod in U.S. and other countries Apple permanently slashed the price of HomePod in the United States and a number of other countries. The company’s first smart speaker now lists for $299 — a full $50 less than its original price. Some might assume the HomePod discount is a result of lackluster sales. But Apple says it is simply passing on savings achieved by manufacturing at scale, according to AppleInsider. (It’s a shame the company doesn’t do that with all its products.) Biggest MacBook in years could debut in 2021 Ming Chi Kuo says Apple is working on a MacBook Pro that’s bigger than any released in years. The downside is this model won’t be out until 2021. This device, as well as a new iPad and an external display, will all supposedly use a new type of display: microLED.microLED is the next generation of screen technology. It’s brings the strength the strengths of OLED, perfect black levels, incredible color saturation and accuracy, without the negatives, E.G. degrading performance and brightness over time, and burn in. Multiple companies are currently working to figure out how to manufacture the technology, but it’s hard, because the LEDS have to be perfectly placed or the screen brightness looks wonky. The MacBook that will be between 15 and 17 inched. but he’s now saying this will be out in the first half of 2021. This is the same machine Kuo implied would be a major redesign... Apple’s beloved MagSafe connector could make a comeback Apple is exploring charging cables that attach to its devices with magnets. Apple just received a patent for “Smart Charging Systems for Portable Electronic Devices.” This describes using magnets in cables to prevent damage if they get yanked on. Apple envisions the system taking an active part in disconnecting itself if an accident occurs. “The connector can be disconnected from the portable electronic device by the charging component before the jolting event occurs.” MagSafe was only for MacBooks, but the new version might have a much wider reach. The patent says this magnetized charging system could be used with “a smart phone, wearable device, smart watch, tablet, personal computer, and the like.” That said, this is only a patent application, not a product announcement. It’s possible this research might not ever become a product. Inside Apple’s factories [Cook book outtakes] Apple’s capital expenditure, or CapEx, is mindboggling. To get an idea of how big it is, take Apple’s new spaceship campus in Cupertino – which is the fourth most expensive building in the world. It cost the company an estimated $5 billion to construct. Apple spends a similar amount every six months on manufacturing equipment  

This week: AirPower—the real problem no one else is talking about… Plus: 2019 iPhone rumors point to some wildly useful new features; more evidence the 2018 MacBook, Air and Pro keyboards are STILL having issues. And we wrap up with a review of Leander’s favorite wireless charging mat, Lewis’ take on the new AirPods 2, and Erfon’s got a favorite new podcasting gadget on an all-new Under Review This episode supported by Techmeme Ride Home is silicon valley's water cooler podcast. Stay up to date on the latest tech news with new episodes each day--search for Ride Home podcast in your podcast app of choice and give it a listen! Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Pre-Order Leander's new book, signed! What went wrong with Apple’s doomed AirPower charging mat? AirPower is officially dead. It’s the first time in Apple’s history that they canceled an announced, but unreleased product. It’s been about 1.5 years since Apple titillated fans by revealing a wireless charging mat that supposedly would charge not one, not two, but three Apple devices at the same time. Overheating problems reportedly posed the biggest hurdle for bringing AirPower to market. We heard rumors and rumblings for more than a year that Apple faced serious technical hurdles as it tried to make AirPower a reality. Most wireless charging mats have only one power-generating coil. Some specialized chargers offer two coils, placed far apart. Apple tried to put three or more charging coils into one pad so you could place your device anywhere and it would start charging. One of John Gruber’s sources said the design would never work; it violated the laws of physics. But here’s the real AirPower problem no one’s talking about… Two-way charging and bigger batteries rumored for 2019 iPhones According to a new report from Mind Chi Kuo, Apple is reportedly planning to add two-way charging that will allow it to recharge your Apple Watch, AirPods and even other iPhones. Now if this feature sounds familiar, it may be because Samsung included on the Galaxy S10+... Kuo also claims battery capacity will increase between 10 percent and 25 percent on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max successors. The iPhone XS successor will get the biggest gains, while the iPhone XR successor is expected to get minimal battery gains Other rumored features for the 2019 iPhone lineup includes a three-lens camera on the back, improved Face ID sensors, a more powerful A13 processor and possibly support for Apple Pencil The MacBook keyboard fiasco is way worse than Apple thinks David Heinemeier Hansson. Founder of Basecamp. Creator of Ruby on Rails. Apple keep insisting that only a “small number of customers have problems” with the MacBook keyboards. That’s bollocks. This is a huge issue, it’s getting worse not better, and Apple is missing the forest for the trees. So here’s some anecdata for Apple. I sampled the people at Basecamp. Out of the 47 people using MacBooks at the company, a staggering 30% are dealing with keyboard issues right now!! And that’s just the people dealing with current keyboard issues. If you include all the people who used to have issues, but went through a repair or replacement process, the number would be even higher. Worth noting here is that the 3rd generation membrane keyboard did nothing to fix the issues. Six out of thirteen – nearly half!! – of the 2018+ MacBooks we have at the company have a failed keyboard. He did a Twitter poll that currently has over 7300 responses. 37% have no keyboard issues. 11% had issues that were fixed by Apple 52% have issues now that they’re just living with. He’s calling for Apple to do a Total Recall….  

This week:  News+,  TV+,  Arcade,  Card, we react to it ALL. Plus we'll fill in all the details on Apple’s new services. And just when you thought it was safe to type, Apple apologizes for MORE ongoing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro keyboard issues. This episode supported by Whether you are looking for investors, a co-founder, a new job opportunity, or just inspiring conversations, Shapr can connect you to professionals who truly want to share tips and help. Learn more and download the app at Shapr.co. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Pre-Order Leander's new book, signed! Erfon has a moment of eros reviewing Logitech's most premium keyboard Apple apologizes for continuing problems with MacBook keyboard MacBooks made after 2015 have had keyboard issues. Apple tweaked the design of this critical component last year, and there was great optimism that the problem had been fixed in the latest macOS computers. Nope. After months of use, owners of the 2018 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air are reporting keys that stick, either so they become unresponsive or repeat letters. This was highlighted today by Joanna Stern in a Wall Street Journal editorial written on a MacBook Pro with the E and R keys failing. “To sha th pain of using an Appl laptop kyboad that’s faild aft fou months, I could only think of on ida: tak all th bokn ltts out of my column,” wrote Stern. The WSJ article has toggles to make the missing letters reappear. Apple responded to Stern’s article by saying “We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry. The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard.” But they still have not offered the same extended keyboard warranty they have given to 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro owners... These are the ‘low rates’ currently available for Apple Card With Apple TV+, Tim Cook peddles an antidote to toxic TV [Opinion] At a time when critically acclaimed TV shows serve up a steady stream of sex and violence, the upcoming Apple TV+ service proffers an unusual prescription for success: optimism, inclusion, creativity and inspiration. These are all the games coming to Apple Arcade Apple showed off a smattering of games for its upcoming Apple Arcade subscription service at yesterday’s event. But, presumably because reeling off a list of 100 titles would’ve slowed the event to a crawl, it didn’t reveal exactly which games would be available.  

This week: Apple just released so much new hardware, they had to do it over 3 full days. We break it all down, and react to all the new gear. Plus, the saga of MoviePass continues with yet another new wild announcement… but is their new unlimited plan too good to be true? This episode supported by Whether you are looking for investors, a co-founder, a new job opportunity, or just inspiring conversations, Shapr can connect you to professionals who truly want to share tips and help. Learn more and download the app at Shapr.co. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Pre-Order Leander's new book! https://amzn.to/2XXTWLO Why this week’s Apple PR blitz is brilliant [Opinion] Apple is reaching Hannukah levels of gifting this week with significant new hardware releases on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.   MONDAY On Monday Apple released a new iPad Air 3 and iPad Mini 5 iPad Air 3 The new iPad Air has a 10.5-inch Retain display, A12 Bionic chip, and first-generation Apple Pencil support. Performance-wise, it’s just as fast as the iPhone XS. This iPad replaces the older 10.5-inch iPad Pro that Apple’s been selling for $650 up until now $500 for the 64GB model iPad Mini 5 iPad mini now delivers three times the performance and nine times faster graphics. Improved Retina display with True Tone, wide color support, is 25 percent brighter than before. A12 Bionic processor first-generation Apple Pencil support Headphone jack! the same $399 price tag as the previous model.   TUESDAY On Tuesday Apple gave some much needed spec bumps to the iMac, added better RAM and GPU options to the iMac Pro, and even dropped the prices on some of their high-end MacBook Pros! iMac iMac lineup has been updated with Intel's latest 8th-gen and 9th-gen Core processors, including a six-core 8th-gen Core i7 with Turbo Boost, and a monster eight-core 9th-gen Core i9 with Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz (for the 27-inch 5K iMac). Apple says the new i7 brings a 60% performance increase for the 21.5-inch iMac, and up to a 240% for the for new i9 iMac. Radeon Pro Vega graphics options are now available across the new iMac lineup, including Vega 20 for 21.5-inch models and Vega 48 for 27-inch models. Apple advertises up to 80 percent faster graphics performance compared to the previous iMac lineup. New RAM and storage options are also available. Base iMac STILL include a 5400RPM mechanical hard drive… Mac Pro now available with Vega 64X graphics and 256GB RAM Those with a need for speed can now equip the iMac Pro with an AMD Radeon Pro Vega 64X graphics card and up to 256GB of RAM for the first time. But be prepared to break the bank Apple drops prices on some high-end MacBook Pros There’s good news for MacBook Pro buyers looking for a lot of storage: Apple has lowered the costs of its most-expensive SSD options. When upgrading your SSD, you can save $200 for the 2TB option, and $400 for the 4TB option. The bad news is that Apple didn’t change prices on any MacBook Pro SSDs that are 1TB or smaller. Putting a 1TB drive in a high-end 15-inch MacBook is still an extra $400 over the cost of a 512GB one, for example. The total package, with 256GB of RAM and everything else as standard, is $10,199. If you add every possible upgrade to the iMac Pro, not including software or a VESA Mount Adapter, it costs $15,699.   WEDNESDAY New AirPods deliver hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ and better battery life Apple’s newest wireless buds are here with a brand new H1 chip that allows for hands-free “Hey Siri.” They also promise better battery life in between charges, and even faster connectivity. An optional Wireless Charging Case is also available, but it’s not cheap. AirPods 2 have the same $159 price tag, or $200 with the wireless charging case. The wireless case a la cart is $79.   With New Unlimited Plan, MoviePass Swears It's Got Its Shit Together Thanks to MacDonald Ted for this glorious story. On Monday, MoviePass announced the new plan, which it is calling “Uncapped.” Under the Uncapped plan, subscribers can watch one 2D film a day, for $19.95 per month. A “limited time” offer gets you that same deal for just $9.95 per month with a one-year commitment. But can we trust MoviePass? Of course they’re playing games in their terms of service. A line in their user agreement gives MoviePass the right to throttle a user’s filmgoing options in the event that an individual’s use of the service has an adverse impact on “MoviePass’s system-wide capacity or the availability of the Service for other subscribers.”  

This week: Apple’s Showtime event is just around the corner, and this is the first event ever that focuses purely on services. Is Apple’s streaming TV service going to suck? We’ll tell you what we expect! Plus: Leander unveils the details on his new Tim Cook book, out April 16th!   This episode supported by Whether you are looking for investors, a co-founder, a new job opportunity, or just inspiring conversations, Shapr can connect you to professionals who truly want to share tips and help. Learn more and download the app at Shapr.co. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Apple reveals WWDC 2019 set for June 3 – 7 This morning, Apple revealed that it will host WWDC 2019 in San Jose, California, from June 3 to 7. Registered developers can apply for tickets now through March 20 at 5 p.m. Pacific on the WWDC website. Tickets cost $1,599 per person and are issued through a random selection process. iOS 13, macOS 10.15, watchOS 6 and tvOS 13 are all expected to be previewed during the WWDC 2019 keynote   It’s show time! Apple confirms March 25 event at Steve Jobs Theater Apple will hold its next special event on Monday, March 25, in the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.   What to expect from Apple’s ‘show time’ event on March 25 The first Apple event of 2019 is nearly here. Tim Cook and friends are set to take the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater on March 25 to unveil the company’s newest goodies, only instead of unveiling some shiny new gadgets you can buy, Apple is supposedly going to bust out some services you can subscribe to. Apple’s “It’s show time” event is expected to be the first one ever where services and software play the starring roles. TV streaming service Instead of trying to be just like Netflix, Apple’s new TV service is expected to pull in content from other sources like Hulu, Showtime and HBO. As for Apple’s own TV shows, don’t expect them to be available at launch. The company allegedly will show a few previews at the event, giving us our first glimpse of the TV series it’s been working on. Some of the shows likely will come out later in the year, but Apple has so many projects in the works that most won’t come out until later. Apple News service Details about what, exactly, the new news service will look like remai murky. Rumors indicate it will cost about $9.99 per month, giving readers access to unlimited articles from sites that usually put their content behind a paywall. The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and other publishers have all been approached to join the service. Some of those companies reportedly chafed at Apple’s proposed 50/50 revenue split Magazine Service Apple bought texture last year, a service that let users browse hundreds of magazine in digital format for $10 a month. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith has uncovered evidence of the new magazine service built in to the Apple News app. So we know that’s coming too.   Apple rushes to add HBO and Showtime to streaming service According to Bloombooger, Apple is hammering out the final details of agreements to add movies and TV shows from HBO, Showtime, Starz and others The negotiations allegedly would result in these shows appearing side-by-side with Apple’s own content, with the Showtime etc. getting a share of watchers’ subscription fees. Apparently 3rd party content is badly needed for the streaming app as Apple’s content is still in development and won’t be ready till the end of the year.   Apple News magazine service details revealed by latest macOS beta After digging into the latest macOS 10.14.4 beta, developer Steve Troughton-Smith found some new references that confirm the magazine subscription service is on the way. Even better, Apple’s code provides some new details about it that we didn’t know. Leander’s gotta talk about The Tim Cook Boo   Pre-Order Leander's new book! https://amzn.to/2XXTWLO  

This week: Samsung has been sending Apple foldable screens… is a folding iPhone on the horizon? Plus: Apple may have quietly fixed MacBook Pro’s ‘stage light’ flaw; Apple prepping products that will “blow you away”; and Tim Cook receives a brand new nick name from none other than Donald J. Trump, and his reaction is legendary. This episode supported by Whether you are looking for investors, a co-founder, a new job opportunity, or just inspiring conversations, Shapr can connect you to professionals who truly want to share tips and help. Learn more and download the app at Shapr.co. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. Listen to Season 2 of Breach, The Equifax Story: This Time It’s Personal... Subscribe to Breach in your podcast app! CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Samsung sends foldable screen samples to Apple Samsung was one of the first out of the gate with a folding smartphone. Now it is trying to entice its competitors, including Apple, to join the foldable future. Samsung, which debuted the Galaxy Fold at its “Unpacked” event on Feb. 20, has reportedly sent some foldable display panel samples to Cupertino in hopes of attracting Apple as a client. Plastic screens the the ones Samsung is producing won’t the only option forever. Corning is working on flexible glass panels that could be used in future phones. There are currently two folding phones on the market, and the prices of both are reeediculous The Galaxy Fold is currently the cheapest at $1,980. Huawei’s Mate X $2,600 Apple may have quietly fixed MacBook Pro’s ‘stage light’ flaw Apple’s latest MacBook Pro lineup may be immune to the “stage light” flaw that iFixit claims all MacBook Pros made after 2016 are susceptible. The “stage light” flaw, which others have dubbed “Flexgate,” is caused by the MacBook Pro’s delicate display cables wearing out over time. The cables wrap around the machine’s logic board and bend every time the lid is opened and closed. When the cable starts to have issues, it creates a weird stage light effect on your MacBook’s screen, and the repair is $600 dollars. Well it seems like the problem may have been quietly addressed in 2018 MBPs. On 2018 models, iFixit is reporting that Apple has increased the length of the display cable so it doesn’t come into contact with the logic board. HOPEFULLY, this resolves the issue. But we’ll know in the next 9 months as it seems the display cables start having issues right at the year mark. Right when your warranty expires. Apple ‘rolling the dice’ on its upcoming products Apple CEO Tim Cook is very upbeat about where his company is going. He told investors today that upcoming products will “blow you away.” Cook also indicated that these aren’t going to be just more of the same. Apple is branching out. Cook said he’d “never been more optimistic” about Apple’s future. Ol’ TC also says they’ve made lowering the cost of the latest MacBook Air a goal. Apple publishes its 13th annual Supplier Responsibility Progress Report The report shows encouraging progress in making supply chain better for workers and the environment. Apple has almost completely eradicated child labor bonded labor. Only one incidence of child labor was found. A 15-year old faked some ID to get a job. And there were only two cases of bonded labor affecting 287 employees. Bonded labor is where workers pay factories or recruiters to secure a job. Just six years ago Apple found tens of thousands of cases of bonded labor. Apple really stated to crack down on bonded and child labor in 2013, when it axed a supplier for 74 underage labor violations. That year, Apple found about 170 cases of child labor at 11 facilities. Bonded labor was also a big problem: that year Apple made suppliers pay back more than $6.4 million to affected workers — which is equivalent to about 22,000 entry-level Foxconn employees. The majority labor violations were related to working hours and paying of wages and benefits. But overtime is a tricky situation, because a lot of workers report that they want to work maximum overtime. Improving labor practices has been a priority for Cook, and he seems to be delivering. Apple has got a lot of criticism for its offshore supply chain, which was rife with abuse, but this latest report shows that Apple is really making progress in reform — although, of course, this is all self-reported, so we have to take Apple's word for it. Plus, really big reforms like unionizing workers seem a long way away. On the environmental front, Apple’s making big progress too. It announced that all of its final assembly plants for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod are now certified Zero Waste to Landfill, which is pretty cool. Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by more than 466,000 annualized metric tons — the equivalent of taking 100,000 cars off the road for one year. 30 suppliers have made commitments to 100 percent renewable energy for Apple production — up from a handful earlier last year. This is a big deal. Apple’s already 100 percent green energy worldwide, but the supply chain, which accounts for 3/4 of its cartoon footprint is lagging. Apple’s committees to helping the supply chain also move to 100 percent green energy, and getting 30 more suppliers onboard is another big step. The president just called the CEO of Apple ‘Tim Apple’ At an American Workforce Policy Advisory Board meeting today, the President Donald Trump pretty unmistakably called Tim Cook “Tim Apple.” "We’re going to be opening up the labor forces because we have to. We have so many companies coming in,” Trump says. “People like Tim — you’re expanding all over and doing things that I really wanted you to do right from the beginning. I used to say, ‘Tim, you gotta start doing it here,’ and you really have you’ve really put a big investment in our country. We really appreciate it very much, Tim Apple."  

This week: Apple axes another 190 employees from their self-driving car division—is the Apple car dead? Plus: sleep tracking is coming to the Apple Watch; Apple is “rethinking” their high prices; and we wrap with the story of Apple's first legendary CEO, and you won’t believe who it was... This episode supported by Burrow sofas are designed for comfort, with supportive proprietary foam and a built-in USB charger so you never have to get up. Plus they're hand-crafted in North Carolina, and surprisingly affordable. Get $75 on your next sofa at burrow.com/cultcast. Whether you are looking for investors, a co-founder, a new job opportunity, or just inspiring conversations, Shapr can connect you to professionals who truly want to share tips and help. Learn more and download the app at Shapr.co. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney 16-inch MacBook Pro - 8 things Apple BETTER get right! Apple axes 190 employees from self-driving car division Apple’s self-driving car project may be nearing the end of the road. Project Titan was reportedly greenlit toward the end of 2014. Apple hired hundreds of engineers setting out to design and build its own self-driving car. Numerous roadblocks hit the struggling project and the company reportedly changed the focus toward just making the underlying autonomous driving technology instead of a complete car. After rumors surfaced last month that the company slashed its workforce for Project Titan, Apple confirmed today that 190 employees in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have been released from the self-driving car project. Details of Apple’s self-driving car project were just posted by the company last week. Apple’s cars needed a driver to take over about once every 1.1 miles. By comparison, Google’s Waymo division only had a disengagement every 11,017 miles. It’s unclear what the future holds for Apple’s automotive ambitions from here. Tim Cook has said self-driving cars is the mother of all AI problems. With iPhone sales dropping though, the company appears to be tightening its focus by jettisoning projects that aren’t as promising. Apple developing its own sleep-tracking tech for Apple Watch Apple Watch could soon add sleep-tracking tech that makes it an even more capable health monitor. Apple has been testing the new sleep-tracking technology at secret sites around Cupertino, a new report claims. And if it lives up to its promise, it could ship as part of the Apple Watch by 2020. The Health app for iOS has included sleep-tracking since 2014. However, it simply pulls in information from the Clock app’s alarm function, although third-party devices and apps can bolster the data. Apple acquired Finnish company Beddit, which makes a sleep-tracking sensor strip, in May 2017. At the end of last year, a new Beddit sleep monitor launched. This was the first version since Apple acquired the company. Apple ‘very aware’ of concerns over iPhone’s high prices “It’s something we’re very aware of,” Williams said during a question and answer session at Elon University on February 22. “We do not want to be an elitist company … We want to be an egalitarian company, and we’ve got a lot of work going on in developing markets.” Apple COO Jeff Williams says the company is “very aware” of concerns over the rising cost of the iPhone and Mac computers. Apple CEO Tim Cook has already admitted that the company will “rethink” its prices, particularly those for the iPhone Williams goes on to say: “The stories that come out about the cost of our products [have been] the bane of my existence from the beginning of time, including our early days,” he said. “Analysts don’t really understand the cost of what we do and how much care we put into making our products.” Williams described how Apple has built its very own physiology lab, with 40 licensed nurses, and enlisted over 10,000 study participants to develop some of Apple Watch’s most important features. Today in Apple history: Massive layoffs clear out Apple’s ‘bozo explosion’ February 25, 1981: Apple CEO Michael Scott oversees a mass firing of employees, then holds a massive party. At the time, Apple was growing incredibly quickly. With almost 2,000 people on the payroll, Scott thought the company had simply grown too big, too fast. The expansion led to what he called a “bozo explosion,” with Apple employing people he did not consider A-players. The event went on to be know as Black Wedneday. Former Apple programmer Andy Hertzfeld remembers it as bizarre event: “Black Wednesday was one of a number of shakeups which took place at Apple when things were going great. Sales were doubling almost every month, so that was a little unusual I would say.” “I used to say that when being CEO at Apple wasn’t fun anymore, I’d quit,” he tells a crowd of Apple staffers. “But now I’ve changed my mind — when being CEO isn’t fun anymore, I’ll just fire people until it is fun again.” For many people at Apple, the day is the worst in company history — and an early sign that the fun startup culture of the early days are gone forever.  

This week: a totally new 16” MacBook Pro; a new 6K cinema display; new Mac Pro; new AirPods; new iPads and iPhones; even a new iPod Touch… according to a new report, Apple’s about to make huge updates to their ENTIRE product line.   This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. Help us out, take the CultCast listener survey!   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Here’s what Apple’s (apparently) got in store for 2019 Ming-Chi Kuo’s new research report runs down some of his hardware expectations for the coming year, and my nips have been at 105% of capacity since reading it. We’re talking redesigned MacBook Pro, iPads, a new Apple cinema display, AirPods, even a new iPOD... this could be a year to remember. Kuo predicts 2019 will see the release of Apple’s biggest MacBook since 2012. The new MacBook Pro will boast a screen between 16 inches and 16.5 inches in size. This would be the largest MacBook notebook screen since the end of the 17-inch models seven years ago. It will be a total redesign! Kuo says the 13” will possibly get an option for 32GB of RAM. Dave Lee theory - the new design will have to address thermal issues. Current MBP design is too thin for modern chips. It can’t keep them cool, like with the current i9 throttling. Now intel has a new 9th-gen 8 core chip, and there’s no way the current design could handle it. Apple Said to Release 31.6-Inch 6K Display With Mini LED-Like Backlight Design in 2019 Apple will release a 31.6-inch 6K display with a Mini LED-like backlight design in 2019, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple left the display market back in 2016 with the discontinuation of the outdated Thunderbolt Display. Apple did, however, say they were working on a new screen alongside the new Mac Pro AirPower and New AirPods Said to Ship in First Half of 2019, New iPod Touch With Faster Processor Also Expected Apple's long-awaited AirPower wireless charging mat and a new version of AirPods with wireless charging support and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity will start shipping in the first half of 2019, Kuo also expects a new iPod touch with a faster processor to launch in 2019. Two New iPad Pro Models, 10.2-Inch iPad, and iPad Mini 5 Said to Launch in 2019 According to Kuo, Apple plans to release two new iPad Pro models, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a refreshed iPad mini, each equipped with an upgraded processor, later this year. The 9.7-inch iPad is getting upgraded to 10.2 inches. No news on if it’s going full screen with FaceID. Don’t expect a major redesign for this year’s iPad mini 5 The iPad mini hasn’t gotten a sequel since 2015. However, if you’re expecting this year’s rumored refresh to be a massive leap forward, you might want to think again. At least, that’s based on an alleged CAD render shared by noted leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, a.k.a. @OnLeaks. While he hasn’t shared the image, he suggests that there are no external major design changes — and only a spec bump update. Apple may finally give fans a first look at its revamped Mac Pro at WWDC 2019 Apple may finally give fans a first look at its revamped Mac Pro at WWDC 2019. Bloomberg is reporting that Apple has “internally weighed” the possibility of previewing the new Mac Pro alongside updates to macOS and iOS at this year’s WWDC, which is expected to take place between June 3 and June 7 in San Jose. Apple has also put together a "Pro Workflow Team" to tailor the Mac Pro and other Apple products to its professional users. The timing seems right. Speaking about the Mac Pro in 2017, Phil Schiller said this: With regards to the Mac Pro, we are in the process of what we call "completely rethinking the Mac Pro." We’re working on it. We have a team working hard on it right now, and we want to architect it so that we can keep it fresh with regular improvements, and we’re committed to making it our highest-end, high-throughput desktop system, designed for our demanding pro customers. As part of doing a new Mac Pro — it is, by definition, a modular system — we will be doing a pro display as well. Now you won’t see any of those products this year; we’re in the process of that. We think it’s really important to create something great for our pro customers who want a Mac Pro modular system, and that’ll take longer than this year to do. Next Mac Pro may use stackable design for ultimate customization Samsung Galaxy Fold is the first foldable smart phone 6 ways Samsung just leapfrogged Apple

This week: it's all but confirmed--Apple's holding a March media event to make some special announcements. We'll tell you what we know. Plus: Apple's all-time best-selling products may surprise you; and is it worth buying a 2018 MacBook Pro, or should you wait? We'll tell you what we think. This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney 7 Painful Truths about the 2018 MacBook Pro Hollywood stars tapped to attend Apple’s March event Some of the biggest names in Hollywood are coming to Silicon Valley for Apple’s first big event of 2019. Apple is rumored to be planning a late March keynote where a slew of new services will be unveiled. To help with its pitch to customers, Apple has asked some of the stars from its original TV shows to join the festivities. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner and director JJ Abrams have reportedly been invited by Apple to attend its March 25 event. All four of them have at least one project in development at Apple. Witherspoon’s production company actually had two shows picked up by the company. Apple’s TV streaming service will reportedly offer original content for free. There are dozens of shows in various stages of development right now. The service will also sell subscriptions to other channels like Starz, Showtime and maybe even HBO. Initially all of Apple’s content will be free, but they plan to launch a paid tier of content by this summer. The March event will also see Apple unveil its news subscription service too. Publishers are reportedly still negotiating revenue split deals for that service. Apple was allegedly asking for a 50/50 split on revenues. Customers would pay $10 per month for unlimited access to articles from some of the biggest names in news. With the event more than a month away there are still tons of details that could change. AirPods are Apple’s second-fastest selling new product of all time Apple’s AirPods are the company’s second best-selling new product of all time, a new report by Above Avalon analyst Neil Cybart suggests. Cybart estimates that Apple is on track to sell 40 million pairs of AirPods in 2019. That represents almost 90 percent year-over-year growth. “There are already at least 25 million people wearing AirPods. This total will likely exceed 50 million people later this year. These are massive sales and adoption figures for a two-year old product that has never received an update and rarely goes on sale for less than its $159 selling price.” The most popular Apple product out of the gate?  

This week: The 2018 MacBook Pro is a beautiful machine, but it has some odd and painful flaws! Then: Quit or canned? Why is Angela Ahrendts leaving Apple? Plus: The saga of Gil Amelio, the CEO that saved Apple. This episode supported by Burrow sofas are designed for comfort, with supportive proprietary foam and a built-in USB charger so you never have to get up. Plus they're hand-crafted in North Carolina, and surprisingly affordable. Get $75 on your next sofa at burrow.com/cultcast. Our thanks to Linked In for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney 7 Painful Truths about the 2018 MacBook Pro Quit or canned? Why is Angela Ahrendts leaving Apple? [Opinion] When Apple fires an executive, the company is rarely straightforward about the situation. Apple never puts out a press release stating plainly that the executive was canned. So Tuesday’s unexpected announcement that Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s head of retail, is leaving in April led many to suspect she was fired. Most of the news stories about Ahrendts’ departure point out that it’s happening during the first-ever iPhone sales slump; The subtext is that she’s underperforming and has to go. Ryan Jones, an app developer with a popular Apple-centric Twitter feed, argues that Apple fired Ahrendts. His reasons: the timing of the announcement, coded language in the press release, and a claim that she was just four months from vesting stock. “Angela turned Apple Stores into a frustrating mess,” he wrote. “Service and buying are both slow and maddening.” No ‘gardening leave’ for Angela Ahrendts As noted by John Gruber, Vogue Business reporter Suzy Menke, who profiled Ahrendts just last week in a positive piece, quoted Ahrendts on Instagram saying the departing Apple leader misses her grown-up kids, who live in London. Ahrendts was based in the U.K. capital while CEO of Burberry and clearly misses the city The saga of Gil Amelio: the CEO that saved Apple Gil Amelio was Apple’s CEO for only 500 days, and in that time he rescued Apple from the brink of destruction. February 2, 1996: With disappointing Mac sales, the disastrous “clone Mac” strategy, and a failed Sun Microsystems merger to his name, Apple CEO Michael Spindler is asked to resign by the Apple board. Apple needs needs a miracle. In the last 4 years, they’ve lost over $230 million dollars. They turn to resurrection artist Gil Amelio, without whose leadership, Apple would probably not exist today. Microsoft is bringing Xbox Live to Android and iOS Microsoft is gearing up to release a software development kit (SDK) that will allow Android and iOS developers to integrate Xbox Live features into their games. The SDK will be officially confirmed by Microsoft next month, will also be available to Nintendo Switch developers. Microsoft’s SDK comes after Epic Games broke boundaries with cross-platform play inside Fortnite. The battle royale behemoth is the first title that allows players on all systems — including Xbox, Switch, mobile, and now even PlayStation — to play together. It also allows users to log in to a single account and sync progress between different devices.  

This week: a new report details what next for Apple’s 2019 AND 2020 iPhones… Plus: Apple plans Netflix-for-games subscription service (with Alex E Heath!); it’s not just you, everyone got way more spam calls in 2018; and we talk a new wireless charging brick for iPhone, a smart outlet with HomeKit support, and the super smart HomeKit thermostat you’ve never heard of, in all-new Under Review. This episode supported by Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac. It's so good, even El Kahney's mummy uses it! Use it for free for one device at Dashlane.com/CultofMac. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney Here’s how crazy spam calls went in 2018 A new report from call identification and blocking company HIYA shows just how bad these spam calls have gotten. Released today, the “State of the Phone Call” report is based on data from 11 billion calls analyzed monthly. The report includes breakdowns of the types of calls made or received, how often phone calls were answered, and the average duration. The biggest takeaway from the report: an out of control trend in robocalls, citing a 46% increase in 2018 for a total of 26.3 billion in the year. Apple Is Planning 3-D Cameras for New iPhones in AR Push  2020 Apple plans to launch iPhones with a more-powerful 3D camera. These will give a significant boost in augmented reality capability Other features will include a third, more advanced camera, and a more powerful chip 2019 Gurman confirms Apple is working on updates to the XR and XS, but only the XS Max will include 3 cameras… All models will include an upgraded Apple processor and use an updated Face ID sensor Other tidbits Apple is testing USB C on iPhone, indicating they may eventually lose lightning "Apple’s next operating system update, iOS 13, will include a dark mode option for easier nighttime viewing and improvements to CarPlay, the company’s in-vehicle software. There will also be iPad-specific upgrades like a new home screen, the ability to tab through multiple versions of a single app like pages in a web browser, and improve-ments to file management. The company will also integrate two new services, including a magazine subscription service and its original video content efforts, via iOS updates this year." Apple plans Netflix-for-games subscription service Accordingly execrable Alex E Heath, Apple allegedly wants to tap into the booming gaming industry to boost its growing Services business. The company is reportedly planning to create a new subscription service for games This is Alex E Heath’s first big Apple scoop, and he he’s claiming he’s got five sources confirming this story. We have the exclusive interview.   Erfon goes hands-on with the Mysa smart thermostat iPhone XS Max vs Hollywood Movie Cameras Red & Arri   Under Review! Mysa smart thermostat for electric heaters Mophie Charge Stream Power Station Connect Sense Smart Outlet 2  

This week: why iPhone’s 3D touch is probably dead; new reports say AirPods packed with health sensors are coming in 2019; the MacBook Pro “stage light” flaw affects all models built after 2016, and could cost you $600 to fix; and the wild saga of Moviepass… continues! This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon  / @lewiswallace Erfon goes hands-on with the Rodecaster Pro, a unique new jack-of-all trades podcast mixer unlike any other 3D Touch is probably dead iPhone’s ability to tell how hard someone is pressing on the display won‘t be a part of the 2019 models, according to multiple sources. It will apparently be a victim of Apple’s attempts to lower the price tag of future models. A recent Wall Street Journal article compiled several rumors about the next iPhone said Apple is considering trimming functions from its 2019 iPhones to cut costs That includes the force-touch module. And last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that no iPhone coming in 2019 will have this feature. His assertion was then echoed months later by an analyst from Barclays. Health-tracking AirPods rumored for first half of 2019 Updated AirPods are supposedly on their way in the first half of 2019, according to a new report from Digitimes. They may have some impressive new features, too — including new health-monitoring functions that are “expected to receive enthusiastic market responses.” If Apple does include health-tracking features in its near AirPods, it will be interesting to see what they are capable of. A previous patent filed by Apple with the United States Patent and Trademark Office covers wireless earbuds with build-in sensors for performing heart rate monitoring and taking body temperature measurements. AirPods have been a huge hit for Apple. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks Apple sold 16 million AirPods units in 2017, the first full year they were available. He also predicts sales will grow to more than 100 million by 2021, and suggested suggested a full-on redesign could take place in 2020. MacBook Pro ‘stage light’ flaw could hit you with a $600 repair According to iFixit, every MacBook Pro since 2016 has a design flaw that will inevitably require an expensive repair The problem supposedly lies in “delicate” ribbon cables that connect the screen with the display controller inside the main body of the laptop. Opening and closing the clamshell causes these to wear out and begin to tear. Taylor Dixon from iFixit explains it this way: “The current generation of MacBook Pro laptops (2016–present) uses flexible ribbon cables to connect the display to a display controller board beneath the Touch Bar. These cables wrap over the board, where they’re secured by a pair of spring-loaded covers — and they’re subjected to the stress of bending with every opening and closure of the laptop. Within a seemingly short time, those cables are starting to fatigue and tear.” The first to fail is usually the backlight cable causing the “stage light” effect at the bottom of the screen Apparently the new MacBook Air has the same design and may be prone to the same problem These thin ribbon cables are part of the screen. When they wear out the only way to fix the issue is to replace the entire display, “effectively turning a $6 problem into a $600 disaster,” according to Dixon. A petition on Change.org by Louis Rossmann asks Apple “to launch an extended warranty program addressed to this issue as soon as possible.” For a lot of folks the problem seems to appear just when the year warranty runs out... Sign the petition! Ask Apple to extend the warranty for the Macbook Pro "stage light" flaw MoviePass Explores Reintroducing Unlimited Plan as It Tries a Relaunch Moviepass believes it has finally found a business model that will allow it to improve its service and continue to operate. This month, they've introduced a new series of plans, which vary in price depending on location. Next week, Itum said MoviePass plans to reintroduce some sort of unlimited program that would enable users to see as many movies as they wanted each month. He did not reveal pricing for that plan.  

This week: the Wall Street Journal leaks details about iPhone 11; Apple's new Smart Cases come with wireless charging; Nike unveils the self-lacing Back-To-The-Future shoes you’ve always wanted; and we pitch you our favorite apps, movies, cook books, and exotic alcohols in an all-new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents. It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members. Burrow sofas are designed for comfort, with supportive proprietary foam and a built-in USB charger so you never have to get up. Plus they're hand-crafted in North Carolina, and surprisingly affordable. Get $75 on your next sofa at burrow.com/cultcast. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace WSJ: High-end ‘iPhone 11’ will feature triple rear camera, XR successor gets dual lenses The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple’s iPhone 2019 lineup will feature three models, including 2 OLED and 1 LCD. They’re basically just upgrading the XS, Tennis Match, and XR. But get this, the high-end iPhone 11, probably called the iPhone 11 Max, will feature a triple rear camera system. Triple! The iPhone 5.8-inch iPhone 11 will stick with a dual lens system. The successor to the iPhone XR will have an LCD screen panel, and will be upgraded to a dual-camera system. The report says that Apple may drop the LCD option in 2020, moving to an OLED only lineup late next year. It also alludes to the removal of the pressure sensitive component that enables 3D Touch, in order to reduce components costs. It doesn’t say that 3D Touch is certainly going away necessarily as the feature may be achieved through other hardware changes. Apple unleashes new Smart Battery Cases for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Apple’s new Smart Battery Cases are now available iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Along with adding some extra protection to your device, Apple’s new cases promise to deliver 37 hours more hours of talk time, Internet use up to 20 hours The cases also support wireless charging. Only cost a mere $129! And it seems that the XS case will work with the iPhone X, but it does block some of the mics and speakers since it’s not made to fit the X Nike kills shoelaces with new iPhone-controlled sneakers The back to the future shoes you’ve always wanted are finally a reality. Nike’s new Adapt BB self-lacing shoes pack wireless connectivity, and a custom motor and gear train, to give athletes a perfect fit without having to fuss with retying their laces. The Adapt BB shoes can be tightened and loosened using the buttons on the side of the shoe or via an app (both iOS and Android). This could be really valuable to basketball players, whose feet can expand half a size during the rigors of a game. Getting a taste of the future won’t come cheap. Nike will charge $350 for a pair of Adapt BBs when they launch next month. Netflix hikes prices for U.S. subscribers Netflix has confirmed another price hike for subscribers in the United States — its biggest increase since it launched 12 years ago. The most affordable Netflix plan, which was priced at $8 a month, now costs $9 a month. The most popular plan has risen from $11 a month to $13 a month. The premium plan that offers 4K content is has gone from $14 a month to $16 a month. The new prices will be applied to new Netflix subscribers immediately, while existing customers will see the increase during the next three months It costs a lost of money to make that content. Netflix spent a staggering $3 billion last year, and expects to do so again in 2019. In an effort to cut down on its borrowing, it will charge more for its service. Our Under Review Picks Tik Tok is the wild west of social media They’re making a sequel to last year’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle reboot Variety reports that Danny Glover is joining the cast of the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle sequel in a role that is being kept under wraps, much like the still-secret storyline. Charcutería: The Soul of Spain This news is on the heels that Danny Devito is onboard The original cast, director, and script writers are also all on board They’re making Ghostbusters 3. It will continue the story from Ghostbuster’s 2 The movie will be directed by Jason Reitman, who is the filmmaker son of Ivan Reitman, who directed and produced the original 1984 comedic hit "Ghostbusters" with Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis. In an interview with EW.com, Reitman said he would divert from director Paul Feig's 2016 reboot of "Ghostbusters" that featured an all-women cast that included Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones. Reitman will go back to the original universe his father created in the present day story. The movie is expected to release in 2020, and we don’t yet know if any of the original cast will be involved. Charcutería: The Soul of Spain Cúrate: Authentic Spanish Food from an American Kitchen

  This week: Smart curtains, smart plugs, smart lights, smart locks, and now... the best televisions on the market— Apple just revealed big moves to bring HomeKit to all your favorite gadgets, and they're just getting started. In 2019, the smart HomeKit devices we've always wanted finallay arrive. Plus: Tim Cook just let it slip--Apple's got new services lined up for release this year, but what could they be? We think we might just know...   And stick around for a CultCast United updated, and the saga of FartGate, the most insidious sports scandal you never heard about.   This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace 2019 - The year of HomeKit Until the release of iOS 11.3 in March, anyone who wanted to make HomeKit devices had to plan and pay to build in Apple’s authentication co-processor. With iOS 11.3, Apple changed the game, and allowed devices makers to add HomeKit with simple software integration. Apple promotes HomeKit at CES with press event to highlight new smart home accessories coming in 2019 Apple is pushing HomeKit hard at CES this year. It coordinated with manufacturers to demo key new HomeKit smart home announcements to the tech press TechCrunch says Apple spotlighted announcements from Belkin Wemo, Eve, ConnectSense, Kwikset locks, Nanoleaf lights, and a Netatmo HomeKit connected doorbell. We also got an announcement that Netgear is bringing HomeKit support to their Arlo Pro 2 cameras and their new 4K camera. And… a bunch of TVs Here are all of the TVs getting AirPlay 2 in 2019 Apple announced that it will bring AirPlay 2 and HomeKit compatibility to a bunch of TVs in 2019, spanning models from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. A small list of 2018 models will also receive Airplay 2 support. Samsung TVs will be getting the iTunes Movies and TV apps. Sony will be adding HomeKit and AirPlay 2 to it beautiful TVs powered by the horrendous and slow Android TV. Tim Cook: New services coming to Apple in 2019 Tim Cook teased new services that will be coming to Apple users this year. Responding to questions about falling iPhone sales during a CNBC interview, Cook stressed the way that Apple’s Services division has grown significantly in the past several years. “The services are on a tear,” Cook said. “On services, you will see us announce new services this year. There will more things coming.” First and foremost is Apple’s original TV content, which the company has supposedly spent more than $1 billion on, but not yet formally announced. Second is Apple’s rumored magazine subscription service. Based on Texture, the $9.99 a month magazine service Apple purchased back in March last year, this would be a paid magazine and newspaper subscription service, which will serve as a premium part of the existing Apple News app On iPhone XR not selling well: I call bologna on that. Let me tell you how I view this. Here’s the truth, what the facts are. Since we began shipping the iPhone XR, it has been the most-popular iPhone every day. On Wearables,: it’s mainly the Apple Watch and AirPods. If you look at this on a trailing basis – I’m not projecting – revenue for wearables is already more than 50% more than iPod was at its peak.  

This week: Our huge mega-list of must-have favorite iOS and Mac apps! Special guest Adam Christianson from the Maccast!  Plus, a very special announcement… This episode supported by Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Help team CultCast reunite in San Fransisco for a Mecca to Cupertino, and a special CultCast United episode. And we might just bring you with us…. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @maccast   Apple warns investors that iPhone sales are weak https://www.cultofmac.com/598692/apple-revenues-iphone-sales-tim-cook/ Tim Cook warned investors today that weak iPhone sales could translate into revenue shortfalls in the billions of dollars. He went on blames the expected revenue drop on fewer-than-expected iPhone upgrades and weakened demand in China. “While we anticipated some challenges in key emerging markets, we did not foresee the magnitude of the economic deceleration, particularly in Greater China,” Cook wrote in a letter published on Business Wire. “In fact, most of our revenue shortfall to our guidance, and over 100 percent of our year-over-year worldwide revenue decline occurred in Greater China across iPhone, Mac, and iPad.” “As we exit a challenging quarter, we are as confident as ever in the fundamental strength of our business,” he said. “We manage Apple for the long term, and Apple has always used periods of adversity to re-examine our approach, to take advantage of our culture of flexibility, adaptability, and creativity, and to emerge better as a result.   Apple shares plummet following Tim Cook letter https://www.cultofmac.com/598726/apple-shares-plummet-following-tim-cook-letter/ AAPL shares fell steeply in after-hours trading on Wednesday, after Tim Cook acknowledged that Apple’s earnings would underperform Shares fell by more than 7.4 percent, declining as low as $146.22. That’s the lowest that Apple has hit since July 12, 2017. It means that Apple has lost a massive 35.5 percent of its value in just three months.   Tim Cook will host meeting for all Apple employees to talk iPhone https://www.cultofmac.com/598744/tim-cook-will-host-meeting-for-all-apple-employees-to-talk-iphone/#more-598744 Tim Cook is reportedly hosting an all-hands meeting with every Apple employee today about the revelations regarding stalling iPhone sales.   Our favorite must-have apps, with Adam Christianson, aka Maccast! Mac Audio Hijack Pro let's you record and reroute sound on your Mac Setapp is a Mac app subscription packed full of great software TryCa.st, let's you record high-fidelity audio, alone or with guests Bartender clears up your menu bar icons Trip Mode, your Mac's mobile data saver Ulysseys, the ultimate writing app for Mac iStat Menus, advanced Mac system monitor for your menubar iThoughtX is a mindmapping tool for the Mac   Marked, a previewer for Markdown files PDF Pen, powerful PDF editing for your Mac Busy Cal, one of the best calendar apps for Mac iMazing, transfer anything fomr any iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer Loopback, cable-free audio routing for Mac Farrago, robust, rapid-fire soundboards Reeder, RSS reader for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad Text Expander, instantly insert snippets of text from a repository of emails, boilerplate and other content   iOS Ferrite, award-winning audio editing app for iOS Gif Keyboard, the perfect gifs, right at your finger tips. Hearthstone, Blizzard’s award-winning card battle game. Slickdeals, the largest deal-sharing community on the Web Strong, workout tracker and gym log. Deliveries, package tracker Libby, Library ebooks and audiobooks Calcbot, one of iOS' best calculators Carrot Fit, snarky 7-minute workouts Carrot Weather, crazy powerful weather app  

This week: it’s our list of the best—and most disappointing—Apple tech of 2018! And stay tuned for all our most favorite news, movies, food, gear, video games, and drug paraphernalia of the year. This one gets real weird... This episode supported by Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents. It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members. Whether it’s planning a date night or scheduling a business trip, Fin’s army of virtual assistants can do the tasks you don’t have time to do. Try itself for free at fin.com/cultcast. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r Ranking all the major hardware Apple released in 2018 [Year in Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/596754/ranking-2018-apple-hardware/ Our favorite What We’re Intos of 2018! MoviePass Annihilation Super Mario Odyssey Captain Jean-luc Picard will helm a new Star Trek series   Boosted Board Mini X Finger Bang Pizza Dillas Pack Rafts  

This week: In December of 1994, Apple began allowing PC manufacturs to license their OS, building their own versions of the “Mac”, and it almost destroyed them. Leander Kahney was a young reporter on the scene in those days, and regales us with the tale. Plus, we have a very special announcement we'd like to make, about a very special annoumcement we're going ot be making next week. And if you stay tuned, and you definitely should, we're going to wrap up with our favorite movies of 2018, and it’s a long list. This episode supported by Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents. It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r Apple Music Connect is shutting down, suffering Same Fate as iTunes Ping - lewis https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/13/apple-music-connect-shutting-down/ Apple today announced that its Apple Music Connect social platform for artists is in the process of shutting down, suffering the same fate as Ping, the company's previous social network for music removed from iTunes in October 2012. The only band that ever posted anything was ColdPlay. Apple Sending Unsolicited Notifications for New Carpool Karaoke Episodes and Apple Music Echo Support -erfon https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/18/apple-unsolicited-notifications/ Apple has recently been sending out unsolicited notifications to iOS users, promoting Carpool Karaoke episodes and the availability of Apple Music on Amazon Echo devices. Apple doesn't appear to be sending these push notifications to all users, so it's not clear what criteria the company is using to determine who to send content to Why did Apple just send me a notification about an all new carpool karaoke, something I've never watched and have absolutely no interest in? Today in Apple history: Apple signs ‘clone Mac’ deal https://www.cultofmac.com/458490/clone-mac-era-tiah/ This week, in 1994: Apple Computer inks a licensing deal with Power Computing, allowing the company to produce Macintosh-compatible computers. With falling market share, and longtime rival Microsoft steaming ahead thanks to its software-licensing strategy, Apple executives think the only way to compete is for Apple to hand over its operating system for third-party Macs. The “clone Mac” era turned out to be a disaster for Apple. Rather than spurring Mac sales, it just meant cheaper “Macs.” As a result, Apple took a massive hit in the amount it earned per unit. Apple CFO Fred Anderson later worked out that the strategy actually cost the company money. The $50 fee Apple got for every clone Mac sold didn’t come close to recouping the money lost from people choosing to buy third-party Macs instead of more-expensive official ones. In order to get out of the deal and top the licensing, Apple ended up buying Power Computing’s entire Mac business for $100 million in 1997. Best movies of 2018! Buster Incredibles 2 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3606756 Sicario: Day of the Soldado https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5052474 BlacKkKlansman Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle  Annihilation  Avengers: Infinity War  Black Panther  A Quiet Place  Hereditary  The Ballad of Buster Scuggs Missions: Impossible - Fallout  Red Sparrow  

This week: it’s all our favorite gadgets of 2018! Well, not all, but lots of them. We didn’t have time to get through them all but we tried real hard. Plus: Apple is finally gearing up to overhaul the AMD GPUs in their Mac lineup; and the legit way to purchase a base iMac Pro for just $3800. This episode supported by Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents. It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members. CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode. On the show this week: @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Mojave update hints at new AMD Vega GPUs coming to Mac https://www.cultofmac.com/595740/mojave-new-amd-vega-gpu-mac/ Apple’s most recent macOS Mojave update suggests we’ll soon see new AMD Vega GPUs coming to the Mac. Apple just updated the GPUs in the Macbook Pro with Vega 16 and Vega 20 options, and now they look to be planning similar upgrades for other Macs in its lineup. Sonos Beam Sonos One Simply Safe security system See Sense Icon 2 bike lights Nintendo Switch Cal Digit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 dock Apple Pencil 2 Apple Watch 4 "Refurbished" iMac Pro on eBay

This week: Apple’s new online store includes a 10% discount on ALL products, but there’s a catch…. Plus: redesigned AirPods are on the way; Tim Cook promises more Apple censorship; and we wrap up with our favorite shows of 2018!   This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents.  It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members.   Audible is the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence, and right now you can get 3 books a month for just $6.95 a month, half off the normal price.  And your books are yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started at audible.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace     Plot twist: Erfon's 2018 MacBook Pro story update takes a unexpected turn... Apple store adds 10% discount for vets and military https://www.cultofmac.com/594072/apple-discounts-for-vets-military/ I think this may be one of the biggest stories of the year, but no one seems to be talking about it. Apple revealed this week that it has launched a new website that gives a 10% discount to vets and active military members that the company says is an expression of its gratitude for service. It's just like the education store, but it provides a flat discount of 10% across ALL products. This is the biggest, most broad discount, possibly ever. When I first heard about this, I didn't think much of it.  But then I found out that, just like the education store, the military and vets site doesn’t ask for verification so it’s all based on the honor system.  You just click into it, and poof, all prices drop 10%... Base iPhone 10s Max, usually $1100, is $989 (only sim-free iPhones are discounted) Base 11" iPad Pro, normally $799, is $719.  256GB is down to $854 from $949.   Updated AirPods will supposedly land in early 2019 https://www.cultofmac.com/593894/updated-airpods-are-supposedly-on-their-way-in-early-2019/ Upgraded AirPods are on the way in early 2019, with a total redesign scheduled for 2020. At least, that’s according to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Our boy big Ming claims that the big improvement for next year’s AirPods will be the addition of wireless charging support. He doesn’t, however, elaborate on what the major 2020 redesign is likely to mean for the AirPods. He did say that the AirPods are Apple’s most popular accessory of all time, and suggests that the number of units sold will likely rise from 16 million in 2017 to more than 100 million by 2021.   Tim Cook promises Apple to those that "push hate, division, or violence" https://www.cultofmac.com/594150/tim-cook-promises-apple-wont-give-a-platform-to-violent-conspiracy-theorists/ During his acceptance speech for the Anti-Defamation League’s first ever “Courage Against Hate” award today, Apple CEO Tim Cook made it clear that his company won’t shy away from taking moral positions. “We only have one message for those who seek to push hate, division or violence: You have no place on our platforms,” Cook said. He went on to say “At Apple, we are not afraid to say that our values drive our curation decisions. And why should we be? Doing what’s right, creating experiences [free] from violence and hate, experiences that empower creativity and new ideas is what our customers want us to do,” Cook pointed out that Apple has always banned music that espouses white supremacy from iTunes and Apple Music “because it’s the right thing to do.” But what about all the other music that is filled with violence, hatred, and mysogyny.  It's not like Apple Music is full of only country music.      Our favorite shows of 2018!   Barry https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5348176/   Homeland https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1796960/   American Horror Story https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1844624   Arrested Development  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279   Killing Eve https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7016936/   Rest in Power https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6719962/

This week: we’ll tell you how iPhone’s Smart HDR takes pics better than cameras costing thousands, and how a proper Apple Camera positively unstoppable.  Plus: the Supreme court may force Apple to allow competing app stores; proposed tariffs on the iPhone could send prices sky high; and Apple says the XR is one of their best selling iPhones ever.     This episode supported by   Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents.  It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members.   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   Whether it’s planning a date night or scheduling a business trip, Fin’s army of virtual assistants can do the tasks you don’t have time to do. Try itself for free at fin.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Reminder: Apple's $29 iPhone battery replacement program ends December 31 https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/11/28/reminder-apples-29-iphone-battery-replacement-program-ends-december-31 Apple has been running a reduced cost battery replacement program in response to customer complaints about battery gate, but this offer ends on December 31, 2018. After that, replacing an iPhone battery will cost you $49 for the iPhone 8 and older, or $69 for the iPhone X, iPhone XS family, and iPhone XR The price until Dec. 31st is just $29.   App Store antitrust suit might make Supreme Court https://www.cultofmac.com/592676/app-store-monopoly/ Apple’s legal team could soon be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court to face an anti-trust case being levied against the company. U.S. Supreme Court justices heard an hour of arguments for an anti-trust lawsuit against Appletoday. The nine justices appeared to be open to letting the lawsuit move up to the highest court in the U.S. and it could bring huge changes to the App Store if Apple loses. Apple is being accused of breaking federal antitrust laws by monopolizing the way applications are installed on the iPhone. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that Apple’s 30% cut on all sales in the App Store are causing consumers to overpay. Lead plaintiff Robert Pepper of Chicago argued that Apple’s App Store monopoly leads to inflated prices because developers have to account for Apple’s 30% fee. The plaintiffs want Apple to open up iOS so apps can be installed from sources other than the App Store.   Trump ready to levy 10 percent import tariff on iPhone, MacBook https://www.cultofmac.com/592762/trump-iphone-tariff-macbook-trump/ Pres. Trump  told the Wall Street Journal, that he’s prepared to put tariffs on all products being shipped from China that don’t already have them. And he’s also ready to raise the import fees on items already taxed from 10 percent to 25 percent. When the WSJ asked if that includes handsets like the iPhone as well as notebook computers, he said “Depends on what the rate is, I can make it 10%, and people could stand that very easily.”   iPhone XR isn’t a dud; It’s Apple’s best selling model https://www.cultofmac.com/593214/iphone-xr-sales-xs-apple-best-selling-model/ A company VP says the iPhone XR has outsold the iPhone XS series since the cheaper device came out last month. Greg Joswiak, Apple VP of iOS, iPad and iPhone Product Marketing, told CNET that the XR has “been our most popular iPhone each and every day since the day it became available.” The situation is quite similar to what happened a year ago, when analysts mistakenly believedthe iPhone X was a flop when it was actually Apple’s best selling handset.   Ten reasons I chose iPhone XR over the XS/XS Max https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7MfWx38DMU&t=1s   Even cameras costing thousands can’t do pics like Smart HDR http://instagram.com/erfon

This week: Did you know about Apple’s super secret 90-day return and exchange policy?  We’ll tell you what it is, and how to use it if you’re unhappy with your Apple purchase, but outside of your 14-day return window.  Plus: quest to trade up-the story of three MacBook Pro owners trying to get Apple trade in their newly purchased 2018 MacBook Pros for models with the brand new—smoking fast—Vega 20 GPUs.     And finally, and most importantly:  🦃 🦃 YAAA’AALL!  It’s our most and least favorite Thanksgiving meal picks.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone, we love ya.   This episode supported by   The experts at Casper work tirelessly to make a quality sleep surface that cradles your natural geometry in all the right places.  And for a limited time, you can save 10% off any Casper purchase.   Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents.  It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members.   Gantri offers over 30 unique 3D-printed lights created by independent designers from all over the world, and unlike typical 3D-printed things you see, Gantri’s 3D-printed lights superbly nightlights and beautiful to behold.  Check them out in AR at gantri.com/cultcast, and use code CultCast at checkout for $20 off.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Apple reportedly cuts both iPhone XR and XS orders https://www.cultofmac.com/591352/apple-reportedly-cuts-both-iphone-xr-and-xs-orders/ According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple has reduced its orders for both the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. Apple’s stock is not at $177 as of this writing, down from an October high of $232!  That’s a drop of almost 25% But it’s not just Apple stock that’s dropping, the DOW is also way down. Amazon is down 25% too.  $1500 down from $2000.   Is Vega 20 Worth it for 15" MacBook Pro? Benchmarks & Thermals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJVciTqsUAo&t=49s In Max Yuryev’s tests, the new Vega 20 GPU was 25-35% faster than the 560X GPU in various benchmarks. We’re waiting for Final Cut Pro tests, but I get they’ll be even faster there. In Dave 2D’s premier render tests, the Vega 20 is almost twice as fast as the 560X

This week:  How to get the best Black Friday deals most shoppers miss! The New MacBook Pro GPUs are a huge upgrade for a meager cost Erfon's quest to get Apple to upgrade his two-month-old MBP! We have to talk about iPhone XR.  Everyone thinks it’s failing but the only thing tanking is Apple’s stock. And we’ll wrap up with a Steve Jobs story so mundane, the internet is fascinated with it   This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The National Security Agency plays a big part in protecting our country from cyber-attacks, and if you work in computer science, networking, programming or electrical engineering, YOU can help keep our country safe.  Learn more about careers at the National Security Agency today at IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA   Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents.  It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Check out the huge Black Friday Day sale with savings up to 40% at http://store.cultofmac.com.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Apple adds beefy Radeon Pro Vega graphics to MacBook Pro https://www.cultofmac.com/590380/macbook-pro-radeon-pro-vega-graphics/ Apple’s done it.  A mere 4 months, almost to the day. The 15-inch MacBook Pro got a big performance boost this morning with the new option to add Radeon Pro Vega graphics to the top-of-the-line model. New Radeon Pro Vega graphics cards with up to 60% faster performance in GPU intensive tasks, like VIDEO EDITING, are now available as new options. The Vega 16 is only a $250 upgrade. Vega 20 is a $350 upgrade. Apple quietly mentioned the update after its October 30th event where it revealed the new MacBook Air and iPad Pro. A maxed out 15-inch MacBook Pro is a whopping $7,049 I’m attempting to get Apple take back my machine and let me pay to upgrade to the new one. I think everyone who’s purchased a 2018 MBP should have the same option.   The best Black Friday deals in tech [Live blog] https://www.cultofmac.com/589838/black-friday-deals-tech-2018/ Anyone going for any Black Friday deals? Mention Slick deals. My experience with Greentoe.   Optimistic analyst gets gloomy about iPhone XR https://www.cultofmac.com/589888/iphone-xr-sales-total-ming-chi-kuo/ Ming-Chi Kuo just lowered his estimates for the number of iPhone XR units that will sell over the next year. That’s a real turnaround, as this analyst had previously been bullish on Apple’s latest handset. Goldman sachs is also concerned  writing a note to investors saying “We are concerned that end demand for new iPhone models is deteriorating,” Kuo is worried the growing trade war between China and the US could affect sales. But he also says the price is still too high for a non-flagship phone. Galaxy S9 with 64GB is like $30 cheaper. 64GB Pixel 3 is $50 more expensive Whatever it is, Apple’s stock has TANKED. In the last 3 weeks, Apple’s stock has dropped $45 a share, from 232 to 187. That a drop of 19%!   Steve Jobs stood in the lunch line like a regular Joe https://www.cultofmac.com/589442/steve-jobs-cafeteria-story/ in 2016, someone on the website Quora asked a question about Steve Jobs, and the person who answered was someone he wasn’t expecting, and the mundane fact he shared is still being upvoted to this very day. The question: “What are some lesser-known facts about Steve Jobs?” Brett Bilbrey, who joined Apple in 2002 and retired in 2014 as its head of technology, responded. Steve Jobs, it turns out, used to wait in the lunch line just like everybody else.   Steve would somehow end up in line behind Brett Bilbrey on a regular occasion "he would often ask me to hold his place while he went to check other food stations,” Bilbrey wrote. “Once when this happened, another employee got in line behind me, and I turned around and told him, ‘Just so you know, I’m saving that spot for Steve.’ He laughed and thought I was kidding. ‘Yeah, right. Like Steve is going to show up and cut in line.’ While he was saying that, Steve had returned and was behind him, and heard his comment. Steve said, ‘I’m not going to cut in, he was holding my spot for me.’ The guy turned around and saw Steve, and the employee’s face actually turned white, and he started shaking. Instead of just making room for Steve, he kind of just slinked away. “Steve nodded to me and said ‘Thanks.’ Then he pulled out his phone and started checking email while we waited.”

This week: we love the new iPad Pro, but it has one glaring problem Apple needs to fix!  We discuss.  Plus: what the reviewers are saying about the new MacBook Air; the totally ridiculous iPad accessory we kind of really want; and two weeks with iPhone XR—we’ll tell you how it’s better and worse than iPhone XS and Tennis Match.   This episode supported by   The National Security Agency plays a big part in protecting our country from cyber-attacks, and if you work in computer science, networking, programming or electrical engineering, YOU can help keep our country safe.  Learn more about careers at the National Security Agency today at IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA   Gantri offers over 30 unique 3D-printed lights created by independent designers from all over the world, and unlike typical 3D-printed things you see, Gantri’s 3D-printed lights superbly nightlights and beautiful to behold.  Check them out in AR at gantri.com/cultcast, and use code CultCast at checkout for $20 off.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Opsgenie empowers Dev & Ops teams to plan for service disruptions and stay in control during incidents.  It also gives teams the power to respond quickly and efficiently to unplanned issues. Visit Opsgenie.com to sign up to get a FREE company account and add up to 5 team members.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.     On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace     2018 iPad Pro review roundup: The best tablet money can buy https://www.cultofmac.com/588070/2018-ipad-pro-review-roundup/ Everyone is drooling all over the new iPad Pro Verge “Nothing is ever slow, and it always feels like there’s more headroom to work with. We were able to import several minutes of 4K footage into Adobe Premiere Rush, edit them, and export without breaking a sweat.” Pocket lint The new iPad Pro is “pretty much a laptop in terms of performance thanks to the new 7nm processor,”  “Side-by-side with an iPad Pro 10.5 we have noticed a considerable difference in app loading times, certainly on processor intense apps like iMovie, Affinity Photo, Procreate, and games like Fortnite or Asphalt 9: Legends.” Wired “No apps or games I’ve used have been able to make the Pro break a sweat at all and benchmark numbers have been impressive,” adds Jeffrey van Camp of Wired. “By every measure I can think of, these are the best, most powerful, most capable iPads I’ve ever used. “It would be a total waste of $999 (or more) to use the iPad Pro 12.9 just for bingeing Netflix, but damn does this screen look good,” Wired also noted the new Liquid Retina screens are “gorgeous and packed with pixels.” “Color is vibrant and precise enough for Photoshopping and minute color tweaking if needed.” Verge Nilay Patel on lack of storage support:  Like everything about the new iPad Pro, that USB-C connector is both remarkably powerful and incredibly frustrating,” writes Patel. “With one huge exception, most normal stuff you’d plug into a USB-C port works without fuss, and a bunch of other things work if you have an app that supports it … But one extremely important category of devices will definitely not work: iOS does not support external storage iOS 12 now the iPad's limiting feature.     First USB-C hub for iPad Pro boasts ports for video, headphones, more https://www.cultofmac.com/588024/ipad-pro-usb-c-hub-hyperdrive-video-headphone-sd/ Just when I thought I’d seen it all, there is now a USB C hub that plugs right into the bottom of the iPad Pro Accessory-maker Hyper just unveiled a six-port USB-C hub for the new iPad Pro. 4K HDMI Port USB A Port SD and Micro SD card readers And an additional USB-C port so you can plug in an charge other USB C accessories     2018 MacBook Air review roundup: A beautifully big improvement https://www.cultofmac.com/588456/2018-macbook-air-review-roundup/ Verge “This laptop feels a lot nicer than the old MacBook Air,”  “It fits the same size screen in a smaller body, but it’s not as thin or as light as the thinnest and lightest of laptops you can get today. When the first Air came out, it amazed everybody. This one, though very well-built, does not stand out from the pack when it comes to size or weight.” “This new MacBook Air is faster than the old MacBook Air, but not by the kind of margin you’d expect after three years,” TechCrunch “I once bought and returned the smaller MacBook, because it comes with a less powerful processor that slugged when I had too many browser tabs and apps open. The MacBook Air doesn’t have that issue,” says Haselton. CNBC “I appreciate the speed, but I wish Apple included its Face ID technology above the screen instead,” says Haselton. “I’m used to it on my iPhone XS Max, and there seems to be plenty of room above the display to fit the cameras required. Touch ID feels outdated   There’s one big thing reviewers don’t like about the MacBook Air’s new look, though, and that’s the lack of connectivity. Just like the MacBook and MacBook Pro, the new Air does away with MagSafe, USB-A ports, and an SD card reader and replaces them with just two USB-C ports. Battery life on the new Air is 9.5 hours, about an hour less than the old MacBook Air. Confusing MacBook Air is slightly more powerful than the MacBook, but $100 less.   MacBook is three quarters of a pound lighter than the MacBook Air.   Both the MacBook and Air both get about 9.5 hours of battery life.   The MacBook is thinner than the Air at it’s thickest point.   Everything you can plug in to the new iPad Pro https://youtu.be/LykS0TRSHLY?t=285

This week: Apple’s More in the Making hardware keynote was an action-packed ride stuffed with one hardware update after another!  We’ll tell you what we like (and what we don’t) about Apple’s newest product updates.  Plus: Apple quietly offers a big screw you to 2018 MacBook Pro owners… prepare for a rant.   This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Whether it’s planning a date night or scheduling a business trip, Fin’s army of virtual assistants can do the tasks you don’t have time to do. Try itself for free at fin.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Everything you need to know about Apple’s Q4 2018 earnings call https://www.cultofmac.com/587580/everything-you-need-to-know-about-apples-q4-2018-earnings-call/   USB-C for iPad Pro: Everything you need to know https://www.cultofmac.com/586972/ipad-pro-usb-c/   All the ways the 2018 iPad Pro blows away its predecessors https://www.cultofmac.com/586822/2018-ipad-pro-comparison-2017/   iPad Pro Super sexy new design. Already sold out for 1-2 weeks! Thinner, and even smaller.  12.9” now the size of a sheet of paper. No headphone jack... Big performance increases, big price increases. Start price is now about 20% higher. 11-inch models start at $799 (Wi-Fi) and $949 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), while 12.9-inch models start at $999 iPad Pro comes with Apple's next-generation Neural Engine for advanced machine learning  This is the first gadget besides iPhone that will include FaceID.   Powered by the new A12X Bionic chip A12X Bionic has eight cores (four performance cores and four efficiency cores) and per Apple provide up to 35 percent faster single-core performance.  Seven-core GPU to deliver up to twice the graphics performance.  They say it’s now as powerful as an Xbox One S console. USB-C connector is replacing the Lightning connector, Allows iPad to charge your iphone What can connect to the iPad?  USB Hubs?  Hard Drives?  Printers?  Even Apple said they weren’t sure when The Verge asked them. Connect to external displays up to 5K… but why? Still no file system. No mouse support. Apple is trying to position this as a laptop, but it’s not a laptop. Apple Pencil 2 gets magnetic connection and charging, better iOS integration, and a 30% higher price tag (now $130) BTW: Previous 10.5” iPad is still available, and still for the same 64GB base price of $649.  256 and 512 models are also still available.       Macbook Air - a confusing product Newest gen Amberlake 8th gen dual core CPU Complete overhaul Retina Display New 3rd get butterly keyboard TouchID Larger Force Touch track pad Made from 100% garbage Also gets a 20% increase in price for the base model with 128GB, now $1200. Previous model is still available for the same $1000 price tag. Maxed out model with 16GB of RAM and 1.5TB - $2600 MacBook is now more expensive than the Air, starting at $1,299 and it has a slower processor, a smaller screen and it has fewer upgrade options. MBA now just $100 than the 13” MacBook Pro with faster processor and Intel Iris graphics.   Mac Mini Full overhaul Space Gray finish HDMI 2.0 two USB 3 ports four Thunderbolt 3 ports a headphone jack  and — for an extra $100 — a 10-gigabit ethernet port. With the Thunderbolt 3 ports A new cooling system doubles the airflow, allowing the machine to run at a maximum sustained power that is 70 percent higher than before According to Geekbench 4 scores, the base 4-core CPU has close to the same performance of the base 2017 5K iMac. $799 base model comes with 128GB of SSD, a  quad core 8th gen coffeecake i3 CPU with no turbo boost or hyper threading, and 8GB of ram. The maxed out with 64GB of RAM, 2TB SSD, and 6-core i7 CPU is a mere $4200. But the huge omission here is the Intel UHD Graphics 630.  There is no option to upgrade.     MacBook Pro    New MacBook Pros with updated graphics are coming next month https://www.cultofmac.com/586666/new-macbook-pro-graphics/ Apple has screwed us, their loyal pro users. Just about 3 months ago, on July 12, 2018, Apple introduced refreshed MacBook Pro models aimed at professional users, with the long awaited 6-core Coffee lake processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and slightly better GPUs.  Apple positioned these as video editing dream machines. It had been years since a compeling MBP update, so people were excited and scooped them up when they went on sale. But the graphics cards on these new MBPs were only minor spec bumps. The 560X was just a spec bumped 560, which was itself only a spec bump’d 460. Fast forward to this week, Apple has announced they will be offering a massive upgrade option to the Radeon Pro Vega GPUs, the same ones offered in the iMac Pro.  These new graphics options offer up to 60 perfect faster graphics performance in video editing, 3D design, and rendering workloads…  you know, the exact things people are BUYING THIS FCKING MBP FOR. Clearly, Apple knew they were going to offer this upgrade, but they didn’t tell us.   Why?  Because they knew many of us might wait to buy, and they wanted our money.   5 things we didn’t get at Apple’s ‘More in the Making’ event https://www.cultofmac.com/586726/apple-october-press-event-airpower-ipad-mini-airpods/

This week: with iPhone XR finally here, we’ll tell you 10 reasons why it’s the best iPhone you can get.  Plus: how iOS 12.1 solves beautygate; new Macs leak ahead of Apple’s big October hardware event; Ming Chi Kuo says new iPad Minis, AirPods, and the AirPower mat are on the way; and we wrap up with our favorite new gadgets in an all-new Under Review 💪🏼   This episode supported by   The National Security Agency plays a big part in protecting our country from cyber-attacks, and if you work in computer science, networking, programming or electrical engineering, YOU can help keep our country safe.  Learn more about careers at the National Security Agency today at IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   iOS 12.1 will improve selfies on iPhone XS and XR https://www.cultofmac.com/584796/ios-12-1-improve-selfies-iphone-xs-xr/ You may remember that people were complaining that the iPhone XS/MAX cam were making them look too good.  Ugly people everywhere were very offended and prefer to remain ugly in their photos. Issue was causing people to have “unnaturally” smooth skin times and reduces blemishes.  Sometimes it did look unatural, but that’s always what HDR has done. Nilay Patel spoke to Apple about the problem and here’s what they told him the issue was actually a bug “iOS 12.1 will fix a bug in its Smart HDR camera system that resulted in smoother-looking photos taken by the front camera on the iPhone XS and XR,” What causes the Beautygate issue, Patel explains, is the Smart HDR system choosing the wrong base frame for HDR processing when a selfie is snapped. Rather than choosing a frame with a short shutter speed to preserve detail, it is choosing a frame with a longer shutter speed.  “This should all be fixed in iOS 12.1, which will pick the sharpest base frame for the HDR merge when taking selfies,”   New Macs spill in online database https://www.cultofmac.com/585172/online-database-suggests-new-macs-are-on-the-way/ The Eurasian Economic Competition database may have just confirmed more than one Mac will be unveiled at Apple’s upcoming more in the making hardware event The online database has been updated with three new filings for desktop computers running macOS 10.14. These most likely refer to rumored upgrades of the iMac, Mac mini, and the new lower cost MacBook Air replacement Ming Chi Kuo has been talking about for the last 6 months.   The iPad mini might not be dead after all https://www.cultofmac.com/584918/the-ipad-mini-might-not-be-dead-after-all/ The iPad mini hasn’t been updated since March 2017, but TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told investors today that an iPad Mini is in the works, though he doesn’t think it’ll launch on Oct. 30th. He thinks AirPods could get updated during Q4 this year or during Q1 of next year, and claim AirPower could finally come out during the same period.   Standing in line now the only option to get an iPhone XR on Friday https://www.cultofmac.com/584958/iphone-xr-release-date-delivery-sold-out/ If you haven’t already pre-ordered an iPhone XR, the only way to get one on its release date is to head to a nearby Apple Store and hope they have one in stock. Pre-orders are now shipping around Nov 7th.   Under Review   CalDigit TS3+ Thunderbolt 3 Dock https://amzn.to/2CF1Mlg   AERZ - AIRPODS & APPLE EARBUDS SKINS http://www.thewtfactoryshop.com/aerz-airpods-apple-earbuds-skins-space-black/   THE VEIL XT - IPHONE XS MAX Case https://www.caudabe.com/products/the-veil-xt-iphone-xs-max?variant=14232729714757   THE SHEATH - IPHONE XS MAX Case https://www.caudabe.com/products/the-sheath-iphone-xs-max?variant=14231637786693

This week:  New AirPods?  AirPower Mat?  Don’t you dare miss our “More in the Making” hardware event predictions.  Then: 17 reasons the iPhone XR should be your next phone; the world’s largest Mac collection could be yours for free; and we pitch your our favorite games, shows, and scooters in an all-new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by   Casper makes the internet’s favorite mattress.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast, and use code "CultCast" at checkout for $50 off select mattress purchases.   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Apple sets ‘More in the Making’ event for Oct. 30 https://www.cultofmac.com/583870/its-official-apple-holding-special-event-october-30th/ The second Apple event everyone has been expecting just became official. Looks like new tablets, laptops, and desktops could be unveiled October 30. What makes this unusual is it won’t be at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, but at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Keynote is at 10am EASTERN 😩   YouTubers get early access to iPhone XR, and it looks positively delicious https://www.cultofmac.com/583908/youtubers-weigh-in-on-iphone-xr/   Time to pre-order your iPhone XR https://www.cultofmac.com/583092/iphone-xr-looks-set-to-become-a-massive-smash-hit/ Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo thinks the iPhone XR is going to be such a huge hit, he’s increased his esimtate for XR shipments in the fourth quarter by 10 perfect. Pre-orders start Friday the 19th at 12:01am, so tonight! Will begin shipping on the 26th XR features all the same powerful internals as the XS series. The same faster FaceID and Truth depth camera system The same A12 Bionic chip Same 8-core neural engine It features True Tone and a wide color gamut It has dual sim Same 25% louder speakers Same wide angle rear camera with Smart HDR capabilities! Computational portrait mode with wide angle lens Battery life that is up to 25% longer than the XS.  It even bests or matches the XS Max in battery performance. 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 8 plus. Starts at just $749 64GB ($749), 128GB ($799), 256GB ($899)     World’s largest Mac collection goes up for sale https://www.cultofmac.com/583518/worlds-largest-classic-mac-collection-sale/ Roland Borsky has one of the largest and most comprehensive Mac collections in the world, but the costs of storing the collection is forcing him to sell it. Borsky began repairing Apple computers back in the 1980s, and collecting them at the same time, to the point where his collection has grown to over thousand items. And there’s also printers, monitors, and more. Most of the Macs are in a warehouse where Borsky owes €20,000 to €30,000 ($23,000-35,000) in back rent. He’s hoping someone will take the collection in exchange for paying off what he owes. He warns that if he can’t find a buyer all the computers are going to be “shredded".   What we’re INTO   Super Nintendo Classic https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/   Barry HBO Show / Bill Hader / Henry Winkler https://www.hbo.com/barry   Super Mario Odyssey https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/super-mario-odyssey-switch   San Francisco electric scooter rentals No links cause it’s a scooter rental

This week: Why Apple’s October event could be totally insane! Something very strange is going on with the Mac…  we’ll talk about it. MacBook Pro Touch Bar: our brutally honest opinions Surprise!  Apple’s planning to give away its $1 billion TV shows And stay tuned for an all-new CultCast 2nd Hour: Siri Shortcuts, explained!   This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Mac sales declined in Q3, despite new MacBook Pros https://www.cultofmac.com/582236/mac-sales-q3-2018-gartner/ The third quarter of this year wasn’t a particularly good one for Apple, with Mac sales dropping a significant amount, even though the new MacBook Pros debuted this summer. Apple shipped 4.9 million laptops and desktops in the July-to-September period, according to preliminary figures from market-research firm Gartner. That’s an 8.5 percent decline from the same quarter of last year. But Q3 is supposed to bring fairly strong sales, as it includes the back-to-school shopping season. Not so much this year. At least not for Apple. Its three biggest rivals all saw increases in laptop/desktop shipments.   Apple plans to give away its $1 billion TV shows https://www.cultofmac.com/582218/apple-tv-free-streaming/ Apple’s new TV streaming service will allegedly debut in early 2019 Some have suggested the company would bundle it in with Apple Music for an extra fee or that it would create it as a separate subscription option like Netflix. But according to a recent report, Despite planning to spend more than $1 billion on original content this year, Apple will supposedly give away its original content to customers that already own an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. Because Apple is giving the shows away for free it’s aiming to create “PG” quality content that has wide audience appeal. Apple is currently making TV shows that are free from gratuitous sex, profanity or violence, although some shows may break this standard.     How to create your first Siri Shortcut https://www.cultofmac.com/579560/how-to-create-siri-shortcuts/   This Siri shortcut keeps an eye on police during a traffic stop https://www.cultofmac.com/578615/shortcuts-siri-traffic-stop/   Siri Shortcuts can now control your HomeKit devices https://www.cultofmac.com/570105/siri-shortcuts-ios-12-homekit/   Use Siri Shortcuts to quickly send photos to your family https://www.cultofmac.com/571411/siri-shortcuts-send-photos/   Use Shortcuts to download YouTube Videos https://www.cultofmac.com/501134/how-to-download-youtube-videos-directly-to-iphone/   How to run Siri Shortcuts from Reminder alerts https://www.cultofmac.com/565129/how-to-run-siri-shortcuts-from-reminder-alerts/  

This week: How Chinese spy chips may be stealing secret data from Apple’s own servers! Another week, another gate-we’ll you about #ChargeGate, the huge iPhone XS problem that ended before it even began. Tim Cook reveals why Apple really banned Alex Jones, but can't explain why Siri still sucks We’ve got another epic MoviePass update for you, and this is the weirdest one yet! And we’ll pitch you a hot new electric skateboard, an uber premium keyboard for your Mac, a super portable keyboard for your iPad, and a an AI-powered bicycle light in an all-new Under Review! And, in honor and remembrance of Steve Jobs, we conclude with one of his greatest keynotes.   This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   The Governor’s Lounge awaits you, in The CultClub http://discord.gg/aKfta89   iOS 12.1 beta fixes reported iPhone charging problems https://www.cultofmac.com/580852/ios-12-1-beta-charging-problems-fix/ What is charge gate? Well, some, but not all, iOS 12 users have complained that their iPhone or iPad won’t begin charging if it’s in sleep mode when a Lightning cable is plugged in. The charging issue doesn’t occur if the device is awake when the cable is plugged in. It only crops up when a phone or tablet’s screen is off. Well this blew up this week when Tim Cook’s arch nemesis Lewis Hilsenteger, aka Unbox Therapy popularized the issue with a new video on his Youtube channel, titled: “iPhone XS has a serious problem” But it turns out, the problem seems to be not so serious, as Apple has already introduced a new beta of iOS 12.1 that appears to fix the issue. So if you’re experiencing the issue and want to solve it right now, install iOS 12.1 beta 2. Otherwise you could be waiting weeks until this 12.1 gets a final release. “Gates’ should be limited to hardware issues!   Tim Cook talks privacy, Alex Jones and China in new interview https://www.cultofmac.com/580798/tim-cook-talks-privacy-alex-jones-and-china-in-new-interview/#more-580798 Appearing on VICE News Tonight on HBO, Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked if Apple’s stance on privacy is hurting Siri from becoming more competitive with Alexa. Cook pushed back saying any company that says they need all of your data to make their service better is telling you a “bunch of bunk.” About booting Alex Jones “We think that what the user wants is someone that does review these apps, someone that does review the podcasts, someone that on like Apple news, where a human is selecting the top stories. And that’s what we do,” Cook told VICE. “We don’t take a political stand."   MoviePass is forcing some former customers to re-enroll unless they opt out (MiMeQu) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/02/moviepass-reactivating-some-canceled-accounts-unless-users-opt-out/1496858002/ In an email sent to a select group of previous customers, MoviePass said: "Because we really hope you begin enjoying your MoviePass subscription again, we have chosen you to be a part of a select test group, who beginning Friday, October 5th will be restored to unlimited movies.” "To be clear, unless you opt out, your unlimited subscription will be restored and you will begin enjoying unlimited movies again ...  at $9.95 per month, and your credit card on file will be charged on a monthly basis beginning Friday, October 5th, 2018,” When Business Insider reached out to MoviePass about the bizarre move, MoviePass doubled down!  Saying it was a  "a terrific one-time promotional offer.”  "If [previous users] are interested in returning to their original unlimited subscription, they can. If they are not, they simply click the link below and opt out," the statement read. Now I thought MoviePass would be out of business by now, the vultures are circling.  But they just announced about 65 million in new funding!  Someone believe’s they’ve got a future.   Under Review!    Ace bike light by see,sense https://seesense.cc/pages/see-sense-ace   Logictech Craft Keyboard https://amzn.to/2PcGuig   Logitech Keys-to-go https://amzn.to/2IEZtPV    Doto iPad Case https://www.dodocase.com/products/durable-sleeve?variant=11544936022059   Boosted Mini X Battery-powered keyboard https://amzn.to/2OFSwDE

This week: BeautyGate—what it is, and why it’s undoubtedly the dumbest “gate” in the history of iPhone.  Plus: how have we liked our one week with Apple Watch 4 and iPhone XS?  WE’LL TELL YOU.  And the shockingly low production price of the XS Max proves the deadbeats at Apple owe us more storage space!   This episode supported by   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace /@bst3r   Imagine a place where you can slip into your silk robe, fez, and enjoy the company and fellowship of other CultCast listeners and tech enthusiasts.    A club, if you will.  A Cult Club. https://discord.gg/DbKApv   iPhone XS Max: A condensed review https://www.cultofmac.com/579035/iphone-xs-max-review-condensed/   iPhone XS Max is fast, fast, fast   Everything is very fast and responsive. Apps spring right open. Photos scroll without delay. Maps render without a hiccup. Everything is basically instantaneous, and it’s a joy. It’s all thanks to the A12 Bionic chip. Apple is so far ahead in mobile chips, it’s head-spinning. One benchmark shows the iPhone XS is faster than the new iMac Pro, a $5,000-plus pro workstation!   It’s definitely not too big For such big phone, it doesn’t feel too big. Having used an X all last year, and liking it, I thought the Max would be too big. But it doesn’t feel as big as the old Plus iPhones used to iPhone XS Max camera   The camera is excellent  Especially the new Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control. The Max is less a phone, and more an advanced, near-DSLR camera with a cellular connection.   The big screen is amazing The screen is so big and clear, there’s no need to take your laptop or iPad on flights any more. The Max will do nicely.   It deserves to be caseless Despite dropping my old iPhone X numerous times, it has just a few scuffs and no cracked screen (it was, however, often in a case). But this time, because the Max is so thin, I’m going to try it caseless for a while. I’d like to enjoy Apple’s design for a change, without a bulky wrapping. (I know; I may regret this later.)   iPhone XS selfie cam is so beautiful it spawned an ugly conspiracy theory https://www.cultofmac.com/579503/iphone-selfies-xs/ The iPhone XS and its front-facing camera are supposed to help its owners make better self-portraits. However, some think their iPhone selfies look better than they should Lewis Helsenteger, aka Unboxing Therapy, is calling it beautygate Users are taking to internet forums like Reddit to question whether Apple added an undisclosed beauty filter to the front-facing camera on the iPhone XS and XS Max. Some are even posting side-by-side selfies taken with an XS and older handset to make a case that the newest iPhone has more than deeper pixels and an improved portrait mode going for it.   iPhone XS Max production cost is shockingly low https://www.cultofmac.com/579177/iphone-xs-max-production-cost-bill-materials-bom/ Analysis firm TechInsights did a teardown of the an iPhone XS Max with 256GB of storage. That’s reportedly the most popular version of Apple’s best selling handset. As part of its teardown, TechInsights estimated the cost for each component. The total? $443 Compared to the $1249 price tag for the product. So just 35 percent of the purchase price goes to pay for the actual hardware. Of course, the remaining $806 isn’t pure profit. The bill of materials (BoM) doesn’t cover Apple’s employee salaries, advertising, and other costs. Also, the BoM doesn’t include software, and iPhone and iPad sales have to cover the cost of developing iOS and its bundled software.

This week: is iPhone Xs the worst Apple "s" phone of all time?  We’ll compare Xs to Apple’s other “s” releases.  Plus: we’ll run through what the early reviewers are saying about iPhone Xs and Apple Watch 4, and which one Apple Watch feature is giving people a serious case of FOMO.  And a leaked detail in iOS 12.1 all but confirms a new iPad event this fall—we’ll tell you what we know.   This episode supported by   Casper makes the internet’s favorite mattress.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast, and use code "CultCast" at checkout for $50 off select mattress purchases.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.     On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   iPhone 3GS = drastically faster data iPhone 4S = Siri iPhone 5S = Touch ID iPhone 6S = 3D Touch iPhone 10s = ?     First iPhone XS and XS Max reviews: Great phone, but not revolutionary https://www.cultofmac.com/577203/first-iphone-xs-and-xs-max-reviews-great-phone-but-not-revolutionary/ Early reviews for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have already come in and while most of the people that have tested the new device are impresssed, this years models aren’t as big a leap as the iPhone X.   FaceID Panzarino for Techrunch: “As far as Face ID goes, there has been no perceivable difference for me in speed or number of positives… There is also supposed to be improvements in off-angle recognition of your face, say when lying down or when your phone is flat on a desk. I tried a lot of different positions here and could never really definitively say that iPhone XS was better in this regardit… it very likely takes training time to get it near the confidence levels that my iPhone X has stored away.”   Battery Life Nilay Patel for The Verge: "I got a full 12 hours of battery life out of the XS Max without low power mode, and that’s even under my heavy daily use.   The smaller XS is rated to get 30 minutes more than the X, which has run for about 8 hours for me this past year. It’s solid."   XS Max Screen is glorious NYT: "The XS Max screen was so good-looking that I wanted to keep reading articles and looking at photos on Instagram. When I used Apple’s new Screen Time feature to monitor my use of each device, I discovered that I spent an average of roughly five and a half hours a day on the XS Max, two hours more than on the XS.”   LTE is noticeably faster “On the test Verizon account I used, iPhone XS delivers. I got download speeds of 250 Mbps in New Jersey, versus 170 Mbps using the same SIM in the iPhone X.   The camera has some impressive improvements In his comprehensive review of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, John Gruber reveals that Apple made the camera sensor 32% larger. After noticing that the wide-angle lens on the iPhone XS is 2mm wider than the one on the iPhone X, Gruber also discovered the lens is longer too. A bigger sensor and longer lens don’t sound like a big deal, but it required some crafty design work to pull it off without making the iPhone a bloated Another impressive feature on the iPhone XS camera is its ability to adapt to low-light on the fly. If you’re shooting video at 30FPS, there’s an option to enable “Auto Low Light FPS.” The feature will drop the framerate to 24 FPS when it detects that there’s not enough light to get a good exposure   Marques Brownlee It’s definitely a nice phone, but if you have an X, it’s not worth upgrading     Apple Watch Series 4 reviews: The watch of the future is here today https://www.cultofmac.com/577587/apple-watch-series-4-review-roundup/ The indedpent called the series 4 watch “Astonishingly good”! The Verge and the NYT both raved about how great the new larger display looked.  Particularly with the rounded corners, and made it much more apt to looking at photos and using apps. The Watch felt snappier than the gen 3, but The Verge noted that the imrpovement wasn’t as drastic as Gen 2 to Gen 3.   Battery life remains unchanged, so you should only have to charge it at night.   Heart Rate Sensor Wired's Rosenfield came away impressed by the accuracy of the watch's new optical heart-rate sensor as well as the automatic workout detection, while noting that "runners will love the new rolling mile measurement, cadence, and target pace notifications.” Both The Verge and iMore commented about how much louder the speaker is, saying it was much easier to hear calls.  Callers also noted they couldn’t really tell they were being rung from an Apple Watch. No one has been able to test the ECG feature yet since it won’t be enabled until later this year.   Digital Crown TechCrunch's Heater took particular liking to the watch's new haptic Digital Crown, which "feels like turning a mechanical dial."   The general consensus of the reviews seems to be that the Apple Watch Series 4 is much better than earliest versions. Wired: “If you have the original Watch, the Series 1, or the Series 2 — or if you’ve been thinking about buying your very first Apple Watch — you should pull the trigger. The Series 4 is a significant step up from early watch models in every meaningful way.   It took Apple 4 versions to get it really polished, but this Watch looks absolutely beautiful.   Hot new Apple Watch feature gives wearers a serious dose of FOMO https://www.cultofmac.com/577699/hot-new-apple-watch-feature-gives-wearers-a-serious-dose-of-fomo/ FOMO: anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website. The new Walkie-Talkie app is being lauded by Apple Watch owners as the best new feature that came out as part of watchOS 5. But for some wearers there’s a serious problem: they can’t find anyone to talk to.   Walkie-Talkie gives wearers the ability to turn their wrist into a sort of digital two-way radio transceiver with other Apple Watch wearers. It’s a super-convenient way to have short bursts of conversation when you don’t want to talk on the phone. If you don’t have any friends with an Apple WAtch though then there’s no way to get in on the action.     iOS 12.1 confirms new iPads are on the way https://www.cultofmac.com/577407/2018-ipad-pro-ios-12-1-reference/ Apple released the first beta of iOS 12.1 today. Developer Guilherme Rambo went digging around in the code and turned up a mention of “iPad2018Fall.” Sometimes references to upcoming devices hidden in iOS betas are obscure, but not this time He also found a glyph of the iPad that showed it will have FaceId, but will not have a notch. While digging into the simulator for iOS 12.1, Steve Troughton-Smith discovered that Apple has added support for virtualized 4K external displays. That’s a big deal for two reasons: 1) It means you’re going to be able to hook up iPads to 4K monitors, 2) It’s not currently possible to do that through the Lightning HDMI adapter

This week: hot off the heels of Apple’s keynote, it’s our unfiltered Gather Round event reactions!  We'll tell you what we think about iPhone Xs, Xs Max, iPhone Xr, and the new Apple Watch 4. Plus: is it worth upgrading from X to Xs?  We discuss that and all the products that were noticeably missing from today’s festivities.     This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r

With over a hundred thousand attendees, the Penny Arcade Expo is one of the largest video game conventions in the world, and it all started in Seattle, Washington. Hot off the heels of PAX 2018, Erfon sits across his good friend, The Amazing Aaron Hughes, to discuss the state of Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, their favorite games and spectacles from the event, and how FORNITE and PUBG have changed the face of gaming.  

This week: get ready for the iPhone MAX!  Plus: rumors indicate Apple’s new iPhones will receive a serious price cut; Apple is working on the one feature the  Watch desperately needs; and Leander reveals Apple’s secret sauce—the design and creative processes Cupertino has developed over the years that have helped them create some of the world’s most iconic products.     This episode supported by   Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace    Possible new name for the 6.5-inch iPhone takes it to the Max https://www.cultofmac.com/573591/possible-new-name-for-the-6-5-inch-iphone-takes-it-to-the-max/ Apple’s marketing team has reportedly been considering losing the Plus suffix that has been used on the largest models since the iPhone 6 Plus came out in 2014 We’ve already head reports that Apple is going to ditch the “Plus” description for its larger iPhones. Now there’s word that the replacement term could be “Max.” If true, this means that the company will announce a week from today the iPhone Xs with a 5.8-inch display and the iPhone Xs Max with a 6.5-inch one.   2018 iPhones could cost just the same as the 2017 models https://www.cultofmac.com/573625/2018-iphone-prices-xs-plus-max/ With most of the specifications of the 2018 iPhones already known, the largest remaining question is price. A report from the German website Macerkoff, who starts by pointing out that the iPhone 8 costs €799, the iPhone 8 Plus sells for €909, and the iPhone X is €1149. Citing two different sources, the site says the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone expected to be announced next week will cost €799, the 5.8-inch replacement for the iPhone X will be €909, and the 6.5-inch OLED device sell for €1149. If that assumption is correct, the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will be $699,  the speed-bumped 5.8-inch iPhone X will be $799, and the the 6.5-inch OLED model will be $999.   Apple Watch could get always-on display mode https://www.cultofmac.com/573027/apple-watch-always-on-display/ Apple is developing an always-on display mode for Apple Watch, a new patent application reveals. The feature would give users the ability to see the time — and possibly other information — without having to raise their wrist every time. But Apple wants to make sure OLED burn-in doesn’t become a problem. There are several reasons for that, such as its impact on battery life and the risk that the feature could ruin Apple Watch’s OLED display.   The Iconic Pillow Collection by Throwboy https://www.cultofmac.com/573253/spinning-wheel-icon-pillow/     New book shows how Apple makes great software [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/572869/new-book-shows-how-apple-makes-great-software-book-review/ When Steve Jobs died in 2011, pundits wondered how the company would continue to make great products without him. The question is partly answered by programmer Ken Kocienda’s new book, Creative Selection, which describes his 15 years working at Apple helping to develop the original iPhone, iPad and Safari web browser.   The Apple design process of demos, decisions and feedback with Ken Kocienda [Apple Chat podcast] https://www.cultofmac.com/573075/the-apple-design-process-of-demos-decisions-feedback-ken-kocienda/

This week: hours after Apple sends out their iPhone event invites, a BIG leak reveals what they have in store.  Plus: all our hardware expectations for Apple’s upcoming keynote; Erfon’s first impressions of his new 2018 MacBook Pro, how to get the best discounts, and how to score a free extended warranty.   This episode supported by   Campaign Monitor gives you everything you need to run beautifully-designed, professional email marketing campaigns to grow your business.  No wonder it’s used by more than 250,000 businesses, worldwide.  To start building smart and beautiful email newsletters today, try Campaign Monitor for free at campaignmonitor.com   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Check out the huge Labor Day sale with savings up to 50% at http://store.cultofmac.com.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   Confirmed: Apple sends out invites for Sept. 12 iPhone event https://www.cultofmac.com/572637/apple-iphone-event-sept-12/ The "Gather Round" event invites have been sent out.   Apple’s big fall event will take place at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park on September 12. The keynote will start at 10 a.m. PT, during which we expect to see the new iPhone lineup, an Apple Watch Series 4, major improvements to iPad Pro, and more.   Apple Watch Series 4 revealed — massive display, dense watch face, more https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/30/exclusive-apple-watch-series-4/   This is ‘iPhone XS’ — design, larger version, and gold colors confirmed https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/30/2018-iphone-xs-design-larger-version-gold-exclusive/  

Better late than never!  With Erfon and Buster out, Lewis and Leander take the reigns of their very first CultCast to discuss the week's best Apple stories!  Ladies and gentlemen, this is one for the record books. This is last week's episode come late.  We'll have another new episode out this week.

This week: Alex Jones and free speech, part 2.  Plus: Ming-Chi Kuo says the Apple car is real, and you can drive it off the lot 2023.  And stay tuned for our most loved tech!  We’ll discuss the gadgets and apps we can’t be without.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Campaign Monitor gives you everything you need to run beautifully-designed, professional email marketing campaigns to grow your business.  No wonder it’s used by more than 250,000 businesses, worldwide.  To start building smart and beautiful email newsletters today, try Campaign Monitor for free at campaignmonitor.com   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Kuo: Apple to Launch Apple Car in 2023 to 2025 https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/14/ming-chi-kuo-apple-car-2023/ According to Kuo, Apple will launch an Apple Car sometime between 2023 and 2025.  He said this is a recent note to investors: "We expect that Apple Car, which will likely be launched in 2023–2025, will be the next star product. The reasons for this are as follows: (1) Potentially huge replacement demands are emerging in the auto sector because it is being redefined by new technologies. (2) Apple’s leading technology advantages (like AR) would redefine cars and differentiate Apple Car from peers’ products (3) Apple’s service will grow significantly by entering the huge car finance market via Apple Car, and (4) Apple can do a better integration of hardware, software, and service than current competitors     We may finally know AirPower Mat price https://www.cultofmac.com/569989/we-may-finally-know-airpower-price/ The long-awaited launch of Apple’s AirPower wireless charging pad may coincide with the launch of the 2018 iPhone lineup. Based on a new report out of Asia, Apple engineers are in the debugging phase of the AirPower rollout. The product may not launch on the exact same day as the 2018 iPhones, but a Chinese site claims to know the planned price. And it’s not going to be cheap. Though a previous rumor claimed the price could hit $200, Apple will reportedly charge $149 for the AirPower charging mat, according to Chongdiantou. Overheating issues have allegedly caused delays with the Apple charging pad   Our most-loved gadgets!   Anker Powerhouse https://amzn.to/2leoxlP   Parrot Zik 3 headphones  http://amzn.to/2CwgCHP   Lose It!  App https://www.loseit.com   Sound Devices MixPre-6 https://www.sounddevices.com/products/recorders/mixpre-6   Fuji X-T1 https://amzn.to/2nJjew3   Specialized Tarmac https://www.specialized.com/fi/en/sworks-tarmac-disc-di2/106251   Ultimate Ears Megaboom https://amzn.to/2MVDKVs   Moment iPhone X lenses https://www.shopmoment.com/iphone-x-moment-cases-and-lenses

This week: Apple wipes the Infowars podcast from iTunes, but should they be getting involved in the censorship game?  Plus: we look at the new gadgets announced at Samsung’s unpacked event; and we discuss some of the biggest TV news of the decade in an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   Casper makes the internet’s favorite mattress.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast, and use code "CultCast" at checkout for $50 off select mattress purchases.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   EU may force iPhone to switch from Lightning to USB https://www.cultofmac.com/568215/eu-may-force-iphone-to-switch-from-lightning-to-usb/ EU regulators are considering whether they need to force a common standard for phone chargers. The idea is to cut down on the 51,000 tons of old chargers and cables thrown away each year. Way back in 2009, the European Commission pressured Apple and 13 other companies to work toward a common charging standard by 2011. All the other signatories gave up their proprietary plugs and switched to USB.  Apple switched to lightning, their own proprietary port. Accordingly to Reuters, that didn't satisfy that EU Commissioner of Competition, and now the commission is launching an impact assessment study to evaluate costs and benefits of different other options, the other option being forcing Apple to adopt USB on the devices.     Apple removes InfoWars and Alex Jones podcasts https://www.cultofmac.com/567935/apple-removes-infowars-and-alex-jones-podcasts/ Apple has removed the entire back catalog for five InfoWars’ six podcasts on iTunes and its Podcasts app. One of these shows is the daily “War Room” show hosted by owner and radio host Alex Jones. Shortly thereafter, Facebook removed InfoWars page, YouTube removed their channel, Pinterest pin boards, Linked In removed the InfoWars page, Mail Chimp refuses to send their emails, and website comment host Disqus has given them the boot. "Consistent with our existing policies, we take action against accounts that repeatedly save content that could lead to harm," a Pinterest spokesperson said in an email statement.     Samsung preps rivals for Apple Watch and HomePod https://www.cultofmac.com/568965/samsung-galaxy-watch-home-apple-homepod/   What we’re into!   The Orville https://www.fox.com/the-orville/   Mission Impossible Fallout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb49-oV0F78&frags=pl%2Cwn   Captain Jean-luc Picard will helm a new Star Trek series https://twitter.com/SirPatStew/status/1025840545216823296

This week:  Is the i9 MacBook Pro a total ripoff?  One YouTube reviewer says yes, and his tests are convincing.  We’ll fill you in.  Plus: the journey to a trillion!  How did Apple become the most valuable company on earth?  We discuss, and remember the company's troubled history. And stay tuned for the sad decline of MoviePass.  Is the troubled movie service still worth it?   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   i9 Macbook Pro - Apple's biggest RIPOFF! - erfon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSvfEhdNT4s&frags=pl%2Cwn YouTuber Max Yuryev pitted the 2.2Ghz and 2.6Ghz i7 MacBook Pros against the the 2.9GHz i9, and the results aren’t great.  These are the tests I’ve been waiting for. in his Cinebench test, he found the i9 beat the i7 by only 2 percent, averaging only 3.15Ghz, while both the 2.2Ghz and 2.6Ghz i7’s both averaged 3.05 Ghz. And in test after test, he showed that the i9 rarely performs better than the 2.6Ghz i7. Why?  It seems like it comes down to heat.  Even with the patch, the MBP struggles to keep the i9 cool enough to keep it in turbo mode, and sometimes it’s even not cool enough to run at base clock. For example: In his Red Raven 4.5K Raw rendering test, he noticed that the 2.2Ghz i7 ran about 500Mhz over base clock speed, the 2.7 ran about 200Mhz over base, and the 2.9 ran about 500Mhz below base clock. He noted that the GPU and CPU use the same cooler, so if you’re pushing the GPU, like many rendering apps do, the CPU won’t be cooled as well, so can end up throttling more than you’d want. So what does all these mean?   It doesn’t seem to make sense to pay extra for the i9.  It matches or barely beats the 2.6Ghz in many tests, and sometimes can’t even beat the 2.2Ghz i7. A better value, and bigger a bottle neck in the 2018 MBP isn’t the CPU, it’s the GPU. The base MBP comes with a 555X Radeon GPU, whereas the premium 2.7Ghz i7 and 2.9Ghz i9 models come with a Radeon 560X, and that’s what made the biggest difference in his tests. My thoughts, go with the 2.7Ghz i7, the 560X GPU, and use the i9 money you save for extra SSD space.     The biggest takeaways from Apple’s dominant Q3 earnings results https://www.cultofmac.com/566691/the-biggest-takeaways-from-apples-dominant-q3-earnings-results/ Apple beat Wall Street’s expectations today with its Q3 2018 earnings report, shooting its stock price just below the $204 price needed to mint it as the world’s first TRILLION dollar company.  iPhone sales were up slightly year-over-year. Revenue was up big time. The ASP (average selling price) was also up big time. Even Apple’s EPS (earnings per share) was higher than some of the biggest Apple believers expected. When the iPhone X launched last year it was panned as too expensive by far too many critics, but Phone revenue was up 20% YOY. Wearable sales are up 60% year-over-year AirPods and Beats are also selling well. Combined with Apple Watch they’ve generated more than $10 billion in revenue in just the last year. TimCook also commented on Apple’s TV deal with Oprah, saying he “couldn’t be happier” that she’s on board. He also said there’d be “dramatic changes speeding up in the content industry,” and went on to say “We’re really happy to be working on something. We’re just not ready to talk about it in-depth today.” Apple sold only 3.72 Macs in its third quarter, less than any single quart since it’s Q3 of 2010.  This may be because it’s entire Mac line was ancient until just weeks ago, in Q4, when MBP was updated. iPhone and iPad now make up 65% of Apple’s yearly revenue.   The sad decline of MoviePass. Is it still worth it? https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/31/movies/moviepass-timeline.html https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/31/17634508/moviepass-price-increase-limited-first-run-movie-access It was a year ago, in august of 2017, that MoviePass dropped their price to $9.95 a month. In the following two days, more than 150,000 new users signed up, crashing their website and app. Though AMC said MoviePass’s model could never work, they essentially created their own version of the service to compete. It’s $20 a month and their service includes digital reservations, iMax and 3D, and let’s you see the same movie more than once. Sinemia is another competitor that’s popped up.  They offer a 2 movie a month plan for $10 a month that works with any theater, offers advanced ticket options, and works on 3D movies, IMAX, 4DX, and more.  

This week:  Apple has issued a patch that significantly increases performance for all 2018 MacBook Pros, but there's one glaring problem it doesn't fix...  Plus, we talk new HomePod features from iOS 12 beta, and we wrap up with your emails!   This episode supported by   The Cult of Mac watch store offered a curated collection of beautiful Apple Watch bands at prices far lower than what Apple charges.     CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.     On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @bst3r     Consumer Reports says MacBook Pro thermal throttling is a feature not a bug https://www.cultofmac.com/564741/macbook-pro-thermal-throttling-consumer-reports/ Consumer Reports came to the Apple's defense this week. The consumer-testing organization points out that other laptops with top-tier processors are also subject to thermal throttling. “Most processors have had this capability built in for years,” says Richard Fisco, an electronics testing program leader at Consumer Reports. “I would rather have the system throttle and take a lot longer to do things than just let itself get fried.” They recommend a desktop “If you absolutely need bleeding-fast speed — perhaps you’re a programmer who regularly compiles large applications or someone who edits huge amounts of high-resolution video — a high-end desktop may be a better bet than a souped-up laptop,” wrote Consumer Reports.     Apple issues thermal throttling fix for 2018 MacBook Pros https://www.cultofmac.com/564973/macbook-pro-thermal-throttling-fix-macos-high-sierra/ Apple saw Dave Lee’s video, and worked with him to figure out what was going on. Turns out, a major part of the problem was actually a big in the firmware, which was preventing the fans from coming as often or as high as they should. “Following extensive performance testing under numerous workloads, we’ve identified that there is a missing digital key in the firmware that impacts the thermal management system and could drive clock speeds down under heavy thermal loads on the new MacBook Pro. A bug fix is included in today’s macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Supplemental Update and is recommended" Apple went on to say this should result in better performance for every version of the new MacBook Pro, even i7 models.   Core i9 MacBook Pro - After the Patch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTguywiC9aw Dave confirmed that now, MBP fans actually come on, which increased performance on the i9 to the save level achieved with the MBP in the freezer. In his tests, the 2018 i9 model is now 30-35% faster than the 2017 i7 model. It seems like the patch kicks affects fan activation and speed, but also keeps the chip from throttling itself down all the time. But, even patched, this i9 chip still doesn’t hit the clock speed that it COULD hit. This is the same i9 that is used in larger gaming laptops, where it can hit 4.5 or 5GHz and stay there comfortably.  In the MBP, its base clock is 2.9Ghz, and it can only boost up to 4.8 in some circumstances. In YouTuber Max Yuryyex’s Cinebench encoding tests, his i9 ran at about 3.2Ghz MacBook Pro is thin, light, and quiet, but its thermal design inhibits the potential of this high-end high performance chip.  That’s the cost of thin and light.     HomePod OS 12 Beta Software Said to Support Multiple Timers, New Phone Call Features, and More https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/23/homepod-ios-12-beta-multiple-timers-call-features/ French tech blog iGeneration reports that a beta version of the software currently in internal testing enables users to make calls and answer them from the HomePod, ask Siri to Find My iPhone, and set multiple timers on the device. The report also mentions that users may also be able to listen to their voicemails, and search their call history over the speaker.   Would be cool to allow HomePod to control other devices in your household. Add alarms or reminders to your or your family members iPads and iPhones

This week: The 2018 MacBook Pro is both a beauty AND a beast.  In fact, it's one of the most exciting MBP refreshes in years.  The benchmarks are in and they’re impressive.  A popular tech reviewer warns that the i9 processor upgrade in the MBP has a major flaw, and his video proof is compelling.  We’ll fill you in. We also bring back Matthew Taylor, creator of the very popular butterfly keyboard recall petition, now with over 32,000 signatures,  to have a frank discussion on the state of the 2018 MBP keyboard.  Has Apple fixed the issues plaguing their butterfly key design?   And stay tuned for a strange new HomeKit controller and the best insulated water bottle on the market in an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace     2018 MacBook Pro performance shows dramatic improvement https://www.cultofmac.com/562621/2018-macbook-pro-performance-geekbench-scores-benchmark/ The 15- and 13-inch MacBook Pro models launching this week boast significantly faster processors. Tests with the Geekbench benchmarking tool show speed increases as high as 86 percent. The improvements come from faster Turbo Burst frequencies and more processor cores. “For the 15-inch models, single-core performance is up 12-15%, and multi-core performance is up 39-46% “For the 13-inch models, single-core performance is up 3%-11%, and multi-core performance is up 81%-86%   2018 MacBook Pro review roundup: Apple unleashes a speed demon https://www.cultofmac.com/562925/2018-macbook-pro-review-roundup/ Majorly faster CPU Much faster SSDs Faster DD4 RAM CPU: John Poole from Geekbench: “The 2018 MacBook Pro is the most substantial upgrade (at least regarding performance) since the introduction of the quad-core processors in 2011 MacBook Pro,”  Photography Austin Mann did to covert a 4K Mavic Pro video file to 1080p H.265 (HEVC) using QuickTime Player.  2013 MBP with 16GB RAM = 33 minutes Maxed out 2016 MBP = 99 seconds Maxed out 2018 MBP = 24 seconds SSD Laptop Mag: “It’s rare that I don’t believe the results coming out of our lab, but in this case I had to do a double take,” explains Mark. It took the system just 2 seconds to duplicate 4.97GB worth of files, which translates to 2,519 megabytes per second TrueTone: TechCrunch: “I have two 15-inch MacBooks in front of me right now (that’s just how I roll), and it’s like night and day. You’ve got no idea how blue the screen you’ve been staring at is until you see it up against another True Tone-enabled display.” The most expensive laps Apple’s ever made.     Teardown reveals MacBook Pro keyboard is redesigned to prevent keys sticking https://www.cultofmac.com/562605/teardown-reveals-macbook-pro-keyboard-is-redesigned-to-prevent-keys-sticking/ Apple made potential buyers of the new MacBook Pro models very nervous when it said no effort had been made to fix the problems plaguing the keyboards in earlier versions. They even told the Verge that, though it made the Keyboard quieter, the keyboard was constructed to address the myriad issues they say are affecting only “a tiny" fraction of users. But, IFIXIT took apart they keyboard of the new 2018 MacBook Pro, and discovered  “Apple has cocooned their butterfly switches in a thin, silicone barrier” And as it turns out, Apple has a patent for just this kind of debris cover...     Beware serious thermal throttling with new Core i9 MacBook Pro https://www.cultofmac.com/563617/macbook-pro-serious-thermal-throttling/ No good deed goes unpunished Early tests have revealed that the i9 chip in Apple’s new MBP suffers severe thermal throttling under heavy loads, which dramatically reduces its clock speed and performance. Dave Lee from Youtube has tests illustrating the issue. He did a render in Adobe Premiere that took the MBP 39 minutes to complete.  In that test he monitored the CPU speed temp and saw that the chip was being throttled to BELOW base clock speed just to stay cool. In his tests, Lee found that it averaged at around 2.2GHz with a temperature of 90°C. So he tried the test again, this time with his MacBook Pro in... the freezer. This time, the same test, which took 39 minutes before, took only 27 minutes.  That’s a 44% improvement… Not just Apple’s fault There are other laptops on the market that use this chip, and they snuggle to keep the chip cooled as well.  But most of these machines are beefier with better ventilation.     Apple won’t give your older MacBook an improved keyboard https://www.cultofmac.com/562751/apple-macbook-pro-new-keyboard/ Unfortunately for existing MacBook and MacBook Pro owners, Apple won’t fit its newer 3rd gen butterfly keyboard into older machines — not even if yours is in need of repair. Earlier machines will be repaired with the same keyboard components they originally shipped with. Apple does not offer the option to upgrade for a fee, either. Only the 2018 MacBook Pro will get the new design if a repair is required.     Apple: Recall MacBook Pro w/ Defective Keyboard, Replace with DIFFERENT Working Keyboard https://www.change.org/p/apple-apple-recall-macbook-pro-w-defective-keyboard-replace-with-different-working-keyboard     Under Review!   Nanoleaf Remote https://us-shop.nanoleaf.me/products/nanoleaf-remote   Camelbak Chute  https://amzn.to/2Lcxgop

This week: it’s the best update in YEARS.  We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Apple’s very powerful new MacBook Pros. Plus: new Mac Minis are on the way; Ming-Chi Kuo confirms Apple’s about to update their entire product line; how Coke-heads use Apple watch to maximize their high; and we talk Killer Whale attacks, port wines, and the story of Saturday Night Live's world renowned sax player on an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Check out the huge Black Friday sale with savings up to 50% at http://store.cultofmac.com.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Apple updates MacBook Pros with 8th gen Intel Coffee Lake CPUs and ”quieter” keyboards 13” gets 4 cores 15” get six cores with options i7s on both machines with faster i9 chip available on 15” Apple says that the 15-inch model will have a 70 percent performance increase, and the 13-inch model should double in speed. Keyboards have been made quieter, but Apple told The Verge that this 3rd gen keyboard has not been designed to alleviate the issues they say are only affecting a “tiny portion” of buyers 32GB RAM and 4TB SSD option now available on 15” model for a mere $6700 Both models come with True Tone displays, which allows the screen to change its color temperature based on the color temperature of the room. Interestingly, the Touch Bar will also support True Tone These will also be Apple’s first laptops to support “Hey Siri”   New Mac mini and cheaper MacBook might finally land this fall https://www.cultofmac.com/561703/mac-mini-2018/ Ming Chi Kuo has basically just confirmed what I’ve been saying the last couple of weeks: Apple is about to drop an orgasmic amount of updated hardware products on us. Yes, according to Kuo’s new report, Apple is getting ready to update almost their entire hardware line.   iPhone - There are three iPhones in the works, two OLED models in 5.8 and 6.5-inch sizes and one lower-cost LED model that will be available in a 6.1-inch size. All three will feature Face ID and upgraded A12 processors. While the two OLED models will have dual-lens cameras, the lower-cost model will feature a single-lens camera. iPad Pro - Apple is working on two new 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models that are equipped with a full-screen design similar to the iPhone X and no Home button, with Apple to replace Touch ID with Face ID. Mac mini - Kuo didn't have a lot of information to share on this one, but he did say a processor upgrade is expected.  He did not say if additional upgrades would be included, like as a redesigned body. It’s been over 3 and a half years since the Mac Mini was updated, and they’re still charging full price for it. MacBook - Processor upgrades expected. New Low-Priced Notebook - Ming Chi believes Apple is designing a new low-priced notebook fo some kind. He originally said it would be part in the MacBook Air family, but now he seems to not be so sure.   We’ll soon know. iMac - Kuo says he expect a significant display performance upgrade, and a processor refresh. Apple Watch - Apple is working on two new Apple Watch models for 2018 that will have bigger displays and enhanced heart rate detection features. The two Apple Watch models will measure in at 1.57 inches (39.9mm) and 1.78 inches (45.2mm), roughly 15 percent bigger than in the current models. Rumors have not been clear on whether the Apple Watch itself will be larger or if the bigger display will come from a reduction in bezels.     Doctors worry that cocaine users rely on Apple Watch as a lifesaver https://www.cultofmac.com/560745/doctors-worry-cocaine-users-are-relying-on-their-apple-watch-as-a-lifesaver/ According to a new report, medical experts are concerned that some drug users, particularly people taking cocaine, are using their Apple Watches and other wearables to monitor their heart rate while imbibing. From the users’ perspective, the idea is that doing this could alert them to dangerously high heart rates while taking drugs such as cocaine. However, doctors point out that the technology does not protect people against the dangers of drug use. The article details the story of several semi-regular cocaine users. One describes monitoring drug use as the only reason they wear a heart rate-tracking wearable. “I want an early warning system for when my heart’s going to explode,” one person wrote in a thread on Reddit. “If someone says, ‘Let’s do a line,’ I’ll look at my watch,” says one of the people interviewed. “If I see I’m at [heart rates of] 150 or 160, I’ll say, ‘I’m good.’   What we’re INTO   Kahney Klan Vs. KILLER SHARK! https://www.instagram.com/p/BkiQbR3FqoT/?taken-by=lkahney   Repair anything with Bondic plastic weld https://amzn.to/2Lbxs2R   The great woodsman, Lenny Picket (Clinic 1 of 5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m57vAeV7wCY   The browner the better!  The rich history of port wine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_wine

This week: New evidence just today that Apple has a big Mac refresh right around the corner. MacBook Pro is about to get the new feature we’ve all been wanting. Apple is rebuilding their maps app from the ground up, and it looks magnificent. Erfon visited Apple’s new Seattle flagship store it was STUNNING. We pitch a wood-wrapped iPhone case, waterproof camping lights, and a great new reading app an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Act quick!  Until July 9th, you can save up to $245 on one of Casper’s American-made award-winning mattresses, at Casper.com/savings.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Apple paves the way for new iPads and Macs to arrive in Europe https://www.cultofmac.com/559755/new-ipad-mac-europe/ Apple has this week registered new iPads and Macs with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).  The filings hint that a big refresh could be just around the corner. Five new Macs with the model numbers has been registered with the commission.   Looking at the model numbers it looks like three of the machines will be MBPs, and then one will be a MBA and A MB. There are five iPad model numbers, too, meaning we’ll likely be seeing an iPad Pro refresh very soon. What’s particularly interesting about the filings is that the Apple lists macOS 10.13 and iOS 11 as the software for these devices, which suggests it might be planning to launch them before macOS Mojave and iOS 12    ‘Coffee Lake’ chips could give 2018 MacBook Pro a jolt https://www.cultofmac.com/559433/2018-macbook-pro-performance-specifications-coffee-lake/ Apple may soon be planning to upgrade the MacBook Pro line to the latest generation of Intel processors. Benchmarks for a macOS laptop running a “Coffee Lake” chip showed up on Geekbench. Why’s that exciting?  More cores and a huge 40-50% increase in multitasking performance. If this isn’t a fake, what’s interesting is the machine tested was likely a 13” MBP, but its processor had 4 cores (8 with hyper threading) instead of just two (what current 13” MBPs have) This would probably also mean the 15 would have SIX cores.   Apple is rebuilding Maps from the ground up https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/29/apple-is-rebuilding-maps-from-the-ground-up/   Apple Maps getting revamped to suck less https://www.cultofmac.com/558643/apple-maps-revamp-improvements/ For the last 4 years, Apple has been working on totally rebuilding Apple Maps, in an effort to make it the best maps app in the world. They now have hundreds of map editors working furiously, and thousands of employees. Talking to TechCrunch, Eddie Cue, now heading up the project, said they realized maps was at the heart of everything; people use their phones for navigation, apps use GPS to location information, so Apple needed to take ownership of it, and they’re doing it in two ways:   Our Under Review picks   Rustek Inlay iPhone case https://www.rustek.co/collections/all   Libby reading app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive/id1076402606?mt=8   Luminoodle Camping lights https://amzn.to/2Nu8w8r

This week: Apple plans new, improved AirPods, HomePod and over-ear headphones; Apple finally acknowledges its new MacBook keyboards suck, and they’re going to make it right; a top Apple analyst drops a bunch of details on Apple’s 2018 product pipeline; and Apple is tries to solve a fascinating issue with autonomous vehicles.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r   Apple finally acknowledges its new MacBook keyboards suck https://www.cultofmac.com/557431/apple-finally-acknowledges-its-new-macbook-keyboards/ The butterfly keyboards on the new MacBook and MacBook Pro are officially defective. After months of outcry from angry customers, Apple has finally acknowledged that the new keyboards have some serious problems. The company says the issues are limited to a small percentage of MacBooks, but its offering free repairs.   Apple plans new, improved AirPods, HomePod and over-ear headphones https://www.cultofmac.com/557567/apple-plans-new-improved-airpods-homepod-and-over-ear-headphones/ Bloomberg has a new report out that says we could have some exciting new Apple audio products in 2019.   Top Apple analyst drops a ton of details on Apple’s 2018 product pipeline https://www.cultofmac.com/557883/2018-apple-product-roadmap-revealed/ First: Ming still expects three new iPhones in 2018: a second-generation iPhone X, a massive 6.5-inch version dubbed the iPhone X Plus, and a 6.1-inch version that will essentially be a budget iPhone X.   Apple is trying to solve a very interest problem with autonomous vehicles, and they’ve hired a fascinating guy to help solve it. Engineer and YouTuber Mark Rober Working on Anti-Motion Sickness VR Technology for Use in Autonomous Vehicles https://www.macrumors.com/2018/06/26/apple-vr-technology-autonomous-vehicles/ Engineer and popular YouTuber Mark Rober is, accordingly Variety, working for Apple as an engineer in their special projects group. More specifically, Rober has been working on Apple's virtual reality projects, including "using VR as on-board entertainment for self-driving cars.” His most recent patent addresses an interesting problem: "Many passengers in vehicles may experience motion sickness. Typically, this is not the case for the driver. However, with the arrival of autonomous vehicles, the driver becomes a passenger, and thus may want to occupy themselves while, for example, riding to work. Passengers in conventional or autonomous vehicles may, for example, want to read a book, or work on their notebook computer.   Meet Mark Rober, the creative dynamo working on Apple’s autonomous car project https://www.youtube.com/user/onemeeeliondollars   Jon Olsson is a young rich guy with a great YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/JonOlssonVideoBlog/videos   Dr. DisRespect is the most dominating streamer in the online gaming community https://www.youtube.com/user/DrDisRespect/videos

This week: It’s been over a year since Apple has updated virtually any of their Macs.  Just what in the heck in going on?   Why all your online purchases will soon be taxed Instagram takes on YouTube with new IGTV app MoviePass is about to change for the worse.  AGAIN. America’s largest theater chain just put the final nails in the MoviePass coffin And things get weird in an all-new what we’re into!   This episode supported by   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just sharpen your skills, Udemy has over 65,000 courses starting at just 11.99. Visit Ude.my/CULTCASTor download the Udemy app to learn anytime, anywhere.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r   Supreme Court Kills Quill, Gives States More Authority To Collect Sales Tax https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2018/06/21/supreme-court-kills-quill-gives-states-more-authority-to-collect-sales-tax/#5259f8dc3994 It’s a sad day for US.  It’s the end of an era.  The end of tax-free shopping online.   In 1992 the supreme court that a state couldn’t force an online retailer to collect sales tax for them if the retailer didn’t have a physical presence in that state.   Today, they reversed that decision What does that mean? Well, it means that you state will undoubtedly begin forcing online retailers to charge you sales tax on all your online orders.   If you have a big purchase to make, I’d do it this summer.     On The Sad State of Macintosh Hardware https://weblog.rogueamoeba.com/2018/06/14/on-the-sad-state-of-macintosh-hardware/ Rogue Amoeba developer Quentin Carnicelli posted this week on the company’s blog about his frustration with Apple’s continued neglect of the Mac. "At the time of the writing, with the exception of the $5,000 iMac Pro, no Macintosh has been updated at all in the past year.”   Instagram takes on YouTube with new IGTV app https://www.cultofmac.com/556779/instagram-launches-igtv/ The photo-sharing social network revealed its new standalone app today called IGTV that’s dedicated to long-form video. IGTV was revealed at an event today this morning where the company also shared that it now has 1 billion monthly active users.   MoviePass is going to introduce surge pricing on popular movies by July http://www.businessinsider.com/moviepass-is-going-to-launch-surge-pricing-by-july-imax-and-3d-later-2018-6 By the end of the summer, you'll see some major changes to your MoviePass subscription — and you're not going to like them all. MoviePass told Business Insider that by August members of the service would be able to add a friend when buying tickets through the app and would have the option, at an added price, to order tickets to Imax and Real 3D movies. The first change to the service will happen in the coming weeks, when MoviePass will start charging members what CEO Mitch Lowe calls "high demand" pricing. CEO Mitch Lowe: "At certain times for certain films — on opening weekend — there could be an additional charge for films" The added charge will start at $2 for titles the app deems very popular with MoviePass subscribers   AMC is launching a MoviePass-like subscription service https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/20/17482918/amc-subscription-moviepass-stubs-a-list The largest theater chain in America has announced that it will now offer a subscription service that allows patrons to watch up to three movies a week for $19.95 a month. Called AMC Stubs A-List the online and smartphone-based subscription will allow members to watch multiple movies a day and let you see movies more than once. There will be no online ticketing fees, and it will offer a discount on food and drinks at the concession stand. Plus Stubs A-List will be redeemable toward formats like IMAX and 3D and will also include special AMC locations such as Dine-Ins. The service will allow you to make up to three movie reservations at once in advance without having to physically be at the theater

This week:  the hidden iOS 12 features you need to know about!  Plus, in an all-new Under Review, we’ll tell you about one hecka good portable mouse, a pair of earphones that give you supersonic hearing, the king of all power banks, and a beautiful new wireless charger you’ll be proud to set your phone upon.     This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EEROdistributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   iOS 12 UI tweaks let you interact with apps as they’re opening - buster https://www.cultofmac.com/554711/ios-12-ui-tweaks-let-you/ Your phone is always available to answer to your input.  No more waiting for animations to finish.   You can launch an app and start scrolling within the app even before it fills the screen. You can launch an app and then dismiss it even before the app has fully opened. You can close and app and instantly open another app from the home screen before the closing animation has finished,   The best iOS 12 features Apple didn’t mention https://www.cultofmac.com/553125/all-the-ios-12-features-apple-didnt-mention/ Police across the country are purchasing a tool called GrayKey. When hooked to an iPhone’s Lightning port, this swiftly enters thousands of passcodes until the correct one is reached. But just-released beta of iOS 12 can be set to partially deactivate the Lightning port after an iPhone hasn’t been used for an hour.   iOS 12 makes iPhones immune to ‘brute force’ unlocking https://www.cultofmac.com/552919/iphone-unlocking-blocked-ios-12/   Under Review   Logitech MX Anywhere 2S wireless mouse https://amzn.to/2lcKtOs   Spigen Essential F306W https://www.spigen.com/products/essential-f301w-iphone-wireless-charger   Anker Powerhouse https://amzn.to/2leoxlP   Nuheara IQ Buds Boost https://www.nuheara.com

This week: It’s our WWDC 2018 reactions! Plus—our picks for the best new features announced at the keynote.   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters… go to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   All the important new stuff Apple revealed at WWDC 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/552775/apple-wwdc-2018-keynote-takeaways/   Speed through the WWDC 2018 keynote with sketchnotes https://www.cultofmac.com/552845/apple-wwdc-2018-sketchnotes/ It is always exciting to capture the WWDC keynote in sketchnotes, and this year we filled up four pages with drawings showcasing the biggest new features coming in iOS 12, macOS Mojave and watchOS 5.   iOS 12 definitely speeds up your iPhone https://www.cultofmac.com/553599/ios-12-performance-improvements/ Side-by-side comparisons between iOS 12 beta 1 and version 11.4 show clear speed improvements.   Apple’s Craig Federighi explains how iOS apps will work on macOS https://www.cultofmac.com/553127/apples-craig-federighi-explains-how-ios-apps-will-work-on-macos/   How iOS 12’s smartest features put users firmly back in control https://www.cultofmac.com/553009/how-ios-12s-smartest-features-put-users-firmly-back-in-control/ If any other company had introduced Screen Time, the new system-wide toolset for limiting phone distractions, then it would (rightly) be dismissed as a gimmick, a sop to the increasing worries about phone addiction. But as is typical of Apple, Screen Time looks like it took a lot of work to get just right.   iOS 12 makes iPhones immune to ‘brute force’ unlocking https://www.cultofmac.com/552919/iphone-unlocking-blocked-ios-12/ The just-released beta of iOS 12 can be set to partially deactivate the Lightning port after an iPhone hasn’t been used for an hour. This is a clear attempt to make useless the unlocking tools employed by law enforcement (or thieves).   Face ID in iOS 12 recognizes two different faces https://www.cultofmac.com/552883/multiperson-face-id-ios-12-beta/ The first iOS 12 developer beta debuted after today’s WWDC keynote. Intrepid souls who’ve already installed this early version on their iPhone X noticed that Face ID can be trained to recognize more than one person.

This week:  It’s been a tight ship over there at Apple, so for the first time in a long time, we know almost nothing about what will be announced at an Apple Keynote.     But we think there’s a good case for new hardware come Monday, and we’ll tell you why.  Plus, we’ll tell you everything we think we know about iOS 12.  And stick around for our ears-on, gaping-jaw review of two HomePods in stereo mode.   This episode supported by   Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just sharpen your skills, Udemy has over 65,000 courses starting at just 11.99. Visit Ude.my/CULTCASTor download the Udemy app to learn anytime, anywhere.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   Apple delays big new iOS features to focus on stability in 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/526181/apple-delays-big-new-ios-features-to-focus-on-stability-in-2018/ “Apple has shaken up its iOS software plans for 2018, delaying some features to next year in an effort to put more focus on addressing performance and quality issues,” reporter Ina Fried writes for Axios.   Cheaper HomePod, smarter Siri predicted for WWDC https://www.cultofmac.com/551137/cheaper-homepod-smarter-siri-predicted-for-wwdc/ Apple will introduce a Beat-branded $250 HomePod smart speaker at WWDC, predicts Apple analyst Gene Munster. “The knock on HomePod is its $349 price is about 2-3x the price of a typical smart speaker,” Munster writes. “We believe Apple can advance its digital assistant ambitions with a $250 Beats-branded option that does not compromise HomePod’s $349 price point.”   iOS 11.4 Launches Today With AirPlay 2 and Messages in iCloud, HomePod Gets Multi-Room Audio, Stereo Pairing https://www.macrumors.com/2018/05/29/ios-11-4-with-airplay-2-releases-today/   iOS 11.4 finally brings HomePod stereo pairs and AirPlay 2 https://www.cultofmac.com/550985/ios-11-4-finally-brings-homepod-stereo-pairs-and-airplay-2/ iOS 11.4 is finally here, bringing AirPlay 2’s multi-room audio capabilities as well as the long-awaited ability to use two HomePods in stereo. Apple also said the HomePod will arrive in Canada, France and Germany by June 18. The speaker is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Using HomePod as TV speakers   Ears-on review: Stereo HomePods will blow you away https://www.cultofmac.com/551241/ears-on-review-stereo-homepods-will-blow-you-away/   How to use iOS 11.4’s Messages in iCloud https://www.cultofmac.com/525437/how-to-use-ios-11-imessages-in-icloud/ The iOS 11.4 update finally brings iCloud support for Messages, which means messages will sync across all devices, and can even be deleted from an iPhone or iPad that’s short on space. But they will remain accessible from the cloud Why use Messages in iCloud sync? Any messages you send or receive on your iPhone will be almost instantly synced to your Mac and iPad. But it has limits. One is that, if you set up a new device, then you will not see any of your old messages or conversations. Also, each one of your devices currently backs up its entire Message library, which is a waste of space on your iCloud drive. You can also remove old messages from a device, but still have access to them in future, saving a ton of space on your iPhone. Or you could choose to automatically delete old messages from your iPhone, but keep the full history on your Mac. Link to how to turn it on in the show notes. You can also manage and delete the messages you have stored in the cloud.

This week:   The press passes are out, the WWDC keynote is around the corner.  We gotta talk about it and we’ll tell a new way you can watch it live. New details out this week show the Apple car has taken yet another sad and disappointing turn.  We’ll you where it’s at now. It’s the 12 year anniversary of one of Apple’s best creations—we remember Apple’s incredible Get a Mac ads. And thoroughly embarrass our ourselves in an all-new Get To Know Ur Cultist.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EEROdistributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   Apple confirms WWDC 2018 keynote livestream https://www.cultofmac.com/549805/apple-confirms-wwdc-2018-keynote-livestream/ Press invites for the June 4 keynote were sent out today. And guess what? Cult of Mac is on this year’s guest list, so we’ll be live blogging all of the action from ground zero at the San Jose convention center. For the rest of you shlubs, Apple will give you a front row seat to the keynote on June 4th. WWDC 2018 is expected to include the unveiling of iOS 12, macOS 10.14, tvOS 12 and watchOS 5. Other rumors have suggested that Apple may unveil new hardware such as new MacBook Pros, or possibly an iPhone SE 2.   WWDC livestream will support Chrome and Firefox this year https://www.cultofmac.com/549965/wwdc-livestream-will-support-chrome-and-firefox-this-year/ As always, you’ll be able to watch it using Apple’s Safari browser, the WWDC app or Apple TV. However, for the first time Apple is also supporting Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. But does this mean you’ll be able to watch the stream on PC?  Unsure.   Apple teams with VW for self-driving bus project https://www.cultofmac.com/550185/apple-teams-with-vw-for-self-driving-bus-project/ Apple originally began its car project — known internally as Titan and T172 — in 2014. At the time, Apple planned to build a single vehicle that would upend society and industry, in what would be the automotive version of the iPhone. The company set to work on an electric driverless car with a lush interior reminiscent of a lounge or living room, where passengers face each other instead of the road, according to two early employees of the project. But Apple soon learned that making a car is really hard, so they tried to partner with BMW and Mercedes.  But as Apple always does, they made things difficult by insisting on controlling the car experience and customer relationship, so the Now?  Well, they’re making an Apple Park shuttle bus.  with VW. Apple has inked a deal with Volkswagen that will allow the iPhone-maker to turn some of its T6 vans into self-driving shuttles for employees. Apple’s self-driving shuttle bus is behind schedule, thought, according to The New York Times. Nearly all of Cupertino’s car team is working just on the VW vans project, but the 2018 deadline will be missed. And what happens after the shuttle bus? No one knows.   Today in Apple history: Apple’s ‘Get a Mac’ campaign comes to an end https://www.cultofmac.com/548865/apple-get-a-mac-ad-campaign-ends/ May 21, 2010: Apple quietly ends its long-running, award-winning “Get a Mac” marketing campaign. Debuting in 2006, the ads starred actor Justin Long as the cool, youthful Mac. Comedian John Hodgman portrayed the stuffy, awkward PC. Alongside the “Think Different” and the iPod “Silhouette” campaigns, “Get a Mac” will become one of the most fondly remembered extended ad campaigns in Apple history. The U.S. ads ran for the next few years, with 66 television spots in total. The campaign also spread to other markets, with alternate actors playing the Mac and PC roles. Apple aired the last “Get a Mac” TV ad in October 2009, marking the beginning of the end for the campaign. But the clever marketing continued on Apple’s website. On May 21, 2010, Apple finally replaced its “Get a Mac” page with a “Why You’ll Love a Mac” page.

Don’t buy any new MacBook Pro until you hear this episode—seriously.     There are growing reports, tons of complaints, and a new petition claiming the butterfly keyboard in the new MacBook Pro has a critical design flaw that can’t be fixed.  This episode we explore the issue with Matthew Taylor, creator of the keyboard recall petition, who tells us what’s going wrong with Apple’s butterfly keyboard, why it can’t be fixed, and why almost 30,000 people are demanding it be recalled.   And stick around for a innovative new iPhone gimbal, a very cool throwback iPhone case, and the perfect green screen for your Twitch or Youtube streams in an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just sharpen your skills, Udemy has over 65,000 courses starting at just 11.99. Visit Ude.my/CULTCASTor download the Udemy app to learn anytime, anywhere.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   MacBook butterfly keyboard problems spawn recall petition [Update] https://www.cultofmac.com/545441/macbook-butterfly-keyboard-problems-recall-petition/ The butterfly keyboard in recent MacBooks draws frequent complaints. And these have now escalated to the point where an online petition is requesting that Apple recall every MacBook Pro released since 2016. The “butterfly” name comes from the shape of each key’s internal mechanism. In the 2015 MacBook, Apple replaced the old scissor design with one reminiscent of a butterfly. It’s supposed to more evenly distribute the pressure from tapping on the keys. As mentioned, it’s also 40 percent thinner.   Jason Snell: “Apple’s relative silence on this issue for existing customers is deafening. If these problems are remotely as common as they seem to be, this is an altogether defective product that should be recalled.”   John Gruber: “This keyboard has to be one of the biggest design screwups in Apple history. Everyone who buys a MacBook depends upon the keyboard and this keyboard is undependable.”   Marco Arment: “Butterfly keyswitches are a design failure…. they are fatally unreliable.”   Casey Neistat: Pic on twitter with caption: what am i supposed to do when the space bar stops working. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING WITH THIS FCKING KEYBOARD     Apple’s ‘butterfly’ MacBook keyboard problems bring class action lawsuit https://www.cultofmac.com/547643/macbook-lawsuit-butterfly-keyboard-class-action/ A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that the keyboard used in all the MacBook Pros and MacBooks made for several years is defective. The plaintiffs request that this be made into a class action lawsuit, and that Apple be required to replace all the affected keyboards at no cost to users. The lawsuit also requests punitive damages because, as they claim, Apple continued to build and sell laptops with the “butterfly” keyboard even though the company knew it was defective.   Keyboard petition on Change.org https://www.change.org/p/apple-apple-recall-macbook-pro-w-defective-keyboard-replace-with-different-working-keyboard   Spiffy new iPhone X cases look like original iMac and iPhone https://www.cultofmac.com/547927/spigens-spiffy-new-iphone-x-cases-inspired-by-og-imac-and-iphone/     Under Review!   FreeFly Movi iPhone gimbal https://store.freeflysystems.com/collections/movi   Classic C1: iPhone X case inspired by iMac G3 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/classic-c1-iphone-x-case-inspired-by-imac-g3-design#/   Elgato Green Screen https://amzn.to/2LawpRa   Tiny Tower Laptop Stand https://tinytowerstand.com/products/tiny-tower-laptop-stand

This week: Apple is secretly building a TV empire Google’s new AI assistant has a feature you have to see to believe Financial filings show MoviePass’s time is running out Our favorite lesser-known iOS and Mac apps And… why do men have nipples?  We answer your most burning questions in an all-new CultCast QnA 🔥   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EEROdistributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   All the important stuff revealed at Google I/O https://www.cultofmac.com/546807/all-the-important-stuff-revealed-at-google-i-o/ An updated version of Google Maps aims to keep you in-the-know about what’s going on around you. There’s a new tab called “For You” that’s designed to tell you about events in neighborhoods you care about. You can now hold your phone up to the world in front of you and Maps will overlay walking directions that make finding your way around a new city easier. A very human-sounding Google Assistant made a call on behalf of it’s owner to book a haircut, and the result was was magical as it was creepy. The most impressive thing was that the person on the receiving end of the call didn’t seem to suspect they were talking to an AI   Every single TV series Apple is currently making https://www.cultofmac.com/542653/every-single-tv-show-apple-is-making/ After going on a spending spree in Hollywood the last eight months, Apple appears to be poised to make a huge push into original content. Apple has 13 shows in development.   Today’s SEC filing suggests MoviePass’ time is running out https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/8/17332188/moviepass-helios-and-matheson-sec-stock-price The future doesn’t look promising for MovePass According to a recent financial filing, the company has spent an average of $21.7 million per month for the stretch between October 2017 through April 2018, but as of April 30th, MoviePass has just $15.5 million in cash   Apple ‘cash machine’ puts profits ahead of innovation https://www.cultofmac.com/547009/apple-cash-machine-vs-innovation/ Apple to many seems to have lost its mojo for innovation. But it knows how to build a pile of cash. This is the impression of Silicon Valley venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, who told CNBC Wednesday: “I think Apple is a productive cash machine,”  “Is it a font of innovation? Unclear, trending to probably"

This week’s very HOT stories:  Analysts were wrong—iPhone X is a massive hit The death of 3D Touch starts with 2018 iPhone The world’s most famous Apple analyst may no longer be reporting on Apple Apple’s AirPort router lineup is officially dead And we pitch you our favorite shows, movies, and vodka in an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   Apple’s AirPort router lineup is officially dead https://www.cultofmac.com/544371/apples-airport-router-lineup-is-officially-dead/ Apple introduced the AirPort lineup back in 2003 when it was starting to ride the high from the original iPod Apple decided to finally put the nail in the coffin for its lineup of AirPort routers that haven’t been updated in years. Statement: “We’re discontinuing the Apple AirPort base station products. They will be available through Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers while supplies last.”   Analysts were wrong: iPhone X is a massive hit https://www.cultofmac.com/545233/5-big-revelations-from-apples-surprising-q2-earnings-call/ Apple blew analysts’ expectations out of the water this afternoon with its historic Q2 2018 earnings report that saw the company post the most revenue ever in the March quarter. Tim Cook and Apple CFO Luca Maestri were giddy during Tuesday's call with investors. Everyone expected the iPhone X to be a bust, but even Apple was surprised by its success as it still dominates the iPhone sales charts.   Death of 3D Touch starts with 2018 iPhone https://www.cultofmac.com/544359/3d-touch-2018-iphone-2019-ming-chi-kuo/ A very reliable analyst predicts one of the iPhones coming in autumn won’t have this pressure-sensitive technology, and none of the 2019 devices will. Ming-Chi Kuo says it’s all because Apple is changing the components of its displays to make them lighter and less likely to break. The analyst says sources in Apple’s supply chain told him that the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone, expected this fall, will use a CGS (Cover Glass Sensor) process. This means the touch sensor will no longer integrated with the actual display, but will instead be part of the cover that protects the LCD underneath. The CGS displays weigh less than the current ones, and are more shock-resistant, according to Kuo. But they also cost more. To save money, Apple is going to leave out the 3D Touch sensor. The KGI analyst says all 2019 models will use the CGS process, even the OLED ones, and therefore they won’t have 3D Touch.   World’s most famous Apple analyst may no longer be reporting on Apple https://www.cultofmac.com/544817/worlds-most-famous-apple-analyst-may-no-longer-be-reporting-on-apple/ it seems that Kuo is moving on to greener pastures for a job with another firm. Unfortunately for Apple fans, this may mean focusing on non-Apple companies instead. According to Kuo’s LinkedIn profile, he joined KGI in January 2012. While Kuo is well known, he keeps a low profile and doesn’t do interviews. Very few pictures of him can be found online   Update: Unlimited MoviePass is back, but now it sucks https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/2/17311500/moviepass-unlimited-plan-back-mitch-lowe   What we’re INTO   Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board https://redpaddleco.com/en-us/board/106-ride-se-msl/   Santa Clarita Diet https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/santa_clarita_diet/s01/   A Quiet Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR7cc5t7tv8   St. George’s Green Chili Vodka http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/spirits/vodka/st-george-green-chile-vodka/

This week:  How Steve Jobs saved Pixar, then stole all their stock iPhone SE will steal one of iPhone X’s best features Told ya!  MoviePass ends its unlimited movie option Gal Gadot promotes Huawei on twitter… from her iPhone What the heck happened to the AirPower Mat? And we wrap with the best iPhone camera lenses, wireless security system, and the most powerful flashlight on EARTH in an all-new under review.   This episode supported by   Students around the world choose Udemy to discover new passions, expand their skills, and even change careers. Visit Ude.my/CULTCASTor download the Udemy app to learn anytime, anywhere.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.     On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace     Gal Gadot: I didn't cheat on Huawei Mate 10 Pro with iPhone https://www.cnet.com/news/gal-gadot-says-she-didnt-cheat-on-huawei-mate-10-pro-with-iphone/#ftag=CAD590a51e Gal Gadot, best known for the lead role in the Wonder Woman movie, became a ‘brand ambassador’ for Huawei earlier this year. In that role, she yesterday tweeted a glowing video about her new Huawei Mate 10 – with just one small problem Marques Brownlee spotted, the tweet was sent from Twitter for iPhone. Gadot’s publicist told CNET there was a perfectly innocent explanation. “Some people have asked about my recent post with my new Huawei smartphone, and think I am using an iPhone,” Gadot said through her publicist. “That’s simply not the case. I love my Huawei P20 and Mate10Pro. They are lifelines wherever I am in the world.”   New iPhone SE will steal one of iPhone X’s best features https://www.cultofmac.com/543543/new-iphone-se-will-steal-one-of-iphone-xs-best-features/ iPhone SE is looking to be a real beauty.   Reliable leaker Benjamin Geskin claims the new iPhone SE, codenamed Jaguar, will feature wireless charging just like iPhone X. To make that possible, Apple is expected to scrap the handset’s aluminum unibody first introduced with iPhone 5 in favor of a shiny glass back panel. Hopefully it’s waterproof and gets Touch ID 2. The new iPhone SE, with a faster A10 Fusion processor, will likely make its official debut next month, according to recent reports.   What happened to the AirPower Mat? At its September 2017 event, Apple said AirPower would appear some time in 2018, but since then we've barely heard a peep about about it. AirPower will charge multiple devices at the same time, and while other mats out there can do that too, Apple says AirPower can help devices communicate with each other to manage power consumption. It’s been 7 months now and we haven’t heard a peep. Will the WDDC keynote on June 4th be the day?     Today in Apple history: Pixar gets out of the computer game https://www.cultofmac.com/477983/today-apple-history-pixar-stops-selling-computers/ April 25, 1990: Steve Jobs shuts down Pixar’s hardware division (yes, it used to have one!), ending production of the pricey Pixar Image Computers immediately. Pixar was Jobs’ “rebound” company after his departure from Apple in 1985. In early 1986, he bought a majority interest in Pixar from  George Lucas for just $5 million bucks. When Lucas owned the company, he led the development of the Pixar Image Computer. George found existing computers too weak to handle the graphics needed to produce Pixar’s work (or to meet the demands of Hollywood studios that hired the company). However, the computers sold poorly — and to a relatively small number of buyers. When Pixar’s five-person Animation Group won an Oscar for its short film Tin Toy in 1989, Jobs’ interests switched to that team, which he previously planned to kill off due to its inability to turn a profit. The hardware division got canned instead.   But then the story gets a strange twist.   Moment iPhone X lenses https://www.shopmoment.com/iphone-x-moment-cases-and-lenses   Imalent DX80 https://imalentstore.com/product/dx80/   Simpli Safe https://simplisafe.com/home-2   Buster’s Instagram http://instagram.com/gilashark/  

This week:  Apple threatens employees to quit leaking, or go to jail! Apple’s building new tools to help you know just how addicted you are to that iPhone of yours.  We’ll fill you in. It looks like a new iPhone SE will be landing real soon.  We’ll tell you what we know. And we reveal all the cool stuff we’re currently into in an all-new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r      Tim Cook won’t compromise Mac and iPad by combining them https://www.cultofmac.com/542885/mac-and-ipad-merge-combine-tim-cook-macbook/ With Apple planning to move Macs to Arm chips, and the rumored unification of iOS and macOS apps, you might be anxious Apple might just go ahead and combine your iPhone and Mac into some God forsake combo device. Tim Cook recently stated that merging the Mac and iPad lines would be bad for both. He told a reporter from The Sydney Morning Herald, “We don’t believe in sort of watering down one for the other. Both are incredible. One of the reasons that both of them are incredible is because we pushed them to do what they do well. And if you begin to merge the two … you begin to make trade offs and compromises.”   Leaked Apple memo details efforts to stop leaks https://www.cultofmac.com/541563/leaked-apple-memo-details-efforts-to-stop-leaks/ In a leaked memo detailing Apple’s efforts to stop leaks, the company says it caught 29 leakers in 2017. Of those caught, 12 were arrested. Apple told employees they are “getting played” by journalists and bloggers that approach them with flattery in exchange for information.   Apple should battle smartphone addiction, iPod creator says https://www.cultofmac.com/541947/apple-should-battle-smartphone-addiction-ipod-creator-says/ Former Apple executive, father of the iPod and current Nest CEO Tony Fadell wants Apple to do more to battle smartphone addiction. In a newly published op-ed, Fadell argues that it would be “easy” for Apple to create a deep dashboard that could reveal exactly how much time we spend on different apps. Fadell suggests that users could receive a regular itemized list like a credit card bill, complete with detailed information about how long they spent on each app, or even what they were doing inside each app. It turns out Apple agrees, and has said that it plans to incorporate smartphone-monitoring features into the next version of iOS.   Apple plans to launch the Apple Music of magazines https://www.cultofmac.com/542245/apple-mag-subscription-service/ Apple is planning to launch its own premium subscription magazine service as part of the Apple News app, a new report claims. Earlier this year, the company acquired magazine app Texture. Texture offers more than 200 magazines for a rolling price of $9.99 per month. Since acquiring Texture, Apple has reportedly parted ways with 20 of Texture’s 100 employees. The remaining ones are now being integrated into the Apple News team. An app combining Apple News and Texture is expected to launch sometime in the next year. When the iPad first launched in 2010, one of the apps Steve Jobs was most excited about was The Daily, a short-lived, iPad-exclusive newspaper that was the first subscription app Apple offered.   Apple filings hint a bunch of new iPhone models are coming soon https://www.cultofmac.com/542451/apple-filings-hint-a-bunch-of-new-iphone-models-are-coming-soon/ The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) — which has previously leaked the iPhone 7, AirPods, and new MacBooks early — has now spilled the beans on a bunch of new handsets Apple is planning to release this year. Given that the iPhone X and iPhone 8 launched just six months ago, they will almost certainly be new versions of iPhone SE. Apple’s newest iPhone SE launched last March with increased storage, but the rest of the device has remained unchanged since March 2016. Current models still pack an aging A9 processor that first made its debut inside the iPhone 6 in 2014. A new version of the iPhone SE will probably offer the same physical design, again with a 4-inch Retina display, but with more recent internals. Apple could give the device a more powerful A10 chip alongside improved cameras.

This week:  HomePod is already stumbling in sales—is it doomed?   Apple Is the richest company on earth, so where are all its billionaires? Face ID could replace passwords on your favorite websites The death of Touch ID scheduled for this fall And stay tuned for Under Review, where we go hands on with an $80 tech-packed coffee cup, a beautiful new HomeKit smart lock, and the all-new Mavic Air drone.   This week:  HomePod is already stumbling in sales—is it doomed?   Apple Is the richest company on earth, so where are all its billionaires? Face ID could replace passwords on your favorite websites The death of Touch ID scheduled for this fall And stay tuned for Under Review, where we go hands on with an $80 tech-packed coffee cup, a beautiful new HomeKit smart lock, and the all-new Mavic Air drone.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EEROdistributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   New RED iPhone 8 So beautiful. So red. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O9dNuiOWDg   Join us for a live hangout on Friday the 13th, 12PM Pacific! live.thecultcast.com   Erfon’s YouTube review of the tech-packed Ember Ceramic mug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6oOEv70mec   Apple's Stumbling HomePod Isn't the Hot Seller Company Wanted https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-12/apple-s-stumbling-homepod-isn-t-the-hot-seller-company-wanted Is the HomePod toast? According to some Apple store workers, inventories are piling up and Apple has cut orders with their manufacturer. "At first, it looked like the HomePod might be a hit. Pre-orders were strong, and in the last week of January the device grabbed about a third of the U.S. smart speaker market in unit sales, according to data provided to Bloomberg by Slice Intelligence. But by the time HomePods arrived in stores, sales were tanking, says Slice principal analyst Ken Cassar. “Even when people had the ability to hear these things,” he says, “it still didn’t give Apple another spike.”” According to Slice Intelligence: During the HomePod’s first 10 weeks of sales, it eked out 10 percent of the smart speaker market, compared with 73 percent for Amazon’s Echo devices and 14 percent for the Google Home Why aren’t people buying HomePods?     Apple Is the Richest Company, So Where Are the Billionaires? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-11/apple-is-the-richest-company-so-where-are-all-the-billionaires Did you know it wasn’t Apple that made Steve Jobs a billionaire? It was Pixar selling to Disney.   Well it seems, as the world’s richest company, Apple would have many billionaires in its ranks.  Turns out it doesn’t, and two astute reporters at Bloomberg wondering why. Apple Chairman Art Levinson is the only insider billionaire at Apple, and his Apple stock only accounts for $200 of his fortune. It’s estimated that Tim Cook is only worth 600 million dollars. Steve Jobs sold all but one of his shares when he was ousted from the company. One theory is that large stockholders sold off their shares in 1997 when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy. Apple is smart with their executive pay, tying significant parts of compensation to company performance. Only corporate insiders or shareholders with stakes exceeding 5 percent are required to report their interests, so it’s possible there are billionaires around.   Face ID could replace passwords on your favorite websites https://www.cultofmac.com/540679/face-id-could-replace-passwords/ Face ID could become even more useful thanks to a newly launched Web Authentication standard, which could replace regular web passcodes with biometric identification. This is via an API created by the FIDO Alliance and W3C. It allows users to access any online service in a browser through password-free FIDO Authentication. While Apple already allows Face ID to autofill usernames and passcodes on iOS, this could go one step further by replacing the passcode altogether. This would make it a more secure option. The biometric services covered by the API include fingerprint readers, cameras and USB keys. At present, the feature can be used in Mozilla’s Firefox browser, with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge integration set to follow in the coming months. Opera integration is in the works, too, although sadly there’s no mention of Apple adopting this for Safari.   Death of Touch ID scheduled for this fall https://www.cultofmac.com/540509/2018-iphone-rumors-face-id-big-oled/ All of the 2018 iPhone models will have Face ID, according to an industry analyst. The analyst also indicated that two of the three models coming this fall will have OLED displays. There will be one medium-size and two bigger iPhones, both larger than any before. He’s also expecting a price drop on the iPhone X to $899, with the X Plus costing $999. Could that mean a move to FaceID on the Mac?   Under Review!   Ember Ceramic temperature-controlled coffee cup   Yale Real Living Assure Lock   DJI Mavic Air

This week:  Whoa!  Apple just stole Google’s head of A.I. to make Siri smarter Apple plans to ditch Intel processors on the Mac  You won’t believe the massive cash being pay to silicon valley’s A.I. talent Future iPhones could boast curved displays and touch-free controls iOS 11.4 public beta arrives with AirPlay 2, but it won’t work with your HomePod And a Leander gives us the scoop on his new Tim Cook book!   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   The air you were meant to breathe is finally here. For $75 off your first order, visit molekule.com and enter the code CULTCAST at checkout.    CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   CultCast live hangout on Friday the 13th at 12PM PST! http://live.thecultcast.com   Apple steals Google’s A.I. wiz to make Siri smarter https://www.cultofmac.com/539125/apple-steals-googles-john-giannandrea-ai-siri/ John Giannandrea used to be in charge of Google’s search and artificial intelligence, but now he works for Apple.  He’s leading the drive to make the company’s Siri voice assistant smarter, a goal many would agree is overdue. NYT: Apple said on Tuesday that Mr. Giannandrea will run Apple’s “machine learning and A.I. strategy,” and become one of 16 executives who report directly to Apple’s chief executive, Timothy D. Cook. This is the most high-profile move yet in a ongoing drive to hire more talent for the Siri team. Mr. Giannandrea came to Google in 2010, where he helped make AI and machine learning part of all the company’s products, from search to Gmail. And now he’s doing that for Apple. Apple is also looking to hire  to hire 142 more people for Siri-related jobs, almost twice as many as this time last year.   Tech Giants Are Paying Huge Salaries for Scarce A.I. Talent https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/22/technology/artificial-intelligence-experts-salaries.html Fun fact: Engineers with A.I. expertise are some of the most sought-after people in Silicon Valley, with salaries sometimes exceeding eight figures. Tech’s biggest companies are placing huge bets on artificial intelligence, banking on things ranging from face-scanning smartphones and conversational coffee-table gadgets to computerized health care and autonomous vehicles. Typical A.I. specialists, including both Ph.D.s fresh out of school and people with less education and just a few years of experience, can be paid from $300,000 to $500,000 a year or more in salary and company stock In a court filing this year, Google revealed that one of the leaders of its self-driving-car division, Anthony Levandowski, a longtime employee who started with Google in 2007, took home over $120 million in incentives before joining Uber last year In the entire world, fewer than 10,000 people have the skills necessary to tackle serious artificial intelligence research, according to Element AI, an independent lab in Montreal. Not enough teachers because they all get lured into making their fortunes Over the last several years, four of the best-known A.I. researchers in academia have left or taken leave from their professorships at Stanford University. At the University of Washington, six of 20 artificial intelligence professors are now on leave or partial leave and working for outside companies. Nonprofits like Fast.ai and companies like Deeplearning.ai, founded by a former Stanford professor who helped create the Google Brain lab, offer online courses.     Future iPhones could boast curved displays and touch-free controls https://www.cultofmac.com/539239/future-iphones-could-boast-curved-displays-and-touch-free-controls/ According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on touchless gesture controls and curved screens for future iPhones The touchless control feature would be a bit like the Air Gestures feature Samsung introduced several years back. This allows users to accept calls and navigate through web pages by waving their hands across the screen. The other new technology is for a curved display more noticeable than the slight curve seen on the iPhone X’s OLED screen. Unlike Samsung’s curved handsets, which curve down at the edges, Apple’s approach reportedly curves “inward gradually from top to bottom.”   iOS 11.4 public beta arrives with AirPlay 2, but it won’t work with your HomePod just yet https://www.cultofmac.com/539063/ios-11-4-public-beta-arrives-with-airplay-2/     Apple plans to ditch Intel processors on the Mac  https://www.cultofmac.com/538829/apple-plans-to-ditch-intel-processors-on-the-mac/ Apple is pushing forward with plans to ditch Intel’s processors in favor of its own chips, according to a new report that claims the transition away from Intel CPUs will likely take multiple steps. Bloomberg says that Apple executives have already approved the project to make the Mac run on ARM-based processors by 2020. Moving to its own chips inside Macs would let Apple release new models on its own timelines, instead of relying on Intel’s processor roadmap. Making the move to ARM chips won’t be easy though. All software would basically have to be rewritten for the new processors, which certainly won’t make developers happy. Pluses  Intel chips have stalled in major progress, leaving little reason for many to update from older computers. The A11 bionic chip inside the iPhone X beats meets or beats Geekbench scores of the fastest 2017 13” MacBook Pro No more waiting on Intel!  More regular releases of Macs with updated hardware. Even tighter integration of your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other  devices Concerns Machines not capable with doing pro work.  Sure the X beats a 13” MBP, but what about a desktop  4-core or 6-core chip with hyper threading? is this going to mean Macs that are more like phones and iPads? (efficient but not very powerful) Even more of a walled-garden as Apple fine-tunes it’s machines to work best with it’s own software, but 3rd party apps may not follow

This week: Apple has powered up the new iPad so much, it’s hard to resist!  Plus: what you need to know about iOS 11.3; everything Apple revealed at its “field trip” event; report says  Watch Plus is incoming; and you asked, we answer—from the best Home apps, to our Mac Mini predictions, to Commando Vs. Predator—we answer your most burning questions.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace / @IanFuchs   Apple is finally selling a space gray keyboard and mouse https://www.cultofmac.com/537711/apple-is-finally-selling-a-space-gray-keyboard-and-mouse/   Mac fans that love the look of the new space gray iMac Pro — but don’t want to plop down four grand — can finally buy the computer’s coveted accessories separately.  The space srey keyboard costs $149. That’s $20 more than the normal silver keyboard Buying a space gray  Magic Mouse will set you back $99, while the normal version costs just $79. The black Lightning cable that comes with the iMac Pro is still exclusively available to iMac Pro owners, though.   New in iOS 11.3 New Animoji Battery tools Privacy popups HomePod update      Everything Apple revealed at its ‘field trip’ event https://www.cultofmac.com/537703/everything-apple-revealed-at-its-education-field-trip-keynote/ New 9.7inch iPad Updates to iWork Updated Classroom and new Schoolwork Cloud Apps ClassKitAPI More iCloud storage for students and teachers   iPad vs. iPad Pro: Which is right for you? https://www.cultofmac.com/538053/ipad-vs-ipad-pro-which-is-right-for-you/ According to early benchmarks, the new iPad is the fastest Apple device behind the iPad Pro and the latest iPhone lineup. It also outperforms both the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. $329 for 32GB, $429 for $429 Three times faster than iPad Air, and almost twice as fast a as the Air 2.  Almost 80% faster than the 2017 iPad.    

This week:  Apple’s surprise education event could showcase new, cheaper hardware 🔥 A huge upgrade is may be coming to the screens of Apple products Why 2018’s iPhone X refresh could cost less than last year’s model Fortnite streamers are striking it rich, and the iOS version will totally blow your mind   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @killianbell / @lewiswallace     Apple’s surprise education event could showcase new, cheaper hardware https://www.cultofmac.com/535399/apple-issues-invites-for-education-event-on-march-27/ Apple issued invites last Friday for an education-themed event in Chicago on March 27. The invite promises “creative new ideas for teachers and students.” That could indicate the arrival of more-affordable Apple devices — like the new MacBook Air and iPad we’ve been hearing about. Apple is hosting the event in a high school, rather than on its Cupertino campus or at a convention center in the San Francisco Bay Area. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed Apple has a more-affordable MacBook Air in the pipeline. The lightweight laptop, which has been looking a little long in the tooth for a while now, might get a Retina display and updated internals. Reports indicate the new MacBook Air could cost as little as $799. The 9.7-inch iPad could drop to $259. If so, the devices’ lower price tags would make them ideal for students and schools on a budget. Caligragphy on invitation--I’m guessing the new cheaper iPad will support the Apple Pencil, currently only supported on the iPad Pro models.     Apple developing its own ‘MicroLED’ displays for future devices (A huge upgrade coming to the screens of Apple products) https://www.cultofmac.com/535817/apple-developing-its-own-microled-displays-for-future-devices/ What is microLED?  Before we get to that, we need to talk about current screen technology. Most of the screens you see today are LCD, Liquid Crystal Display illuminated with  backlight (usually LEDs). LCDs are easy to manufacture, cheap, and perform well over a long period of time.   But because they have a back light, colors can look washed out, especially blacks The iPhone X has an OLED display. Each OLED pixel can self illuminate when exposed to electrical current, so there’s no need for back light.  This results is much better contrast ratios, more saturated colors, and the best black levels you can get. But OLED suffers from burn in, aka image retention, and they’re not very bright.  Plus their brightness degrades over time. microLED is kind of the best of both worlds. It has a longer life span.  Absolute blacks, and it’s about 30x brighter than OLED. it can also illuminate at the pixel level without a backlight.   iPhone X spells doom for pricey smartphones https://www.cultofmac.com/536039/iphone-x-spells-doom-for-pricey-smartphones/ iPhone X enjoyed a positive start as hardcore Apple fans busted open their savings and skipped rent to be the first to get their hands on the company’s best smartphone yet. But now that the early adopters have been served, iPhone X just isn’t selling. Analysts have been reporting for several months that iPhone X demand is significantly weaker than expected — and falling further by the day. They say holiday sales were poor, and they don’t expect the situation to improve before Apple introduces new models this fall. Analysts are warning that the market “may not tolerate” rising smartphone prices.     2018’s iPhone X refresh could cost less than last year’s model https://www.cultofmac.com/536309/2018s-iphone-x-refresh-could-cost-less-than-last-years-model/ The iPhone X’s $1,000 price point has been hard to swallow for a lot of customers, which may help explain why sales have supposedly been a bit disappointing. According to a new report, Apple has managed to reduce its manufacturing bill of materials (MBOM) for this year’s iPhone X-sized handset to a level much lower than that of its present flagship. The report suggests that Apple’s manufacturing cost for the new iPhone could be more than 10 percent lower than the $400+ dollars it pays for each iPhone X model. Apple will allegedly launch two new OLED iPhones this year, including a 5.85-inch (the same size as the iPhone X) and 6.45-inch OLED model, as well as a 6.1-inch LCD model. A plan to produce a 5.85-inch LCD iPhone has reportedly been suspended since mid-February, and could be cancelled altogether. Theory: Plus-sized phone price will probably be that of iPhone X with 5.85-inch phone being price of today’s 8 Plus.  LCD version of the phone will take on iPhone 8 pricing.   Fortnite on iOS will totally blow your mind  https://www.cultofmac.com/535415/fortnite-ios-first-impressions/ Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game that has become hugely popular, thanks to its unique gameplay, colorful graphics, and weekly content updates. It throws you into a massive map against 99 others with just one mission: Be the last one to survive. On iPhone and iPad, you get exactly the same 100-player game you’re used to playing on consoles. You battle it out on the same map with all of the same content.   This 26-year-old makes $500,000 a month streaming Fortnite on Twitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXuM-LpVD50

This week:  Leander goes to the Spaceship campus and he’s back to tell us all about it. Siri sucks, Apple knows it, and they’re not sure how to fix it. Our 2018 WWDC hardware expectations! And you asked, we answer:  Has Tesla become more innovative than Apple? Plus our very honest opinions about the price, features, and value of the MacBook Pro with Touch bar.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   WWDC 2018 returns to San Jose, runs June 4 to 8 https://www.cultofmac.com/534629/wwdc-2018-kicks-off-on-june-4-in-san-jose/ Apple will kick off its 29th annual Worldwide Developers Conference on MondayJune 4. keynote at 10am? The week-long event, which will offer the first previews of Apple’s next big software updates, will again be held in the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose.   Alt-conf! https://www.cultofmac.com/534701/altconf-2018-offers-a-free-alternative-to-wwdc/   New improved MacBook Air and 9.7-inch iPad could debut at WWDC https://www.cultofmac.com/534141/new-improved-macbook-air-and-9-7-inch-ipad-could-debut-at-wwdc/ According to a new Digitimes report and also Apple Analyst Ming Chi Kuo, Apple is prepping a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook that will debut in the second quarter of 2018.  The price?  A mere $999. One other interesting tidbit in today’s report is that Apple’s upstream supply chain has supposedly started shipping components for a new iPad Pro upgrade and cheaper 9.7-inch iPad. The 9.7-inch iPad is reportedly set to be released in the second quarter of this year (making WWDC a likely candidate for its debut), while the refreshed iPad Pro will come some time in the second half of 2018. I’ve seen a ton of sales on the 9.7", and also the iPad Pro more recently. June is the 6th month in the year, so technically all these products could be unveiled at WWDC. If you remember the 10.5” iPad was announced at the last WWDC.     Apple might give Siri a total makeover https://www.cultofmac.com/534915/siri-makeover/ Under the veil of anonymity, some current and former Apple employees are admitting Siri sucks, and Apple knows it. Apple’s AI assistant is way behind the competition, and a new report indicates that Cupertino’s coders can’t agree on how to fix Siri — or even if it should be fixed. Siri had so much promise… How did we get here? Bugs and infighting Multiple sources told The Information that Apple "rushed Siri into the iPhone 4s before the technology was fully baked," According to The Information, the problem is so severe that Apple can’t decide “whether to continue patching up a flawed build or to rip it up and start from scratch.” Bugs and other problems reportedly began almost from the time Apple acquired the voice system back in 2010. Part of the problem was Siri’s instant popularity. The backend servers weren’t prepared for the demand coming from millions of iPhone users. The company has struggled ever since to make Siri’s code more efficient. Lack of vision Well, like so many things, it’s due to a total lack of vision for what Siri should be. Steve Jobs spearheaded the acquisition of Siri and the integration of the technology into iOS. Siri was unveiled as the signature feature of the iPhone 4s in 2011. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died the very next day “When Steve died the day after Siri launched, they lost the vision,” one of The Information’s sources said. “They didn’t have a big picture.” Since that time, multiple project managers have come and gone, none with Jobs’ vision. There’s allegedly an internal debate over whether Siri should be a system for answering short questions and following simple commands, or a more full-featured digital assistant capable of handling more complex queries.

This week:  A new cheaper HomePod is likely on the way A leaked apple email harkens the end of iTunes It looks like changing the battery in your older iOS devices can bring some surprising performance increases MoviePass is tracking iOS users every move, and privacy experts are madder than a beehive And we wrap up with a What We’re Into, with our reviews Black Panther, Annihilation, Daredevil, The Punisher, and the first security camera for your car!   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Cheaper HomePod might lead Apple’s push for lower prices https://www.cultofmac.com/533247/cheaper-homepod-iphone-ipad/ A version between $150 and $200 will change that, if a report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News is correct. This unconfirmed report doesn’t say what features will change to lower the cost that significantly. However, a separate research note from Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang says the upcoming cheaper HomePod will be smaller. This isn’t expected to be a replacement for the current HomePod. It would be a lower-priced alternative that’s within the grasp of a far wider potential audience, enabling Apple to better compete with the Amazon Echo and Dot smart speakers.     Leaked Apple email hints at the possible end of iTunes  https://www.cultofmac.com/532813/apple-end-of-itunes-email/ Apple could kill off iTunes in the near future, a new report suggests. It cites an email that Apple reportedly wrote to people in the music industry recently, announcing the “end of iTunes LPs.” The iTunes LP format was first introduced in 2009 and let publishers add interactive artwork, along with assorted iTunes Extras, with their content. The LP format never achieved great popularity. However, the fact that Apple plans to ditch iTunes LPs in 2018 potentially hints at the possibility that Apple may stop selling iTunes music downloads in the near future. According to a previous report by The Wall Street Journal, Apple Music is currently growing at a rate of around 5 percent each month.     Here’s how much a new iPhone battery boosts performance https://www.cultofmac.com/532787/iphone-battery-replacement-comparison/ A new video posted online by Bennett Sorbo compares an iPhone 6s with depleted battery against one with a fresh battery. The two iPhones are then put head to head as they run through a variety of CPU-intensive tasks, including opening apps, using the internet, playing games and videos, and more.   MoviePass says it’s ‘exploring’ gathering location data on users, but it won’t sell it https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/5/17083280/moviepass-location-based-user-tracking-data-privacy-app-policy-changes MoviePass responded late this evening to a number of reports calling into question the company’s privacy policy after CEO Mitch Lowe publicly claimed the theater subscription service tracks its users’ locations.   Apple’s new HomePod commercial is a work of art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=305ryPvU6A8  

This week:  Reliable sources say Apple is working on an“audiophile” grade set of headphones with built-in AirPods magic.  SIGN US UP.  Wow Apple plans to revolutionize healthcare The cool, weird, and whacky HealthKit gadgets you’ve never heard of And we wrap up with Pro whistling, rock accordion, and arguments over which actors have the hands-down best filmography on an all-new Get to Know Ur Cultist.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   Apple audiophile headphones tipped with AirPods magic https://www.slashgear.com/apple-audiophile-headphones-tipped-with-airpods-magic-26521085/ Apple is aiming to pivot its AirPods success into a set of Apple-branded over-the-ear headphones, reports suggest, effectively competing with its own Beats range. KGI analyst and accurate Apple psychic Ming-Chi Kuo is says a new pair of Apple-branded over-the-hear audiophile-grade headphones is coming our way. Kuo’s prediction went on to say we shouldn’t expect to see the new Apple headphones until Q4 2018 at the very earliest In the meantime expect a new version of the AirPods to hit the market, with always-on "Hey Siri" functionality so a simple, and a new case with wireless charging capability   Apple wellness clinics will offer ‘world’s best healthcare’ https://www.cultofmac.com/531283/apple-wellness-clinics-will-offer-worlds-best-healthcare-to-employees/ Apple plans to launch new wellness clinics that will offer employees and their families “the world’s best healthcare.” AC Wellness will be independently operated, according to its official website — but job listings suggest it is a wholly Apple-owned subsidiary. One of its clinics will be situated inside Apple Park, the Cupertino company’s brand new headquarters. Apple has started recruiting for two AC Wellness clinics in Santa Clara, California — one of which will be located at Apple Park. They will initially serve Apple employees and their families when they open this spring, but Apple has much bigger plans, according to CNBC. “Aside from the typical roles involved with a primary care clinic, Apple is also looking to hire “designers” who will help implement a program focused on preventing disease and promoting healthy behavior,” reads the report, which cites people familiar with the plan. “Sources said the company will leverage its medical clinics as a way to test out its growing range of health services and products, which it is starting to roll out to consumers at large.”   iPhone sweeps Consumer Reports’ best camera list https://www.cultofmac.com/531915/iphone-sweeps-consumer-reports-list-best-phone-cameras/ The camera is a major feature of any smartphone, and Consumer Reports says Apple makes the best. All three of top models in the magazine’s latest ranking of top phone cameras are iPhones, as are six of the top ten. At the top of the list is the iPhone X, which boasts a 12 megapixel wide-angle camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture, and a separate 12MP telephoto camera with ƒ/2.4 and 2x optical zoom. Consumer Reports ranked the iPhone 8 next. It sports a single 12MP camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture. in third place is the iPhone 8 Plus, another dual camera device. One is a 12MP wide-angle with ƒ/1.8, and the second a telephoto with ƒ/2.8. The sole non-Apple device in the top five is the Samsung Galaxy S8+. This has a single 12MP camera with ƒ/1.7 aperture. No Google Pixel in the list. This is the same org that said Google Max defeats HomePod in sound.   Cool new HealthKit gadgets can measure practically anything https://www.cultofmac.com/531663/new-healthkit-gadgets-mwc-2018/     Them Darn Accordions with Weird All Yankovic and Drew Carrieat the 1998 Music Awards!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JId36QYs3yg

What a show this week!  We talk: a new gaming console from Apple?  Some new evidence says yes. Plus: some of HomePods best features get delayed; why Leander switched from 1Password to Dashlane; how to get a heckuva great deal on a new iPad; and we wrap up with the smart bike helmet you haven’t heard of, a rugged charge-it-all solar-powered battery back, and an updated version of one of our favorite products on an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace     Is AppleTV about to become a gaming console? http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2018/02/apple-files-major-apple-tv-logo-trademark-update-focused-on-all-things-related-to-gaming-including-a-video-game-console.html Apple has updated their Apple TV logo trademark by adding all things related to gaming. Apple's Trademark filing 87801324 filed last Friday and published today by USPTO was filed solely under international class 028 which specifically covers the following: "video game consoles; controllers for game consoles; video output games, namely, video output game machines for use with televisions; apparatus for electronic games adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor.” This is a significant update that has to be taken seriously. Bringing a whole new level of gaming to Apple TV could be another twist coming to Apple TV in addition to a video content service driven by Apple Worldwide Video.   Looks like multi-room AirPlay just got further away https://www.cultofmac.com/530155/airplay-2-0-delayed/ One of the best features for Apple’s new HomePod appears to be facing some big delays. AirPlay 2.0 promises to give HomePod users the ability to stream the same song to different devices in different rooms from a single iPhone. But with the release of iOS 11.3 beta 3 this morning, Apple has decided to pull the feature from testing. The functionality of AirPlay 2.0 was pretty buggy in the first two beta builds of iOS 11.3. Apple removed it in the latest betas of iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3 that just came out. Until AirPlay 2.0 comes out, you also won’t be able to pair two of Apple’s new smart speakers together so they play stereo sound or multi-room audio.   Why I switched from 1Password to Dashlane [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/525405/dashlane-review-password-manager/ Our thoughts on apps with subscription fees     Apple gets go-ahead for two new iPads https://www.cultofmac.com/530249/apple-gets-approval-two-new-ipads-2018/ Apple has been given the go-ahead for two new iPads, hinting at an imminent refresh. The company filed for approval with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), and both devices were granted permission this week. Apple has also been given approval to bring several iPhone and iPad “samples” into the region. The filings don’t tell us much about these devices. But it does suggest that an Apple announcement is imminent. Apple is dumping 9.7” models.  128GB versions are selling for $280-$350 (regular price $430) Apple Files Major Apple TV Logo Trademark Update Focused on All-Things related to Gaming, Including a Video Game Console   Under Review!   Lumos Smart Bike Helmet with wireless turn signal remote http://amzn.to/2EMQ4qQ   Arlo Pro 2 wireless security cameras http://amzn.to/2sMMJCN   Goal Zero Sherpa 100 Power Pack http://amzn.to/2sKYb1D   Kwikset Premis http://amzn.to/2sLJfAh

This week: friends, HomePod is even better than the hype, it’s one of the best products Apple's ever made. Plus: HomePod vs. the rivals; the big HomePod flaw you need to know about (and the one Apple is trying to downplay); how Apple plans to revamp their future software; and is another new Apple product on the horizon?  We think so, and we’ll tell you what it is.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Consumer Reports says HomePod doesn’t sound as good as its rivals https://www.cultofmac.com/528645/consumer-reports-says-homepod-doesnt-sound-good-rivals/ One of the most reputable tech review sites isn’t that impressed with the HomePod’s superb sound. While most reviewers have noted the HomePod as the best sounding speaker they’ve ever listened too, Consumer Reports claims Google Home Max and Sonos One sound better. “The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod’s bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized,” wrote Consumer Reports. “And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost   Audiophile Review: HomePod 'Sounds Better' Than $999 KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speakers https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/12/homepod-audiophile-review-standing-ovation/ Reddit user WinterCharm posted exhaustive audio performance testing results for HomePod to the Reddit audiophile community. Using specialized equipment and a controlled testing environment, the review features in-depth analysis of the smart speaker's output when compared to a pair of $999 KEF X300Adigital hi-fi monitors, representing a "meticulously set up audiophile grade speaker versus a tiny little HomePod that claims to do room correction on its own”. "I am speechless. The HomePod actually sounds better than the KEF X300A. If you're new to the Audiophile world, KEF is a very well respected and much loved speaker company. I actually deleted my very first measurements and re-checked everything because they were so good, I thought I'd made an error. Apple has managed to extract peak performance from a pint sized speaker, a feat that deserves a standing ovation. The HomePod is 100% an Audiophile grade Speaker."   Siri on HomePod Correctly Answered 52.3% of Queries in New AI Test https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/10/siri-on-homepod-new-ai-test/ Our ol’ pal Genie Munster, in a new test shared today by Loup Ventures, HomePod was put through a bunch of Siri AI tests When asked a series of questions, here’s how it performed vs. other smart speakers Google Home answered 81 percent correctly, Amazon's Alexa answered 64 percent correctly, and Microsoft's Cortana answered 57 percent correctly.   HomePod leaves ugly white rings on wood tables https://www.cultofmac.com/529025/homepod-leaves-ugly-white-rings-wood-tables/ HomePods are already making their mark in new homes across the country — but not in a good way. Apple customers started noticing that HomePod can damage wood furniture by leaving a white ring after resting on a table for just a few minutes or days. Apple confirmed the problem today, saying “the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface.” Apple also suggested owners “try cleaning the surface with the [table] manufacturer’s suggested oiling method.”If the white rings don’t disappear, Apple says you can just refinish the furniture. Apple also recommends putting the HomePod on a coaster if you’re worried about the speaker damaging your table.   Erfon listens to HomePod for the first time...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lz7dxfNXL8   How Apple Plans to Root Out Bugs, Revamp iPhone Software - leander https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-12/how-apple-plans-to-root-out-bugs-revamp-iphone-software Apple will start focusing on the next two years of updates for its iPhone and iPad operating system, according to people familiar with the change. The company will continue to update its software annually, but internally engineers will have more discretion to push back features that aren't as polished to the following year. Software chief Craig Federighi laid out the new strategy to his army of engineers last month, according to a person familiar with the discussion. His team will have more time to work on new features and focus on under-the-hood refinements without being tied to a list of new features annually simply so the company can tout a massive year-over-year leap, people familiar with the situation say. The renewed focus on quality is designed to make sure the company can fulfill promises made each the summer at the annual developers conference and that new features work reliably and as advertised. The decision to give engineers more time to perfect software is a major cultural shift. At Google, teams update apps on their own schedule and aren’t tied to the annual Android release. At Apple, all new features are tied to a big release in the fall, when Apple rolls out its splashiest new software, and a more modest update in the spring   Apple hiring spree means something big is on the way - leander https://www.cultofmac.com/527819/apple-hiring-spree-means-something-big-way/ Apple has been busy hiring a record number of engineers over the last few months. The move comes after the company also went on a designer hiring spree, indicating a major new product or two could be in the works. Job openings for engineering jobs at Apple rose 80% from the period starting in September until just last week. The company’s listings went from 665 open hardware engineering positions to 1,198 last week. What exactly Apple is working on is anyone’s best guess right now, but check out these job listings:Analog Layout Designer, Advanced Material Scientist (Electrolyte Development), 3D Perception/Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer, Sensor Design Engineer, Motion Sensing Hardware Engineer: Magnetics, and even a Flexible Display Technologist. Leander had an epiphany last show of what all these jobs have in common

This week: the HomePod reviews are coming out hot and heavy, and they’re surprising.  We’ll tell you what people like, love, and hate about Apple’s new speaker. Plus: something strange is happening at Apple HQ… we’ll tell you more.    This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   HomePod meta review: Superb sound, stupid Siri https://www.cultofmac.com/527523/homepod-meta-review-great-sound-shitty-siri/ Apple seeded a few review units to major outlets ahead of this Friday’s HomePod launch. The embargo lifted Tuesday morning, and the early reviews reveal a few surprising tidbits about the HomePod.   HomePod sound quality is amazing TechCrunch: “Apple’s HomePod is easily the best sounding mainstream smart speaker ever. It’s got better separation and bass response than anything else in its size and boasts a nuance and subtlety of sound that pays off the 7 years Apple has been working on it.”   HomePod sounds better than expensive speakers WSJ: “The HomePod sounds noticeably richer and fuller than almost every other speaker we’ve testedApple’s audio engineering team did something really clever and new with the HomePod, and it really works. I’m not sure there’s anything out there that sounds better for the price, or even several times the price.   HomePod sucks at music recommendations Apple frames the ability to tell Siri to play your favorite music, and immediately hear soothing tones blasted out of the speaker, as one of the HomePod’s main draws. Cupertino promises that Siri will learn your musical tastes over time, but based on The New York Times’ review, that’s not what actually happens.   HomePod only syncs with one iCloud account That sucks if you don’t live alone.   Not a very good assistant Siri is limited and doesn’t compete with Alexa or Google intelligence. TechCrunch: Siri doesn’t do a lot of “other” stuff that isn’t about audio content. Apple says this is because the vast majority of people use these speakers for basic commands like playing music and setting timers. But it does offer best-in-class voice recognition, vastly outstripping the ability of other smart speakers to hear you trying to trigger a command at a distance or while music is playing, but its overall flexibility is stymied by the limited command sets that the Siri protocol offers. Siri can’t even set more than one timer Siri can’t recognize multiple voices (someone could ask it to read your texts, or even send an iMessage)   You can use Spotify via AirPlay, but you can’t control it with your voice   The smarts are in the music tech When plugged in, HomePod goes through a series of aural exercises you first plug it in to determine how best to structure its sound. It also includes an accelerometer, so if you move the speaker, it will retune itself. Eddie Cue revealed recently that HomePod will adjust how it sounds to each song you play based on Apple’s analytics.   Redheads and superheroes included in 150+ new emojis for 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/527963/red-heads-superheroes-included-150-new-emoji-2018/ The Unicode Consortium has approved more than 150 new emoji characters that will likely be headed to iOS and macOS later this year. The Unicode Consortium has approved more than 150 new emoji characters that will likely be headed to iOS and macOS later this year.   Apple hiring spree means something big is on the way https://www.cultofmac.com/527819/apple-hiring-spree-means-something-big-way/ Apple has been busy hiring a record number of engineers over the last few months. The move comes after the company also went on a designer hiring spree, indicating a major new product or two could be in the works. Job openings for engineering jobs at Apple rose 80% from the period starting in September until just last week. The company’s listings went from 665 open hardware engineering positions to 1,198 last week. What exactly Apple is working on is anyone’s best guess right now, but check out these job listings: Analog Layout Designer, Advanced Material Scientist (Electrolyte Development), 3D Perception/Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer, Sensor Design Engineer, Motion Sensing Hardware Engineer: Magnetics, and even a Flexible Display Technologist. There are hundreds of other titles up for grabs though so probably only a few people at Apple really know the full picture   What we’re INTO   Poke-Bowls https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/poke-bowl-recipes_us_5743abb0e4b0613b512b1bfd   The Shape of Water https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYWazblaUA   iPhone X and its incredible camera https://www.apple.com/iphone-x/

This week: Apple delays big new iOS features to focus on stability, and what it means for iOS 12.  Plus: New details tell us more about 2018’s iPhone X Plus Nintendo announces one of its most legendary games is coming to iOS; Apple works to bring iPad apps to Mac; and we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about the gadge we’re reviewing in an all-new Under Review ☝🏼✋🏼   This episode supported by   Create a beautiful website all by yourself at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Mario Kart is officially coming to iOS https://twitter.com/nintendoofamerica Nintendo just announced that a mobile version of Mario Kart is under development. The company says the game will be released sometime in the next 13 months, but left it at that. "The checkered flag has been raised and the finish line is near. A new mobile application is now in development: Mario Kart Tour! #MarioKartTour Releasing in the fiscal year ending in March 2019.”   Apple delays big new iOS features to focus on stability in 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/526181/apple-delays-big-new-ios-features-to-focus-on-stability-in-2018/ Apple is changing up its plans for this year’s mobile software According to Ina Fried in a report for Axios, “Apple has shaken up its iOS software plans for 2018, delaying some features to next year in an effort to put more focus on addressing performance and quality issues"   Apple works to bring iPad apps to Mac in 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/526399/apple-working-bring-ipad-apps-mac-2018/ Apple’s primary focus for its software updates this year is on improving performance and stability. But there’s a big new feature that the company is still working to bring to macOS, according to a new report. That’s the ability to run iPad apps. Apple has delayed big new features for iOS to focus on ironing out the kinks this year, according to a report from Axios’ Ina Fried. Software chief Craig Federighi is said to have announced the plans to Apple employees at a meeting earlier this month. But one key feature remains on the roadmap for 2018: The ability for Macs to run iPad apps,” reads the latest report.   Apple’s value drops $46 billion amid falling iPhone X demand https://www.cultofmac.com/526199/apples-value-drops-46-billion-amid-rumors-of-weak-iphone-x-demand/ A growing number of analysts and news outlets have claimed that Apple is cutting production due to weaker-than-expected demand for its flagship device. The Wall Street Journal is the latest to corroborate the claims. The Wall Street Journal is the latest to pipe up. It claimed on Monday that Apple has significantly reduced component orders for iPhone X — by as much as 60 percent in some cases. “They always do this when things aren’t selling well,” one source said.   New details tell us more about 2018’s iPhone X Plus https://www.cultofmac.com/525873/2018-ming-chi-kuo-iphones-battery/ In a weekend report to investors, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities reiterates that Apple is planning two OLED iPhones and one LCD model for this year. The two OLED models, he says, be 5.8- and 6.5-inches in size, while the LCD model will be 6.1-inches.     Under Review   Elgato Stream Deck http://amzn.to/2GDUI85   Azio Retro Classic Luxury Bluetooth Keyboards http://amzn.to/2E5AnKl   Juuk Velo Apple Watch Band https://store.cultofmac.com/products/juuk-velo-cosmic-grey-apple-watch-band

This week: HomePod pre-sale has begun!  But... we’ll tell you why Apple’s new smart speaker may be a huge flop.  Plus: audiophiles are comparing HomePod’s tech to speakers that cost $85,000; Apple adds some long-awaited features to iOS 11; how to backup your iCloud photo library to your PC (and why you should); and wrap with another episode of Drone Chat!  This time, we’ll tell you why DJI's Mavic Air is the perfect drone for almost everyone.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   HomePod pre-orders begin Friday ahead of Feb. 9 launch https://www.cultofmac.com/524821/homepod-pre-orders-begin-friday-ahead-feb-9-launch/ Apple today Wednesday that it will release its $349 HomePod on February 9. Pre-orders start this Friday! That technology includes a seven-tweeter array and a 4-inch woofer — plus spatial awareness capabilities. These allow HomePod to “read” its environment and tailor audio output for the best results, though this functionality won’t be available until later this year. In large rooms, you can even pair multiple HomePods for bigger sound.   Why Apple’s HomePod is poised to bomb https://www.cultofmac.com/524895/apple-homepod-bomb-opinion/ HomePod, the first new Apple product of 2018, is about to arrive. And as a huge Apple fanboy, I couldn’t care less. Thanks to Siri, HomePod is great at the things you want to know, and do, in your home. Set timers. Convert measurements. Get translations. And get live news, sports, weather, and traffic. You can also create lists that anyone can add to. Will it replace an iPad or AppleTV as as HomeKit hub? It’s too damn expensive Siri sucks You’re stuck with Apple Music Will Spotify work at all? HomePod is not even finished yet! No stereo or multi-room support till alter this year   Audiophiles on Reddit are comparing HomePod’s tech to speakers costing 85,000 http://www.loopinsight.com/2018/01/24/on-homepod-and-audio-quality   iOS 11.3 beta 1 is out with iCloud Messages, new Animoji and more https://www.cultofmac.com/525115/ios-11-3-beta-1-battery-improvements-new-animoji/ Apple gave the public a preview of the new features coming in iOS 11.3 Wednesday. iOS 11.3 beta 1 contains a number of notable improvements, including iCloud Messages. Apple also added the ability to view your battery’s health and choose between increased performance or better battery life. The new feature is in response to criticism Apple received from customers after it was discovered that Apple throttles CPU speeds on iPhones with older batteries.   Messages on iCloud is almost ready — and you’re going to love it https://www.cultofmac.com/525151/525151/ Messages on iCloud were first previewed at WWDC 2017. Apple pulled it from later beta builds though as it wasn’t ready for wider use Well it’s finally entering the beta testing phase among developers. Once iMessage on iCloud rolls out to the public you’ll be able to delete iMessage conversations to save space on your device. Conversations will still be accessible on your other Apple devices though and on    DJI unveils impossibly tiny new Mavic Air drone https://www.cultofmac.com/524849/dji-unveils-impossibly-tiny-new-mavic-air-drone/ The most popular consumer drone on the market just got a huge upgrade that gives it even more mass appeal for budding droners and video creators. DJI unveiled its new folding drone, the Mavic Air, today. A blend of the company’s two most popular drones, the Mavic Pro and the Spark, it also packs new features you won’t find on DJI’s other drones.    

This week: Tim Cook is THRILLED with the US’ new tax overhaul, and has some exciting plans to spend Apple’s massive fortune.  Plus: forget other smart speakers—we’re tell you why we’re now even more excited for HomePod.  And stick around for our favorite movies, shows, and sausages in an all-new very weird What We’re Into!     This episode supported by From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   You’ll soon be able to disable Apple’s iPhone throttling feature https://www.cultofmac.com/523987/disable-iphone-throttling-soon/ Tim Cook has revealed that a future iOS 11 update will let users disable the feature that was causing their iPhone to throttle performance. He says that this forthcoming update will give users the option to disable performance throttling if they would rather be at risk of unexpected shutdowns but maintain full CPU and GPU performance.   Apple says it will add $350 billion to U.S. economy https://www.cultofmac.com/523809/apple-says-will-add-350-billion-u-s-economy/ Apple’s big tax break is about to unleash an big beautiful avalanche of spending from the iPhone-maker. In its last earnings report, Apple said it held $252 billion in cash overseas. It appears, given the new corporate tax rate of 15.5  percent, that it is returning a majority of this to the United States.  This low rate is a one-time deal for corporations to repatriate their overseas cash hordes Apple revealed its plans to contribute $350 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years now that the fee for repatriating its mountain of overseas cash has been significantly lowered. Even though construction on Apple’s new spaceship campus just finished, the company says its already looking to build a new one. Plans (including the location) for the third Apple HQ will be revealed later this year. The building will initially house new team specializing in technical support for customers. The company also says it plans to increase the size of its advanced manufacturing fund from $1 billion to $5 billion. The fund is used to invest in U.S. manufacturing companies and suppliers. Apple says it will add over 20,000 new jobs in the next five years by hiring for new jobs at its existing campuses and the new one. $30 billion will be spent on capital expenditures in the US over next 5 years with $10 billion of that going to data centers. With the new tax law in effect, Apple expects it will only pay $38 billion to bring its money home. That would still be the largest ever payment to the IRS.   Apple employees get big bonus thanks to Trump https://www.cultofmac.com/523889/apple-employees-get-big-bonus-thanks-trump/ Apple told employees Wednesday that it plans to give all of them $2,500 worth of restricted stock, thanks to the revised tax law that goes into effect this year. Trump applauded Apple’s moves on Twitter, saying “Great to see Apple follow through as a result of TAX CUTS. Huge win for American workers and the USA!” Tim also announced a very generous new charity match: I’m happy to announce that starting immediately and running through the end of 2018, Apple will match all employee charitable donations, up to $10,000 annually, at a rate of two to one.   First HomePod shipments are on the way to Apple ahead of launch https://www.cultofmac.com/523717/first-homepod-shipments-way-apple-ahead-launch/ Apple suppliers have begun shipping the first HomePod units ahead of the smart speaker’s much-anticipated launch. Just 1 million devices are on the way initially. However, Apple is expected to receive as many as 12 million by the end of this year. HomePod was supposed to launch ahead of the holidays but Apple delayed it because it wasn’t ready. When it finally goes on sale this year, HomePod will give Apple fans an alternative to Amazon Echo and Google Home. Meanwhile, smart speakers were ubiquitous at CES, and Amazon’s Alexa is now being built into everything from thermostats to toilets. Apple still hasn’t provided us with a proper HomePod release date yet   What we’re into!   Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jumanji_welcome_to_the_jungle/   Toast Made gadget wraps https://www.toastmade.com/products/apple-pencil.html   Soyrizo spicy fake meat sauges http://www.friedas.com/soyrizo/   Black Mirror season 4 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2085059/

This week: our list of the weirdest, whackiest, and wonderfullest gadgets of CES 2018!  Plus: Stevie Wonder, Stevie Nicks, and hanging with Andy Dick—we remember our favorite stories from CES's of years past.   This episode supported by   From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Major power outage hits CES https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/10/16875192/ces-2018-blackout-power-outage Power in the North and Central halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, which hosts CES annually, was out for nearly two hours on Wednesday. The outage impacted hundreds of companies, including giants like LG, Samsung, and Sony, as well as many small startups that paid thousands of dollars to have a presence on the massive show floor. This year’s CES seems to be marked by more chaos than usual, including unprecedented rain that flooded streets and shut down Google’s giant funhouse booth for a day.   Hue lights’ new iOS and Mac app will customize lighting for any occasion https://www.cultofmac.com/522577/hue-lights-mac-ios/ Outdoor products on the way Updated Hue app with complete redesign Partnership with Razer Philips Hue Sync Hue Sync will analyze anything displayed on your monitor in real-time and create light scripts to compliment your content   DJI’s new Osmo 2 gimbal makes smooth iPhone footage cheap https://www.cultofmac.com/522089/dji-unveils-cheap-osmo-2-gimbal-smooth-iphone-footage/ Capturing super-smooth video on your iPhone is about to get a lot easier (AND cheaper) thanks to the folks at DJI. DJI unveiled its newest handheld smartphone gimbal today called the Osmo 2. The new gimbal packs simplified controls to allow anyone to record shake-free video from their iPhone, and it’s got some new tricks you won’t find on its predecessor.   How to reopen a recently closed tab in Safari on iOS https://www.cultofmac.com/521667/how-to-reopen-recently-closed-tab-mobile-safari/ You’ve closed a tab in Safari and instantly realized that it was the wrong one. This trick works on both the Mac and on iOS devices. All you need to do is long-press (or long-click on the Mac) the + icon, aka the New Tab icon. Do that, and up will pop a panel with a list of the tabs you closed since the last Safari relaunch. If you force-quit Safari for any reason, this list will be wiped Even easier, just hit command-z on the Mac to instantly reopen the closed tab.     Smart toothbrush will use ResearchKit to give you a better clean https://www.cultofmac.com/522377/smart-toothbrush-will-use-researchkit-to-give-you-a-better-clean/ the Colgate Smart Electronic Toothbrush E1 with Artificial Intelligence uses AI to provide real-time feedback to users as they clean their pearly whites. It also uses Apple’s ResearchKit platform integration to crowdsource toothbrushing data from other users. The more people clean, the smarter the brush gets! The brush contains real-time motion sensors, designed to capture brushing efficiency and effectiveness in 16 different zones of the mouth. It also uses Bluetooth connectivity and sonic vibrating technology,   Somnox’s robotic pillow is designed to snuggle https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/09/somnox-s-robotic-pillow-is-designed-to-snuggle/ One group of researchers in the Netherlands believes thinks the reason you’re not sleeping well is because you’re not cuddling enough.   Vortx blows air at your face while you're gaming and it's great https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/10/vortx-air-gaming-youtube-fan-whirlwind-fx/ Vortx is absolutely ridiculous, totally frivolous, and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. It's a cube that sits on your desk, and it blows hot or cold air in your face, depending on what's happening on your screen.

  This week on a very fun, educational, and addictive CultCast: Everything you want to know about Apple’s $29 iPhone battery replacement program, and why you should absolutely use it. We’ll tell you about Steve Job’s new fashion line soon to be sweeping the runways of a Costco near you We break down just how much money Tim Cook earned each week and each day in 2017. Spoiler: He’a rich yaaa’aaall!. A high-tech butt cleaner, a $400 cooler, and a powerhouse network attached storage — Faves N Raves is back baby. We’ll pitch you our favorite tech then vote on which is best.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Apple apologizes with $29 iPhone battery replacements https://www.cultofmac.com/520837/apple-apologizes-29-iphone-battery-replacements/ Apple confirmed last week that it lowers CPU performance. But they say they do it because as batteries age they can’t meet peak CPU draw demands, especially when the battery is low. When this happens it causes the device to restart, so Apple added an algorithm that curves CPU demands as batteries age. STATEMENT:  “First and foremost, we have never — and would never — do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades,” the company says on its website. “Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that.” Apple also says it will come out with an iOS update in early 2018 that will give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone’s battery. Third-party apps like coconutBattery can also be used to check an iPhone’s battery status. Devices affected by the throttling include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. Apple notified customers today that it will reduce the price on out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacements by $50, putting the cost at just $29. There was a rumor going around that Apple would only replace batteries for phones that didn’t pass a battery diagnostic test, but an internal Apple memo apprehend by French Tech Blog iGeneration states that the Genius bar should allow battery replacements for all who ask If you’re wondering if you should replace your battery, Apple can run a diagnostic on your phone's battery remotely – you don't need to visit an Apple Store.  Just contact their customer service via chat or email.     ‘Steve Jobs’ could be Italy’s hottest new fashion line https://www.cultofmac.com/520805/steve-jobs-now-jean-company/ An Italian clothing company going by the name of “Steve Jobs” has won its long-standing legal battle with Apple for the right to sell jeans with Jobs’ name on them. The company — founded by brothers Vincenzo and Giacomo Barbato — was created back in 2012 when the two noticed that Apple hadn’t filed for a trademark on the name Steve Jobs. They decided the tech icon’s name would be perfect for their new fashion brand and slapped it on their first line of jeans. Apple quickly filed a lawsuit against the Steve Jobs fashion company which uses a stylized J with an apple leaf at the top and a bite mark on the right side. According to la Repubblica Napoli, Apple lost its case because it unsuccessfully attacked the company’s logo itself, not Jobs’ name. The Italian court ruled that because the letter “J” isn’t edible the mark on the side can’t be considered a bite, therefore it’s not ripping off Apple’s own logo.   Tim Cook will take home $102 million this year https://www.cultofmac.com/520693/tim-cook-102-million/ Apple has had a great year, and CEO Tim Cook is being rewarded accordingly. According to a new report, Cook will take home a massive $102 million this year, composed of both his $3.06 million salary and an equity award of $89.2 million. For security reasons, the Apple board now stipulates that Cook use private planes for all business and personal travel. His personal security costs in 2017 were calculated at $224,216, while he ran up a $93,109 bill for traveling on private planes for non-business trips. Apple’s latest filing reveals that Cook’s top five lieutenants — including Luca Maestri, Angela Ahrendts, Johny Srouji, Dan Riccio, and Bruce Sewell — each received bonuses of $3.11 million. Including salary and stock options, this meant they earned around $24.2 million each, depending on if they stay at Apple long enough for all of their awarded stock options to vest. Apple does not reveal how much it paid to Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, who recently returned to his job running Apple’s design team after two years working on the Apple Park headquarters project. Tim Cook has previously said that he will donate his fortune (which currently stands at close to $1 billion) to charity — after paying for his 12-year-old nephew’s college education.   iMac Pro’s space gray accessories fetch silly money on eBay https://www.cultofmac.com/521379/imac-pros-space-gray-accessories-fetch-silly-money-ebay/ The iMac Pro is the same size and shape as any other iMac. But to differentiate it from its more affordable siblings, Apple gives it an exclusive space gray paint job — and throws in space gray accessories to match. Adopters get a space gray Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, a Magic Mouse 2, a Magic Trackpad 2, and a Lightning cable. If you buy these separately from Apple, they’re only available in white. The combo is going for 500-$650 on eBay. If you forget to buy one of the accessories during checkout, you can’t buy it separately.   Faves N Raves!   The $400 Toto Washlet C200 butt cleaner http://amzn.to/2F0FQjk   Parrot Zik 3 headphones  http://amzn.to/2CwgCHP   Synology 418Play NAS  http://amzn.to/2F0oL8Q   Otterbox Venture 45 cooler  https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/venture-45/cooler/otr56-cooler-45.html

This week: our picks for the BEST Apple Gadge of 2017 💪🏼  Plus: Apple admits they are indeed slowing down older iPhones and Mac, but there’s more to the story than you’ve heard. We’ll tell you how to check if you’re affected, how to check your battery health, and how to prevent getting throttled.   This episode supported by   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   Upsie saves you up to 70% on warranties versus traditional retailers, and you know exactly what’s covered before you buy. Plus their iPhone X accidental damage warranty is $80 less than Apple Care Plus. Get 10% off your first purchase at upsie.com with code “CultCast at checkout.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   How old batteries are slowing down your iPhone and Mac https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/7inu45/psa_iphone_slow_try_replacing_your_battery/ It all started with a post on Reddit (TeckFire): My iPhone 6S has been very slow these past few weeks, and even after updating multiple times, it was still slow. Couldn’t figure out why, but just thought that iOS 11 was still awful to me. Then I used my brother’s iPhone 6 Plus and his was faster than mine? This is when I knew something was wrong. So, I did some research, and decided to replace my battery. I did a Geekbench score before the battery change, and found I was getting 1466 Single and 2512 Multi. After changing my battery, I did another test, and this time it was 2526 for Single and 4456 for Multi. From what I can tell, Apple slows down phones when the battery gets too low.   Apple hit with two lawsuits over slowing down iPhones https://www.cultofmac.com/520147/iphone-lawsuits-battery/ Apple has admitted to purposely throttling the performance of aging iPhones, but they say it’s not to shorten your device’s life, but to lengthen it. Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We’ve now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future.”   A bad battery will result in a slowed Mac too https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4468165?tstart=0   Slow iPhone? Here’s how to check the health of your battery - leander https://www.cultofmac.com/519699/how-to-check-health-iphone-battery/ coconutBattery is a FREE Mac app that performs a single task — it checks the status of the battery in your Mac, or the battery of any iDevices connected to that Mac. It shows you the state of your battery health, charge cycle, and the current capacity vs. the designed capacity iStat menus also works for battery health and charge cycle plus a ton of other super useful information   Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs loses ‘Man of the Year’ award to the PC https://www.cultofmac.com/519947/tiah-steve-jobs-man-of-the-year/ Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” issue hit newsstands on December 26, 1983, and Steve Jobs fully expected to be on the cover. The award represented just how far personal computers had come in just a few years, not just technologically but also as a world-changing industry. Apple, only five years old at the time, had not yet released the Macintosh. However, the Apple II was phenomenally successful. Apple was also on the verge of launching the Lisa, its first machine to offer a graphical user interface and mouse. But when Steve received his issue of Time, it was not himself on the but a PC.  It was the first time the magazine had featured a non-human on the cover. Steve Jobs 27 years old.  And when we ready to article, he was so upset, he actually cried.

Ho Ho Hooo! This week on a very merry CultCast: Next-day delivery of iPhone X is a sprinkling of Christmas magic Updated AirPods are supposedly coming in 2018 How the iPhone almost never was HOT Tips: How to listen to Youtube videos when your iPad or iPhone screens are off How to picture-in-picture Youtube videos on your iPad And how to keep those pesky ads out of your Youtube videos for free And we wrap up with our favorite shows of 2017! To all our Cult friends, meeeeerry Christmas, happy (belated) Hanukkah   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Backblaze is unlimited cloud backup for Macs and PCs for just $5 a month. And it’s native for Macs!  Try it out free for 15 days at Backblaze.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Next-day delivery of iPhone X is a sprinkling of Christmas magic https://www.cultofmac.com/519349/next-day-iphone-x-shipping/ It’s a Christmas Miracle! All models are available in the U.S. Apple Store, marking something of a Christmas miracle for Apple — when you consider that the majority of pre-release reports suggested that the iPhone X wouldn’t be shipping to most customers until some time in 2018.   Listen up: Updated AirPods are supposedly coming in 2018 https://www.cultofmac.com/519555/updated-airpods-2018/ Did you know AirPods are among the most beloved new products that Apple has launched in years, with around 98 percent of customers describing themselves as either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with Apple’s wireless buds. Apple is planning to release an updated version of its AirPods wireless earbuds in the second half of 2018, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims in a new note to clients. While he doesn’t share too many details about what the new AirPods will do differently, he does suggest that they will adopt a smaller quartz component — quite possibly making them even smaller than the first-gen model currently available.   Today in Apple history: iPhone may have to seek new name https://www.cultofmac.com/519065/apple-history-iphone-new-name/ The original iPhone wasn’t an iPhone at all.  Back in 1998, a company called InfoGear showed off an “iPhone” at CES. Costing $499, with extra charges for internet access, the device made very early use of touch technology, visual voicemail, basic apps and more. Even though it got good reviews, it didn’t sell well, but it peaked Cisco’s interest, and they bought InforGear and the iPhone trademark in 2000. Fast forward to 2007. Apple announces their iPhone, and they did it knowing that Cisco owned the trademark. Steve Jobs wasn’t going to let something silly like the law stop him from using the name he wanted for Apple’s new device. Despite Cisco owning the name, Apple nonetheless went ahead and introduced the iPhone in January 2007. The following day, Cisco filed suit against Apple. As Adam Lashinsky revealed in his book Inside Apple: “[Charles Giancarlo, a Cisco executive at the time] fielded a call directly from Steve Jobs. ‘Steve called in and said that he wanted it,’ Giancarlo recalled. ‘He didn’t offer us anything for it. It was just like a promise he’d be our best friend. And we said, ‘No, we’re planning on using it.’’ Shortly after that, Apple’s legal department called to say they thought Cisco had ‘abandoned the brand,’ meaning that in Apple’s legal opinion Cisco hadn’t adequately defended its intellectual property rights by promoting the name The negotiation displayed some classic Steve Jobs negotiating tactics. Giancarlo said Jobs called him at home at dinnertime on Valentine’s Day, as the two sides were haggling. Jobs talked for a while, Giancarlo related. ‘And then he said to me, ‘Can you get email at home?’ Giancarlo was taken aback. This was 2007, after all, when broadband Internet was ubiquitous in homes in the US, let alone that of a Silicon Valley executive who had worked for years on advanced Internet technology. ‘And he’s asking me if I’m able to get email at home. You know he’s just trying to press my buttons — in the nicest possible way.’ Cisco gave up the fight shortly after that.” Apple later repeated this somewhat underhanded move by borrowing another trademark owned by Cisco — the name “IOS” (which Cisco used for “Internet Operating System”). As a make-good, Apple and Cisco announced that they were teaming up to “explore opportunities for interoperability,” although this never happened.   Best TV of 2017!   Leander   The Deuce http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4998350/   The Leftovers  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2699128/   Silicon Valley http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2575988/   The Detectorists http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4082744/   The Crown http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4786824/     Erfon   Walking Dead! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/   AVDChina https://www.youtube.com/user/churchillcustoms   Joe Rogan Experience https://www.youtube.com/user/PowerfulJRE     Lewis   The Wire http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306414/

This week: In a surprising turn of events, Jony Ive has taken back the reigns of Apple’s design team. The new iMac is out, and the reviews are coming in.  We’ll tell you what’s new about this beastly machine with a MONSTER price tag By the numbers: how much dough Apple earns every single second will help you realize what plebeians we all are And we wrap with how Apple got it right 2017, and what they need to do better in 2018!   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   If you want the fastest WiFi everywhere in our home, check out an award winning Orbi WiFi System from Netgear, at http://netgear.com/orbi.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Jony Ive is once again leading Apple’s design team https://www.cultofmac.com/518077/jony-ive-design-team/ Jony Ive is reportedly returning to hands-on design duties at Apple, two years after being promoted to the role of Chief Design Officer. According to an Apple spokesperson, “With the completion of Apple Park, Apple’s design leaders and teams are again reporting directly to Jony Ive, who remains focused purely on design.” Why Ive would be returning to his old role isn’t immediately clear — nor what this means for Dye and Howarth. Ironically, at the time that Ive was given his new job in 2015, some pundits suggested it meant Jony was on his way out of Apple, and this was a way of carrying out the transition. Now that he is “demoted” to his old position, no doubt many people will take it as signaling much the same thing.   Apple’s insane earning power https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/7jleyf/apple_makes_144476_per_second/   Apple’s ridiculously powerful iMac Pro is coming this week https://www.cultofmac.com/518429/imac-pro-this-week/ By the time you hear this, the iMac Pro will be ready for you to come 'n git it Comes wtih an  8, 10, or 18 core Intel Xeon Chip 32, 64, or 128 GB of DDR4 A new thermal design means the iMac Pro runs 80 percent cooler than a regular iMac Four Thunderbolt 3 ports for powering two 5K displays or four 4K displays at once, a 10-gigabit Ethernet port, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. That makes it Apple’s most port-friendly Mac in years. Hermetically sealed. Not upgradeable in any way, not even RAM.   iMac Pro impresses in first hands-on reviews https://www.cultofmac.com/518511/imac-pro-impresses-first-hands-reviews/ A few lucky tech reviewers have already gotten their hands on the slick new iMac Pro with 10 core 3GHZ Intel Xeon chip, only the mid-tier chip (8, 10, 18 core) 128GB DDR4 RAM AMD Vega Pro with 64GB of RAM Black Magic Speed Disk test: 3000 MB/s read/write SSD speeds…. Photographer Vincent Laforet got to incorporate the iMac Pro into his workflow for a few days and says “I’ve seldom seen a jump this dramatic before on any new generation of Macs – 20%-30% speed increases are the norm … NOT 200%-300% increases. Marques Brownlee has been using the machine for a week and did a quick overview video of it.  His reaction was more tempered but you could tell he was impressed with it’s FCP performance, especially since he films raw 8K and previews his cuts with color grading applied. Makes the argument that for the price it’s a good value since you’re getting cutting-edge components that purchased separately would cost about the same price of the machine.

This week: Everything you need to know about Apple Pay Cash. One of the best, most anticipated Apple TV apps fo 2017 is FINALLY available.  We’ll talk about that. Why are we so hard on Apple?  We recently received some harsh email from a critic asking that very question.   We wrap up with our huge list of the best gadgets of 2017!!     This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code CULTCAST at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   iPhone X delivery times fall to within one week in US http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/11/30/iphone-x-delivery-times-fall-to-within-one-week-in-us All iPhone X models up for sale on Apple's online store are showing delivery in a week, down from 2-3 weeks two weeks ago. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said supply chain improvements were to thank for Apple's improved iPhone X ship times, specifically a diversification of LCP LTE antenna orders and higher yields of iPhone's TrueDepth dot projector.   Everything you need to know about Apple Pay Cash  Used to pay people via the Messages app, though you can also use your Apple Pay Cash card to make Apple Pay payments if you have money on the card (card lives in your Apple Wallet) You can add cash to your card by receiving payments, or adding cash in the wallet app (minimum $10).  This is one in the Wallet app.  Just select the card then press the little “i” at the bottom right of the screen Money paid to you will live on your Apple Pay Cash card until you use it or transfer it to your bank. Debit cards let you send money for free, while credit cards cost 3% You can send money via Siri to people in your contacts You can send/receive a minimum of $1-$3,000 in a transaction, and can send/receive up to $10,000 in any 7 day period.   Amazon Prime Video is finally available for your Apple TV https://www.cultofmac.com/517355/amazon-prime-video-debut-appletv/ Apple has finally delivered on its WWDC promise to bring Amazon Prime Video to Apple TV, with just a few weeks to spare before Apple hit its own end-of-the-year deadline. The tvOS version of the app is available to download on Apple TV 3rd generation devices or above by searching “Amazon Prime Video” on your set-top box. It brings an end to the days of having to use AirPlay to play Amazon Prime Video on your Apple TV, via another device.   Ditch your old router, Eero is the new king of Wi-Fi routers [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/425433/ditch-your-old-router-eero-is-the-new-king-of-wifi-routers-review/   AmpliFi HD’s blazing-fast Wi-Fi will spoil you rotten [Reviews] https://www.cultofmac.com/462193/amplifi-hd-review-mesh-network-wifi/   I made my own smart HomePod speaker, and it’s awesome https://www.cultofmac.com/514861/i-made-my-own-smart-homepod-speaker-and-its-awesome/   Listener email: Why are we “so hard” on Apple?     Best gadgets of 2017!   Leander   Apple Wifi connected to a Amazon Echo dot https://www.cultofmac.com/514861/i-made-my-own-smart-homepod-speaker-and-its-awesome/   Sonos Playbase tv speaker http://amzn.to/2nE5MfG   Amazon Echo Show http://amzn.to/2j9BHTU   See sense bicycle lights http://amzn.to/2j97XGJ   Wahoo Element GPS bicycle computer http://amzn.to/2ADx20J   Nokia Body Plus smart scale http://amzn.to/2kzqkVR   Erfon   Hunter Symphony Homkit Fan http://amzn.to/2iFjXMt   Fender GT 200 iOS controlled smart guitar amp http://amzn.to/2iHtHWB   Fender GT 100 http://amzn.to/2AGeUn7   Fender GT 40 http://amzn.to/2iEGetS   Rhinoshield Crashguard bumper case for iPhone X http://amzn.to/2kBApRX   For iPhone 8 http://amzn.to/2kyykGn   Arlo Pro 2 smart security cameras http://amzn.to/2AEKBgs   Arlo Q indoor camera http://amzn.to/2yNU1H8   My 2013 MacBook Pro! https://support.apple.com/kb/sp690?locale=en_US   Lewis   Amplify HD mesh router http://amzn.to/2nJMHZO   Koogeek Homekit smart bulb https://www.koogeek.com/p-sk1eu.html   Koogeek Homekit smart plug https://www.koogeek.com/p-p2.html   Omna 180 smart homekit camera http://amzn.to/2yO84wk   Litter Robot 3 executive cat bathroom http://amzn.to/2iDwIqL   Buster   DJI Mavic Pro Drone http://amzn.to/2iDLnCn   One Wheel plus scooter board for clowns https://onewheel.com/products/onewheel-plus

This week: The bigs ones.  The bangers.  It’s our favorite movies of 2017! The useful iPhone X gestures you haven’t heard about. Apple’s new Youtube channel and it’s actually pretty cool. The data for the LTE Apple watch is way more than we originally were told It’s the end of an era.  Jailbreaking is dead.   This episode supported by   Learn all you want for free with 30-day trial to LinkedIn Learning at http://linkedin.com/cultcast   If you just want great WiFi everywhere, check out an award winning Orbi WiFi System from Netgear, at http://netgear.com/orbi   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney    Heads up: Apple Watch data is significantly more expensive than carriers will tell you https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/7gg373/heads_up_apple_watch_data_is_significantly_more/ Just a heads up: Got my first AT&T bill with my Apple Watch LTE added on. Taxes on the $10 data plan add-on come to $7.69 meaning the cellular plan for the watch is actually $17.69/month or $212.28 for a year of service. That's insane and totally not worth it. Just wanted to make people aware of the fact that AT&T conveniently neglects to mention how expensive the plan will actually be.   Big Cydia sources shut down as jailbreaking dies out https://www.cultofmac.com/515907/big-cydia-sources-shut-jailbreaking-dies/ Jailbreaking was once a necessity to millions of iPhone owners, is just about dead, at least according to Cydia store creator Jay Freeman Many of the features that made jailbreaking so popular — like video recording, useful settings toggles, custom ringtones, and enhanced multitasking — are now baked into iOS. So jailbreaking is no longer required for many iPhone and iPad users. It was the only way to obtain native apps during the handset’s first year on the market. But even after the launch of the App Store, users turned to jailbreaking to get their hands on software Apple wouldn’t allow. Two of Cydia’s largest repositories have been shutdown as jailbreaking dies out. ModMy and ZodTTD are no longer available, leaving BigBoss as the only major source still available to those who want apps and tweaks you can’t find in the App Store.   Apple’s new YouTube channel teaches iOS tips https://www.cultofmac.com/516289/apples-new-youtube-channel-teaches-iphone-ipad/ Apple wants to help you make the most of your iPhone and iPad with a brand new YouTube channel. It offers a collection of how-to videos that teach you how to take screenshots, send attachments in Mail, print on the go, and more. The channel, which launched on Monday evening, currently hosts ten how-to videos. They’ll teach you how to do things like change your wallpaper, mute or leave a group conversation in iMessage, delete call logs and photos, and more. Each video is under two minutes in length. It provides step-by-step instructions for each how-to, with useful bullet points that make the directions easier to follow. English captions are also available if required.   The iPhone X gestures you didn’t know about Swipe up and over to the right for app switching, or swipe up and to the right Swipe up the down for reachability. You can then access control center from the top of the lowered screen Close apps by swiping them up (instead of using the lame minus icon) Volume up. Volume Down.  Power button hold to restart/shutdown   You think your photos are safe in the cloud, but something that happened to me this week has me questioning that.   Our favorite movies of 2017!   Buster Baby Driver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2z857RSfhk   Logan Lucky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPzvKH8AVf0   Leander The Lure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgWe9QVqrl0   It Follows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw   Devil in a Blue Dress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw   Lady Bird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw   Get Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM1YpntE840   Erfon Blade Runner 2049 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg   Thor Ragnarok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg   The Doors: when you’re strange https://www.netflix.com/title/70112752   Andy and Me: The Great Beyond https://www.netflix.com/title/80209608

This week: HomePod’s been delayed, we’ll talk about that, but Bloomberg put out an interesting piece on the history of the HomePod, and it gives previously undisclosed details of the device you may find very interesting. We gotta talk about net neutrality How Tesla just out Apple’d, Apple Is there still a point to Apple TV?   Tactics to get the best prices on all the Black Friday stuff you want Oh yeah, and 🦃 Gobble gobble yaaa’aaall! 🦃   This episode supported by   Learn all you want for free with 30-day trial to LinkedIn Learning at LinkedIn.com/cultcast   If you just want great WiFi everywhere, check out an award winning Orbi WiFi System from Netgear, at http://netgear.com/orbi   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Check out the huge Black Friday sale with savings up to 50% at http://store.cultofmac.com.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Net neutrality is almost dead, but we can still save it FCC is about to kill Net Neutrality, and they’re calling it the Restoring internet freedom order They’re currently taking our feedback into account, but the official vote for the order will be on Dec. 14th Details of the new plan will were released today.  The plan completely removes restrictions on throttling or prioritizing content, and explicitly allows paid prioritization of content Go to Battleforthenet.com.  It will help you take action. If will connect you to your congress person via phone and even provide you a script of what to say.   Tesla out-Apples Apple with the new Roadster “one more thing" https://youtu.be/lAQGBxtLSWU?t=1m15s   Apple’s HomePod smart speaker won’t be home for Christmas - buster https://www.cultofmac.com/514723/apples-homepod-smart-speaker-wont-home-christmas/ Apple’s new Siri-powered smart speaker won’t be one of the hottest gifts of the 2017 holiday season after all. The HomePod was set to launch in December 2017, but the company released a statement today saying it needs more time to make the smart speaker ready for customers. “We can’t wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple’s breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it’s ready for our customers. We’ll start shipping in the US, UK, and Australia in early 2018 When it does launch, HomePod will cost $349, making it a lot more pricey than rival smart speakers from Amazon and Google   Apple's HomePod project actually predates the Amazon Echo, but has been canceled and restarted numerous times, and has undergone radical design changes https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-21/why-apple-s-homepod-is-three-years-behind-amazon-s-echo HomePod has been in development since 2012, and it’s not like the Echo. The engineers and designers wanted to build a really great speaker that  "sounded better than the ones sold by the likes of Bose, JBL and Harman Kardon” Prototypes ranged from a flat panel with a mesh screen to one measuring some three feet tall with dozens of speakers In 2014, the project went from prototyping into an official endeavor In that same year, Amazon released their Echo, and it reportedly blind-sided Apple’s engineers. They joked with each other that there must be mole working amongst them.   Is there still a point for Apple TV? Smart TVs now have pretty great navigation and menu systems built in.  Many have Google cast built int.   The Best Black Friday deals of 2017 https://www.cultofmac.com/512741/best-black-friday-deals/   Moviepass now has a deal for 6.95 a month  https://www.moviepass.com

This week:  Two weeks with the X.  We’ll tell you what we like and what still sucks. Some very exciting new rumors about the next international of iPhone X Two big features coming you to in iOS 11.2 which is now in its 3rd beta What we tell you what we like and don’t about our favorite gadgets in a all-new under review 🤜🏼💥🤛🏼   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Learn all you want for free with 30-day trial to LinkedIn Learning by visiting http://linkedin.com/cultcast   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Apple may launch 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus in 2018  https://www.cultofmac.com/513809/apple-may-launch-6-5-inch-iphone-x-plus-2018/ One of the most reliable Apple analysts in the game is predicting big things for the iPhone X design in 2018. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will release an iPhone X Plus next year with the biggest smartphone screen the company has ever made. Kuo says Apple will release three iPhones in 2018 with a notch design. There will supposedly be a 5.8-inch (updated X) and a 6.5-inch model, both with OLED displays. The third iPhone will supposedly have a 6.1-inch LCD display but come with the same bezel-free design as the iPhone X. The 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus will have a display with 480 to 500 pixels per inch, possibly making it more pixel dense than the iPhone X. The 6.1-inch LCD version will only have a display with 320 to 330 PPI.   iPhone will get rear-facing 3D sensors in 2019 https://www.cultofmac.com/513959/iphone-rear-3d-sensor/ According to a Bloomberg, Apple is working on a new rear-mounted “3D sensor” for its 2019 iPhone, which will help further the company’s augmented reality ambitions. The new system will work using lasers and measuring the amount of time it takes for them to bounce back to create a depth map. This is reportedly different to the TrueDepth sensor system used on the front of the iPhone X, which uses a pattern of 30,000 laser dots to measure depth information for features like Face ID.   Two big features coming to your iPhone 8 and X with the release of iOS 11.2 https://www.cultofmac.com/513967/iphones-get-faster-7-5w-wireless-charging-with-ios-11-2/ Apple Pay cash, which will work on the iPad. Apple has added support for faster 7.5W wireless charging in its latest iOS 11.2 beta. iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X all support the increased charging speed. You’ll need a compatible wireless charging mat to take advantage of it, however.   2018 iPad Pro could get 8-core A11X Bionic chip https://www.cultofmac.com/514291/2018-ipad-pro-get-8-core-a11x-bionic-chip/ Apple supposedly plans to slap an octa-core processor in next year’s iPad Pro, making them the most powerful tablets Apple’s ever made. For the iPhone X and iPhone 8, Apple created the A11 Bionic chip that comes with two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. This is the same chip that is currently faster than the chips in 2012 iMacs and my 2013 MacBook Pro. My machine is 33% in multicore tests, but image if they add another 2 high performance cores to the iPad.     Under Review   Eve Degree http://amzn.to/2zMDlRf   Eve Room http://amzn.to/2yQhViQ   Eve Weather http://amzn.to/2zLwQ1e   Chocolate Hub https://igg.me/at/chocolatehub/x   Ecobee 4 http://amzn.to/2j0RuAv   Juuk  Watch Bands https://store.cultofmac.com   Patagonia Micropuff Jacket http://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-micro-puff-hoody/84030.html

This week: the iPhone X may be Apple’s best phone, but it’s not perfect.  Catch our first week impressions to hear what we love (and what we don’t!) about Apple’s very spicy new iPhone. Plus: our top reasons to NOT buy an iPhone X; how to use Apple Pay cash to pay your friends an fam; and catch our list of X-rated tips, aka the really useful iPhone X tips and tricks you haven’t heard about.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Speck makes some of the best looking, most protective iPhone cases in the land.  Shop iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X cases in stores or online at SpeckProducts.com/cultofmac   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code CULTCAST at checkout, at eero.com.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple, the most personal computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHh8RmWDD9o   iPhone X setup shows Apple’s core brilliance https://www.cultofmac.com/512591/easy-iphone-x-setup/ Automatic Setup signs you into iCloud, Keychain, iTunes, the App Store, iMessage and FaceTime using your Apple ID, according to Apple. It also takes care of device settings like language, region, network, keyboard preferences, Siri and Home and health data. The setup is reminiscent of setting up a new Apple Watch, but even easier.   DisplayMate: iPhone X Has the 'Most Innovative and High Performance' Smartphone Display Ever Tested https://www.cultofmac.com/512485/iphone-x-boasts-best-smartphone-display-ever/ Displaymate:  iPhone X's display resolution provides "significantly higher image sharpness" than can be analyzed by a person with normal 20/20 vision at a 12-inch viewing distance. DisplayMate said this means that it's now "absolutely pointless" to increase the display resolution and pixels per inch of the iPhone any further, since there would be "no visual benefit" for users "highest absolute color accuracy of any display we have ever tested," with a display that is "visually indistinguishable from perfect.”   iPhone X could be Apple’s most fragile handset ever https://www.cultofmac.com/512369/iphone-x-apples-fragile-handset-ever/ Stress tests by SquareTrade Labs used a range of scientific robots to drop, bend, tumble, and dunk their new iPhone X to see how it managed to hold up to “everyday” damage. They’re calling the X the most breakable, highest priced, most expensive to repair iPhone ever.   How to use Apple Pay Cash to send money to friends https://www.cultofmac.com/512855/use-apple-pay-cash-send-money/ Apple’s new peer-to-peer payments system called Apple Pay Cash is finally rolling out to public beta testers today with the release of the public beta for iOS 11.2 beta 2 and watchOS 4.2 beta 2, giving iPhone and iPad users the ability to send money to each other electronically. It lets you send money to each other using iMessage. You can send up to $3,000 and the transaction is free if you use a debit card registered in your Apple Wallet. Have a credit or debit card registered in your Apple Wallet Be in the United States Have two-factor authentication activated on your Apple ID Use an iPhone 6 or newer Both you and the receiver must be running iOS 11.2 If you meet the above requirements, a new app will show up in the iMessage Dock Once you hit $500 in Apple Pay Cash transactions, you must verify your identity. To do so, you need to take a picture of your driver’s license or official state ID card, and provide some personal information (Social Security number and so on).   iPhone X keeps your notifications secret from people who aren’t you https://www.cultofmac.com/511647/iphone-x-keeps-notifications-secret/ Thanks to Face ID, the iPhone X knows when its owner is looking at it, and can hide the content of your notifications until you do so. Now, if somebody else picks up your iPhone X and takes a peek at your incoming alerts, it will only see a list of the apps that have notifications for you.     X-rated Tips   How to teach FaceID to work more accurately If Face ID doesn’t recognize your face, don’t reposition your face so it will accept it. Instead, type in the passcode so it will ad that position of your face to the accepted data set.   Activating multitasking The smallest swipe of the home bar will register that you want to command the home bar to either go home or multitask. Moment you stop moving you will begin multitasking.   Scroll to the top To quickly scroll to the top in any app, just double tap anywhere at the top of the screen (under the notch, or side of notch both work)   Adjust your notification privacy settings  iPhone X has them hidden by default if your phone is locked.  You can go to Settings>Notifications>Show Previews to make them visible when locked.

This week: iPhone X—the good, the bad… the ugly.  The reviews are in, we’ll tell you what people love and don’t about Apple’s newest iPhone.     Plus: how to speed up Face ID we’ll tell you about the clever new strategy Apple used to build massive hype for the iPhone X launch, and why it really pissed a lot of folks off.  And stick around for a very weird What We’re Into, where we reveal the stuff we’ve been dong in our lives that you should try too.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Siri, before Siri https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1bmZLePhCs   Massive iPhone X lines form at Apple Stores worldwide https://www.cultofmac.com/511715/iphone-x-attracts-apple-store-lines-around-world/ Fans have begun lining up outside Apple Stores around the world to get their hands on iPhone X. The X makes its official debut on November 3. Apple has promised that units will be available for walk-in customers, but just like pre-orders, they’re expected to disappear quickly. Some lines have already turned chaotic, while latecomers are offering money for precious spots near the front. Scumbags camping just to sell their spots!   Why Apple short-circuited the media machine for iPhone X reviews https://www.cultofmac.com/511357/apple-strategy-iphone-x-reviews/ Anybody who thinks Apple can’t innovate should look in awe at the fecal hurricane whipped up by the company’s unorthodox iPhone X marketing plan. By giving popular YouTubers early access to the next-gen iPhone, and allowing them to “scoop” the old-school journalists traditionally granted such preferential treatment, Cupertino upended the typical review cycle. Apple apparently bruised a few fragile egos in the process. Frankly, it’s hilarious watching the ensuing media meltdown.   iPhone X meta review: Setting Apple up for the next 10 years https://www.cultofmac.com/511193/iphone-x-meta-review-setting-apple-next-10-years/   Face ID Unlocks an iPhone More Slowly Than Touch ID, but is Faster in Day-to-Day Usage https://www.macrumors.com/2017/11/01/face-id-touch-id-iphone-unlocking-comparison/ Mark Spoonauer of Toms Hardware compared Face ID and Touch ID unlocking times with a stopwatch. When using Raise to Wake and swiping up on the display as the iPhone is recognizing a face (as Face ID is meant to be used), unlocking took 1.16, but touchID stock only .91 seconds to accomplish the same job. TechCruch said that while Face ID is slower when placed head to head with Touch ID, it's "much more fluid and faster to actually 'do things, ‘“ like opening notification takes fewer steps with faceID. In the Verge’s review, Nilay Patel said that he had trouble getting FaceID to work in bright environments. He postulated it was became the bright light interfered with the dot projector or infrared camera. Hidden benefit of FaceID, can be used with gloves on   Face ID can be slower than Touch ID, but you can speed it up https://www.cultofmac.com/511559/face-id-slower-touch-id-can-make-faster/ There are some things you can do to make Face ID faster, though. The first is to ensure the Raise to Wake feature is enabled in Settings. This shaves off precious time by eliminating the need to swipe or tap the iPhone X’s display before you unlock it. Another thing you can do is disable attention detection. This means Face ID won’t wait until your eyes and face are looking directly at the display before unlocking your iPhone. But be warned: It does make Face ID a little less secure.   DrDisRespect is the most good-looking, the most ruthless Twitch streamer in the entire gaming community http://twitch.tv/drdisrespectlive    

This week: How to get the best deal on your iPhone X, save yourself some serious buckets Why Woz says the iPhone X will be the first iPhone he won’t buy day one Would you let your delivery man enter your house when you’re not home? We discuss Amazon key! Plus we’ll tell what we like and don’t about the gadgets we’re reviewing in an all-new Under Review   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Woz: iPhone X will be the first iPhone I haven’t bought on day one https://www.cultofmac.com/509875/woz-iphone-x-will-first-iphone-havent-bought-day-one/ Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says the iPhone X is the first iPhone he doesn’t plan to buy on “day one.” “I’d rather wait and watch that one,” Wozniak said during an interview at the Money 20/20 conference. “I’m happy with my iPhone 8 — which is the same as the iPhone 7, which is the same as the iPhone 6, to me. " will, so I’ll be close enough to see it.”   How to get the best deal on the iPhone X https://www.cultofmac.com/510141/get-best-deal-iphone-x/ $500 off with Xfinity Triple Play $350 off at Sprint Up to $300 off on Verizon T-Mobile gives $300 off Nothing yet at    iPhone X will be available to walk-in customers on launch day https://www.cultofmac.com/509959/iphone-x-will-available-walk-customers-launch-day/ Apple has promised that iPhone X will be available to walk-in customers on launch day. You will also be able to purchase iPhone X from Apple Stores beginning Friday, November 3 at 8 a.m. local time. “Stores will have iPhone X available for walk-in customers, who are encouraged to arrive early,” Apple says.   Amazon Key opens your home for indoor deliveries https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/25/amazon-key-service-delivery-access-unlock-door/ Would you be cool with your delivery person opening your front door when you’re away to drop off your package? Amazon Key, uses a smart lock and connected camera. When a delivery is made the courier scans the package's barcode which sends an access request to Amazon's cloud. When it grants permission, the camera starts recording, the courier swipes a prompt on their app and then your door unlocks. They leave the package by the door and relock it on their way out. You'll get a notification that the delivery has been made, along with a video of the drop-off to reassure you everything was done above board. Amazon has designed the service with deliveries in mind, but Key has a bunch of other uses, too. For example, you can use it to give permanent access to people you trust or temporary access to visitors such as dog-walkers, cleaners or guests (this could be especially helpful for Airbnbhosts).   How to use the iPhone’s one-handed keyboard in iOS 11 https://www.cultofmac.com/509889/how-to-use-iphone-one-handed-keyboard-ios-11/ Did you know iOS 11 had a one-handed keyboard built right in? Anytime the keyboard is on screen, you can just long-press the little globe icon to bring up the keyboard selection popover. This is the same globe icon you use to select the emoji keyboard, to cycle between any keyboards you have active on your iPhone The keyboard-switching globe icon only appears if you have more than one keyboard active on your iPhone. Long-pressing the globe icon brings up the familiar popover, only in iOS 11 it now has an extra row of keyboard glyphs at the bottom. Just select the one-handed keyboard you want, and poof, a keyboard you can type on with just one hand   Leander's $10,000 BatBike! https://twitter.com/erfon/status/923628109999489024   Under Review   JLAB Epic Ear waterproof earphones https://www.jlabaudio.com/products/epic-bluetooth-earbuds   Schlage Sense HomeKit-enabled smart lock http://amzn.to/2gHRHrD   Light and Motion Bicycle lights http://amzn.to/2i7H69r http://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/combo    

This week: you’ll have mere seconds to lock down your iPhone X pre-order on October 27th, and if you’re not ready, you’ll be waiting months!  We’ve got the strategies you’ll need to employ to have your order placed seconds after the X goes live.     Plus: Steve Wozniak just launched his first new product in years, and it’s actually pretty cool; the really dumb Mac accessory you’ll definitely want; Apple taps one of Hollywood’s best for a new TV series; and stick around for Leander’s new $10,000 bike, Buster’s new affordable action camera, and a new movie service you’ve GOT to try in an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Foxconn is reportedly pumping out iPhone X’s on schedule https://www.cultofmac.com/508843/iphone-x-component-suppliers-beat-teething-troubles/ According to a new report, Foxconn has sent out 46,500 units from its facilities in Zhengzhou and Shanghai, headed for the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates After running into multiple problems building its next-gen iPhone X, Apple’s suppliers have reportedly achieved more stable yield rates for troublesome components. Foxconn has managed to ramp up its output of the iPhone X from 100,000 to 400,000 units a week Digitimes says "shipments of the device have increased gradually and will meet Apple’s demand ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the sources indicated.” But even though production has ramped up, no one is quite sure how big demand will be. Will this be the most popular iPhone ever? KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhone X preorders could exceed 40 million, and may even hit 50 million. However, Kuo has also noted right from the start that supply of the new device is likely to be constrained through the first half of 2018   Chrome Auto Refresh plug-in https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/auto-refresh/ifooldnmmcmlbdennkpdnlnbgbmfalko   The candle that makes your house smell like a Mac is back https://www.cultofmac.com/508933/candle-makes-house-smell-like-mac-back/ Mac and iPhone accessory maker TwelveSouth is bringing back its Mac-scented candle that flew off store shelves last year. The all-new Inspire candle still smells like a new Mac but comes with some big updates to its design that are sure to delight Apple fans. TwelveSouth updated the Inspire candle this year with a new fragrance formula that’s supposed to remind you of opening up a new Mac. The scent is created by blending bergamot and armoise with hints of lemon, tarragon, amber and musk.   Steve Wozniak announces tech education platform Woz U https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/13/steve-wozniak-announces-tech-education-platform-woz-u/ Steve Wozniak, the Apple co-founder who changed the world alongside Steve Jobs, has today announced the launch of Woz U. Woz U will start as an online learning platform focused on both students and companies that will eventually hire those students. Woz U is based out of Arizona, and hopes to launch physical locations for learning in more than 30 cities across the globe. At launch, the curriculum will center around computer support specialists and software developers, with courses on data science, mobile applications and cybersecurity coming in the future. Alongside the education platform, Woz U will also offer platforms for tech companies to recruit, train and retain their workforce through on-site customized programs and subscription-based curricula No work on pricing yet   Apple taps Steven Spielberg for original sci-fi show https://www.cultofmac.com/507709/apple-taps-steven-spielberg-original-sci-fi-show/ Apple is set to make its biggest push into original content yet by inking a deal with one of the biggest directors in Hollywood history. Steven Spielberg and Apple reportedly will create new episodes of Amazing Stories. The science fiction anthology series originally ran in the 1980s on NBC, but will be relaunched with all-new episodes. A reported 10 episodes of the new show have been ordered by Apple to start. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the budget for Amazing Stories will be more than $5 million an episode.   Our What We're Into picks   Apple HiFi (yes, really) http://amzn.to/2yBx9Jg   Specialized Tarmac bicycle https://www.specialized.com/fi/en/sworks-tarmac-disc-di2/106251   Yi 4K Plus action cam http://amzn.to/2zp10DQ   Movie Pass https://www.moviepass.com   GO SEE Blade Runner 2049 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCcx85zbxz4  

This week: live in the home of the future, today!  We’ll tell you how with iOS 11’s huge improvements in the Home app and HomeKit.  Plus: there’s a new Apple ID phishing scam you need to know about; there’s been a disappointing development with Apple’s AR glasses; we have to talk about the hundreds of new emoji coming at you in iOS 11.1; and we’ve got a svelte iPhone 8 case, a MacBook Pro sleeve made from real sheep, and a new power brick that’ll charge your MacBook, iPhone, Nintendo Switch—EVERYTHING—in an all new under review.   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   9 beautifully minimalist cases for your iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (and 7/7Plus) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsoKFLYBuw   Why you shouldn’t trust Apple ID prompts in third-party apps https://www.cultofmac.com/507863/beware-apple-id-prompts-appear-third-party-apps/ A savvy developer named Felix Krause has discovered it is shockingly easy for an iOS app developer to phish your Apple ID and password with a  fake authentication prompt that looks exactly the a real one. He posted pictures of a real and fake prompt this week and they look identical. Worse, developers can add this code after their app has been approved by Apple. How to tell the difference: The app will close and the popup will disappear with it. This means it was a phishing attempt. The app and popup remain on screen. This means it is a genuine system dialog and can be trusted.   Apple is now selling its latest MacBook Pro at a discount https://www.cultofmac.com/507865/apple-now-selling-latest-macbook-pro-discount/ Apple has updated its online Apple store to start offering refurbished 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar, marking the first time this year’s Touch Bar-equipped models have been available to buy refurbished. Apple typically sells refurbished models for around 15 percent off the full retail price   Apple CEO Tim Cook: Technology Doesn't Exist to do AR Smart Glasses 'In a Quality Way’  https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/10/tim-cook-on-augmented-reality-smart-glasses/ Apple CEO Tim Cook recently sat down for a wide ranging interview with The Independent When questioned about the topic, he said the technology to create a pair of augmented reality smart glasses "in a quality way" does not exist today. "But today I can tell you the technology itself doesn't exist to do that in a quality way. The display technology required, as well as putting enough stuff around your face - there's huge challenges with that. "The field of view, the quality of the display itself, it's not there yet.” "We want to be the best and give people a great experience," he said. "But now anything you would see on the market any time soon would not be something any of us would be satisfied with. Nor do I think the vast majority of people would be satisfied.”   Apple drops iOS 11.1 beta 2 with dozens new emoji https://www.cultofmac.com/507553/apple-drops-ios-11-1-beta-2-dozens-new-emoji/ Apple unleashed hundreds of new emoji on developers today with the release of iOS 11.1 beta 2. The new emoji also have new faces, clothes, sports, food, dinosaurs and other mystical characters. Monocle face Mind blow face Mer-people Wizards Draculas Chinese food takeout container Elves, fairies, genie Dinosaurs   Inside iOS 11: HomeKit gains multi-person geofencing, conditional triggers http://www.idownloadblog.com/2017/08/15/20-new-homekit-features-ios-11/ HomeKit and the Home app will boggle your gourd.  They’re WAY more powerful now that in iOS 10. Multi-person geofencing.  Actions can be triggered when one person comes or goes, or when a group of people in the same HomeKit group does. Turn on lights when first person gets home Turn off heat when last person leaves Support for conditional triggers Lighting will come on with someone comes home, but only after sunset AC will turn on when someone comes home, but only if the temperature is above a threshold that you set. Airplay 2 speakers are now supported, so you could set your speakers to start playing music in the morning or when you get home. Time-based event triggers (i.e. turn the lights off at 5:30, or turn them on 30 minutes after sunrise) Day of the week reoccurrence, so you can set things differently for different days of the way, or on the weekends Home occupancy gate (i.e. only run something if you’re at home) Timers (auto off after 1-60 minutes)   Now you can control sprinklers, faucets, and Airplay 2 speakers in addition to: security devices garage doors fans lights outlets air purifiers locks humidifiers doorbells cameras air conditioners window shades and thermostats Finally, Apple is really pushing for better adoption of HomeKit; manufacturers can now add HomeKit compatibility to their non-HomeKit accessories due to Apple’s relaxed licensing terms.  Vendors are no longer required to use a dedicated encryption chip—all HomeKit authorization can go through software, which means Nest could add HomeKit compatibility with a software update.   Under review   Woolnut laptop sleeve https://www.woolnutcovers.com   Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL http://www.mophie.com/shop/powerstation-USBC-XXL   Spigen Liquid Air Armor iPhone 8 Plus http://amzn.to/2z3dv86

This week: a company unlike any other, some say Steve Job’s greatest product was Apple itself, but how have they fared in the 6 years since his passing?  Leander shares the cold hard facts.  Plus: Leander’s long soliloquy about his new love, the 4K Apple TV; an iOS 11 software trick doubles your iPhone storage; and we’ll wrap up our favorite minimalist cases for your iPhone 7, 8, and X.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Photos and videos shot in iOS 11's HEIF/HEVC format are literally now half the size they were in iOS10’s JPG/H.264 formats   Catch our CultCast 300 live celebration show on Tuesday, October 10th at 12PM PT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RweyyksGEqQ   9 beautifully minimalist cases for your iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (and 7/7Plus) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsoKFLYBuw&t=1s   Google's Pixel Buds translation will change the world https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/04/google-pixel-buds-translation-change-the-world/ Google announced all sorts of stuff yesterday Pixel 2, a smart speaker called the Max to compete with the HomePod But at the very end of their key, Google introduced the Pixel Buds, wireless headphones designed for use with the company's new Pixel 2 handset.  Once paired, you can tap the right earphone then issue a command. If you say, "Help me speak Japanese" and then start speaking in English, the Pixel’s speakers will output your translated words as you speak them. The other party's reply into the phone will then play into your ear through the Pixel Buds in English. 40 languages are currently supported, and the translation works in real time with virtually no lag.   Apple TV 4K is almost picture-perfect [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/504719/apple-tv-4k-review/ Apple’s newest set-top box pulls out all the stops to be the best on the field. It’s packing incredibly powerful new hardware that leaves competitors in the dust, and a much-improved tvOS platform that is years ahead of its rivals. Remote. Not much has changed for the Siri Remote, either, which is a shame — it’s still wretched. It looks almost identical this year, except there’s now a white ridge around the Menu button. Speed. Thanks to an A10X Fusion processor — the same one you’ll find in the latest iPad Pro — Apple TV 4K is pretty fast. It’s by far the most powerful set-top box on the market, and that’s not just for 4K video. 4K HDR video is sharp, colorful and full of contrast and detail. The screensavers especially are spectacular and detailed. Shot in 4K, the screensavers were downgraded for the old AppleTV. On the 4K box they appear in all their trippy, hypnotic detail. One thing you won’t be able to enjoy in 4K HDR, however, is YouTube. That’s because Apple doesn’t support the VP9 video format that YouTube serves up — it doesn’t work on macOS or iOS, either — so the best you’ll get is 1080p.   Our favorite iPhone 8/8Plus cases Edward Field Wallet Case $99 Nodus iPhone 8 Cases Rhinoshield Crashguard bumper for  iPhone 8 Plus/7Plus iPhone 8/7

This week: why iPhone X's Face ID is an astounding accomplishment! Plus: the new and notable features in macOS High Sierra; Bill Gates finally ditches his Windows Phone; Leander’s writing a new Tim Cook book; Erfon talks about the best 4K television money can buy; and we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about the gadgets we’re reviewing in an all-new under review!   This episode supported by Audible, the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started at audible.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Catch our CultCast live show on Monday, Oct 2nd at 12PM! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RweyyksGEqQ   Bill Gates ditches Windows Mobile, but not for iPhone 8 https://www.cultofmac.com/505353/bill-gates-drops-windows-android-still-wont-use-iphone/ Bill Gates just got himself a brand new smartphone, and it isn’t an iPhone 8. The Microsoft co-founder has ditched Windows Mobile for Android. Despite getting closer to Steve Jobs before he died in 2011, Gates still has no interest in using iOS. further pressed about the possibility of using iOS instead, Gates responded, “Nope. No iPhone.”   Apple TV is finally back on Amazon buster https://www.cultofmac.com/505375/apple-tv-finally-back-amazon/ Getting your hands on the new Apple TV 4K though Amazon won’t be easy though. The page for Apple’s newest set-top box shows that there are no units in stock. It appears that Amazon is only offering the 64GB model priced at $199. Putting Apple TV back on its digital shelves is a bit unexpected but is likely related to Apple TV finally gaining an Amazon Prime Video app. The service still hasn’t launched on Apple TV yet but is expected to debut at some point this fall.   Apple's Face ID is a Triumph of Machine Learning Technology https://blog.andplus.com/apples-faceid-tech-machine-learning Data scientist Abdul Dremali is leading research & development in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data at the AndPlus Innovation Lab, and he’s very impressed with Face ID.   macOS High Sierra is now available to the public buster https://www.cultofmac.com/505135/macos-high-sierra-now-available-public/ Apple unleashed its huge update for the Mac this morning bringing a host of new features and UI changes to desktops after months of beta testing. Most of the update contains under-the-hood changes the makes machines faster and more stable, but there are plenty of new additions to love. macOS High Sierra brings support for the new Apple File System to the Mac. Apple added it to iOS devices last year. AFS’ 64-bit architecture is more secure, with built-in encryption, crash protection and simplified data backups. Safari is one of the biggest benefactors from the macOS High Sierra update. Apple claims its now the world’s fastest browser, with an 80% speed advantage over Google Chrome Mail received some improved search functions tied to the update to Spotlight. You can also use a new Split View mode too that lets you write emails while keeping tabs on your inbox. The Photos app also got some big updates. There’s now better facial recognition and some new editing tools that make it a more capable photo editor. Notes got a new pin feature to keep your most important notes to the top of the list where you’ll be able to find them easier. The app also has support for tables now. Last Thursday, six ad industry groups penned an open letter criticizing Apple's upcoming Safari feature, saying the decision to incorporate such technology into a web browser is heavy-handed and "bad for consumer choice and bad for the ad-supported online content and services."  Today, Apple responded to the missive in a statement to The Loop. "Apple believes that people have a right to privacy - Safari was the first browser to block third party cookies by default and Intelligent Tracking Prevention is a more advanced method for protecting user privacy," Apple said. "Ad tracking technology has become so pervasive that it is possible for ad tracking companies to recreate the majority of a person's web browsing history. This information is collected without permission and is used for ad re-targeting, which is how ads follow people around the Internet. The new Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature detects and eliminates cookies and other data used for this cross-site tracking, which means it helps keep a person's browsing private. The feature does not block ads or interfere with legitimate tracking on the sites that people actually click on and visit. Cookies for sites that you interact with function as designed, and ads placed by web publishers will appear normally.”   Apple’s Face ID white paper is not nearly as boring as it sounds https://images.apple.com/business/docs/FaceID_Security_Guide.pdf   Under Review Tom Bihn’s Hero’s Journey Backpack for $480 Outdoor Research Dry Payload Pack for $150 Fender Mustang GT200 for $600 Fender Mustang GT40 for $250 Otterbox Strada Folio case  Phone 7 Plus or 8 Plus for $25 iPhone 7 and 8 for $23

This week: iPhone 8 reviews are in!  We’ll tell you what everyone loves Apple’s newest phone, and why you should get one (but probably won’t).  Plus: we round up the reviews for Apple Watch series 3, and argue over which model is best. And stick around for what we don’t like about iPhone X; Apple’s A11 chip hits a surprising benchmark; tests show iPhone 8 wireless charging is abysmally slow; Apple quietly hikes their iDevice prices; and we’ll tell you all the best AR apps you need to try.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Historical first? New iPhones fail to sell out - leander https://www.cultofmac.com/503060/iphone-8-apple-watch-3-still-surprisingly-easy-get-hold/ For the first time since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, the company’s latest models failed to immediately sell out. More than 12 hours after pre-orders opened this morning, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus remain generally available for pickup at Apple stores next Friday, Shipping time is currently 3 business days   iPhone X’s Face ID will only recognize one person - buster https://www.cultofmac.com/502958/face-id-will-support-just-one-user-iphone-x-makes-debut/ When the new biometric security features makes its debut this November, it will support just one user, Apple has confirmed. If anyone else uses your device, they’ll have to enter the passcode.   Apple silently raises iPad Pro prices https://www.cultofmac.com/502688/apple-quietly-raises-ipad-pro-prices-no-reason/ Changes made to the online Apple store show that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro models with WiFi only are now $50 more expensive each. Before yesterday’s keynote, the 256GB and 512GB units cost $749 and $949. Now they’re priced at $799 and $999. iPhone prices have also been hiked up. The cellular models for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro also got a price increase Nothing has changed about the products. iPhone prices have also been hiked iPhone 7 32GB - $649 iPhone 7 Plus 32GB - $769 iPhone 8 64GB - $699 iPhone 8 Plus 64GB - $799   Adding wireless charging to your AirPods will cost $69 https://www.cultofmac.com/502858/adding-wireless-charging-airpods-will-cost-69/ Apple’s new Wireless Charging Case for AirPods will go on sale this December, according to a report out of Europe, which sites Apple Switzerland. The device is expected to cost $69, which is the same amount you’ll pay to replace a standard case if you lose it. Apple reportedly has no plans to sell AirPods with the Wireless Charging Case, so it will be available as an optional accessory.   The best ARKit apps to try on iPhone and iPad https://www.cultofmac.com/503887/best-arkit-apps-try-iphone-ipad/  

This week: we react to everything announced at Apple's iPhone X press event! Plus, we’ll tell you everything we now know about iPhone X, iPhone 8, the new Apple TV 4K, Apple Watch Series 3, the AirPods update, and the new AirPower charging mat.  It’s a packed show.  Better hit play, fam!   This episode supported by Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast,and get $50 towards any mattress with code CultCast at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Erfon’s Twitch stream on Faceshift, the technology powering Star Wars animations and now iPhone X Animoji https://www.twitch.tv/videos/173683607   iPhone 8 brings awesome new features at a cheaper price https://www.cultofmac.com/501936/iphone-8-gives-awesome-new-features-cheaper-price/   iPhone cameras just got a whole lot smarter https://www.cultofmac.com/502376/iphone-cameras-just-got-whole-lot-smarter/   Watch all of Apple’s new iPhone videos right here https://www.cultofmac.com/502420/watch-apples-new-iphone-videos-right/   7 ways Apple surprised us at the iPhone X event https://www.cultofmac.com/502416/iphone-x-event-surprises/   Apple releases iOS 11 GM (the right way) https://www.cultofmac.com/502432/apple-releases-ios-11-gm-right-way/   iPhone X vs. iPhone 8: Should you wait longer and pay more? https://www.cultofmac.com/502462/iphone-x-worth-wait-heres-compares-iphone-8/   Everything Apple unveiled at its iPhone X keynote https://www.cultofmac.com/502280/everything-apple-unveiled-iphone-x-keynote/  

This week: a look inside the new Steve Jobs Theater, a beautiful spectacle of technology and architecture, a physical manifestationof the Apple ethos, and a true and fitting monumen..  And like any Apple product, it packs some features that will delight you. Plus: why it will probably be damn near impossible to purchase an iPhone 8, and we’ll pitch you our favorite gadgets then vote on which is best in an all new Faves ’N Raves!   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Pre-Orders for iPhone 8 Likely to Start on September 15, Shipments on September 22 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/06/iphone-8-preorders-september-15/   Drone flyover shows off a bustling Steve Jobs Theater https://www.cultofmac.com/500740/drone-flyover-shows-off-bustling-steve-jobs-theater/   Steve Jobs Theater is as special as any other Apple product https://www.cultofmac.com/500790/steve-jobs-theater-special-apple-product/ On Tuesday, September 12th, according to Bloomberg, will unveil not only its latest batch of products, but also give us all a first glimpse of its brand new campus The Steve Jobs Theater is as obsessively perfect as you’d expect a building named after Apple’s co-founder and former CEO should be. The entrance to the venue sits underneath a silver disc, which which sits 20 feet in the air, supported by gigantic glass panels. The auditorium itself occupies four underground stories, and to get there, journalists will descend a staircase spiraling down alongside the walls. In order to gain access to the subterranean theater, attendees can either descend via a spiral staircase or using two custom elevators. These elevators rotate as they descend, so that passengers enter and exit through the same door, even though they do so from different directions. The theater also sports a retracting wall, which opens to reveal a hidden product testing area. Given the theater's 1,000-person capacity, one engineer said back in March that the building's budget meant each leather seat had cost Apple the equivalent of $14,000 apiece. It’s a touching eponym, isn’t it?  Steve Jobs theater?  It will be a beautiful spectacle of technology and architecture, a true and fitting monument.  A metaphor for Steve Jobs, and a physical representation of the Apple ethos. Steve Jobs was man that literally started with nothing, not even his biological parents, and went on to build one of the world’s most coveted companies. It’s a uniquely American success story.     Analyst: Blame Samsung for iPhone 8’s high price tag https://www.cultofmac.com/500884/analyst-samsung-partly-blame-iphone-8s-high-price-tag/ Apple’s upcoming premium iPhone is likely to be its most expensive model ever — and Samsung is partly to blame, according to a reliable Apple analyst. In his latest research note, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo explains to investors that Samsung currently holds a practical monopoly on the supply of OLED displays. They’re the only ones capable of reliably mass producing the screens Apple needs, and thus seems to be inflating the price. Apple previously paid between $45 and $55 for the screens on Plus-size iPhones. But Ming Chi Kuo claims Samsung is probably charging about $75 more for OLED displays. The final price for the displays likely costs Apple $120 to $130 per unit. That could explain why rumors predict the iPhone 8 (or iPhone Edition)     Our Faves N Raves Picks Fidgetly CTRL bluetooth spinner Arlo Pro Cameras Shubu Raven

This week: IT’S OFFICIAL—Apple’s next iPhone event is September 12th!  Tune in to catch our hardware predictions, plus, we take a look at the leaked iPhone 8 UI, and how the new phone will work without a home button. Next, we'll regale you with the story behind the evolution of the Apple logo, and the story you’ve never heard about its iconic bite.  And stick around for an all-new What We’re Into, where Leander tells us why Game of Thrones has turned into his most despised show!   This episode supported by BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple’s cryptic invitation confirms September 12 event https://www.cultofmac.com/500056/apples-cryptic-invitation-confirms-september-12-event/ After months of anticipation and a flurry of rumors, Apple finally sent out media invites to its big iPhone 8 event today, welcoming the press to come to Apple Park for the big date. Apple’s keynote is set for September 12, which is in line with previous rumors that circled the second Tuesday of September as time when the keynote would take place. The event will take place in the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. Apple is expected to present three new iPhones on stage: the iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus and the premium iPhone 8 models. Other products that could make an appearance include a new Apple TV with 4K video support as well as the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE.   Apple Inc. plans to transform the way people use its next high-end iPhone https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-30/how-apple-plans-to-change-the-way-you-use-the-next-iphone   Without a Home button, here’s how the new iPhone 8 UI will work https://www.cultofmac.com/499778/without-home-button-heres-new-iphone-8-ui-will-work/ Across the bottom of the screen there’s a thin, software bar in lieu of the home button. A user can drag it up to the middle of the screen to open the phone. When inside an app, a similar gesture starts multitasking. From here, users can continue to flick upwards to close the app and go back to the home screen. The new model’s overall size will be similar to that of the iPhone 7, but it will include an OLED screen that is slightly larger than the one on the iPhone 7 Plus (5.5-inches) The new screen is rounded on the corners, while current iPhone screens have square corners. The power button on the right side of phone is longer so it is easier to press while holding the device in one hand, according to the images and the people. The phone will still have six vertical rows of apps, showing 24 icons on each page, excluding the dock, a grey bar at the bottom that houses commonly used apps. The dock is redesigned with a new interface similar to the one on the iPad version of iOS 11 Apple also plans to include a stainless steel band around the phone which the glass curves into     iPhone 8 inductive charging may be a wee bit slow BH https://www.cultofmac.com/499496/iphone-8-inductive-charging-may-wee-bit-slow/ According to the latest rumor out of Asia, Apple will use an older standard for its inductive charging feature which means recharging could take longer than expected. All three new iPhone models are expected to pick up the inductive charging feature this fall. Instead of using the full 15 watts of power supported by the Qi Ver. 1.2 standard, Macotakara claims Apple’s tech will only draw 7.5 watts. Every time I’ve used inductive charging, it’s been slooooooow   Today in Apple history: Rainbow Apple logo gets a modern overhaul LK https://www.cultofmac.com/498704/rainbow-apple-logo/ August 27, 1999: Apple replaces the striped, multicolored logo it used since 1977 with a new single-color version. Apple’s first corporate logo was actually not the memorable “bitten apple” logo at all. A riff on a Victorian woodcut, it portrayed Sir Isaac Newton sitting beneath a tree with a solitary apple dangling over his head. A quotation from William Wordsworth’s The Prelude ran around the image’s border: “A mind forever wandering through strange seas of thought, alone.” It was created by long lost Apple co-founder Ronald Wayne. After less than a year, Apple replaced that logo with the bitten Apple version we have today. Designed by 29-year-old Rob Janoff, it coincided with the debut of the Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire, which marked Apple’s graduation from a small startup to a serious business Jobs gave Janoff — who does not receive any royalties for his design — two directions for the Apple logo. 1) Don’t make it cute. And 2) Find some way to visually incorporate the Apple II’s revolutionary 16-color display, which was the first PC to include a color display. The “Glass” themed logo was the next evolution for the logo and was featured on the first ever iMac. The bondi blue iMac  looked ridiculous with a rainbow logo, and needed something fresh Today, the company uses a more modernized flat monochromatic logo. The logo comes mainly in 3 colors; silver, white and black. The bite According to Rob Janoff, the bite on the Apple logo was to really let people know that it was an apple and not a cherry. The bite also played along with the computer buffs at that time because it had a similar sound off to the word ‘byte’, a unit of digital information in computing and telecommunication.   What We’re Into   Blade Runner 2049 Short Film Reveals What Happened in 2036 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn-csFKhQCg   Awaken, my love!  By Childish Gambino https://open.spotify.com/album/4xnq1L6P551Qcb9gBXNMK7   Game of Thrones has jumped the shark https://youtu.be/t4ZGKI8vpcg?t=1m16s  

This week: Even more juicy details leak on iPhone 8, plus a report says the keynote reveal is right around the corner. Leander shares the strange twist in Apple’s autonomous car project Why the 13” MacBook Pro might soon become your favorite Mac Story time with L Kahney - he’s going to share the highlights from his whirlwind tour of Japan and other defenseless Asian lands. Plus Erfon recalls what it’s like in the darkness of a total solar eclipse.   This episode supported by   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz.     Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s intro (thanks Nick Bracken!) http://www.ngataonga.org.nz/collections/catalogue/catalogue-item?record_id=147476   The shadows take on the sun's new shape https://instagram.com/p/BYEHnqbHU1d/   We might know the iPhone 8 keynote date https://www.cultofmac.com/498836/iphone-8-release-date/ Hot on the heels of Samsung’s grand unveiling of the Galaxy Note 8 today, carrier sources have supposedly informed Mac4Ever that Apple plans to unleash its device in just a few weeks. Apple’s keynote is allegedly slated for September 12 where the company will reveal three new iPhones. While we haven’t been able to verify the accuracy of the report ourselves, Apple usually hosts its iPhone keynote in the middle of September so the date could make sense. The French Apple blog claims that carriers have been informed by Apple to expect the device announcement on the second Tuesday of next month. Carriers usually receive a heads up so they can start planning marketing and to organize pre-orders to ensure inventory. And get this, the minimum storage capacity for Apple's OLED iPhone is said to be 64GB, with a 256GB option offered as the mid-tier capacity and a 512GB option at the highest tier, while 3GB of RAM is claimed to be included across the board.   iPhone 8’s amazing facial recognition is super quick, works in the dark https://www.cultofmac.com/498426/iphone-8s-amazing-facial-recognition-super-quick-works-dark/ The iPhone 8’s facial recognition feature will work in a millionth of a second, and be more secure than the existing Touch ID sensor, and even work in the dark, a pair of new reports claim. In addition to the regular iPhone sensors you’d expect to find, the upcoming handset will reportedly boast a new “structured light” sensor, which uses bounced infrared light to work out the depth of different points on the face. That information is then used to build a 3D mesh of objects, which is compared to the one recorded when setting up the new iPhone. Calculating the timing between when infrared light is sent out and recorded coming back will let the iPhone work out accurate depth measurements. This, in turn, means you won’t be able to trick the handset using a 2D photo. The facial recognition is reportedly powered by tech Apple acquired when it bought Kinect motion sensor maker PrimeSense several years ago. The speed that the iPhone 8 facial recognition sensor will reportedly work is particularly impressive. The new handset will allegedly be able to do all of this within “a few hundred milliseconds,” which would make it a faster means of unlocking your iPhone than the current-generation Touch ID, Apple has been using Touch ID since 2013’s iPhone 5s.   Apple’s 3D sensing tech is two years ahead of the competition https://www.cultofmac.com/498524/apples-3d-sensing-technology-two-years-ahead-competition/ According to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple competitor Qualcomm is working on its own 3D sensing tech, but it’s at least two years behind. And handset-makers aren’t in a rush to embrace it quite yet. "While Qualcomm is the most engaged company in the R&D of 3D sensing for the Android camp, a number of issues plague Qualcomm that prevent its tech from being ready for mass-market products. Immature algorithms, and thermal problems"   Apple autonomous car morphs into self-driving shuttle bus for employees https://www.cultofmac.com/498760/apples-autonomous-car-morphed-self-driving-shuttle-bus-employees/ According to the New York Times, Apple’s secretive “Project Titan” self-driving car project has switched gears, transforming into an effort to build a self-driving shuttle bus. Called Palo Alto Infinite Loop, or PAIL, the shuttle would carry Apple employees between buildings. The project may serve as a test bed for Apple’s autonomous car research. But a customer-focused vehicle built by Apple is for now reportedly out of the question. Instead, Apple’s self-driving technology will likely be used by other carmakers eventually. The newspaper claims a leadership clash hampered project. Steve Zadesky, an Apple executive initially in charge of Titan, wanted to build semiautonomous technology. Meanwhile, Apple design chief Jony Ive “believed that a fully driverless car would allow the company to reimagine the automobile experience.” Apple reportedly investigated several innovative ideas for the project. Those included motorized doors that opened and closed silently, augmented reality displays for the interior of the car, new ways of incorporating the light sensor essential to driverless cars, and a total lack of steering wheel and gas pedals. Apple also researched the possibility of using globelike wheels for the vehicle, “because spherical wheels could allow the car better lateral movement.”   Intel Launches First Eighth-Generation Core Processors, Paving Way For Quad-Core 13-Inch MacBook Pro https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/21/intel-announces-8th-gen-core-kaby-lake-refresh/ The first four eighth-generation processors launching today are U-series chips suitable for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. They're all 15W chips with four cores and eight threads, paving the way for a quad-core 13-inch MacBook Pro should Apple choose to release one. The eighth-generation Core i5 and Core i7 chips are up to 40 percent faster than the equivalent seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors First MacBook Pro with Touch Bar uses a 6th gen Skylake processor. Intel also boasted that its eighth-generation Core processors are up to twice as fast as its equivalent five-year-old Ivy Bridge chips. It said users can output a 106-second 4K video in as little as three minutes with a new PC, for example, versus up to 45 minutes on an equivalent five-year-old PC.  

This week:  Apple makes a major play to become the next HBO, meanwhile, intriguing new images surface showing what looks to be what we all thought had died—the long lost Apple Television.  Plus: a trusted source says Apple’s next Watch will be more boring that we hoped; and finally… eating bugs… Thai Tinder… yes, Buster Heine is back to share strange stories from his travels deep into the heart of Thailand.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST20 to score a free CleanCloth AND get 20% off your order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / Buster on Instagram   Blurry photos purport to show mythical Apple TV set https://www.cultofmac.com/497858/blurry-photos-apple-tv-set/ Blurry images that popped up online supposedly show the testing of an Apple OLED television set of around 60 inches in size. The photos were shared on Chinese social media before being circulated by mobile leaker Benjamin Geskin on Twitter. images depict what looks like an Apple-branded standalone display in some kind of lab testing environment. They show a metal frame design, while accompanying notes on Weibo suggest that the set also includes a camera. And, just like that, longstanding rumors of an Apple TV set reignite! The rumors gained momentum with the publishing of Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs biography in 2011. “I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,” Jobs was quoted as saying. “It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine.”   Apple will throw $1 billion at original programming over next year https://www.cultofmac.com/497846/apple-will-throw-1-billion-original-programming-next-year/ According to the WSJ, Apple is reportedly preparing a $1 billion “war chest” which it will spend on acquiring or producing original content over the next year. That sum is around half of what HBO spent on production last year. Apple SVP Eddy Cue is reportedly aiming for Apple to offer up to ten new shows, which could rival Game of Thrones in scope. Apple has been ramping up its hirings to try and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with. The company’s recent hirings include a pair of former Sony execs, who previously helped bring to the screen shows including AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and Netflix’s The Crown WSJ: "Mr. Van Amburg and Mr. Erlicht have begun meeting with Hollywood agents and holding discussions about shows Apple could acquire, the people familiar said. Mr. Matt Cherniss has movie experience, having worked as a production executive at Warner Bros."   Apple Watch Series 3 will bring LTE but no design changes https://www.cultofmac.com/497672/apple-watch-series-3-will-bring-lte-no-redesign/ According to trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. There will be no “obvious change” to the design of the device, which will leave LTE connectivity as its main selling point. Apple will offer non-LTE versions at more affordable prices, however. It’s unclear whether those models will be Series 3 devices, or whether Apple will continue to offer Series 2 alongside its successor for those who do not require LTE. Watch will also likely be waterproof, like series 2, and faster.

This week:  what does Apple have in store for the next version of  Watch?  We’ll roundup the current rumors and reveal our Gen 3 wish list.  Then: could Face ID actually replace Touch ID on iPhone 8?  We have concerns.  Plus: proof that a 4K Apple TV is right around the corner; more incredible demos of AR Kit; and we share our favorite new shows, movies, and board games in an all-new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code CULTCAST at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST20 to score a free CleanCloth AND get 20% off your order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @maccast   Apple Plans to Release a Cellular-Capable Watch to Break iPhone Ties https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-04/apple-said-to-ready-cellular-capable-watch-to-break-iphone-ties "Apple Inc. is planning to release a version of its smartwatch later this year that can connect directly to cellular networks, a move designed to reduce the device’s reliance on the iPhone, people familiar with the matter said.” What would we like to see in the next Apple Watch Round version or a new shape/style Way better battery life always on screen Thinner No LTE fees!   Blurry photo might confirm iPhone 8 Touch ID fears https://www.cultofmac.com/496382/foxconn-photo-confirms-iphone-8-touch-id-fears/ An apparent iPhone 8 photo straight out of Foxconn has confirmed one of our biggest fears for Touch ID: It will be relocated to the back of the device. Apple has been working to embed its fingerprint scanner into the iPhone’s display, but according to numerous reports, the technology won’t be ready in time for this year’s big refresh. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg: Apple’s pitch come September will be that Face ID is quicker, more secure, and more accurate than Touch ID. People inside Apple say it is. Security implications   iPhone 8 facial recognition will unlock your phone even when it’s lying down https://www.cultofmac.com/496270/iphone-8-facial-recognition-will-unlock-phone-even-lying/ The new iPhone 8 will be capable of unlocking with its face recognition even when it’s lying flat on your desk, a new report from The Information suggests. This information appears to back up a report published in Bloomberg earlier this year. That report noted that: [The facial recognition sensor’s] speed and accuracy are focal points of the feature. It can scan a user’s face and unlock the iPhone within a few hundred milliseconds, the person said. It is designed to work even if the device is laying flat on a table, rather than just close up to the face.”     4K Apple TV seemingly confirmed by HomePod leak https://www.cultofmac.com/496372/4k-apple-tv-seemingly-confirmed-homepod-leak/ Over the last few weeks the HomePod’s software has revealed a number of upcoming features on unannounced products. Sleuthing developers unearthed info on the iPhone 8’s facial scanning and SmartCamera features. Now there appears to be some details of the new Apple TV inside too. iOS developer Guilherme Rambo discovered references to both Dolby Vision and HDR10 color formats for 4K video in the HomePod’s software.   This ARKit app teleports you into an ’80s music video https://www.cultofmac.com/494776/arkit-music-video-app/ Ever wonder what it would be like to live inside an ’80s music video? Thanks to Apple’s new ARKit software, you can live that dream with a new app that draws inspiration from the popular music video for A-ha’s “Take On Me.”   Measure the square footage of your room with ARKit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw9MPZoPqCQ   Virtual directions and tags of AR POS https://twitter.com/AndrewProjDent/status/888380207962443777   Mint Works game http://amzn.to/2vsreVv   Dominion game http://amzn.to/2uLWCfz   Halt and Catch Fire http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543312/   Alien Covenant http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2316204/

This week: Apple just accidentally leaked major details about the iPhone 8 and HomePod.  Whoopsie!  We’ll tell you everything we’ve learned.    Plus: leaked audio files show off the HomePods cool UI sounds; we reveal exclusive new audio of the HomePod's boot-up noise;  Buster’s shares a very special announcement; and we wrap with our reviews of the best internet-connected security cameras and the hawt new flagship Olympus OM-D EM-1 mirrorless camera in an all-new Under Review 🔥🔥🔥   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / Buster on Instagram   More juicy details about iPhone 8 discovered in Apple code https://www.cultofmac.com/495480/juicy-details-about-iphone-8/ Apple clearly didn’t realize that the firmware it made available on Friday was a goldmine of secret information. Not only did it reveal the final design of the iPhone 8 and its new facial recognition technology, but it tells us stuff we didn’t know about HomePod, too. First of all, buried in the firmware are GLYPHS of the actual phone itself. WHOOPSIE! We now know the device will have a split status bar designed to fit its edge-to-edge display Things like cellular signal and time might be displayed on one side of the bar, while indicators for Bluetooth, location, and battery level could appear on the other. “The new status bar seems a lot more complex and powerful in design, maybe even interactive,” Troughton-Smith says. The software has also revealed that iPhone 8 will boast tap to wake functionality. This is a feature found on many Android and Windows Phone devices, which lets you wake the device simply by tapping its screen. It’s handy when there is no physical Home button. It appears, however, that iPhone 8 will have a “Home Indicator.” It’s believed to be similar to the virtual Home button that appears at the bottom of the display on Android devices, and it looks like Apple will allow developers to hide it in certain contexts. Interestingly, Troughton-Smith tweeted “I’ve seen nothing to suggest an ultrasound under-the-display Touch ID here,” meaning either no touchID or one on the back Rumors have said that facial recognition is even more accurate than touch id and will even work with Apple Pay.   Apple code confirms that facial unlocking tech is on the way https://www.cultofmac.com/495340/facial-recognition-code-stevets/ "I can confirm reports that HomePod’s firmware reveals the existence of upcoming iPhone’s infra-red face unlock in BiometricKit and elsewhere” Steve Stoughton Smith Unlocking will be call FaceID Will use an inferred camera to should work in dark situations Will reportedly not support Apple pay to start, indicating we’re getting a touchID sensor somewhere on the phone   iPhone 8’s radical redesign could bring awesome UI change https://www.cultofmac.com/495521/ios-change-iphone-8/#more-495521 we can look forward to a display with a 2436×1125 resolution This resolution is 812x 375 points rendered @ 3x – exactly the same logical width as the iPhone 7, but 22% taller,” explains Allen Pike, a developer who previously worked at Apple   HomePod software leaks new ‘SmartCamera’ feature for iPhone https://www.cultofmac.com/495826/homepod-software-leaks-new-smartcamera-feature-iphone/ Apple’s HomePod might have revealed another huge new iPhone feature HomePod software appears to reference an unannounced “SmartCamera” feature built into iOS 11 or the yet-to-be-released 2017 iPhone iOS developer Guilherme Rambo unearthed references to the new feature. He posted a screenshot of a section of the code to Twitter It looks like the SmartCamera feature will be able to tune your camera settings based on the scene it detects. DSLRs possess similar features The HomePod code contains references to Fireworks, Foliage, Pet, BrightStage, Sport, Sky, Snow and Sunset/Sunrise scenarios.   HomePod software reveals new details of Apple’s smart speaker https://www.cultofmac.com/495208/homepod-software-reveals-details-of-apples-smart-speaker/ Notorious iOS sleuth Steve Troughton Smith has done some serious research into HomePod and discovered that it’s basically like another iOS device only it doesn’t have a big screen. That could open HomePod up to some exciting capabilities in the future. will come with a number of accessibility features. Third-party apps aren’t likely to arrive on HomePod anytime soon. Smith says there aren’t any provisions in the HomePod OS shell there doesn’t seem to be any kind of provision in the HomePod OS shell for installing apps or extensions. The top LED area of the HomePod could have more advanced functionality than previously thought. Rather than just using big LEDs, it appears that the top surface is an LED Matrix. Temperature and weather icons could be displayed on the 32×32 pixel matrix.   Leaked audio files reveal HomePod’s cool UI sounds https://www.cultofmac.com/495557/homepod-ui-sounds/ Apple’s early software for the HomePod continues to reveal new features of the smart speaker, as developers dive deeper into files. After details on the speaker’s screen got discovered, another developer unearthed the UI sounds that will be used on HomePod.   Under Review Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II Arlo Pro Security System with Siren   Support Steven Troughton-Smith on Patreon

This week:  Parts shortages force Apple to start handing out free MacBook Pros, and everyone on the internet wants a piece of the action. You knew Jony Ive designed some of Apple’s most iconic products, but did you know he also helped craft one of Star Wars most nefarious light sabers?   Apple discontinues two of their most iconic products. And stay tuned for all our favorite new stuff in another episode of What We’re Into!     This episode supported by   BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   Shortages force Apple to swap old MacBook Pros for new models https://www.cultofmac.com/494546/supply-shortages-force-apple-swap-old-macbook-pros-new-models/ Apple has been forced to swap old MacBook Pros in need of repair with new models due to severe component shortages. It means some lucky customers are getting a free upgrade to the latest machines when in need of service under warranty. A common fault with any laptop after regular use is that its battery loses its ability to charge. The cells can only withstand so many cycles before they no longer perform as intended. Fortunately, Apple will replace them for free under warranty. MacRumors reports that the company is currently facing “a severe constraint of top case assemblies with integrated batteries” for 15-inch MacBook Pros released in mid 2012 and early 2013 — and this is expected to last until September. As a result, Apple is said to have instructed its Genius Bar employees and Authorized Service Providers that they can temporarily swap affected notebooks for a newer, “functionally equivalent” model. If your MacBook Pro is still covered by the one-year manufacturer warranty, or an extended AppleCare plan, the cost of a battery replacement (or upgrade were eligible) is completely free. If your warranty has expired, the fee is $199. However, Apple has been waiving this fee for customers who are willing to wait for new batteries to arrive, rather than taking an upgrade for $199.     Apple No Longer Replacing Some MacBook Pros Needing Battery Service With Newer Models https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/26/apple-ends-macbook-pro-battery-exchanges/ Apple's memo says, effective July 26, service inventory of top case assemblies with batteries is now available for new repairs. For all new repair requests, Apple advises Genius Bar employees and Apple Authorized Service Providers to order the necessary inventory. Apple advises its service providers to inform customers that the inventory should arrive within 15 business days of the part order, corresponding with early August.  Apple employee on reddit: "From what I can tell, Apple are FURIOUS about the MacRumors article yesterday setting customer expectations. I've never seen them react to a situation internally like this"     Jony Ive talks earbuds inspired by stormtroopers, Apple Park https://www.cultofmac.com/494700/apples-iconic-white-earbuds-inspired-stormtroopers/ Jony Ive has revealed that the company’s iconic white earbuds were inspired by Star Wars stormtroopers. Ive told The Wall Street Journal that he the “look of the original Stormtroopers in mind” when he created their look. Years later, the stormtroopers would be inspired by Apple. In a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair, Star Wars: The Force Awakens costume designer Mark Kaplan revealed that he was inspired by Ive’s designs when creating the new stormtroopers of the First Order. “With the Stormtroopers it was more of a simplification, almost like, ‘What would Apple do?’” he said. Jony Ive also suggested the light saber hilt that ended up becoming a reality on Kylo Ren’s sword Jony Ive once sat next to J. J. Abrams at a boozy dinner party in New York, and made what Abrams recalled as "very specific" suggestions about the design of lightsabres. Abrams told me that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" would reflect those thoughts, but he wouldn’t say how. Ive argued that the lightsaber should look uneven. "I thought it would be interesting if it were less precise, and just a little bit more spitty," said Ive, adding that the new weapon could be "more analog and more primitive, and I think, in that way, somehow more ominous.”   Apple discontinues iPod nano and iPod shuffle https://www.cultofmac.com/494922/ipod-nano-ipod-shuffle-removed-apples-website/ In a statement to The Verge, Apple confirmed both devices have been discontinued: “Today, we are simplifying our iPod lineup with two models of iPod touch now with double the capacity starting at just $199 and we are discontinuing the iPod shuffle and iPod nano. The iPod touch is now available in 32GB and 128GB storage options, with the latter priced at $299.” Aside from the capacity increases, both devices are identical to those that were on sale yesterday.   Steve Jobs introduces the iPod nano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GRv-kv5XEg   Cocaine Cowboys documentary http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380268/   Two of the world’s best dart’s players go head-to-head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zyONMmc3o   Splatoon 2 http://amzn.to/2eSHRFH   Erfon showing tweens who’s boss on Twitch http://twitch.tv/vitamineee

  This week:  Why Apple’s making an iPhone Pro, a tech-packed cutting-edge phone that will showcase what Cupertino is capable of.   Genius Bar jackpot!  Aka, why the Genius Bar sometimes replaces your old broken tech for a brand new model.   Stick around for a super-powerful electric long board, a HomeKit-enabled ceiling fan, and pro-level keyboard case for your iPad Pro in an all-new Under Review 🤖   This episode supported by   You might know of Shutterstock as home to royalty-free photos. But, they offer much more.  Kickstart your next interactive project with video clips or music tracks from their collection, and save 20% for a limited time at shutterstock.com/cultcast   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Macintosh Jr. has the power to crush the other kids!   Apple’s risky balancing act with the next iPhone http://www.macworld.com/article/3207552/iphone-ipad/apples-risky-balancing-act-with-the-next-iphone.html   Why Apple sometimes gives brand new products for your old broken one (connected podcast) Have you or a friend ever taken an old product into the Genius Bar, and had them replace that product with a brand new version?  Isn’t it great when that happens?? Well it turns out it’s likely not cause Apple’s so nice. When Apple develops a new product, they can’t test for everything. When a problem surfaces, Apple may initiate what they call a "Field capture period” During this time, if Apple is investigating a problem with a product, and you bring in a product that exhibits the symptoms of that problem, they’ll give you a new piece of hardware, then send your device back to Cupertino to dissasemble and investigate. Certain kinds of sunscreens dissolving glue in Apple watch backs, causing the back to come off.   Under Review Hunter Symphony Fan Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard Huger Electric Longboard   Leander on a skateboard http://imgur.com/8YmIU2s

This week:  the magic of HomePod!  We’ll tell you about the built-in audio tech that's getting even the most ardent audiophiles hyped about Apple’s new smart speaker.   Plus: why iPhone 8’s biggest features may be disabled at launch Why you can grab free Beats in Apple's new back to school promo without being in college The fascinating story behind Steve Jobs' iconic turtleneck More of iOS 11’s best unknown features And we wrap with the heart warming story of why Steve Jobs insisted on always buying Scott Forstall's lunch.   This episode supported by   You might know of Shutterstock as home to royalty-free photos. But, they offer much more.  Kickstart your next interactive project with video clips or music tracks from their collection, and save 20% for a limited time at shutterstock.com/cultcast   What is Backblaze? It’s unlimited, cloud backup for Macs and PCs. And it’s native for Macs!  Try it out free for 15 days at Backblaze.com/cultcast.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   iPhone 8’s biggest features could be disabled at launch https://www.cultofmac.com/492358/iphone-8s-biggest-features-disabled-launch/ Some of the iPhone 8’s biggest new features could be disabled when the handset makes its debut this September. According to Fast Company, there is “a sense of panic in the air” at Apple as engineers scramble to iron out software bugs that are affecting wireless charging and 3D facial recognition. For both features, the hardware is ready — but the software that controls the features is “not ready for prime time.” If Apple cannot fix the issues, wireless charging could be disabled when the iPhone 8 goes on sale this September. Users would then have to wait for a future iOS update for it to be enabled — just like Portrait Mode on iPhone 7 Plus, which wasn’t ready for launch last fall. Same goes for facial recognition, but this report says Apple will indeed include a touch ID sensor under the screen, so at least you’ll have that.   Apple offers free Beats in latest Back to School promo https://www.cultofmac.com/492362/apple-offers-free-beats-latest-back-school-promo/ Apple is giving away free Beats headphones for its latest Back to School promotion. Those who purchase a new iPad Pro — either the 10.5- or 12.9-inch models — will receive a free set of BeatsX wireless earphones worth $149.95. If you don’t want those, you can upgrade to the Powerbeats3 earphones for $50, or to the Solo3 headphones for $150. Those ballers purchasing a qualifying Mac will receive a free pair of Solo3 wireless headphones worth $299.95. Eligible machines include the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro — but not the more affordable Mac mini, which hasn’t been updated in 1001 days.   Designer preps new version of Steve Jobs’ iconic mock turtleneck https://www.cultofmac.com/489890/designer-bringing-new-version-steve-jobss-iconic-mock-turtleneck/ The story behind Steve Jobs mock turtleneck As was revealed in Walter Isaacson’s 2011 biography of Jobs, the Apple CEO was first inspired to wear his mock turtleneck uniform following an early 1980s trip to Japan. While there, he asked Sony chairman Akio Morita why everyone in the company’s factories wore uniforms. Jobs learned that this was a way of creating camaraderie between co-workers. Miyake created Sony’s uniforms, which Jobs loved. However, the Jobs could not persuade his colleagues that an Apple uniform was a good idea. As Jobs recalled, “I came back with some samples and told everyone it would be great if we would all wear these vests. Oh man, did I get booed off the stage. Everybody hated the idea.” However, the process led to Jobs becoming good friends with Miyake. When the Apple chief asked the designer to create a one-off uniform he could wear, Miyake created 100 black mock turtlenecks for him. Jobs adopted the unofficial uniform when he returned to Apple in the late 1990s, and was rarely spotted without it from that point on. Fashion designer Issey Miyake, creator of Steve Jobs’ iconic mock turtleneck, is launching a very similar shirt that will go on sale next month for $270. Although not exactly the same, the new creation — referred to as the Semi-Dull T — looks close enough to the now-discontinued original design     The magic behind HomePod gets revealed in a new patent https://www.cultofmac.com/491306/magic-behind-homepod-revealed-new-patent/ According to Apple, its upcoming HomePod smart speaker will “reinvent the way we enjoy music” thanks to its seven-tweeter array, 4-inch woofer, and smart “spatial awareness” technology that lets it “read” its environment. HomePod  sets out to solve the problem of sound variability caused by a speaker’s physical location in a room. For instance, placing a speaker in the corner can cause a significant increase in radiated acoustic power at low frequencies. That results in muddy, bass-heavy sound. It utilizes a variety of microphones both inside and outside a sealed speaker enclosure. Onboard processing establishes the correct equalization filter, based on internal pressure levels, speaker displacement, external pressure and other data gathered by the microphone array. Comparing readings from its internal and external microphones allows the speaker Apple describes to dynamically alter its own calibration according to match the environment. Apple says its smart speaker will boast an impressive A8 processor and six external microphones     iOS 11 makes it far easier to organize Home screen app icons http://www.cultofmac.com/485556/organize-iphone-home-screen-ios-11/ Rather than painstakingly dragging individual app icons across the pages of your Home screen, iOS 11 lets you move multiple icons simultaneously You can also touch an app icon, then use your other hand to swipe to a different page to move the app   Built-in Screen recording If you wanted to capture iOS gameplay, or make a funny or informative GIF of on-screen action, you needed to download a third-party app or connect your device to a computer. With iOS 11, Apple baked in sweet functionality that lets you record your iPhone screen effortlessly.   Developer Access to iPhone's NFC Chip Coming in iOS 11 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/07/developer-access-iphone-nfc-chip-ios-11/ Developers coding for iOS 11 will be able to create apps that can read NFC tags! The NFC chip in the iPhone is currently only used to handle contactless Apple Pay transactions and Passbook check-ins, but a new framework called Core NFC allows developers to build apps that can read and write NFC tags (in iPhone 7 and 7 Plus).   Why Steve Jobs buys lunch https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/6mvmu6/funny_steve_jobs_story_from_scott_forstall/

This week: it’s easy to ignore how intuitive it is to use an iPhone, but behind those vast array of simple swipes and taps was an entire team of designers who painstakingly crafted the sophisticated interactions that give the iPhone its magic.     This week we'll tell you the stories behind inertial scrolling, swipe to unlock, and Bas Ording, the man who brought iOS to life using the physics of our natural world.   This episode supported by   You might know of Shutterstock as home to royalty-free photos. But, they offer much more.  Kickstart your next interactive project with video clips or music tracks from their collection, and save 20% for a limited time at shutterstock.com/cultcast   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   iPhone 8 will include fewer casing colors, no Touch ID https://www.cultofmac.com/490788/iphone-8-will-include-fewer-casing-colors-no-touch-id/ Will Apple manage to successfully embed Touch ID into the OLED display of the iPhone 8, or will it have to follow in the footsteps of Android device makers and opt for a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor? None of the above, claims well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a list of predictions he’s made for the next iPhone, Kuo claims Apple will skip Touch ID altogether for its next-gen handset. “We predict the OLED model [iPhone 8] won’t support fingerprint recognition,” Kuo writes. The reasons? The full-screen design doesn’t work with existing capacitive fingerprint recognition, and under-the-display fingerprint recognition tech still isn’t ready.     iPhone 8 might drop Touch ID for 3-D face scanner https://www.cultofmac.com/490848/iphone-8-3-d-facial-scanning/ The iPhone 8 might ditch Touch ID for 3-D facial scanning that could prove faster, easier and more secure than the fingerprint reader currently used for logins and payments. Apple is currently testing the 3-D face-scanning technology in iPhone prototypes that utilize a new 3-D sensor, according to Bloomberg. The new security system could be augmented by eye-scanning technology with the intent of replacing Touch ID, the report adds, citing anonymous “people familiar with the product.” One major production problem Apple faces with the OLED screen iPhone 8 is getting an under-screen fingerprint sensor to work. The technology just isn’t viable yet, according to various rumors, including a recent note from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. The reported 3-D facial scanning tech in the iPhone 8 would analyze more data points than the current fingerprint sensor that powers Touch ID, according to Bloomberg, which offered more details on the tech being tested by Apple: The sensor’s speed and accuracy are focal points of the feature. It can scan a user’s face and unlock the iPhone within a few hundred milliseconds, the person said. It is designed to work even if the device is laying flat on a table, rather than just close up to the face. The feature is still being tested and may not appear with the new device. However, the intent is for it to replace the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, according to the person. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.     Apple praises ‘unbelievable’ response to ARKit https://www.cultofmac.com/490490/apple-praises-unbelievable-response-arkit/ In a new interview, Apple vice-president of product marketing Greg “Joz” Joswiak says the response to its augmented reality ARKit toolset from the developer community has been “unbelievable.” While he wouldn’t share details about a rumored standalone AR headset Apple has hundreds of engineers working on, Joswiak stressed how the widespread usage of Apple mobile devices has the opportunity to make augmented reality into a mainstream technology overnight Example of cool ARKit Zeph McLearan put an Apple I in his office Mixed reality Minecraft The AR measuring tape AR Kit reality portal     The inside story of the iPhone’s ‘Slide to Unlock’ gesture https://www.cultofmac.com/490394/iphone-slide-to-unlock-bas-ording/ Who is Bas Ording? One of the key design decisions that Apple’s Human Interface Team made early on while developing the iPhone was to go all in on big, simple gestures. They wanted to make a single, simple swipe accomplish as much as possible. It’s a bit ironic. After investing so much in multitouch technology, which relies on multiple touch inputs, one of Apple’s key edicts was to make as many gestures as possible work with a single finger. “We worked super-hard on multitouch, but then we tried to make everything just work with one finger,” he said laughing.     Other stuff we talked about Steve Jobs on why product people should run IT companies Leander’s Jony Ive book Leander’s To Pixar and Beyond book review How this money man helped Steve Jobs turn Pixar into a powerhouse      Under Review! Leander - Lofree Keyboard Erfon - Polar Pro Vivid and Shutter Phantom 4 filter collection Lewis - 10.5” iPad Pro

This week: you’d never know it from Steve Job’s effortless keynote introduction, but the original iPhone was plagued with huge design and production issues that almost made Apple call it quits, right up until the day it was released!  To commemorate the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, we’ll recount some of the incredible stories behind iPhone’s beleaguered early days, and celebrate how Apple pulled off one of the greatest device launches in history.   And stay tuned for an all-new What We're Into!   This episode supported by   You might know of Shutterstock as home to royalty-free photos. But, they offer much more.  Kickstart your next interactive project with video clips or music tracks from their collection, and save 20% for a limited time at shutterstock.com/cultcast   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Sign up to get a free copy of Unsung Apple Hero, an e-book detailing Bas Ording’s career at Apple. We’ll email you a copy when the e-book is released in July!    Trying to build a better iPod iPod was ruling the world, it was 50% of Apple’s revenue. Apple had the wherewithal to realize it was only a matter of time before phones would do it all, and they realized they needed to build one. Well the iPod used a click wheel, so why not build a phone function into that?  It worked great, until they realized it wouldn’t work for dialing numbers. Steve Jobs realized their multitouch technology, which existed as rough demo, could be the key to controlling the iPhone.  But they’d had to shrink it.  The technology at the time consisted of  a ping-pong table-sized display with a projector shooting down onto it.  They had found their solution.   Birth of the iPhone: How Apple turned clunky prototypes into a truly magical device     Insider stories on how the iPhone was born     The pressure Around 2005, Steve Jobs conveyed to Forstall and team that he hated the replacement iPhone proposals he was seeing, and that’s when he threatened to take the project away from them.  He gave the team two weeks to come up with a good design. The team went into overdrive. Working tirelessly.  Non stop.  They had to come up with an entire multitouch design language, touch interactions, like pinch to zoom and the rubber banding scroll. When the two weeks was up, they convened with Steve to show him their new work. He watched silently, stoic. And when the demo was over, Steve said, "let me see it again.” So once more they dived into their vision of the iPhone. And after they were through, Steve simply said: Good job guys.  He was blown away.   The keyboard One of the biggest challenges was the software keyboard.  They knew it’d be compared to what Blackberry had, so it had to be good. Unfortunately, in it’s current version, it was total crap.  Worse, the launch date was looming. Scott Forstall knew they were in the danger zone.  He pulled out all the stops.  He froze development on other apps and brought in all their UI developers, and told everyone: make a keyboard. Well three weeks later they all convened, and one by one they showed off their work.  Some of the examples were decent, some really complicated or strange. But one guy came up, and presented what looked like normal keyboard, but as he typed, they realized it was extremely accurate.  They were shocked. How could this be.  How was this working. The UI developer had built AI techniques into the keyboard to learn how you type, and as you did so, it could predict which letter you’d type next. And even though the key sizes on the keyboard didn’t change, but the hit region of your next likely key choice would grow, so even if you didn’t hit it on the head, the right key would still be input.   Software designers didn’t know what the phone looked like. The hardware designers didn’t know what the software looked like.  They all saw it for the first time at the Macworld keynote in January, 2007   What we’re in to Leander - Silicon Valley Buster - Vince Staples new album Erfon - Going Clear

This week:   More of the powerful new iOS 11 features you’ve never heard of.  The talented app which will harnesses the power of Apple’s  new augmented reality features   Scott Forstall is back, and he’s sharing the bizarre story of how the original iPhone really came to be.  Everything you need to know about HEIF, the JPEG-killing format Apple is adopting Cliff jumping in our loin cloths   This episode supported by   BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Former iOS Chief Scott Forstall Discusses Creating the First iPhone https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/21/scott-forstall-discusses-creation-first-iphone/ Former iOS chief Scott Forstall is back from the dead.  In a rare appearance, he appeared an event Tuesday night at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, where he discussed the birth of the iPhone and his relationship with Steve Jobs. It’s  the first time he's spoken publicly since he was ousted from Apple in October 2012 Forstall also spoke about the concept of skeuomorphic design, claiming he had "never heard of skeuomorphism" when he was working on iOS and that it sounded "unnatural”. "When I look at design - when I look at good design - it's approachable, friendly, you can use it without a manual. It's fun. We talked a lot about photo-illustrative design. It was infused into the design sense of Apple by Steve Jobs since the original Mac. We used these design philosophies. It doesn't mean we loved it, or loved every single part of it. We know it worked. How do we know it worked? You just have to watch people use it.” Where things got really interesting is when Scott spoke about the origins of the iPhone.  The TRUE origins. Forstall claimed that before the iPhone was conceived, Jobs had initially wanted a tablet with capacitative touch and multitouch in order to get one over on someone he "hated" who worked at Microsoft. "It began because Steve hated this guy at Microsoft. That is the actual origin," Forstall said, before adding that it wasn't Bill Gates. After hearing the person boast about Microsoft's tablet and stylus development, said Forstall, "Steve came in on a Monday, there was a set of expletives and then he said, 'Let's show them how it's really done'."   New Siri icon in iOS 11 may hint at iPhone 8’s virtual Home button https://www.cultofmac.com/488534/new-siri-icon-ios-11-may-hint-iphone-8s-virtual-home-button/ Apple may have left a big clue in iOS 11 that points to huge design changes coming later this year to the iPhone 8. While doing some testing with the new Do Not Disturb When Driving feature, eagle-eyed Apple observers have spotted a new icon for Siri in iOS 11 that appears to be a perfect replacement for the Home button Apple is supposedly planning to ditch. The pseudo-Home button, first noticed by AppleInsider, can be found at the bottom of iPhones and iPads. It’s about the same size as the physical Home button, but doesn’t have a Touch ID ring around it.   Apple and Ikea’s AR collab lets you test furniture before buying https://www.cultofmac.com/487870/apple-ikeas-ar-collab-lets-test-furniture-buying/ Ikea has revealed a few new details about its augmented reality collaboration with Apple that lets customers test out virtual pieces of furniture in their homes before they buy them. The app is scheduled to launch this fall alongside the official release of iOS 11. At launch, the app will boast 500-600 products that customers will be able to try out in their homes. This ultra-precise technology will allow them to be positioned on real backdrops in 3D with millimeter-accurate positioning. In a recent interview, Michael Valdsgaard, digital transformation manager at Ikea Ikea will aim to debut new products in the app before they arrive in store. He also said that Apple’s augmented reality platform was of interest to Ikea because of its guaranteed reach. “It will be the largest AR platform in the world overnight,” he said. “That’s super interesting to us.”   Everything you need to know about the JPEG-killing HEIF format Apple is adopting https://www.cultofmac.com/487808/heif-vs-jpeg-image-files/ JPEG was born in 1992 As of iOS 11, most iPhones will be switching from JPEG to HEIF. HEIF is the new photo format that Apple is using to replace JPEG. And it probably will replace JPEGs, because the iPhone is the most popular, most-used camera in the world HEIF — or High Efficiency Image File Format — is the still-image version of the HVEC — or H.265 — video format. Its main advantage for you and me is that photos saved in HEIF are roughly half the size of JPEGs, and of better quality HEIF offers other advantages over JPEG. While a JPEG is a single image,  HEIF can be a single image or a sequence of images.   Automatic setup When setting up a new iOS device, there's now an option to hold it near an existing device to automatically copy over settings, preferences, and iCloud Keychain.   How to use iOS 11’s new Automatic Setup https://www.cultofmac.com/487444/how-to-use-ios-11s-new-automatic-setup/ To use Automatic Setup in iOS 11, you need two devices running iOS 11To start the process, you aim the camera at the moving sphere on your old device’s screen.  Just like Apple Watch.   iOS 11 Makes it Easy to Share Your Wi-Fi Password With Nearby Friends https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/07/ios-11-wi-fi-password-nearby/ After choosing your WiFI network, the iPhone user is greeted with the traditional password screen, but on iOS 11 when the iPhone is brought near your iOS 11 device, a card your device notifies you that the iPhone wants to join you network.  You can then tap and send your password to your guest, which recognizes the password, fills out the information, and connect to the Wi-Fi.   iPhone's Volume Slider No Longer Covers Videos in iOS 11 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/07/ios-11-volume-hud-smaller/ After selecting a WiFi network to join, iOS 10 users must enter a password for secured networks, but on iOS 11 and High Sierra, you can bring your close to a device which has access to that WiFi network and that device can transfer all required credentials directly to your connecting device!

This week:  Reviews for the new iPad Pro and HomePod are bonkers Someone in the Apple supply chain just accidentally leaked some of iPhone 8’s marquee features Speed tests show a big improvement in the new MacBook Pro Apple finally offers us iCloud Storage sharing Our favorite unannounced iOS 11 features And we’ll tell you what we like (and don’t) about the apps and gadgets we’re currently testing in an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple suppliers confirm two of iPhone 8’s biggest features http://www.cultofmac.com/487120/apple-supplier-will-ship-3d-facial-recognition-sensors-time-iphone-8/ Apple supplier Largan has confirmed it will be shipping its new 3D sensors in time for iPhone 8, while another has confirmed waterproofing and wireless charging technology. Largan’s sensors are capable of carrying out facial and iris recognition and provide an alternative to fingerprint scanning. They could be the solution Apple turns to if it is unable to embed a Touch ID scanner beneath the iPhone 8’s display. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models are already splash- and water-resistant with an IP67 rating, but Apple's fine print warns that "splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear." iPhone water damage is not covered by Apple's warranties.  But in Wednesday's shareholders meeting, [Robert] Hwang, [Wistron CEO] told reporters that the Assembly process for the previous generations of [iPhones] have not changed much, though new features like waterproof and wireless charging now require some different testing, and waterproof function will alter the assembly process a bit,”  A report earlier this year said Apple's next iPhone models will feature improved IP68-rated water resistance (30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water)   2017 MacBook Pro is Up to 20% Faster Than Last Year's Model in Benchmarks https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/07/2017-macbook-pro-benchmarks-geekbench/ Apple this week refreshed its MacBook Pro lineup with Intel's seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors, and early benchmarks for the notebooks suggest the 2017 models are up to 20 percent faster than the equivalent 2016 models equipped with Intel's sixth-generation Skylake processors.  Only about a 30% improvement over 2012/2013 MacBook Pros...   10.5-inch iPad Pro review roundup: Apple’s most impressive tablet yet http://www.cultofmac.com/486616/10-5-inch-ipad-pro-review-roundup-apples-impressive-tablet-yet/ One of the big improvements of the new iPad Pro is its new variable refresh rate display, which Apple calls ProMotion, and means that it can run at 120Hz, or twice as fast as previous displays. It can also cycle down to 24Hz on still images. ARS has praised the new ProMotion by saying that it makes it easier to read text and scroll simultaneously, with the “ghosting” effect you get at 60Hz greatly reduced What everyone agrees on is that the new A10x processor is blazingly fast Smart keyboard is getting mixed reviews. Some saying it feels flimsy and unsatisfying to type on. Uses the newest Touch ID. Dramatically better antireflection coating. About 30% faster than 9.7inch iPad Pro, even more on multicore Geekbench tests I saw. Export times in Garage Band almost halved in some cases. Way better front (7MPX) and back cameras (12MPX), especially from the previous 12inch which had a 1.2 MPX camera. Fuller, better sounding external speakers iPad finally feels "pro"   HomePod First Listen Impressions: 'Incredible' Audio With Bass-Heavy Sound That Easily Beats Echo https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/06/homepod-first-impressions/ A few websites have now gotten the chance to hear how HomePod sounds in a quiet environment, and they're sharing their opinions online.  Mashable: The audio wasn't just loud — filling a room with sound, good or bad, is easy — it was rich. Mashable noted that Apple had in-room comparisons with its competitors, including Sonos Play:3 and Amazon Echo, and that the HomePod easily beat the two other speakers in pure music playback quality. CNET: HomePod came off as bolder and more vivid than Sonos Play:3 in the [listening] experience, and a lot better than Amazon Echo. I'd also say the music sounded consistently vivid and crisp in a quiet space What HiFi: We also heard a pair of HomePods playing a live recording of Hotel California by The Eagles. The attention to detail was striking, with different instruments sounding discretely realised. Engadget called HomePod's audio "incredible,” if listening to the HomePod was like listening to a CD, then audio through the Echo sounded like AM radio.   Apple Drops 2TB iCloud Storage Price to $9.99, Eliminates 1TB Option https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/06/apple-updates-icloud-storage-prices/ Following the WWDC keynote, Apple updated and simplified its iCloud storage tiers 50GB: $0.99 200GB: $2.99 2TB: $9.99 (updated from 1TB) Apple is offering an option to share a 200GB or 2TB iCloud storage plan with family members, which is perhaps the reason behind the price drop.  Google Photos offers free backup for photos and videos.  Or you can back up via Plex premium.   Offload unused apps  Automatically offload unused apps if you’re low on storage.   iOS 11 Preview: Control Center Gets Customizable With 3D Touch https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/06/ios-11-preview-control-center/ Control center is now customizable, and you can use 3D touch to expand some control center icons (like the music control)   iOS 11 Lets AirPods Users Change Tracks With a Double Tap https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/07/ios-11-airpods-change-tracks-double-tap/ AirPods will soon be able to skip forwards and backwards between tracks with a double tap of either earpiece, thanks to a new additional setting in iOS 11.  It’ll be possible to customize the AirPods so that a double tap on one earpiece skips, while double tapping on on the other earpiece goes to the previous track.    Under Review Yuneec Typhoon H  Lake Coloring App for iPhone and iPad  Espin Bikes  Espin bike deal Leander mentioned on Gilt 

This week: in one of the most exciting and action-packed keynotes in years, Apple updates just about everything they’ve got.  Hot off the event, catch our reactions plus our picks for best in show!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Check out the Cult of Mac  Watch store for a curated selection of our favorite straps, all available for prices far less than you’d expect.    CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   WWDC keynote is proof of Apple’s awesome power and poise http://www.cultofmac.com/485116/wwdc-2017-keynote-apple-power/   First look: From cute to badass, Apple’s new hardware impresses http://www.cultofmac.com/485086/first-look-cute-badass-apples-new-hardware-impresses/   Hardware, software and surprises: Key takeaways from Apple’s WWDC 2017 keynote http://www.cultofmac.com/484764/apples-wwdc-2017-keynote-takeaways/   HomePod leads to string of Twitter jabs http://www.cultofmac.com/485134/twitter-reacts-to-homepod-preview-at-wwdc-2017/   11 awesome iOS 11 features Apple didn’t bother to mention http://www.cultofmac.com/485088/ios-11-features-apple-didnt-mention/   HomePod smart speaker will totally rock (and control) your house http://www.cultofmac.com/484756/apple-homepod-speaker-wwdc-2017/   New 10.5-inch iPad Pro is Apple’s best tablet yet http://www.cultofmac.com/485036/apple-delivers-new-10-5-inch-ipad-pro/   Apple teases ‘seriously badass’ iMac Pro and other new Macs at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/484970/apple-teases-seriously-badass-imac-pro-wwdc/

This week: new evidence points to one of the most hardware-packed WWDCs in years!  Add in four new OS reveals and, by golly, you have one heckuva exciting show.  We’ll tell you all we know, and share all the products we predict will hit the stage.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Steve Jobs closes down Apple! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shu6_lO1PW8   Everything we expect to see at WWDC2017 http://www.cultofmac.com/484068/everything-expect-see-wwdc-2017/   MacBook Pro Macbook Pro with Touch Bar was announced 7 months ago!  But a new one looks to be on the way.  Expect: More powerful Kaby Lake processors 32GB of desktop-class RAM for 15-inch MacBook Pro Price slash for 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar which hasn’t been selling well per Ming Chi Kuo   MacBook Pro shipping estimates hint at WWDC refresh http://www.cultofmac.com/483974/macbook-pro-shipping-estimates-hint-wwdc-refresh/ Shipping times for the 15-inch model have slipped on the Apple online store It seems strange that shipping times would suddenly slip for a product that’s been on sale since October. “A spot check shows 15-inch MacBook Pro delivery estimates are similarly as long in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and several other countries,” reports MacRumors.   12-inch MacBook It’s been over a year since Apple has updated its the portable 12-inch MacBook.  Now would be a good time.   MacBook Air Bloomberg reported earlier in May that Apple is “considering” updating the MacBook Pro with a newer processor because sales of the machine have continued to be “surprisingly strong.” Who knows what processor it’ll get or what (if any ) other upgrades (like as USB-C or a new display) might be included.   iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini Apple announced earlier this year that they are hard at work on new pro-level desktop machines, but don’t expect to see anything at WWDC. The company made it clear that the new Mac Pro is in the works, but they also gave a spec bump to the current line. It is possible we may see an announcement about the pro-level iMacs they talked about, especially considering it hasn’t been updated since Oct. 2015!  Maybe we’ll get some Kaby lake chips.   10.5-inch iPad Pro KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks there’s a good chance Apple will debut its 10.5-inch iPad Pro at this year’s event. But if it will be using a new design language similar to the iPhone 8, it probably won’t be revealed until after the new iPhones.   Apple is already manufacturing its Siri-powered speaker http://www.cultofmac.com/484166/apple-already-manufacturing-siri-powered-speaker/#more-484166 Apple’s grand unveiling of its Siri-powered home speaker could come as soon as next week, according to a new report that claims production on the new device is already underway. “The device will differ from Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Home speakers by offering virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apple’s product lineup,” reports Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. If Apple does announce the speaker at WWDC don’t expect it to be available immediately. The report claims that units won’t ship until later this year, giving devs plenty of time to integrate their applications with it.   Apple registers new Macs, iPads, Magic Keyboard ahead of WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/484076/apple-registers-new-macs-ipads-magic-keyboard-ahead-wwdc/ Apple has registered a bunch of new products with the Eurasian Economic Commission ahead of WWDC next week. Its filings hint at the imminent arrival of new Macs, iPads, and a refreshed Magic Keyboard. The company has registered five new Macs with the EEC Another four model numbers are associated with iOS 10, which likely ties them to new iPad Pros. Possibly also the 10.5-inch model Finally, there’s a model number that points to a wireless keyboard. It’s been well over 19 months since Apple introduced the original Magic Keyboard, so we could well see a refreshed model with some minor improvements under the hood.   Get drawing tips as we cover WWDC with sketchnotes http://www.cultofmac.com/482075/how-to-sketchnote-the-apple-wwdc/

This week:  Rumors point to a big iPhone 8 price hike.  What’s the max you would pay?  Intel makes a huge move to push Thunderbolt into the mainstream Ikea about to drop tons of great HomeKit gadgets on us DJI’s Spark selfie drone is a compact powerhouse And we’ll tell you about the weird and whacky gadgets we’re reviewing in an all-new Under Review!   This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.com/CultCast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   More evidence hints at massive iPhone 8 price hike http://www.cultofmac.com/482409/evidence-hints-massive-iphone-8-price-hike/ Rumors that the iPhone 8 may come with a $1,000 price tag are seemingly backed-up by a new report claiming that components for the next-gen handset will be considerably higher than those for its predecessor. According to China’s Economic Daily News, the 3D Touch module alone for the iPhone 8 will cost 150 percent more than the comparable module for the current LCD iPhone. As per a recent report from Goldman Sachs analyst Simona Jankowski, the 128GB iPhone 8 will sell for $999, while the 256GB version will set users back a whopping $1,099. This means that the iPhone 8 could represent a significant 25 percent price jump from the iPhone 7. Include AirPods?   Sensor on second iPhone 7 Plus camera is smaller than main one, calculations show     Intel will eliminate Thunderbolt royalties to boost adoption http://www.cultofmac.com/483186/intel-will-eliminate-thunderbolt-royalties-boost-adoption/ Every manufacturer that uses it has to pay royalties to Intel, which means you typically find it exclusively in expensive, high-end machines. Intel has confirmed plans to drop Thunderbolt royalties in an effort to boost adoption. The chip-maker also plans to integrate Thunderbolt 3 into its own processors starting next year, eliminating the need for a dedicated controller. Thunderbolt has become the ultimate standard for connecting peripherals to your computer, thanks to its incredibly high bandwidth and versatility. Thunderbolt 3’s 40Gbps speeds let you transfer a full 4K movie in just 30 seconds. USB 3 is only 10GBPS!     Control IKEA Home Smart products with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple’s Home app http://newsroom.inter.ikea.com/News/control-ikea-home-smart-products-with-amazon-alexa--google-assistant-and-apple-s-home-app/s/b81aae67-67bd-4dd8-bfd7-3b4ef4f48888 During the summer and early fall, IKEA will be adding functionality to its smart lighting range by enabling people to voice control their lighting with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and to set up and adjust lighting using Apple’s Home app and Siri voice commands. This takes IKEA one step closer to making smart home technology accessible for the many.   DJI goes tiny with new easy-to-fly Spark drone http://www.cultofmac.com/483194/dji-goes-tiny-new-easy-fly-spark-drone/ DJI unveiled the new Spark drone at an event in NYC this morning where the tiny flying camera impressed watchers with some innovative new features like the ability to be controlled without using a remote. The Spark packs a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that captures 12 megapixel photos and shoots stabilized HD 1080p videos so you can get super smooth shots. It also comes with new shooting modes you won’t find yet on the Mavic or Phantom 4: Pano and ShallowFocus. Flight time on the Spark is around 16 minutes per battery with a range of 1.2 miles. Pricing for the basic kit starts at $499, or you can get the Fly More bundle with two batteries, extra propellers and prop guards and a carrying case for $699. QuickShot Intelligent Flight Modes for taking cool selfie vids QuickShot automatically captures a 10-second clip intended for social media sharing Under Review! Juuk Ligero Watch Band Feisty Pets! Biolite Campstove 2

This week: new MacBook Pros at WWDC?  Insiders say yes!  We’ll tell you all we know.  Plus: why future Macs are about to get much faster CPUs; Apple makes a big move to bring manufacturing back to the US; and we’ll wrap up with 5 weird and whacky facts about the new Apple Park campus.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple may reveal three new MacBooks at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/481877/new-macbooks-wwdc/ Apple hasn’t released new hardware at a WWDC keynote since 2013, but the company is allegedly planning to unveil a new lineup of MacBooks, according to a report that claims the new machines will pack Intel’s new Kaby Lake processor to bring more speed than ever. Three new laptops will debut at WWDC 2017, claims Bloomberg, citing “people familiar with the matter.” Both the MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook will be updated with new Intel chips. Apple is also supposedly considering updating the 13-inch MacBook Air with a new processor, too, which would be quite a surprise as most observers assumed the machine was on its last legs now that the MacBook and MacBook Pro are thinner. Sales of the old MacBook Air remain “surprisingly strong” due to its cheap price tag, claims one of the report’s sources. What features needed to make the machine exciting again Shows Apple may be getting about making Mac great again.   Intel: Cannonlake CPUs will be more than 15 percent faster than Kaby Lake http://www.pcworld.com/article/3167942/components-processors/intel-cannonlake-will-be-more-than-15-percent-faster-than-kaby-lake.html Meager performance gains aren’t all Apple’s fault Chipmakers in past years focused on increasing performance by raising the clock frequency. But that made chips power hungry, and their focus shifted to adding cores, which boosted performance but also added battery life to laptops. Then the focus turned to integrating technologies like graphics and I/O buses inside processors. Gaming and virtual reality have brought a focus back to raw CPU performance. The performance improvements from Skylake to Kaby Lake topped out at 15 percent. The CPU performance boost for Cannonlake should be at least that, Intel said. The gaming market is exploding, especially eSports, and demand for high-performance Core i7 chips skyrocketed last year Intel may be trying to catch up with AMD, which is boasting a 40 percent performance improvement for its upcoming Ryzen chips.   Apple’s standalone Siri could look a lot like Echo Show http://www.cultofmac.com/481625/apples-standalone-siri-look-lot-like-echo-show/ Apple’s Amazon Echo rival standalone Siri speaker will come with a touch-sensitive display, claims KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a note to clients over the weekend, Kuo suggested that the Siri home speaker will have a “touch panel,” although it’s not known whether this will be a full-on screen or a simpler touch-based interface of some sort.   Apple gives $200 million to iPhone glassmaker to promote U.S. manufacturing http://www.cultofmac.com/481305/apple-gives-200-million-iphone-glassmakers-promote-u-s-manufacturing/ You may have heard that Tim Cook recently announced a $1 billion Advanced Manufacturing Fund in an interview with Mad Money’s Jim Cramer at Apple Campus, he said the goal was to push “people to do advanced manufacturing in the United States.” Rather than pulling from its enormous pile of overseas cash, Apple is borrowing the money for its $1 billion fund since that is cheaper than paying to repatriate its foreign money pile. Apple has awarded Corning the first grant of its $1 billion investment aimed at boosting high-tech manufacturing jobs in the United States. The glassmaker will receive $200 million. Apple’s contribution is part of its “Advanced Manufacturing Fund” will support Corning’s R&D, capital equipment needs, and state-of-the-art glass processing.   Apple Park originally looked like a penis and 5 other wild facts http://www.cultofmac.com/481821/apple-park-penis-shaped-campus/   How Apple Park campus almost looked like a giant dong https://www.wired.com/2015/10/look-apples-newest-spaceship-building/

This week:  It’s official, the WWDC keynote takes place June 5th, so here are our hardware expectations 🕺 Apple quietly acquires one of the world’s best sleep tracking technologies Why Amazon’s Prime video app may FINALLY be coming to your Apple TV Our first impressions of the Amazon Echo Show, and the features we hope Apple steals from it And stick around for a completely weird, totally tribal What We’re Into, the segment where we reveal the all the non-tech stuff we’re currently enjoying.   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple Sends Out Press Invites for WWDC Keynote on June 5 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/05/09/apple-confirms-june-5-wwdc-keynote/ The invites are out!  The WWDC keynote you’ve been waiting for us coming in three weeks, on June 5 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.   Apple acquires sleep-tracking startup Beddit http://www.cultofmac.com/480719/apple-acquires-sleep-tracking-startup-beddit/ Apple recently purchased Beddit, a sleep monitoring system that pairs a pliable under-sheet sleep sensor with an app, all of which is designed to help users analyze and improve their sleeping habits. Apple's Beddit purchase came to light because Beddit updated its privacy policy to both highlight the acquisition and implement Apple's privacy rules. "Your personal data will be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Apple Privacy Policy," reads the site.   Amazon Prime Video may come to Apple TV this summer http://www.cultofmac.com/480027/amazon-prime-video-may-coming-apple-tv-summer/ Apple and Amazon, the tech giants, are close to an agreement to bring an Amazon video app to Apple’s Apple TV set-top box, according to people familiar with the two companies. Amazon employees expect the app to show up on Apple’s hardware in the third quarter of the year. That move would allow Amazon Prime Video subscribers to easily watch TV shows and movies from the service using Apple TV. It’s unclear what got the two companies to reach an agreement, though some industry observers suggest that any pact would have been worked out, at a high level, by CEOs Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos.   Amazon Echo Show brings video to smart-speaker party http://www.cultofmac.com/480489/amazon-unveil-new-touchscreen-echo-early-today/ Amazon’’s new Echo Show is just like Echo, but with Video.  You’re gonna just love video.  It’s like a audio  but for your eyes! With Echo Show Watch video flash briefings and YouTube, see music lyrics, security cameras, photos, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists, and more. All hands-free—just ask. Introducing a new way to be together. Make hands-free video calls to friends and family who have an Echo Show or the Alexa App, and make voice calls to anyone who has an Echo or Echo Dot. See lyrics on-screen with Amazon Music. Just ask to play a song, artist or genre, and stream over Wi-Fi. Also, stream music on Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and more. Powerful, room-filling speakers with Dolby processing for crisp vocals and extended bass response Ask Alexa to show you the front door or monitor the baby's room with compatible cameras from Ring and Arlo. Turn on lights, control thermostats and more with WeMo, Philips Hue, ecobee, and other compatible smart home devices.

This week:  Apple’s secret Siri speaker may be announced at WWDC—we’ll tell you everything (we think) we know about it.   Why AirPods are the best product Apple’s made in years Why Microsoft’s MacBook clone is actually great for Apple fans We deconstruct and decode Tim Cook’s mysterious and quickly deleted accidental tweet, and you’ll be shocked at the truth!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOwN5kpgWGc   Apple’s new Siri speaker could be revealed at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/478847/apples-new-siri-speaker-revealed-wwdc/ Earlier this week, we heard the company is currently in the process of finalizing the design of its first standalone Siri device, which is expected to take on the Amazon Echo. Now we have an idea what it might look like and when it could be revealed. Apple's Siri-based smart speaker and home hub has an "over 50 percent chance" of being announced at WWDC, according to our homeboy Ming Chi Kuo. Kuo said Apple's smart home product will likely launch in the second half of 2017 and cost more than the Amazon Echo, $179. The device will supposedly support AirPlay with "excellent acoustics performance" from one woofer and seven tweeters. Kuo said its performance will be similar to the iPhone 6/6s. Last week, leaker Sonny Dickson likewise said Apple's smart speaker could be announced as early as WWDC. He said the device will run a variation of iOS with unspecified Beats technology, in addition to a Mac Pro-like concave top with built-in controls and speaker meshing covering the majority of its surface. A report from The Information said Apple's smart home speaker would be able to control appliances, locks, lights, and curtains through Siri voice commands. It added that some of the prototypes in testing have facial recognition sensors   Apple places orders for its Amazon Echo rival http://www.cultofmac.com/479523/apple-places-orders-amazon-echo-rival/ Digitimes is reporting that Inventec, the Taiwan company that makes Apple’s popular AirPods, received Apple’s order for the the Siri Smart speaker,   Siri could soon recognize your voice for added security http://www.cultofmac.com/475095/siri-could-soon-recognize-your-voice-for-added-security/ Apple is busy working on innovative tech like the ability for Siri to recognize individual users’ voices, according to a recently-published patent application from Apple.   AirPods get highest-ever satisfaction score for a first-year Apple product http://www.cultofmac.com/479201/airpods-customer-satisfaction/ AirPods are the most beloved product Apple has launched in years, based on a new survey that found an astonishing percentage of AirPod owners are extremely satisfied. In a newly published study conducted by Creative Strategies and Experian, a total of 98 percent of AirPod owners said they are either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with Apple’s new wireless buds. Over 80 percent of customers said they are very satisfied.   Microsoft’s answer to the MacBook suffers one big flaw http://www.cultofmac.com/479397/microsofts-answer-macbook-one-big-flaw/ Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop, with its sleek design and a super-sharp display, might look like a worthy competitor to the MacBook Starting at $999, the Surface Laptop ships with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a battery that lasts up to 14.5 hours in between charges. Windows 10 S only runs apps downloaded from the Windows Store!  But uou can upgrade to Windows Pro for $50.   Twitter flips out over mysterious Tim Cook tweet http://www.cultofmac.com/479663/tim-cook-deletes-mystery-tweet/ Apple CEO Tim Cook set Twitter ablaze with speculation today — and all it took was a simple smiley face emoji. Cook sent out a tweet with just a smiley face emoji this morning. No other context was provided, and the tweet got deleted shortly later, leading Apple fans on Twitter to wonder what the most powerful man in tech was really trying to say.

This week:  Apple stores are about to get a massive 2.0 overhaul, and we’ve got all the details Why the iPhone 8 may launch super late with no OLED Final Cut Pro X hits a massive milestone Google co-founder makes a flying car, and you’re gonna want one!  We reveal our favorite new gadgets in an all new Under Review 🕺   This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.com/CultCast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   SVP of retail Angela Ahrendts reveals redesigned Apple stores https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHlfEeng17A&t=184s 2017’s ‘iPhone Edition’ to arrive late, OLED display uncertain http://www.cultofmac.com/471109/2017s-iphone-edition-launch-late-oled-display-not-sure-thing/ Apple analyst KGI Ming-Chi Kuo is reporting that mass production of the OLED iPhone will likely be pushed back to October/November, instead of the normal August/September timeframe because suppliers are having difficulties producing several of the phone’s cutting edge custom-ordered parts. The moderately reliable Makotakara is reporting that device is also claiming the phone will be delayed, and that the OLED upgrade we’ve been looking forward to isn’t a sure thing yet.   Final Cut Pro X hits massive 2 million users milestone http://www.cultofmac.com/478369/final-cut-pro-x-hits-massive-2-million-users-milestone/ At this week’s annual National Association of Broadcasters conference, Apple revealed that it now has 2 million users of its Final Cut Pro X video-editing software, five years after launching the tenth version of the program. At $299 for a license, that’s a cool 600 million dollars. Apple’s rep added that it is taken considerably less time for Apple to jump for 1 million to 2 million users than it did for the company to reach its first million adopters.   Here’s how Apple plans to make its stores more magical http://www.cultofmac.com/478219/angela-ahrendts-talks-making-apple-store-experience-special/ Angela Ahrendts was hired as Apple’s VP of retail just about 3.5 years ago, and she’s now unveiling her vision for the future of the Apple store. Apple wants to make their stores to be a place where you can engage with your devices and your communities.  A place to meet your friends, like at Starbucks!  says VP of Retail Angela Ahrendts. Apple is bringing new “hands on” sessions to its stores, enlisting artists, Mac experts and celebrities in a bid to make its retail outlets more engaging. The new Today at Apple initiative will launch next month in Apple stores everywhere. The initiative includes free hands-on sessions that will span more than 60 sessions in creative skills, including photography, coding and music creation. Classes will range from basic “how to” lessons to professional-level programs. "Amazon’s investing in stores, Google’s investing in stores. Starbucks has figured it out.  You know, be a gathering place. Meet me at Starbucks.  And I’ve told the teams, I’ll know we’ve done a really really great job if the next generation, if gen Z says, meet me at Apple.  Did you see what’s going on at Apple today?”   Google co-founder’s flying car gets internet debut http://www.cultofmac.com/478117/google-co-founders-flying-car-gets-internet-debut/ Forget self-driving cars. A startup backed by Google co-founder Larry Page is aiming to reshape transportation by giving us flying cars, and the company finally gave the internet a teaser today. Kitty Hawk posted the first video of its all-electric aircraft today. The vehicle is only designed to fly over water, but the company says you won’t even need a pilot’s license to fly it. The Kitty Hawk Flyer will supposedly go on sale by the end of 2017. Pricing details won’t be revealed until later in the year, but you can get in line to purchase one by signing up for a three-year Kitty Hawk membership for $100. Members also get a $2,000 discount on the Flyer as well as some exclusive access to a flight simulator. We’re assuming that’s so you don’t wreck it on your first flight.

This week: we deconstruct the new iPhone 8 leaks! We’ll tell what we’ve learned.     Plus: Apple starts testing the driverless car they’re totally not working on; and the best iOS apps for all you marijuana connoisseurs.    This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney     This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Watf8QxS8     Sources confirm some of iPhone 8’s biggest upgrades http://www.cultofmac.com/477175/sources-confirm-iphone-8s-biggest-upgrades/ In its report on the new iPhone 8, Bloomberg corroborates many previous rumors about the next-gen iPhone, but suggests that more “ambitious” features may be scaled back or ditched due to manufacturing problems. According to the report, and as we’ve discussed on the show, Apple is preparing three iPhones for launch. Two will simply be updated versions of the current iPhone, while the high-end model will sport a totally revamped look. Apple is testing a premium version with a screen that covers almost the entire front of the device.  That results in a display slightly larger than that of an iPhone y Pus but with an overall phone size closer to the iPhone 7. The updated lower-end model iPhones will stick with LCD displays and get fewer hardware updates. "One of the latest prototype designs includes symmetrical, slightly curved glass on the front and the back. The curves are similar in shape to those on the front of the iPhone 7. The new OLED screen itself is flat, while the cover glass curves into a steel frame. The design is similar conceptually to the iPhone 4 from 2010” "Apple also tested a more ambitious prototype with the same slightly curved front and steel frame, but a glass back with more dramatic curves on the top and bottom like the original iPhone design from 2007, one of the people said. “ "Apple suppliers have so far struggled to reliably produce heavily curved glass in mass quantities, so the company is more likely to ship the version with more subdued curves” "Significant camera changes are also in testing for Apple’s overhauled iPhone. For the back of the phone, Apple is testing versions of the phone with the dual-camera system positioned vertically, instead of horizontally like on the iPhone 7 Plus, which could result in improved photos,” “Apple has … experimented with integrating the iPhone’s fingerprint scanner into the screen of the OLED version, which would be technically challenging, the people said”.  TouchID on the back?   ‘Leaked’ iPhone 8 drawings reveal surprising design http://www.cultofmac.com/477395/apparent-iphone-8-shell-sports-surprising-design/ A new photo from leaker Sonny Dickson of what is believed to be iPhone 8 schematics reveals a surprising new design direction. Apple appears to have done away with the smooth curves we’ve come to expect from its smartphones in recent years, opting instead for sharper edges and flat sides. This image suggests the next iPhone will be much like the iPhone 5, only bigger. The shell seen in the photo above carries the same flat sides as the iPhone 5, with what appear to be chamfered edges. Cutouts for two rear-facing cameras get stacked one on top of the other, near the trademark Apple logo and a rear-facing Touch ID button. It looks like the frame shown in the leaked iPhone 8 schematics was designed to hold flat glass, not a curved display like those used by Samsung.     Apple gets green light to test autonomous cars in California http://www.cultofmac.com/476817/apple-gets-green-light-test-autonomous-cars-california/ The California DMV updated its website today adding Apple to the list of 30 companies testing self-driving cars in California, including Tesla, Google, VW, Ford, Mercedes Benz and BMW. Don’t get your hopes up on seeing a car made by Apple anytime soon though. A DMV spokesperson informed the Financial Times that Apple is licensed to test three 2015 Lexus RX450h cars with six drivers.   6 iPhone apps every stoner needs on 4/20 http://www.cultofmac.com/477541/5-ios-apps-every-stoner-needs-on-420/

This week: Official new Nvidia drivers make your Mac compatible with the best GPUs on the market! A mole gives us our best look yet at what it’s really like to work in an iPhone factory Apple has a secret team working on ‘breakthrough’ diabetes treatment with the Apple Watch The saga of Ron Wayne, the forgotten Apple co-founder who traded his 22 billion dollars of Apple stock for just $800.   This episode supported by VideoBlocks, the affordable, subscription-based stock media site that givesyou unlimited access to premium stock footage. Check it out for free for 7 days at videoblocks.com/cultcast   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   NVIDIA releases Mac drivers for Pascal graphics cards NVIDIA today released new drivers that make its Pascal graphics cards compatible with a Mac. The drivers support all 10 Series GPUs, including the GTX 1050 through GTX 1080 Ti, and the newly-announced GTX Titan Xp. Until now, however, you had to settle for older 9 Series cards. Now the newest cards, from the GTX 950 to the GTX Titan Xp, are supported   Report: Apple has secret team working on ‘breakthrough’ diabetes treatment w/ Apple Watch   UNDERCOVER IN AN IPHONE FACTORY: What it's really like to work in a Chinese mega-factory, according to a student who spent 6 weeks there     Pegatron mole describes ‘torture’ of working at iPhone factory     Today in Apple history: Apple co-founder quits and cashes in his stake for $800 In Apple lore, Ron Wayne is the man who threw away winning lottery ticket. It’s April 12, 1976: Apple’s third co-founder, a former Atari colleague of Steve Wozniak’s named Ron Wayne, is cashing in his 10% of Apple shares for $800. Hell of a nice guy. Drew Apple’s original logo. Wayne also wrote up the first contract in Apple’s history, solidifying what all three co-founders would do. Wozniak was to be in charge of electrical engineering, Jobs was responsible for marketing, and Wayne would oversee mechanical engineering and documentation. “I was 40 and these kids were in their 20s,” Wayne told Cult of Mac, referring to Wozniak and Steve Jobs. “They were whirlwinds — it was like having a tiger by the tail. If I had stayed with Apple I probably would have wound up the richest man in the cemetery.” “He was a very focused fellow,” Wayne told me. “You never wanted to be between him and where he wanted to go, or you’d find footprints on your forehead. To put it simply, if you had your choice between Steve Jobs and an ice cube, you’d nuzzle up to the ice cube for warmth. But that’s what it took for him to turn Apple into what it became.” When asked about passing on Apple, he said: Just pick yourself up and move on. I didn’t want to waste my tomorrows bemoaning my yesterdays. Today, Ronald Wayne resides in a $150,000 house in Pahrump, Nevada, a unincorporated town about 16 miles west of Las Vegas. Aged 80, he lives on his Social Security checks and money made selling rare coins and stamps over the Internet.

This week: Apple just revealed their future Mac plans… on purpose!  It’s unprecedented, and we’ll unpack it all for you. Apple promises an all-new “rethought” Mac Pro and Apple display.   Why the Mac Pro failed. Apple’s plans to make the Mac “Pro” again. New Pro-level iMacs coming this year. Leander reviews the top-secret new Sonos speaker Erfon’s couldn’t talk about. Erfon reviews a clever  Watch stand that Buster hates but true Mac fans will love!   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week    @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Steve Jobs Introduces the very first Mac Pro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72MsGZQA8Q   Apple building all-new, modular Mac Pro and external display http://www.cultofmac.com/474799/apples-mac-pro-is-now-even-faster-all-new-model-coming-next-year/   Apple brings faster Intel Xeon chips, better GPUs to the Mac Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/474823/apple-brings-faster-intel-xeon-chips-mac-pro/   2017 iMacs will bring spec bumps to woo power users http://www.cultofmac.com/474843/new-imacs-way-will-target-power-users/   Apple pushes the reset button on the Mac Pro https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/04/apple-pushes-the-reset-button-on-the-mac-pro/   Sonos’ new Playbase speaker http://amzn.to/2oPQFwz   You’ll love this vintage Mac  Watch stand! http://amzn.to/2oPJrbJ   Meet Eddie, The Eagle http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/03/05/09/17446C1A000005DC-0-image-m-14_1457171012331.jpg    

This week: We’ve found even MORE of the weirdest and wackiest Apple products that time forgot The best new features in iOS 10.3 and macOS 10.12.4. Rumors mills say Apple may resurrect the PowerBook! iPhone 8 rumors point to a backside TouchID The sources of Steve Jobs best one-liners A wobbly British guy tries to ski   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   VideoBlocks, the affordable, subscription-based stock media site that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage. Check it out for free for 7 days at videoblocks.com/cultcast   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro: A young Jony Ive on the 20th Anniversary Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeUs8sDcYO8   ‘iPhone Edition’ could have rear-facing Touch ID sensor http://www.cultofmac.com/473949/473949/ A (somewhat sketchy) new report claims that the tenth anniversary iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone 8, will instead by called the iPhone Edition. In addition, it suggests that the major form factor redesign that’s been reported on may turn out to be less drastic than some are imagining — although changes will include features like a rear-mounted Touch ID sensor. According to the report, which is accompanied by renders showing the design, the iPhone Edition won’t feature a Touch ID sensor embedded beneath the display, but rather a fingerprint scanner on the rear of the device. It also won’t come with the glass back plate, but will instead stick to having a metal back plate as the result of glass’ tendency to shatter when dropped   Does Apple trademark filing mean PowerBook is coming back? http://www.cultofmac.com/473989/apple-trademark-filing-mean-powerbook-coming-back/ A couple of news outlets are flipping their lid over the news that Apple has filed a new worldwide trademark for the word “PowerBook,” the name of Apple’s pre-MacBook laptop series, which ran from 1991 until 2006. In fact, a lot of Apple’s trademarks are about stopping its assets falling into other company’s hands — as happened when rival watchmaker Swatch decided to trademark Steve Jobs’ iconic “One more thing” catchphrase, shortly after Apple began competing with it in the watch business.   Swiss watchmaker hits back at Apple by trademarking ‘One more thing’ http://www.cultofmac.com/385873/swiss-watchmaker-hits-back-at-apple-by-trademarking-one-more-thing/ This isn’t the first time Apple has had people try to pilfer its well-known “One more thing” phrase. At the launch of Apple ripoff artist Xiaomi’ Mi 4 smartphone, CEO Lei Jun “borrowed” Apple’s tagline while also wearing a black top and blue jeans. The trademark was registered in Germany in May, but was granted in 2015. It was originally a quotation by Jobs of Peter Falk’s Columbo character “Stay hungry, stay foolish” - Whole Earth Catalog, a magazine Steve Jobs loved.   20th Anniversary Mac https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Anniversary_Macintosh one of the first Macs to be designed by Jony Ive, and it paved the way for the vertical design of computer that forms today's iMacIt looked like a movie prop.  The beautiful machine every 90s CEO would covet. April 1, 1996 marked 20 years since the day that Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne came together to form Apple Computer, and they decided to release the 20th Anniversary Mac to celebrate this momentous occasion. It featured a a TV/FM tuner, an S-Video input card, and a custom-made Bose sound system including two "Jewel” speakers, and a subwoofer built into the externally located power supply "base unit”. Upon unveiling, the TAM was predicted to cost US$9,000, which would include a direct-to-door concierge delivery service. At release the price was reduced to $7,499.  Problem was, it similar performance as the PowerMac 6500, a machine costing just $2,999. In the middle of its sales' lifespan Apple dropped the price further to around US$3,500, and finally upon discontinuation in March 1998 the price was set to US$1,995. Customers who paid full price for the TAM, and then complained to Apple when the price was so drastically cut, were offered a free high-end Powerbook as compensation.     TimeBand It's hard to imagine, but there was actually a time when the Apple freely shared its concepts with the world. In 1991, under the leadership of John Scully, Apple shared a bunch of design concepts with a Japanese magazine called Axis.   One of the strange products included in the spread was a wearable wrist computer called TimeBand. Like an iPad mini living on your wrist!     The beautiful, the portable, Apple PowerCD https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Apple_PowerCD.jpg  

This week: our reactions to all Apple’s new products 💪🏼  Apple’s new iPad is cheaper, fatter, heavier, and underpowered Why the iPad Mini Pro is kind of a ripoff Two reasons you should not buy a Product Red iPhone 7 What is Apple’s new Clips app do?  We’ll give you the rundown Why Leander’s got mixed feelings about his new Pioneer SPH-DA120 Car Play stereo Erfon’s reviews the Think Tank Helipack V2, a gigantic backpack built for your DJI Phantom   This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.com/CultCast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week   @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Macintosh TV Commercial with Tim Barton! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiNdi2go8EE   Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad is more affordable than ever http://www.cultofmac.com/472635/apples-9-7-inch-ipad-is-now-more-affordable/ Apple today introduced a new, fatter 9.7-inch iPad that’s more affordable than ever before. Macrumors calls the new iPad "a little bit iPhone 6s, a little bit iPad Air, and a little bit iPad Air 2.” The device looks almost identical to the iPad Air 2 that it is replacing in Apple’s tablet lineup Starts at just $329 with 32GB of storage, $429 for 128GB Apple has swapped out the older model’s A8X chip for a faster, 64-bit A9 processor that debuted with the iPhone 6s. It uses an unlaminated screen, and is 7% heavier and 20% fatter than the iPad Air 2, but the screen is brighter. Goes on sale Friday March 24   iPad Mini The iPad mini 4 is still the same price, but you get more storage for free. The 128GB model with Wi-Fi now starts at $399, which was previously the price for the 32GB model. iPad mini 4 gets 128GB of storage, still a total ripoff http://www.cultofmac.com/472701/ipad-mini-4-gets-128gb-storage-still-total-ripoff/ It seems like a good deal. Until you consider that the new 9.7-inch iPad, which offers a bigger and sharper display and a faster A9 chip, makes it a total ripoff.   iPhone SE The iPhone SE is still the same phone, but it’s now available in 32GB and 128GB flavors, doubling the storage capacity of the previous versions. Prices are still $399 and $499 (unlocked).   This is the (RED) iPhone 7 Apple should have made http://www.cultofmac.com/472819/red-iphone-7-apple-made/ The company today unveiled a special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which will be available to order at 8:01 a.m. Pacific on Friday, March 24.\ They also cost the same as the regular iPhone 7s, but, there is no 32GB option. So, prices start at $749 for a 128GB iPhone 7, and $869 for a 128GB iPhone 7 Plus Not everyone loves the color…   Apple’s new Clips app muscles in on fun social video sharing http://www.cultofmac.com/472637/apple-clips-app/ Apple has announced the upcoming launch of a new app designed to make it fun and easy for people to create and share “expressive videos” on their iPhone and iPads. Called Clips, the social app will work by combining video clips, photos and music into videos that can be shared with friends through the Messages app, or using Instagram, Facebook and other popular social networks. Live titles are text captions created by what you say in the video timed to when you say the words You can splice in soundtracks Video is cropped to square App recognize faces of people if they’re tagged in your Photos app Also names spoken in your video if they’re in your contacts, and will suggest you share videos with those friends.

This week: Apple’s about to overhaul the iPad, and it’s long overdue!  Plus: why Steve Jobs was cool with your kids using an iPad, but not his own; how the technology we love might be making us all stupid;  and we wrap up with an all new CultCast Choices, the game of great gifts with strange side effects... This episode supported by Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Westworld-style folding phone might get real this year http://www.cultofmac.com/472055/samsung-may-unveil-westworld-style-folding-phone-year/#more-472055 Smartphones that fold out into a tablet are one of the many awesome inventions the creators of Westworld promised we have to look forward to in the future. But according to a new rumor, Samsung might make them a reality in 2017. New iPads to arrive next month during first Apple Park event http://www.cultofmac.com/471709/new-ipads-arrive-next-month-first-apple-park-event/ Apple will announce its next-generation iPad lineup next month during its very first event at Apple Park, according to a new report. Sources say that production of the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro has been brought forward for the launch. The device is expected to be accompanied by an updated 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a more affordable 9.7-inch iPad. Apple “is expected to unveil the new iPad at a product event to be held in early April to mark the inauguration of Apple’s new headquarters in California,” The new 10.5″ iPad would have the exact same resolution as the 12.9″ iPad Pro (2732 x 2048), but the same pixel density of the iPad mini (326 ppi instead of 264 ppi). Crunch the numbers, do a little Pythagorean Theorem, and you end up with a screen 10.5″ diagonal   Server logs reveal Apple is testing four new iPad models http://www.cultofmac.com/471657/new-ipads-spotted-in-logs/ Device logs obtained by mobile marketing firm Fiksu appear to show that four different iPad models are currently being tested in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just because four model numbers have been discovered doesn’t mean Apple will release four different iPads this month. Last year, Fiksu saw new device model names pop up in its logs about a month before the new iPads were announced.   Steve Jobs Was a Low-Tech Parent https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/fashion/steve-jobs-apple-was-a-low-tech-parent.html?_r=0 When Steve Jobs was running Apple, he was known to call journalists to either pat them on the back for a recent article or, more often than not, explain how they got it wrong. I was on the receiving end of a few of those calls. But nothing shocked me more than something Mr. Jobs said to me in late 2010 after he had finished chewing me out for something I had written about an iPad shortcoming. New York Times reporter Nick Bilton said he once assumingly asked Jobs, “So your kids must love the iPad?” “They haven’t used it. We limit how much technology our kids use at home.” “Every evening Steve made a point of having dinner at the big long table in their kitchen, discussing books and history and a variety of things,” Since then, I’ve met a number of technology chief executives and venture capitalists who say similar things: they strictly limit their children’s screen time, often banning all gadgets on school nights, and allocating ascetic time limits on weekends. Evan Williams, a founder of Blogger, Twitter and Medium, and his wife, Sara Williams, said that in lieu of iPads, their two young boys have hundreds of books (yes, physical ones) that they can pick up and read anytime. Ali Partovi, a founder of iLike and adviser to Facebook, Dropbox and Zappos, said " I wouldn’t dream of limiting how much time a kid can spend with her paintbrushes, or playing her piano, or writing, I think it’s absurd to limit her time spent creating computer art, editing video, or computer programming,”   This Minecraft Hololens demo is incredible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgakdcEzVwg   Fartman, Leander’s alter ego https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-XACODjHfc  

This week:  the CIA loses control of its iPhone hacking arsenal, and computer crooks turn your gadgets against you.  Plus: why iPhone 8 may arrive later than you hoped; our favorite Apple Airport replacement routers; and we discuss the non-Apple gear we’re currently obsessing over in an all-new and aptly named What We’re Into   This week: The CIA loses control of its iPhone hacking arsenal! Computer crooks turn your gadgets against you. Why iPhone 8 may arrive later than you hoped. Our favorite routers to replace your Apple Airport. The non-Apple gear we’re currently obsessing over! It’s all-new, overdue, What We’re Into 💪🏼   This episode supported by  Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.     On the show this week  @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   WikiLeaks: CIA lost control of its iPhone hacking arsenal http://www.cultofmac.com/470847/cia-used-malware-spy-iphone-users/ The Central Intelligence Agency has been using malware to spy on iPhone and Android users, according to the largest-ever publication of confidential documents from WikiLeaks — and the spy tools are now in the hands of others. “This extraordinary collection, which amounts to more than several hundred million lines of code, gives its possessor the entire hacking capacity of the CIA.” As part of a covert hacking program, the CIA created a “malware arsenal” and dozens of “zero day exploits” to infiltrate smartphones, tablets and even smart TVs to extract data and turn them into covert microphones. But the agency recently lost controls of these tools. Those who have obtained them now have “the entire hacking capacity of the CIA” at their disposal, according to WikiLeaks. At the end of 2016, the CIA’s hacking division was made up of more than 5,000 “registered users” who had produced over a thousand tools to infiltrate target devices throughout Latin America, Europe and the United States. iOS devices were also a major target. The CIA created and obtained tools from GCHQ, NSA, FBI and contractors like Baitshop that allowed them to bypass the encryption used by apps like WhatsApp and Telegram and collect audio and text message data.   Global elites’ love of iPhone made iOS a prime target of CIA http://www.cultofmac.com/470881/global-elites-love-of-iphone-made-ios-a-prime-target-of-cia/ Although Google’s Android dominates the worldwide smartphone market, the CIA concentrated on Apple’s iOS because of its popularity among global elites, WikiLeaks reports. Despite iPhone’s minority share (14.5%) of the global smart phone market in 2016, a specialized unit in the CIA’s Mobile Development Branch produces malware to infest, control and exfiltrate data from iPhones and other Apple products running iOS, such as iPads. The disproportionate focus on iOS may be explained by the popularity of the iPhone among social, political, diplomatic and business elites.   Famous jailbreaker says WikiLeaks CIA dump is overhyped http://www.cultofmac.com/470951/famous-jailbreaker-says-wikileaks-cia-dump-overhyped/ Cyber security expert Will Strafach, who gained notoriety under the name Chronic for finding zero-day exploits used for jailbreaking, says iOS users don’t need to be worried. “I do not believe any iOS user running iOS 10+ has any cause for concern by this,” Strafach told Cult of Mac in an email after we asked for his expert opinion on Tuesday’s big CIA leak. Apple is saying that ‘many’ of the exploits exposed in the leak have been patched…. "Many"   Curved OLED displays will be exclusive to premium iPhone 8 http://www.cultofmac.com/470593/youll-pay-5-8-inch-oled-iphone-8/ Sources claim the new 5.8-inch curved display will only be available with the high-end iPhone, while the more affordable 4.7- and 5.5-inch models will carry LCD panels similar to those Apple has been using since the iPhone’s introduction in 2007. If the other two models are sticking with 4.7- and 5.5-inch displays, this suggests they’ll retain their physical Home buttons, too. “By adding more large-screen options to the lineup to meet growing demand for BIG, Apple intends to raise the average iPhone price, which has already gone up by about 10% in the past three years to nearly $700,” How much is too much for a phone?   2017’s ‘iPhone Edition’ to arrive late, OLED display uncertain http://www.cultofmac.com/471109/2017s-iphone-edition-launch-late-oled-display-not-sure-thing/ We’ve all been calling it the iPhone 8 for months, but according to a new report out of Japan, Apple’s tenth anniversary smartphone will be named “iPhone Edition.” Apple is expected to deliver improved versions of its 4.7- and 5.5-inch devices, plus a more premium model with a 5.8-inch OLED display. According to Japanese blog Macotakara, which has been accurate in the past, this handset will be named iPhone Edition. Although it will almost certainly be unveiled in September alongside its siblings, it is believed the iPhone Edition won’t go on sale until later in the year. Apple is said to be experimenting with various prototypes of the device, each with a different display setup. The report suggests that Apple is still a long way away from deciding on a final design for the iPhone Edition, though it has nailed down a few features — including wireless charging and a dual camera setup similar to that of iPhone 7 Plus.That's all the CultCast we've got for you this week   Shizzle we talked about: Nintendo Switch and Zelda Breath of The Wild Netgear R6700 Netgear Orbi Priority Continuum bike

This week:  Tim Cook promises to make Apple “Pro" again!  We discuss. iPhone ditching Lightning for USB C Spotify about to go Hi-Fi Why your next iPhone screen might read your fingerprints Leander pitches a new favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones The best iPhone bumper case in the land!   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   What is Backblaze? It’s unlimited, cloud backup for Macs and PCs. And it’s native for Macs!  Try it out free for 15 days at Backblaze.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week   @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Tim Cook: Pro users remain incredibly important to Apple http://www.cultofmac.com/469839/apple-investors-vote-against-diversity-at-annual-shareholders-meeting/ During his Q&A session, Tim Cook discussed how Apple plans to fight for net neutrality. He also assured shareholders that Apple plans to come out with new products that appeal to professionals and creatives, but insisted that the Mac and iPad aren’t destined for a merger. “You will see us do more in the pro area. The pro area is very important to us. The creative area is very important to us in particular,” Cook told the crowd. “You can expect to see us do more and more that people will view iPad as a laptop replacement, but not a Mac replacement. The Mac does so much more.”     Spotify eyes lossless audio to wow your ears http://www.cultofmac.com/470077/spotify-eyes-lossless-audio-wow-ears/ Spotify appears poised to put the final nail in Tidal’s coffin. The music streaming service is planning to launch a new feature that will give listeners access to lossless audio streaming, according to a new report reveals the feature is currently in testing.   Spotify is currently calling the new feature “Spotify Hi-Fi.” The Verge reports that Spotify plans to launch the lossless CD quality audio feature. It’s unclear when it will be available to all users, but Spotify is already doing some small group testing. Screenshots posted on Reddit show that Spotify plans to charge between $5 to $10 extra a month for lossless CD quality audio.  It has been rumored in the past that Apple was looking to make a similar move with Apple Music, but there haven’t been any clear signs of an impending launch of Apple Music Hi-Fi.   Goodbye Lightning? 2017 iPhones may rely on USB-C connector http://www.cultofmac.com/469765/iphone-usb-c-connector/ iPhones may boast USB-C connectors, claims a new report from The Wall Street Journal. What’s not clear from the report is whether this would mean abandoning Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector in favor of USB-C or simply switching out the USB-A plug at the end of the cable for USB-C. Apple adopter the Lightning connector with 2012’s iPhone 5 The WSJ report also adds another voice to the growing number of stories claiming that Apple will release three different iPhones in 2017: two LCD “s” cycle iPhones, and an extra-high-end iPhone 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.   Apple designs iPhone display that reads fingerprints http://www.cultofmac.com/469827/apple-working-iphone-displays-read-fingerprints/ Fans have feared that an iPhone 8 without home button would mean the end of Touch ID, and that Apple would have to use other biometric security solutions — such as iris scanners — instead. But the company was just granted a patent that allows the entire iPhone display to become a fingerprint scanner. Apple says that turning an entire display into a fingerprint scanner would increase the speed of authentication, and allow it to be performed automatically during normal use. This could cut out a dedicated “authentication step” that prompts users for their fingerprint. Elimates the authentication step.   We talk about these products: Sony MDRZX330BT Bluetooth Headphones ($70) Rhinoshield Crashguard ($25) Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera ($400)

This week:  We celebrate 5 years! We regale you with some of our favorite stories from past shows Our hardware expectations from Apple’s rumored March event Why iPhone 8’s wireless charging will probably be lame Apple has five teams working on their next-generation charging tech Why iPhone 8’s camera could pump out industrial-grade slow motion Steve Jobs gets a beautiful new home on Apple’s spaceship campus. This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.com/CultCast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   iPhone 8’s wireless charging won’t be as good as we hoped http://www.cultofmac.com/468709/iphone-8s-wireless-charging-wont-good-hoped/ If you were hoping Apple had developed a spectacular new wireless charging system for iPhone 8, you’re going to be disappointed come September. A new rumor claims that Apple won’t be using range charging technology developed by Energous as previously expected, but instead one of the existing solutions already found in rival smartphones like those made by Samsung. Adding fuel to that fire, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has only recently approved a version of Energous technology that delivers very low power over just a few inches. The iPhone would require higher levels of power and a wider range. A solution that meets these requirements is yet to be approved by the FCC.   Apple has five different teams working on wireless charging http://www.cultofmac.com/469187/apple-five-different-teams-working-wireless-charging/ According to a new report, the company currently has not one or two, but five different groups inside Apple currently working to develop wireless charging technology for future iPhones.   Sony’s new sensor could bring super slo-mo video to iPhone http://www.cultofmac.com/469189/sonys-new-sensor-bring-super-slo-mo-video-iphone/ Apple has used Sony’s camera sensors in a number of iPhones, including the new dual-lens cameras on the iPhone 7 Plus. Sony unveiled the new senor during a lecture at the 2017 International Solid-State Circuits Conference capable of shooting 19.3MP still images at a frame rate of 120 fps. It can shoot 960fps video in 1080p. The iPhone 7 only shoots 120fps video in 720p.   Apple Said to Debut New iPad Pro Lineup, 128GB iPhone SE, and Red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus at March Event https://www.macrumors.com/2017/02/20/ipad-pro-march-event-128gb-iphone-se/ Apple will host a March event to introduce a new iPad Pro lineup and other products, according to Japanese website Mac Otakara. In terms of the iPad Pro lineup, the report claims Apple will announce new 7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch models. The 10.5-inch model may not ship until May, while the other sizes are said to ship in March. If the report is accurate, it could mean has Apple plans to refresh the iPad mini 4 with a new 7.9-inch iPad Pro version, update its existing 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, and introduce an all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, which is has been rumored to feature an edge-to-edge display without a Home button.   Apple’s ‘spaceship’ campus will be named Apple Park http://www.cultofmac.com/468939/spaceship-campus-will-officially-named-apple-park/ Apple’s enormous new spaceship campus finally has an official name: Apple Park. First conceived in 2011 by Steve Jobs, Apple Park has been under construction since 2013 and is rumored to have cost Apple upwards of $5 billion. The 175-acre plot will open for business in April, although work won’t officially be completed until late summer. campus’ 1,000-seat auditorium will be named the Steve Jobs Theater as a tribute to the company’s co-founder. “Opening later this year, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fiber roof,” Apple said in a press release. “The Steve Jobs Theater is situated atop a hill — one of the highest points within Apple Park — overlooking meadows and the main building”  The campus will house around 12,000 Apple employees, And includes a new $75 million gym.

This week: iPhone 8 is getting a huge makeover with edge-to-edge screen, wireless charging, huge battery, and more. We’ll fill you in. End of the Home Button and Touch ID. The riches you’d have if you bought Apple IPO stock A 4K Apple TV is on the way The best 4K televisions TV of yore you need to watch The search for the perfect corn dog Join us for a live CultCast on Friday, February 24 at 12PM Pacific Time!  Tune in at Live.TheCultCast.Com This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac store!  Cult of Mac has curated and culled the best Apple Watch straps around and is making them available at great prices. Check them out at store.cultofmac.com.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney    Apple Vowed to Revolutionize Television. An Inside Look at Why It Hasn’t https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/apple-vowed-to-revolutionize-television-an-inside-look-at-why-it-hasn-t The new Apple TV will be capable of streaming 4K content and more vivid colors.   AAPL shares close at new all-time high http://www.cultofmac.com/467231/aapl-shares-close-new-time-high/ Thanks to an improved rating from Wall Street investment firm Goldman Sachs, Apple shares have been on the rise this week. Today shares were trading above the previous intra-day record high of $134.54 set on April 28, 2015. IPO December 12, 1980 at $22 a share. 100 shares would have cost you $2200 Since the IPO, the stock has split four times, including three 2-for-1 splits and one 7-for-1 split Your 100 shares would have multiples to  5600 shares. You initial $2200 investment would now be worth 759,136. By comparison, a $2,200 investment in the S&P 500 in the same time would have netted you about $79,000 If you had invested 10k, you’d now how have $3,446,477.44   Smaller iPhone set to get big battery upgrade in 2017 http://www.cultofmac.com/466699/smaller-iphones-set-to-get-big-battery-upgrade-in-2017/ Apple reportedly plans to pack a much bigger battery inside the new 4.7-inch iPhone set to be revealed later this year.   iPhone 8 to Feature 5.8-Inch OLED Display With 5.15-Inch Main Screen and Virtual Buttons Below https://www.macrumors.com/2017/02/15/2017-iphone-edge-to-edge-display-virtual-buttons/ The 2017 iPhone will feature a 5.8-inch display OLED display panel with 5.15 inches of usable screen space according to new predictions shared by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo believes the iPhone 8 will use a, but that some space will be reserved for virtual buttons. The display will reportedly take up the entire front of the iPhone, eliminating the bezels. Kuo says the OLED iPhone will have measurements similar to the 4.7-inch iPhone. Apple expected to introduce a stacked logic board design to support bigger batteries, and will feature a battery capacity similar to the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. Kuo expects the OLED iPhone to cost in excess of $1,000 The OLED iPhone will be "the only bright spot" in the 2017 iPhone lineup, which may mean that the other phones will receive only minor improvements. Mac Otakara recently reported that the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models will retain an aluminum design like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, with only internal changes   Apple joins Wireless Power Consortium ahead of iPhone 8 http://www.cultofmac.com/466669/apple-joins-wireless-power-consortium-ahead-of-iphone-8/ Apple has been added to the Wireless Power Consortium, a group dedicated to developing and promoting mass-market adoption of the wireless charging interface standard Qi. This would also seem to suggest that Apple will adopt the standard Qi wireless technology, as opposed to inventing its own charging pad-free alternative, as has been heavily rumored.   Get to know ur cultist - the segment where we learn more about each other than we’d like to

This week:  How to get significant discounts on Apple gadgets The INSANELY SPECIAL doorknobs at Apple’s Spaceship HQ The fat paychecks earned by Jony Ive’s industrial designers  iPhone 8 to come in a plus plus size Wireless charging is all but confirmed for all three iPhone 8 sizes Next iPhone could cost more than $1,000! How to get a massive discount on Final Cut and Logic Pro X We reveal our favorite new shows and movies in an all new, What We’re Into Yaaa’aaall 💪🏼   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.     On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Students get a massive discount on Apple’s Pro Apps Bundle Apple is offering students a massive discount on a bundle of pro apps that includes Final Cut Pro X, Logic Pro X and more. The total cost of the apps included in the set would be just under $630, but Apple is offering them all to those in education for just $199. “Education pricing is available to college students, students accepted to college, parents buying for college students, faculty, homeschool teachers, and staff at all grade levels,” Apple said.  All three 2017 iPhones may get wireless charging According to a reliable Apple analyst, the company will release three new iPhones this year — including a redesigned iPhone 8 (or iPhone X) and two iterative iPhone 7 updates. All three models will reportedly boast new Apple wireless charging tech, rather than the feature being limited to a high-end OLED handset.   The next iPhone may cost more than $1,000 The price of the top-of-the-line iPhone is set to increase to more than $1,000, according to a new report that claims the device will pack an OLED display that stretches across the entire front of the phone Switching to an OLED display will likely cost Apple twice as much as the current LCD display used on the iPhone 7, reports Fast Company. The report also echoes previous rumors that the 2017 iPhone will come in three screen sizes: 5.8 inches, 5.5 inches and 4.7 inches. It’s still unclear what Apple will call the next iPhone. Some fans expect it to be called the iPhone 10 or iPhone X because this year marks the device’s 10th anniversary.   What we’re into The Decterists  The OA  10 Cloverfield Lane   

This week: astounding facts and figures from Apple’s newest earnings report;  Nintendo promises a bunch of new iOS games; how to get the best deal in cloud storage; affordable options for your first drone; the perfect minimalist strap for your mirrorless camera; and we pitch you our favorite gadgets in an all-new Fave N Raves!  💪🏼   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Got suggestions or feedback for us?  Air your thoughts at TheCultCast.reddit.com.   ‘I’m a Mac’ star Justin Long becomes new face of Huawei phones http://www.cultofmac.com/465034/im-a-mac-star-justin-long-becomes-new-face-of-huawei-phones/ Ever heard of Huawei?  They’re in China. Justin Long, the face of Apple’s “Get a Mac” campaign for three years, is now starring in ads for Huawei phones. Huawei is now the third-biggest smartphone maker in the world behind only Apple and Samsung. It shipped 44.9 million handsets last quarter to grab a 10.2 percent of the global market The company is now trying to break into Western markets, with a big focus on the U.S. What better way to do that than with the face of Apple’s famous “Get a Mac” campaign   Nintendo promises at least 2 new mobile games every year http://www.cultofmac.com/465047/nintendo-promises-least-2-new-mobile-games-every-year/ Its new Switch console right around the corner, but Nintendo won’t be losing its focus on Android and iOS. The Japanese firm today confirmed that it plans to release two to three mobile games every year. Super Mario Run attracted a staggering 40 million downloads in just four days when it landed on iOS, and according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, it has already made Nintendo over $50 million. Nintendo’s announcement comes a day after it disappointed investors by slashing a third off its forecast operating profit for 2017 — despite the upcoming release of the Switch, which already has support from over 70 game makers developing over 100 titles.   Apple shatters records with blockbuster Q1 2017 earnings http://www.cultofmac.com/464838/apple-shatters-records-blockbuster-q1-2017-earnings/ Surprise!  Apple sold more iPhone units than ever before last quarter With total revenues of $78.4 billion bringing in a profit of $17.9 billion, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he is “thrilled” with the results. Apple only expected to sell between 76 million and 78 million iPhones in the quarter, but it managed to move 78.3 million. Cook told investors today that he still views the smartphone market as being in the “early innings.” MacBook Pro with Touch Bar that was the most pre-ordered MacBook ever. The iPad lineup sold 13.1 million units, down 19 percent from the year-ago quarter. Apple raked in $7.2 billion in revenue from services last quarter, including $3 billion in App Store purchases in December alone — the biggest month ever. Apple Pay users tripled in the past year, with transaction value increasing 500 percent. Selling apps, music, movies, iCloud storage and AppleCare has now become Apple’s second-largest moneymaker. In fact, Apple expects revenue from services to swell to the size of a Fortune 100 company by the end of the year.   iPhone 7 snaps Apple’s losing streak http://www.cultofmac.com/464866/iphone-7-snaps-apples-losing-streak/ Apple launched the latest generation of its flagship product in September. Some critics saw the iPhone 7 series as not enough of an upgrade from the 6s line. Some, especially music lovers, initially hated the absence of a headphone jack.   Fave N Rave Picks Stealth Sling Strap from Cub and Company  Parrot Bebop Drone Monowear Ceramic watch band 3DR Solo Drone JETTech Milanese Loop

This week: Apple’s weirdest, whackiest, and worst products!  Plus: how Michael Scott almost single-handedly destroyed Apple; the cool new features in the iOS and macOS betas; facial recognition is coming to iPhone; and a look at the beautiful prototypes that led to some of Apple’s most iconic products.’   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ln_CmNtbvQ   Apple hires Dropcam co-founder for special project http://www.cultofmac.com/464072/apple-hires-dropcam-cofounder-special-project/ Apple has added another high-profile hire to its roster of top tech talent by bringing on the co-founder and former CEO of Dropcam, Greg Duffy. Dropcam grew in popularity thanks to its cheap home cameras that connected to Wi-Fi Citing “people who know Mr. Duffy,” the news site suggests he is leading a special project that’s operating like a startup within Apple.   Apple seeds first iOS 10.3 beta with Find My AirPods feature http://www.cultofmac.com/463848/apple-seeds-first-ios-10-3-beta-find-airpods/ Finding your tiny AirPods charging case is about to get a lot easier, thanks to a new iOS 10 beta that adds a Find My AirPods feature to iPhones and iPads. Works via the find my iPhone app Works with Bluetooth  so the range is limited. You can make them chirp, but not while they’re in the case… Map will show you where they were last located.   iOS 11 expected to bring FaceTime group calls http://www.cultofmac.com/463640/ios-11-expected-to-bring-facetime-group-calls/ iOS 11 will finally give users the ability to hold FaceTime group calls with multiple friends, according to a new report. Sources familiar with Apple’s plans claim the feature will support up to five participants, and that users will be able to initiate video calling from within iMessage group chats. It should also be noted, though, that this rumor comes from Israeli site The Verifier, which has no track record when it comes to Apple rumors. It claims to have garnered this information from “several people familiar with iOS development.”   Hartmut Esslinger http://www.designboom.com/technology/hartmut-esslingers-early-apple-computer-and-tablet-designs/ In the mid 1970s, he first worked with Sony on its trinitron and Wega ranges. In the early 1980s, he began working with Apple.

This week: 2017 brings the super-charged MacBook Pro you’ve been waiting for—yes, another update!  Then, a former employee says Tim Cook's making Apple boring...  Is it true?  Plus: we get more evidence Apple will be making TV shows and movies; and iPhone 8 may be packing friggin’ lasers and facial recognition.   This episode supported by  Build a beautiful, responsive website quick atSquarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak2ZWDnERtA   2017 MacBook Pro to bring Intel Kaby Lake, 32GB of RAM http://www.cultofmac.com/462777/new-macbook-pro-intel-kaby-lake-32gb-ram-arrive-year/   Apple will launch a new 15-inch MacBook Pro later this year powered by Intel’s next-generation Kaby Lake processors and 32GB of desktop-class RAM, according to a reliable analyst. According to reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has a MacBook Pro refresh planned for later this year that will bring new Kaby Lake CPUs and up to 32GB of desktop-class RAM. It will be “the most significantly redesigned product this year,” Kuo says. Kuo doesn’t mention specific release dates for any of these machines, but he expects the MacBook with 32GB of RAM to arrive sometime during the second half of 2017 — at which point Apple could reduce the price of the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. Kaby Lake will also grace the rest of the MacBook Pro lineup — and the 12-inch MacBook, too, Kuo claims Former employee explains how Tim Cook made Apple boring http://www.cultofmac.com/462906/former-employee-explains-tim-cook-made-apple-boring/ Tim Cook’s kinder, gentler management style is the biggest reason why 2016 was one of the most boring years for Apple in recent memory, according to a former employee of the company. Steve Jobs was notorious for inciting conflict and competition between top employees After Cook took over, he worked to eliminate conflict within Cupertino’s walls and made employees less passionate, claims ex-Apple employee Bob Burrough. "Tim Cook fired Scott Forstall and aligned the executive staff so as to have peace. ...which is to say there is no conflict”   Apple Plans to Launch Original TV Shows Comparable to 'Westworld' and 'Stranger Things' By End of 2017 http://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/12/apple-original-tv-shows-end-of-2017/ According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is building a "significant" business centered around creating original, including scripted television shows and possibly even movies. The content would reportedly be made available on Apple Music, like the already-announced projects Carpool Karaoke and Vital Signs. Apple executives have told Hollywood that the new original content will launch by the end of 2017, according to the new report. The move is looked at as a way for Apple to gain an edge against Spotify, and not a move to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.   iPhone 8 may pack frickin’ lasers for facial recognition http://www.cultofmac.com/463022/iphone-8-may-pack-frickin-lasers-facial-recognition/ Apple’s next iPhone may come with new facial recognition technology and actual friggin’ laser beams, according to an analyst. By adding lasers near the front-facing camera, Apple will be able to depth-map objects, according to analysts at Cowen and Company. The camera could also be used for image recognition, enhancing security and fueling augmented reality.   iPhone 8 may have even higher waterproof rating http://www.cultofmac.com/462289/iphone-8-may-even-higher-waterproof-rating/ Apple may be planning to make its next iPhone even more waterproof, according to the newest rumor “Apple’s iPhone 8 will feature the IP68 rating protection as part of drastic upgrades marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone this year,” reports South Korean news site, The Investor, citing an industry source.   Mavic Pro: The coolest gadget since the original iPhone [Reviews] http://www.cultofmac.com/458941/mavic-pro-coolest-gadget-since-original-iphone-reviews/

This week: we reveal our current favorite gadgets!  Plus: is MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar a gimmick?  Then: Apple set to unveil three new iPads; rumors point to an Apple augmented reality headset later this year; and don’t miss our exhaustive AirPods review—we tell you what we love and we what we don’t!   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sI7hQvQy8A   Apple to deliver 3 new iPads this spring, but no new mini http://www.cultofmac.com/461586/apple-deliver-3-new-ipads-spring-no-new-mini/ iPads are getting stale… The only model introduced in 2016 was the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the iPad mini haven’t seen a refresh since 2015. The iPad Air 2 has been the same since October 2014. According to one Ming Chi Quo, Apple is focusing its efforts on updating the 9.7-inch iPad and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and on introducing a new model with a 10- to 10.5-inch display. It’s unclear whether the cheaper device will support Apple Pencil or the Smart Connector, but Kuo says it won’t have the new A10X chip, which will be exclusive to the larger models. Instead, it will be powered by the same A9 chip found in the iPhone 6s series Ming-Chi Kuo, widely regarded as one of the world’s best Apple analysts, doesn’t expect Cupertino to launch an AR product until at least 2018   Why the rumor that Apple will launch AR glasses in 2017 is ridiculous http://www.cultofmac.com/461787/ridiculous-rumor-apple-ar-glasses-2017/ Apple is teaming up with Zeiss to create augmented-reality glasses that will be unveiled later this year, according to long-time tech blogger Robert Scoble. “A Zeiss employee confirmed the rumors that Apple and Carl Zeiss AG are working on a light pair of augmented reality/mixed reality glasses that may be announced this year,” Scoble wrote in a Facebook post. “I thought it was next year but now that I saw this I believe it will happe this year.”

This week: the worst gadgets of CES 2017!  Yup, we run through the gizmos no one on the earth actually needs.  Then we spice things up with our most hotly anticipated tech of 2017.  And finally, we’re gonna be real with you guys… Apple had a rough 2016.  But that’s all behind us now.  It’s a new year. It’s a fresh start.  We discuss what Apple needs to get right in 2017. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r  This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. BlueApron - a better way to cook! Get your first 3 meals free with free shipping at BlueApron.com/CultCast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iozxkxTMSLI   Flow is a wearable that helps you avoid nasty air pollution https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/04/plume-labs-flow-air-sensor-hands-on/ It can measure dust, exhaust fumes and other harmful gases, as well as the household chemicals you might encounter indoors.   Smart hairbrush tells your iPhone if you’re not brushing properly http://www.cultofmac.com/460920/smart-hairbrush/ Every year at CES, there’s one gadget that epitomizes the crazier side of Silicon Valley’s “connected tech” smart devices mania. To do this, the smart hairbrush relies on motion sensors for monitoring your brushing patterns, conductivity sensors for spotting whether your hair is wet or dry, and a microphone for identifying “manageability, frizziness, dryness, split ends and breakage.” The brush also vibrates if you use it too vigorously. All this data gets sent to your iPhone, where an app gives you a hair quality score, tells you which parts of your brushing need work, and offers hairstyling products to buy.   OWC’s gigantic dock adds more ports to the new MacBook Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/460947/owcs-gigantic-dock-adds-ports-new-macbook-pro/ OWC teased a new accessory called the DEC dock for MacBook Pro at CES it's a slab that sticks to the bottom of the laptop to add up to 4TB of additional flash or SSD storage, an SD card slot, full-sized USB 3.0 ports and an Ethernet jack for wired internet. The downside is that it makes your new laptop as chunky as the 2012 model. From a depth of around 0.6 inches, you'll now have a machine that's almost an inch thick. OWC chief Larry O'Connor said they've been developing the concept for over three years and feel like the time is right to release it. The company doesn't have a release date and pricing info for the DEC yet   Griffin connects your toast to your phone https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/04/griffin-connects-your-toast-to-your-phone/  

This week, it's our epic final episode of 2016!  We’ll wrap up the year with our hands-on review of the hottness themselves, Apple’s AirPods.  Then… is Apple’s “Golden Era” drawing to a close?  We discuss.  And finally, ya’ll know we review a lot of products during the year—we’ll reveal our absolute favorite gadgets of 2016!   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Tim Cook calls AirPods a ‘runaway success’ http://www.cultofmac.com/460073/tim-cook-calls-airpods-runaway-success/ During a short interview, Cook told CNBC the new AirPods are a “runaway success” and that the company is making them as fast as it can. Cook didn’t divulge details on how well the company is doing, but he did hint that the holiday was really good to Apple.   Every Apple store worldwide is sold out of AirPods http://www.cultofmac.com/460047/apple-airpods-worldwide/ According to airpods.isinstock.com, and istocknow.com, Airpods are sold out at every Apple Store in the world Apple stores have been getting in very limited quantities and they “sell out in minutes”   All the ways Apple disappointed us in 2016 http://www.cultofmac.com/459403/apple-disappointments-2016/ Some are saying 2016 is the year that appl's 'golden age' drew to a close Our favorite gadgets of 2016!   Leander 3DR Solo Drone  Amazon Echo  Eero mesh router  Netgear Orbi mesh router    Erfon Segway miniPRO  Fuji X-T1 (or the newer X-T2) Philips Hue Lightstrip  Philips White and Color light kit  Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected  Philips Sonicare Adaptive Replacement toothbrush heads  Buster DJI Mavic Pro  Sony RX100  Yuneec E-GO Electric Skateboard

This week: everything we like (and don’t) about AirPods; the insider way to lock down your own AirPods without waiting 6 weeks; Apple’s Mac division has a falling out with Jony Ive; and we remember the best of Apple, 2016. This episode supported by   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / “at” David Pierini   Mac division has ‘lost clout’ with Jony Ive and Apple design team http://www.cultofmac.com/459078/mac-division-has-lost-clout-with-jony-ive-and-design-team/ Apple’s Mac team has reportedly “lost clout” with the company’s industrial design group and software team, claims a new report The picture painted by Mark Gurman as Bloomberg is a Mac division with a lack of clear direction from senior management, departures of key employees, and technical challenges — all conspiring to make the Mac one of Apple’s forgotten divisions. The article notes that ever since last year’s reshuffle of Apple’s design team, meetings between the Mac team and the industrial design team have become less frequent. It also notes more than a dozen engineers and managers working on the Mac have left over the past 18 months, with at least a sizable percentage put off by their lack of clarity about the “future of Mac hardware.” One possible problem is the lack of a singular vision driving the division. Instead of having one concept to work on, increasingly engineers are — in the words of one source — “asked to develop multiple options in hopes that one of them will be shippable.” The result is that resources become more thinly spread than ever, while products ship later. Mac generates about 10 percent of Apple sales     Don’t worry, Tim Cook says new iMacs are coming http://www.cultofmac.com/459110/dont-worry-tim-cook-says-new-imacs-coming/ The iMac didn’t get much love in 2016, but according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, killer new desktop Macs are coming. In a note to Apple employees, Cook assured staff that desktop computers are still “really important” and that they shouldn’t worry about future machines. “Some folks in the media have raised the question about whether we’re committed to desktops,” Cook wrote according to TechCrunch. “If there’s any doubt about that with our teams, let me be very clear: we have great desktops in our roadmap. Nobody should worry about that.”   The 10 best Apple ads of 2016 http://www.cultofmac.com/458093/the-10-best-apple-ads-of-2016/

This week: an honest look at Mario Run; better-sounding AirPod alternatives; the cool new stuff in the iOS and tvOS updates; and we reveal the hands-down best tv shows of 2016!   This episode supported by   Jamf Now's cloud-based Mobile Device Management is the affordable way to manage the iPads, iPhones, and Macs in your workplace, and you can manage 3 devices free at jamf.com/CultCast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Mario Run to the Apple store to snag Nintendo’s first major iOS game. http://www.cultofmac.com/458332/ready-get-set-go-download-super-mario-run-for-ios/ AirPods finally available with shipping in time for Christmas http://www.cultofmac.com/458057/airpods-shipping-time-christmas/ Apple’s long-awaited wireless AirPods are finally available to buy through Apple’s online store — priced at $159. While it’s not known when they’ll be available for sale in brick-and-mortar Apple retail stores, you can breathe a sigh of relief, since orders placed through Apple’s online store are currently showing a pre-Christmas delivery date of December 21 Apple said AirPods will be available for purchase at Apple stores by next week, as well as authorized resellers, and select carriers. Apple also said stores will receive "regular AirPods shipments”   iOS 10.2 is out with new emoji, TV app and wallpapers http://www.cultofmac.com/457945/ios-10-2-new-emoji-tv-app-wallpapers/#more-457945 iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users get a couple of new wallpapers in the new update. There are also more than 100 new emoji, including new characters for shrug, avocado, gorilla, shark and bacon.   tvOS 10.1 update brings Apple’s TV app to the living room http://www.cultofmac.com/457950/tvos-10-1-update-brings-apples-tv-app-living-room/ TV fans can binge on all their shows in one place with Apple’s new TV app, which simplifies the experience. With the new single sign-on feature, you can quickly access your subscribed content on all your devices. (Here’s how to set up single sign-on for Apple TV and iOS devices.)   Lewis reviews these IQBuds AirPod alternatives http://www.nuheara.com   The best shows of 2016! Peeky Blinders! Sherlock! The Walking Dead! Westworld! Stranger Things! Boogie2988 (Youtube)! People Vs. OJ Simpson! The Crown!

This week: why Apple is done chasing big hit products.  Plus: the demise of Pebble Watch is a bad omen for wearables; Foxconn secretly prepares to make more Apple products in the US; and we remember our favorite movies of 2016! This episode supported by   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Get a free trial set at Harrys.com and score free post shave balm with code CultCast at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Apple stops swinging for the fences http://www.cultofmac.com/456698/apple-stops-swinging-fences/#more-456698 Apple analyst Horrace Dediu says Apple’s cultural identity is undergoing a dramatic shift Instead of being in the “new hit product business”, Dediu told said that Apple is trying to become a “services and recurring-revenue business.” Dediu argues that constantly trying for home runs has been demoralizing for employees, so Apple CEO Tim Cook move away from that attitude. Will Apple ever have another “iPhone”? Apple Says 35% of U.S. Merchants Accept Apple Pay http://www.macrumors.com/2016/12/06/apple-pay-35-percent-us-merchants/ Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey has announced that 35% of U.S. merchants now accept Apple Pay. Bailey says the new EMV chip cards are annoying customers and have helped drive adoption. New chip cards are the worst!!   Fitbit Buyout Will See Pebble's Time 2 and Core Wearables Canceled, Refunds Issued http://www.macrumors.com/2016/12/07/fitbit-pebble-time-core-smartwatches-canceled/ Bloomberg has report that Fitbit is buying out Pebble The buyout will cost "less than $40 million" and is only for Pebble's software assets, which Fitbit wants "in a bid to better compete with Apple” Pebble watch hardware is dead, with support ending sometime in the future. All pending orders will be canceled and refunded. I’m still not convinced smart watches will be around in 5 years. Tim Cook has just announced that Apple Watch sales are “off the charts,” but Sales of Apple Watch are down more than 70 percent, according to IDC Research. iPhone Assembler Foxconn in Early Talks to Expand U.S. Operations http://www.macrumors.com/2016/12/07/foxconn-preliminary-discussions/ According to Reuters, Apple manufacturer Foxconn is in the beginning stages of building a collection of assembly plants within the United States CNBC has alleged that Foxconn will be investing $7 billion into its U.S. expansion and aiming for the creation of 50,000 jobs After being outed by CNBC, Foxconn simply has states that more details will come after its finished talks with "the relevant U.S. officials” In a call made to Trump by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump mentioned told Tim that one of his goals would is be to "get Apple to build a big plant in the United States”  Foxconn does have manufacturing facilities on a very small scale in the U.S., in Virginia and Indiana, along with logistic locations in California and Texas Will Apple every had major manufacturing back in the US?

This week: why building a Hackintosh can get you the monster Mac you’ve always wanted.  Plus: Apple analyst Ming-Chi Quo reveals iPhone 8’s marquee feature; AirPods ship date is finally revealed; and stick around for our top Apple Airport router replacement picks! This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple’s long-awaited AirPods will ship in ‘next few weeks’ http://www.cultofmac.com/456343/apples-long-awaited-airpods-will-ship-next-weeks/ Apple revealed the earbuds alongside the iPhone 7, promising an October delivery date, but anxious customers have not been able to buy a set. In  email obtained by MacRumors, a customer asks Tim Cook where his AirPods are. Customer’s comment: “Give us a release date. I really bought in to the wireless vision you painted….Let us know if it’s a month or 6 months, because then I’ll just buy some other wireless headphones.” Tim Cook’s response: “Thanks for your note. Sorry for the delay—we are finalizing them and I anticipate we will begin to ship over the next few weeks.”   Innovative iPhone 8 could shatter sales records http://www.cultofmac.com/456153/iphone8-sales-records/ Apple has big plans for the iPhone 8, claims KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Kuo, Apple will be scaling up iPhone production 120-150 million units in the second half of 2017. If true, this would would be well above the 110-120 million units Apple ordered of its bestselling iPhone 6 generation handsets. Kuo claims this “unprecedented” demand will be centered around the myriad big improvements Apple has planned for its next-gen iPhone series.   iPhone 8’s glass design will finally bring wireless charging https://www.cultofmac.com/455354/wireless-charging-iphone8/ The rumored decision to adopt a glass chassis for the next-generation iPhone is reportedly fueled by a desire to improve wireless charging, another key feature supposedly coming to Apple’s 2017 phone. The report comes from notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claims that all 2017-era iPhones will boast the long-awaited wireless charging tech. Earlier this year, a report from Bloomberg said Apple was working with partners to overcome current technical barriers with wireless technology, including loss of power over distance. If successful, innovation could make Apple’s version of wireless charging considerably more advanced than Samsung’s.   How to watch Netflix offline http://www.cultofmac.com/456317/how-to-watch-netflix-offline/ An update to the official Netflix app lets you download TV shows and movies so you can view them without munching through your data allowance. “Not all titles are available for download,” according to Netflix. “If you have a particular title in mind, you can search for that title and look for the download icon.   People love Apple’s doomed AirPort more than any other router http://www.cultofmac.com/456384/people-love-apples-doomed-airport-router/ According to the more than 3,000 customers polled in J.D. Power’s 2016 Wireless Router Satisfaction Report released today, please love Apple’s routers more than any other. The top gripes were how often users had to reset their routers, general data speeds, and the difficulty of getting them set up. Apple was the only company to receive a 5-star Power Circle consumer rating, which places it "among the best" according to J.D. Power.  

This week: is a secret Apple project stalling Mac updates?  It wouldn’t be the first time… Plus: Apple teases Black Friday deals; Airport routers are dead, and the Mac Pro might be next;  the future of Time Machine; why iPad should be iOS/OS X hybrid; and Jony Ive’s new role designing Apple itself. This episode supported by Might Tees’ artful Steve Jobs, Woz, Apple and Star Trek tees are worn Will Wheaton, LeVar Burton, co-founders at Bad Robot, Chris Hardwick, Veronica Belmont, and even Steve Wozniak himself.  And without Might Tees, there’d be Leander have Erfon would have never met.  Grab a piece of CultCast history!  While supplies last, get 60% off any order at MightTees.com and use code CultCast at checkout. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   And check out Cult of Mac’s new, free fitness eBook! This ebook is your practical how-to guide, covering step by step everything you need to know about getting fit with Apple’s devices.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   Apple teases one-day shopping event for Black Friday Apple is teasing a one-day shopping event for Black Friday that could bring tasty discounts on its latest products. Apple chose not to participate in Black Friday sales last year, so fans were forced to look elsewhere for price cuts on Apple products. In 2014, Apple took a different approach to Black Friday, offering free gift cards with certain purchases instead of cutting prices. Customers got up to $150 for buying a Mac, up to $75 with an iPad, and up to $50 with an iPod. It’s also worth remembering that over the holiday period, the company offers free two-day shipping on almost all online purchases, while its retail stores are open longer.   Apple grounds its AirPort router division for good According to Bloomberg, Apple has disbanded the division dedicated to developing its Airport wireless routers. The product line — which spawned the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time capsule, which Apple continues to sell — hasn’t been updated since 2013.   Jony Ive’s design book is much more than an ego trip He’s killing ports and headphone jacks left and right. The latest MacBooks value form over function. He’s designing gold watches for the 1 percent. And now his glossy new photo book, Designed by Apple in California, looks like a $300, linen-bound ego trip. "I see why some people think Designed by Apple in California could be Ive’s goodbye to Apple. But it feels to me like Ive’s heartfelt goodbye to his best friend and colleague, five years gone. I don’t think Jony Ive is going anywhere."   Surprise! Jony Ive’s Christmas tree is a plain fir on a white backdrop Having previously been announced as the co-designer (with BFF Marc Newson) of the Christmas tree at London’s famous Claridge’s hotel, Ive’s creation was unveiled over the weekend, and — surprise — it’s a plain tree with no decorations, set on a white background. “There are few things more pure and beautiful than nature, so that was our starting point, layering various iterations of organic forms with technology,” Ive and Newson said. “Our aim was to create an all-enveloping magical experience that celebrates our enormous respect for tradition while recognising our excitement about the future and things to come.”

This week: the reviews are in! We’ll tell you what praises and complaints reviewers have about new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.  Plus: the one Touch Bar feature you’ll absolutely covet; why the new “Designed by Apple in California” book is an artifact Apple fans will love; Apple quietly rebuilds a library of their gadgets long past; how to get the best Black Friday deals; and Buster reviews the hawt new Mavic Pro drone by DJI, then crashes it into a cliff.    This episode supported by   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Get a free trial set at Harrys.com and score free post shave balm with code CultCast at checkout.   Might Tees’ artful Steve Jobs, Woz, Apple, Star Trek, and Star Wars tees are worn Will Wheaton, LeVar Burton, co-founders at Bad Robot, Chris Hardwick, Veronica Belmont, and even Steve Wozniak himself.  And without Might Tees, there’d be no CultCast, as Leander and Erfon would never have met.  Grab a piece of CultCast history!  While supplies last, get 60% off any order at MightTees.com and use code CultCast at checkout. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   MacBook Pro reviews roundup: Promising, not groundbreaking https://www.cultofmac.com/453848/macbook-pro-review-roundup-promising-not-groundbreaking/ So what do the early reviews make of Apple’s new pro laptop? In a nutshell, that it’s futuristic, but maybe not an entirely successful device for present-day users. Wired: The new MacBook Pro is a terrific laptop and, like the super-skinny MacBook, a clear indication of where most of the computing world is going. But comes with growing pains Techcrunch: The less celebrated spec bumps are what make the new Pro a worthy upgrade. Better processors, more storage, a brighter display and better speakers are all wrapped up in a sleeker and lighter package than before… The Touch Bar feels like a nice bonus for the time being. ArsTechnica‘s Andrew Cunningham writes, “The more I use the Touch Bar, the more I become convinced of its potential utility” — although a lot of its ability to replace the old function buttons remains hypothetical for now.” Industry-leading storage performance. Touchbar get 1.3Gbps WiFI (like 2015 model) instead of 867Mbps. Walt Mossberg describes the Touch Bar as having “potential, but it’s not magic.” ARS: CPU performance increases by an amount that’s roughly proportionate to the 200MHz maximum clock speed increase, and GPU performance increases by around 10 percent. It’s not nothing... WSJ:  “it’s a dongle nightmare.” The SD card slot is particularly missed. WSJ: A Touch Bar, Touch ID and new design are tempting, but you’ll get the same performance and battery with the older model… So how do you decide? Do you invest in the present—the “old” MacBook Pro with performance, good-enough portability, a keyboard to cherish and lots of ports? Or do you invest in the future—a beautiful, highly portable machine with new tricks? Or maybe you do what I’m doing: Stare down at your three-year-old laptop and wonder if you can tough it out another year or two while this sorts itself out.   MacBook Pro Touch Bar lets users skip through YouTube ads http://www.cultofmac.com/454274/macbook-pro-youtube/ First spotted by users on Reddit, at present the fancy new Touch Bar lets users scrub through otherwise unskippable ads so you can start watching videos straight away. “In Safari, the touchbar [sic] will pop up a scrubbing control whenever a video begins to play,” Redditor RomansFiveEight writes. “Amazingly, you can use that to scrub THROUGH an ad, even a non-skippable 30 second pre-roll ad; and begin your video right away!”   Apple chronicles 20 years of iconic design in pricey new book http://www.cultofmac.com/454027/apple-chronicles-20-years-iconic-design-pricey-new-book/ Apple has announced that it will be debuting a new hardbound book, entitled “Designed by Apple in California,” chronicling 20 years of its groundbreaking designs — boasting 450 photographs of past and present Apple products. The book, which is dedicated to the memory of Steve Jobs, will also include exclusive details on the design processes used by Apple’s design team under the leadership of Jony Ive. The photos contained are all shot by photographer Andrew Zuckerman, a filmmaker and photographer who has previously shot portraits of Judi Dench, Clint Eastwood, Ted Kennedy, and others. “Designed by Apple in California” it is available in two sizes — including a small 10.20” x 12.75” edition for $199 and a large version sized at 13” x 16.25” — costing $299. Specially milled German paper Gilded matte silver edges Low-ghost inks   Jony Ive goes inside Apple’s design lab in new video http://www.cultofmac.com/454084/jony-ive-goes-inside-apples-design-lab-new-video/ Going inside Apple’s design lab is a rare privilege some Apple execs don’t even get, but Jony Ive is giving the world a glimpse inside his lab to celebrate the company’s new book.   Apple had to buy back old products featured in its new design book http://www.cultofmac.com/454045/apple-buy-back-products/ According to a new interview with Jony Ive, Apple had to actually go out and buy copies of its old products in order to photograph them for its new $300 coffee table book “[W]e’ve been so consumed by our current and future work we came to realise we didn’t have a catalogue of the physical products,” Ive told design journal Wallpaper*. ” … Many of the products that you see, we actually had to go out and purchase. It’s a rather shameful admission, but it’s just not an area that we really invested much time or energy in.” Shortly after he returned to the company in the late 1990s, Steve Jobs gave Apple’s historical archive — comprising records that management at Apple had kept since the mid-1980s — to Stanford University Libraries because he didn’t want Apple to be fixated on the past. A few years after that, in 1996, an ex-Apple employee named David Pakman who had worked there from 1991 through 1997 emailed Steve to suggest staging a celebratory event for Apple’s thirtieth birthday. He received a simple answer: Apple is focused on the future, not the past. —Steve Fortunately, things are changing, Ive said. Around eight years ago, the company felt an “obligation” to go out and start building up an archive of every product it had released.   Liveblog: The best Black Friday deals for 2016 http://www.cultofmac.com/453858/liveblog-best-black-friday-deals-2016/   Mavic Pro—10 years ago you’d need a helicopter to get footage like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i9Uo_szlqU

This week: early reviews show new MacBook Pro is a video editing powerhouse; Apple’s massive interest in augmented reality; rumors of a Jet White iPhone; AirPods to finally start shipping; new dongle discounts; and finally—is Apple still developing an electric car? This episode supported by Might Tees’ artful Steve Jobs, Woz, Apple and Star Trek tees are worn Will Wheaton, LeVar Burton, co-founders at Bad Robot, Chris Hardwick, Veronica Belmont, and even Steve Wozniak himself.  And without Might Tees, there’d be Leander have Erfon would have never met.  Grab a piece of CultCast history!  While supplies last, get 60% off any order at MightTees.com and use code CultCast at checkout. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   Learn how to get in shape using your Watch and iPhone! Sign up for Cult of Mac's new FREE Fitness ebook.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   AirPods supposedly land in Apple stores next week According to one Apple fan, who spoke to an employee at Conrad, an Apple authorized reseller in Germany, AirPods will be delivered to stores next Friday, November 17. “I have just talked with an employee of the Conrad Online Store, since I am there on 14.10 the AirPods ordered and I wanted to cancel today,” he explained to Apfelpage.de. “According to information from the employee, they have stockpiles from 17.11, I will then have them between November 18-19.   MacBook Pro with Touch Bar moves one step closer to shipping http://www.cultofmac.com/452996/macbook-pro-touch-bar-one-step-closer-shipping/ “Multiple reports collated by AppleInsider and other sources show that Apple is gearing up for the first wave of shipments of the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, in every configuration,” The first wave of shipments is expected to reach customers as early as November 11. Those who ordered before the shipping estimate slipped should expect to receive them by November 17, though some could be waiting until November 25.   New MacBook Pro has already outsold every other notebook in 2016 http://www.cultofmac.com/453266/macbook-pro-has-already-outsold-every-other-notebook-in-2016/ latest model generated over seven times the revenue that the MacBook 12-inch did during its April 2015 launch. The new model’s sales already equal 78 percent of all the revenue generated by the MacBook 12-inch since it became available, and has accumulated more revenue than any other laptop this year. Slice Intelligence found 40 percent of Apple laptop owners who purchased a MacBook in 2014 bought their next laptop with another brand. Dell and Asus computers were the most popular laptops for people who previously purchased a MacBook.   The truth about the 2016 MacBook Pro 13” (@JonnyLewisFilms) https://youtu.be/NWp9k2lydtk Jonathan Morris pits a specs’d out HP Specter to a 13” MacBook Pro Premier takes 9+ minutes to export, Final Cut 1:20   Dongle Discount!  Apple Drops Prices on USB-C Adapters http://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/04/apple-drops-prices-on-usb-c-adapters/ In response to Mac outrage, Apple has temporarily dropped the prices on their adapters. - USB-C to USB Adapter - Was $19, now $9 - Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Was $49, now $29 - USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Was $69, now $49 - USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter - Was $69, now $49 - USB-C to Lightning Cable (1m) - Was $25, now $19 - USB-C to Lightning Cable (2m) - Was $35, now $29 - Apple has also introduced some significant price cuts to the 4K and 5K LG UltraFine displays that were announced at its October 27 Mac event. - The LG UltraFine 5K Display is now priced at $974, a $325 price cut from its original price of $1,299.95. - The LG UltraFine 4K Display is now priced at $524, a $175 price cut from its original price of $699.95.

This week:  we’ve canceled our MacBook Pro order! It’s true, and we’ll you why...  Plus: we compare new MacBook Pro’s performance to older models and similarly priced machines;  Apple call it quits on external displays;  and, the end of an era—one of Mac’s most iconic features gets retired.   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Professional Mac Users' Complaints List Grows After 'Disappointing' Apple Event http://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/02/professional-mac-users-complaints-grow-apple-event/ It seems like everyone’s pissed!     This week’s notes and links Hiked prices really make you think about what you’re getting, especially compared to how much better it is to what you already have (or what’s available on the market). Raw Power differences/Speed increases in new MBP (compared to 2012 model) We specs aren’t everything as Apple optimizes everything. Felix Schwarz on twitter CPU Only ~30% increase in Geekbench Single and MultiCore increases if buying the same speed processor you have no. Skylake processors are already a year old, but Kaby lake isn't due out until January and Cannonlake due in 2017 as well. GPU You get 100-180% increase in GPU performance over 2012 dedicated GPUs AMD Pro 400 series is used for low power consumption.  4 year old architecture. it’s a mobile version of a budget graphics card AMD claims "the thinnest graphics processor possible” ideal for artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, visualizers Not on par with Nvidia GPUs Nvidia’s budget card, GTX 1060, performs at 4.2 teraflops a second vs AMD Pro 460’s 1.8 Teraflops.  455’s 1.2 Tflops 450’s 1 Tflop. Nickel and dimed New cables or dongles for all your USB devices, your iPhone, your peripherals and Thunderbolt 2 devices, maybe your existing monitor. No power brick extension cable. Funny enough, Phil Schiller noted the new MacBook Pro still has a 3.5mm headphone jack because it is a "pro machine," but lacks an SD card reader because it's a "cumbersome" slot best left to adapters or wireless transfers.  Take into account the $400-$500 price increases, it’s hard to get on board. Next year’s upgrade will address a number of my concerns Much newer Intel CPUs. More availability of USB C and Thunderbolt 3 tech. Lower prices. Touch Bar bugs worked out (if any). Cheaper SSD upgrades. Again, specs aren’t everything.  Apple says the new MacBook Pro has: 130% better 3D graphics performance. 60% better gaming performance 57% better video editing performance   Performance comparison of the 2012 and 2016 15” Retina MacBook Pro https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv-JmoDWYAAlMp7.jpg:large   MacBook Pro’s two biggest problems may get fixed in 2017 http://www.cultofmac.com/452087/macbook-pros-two-biggest-problems-may-get-fixed-2017/ The KGI Securities analyst told investors in a recent note that he expects Apple will bring big price-cuts to the MacBook Pro along with some internal upgrades. Kuo also claims the 2017 update will finally give the MacBook Pro up to 32GB of RAM. KabyLake CPUs will be used if Intel’s Cannonlake chips aren’t ready. That will keep max RAM support at 16GB for another year. Price cuts on the next MacBook Pro won’t arrive until the second half of 2017 though.     Apple is officially done making displays http://www.cultofmac.com/451644/apple-officially-done-making-standalone-displays/ Buster The days of Apple making its own stand-alone displays for the Mac Mini and Mac Pro are dead. Apple revealed a new 5K 27-inch Thunderbolt 3 display during its “Hello Again” keynote yesterday, only instead of being made by Apple, the company partnered with LG to create the monito The Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel tweeted that, after asking about it at the Hello Again event, was informed by Apple that “it’s out of the stand-alone display biz.” Apple did add some tech to LG’s display so that it integrates better with Macs. You can adjust the brightness settings on the LG 5K UltraFine display from your Mac, rather than pushing buttons on the display itself. $1300, or $700 for a 4K model   2016 MacBook Pro loses the iconic startup chime http://www.cultofmac.com/451891/unlikely-origins-macs-startup-chime/ The new MacBook Pro jettisons the iconic F-sharp sound Apple uses to show a Mac is booting up. The use of an arpeggiated chord when you started your Mac dates back to the Macintosh II, when software engineer Mark Lentczner incorporated it into the system. The sound was later revised by Jim Reekes, Apple’s senior software engineer in charge of the audio and system sounds, during the 1990s. Over the years, its tone has changed further and the instrumentation has also varied, The reason for getting rid of the sound instead has to do with the fact that the new laptops now turn on from a fully switched-off mode if they’re opened — meaning you can save all that energy you would otherwise have expended pressing the power button. There’s hope!  You can reactivate the sound via a terminal command.   Nvidia GTX 1060 Laptop vs Desktop Benchmarks – Is Pascal Really a Game Changer? http://digiworthy.com/2016/09/26/nvidia-gtx-1060-laptop-vs-desktop-benchmarks/   How to restore Mac startup chimes on 2016 MacBook Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/452075/restore-macs-startup-chimes-2016-macbook-pro/   How Faster are the Intel processor and Radeon Pro 450 / 455 / 460 GPU on the New MacBook Pro 15 2016? https://www.techwalls.com/new-macbook-pro-15-processor-radeon-pro-gpu/   Apple Has Received More Online Orders for New MacBook Pro Than Any Previous Generation http://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/02/phil-schiller-new-macbook-pro-interview/  

This week: Happy?  Disappointed?  Downright pissed off?  Don’t miss our Hello Again Mac event reactions!  Plus: everything we know about Apple’s new MacBook Pro, and the two big omissions in Apple TV’s new TV app.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   What do YOU think of the new MacBook Pros?  Tell us your thoughts on The CultCast sub Reddit.     Pros   The new MacBook Pro won’t ship for another 2-3 weeks, but members of the media who got their fingers on the new Touch Bar came away from Apple’s event with rave reviews. Techcrunch: The Touch Bar is, in a word, neat…The strip itself is glossy. Not quite slick, but frictionless enough so as to run a finger across with little effort. It’s quick and responsive, reacting to multi-touch and the amount of pressure the user applies. It also adapts quite quickly as you toggle between different apps.” Versatile - You know get Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, Display Port, and charging abilities on every port. Brighter screen with better color Engadget was particularly impressed by the screen on the new MacBook Pro models, calling it "stunning" when in person and "a noticeable upgrade" from the previous generation of MacBook Pros. Massive new trackpad. Headphone jack! Upgraded GPU and processor. 60hz refresh rates on 4K and 5K displays Second-generation “fine tuned” butterfly mechanism keyboard. Now available in Space Gray and Silver   Nos Previous MacBook Pros started at $1299 (13”) and $1999 (15”).  New MBPs start at a whopping $1799 (13”) and $2399 (15”). USB C only ports mean dongles for everything, including regular USB peripherals. No SD card slot. No HDMI out. Your current iPhone cable won’t work. Your Thunderbolt cables and peripherals won’t work without Apple’s new $50 adapter. No Magsafe 😥 Dongles for literally EVERYTHING: iPhone AirPods SD Card readers Ethernet Thunderbolt 2 peripherals Displayport monitors No other Macs announced or updated AirPods delayed 13" Macbook Air not updated but will continue to be sold for time being.  11” retired. So long non-retina MacBook Pro. Previous gen MacBook Pro with Intel graphics still for sale but at the same price.   Apple’s TV app doesn’t work with the two best streaming services http://www.cultofmac.com/451509/apples-tv-app-doesnt-work-two-best-streaming-services/ Apple revealed its plan to own your TV screen today with a new app called TV. The new service aims to unify your TV experience on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV by taking you straight to content, but the two best streaming services won’t be available. Both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix won’t participate in Apple’s new feature.  Netflix confirmed "we are not participating and evaluating the opportunity”

This week: is Apple is about to make massive updates across the entire Mac line?  Don’t miss our Oct. 27 Mac event predictions!  Plus: everything we know about Nintendo Switch, and why we already love it.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Get a free trial set at Harrys.com and score free post shave balm with code CultCast at checkout   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Event predications   Macbook Pro It’s been 528 days since its last update (average is 268), and 4 years since its last major overhaul. We expect an: OLED display bar. Touch ID power button and 4 USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility) The MagSafe port reportedly will be scrapped. Upgrade to 4K 4096 x 2160 resolution from current 2880x1800 res.   Macbook Air, Apple’s cheapest computer It’s been 591 days since its last update (average is 350). Overall design of the MacBook Air will likely remain the same. The machines are expected to be updated with USB-C support, according to a new Bloomberg report. Updated internals for sure. Retina display is possible but may not happen since this is now Apple’s budget machine. According to Macotakara, no more 11 inch.   Macbook Nuthin - The MacBook was updated with Intel Skylake processors and a new Rose Gold color option in April of 2016.   iMac 374 days since its last update, with an average of 317. We haven’t heard a peep about updates. Likely just updated internals, but possibility of larger screen with curved display.   Mac Pro 1037 days since since the Mac Pro released.  No updates since. Average update is 449 days. Major internal updates expected with possibly design overhaul.   Mac Mini No rumors. 735 days since last update, average is 438. We’re expecting internal updates, but that’s probably it.   New Cinema Display In June of 2016 the Cinema display was officially discontinued. There have been rumors of a new ‘Thunderbolt Display’ that will feature a 5K display and an external GPU in the display itself so under-powered Macs can still run it.   A Magic Trackpad 2 with multi-touch and Force Touch was announced on October 13, 2015 along with the Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard, so probably no updates.  It’s possible we get an updated Magic Keyboard with OLED display bar.   First Look at the Nintendo Switch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5uik5fgIaI    

This week: tips, tricks, and techniques to take beautiful iPhone photos and build a following on Instagram. Plus: the crazy exploding Samsung Galaxy Note saga ends in a strange twist; rumors point to Macs with radically new e-ink keyboards;  and an honest look at Siri vs. the AI competition.   This episode supported by   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can get 20% off your order with code JETBLACK at CultCloth.co.   And check out Cult of Mac’s new, free fitness eBook! This ebook is your practical how-to guide, covering step by step everything you need to know about getting fit with Apple’s devices.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - Freedom of choice! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pJWMs5claM   Earin wireless earbuds https://www.earin.com   Apple may be working on keyboard with e-ink display keys http://www.cultofmac.com/449008/apple-e-ink-keyboard-demo/ Buster A Redditor namede Foxconninsider recently posted about a new Smart Keyboard claimed to be a working e-ink keyboard prototype potentially coming to both iMac and MacBook devices sometime in 2018.   The Guardian is now corroborating the keyboard with a claim that Apple CEO, Tim Cook has met with Sonder founder Serra-Martins in while in China.   Samsung mercifully puts Galaxy Note 7 out of its misery http://www.cultofmac.com/448826/samsung-mercifully-puts-galaxy-note-7-misery/ Samsung has permanently stopped production of its once-acclaimed new smartphone flagship. Owners will be able to return their phones for a refund or to swap it out for another Samsung device. The handset was allegedly rushed to market due to Samsung’s confidence that the iPhone 7 would turn out to be a box office dud.   LOL: Galaxy Note 7 return kit includes fire-proof box and gloves http://www.cultofmac.com/448863/lol-galaxy-note-7-return-kit-includes-fire-proof-box-gloves/ If you bought your Note online from Samsung,returning it could be tricky. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office won’t even accept packages that contain the device. Fortunately, Samsung has a solution. Its special Note 7 return kit was designed with explosions in mind, and it includes thermally-insulated packaging with a ceramic fiber paper lining, and gloves that ensure you won’t suffer burns while handling the device.   Mossberg: Why does Siri seem so dumb? http://www.recode.net/2016/10/12/13251618/mossberg-apple-siri-digital-assistant-dumbS When was the last time Siri delighted you with a satisfying and surprising answer or action? Siri started as an iOS app in 2009, then was purchased by Apple and introduced again in the iPhone 4S It seems to me that Apple has wasted its lead with Siri. And now Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook and others are on the march If you try and treat Siri like a truly intelligent assistant, aware of the wider world, it often fails (Weather on Crete, Presidential Nominees) Google Now, on the same Apple devices, using the same voice input, answered every one of these questions clearly and correctly Siri is too limited and unreliable to be an effective weapon for Apple in the coming AI wars. It seems stagnant

This week: revamped iPads coming this spring; Apple lays the groundwork for the next era of personal technology; how smart homes get hacked; Google’s Pixel phone vs. iPhone 7; and we reveal our favorite new iOS and Mac apps!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. Easiest   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast and get $50 towards any mattress with code "CultCast".   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - Do you even scan, bro? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRRHHqY7RwE   We’re glad to see they’re putting them to good use https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOEKS7j9gw/   Replacement Galaxy Note 7 catches fire on a plane http://www.cultofmac.com/448043/replacement-galaxy-note-7-catches-fire-plane/ Southwest Airlines was forced to evacuate a flight from Louisville to Baltimore this morning before it hit the runway, thanks to a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone that caught fire. The owner of the Galaxy Note 7 said he got the new phone on September 21st at an AT&T store. Before the flight left the gate, the owner says he powered it down and put it in his pocket when it started smoking. Thick grey-green smoke poured out of the device after the owner dropped it on the floor. In a matter of moments it had burned through the plane’s carpet. “All passengers and crew exited the plane via the main cabin door and no injuries were reported,”     With new hardware trio, Google makes major play for your home http://www.cultofmac.com/447847/new-hardware-trio-google-makes-major-play-home/ During an event in San Francisco today, Google unveiled a new Wi-Fi router, an improved Chromecast with 4K support, and a new Google Home device that’s a lot like Amazon’s Echo smart speaker, only it’s powered by Google Assistant. Google Home allows owners to use voice commands to do stuff like play music on YouTube, Google Play Music or Spotify. You can also ask Google Home to play podcasts or news feeds.   AirPods point to Apple’s domination of ‘ambient paradigm’ http://www.cultofmac.com/448065/airpods-point-apples-domination-ambient-paradigm/   Three new iPads Pro are coming early next year http://www.cultofmac.com/447676/apple-said-planning-trio-new-ipad-pros-early-2017/ Apple is set to debut a trifecta of new iPad Pro models in Q1 2017, according to a new report Mac Okatara suggests that the 12.9-inch and 7.9-inch iPad Pros will get the same 12MP iSight camera and True Tone technology that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro currently has. All three models will also supposedly receive quad microphones and, in something of a pleasant surprise, 3.5mm headphone jacks. If Apple’s yearly product cycle wasn’t enough of a hint that a new iPad was on the way, Apple’s iPad Pro tablets both received discounts of up to $100 after Apple’s iPhone 7 media event last month. This announcement coincided with a storage upgrade for other iPad models.   Let’s talk about apps, man   Leander Mezi smart shopping assistant (iOS, Free) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mezi-personal-shopping-assistant/id988314457?mt=8 Rejoinders iMessage stickers https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rejoinders/id1155853742?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4   Buster Lightroom for iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/id804177739?mt=8   Erfon OmniDiskSweeper https://www.omnigroup.com/more PasteBot http://tapbots.com/pastebot/beta/

This week: reports point to a big Mac event coming in October!  We’ll tell you why we expect more than just overhauled MacBook Pros...  Plus: we remember Steve Jobs, and what made him so damned good; why the jet black iPhone 7 is impossible to find; and stay tuned for drone chat, where we discuss the super cool new drones hitting the market.   This episode supported by   Dollar Shave Club delivers amazing razors right to your door for a third of the price of what the greedy razor corporations charge.  Try it yourself with your first month free at DollarShaveClub.com/CultCast.   Withings Body Cardio scale helps you assess overall cardiovascular health with Heart Rate and Pulse Wave Velocity, a medically-accepted measurement that tracks the speed at which heartbeat-generated waves move along the arteries.  Learn more at Withings.com.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   Intro - The Extraordinary Powerbook https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqcZttJJtIE   Long-awaited MacBook Pro update might land in October http://www.cultofmac.com/447146/apples-new-macbook-pro-may-launch-october/ MacRumors has reported that Apple is moving rapidly toward a launch of the new MacBook Pro models, with current development work on macOS 10.12.1 focused largely on preparing the operating system to support the updated hardware's new features Apple hasn’t made a significant update to the MacBook Pro lineup since May 2015 According to MacRumors‘ report, Apple is just waiting for development of macOS 10.12.1 to finish so it can support the updated hardware’s new features. Apple is supposedly planning to seed one more beta version of macOS 10.12.1 early next week. That version will then be polished and loaded onto hardware currently being produced. rumored by several sources to include Touch ID support and an OLED "touch bar" replacing the current row of function keys across the top of keyboard. Apple is also said to be shifting to "Polaris" graphics chips from AMD on the higher-end 15-inch models.  iMac 352/317 (days since update/average) MBP 500/268 MBA 570/350 Mac Mini 714/438 Mac Pro 1015/449   Here’s why jet black iPhone 7 is impossible to find http://www.cultofmac.com/446735/heres-jet-black-iphone-7-impossible-find/ Apple’s new jet black iPhone 7 is nearly impossible to find at stores, and the shortage isn’t going to get better anytime soon, according to one of the most accurate Apple analysts in the game. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told investors in a research note today that Apple is having trouble with production of the jet black cases. A substantial number of cases don’t meet quality standards for the jet black finish, which is already susceptible to scratches. Apple had to create an entirely new process to produce the high-gloss black finish, which is why it’s so hard for manufacturers to get their yield rates up.   iPhone 7 Plus haptic engine no longer works after being exposed to water. https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/5500bd/iphone_7_plus_haptic_engine_no_longer_works_after/   DJI’s tiny Mavic Pro drone will land at Apple Stores http://www.cultofmac.com/446916/djis-tiny-mavic-pro-drone-will-land-apple-stores/ The battle for droning supremacy is heating up today after DJI revealed its tiny new Mavic Pro drone that will take on GoPro’s new Karma drone system. DJI’s new Mavic Pro drone features a folding design that can compress the device down to the size of a water bottle. DJI strapped a 4K video camera on a 3-axis gimbal. It can also take 12MP RAW stills in either portrait or landscape mode thanks to the gimbal that can be controlled via an iPhone. $750 - drone only $999 drone with remote $1300 with extra batteries, quick charger, propellers, bag, etc Ships Oct. 15, in Apple Stores in November   Casey Neistat loves the DJi Mavic Pro drone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqcZttJJtIE

This week: seven days with iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2—we’ll tell you what we love (and don’t) about Apple’s newest iPhone and Watch.  Plus: Hissgate, explained; auto-unlocking your Mac with an Apple Watch; and if you’re wondering how to use picture-in-picture mode on Youtube videos in macOS Sierra, we’ll reveal just how to get it working.   This episode supported by   Dollar Shave Club delivers amazing razors right to your door for a third of the price of what the greedy razor corporations charge.  Try it yourself with your first month free at DollarShaveClub.com/CultCast.   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Let the lovely lady Lisa enchant you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNDi4UYwrTs   iPhone 7 display is the best LCD ever tested http://www.cultofmac.com/445998/iphone-7-display-best-lcd-ever-tested/ Apple’s new LCD display was rated as “visually indistinguishable from perfect” when it comes to image contrast and intensity. The tiniest amount of color variation, seen when viewing the screen from an angle, also yielded top marks. The DisplayMate report calls the touchscreen display the “crown jewel of the smartphone” One thing that gives the iPhone 7 display a competitive advantage is its adoption of two standard color gamuts: The new DCI-P3 wide color gamut used in 4K UHD TVs, and the smaller sRGB/Rec.709 gamut traditionally used in digital cameras, TVs, computers and most other consumer devices. The test also found that the iPhone 7’s peak brightness can only be achieved when Automatic Brightness is turned on. This prevents users from draining their battery in a flash by accidentally keeping the slider all the way up.   Hissgate: iPhone 7 Plus emits strange noise when under heavy load http://www.cultofmac.com/445972/hissgate-iphone-7-plus-emit-strange-noise-heavy-load/ Some iPhone 7 Plus owners are reporting that Apple’s new devices emit a strange hissing noise when performing processor-intensive tasks. And no one is sure what’s causing it. It appears that Hissgate only effects a small number of devices. Cult of Mac has not been able to replicate the hissing problem on any of our new iPhones. Engadget theorized that it could be a “coil whine” and is likely a small manufacturing defect instead of an overall design flaw. Apple looks to be replacing phones which present the issue   Apple Watch Series 2 review: A tick closer to perfection http://www.cultofmac.com/445874/apple-watch-series-2-review/ Buster For the past 16 months, Apple’s wearable and I have had an on-again, off-again relationship. Apple Watch Series 2 is supposed to be wicked fast at this, but there’s just one problem. The device’s screen never shows “GPS” or another indicator to prove it’s connected. You just have to take it on faith that there’s a connection behind the scenes. It still can’t track your elevation. There’s a huge difference in difficulty between running 5 miles on flat roads verses 5 miles with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. The only way to get your elevation data is to pack your iPhone along for the ride. This watch is screaming fast. I didn’t notice any major gains in battery life, so it’s likely that all the extra juice is being used to power the new GPS chip and display.

This week: should you buy Airpods?  The reviews are in, and we’re excited.  Plus: the iPhone 7 carrier deals you need to know about; iPhone 7 smashes pre-order expectations; Series 1 vs. Series 2 Apple Watch; and, Apple, the new NASA?   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer codeCultCastat checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Audible, the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started at audible.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - Whole Earth Access has the Macintosh you’ve been looking for! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHGDpYXtqow   T-Mobile CEO: iPhone 7 is shaping up to be a smash hit http://www.cultofmac.com/445389/t-mobile-ceo-iphone-7-shaping-smash-hit/ According to charismatic T-Mobile CEO John Legere, reports about a supposed lack of interest in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are way overblown. “So I don’t know what everyone is doing, but it’s like four times bigger than the iPhone 6 for us at this order stage,” he said, calling orders thus far a “phenomenon.”    Apple won’t have any iPhone 7 Plus models for sale in stores on Friday   http://www.recode.net/2016/9/15/12925820/apple-iphone-7-sold-out It’s completely sold out, as is the smaller iPhone in Jet Black   Our pre-order experiences (discussion)   AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon iPhone 7 deals are bonkers (discussion)   Thoughts on watchOS 3 and the Apple Watch Series 1 vs. Series 2  (discussion)   AirPods review roundup: A nice idea with room for improvement http://www.cultofmac.com/445557/airpods-review-roundup-nice-idea-room-improvement/ We’ll have to wait until October to get our hands on Apple’s new wireless AirPods, but select reviewers have been granted early access to help us decide whether they’re worth their $159 price tag.   Impressions “There’s nothing to break or tangle, nothing to plug in, nothing to get caught on a stranger’s backpack on the train every freaking day. Just sweet aural freedom.”   “sit in my ears, actually better than EarPods, and remained in place even while running” David Pierce at Wired Chris Velazco of Engadget writes that he’s “stunned Apple squeezed as much tech into the AirPods as they did.”     Sound Most reviewers concluded that AirPods sound almost exactly like EarPods. Engadget review. “In general, the AirPods gave mids a little more meat than EarPods did, and drum fills felt crisper and more precise. My test tracks… came across warmer than I would have expected.” Another review wrote “I’m no audiophile, but to me, the AirPods sound nearly identical to Apple’s wired EarPods.”    Siri “Having Siri two taps away isn’t just the best thing about the AirPods. It’s the reason they exist,” writes David Pierce. “It’s easy to imagine Apple making the AirPods the centerpiece of how you interact with all your devices, particularly as Siri becomes more important.” “Consider this the first step towards a future where we no longer have to stare at a screen to get things done,” adds Business Insider. “Siri… can always be there, responding to your queries by buzzing in your ear, almost like in the movie “Her.”   Why Apple is the new NASA http://www.cultofmac.com/444551/why-apple-is-the-new-nasa/  

This episode: our iPhone 7 event reactions! iPhone 7, AirPods, the new Apple Watch—we’ll cover everything Apple announced this week, and tell you what we like, what we don’t, and what we’ll be spending our own hard-earned monies on.  Plus: Nintendo's big move into iOS, and how to lock down the exact iPhone you want when the pre-orders go live..   This episode supported by   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   And our thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Shot on iPhone - Tim Cook’s exquisite football photo http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/8/10934804/tim-cook-blurry-super-bowl-photo

This week: what new hardware will Apple bestow upon us at the iPhone 7 event next week?  Don’t miss our predictions!  Plus: new video shows iPhone 7 Plus in the wild;  and we explain Apple’s Irish tax woes, then argue about it.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. Easiest   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   What do you think we’ll see at Apple’s iPhone 7 event?  Join us on Reddit! https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCultCast/comments/505z3f/the_apple_event_is_on_september_7_what_are_we_all/   Intro, who needs a desk? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVUGFUhFj94   Decoding Apple’s blurry iPhone 7 invite http://www.cultofmac.com/443579/decoding-apples-blurry-iphone-7-invite/   Apple sends out invites for iPhone 7 event on September 7 http://www.cultofmac.com/443570/apple-sends-out-invite-for-september-7th-iphone-event/ Apple just sent out press invitation to a special event to be held September 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are expected to be unveiled at the event. A dual-lens camera on the iPhone 7 Plus could be the most groundbreaking new feature added this year. Other additions are likely to include a new pressure-sensitive Touch ID button, a faster A10 processor, an improved camera on the iPhone 7 Plus, and a new casing with fewer antenna lines. The iPhone 7 will also boast faster LTE, a bigger battery and more.   Apple will package Lightning EarPods and adapter with iPhone 7 http://www.cultofmac.com/443774/apple-will-package-lightning-earpods-and-adapter-with-iphone-7/ A new image circulating online, purporting to be insert documentation for the upcoming iPhone 7, appears to confirm that Apple will be bundling Lightning EarPods as part of its next-gen handsets.   New video shows working iPhone 7 Plus in the wild http://www.cultofmac.com/443859/new-video-shows-working-iphone-7-plus-in-the-wild/#more-443859 Notorious Apple leaker Sonny Dickson posted a short video of the three plus-size iPhones this morning, confirming many of the rumors that have claimed this year’s update won’t contain any huge design changes. The back of the iPhone 7 Plus in Dickson’s video reveals that the device will indeed come with a highly anticipated dual-lens camera, though it won’t pick up a Smart Connector   Tim Cook: Apple’s tax bill will have a ‘harmful’ effect on investment in EU http://www.cultofmac.com/443656/tim-cook-apples-tax-bill-will-have-a-harmful-effect-on-investment-in-eu/ http://www.businessinsider.com/what-just-happened-to-apple-explained-2016-8 Tim Cook has written an open letter addressing Apple’s enormous tax bill The European Union recently ruled that Apple owes  €13 billion ($14.52 billion) in back taxes Cook also states that suggestions Apple has an illegal sweetheart deal in Ireland, “has no basis in fact or in law,” confirms Apple will appeal the European Commission’s ruling The Irish government has said it is happy with its tax arrangement with Apple and doesn’t want the money. Ireland’s finance ministry has sided with Apple, and said it “disagrees profoundly” with the decision. The European Commission's issue is really not with Apple but with Ireland. The commission is not a tax authority; instead, its job is to maintain fairness between the EU member states. Countries are able to set their own tax rates, but country can’t offer something special that's seen as benefiting an individual company. In 1991,  Ireland (who’s economy was struggling) signed off on a plan in which Apple would move money to a stateless "head office”. "Apple entered into a deal with Ireland to not pay tax on all those profits,” and Apple paid "an arbitrarily small amount to Ireland in return for a promise to keep jobs in Ireland.” (The kept 6000 there.) Low corporate tax was one way Ireland improved its economy and attracted big companies, and Apple was one of the early companies to benefit.

This week:  You’ve heard of Samsung’s Galaxy Edge… but is an iPhone 8 Plus Edge on the way?  Some respected analysts say yes.  Plus: iPhone 7 Plus with dual lens was just spotted on the streets; iOS 9.3.5 fixes one of the most invasive iOS exploits to date; Tim Cook just made FAT STACKS of cash; and if the rumors prove true, Apple is working on a new social network… to take on Snap Chat.  No, seriously.   This episode supported by   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   And our thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Drink it in, my friends https://instagram.com/p/BJdFw8OBr2A/   Galaxy Note 7 vs iPhone 6S Speed Test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-61FFoJFy0&feature=youtu.be   Taiwanese superstar posts picture of himself using iPhone 7 Plus http://www.cultofmac.com/443000/taiwanese-actor-and-singer-posts-picture-of-himself-using-iphone-7-plus/ Taiwanese actor and singer Jimmy Lin has been photographed using what appears to be a new iPhone 7 Plus, complete with its rumored dual-lens camera and LED flash. Lin previously managed to get his hands on advance units of the iPhone 5 in 2012 and iPhone 6 in 2014 — both of which turned out to be the real deal.   Apple's 2017 Curved OLED iPhone to Be a New Premium Model http://www.macrumors.com/2016/08/22/2017-iphone-dual-curve-premium-model/ Apple is planning to release at least three new iPhones next year, including a high-end model with a 5.5-inch-or-larger OLED display that is curved on both sides like Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge, according to Nikkei Ming Chi Kuo's research note this week outlined three new iPhone models are coming, including LCD-based 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models and a high-end OLED-based 5.8-inch model, as one possibility providing supply of AMOLED displays is sufficient.    Apple rolls out iOS 9.3.5 to beef up security [Update] http://www.cultofmac.com/443342/apple-rolls-out-ios-9-3-5-to-beef-up-security/ iOS 9.3.5 fixes a serious vulnerability that allows our devices to be snooped on. Software created by Israeli company NSO Group took advantage of the hole to read text messages and emails, to record calls, and to steal contacts. Tim Cook just unlocked a monstrous bonus http://www.cultofmac.com/443228/tim-cook-just-got-a-monstrous-bonus/ Buster Today marks Tim Cook’s five-year anniversary as the CEO of Apple, and as a reward for making it this long in the top spot he just unlocked a monster bonus. $100 million! Apple awarded Cook 980,000 Apple shares for his performance as part of the larger compensation package he signed in 2011. Based on Apple stock’s Tuesday closing price of $108.85, the shares are currently worth around 106.7 million. Despite the big pay day, Cook’s estimated wealth of $650 million is relatively modest by Silicon Valley standards, but he’s planning to donate most of it to charity anyway.   Apple could go head to head with Snapchat in 2017 http://www.cultofmac.com/443315/apple-could-go-head-to-head-with-snapchat-in-2017/ A new report from Bloomberg is claiming that Apple is in the process of developing its own Snapchat rival. The company, "seeking to capitalize on the popularity of social networks," will focus on video in the new app, letting users record a video, edit it, apply a filter, add doodles, and then send it out to friends. The app is being developed in the same Apple department that developed Final Cut Pro and iMovie software

This week: leaks point to some excellent upgrades coming to the smaller iPhone 7—we’ll give you the scoop.  Plus: get ready for iPhone 7, we have a launch date; Apple Watch 2 leaks points to the arrival of a sorely-needed feature; new models and “revolutionary” upgrades are coming to the iPad line; and stick around for CultCast Choices, the game that pits one bad choice against another.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   If you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love CultCloth.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney    Intro - Things to do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTv26OA3txg   The Apple Store is dead http://www.cultofmac.com/442815/the-apple-store-is-dead-long-live-apple/ The Apple Store is no longer called the Apple Store. Apple has begun dropping “Store” from the name of its 479 retail locations worldwide, so they are now referred to simply as “Apple.” The store pages on Apple’s website now refer to its locations using names like “Apple Union Square,” “Apple Fifth Avenue,” and “Apple The Grove,” as opposed to the former “Apple Store, Union Square,” “Apple Store, Fifth Avenue,” and “Apple Store, The Grove.”   iPhone 7 may launch on September 23 http://www.cultofmac.com/442549/iphone-7-may-launch-on-september-23/ Apple’s next iPhone could be available to the public as soon as September 23rd, based on a new leak that reveals AT&T plans to do a big “Merchandising Reset” at all stores that day. The unveiling of the iPhone 7 is rumored to take place on September 7th with pre-orders to follow two days later The leaked AT&T scheduling information shows that stores will need to spend up to three hours on a merchandising reset September 9th, indicating advertisements for iPhone 7 pre-orders will go on display that morning.   iPhone 7 and 7 Plus won’t be joined by an iPhone 7 Pro this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/442673/iphone-7-and-7-plus-wont-be-joined-by-an-iphone-7-pro-this-fall/\ Killian Japanese blog Macotakara, whose sources have been reliable in the past, confirms that this year’s iPhone’s will be labeled iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus — just as expected. They also promise that the devices will bring “greatly improved” cameras, Apple’s A10 chip, and a capacitive home button that’s expected to be pressure-sensitive.    iPhone 7’s second speaker grille may be just for show http://www.cultofmac.com/441992/iphone-7s-second-speaker-grille-may-be-just-for-show/ Killian iPhone 7 housing schematics acquired by NowhereElse suggest the speaker grilles on one side of Apple’s upcoming handsets is purely cosmetic to make the bottom edge look more symmetrical, though it won’t be totally useless. It appears Apple will place the iPhone’s microphone behind this grille, so some of the holes will serve a purpose.   Leaked iPhone 7 camera hints at big improvements http://www.cultofmac.com/442818/leaked-iphone-7-camera-hints-at-big-improvements/ Buster   While most of this years iPhone camera rumors have focused on the dual-lens module coming to the iPhone 7 Plus, a leaked iPhone 7 rear camera part hints at some big improvements coming to the smaller device. The image below leaked by NowhereElse claims to show the iPhone 7’s iSight camera which appears to include the addition of optical image stabilization to make photos sharper than ever. Other leaks have revealed that the lens on the iPhone 7 iSight camera will be larger than previous models which should have a big impact on how much light it can capture and the quality of pictures.   Apple Watch 2 will get GPS but no LTE http://www.cultofmac.com/442827/apple-watch-2-will-get-gps-but-no-lte/ Buster Although Apple plans to add a number of much needed features to the Apple Watch 2, a new report claims the company hit roadblocks when trying to make a major change that would have added LTE or other cellular data connection capabilities to the device. “The company still plans to announce new watch models this fall boasting improvements to health tracking,” reports Bloomberg. “The updated versions will also be able to integrate GPS-based location tracking.”   10.5-inch iPad Pro coming in 2017, OLED upgrade in 2018 http://www.cultofmac.com/442331/10-5-inch-ipad-pro-coming-in-2017-oled-upgrade-in-2018/ Apple will ship three new iPads next year, according to well-connected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo — including a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad, upgraded 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro variant as well. But 2018, that’s the year in which Kuo promises “revolutionary” upgrades, which will include a “radical” change in form factor as well as an AMOLED display. Interestingly, there’s no mention made of the 7.9-inch iPad mini, which could conceivably be phased out in order avoid direct competition with Apple’s larger plus-sized iPhone models.

This week: new Macbook Pros, incoming!  We have even more details to share on the “significant” updates coming soon to Apple’s Macbook Pro line.  Plus: iPhone 7 may get a Quad HD display and pressure-sensitive home button; Apple’s plans for a “killer” new health device; and we review our favorite new hover boards and smart scales on an all new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   And our thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @alexeheath   Apple said to be developing ‘killer’ health device for 2017 http://www.cultofmac.com/441455/apple-said-to-be-developing-killer-health-device-for-2017/   Apple ditched plan to make three iPhone 7 models http://www.cultofmac.com/441425/apple-ditched-plan-to-make-three-iphone-7-models/   iPhone 7 to feature pressure-sensitive home button http://www.cultofmac.com/441218/iphone-7-to-feature-pressure-sensitive-home-button/   iPhone 7 Plus may be in line for Quad HD display http://www.cultofmac.com/441345/iphone-7-plus-may-be-in-line-for-quad-hd-display/   New MacBook Pro may pack Touch ID power button http://www.cultofmac.com/441256/new-macbook-pro-may-pack-touch-id-power-button/   New iPhone to Have Dual Camera but No Headphone Jack https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-08/new-iphone-said-to-have-dual-camera-pressure-sensitive-button   Segway miniPro http://amzn.to/2aLyEHB   Swagtron T3 http://amzn.to/2aLyv7f   Tithings Body Cardio scale http://www.withings.com/us/en/products/body-cardio

This week: the controversy around iOS 10’s new gun emoji;  we compare Instagram’s new stories feature to Snapchat's; Gwyneth Paltrow brings her coding skills to ‘Planet of the Apps’; we attended a 5-day Apple II festival, we’ll tell you the cool parts; and stick around for the best ways to find specific Pokémon in 'Pokémon GO’.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   If you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love CultCloth.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @alexeheath   Gwyneth Paltrow is bringing her coding skills to ‘Planet of the Apps’ http://www.cultofmac.com/441089/gwyneth-paltrow-is-bringing-her-coding-skills-to-planet-of-the-apps/#more-441089 Paltrow will be joined by will.i.am and serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk on the show where all three will serve as mentors and advisors to app developers in the series that will reportedly act as a launch pad to exceptional developers.   iOS 10 adds 100+ emoji to promote gender equality http://www.cultofmac.com/440607/ios-10-adds-100-emoji-to-promote-gender-equality/ The latest beta build of iOS 10 seeded to developers this morning brings more gender options to existing characters like the surfer, runner, weightlifter, detective, construction worker and much more. The pistol emoji has been changed to a water gun, too   Apple is replacing the pistol emoji with a squirt gun http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-pistol-squirt-gun-emoji-apple-20160802-snap-story.html Emojis are not made by Apple. They are selected, designed and coded by a nonprofit organization called the Unicode Consortium. Platforms like Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Facebook decide exactly how those characters will appear on the device you're using. Apple is reinterpreting how it will "read" the pistol emoji. Instead of depicting it as a metal revolver, it will show the green toy water pistol. In June, Apple asked the Unicode Consortium to exclude a scoped shooting rifle from the upcoming set of emojis. Unicode complied, and the rifle was scrapped. Emoji are funny, but they’re also a powerful way to communicate. This move by Apple communicates that tools of violence and death shouldn’t be part of our light-hearted, ubiquitous lexicon. (the Guardian)   Instagram’s new feature is a ripoff of Snapchat Stories http://www.cultofmac.com/440801/instagrams-new-feature-is-a-ripoff-of-snapchat-stories/ company introduced Instagram Stories, which lets you share multiple photos and videos in a single slideshow. It can be shared with select followers without showing up on your more public profile. It then disappears 24 hours later. It functions in the same way as the Stories feature on Snapchat   There's a new way to find specific Pokémon in 'Pokémon GO,' and it works http://www.techinsider.io/skiplagged-pokevision-alternative-shows-pokemon-locations-in-pokemon-go-2016-8

This week:  iPhone 7 gets a new 3D Touch home button and a September 9th launch date!  Plus: why we may be only weeks away from Apple’s Macbook Pro and Apple Watch 2 launch event; the big gun is back—Apple puts Big Bob Mansfield at the helm of their top secret Apple Car project; one of the internet’s best web series is now an Apple Music exclusive; and stick around for apps, man—we’ve got some sweet picks for you.   This episode supported by TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   James Cordon carpools with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and it’s magical https://youtu.be/cfudXO_vzWk   Apple just sold its billionth iPhone! http://www.cultofmac.com/439969/apple-just-sold-its-billionth-iphone/ One billion iPhone devices have officially been sold now since Steve Jobs unveiled the magical smartphone back in 2007, the company revealed today.   iPhone 7 pre-orders will reportedly open on September 9 http://www.cultofmac.com/440053/iphone-say-pre-orders-will-reportedly-open-on-september-9/ The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will reportedly be made available for pre-order on September 9, according to well-connected tipster Evan Blass. Keynote on Monday the 5th or Tuesday the 6th   iPhone 7 might not go by the name you’re expecting http://www.cultofmac.com/439600/iphone-7-might-not-go-by-the-name-youre-expecting/ A new rumor coming out of China suggests that September’s next-gen iPhone won’t be called the iPhone 7 as expected, but rather the iPhone 6SE — continuing the naming scheme Apple introduced for its 4-inch iPhone SE earlier this year. so far it’s just a rumor citing Chinese supply chain sources.  A separate report, meanwhile, suggests that it’s likely to debut on Friday, September 16. That’s just two months’ away… The slightly-earlier-than-usual launch date was “revealed” by tipster Evan Blass, who has a strong track record when it comes to this type of information.   iPhone 7 may get 3D Touch home button http://www.cultofmac.com/439831/iphone-7-may-get-3d-touch-home-button/#more-439831 Apple allegedly plans to replace its physical home button on the iPhone 7 (or iPhone 6 SE) with a new 3D Touch button that won’t move when you press it, but well instead give users a haptic feedback to replicate the feeling of pressing a button, like on the Magic Trackpad 2. Macotakara claims to have heard from supply chain sources that the company will indeed include the feature on this year’s model, making it a bit more interesting than anticipated. The new home button design will supposedly be flush with the rest of the body, making the iPhone more waterproof than ever now that there are fewer paths for water to enter the device and destroy the internal components.   Surprise! Apple Watch 2 set to arrive this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/439787/surprise-apple-watch-2-set-to-arrive-this-fall-as-expected/ The long-awaited next version of the Apple Watch will supposedly be unveiled this fall Apple Watch 2’s big unveiling will happen in either September or October, claims DigiTimes Future Apple Watch updates are expected to add LTE data, GPS, longer battery life and faster performance.   Apple puts Bob Mansfield in driving seat for secret car project http://www.cultofmac.com/439612/apple-puts-bob-mansfield-in-driving-seat-for-secret-car-project/ Bob Mansfield has been chosen to head up Apple’s “secret” electric car project three years after stepping down from his executive role, according to a new report. Mansfield first joined Apple in 1999 and retired in June 2012, but just two months later, it was confirmed that he was staying on to work on “future projects.” Mansfield was then named senior vice president of technologies in October 2012. Mansfield was previously in charge of Mac hardware at Apple and led development of products like the MacBook Air, iMac and iPad. Mansfield was previously making only occasional visits to Apple; however, employees recently noticed in the company directory that all senior managers working on the car project are now reporting directly to him. “Apple now has Mr. Mansfield running the company’s secret autonomous, electric-vehicle initiative, code-named Project Titan,” reports The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter.   ‘Carpool Karaoke’ TV show will be an Apple Music exclusive http://www.cultofmac.com/439811/carpool-karaoke-tv-show-will-be-an-apple-music-exclusive/ James Corden’s popular ‘Carpool Karaeoke’ segment from The Late Late Show on CBS is set to become its own show later this year and you’ll only be able to watch in on Apple Music. The viral segment has been a breakout hit of 2016 thanks to appearances from the likes of Adele, Justin Bieber, Michelle Obama, Elton John and dozens of other stars who drive around Los Angeles singing popular songs.   Our Apps, Man picks Buster - Photo pills http://www.photopills.com   Erfon - Tinycards https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1109425556?mt=8   Leander - Ultimate ears speakers and their companion apps http://origin.ultimateears.com/ue-apps/en-us/

This week: leaked codenames might mean no iPhone 7 Pro; a new trademark alludes to a new wireless version of your white-wired EarPods; forget the debit card, Apple Pay is coming to an ATM near you; and, have you outgrown Apple’s Calendar, Mail, Notes, or other native apps?  We’ll tell you our favorite replacements!   This episode supported by   If you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love CultCloth.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney    The end of plastic cards nears: Over 70,000 ATMs will soon support Touch ID withdrawals http://9to5mac.com/2016/07/15/atm-withdrawals-with-iphone-fis-partnership/   AirPods trademark appears to confirm Apple’s wireless future http://www.cultofmac.com/438282/airpods-trademark-appears-to-confirm-apples-wireless-future/ Buster it appears that Apple is definitely planning to make some wireless earbuds of its own, based on some recently discovered trademark filings.' MacRumors have found evidence that appears to confirm Apple will be releasing wireless EarPods, dubbed, Airpods An amendment filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office review process shows that Apple used a shell company called Entertainment in Flight to trademark the term “AirPods.” Apple used similar tactics to register the “iPad” and “CarPlay” trademarks. It did the same for “iWatch” too but discarded the name.   iPhone 7 code names leave no room for ‘Pro’ model http://www.cultofmac.com/438689/iphone-7-codenames-leave-no-room-for-pro-model/ Apple leaker Evan Blass has taken to twitter to alert the world that there will be only two iPhone 7 models coming up, Sonora and Dos Palos. This would imply there will be no iPhone 7 Pro, just your regular iPhone 7 and 7 Plus He’s got a great track record.   Our favorite replacements to the native apps  

Guest Blake J. Harris, author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, regales us with the story of the 90s video game battle that pitted newcomer, Sega of America, against Nintendo, an unstoppable force, and maker of Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and the beloved Nintendo Entertainment System.

This week: why Pokemon Go is the smash iOS hit Nintendo needed;  iPhone 7 may get the extended battery life we’ve all been asking for;  Cult of Mac’s bizarre connection to Apple’s new Planet of the Apps TV show; and... which is manlier summer attire, mid-rift shirts or short shorts?  We answer life’s most intriguing questions on an all-new Get To Know Ur Cultist.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   If you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love CultCloth.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney    Intro - The new Apple IIc https://youtu.be/DQ4oB-rPWh4?t=2m16s     iPhone 7 might finally bring the feature everybody wants http://www.cultofmac.com/437949/iphone-7-might-finally-bring-the-feature-everybody-wants/ Buster The upcoming iPhone 7 may pack a juicy 1960mAh battery inside its simplified shell, according to a new rumor from OnLeaks. The often-reliable Apple leaker says he’s not 100% sure it will happen, but he’s right, it would be about a 15% increase in capacity over the 1715mAh battery in the iPhone 6s.   Apple posts open casting call for Planet of the Apps TV show http://www.cultofmac.com/437798/apple-posts-open-casting-call-for-planet-of-the-apps-tv-show/ Buster Apple is looking for a few talented developers to star in the inaugural season of its first ever reality TV series that will focus on the hard knock life of developers and the apps they create. Helmed by executive producers Will.i.am, Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens of Biggest Loser fame, the series has teamed up with Product Hunt to go on a four city tour to find the country’s best up-and-coming app developers. The producers are touting Planet of the Apps as not just a reality TV show, but also as a “launch pad and accelerator for exceptional developers.” Upcoming casting calls are scheduled for San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and New York. Interested developers must apply by Friday, August 26 with an app for either iOS, tvOS, watchOS or macOS. Apple says those selected will be given the chance to receive guidance from some of the tech community’s top experts. They’ll also get premium placement on the App Store and access to funding from Silicon Valley VCs.   Pokémon Go continues its global invasion this week http://www.cultofmac.com/437480/pokemon-go-continues-its-global-invasion-this-week/ The game is officially available only in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand right now, but it is already a huge success. According to data from analytics firm SimilarWeb, the game already has more users than Tinder. Pokémon Go will continue its global invasion later this week as it expands its reach into Europe and Asia. The title has already become a smash hit, causing Nintendo shares to rocket 25 percent despite the game only being available in a small number of regions.   Get to know your Cultist A movie we've seen at least 25 times and still love. Leander - Apocalypse Now, Wild bunch, Onion field Buster - Step brothers, Pineapple Express, Night at the Rockbury Erfon - Star Trek VI the Undiscovered Country, Indiana Jones The Last Crusade Albums we love listening to from start to finish. Leander - Sandinista by The Clash Buster - Explosions in the Sky Erfon - Ten by Pearl Jam, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too by the New Radicals

This week: the best ways to get your gadgets the AppleCare protection you want, but without the AppleCare prices you don’t.  Plus: the iPhone 7 may have more storage than you expected; taking over Tidal could mean CD quality streaming is coming to Apple Music; hands on with the iOS 10 and macOS Sierra betas; “the fappening” hacker heads to the slammer; this year’s iPhone Photography Award winners prove your iPhone is all your need to create captivating images.    This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / david@cultofmac.com   Intro - iPhone camera changes the game https://youtu.be/N-C_jUUnZfQ?t=2m24s   iOS 10 and macOS Sierra betas are now open to the public http://www.cultofmac.com/436909/ios-10-and-macos-sierra-betas-are-now-open-to-the-public/ Buster Apple is now letting members of its public beta program install the new software, which debuted last month at WWDC. If you haven’t already signed up to get in on the betas, you can still do so at the Apple Beta Software Program site. Once you’re in the program, you’ll get an email with a link to download the latest builds.   Apple might buy struggling competitor Tidal http://www.cultofmac.com/436058/apple-might-buy-struggling-competitor-tidal/ Buster A new report claims that the iPhone-maker is in exploratory talks to acquire the music streaming service. “The talks are ongoing and may not result in a deal,” reports the Wall Street Journal, which says Apple is considering buying the company as a way to bolster its strategy to spend tons of cash on artist exclusives. Tidal was launched in 2014, purchased by Jay Z in 2015, and promised artists greater revenues than those offered by Spotify and Apple Music. Both Apple and Tidal are remaining silent about rumors of the talks. Terms of the possible deal haven’t been revealed   iPhone 7 might kill measly 16GB storage option at last http://www.cultofmac.com/436652/iphone-7-base-model-may-come-with-32gb-of-storage/ Buster The cheapest model iPhone 7 units will come with 32GB of storage by default, reports the Wall Street Journal in a wide-ranging article that covers possible features Apple’s latest smartphone will have. The increase in storage has been rumored for a few months now, with other reports claiming Apple will also add a 256GB option for those who need even more storage. Other new features expected to be added include a simplified case design, new dual-lens camera, better waterproofing, no headphone jack and Lightning EarPods.   ‘Celebgate’ hacker pleads guilty to cracking iCloud accounts http://www.cultofmac.com/436495/celebgate-hacker-pleads-guilty-to-cracking-300-icloud-accounts/#more-436495   A hacker who broke into more than 30 iCloud accounts has pleaded guilty for his role in the “Celebgate” leak of 2014. Edward Majerczyk faces up to five years in prison for illegally obtaining private celebrity photos. Majerczyk, 28, worked alongside Ryan Collins, who pleaded guilty to his role in the hack back in March, to create a phishing scam that tricked celebrities into entering login information into fake websites. They then used this information to obtain access to over 300 Gmail and iCloud accounts.   Should you get Apple Care/Apple Care +  https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/4rloui/what_exactly_is_applecare_why_do_you_recommend_it/   Behold the year’s best iPhone photographs http://www.cultofmac.com/436930/behold-the-years-best-iphone-photographs/

This week: You’ll laugh, you’ll cry—wait till you hear the latest lawsuit aimed right at Apple’s biggest products.  Plus: leaked photos of EarPods with a lightning connector look better than expected; why we may never get 3rd party Apple Watch faces; Netflix adding a feature they swore would never happen; and a man builds a vibrant photography career in the world of sports with nothing but his iPhone. Oh, and Val Kilmer dances with a carrot in his derriere.  Just hit play already.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / david@cultofmac.com   Intro - Young Bill Gates, thoughts on the Macintosh https://youtu.be/37VaLvjw-3s?t=19s   Netflix to add offline viewing by the end of 2016 http://www.cultofmac.com/435021/netflix-to-add-offline-viewing-by-the-end-of-2016/ Netflix is working to bring offline viewing to its smartphone and tablet apps by the end of 2016, according to sources familiar with its plans. Netflix rival Amazon Prime Instant Video added this functionality last September Now industry insider and Penthera COO Dan Taitz promises that “download-to-go” will be available by the end of the year. Penthera specializes in providing video downloading technology to customers like Comcast, Charter Communications, and more. John Gruber: Don't Ever Expect Third Party Watch Faces on Apple Watch http://watchaware.com/post/17499/john-gruber-dont-ever-expect-third-party-watch-faces-on-apple-watch [Apple] they do fancy themselves to be a real watch company. And as a real watch company everything you’re going to see is going to be San Fransisco. Now they could enforce that for third-parties possibly. Any analog dial is going to use those Apple-styled hands. The capsule-shaped hands. And watch  companies typically have things like that. For example, the hands on a Rolex are instantly recognizable. In the dials are unmistakably Rolex-styled dials.  And Apple fancies itself as a high end watch company.   Gaze upon iPhone 7’s Lightning EarPods in all their glory http://www.cultofmac.com/435729/gaze-upon-iphone-7s-lighting-earpods-in-all-their-glory/ New photos of what are claimed to be Apple’s next-generation EarPods all but confirm that its iPhone 7 series will ship without the beloved headphone jack. The new EarPods, which surfaced on Chinese micro-blogging website Weibo, swap the 3.5mm jack we’ve been using for decades for a Lightning connector.   Apple sued by man who claims he invented iPhone in 1992 http://www.cultofmac.com/435700/apple-sued-by-man-who-claims-he-invented-iphone-in-1992/ A Florida man is suing Apple for a whopping $10 billion and 1.5 percent of all future Apple earnings — because he claims to have come up with the idea for Apple’s breakthrough mobile device all way back in 1992. Thomas S. Ross’ “electronic reading device” patent describes a “device so designed and aggregated as to have created a novel combination of media and communication tools,” He claims this idea (allegedly) to have been “hijacked and exploited by Apple’s iPhones, iPods, iPads and others.” The suit finally argues that the distress Ross has suffered as a result of seeing his iPhone everywhere without the proper credit being bestowed on him adds up to a “great and irreparable injury that cannot fully be compensated or measured in money.” In the meantime, though, he’s happy to take $10 billion — plus the barely-significant sum of 1.5 percent of all future Apple earnings. It’s only right, isn’t it?   Meet the sports shooter who leaves heavy gear behind for an iPhone http://www.cultofmac.com/435070/meet-the-sports-shooter-who-leaves-heavy-gear-behind-for-an-iphone/   Erfon mentioned these Sony XBA-H1 earphones! http://amzn.to/298QdUd  

This week: everything we think we know about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 7!  Plus: price leaks indicate we may get an iPhone 7 “Pro”; the one feature Android phones have that we envy; and we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about the gadgets we’re reviewing—it’s an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   Non-Retina MacBook Pro disappears from Apple Stores http://www.cultofmac.com/434517/non-retina-macbook-pro-disappears-from-apple-stores/ Apple has begun removing the 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro from its retail store displays The non-Retina MacBook Pro is the only laptop left in Apple’s lineup with an optical drive. It’s also the most affordable MacBook Pro at just $1,099, but without the slimmer form factor, Retina display, and features like Force Touch The machine hasn’t seen a refresh since 2012, which means it’s not too surprising to see that Apple is no longer pushing it   iPhone 7 will have more tiny design changes you won’t notice http://www.cultofmac.com/434748/iphone-7-will-have-more-tiny-design-changes-you-wont-notice/ The iPhone 7 is set to be one of the most boring updates Apple’s ever released. The new iPhone will look just like the iPhone 6/6s The Wall Street Journal  called the changes set to be introduced in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus "subtle," while Ming Chi Kuo has said the device will not have many "attractive selling points."  Longer Earpiece cutout Relocated ambient light sensor   iPhone 7 will be boring, according to WSJ http://www.cultofmac.com/434550/wsj-confirms-iphone-7-will-be-boring/ Rumors that the iPhone 7 will be a snooze-worthy update have been seemingly confirmed today by The Wall Street Journal, which claims Apple plans to break from its traditional pattern of redesigning its flagship device every year. This year’s iPhone will come with plenty of minor upgrades, but according to the new report, some iPhone 7 features that Apple hoped to integrate just weren’t ready for a 2016 rollout. During a meeting with an Apple executive last month, a China-based engineer asked why this year’s iPhone didn’t get a major design change. “The answer, one person at the meeting recalled, was that the new technology in the pipeline will take time to implement,” reports the Journal. The WSJ says Apple hoped to implement a curved screen into the iPhone 7 but the technology wasn’t ready. The company supposedly hopes to integrate big new features next year, though, for the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. A10 Blue color Dual lens camera on the 7 Plus, larger camera on the 7 Better water proofing Better looking antenna bands Lightning headphone jack/dongle   Get your dongle on: iPhone 7 to include Lightning adapter http://www.cultofmac.com/434409/get-your-dongle-on-iphone-7-to-include-lightning-adapter/ The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will ship with regular 3.5mm EarPods, according to a new report from Macotakara that claims Apple will include a 3.5mm to Lightning Adapter so you’re not force to buy new headphones with your new iPhone. The report also claims that by removing the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, Apple will add a row of speaker holes on the right side.   iPhone 7 price leak promises Pro model, 256GB of storage http://www.cultofmac.com/434857/iphone-7-price-leak-promises-pro-model-256gb-of-storage/#more-434857 An alleged price list for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 7 series suggests there will be a high-end “Pro” model after all. Fans could also get 256GB storage options, while 32GB of storage could become the minimum. According to an iPhone 7 price list posted on Chinese micro-blogging network Weibo, there will be an iPhone 7 Pro in Apple’s lineup this fall.

This week: it's our WWDC 2016 reactions!  Plus: all the WWDC announcements worth getting excited about; the best hidden OS features not mentioned on stage; more confirmation that a Macbook Pro with OLED touch bar is imminent; and a very strange iPhone 7 rumor surfaces.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   The critically acclaimed #1 New York Times Bestseller about the real Steve Jobs, is now available in paperback. BECOMING STEVE JOBS will be available June 7, 2016, for $18, wherever books are sold. For more information, visit becomingstevejobs.com.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   iPhone 7 display leak hints at touch-sensitive home button http://www.cultofmac.com/433532/iphone-7-display-leak-hints-at-touch-sensitive-home-button/#more-433532 According to a display leak from Mobipicker, a new home button will become part of the iPhone’s cover glass. It should will contain a Touch ID sensor for fingerprint scanning and will still be surrounded by a ring — but it won’t be made of metal. Sources speaking to Mobipicker, say the new home button will continue to offer various functions, including tap and hold for Siri, and a double-tap for multitasking.   Clues in macOS Sierra point to OLED touch bar for MacBook Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/433464/clues-in-macos-sierra-point-to-oled-touch-bar-for-macbook-pro/ Source code in the first beta build of macOS Sierra hints that Apple plans to add support for an OLED touchpad, seemingly confirming the accuracy of the leaked MacBook Pro photos Cult of Mac published last month. Some new API changes hidden inside the source code for the next version of macOS also reveal Touch ID is in the works as well for Apple desktops. The new APIs were spotted by Mac Generation and suggest that the rumored OLED touch bar on the next-gen MacBook Pro will dynamically adjust to show system information and soft keys related to other applications.   Photographers rejoice! iOS 10 lets you snap RAW images http://www.cultofmac.com/433365/photographers-rejoice-ios-10-lets-you-snap-raw-images/ For the first time ever, Apple is finally bringing RAW image files to the Camera app in iOS 10  iOS 10’s RAW image capture is only available via the rear camera and you can’t use image stabilization when shooting RAW, but Apple did add the ability to shoot RAW + JPEG on a single snap and bracketed shooting.   Siri comes to Mac and opens up to developers http://www.cultofmac.com/433032/siri-comes-to-mac-and-opens-up-to-developers/ For the first time, Siri will be available on the Mac and will be opened to third-party developers on iOS. Siri will be opened up to third-party developers on iOS. Developers will be able to use Siri for a number of tasks, including: Messaging — send messages with apps like iMessage and Slack. Ride hailing — call for a ride on Uber or Lyft. Photo Search — search for images on Web or apps like Pinterest. Workouts — Siri can call up workouts. Payments — Siri can send payments to friends, say, in various payment apps. VOIP calling — Siri can make VOIP calls in apps like Vonage and Skype. Car — works with CarPlay. Siri API limited to these  types of apps.   Concept imagines the magic of MacBook Pro’s OLED touch bar http://www.cultofmac.com/433588/concept-imagines-the-magic-of-macbook-pros-oled-touch-bar/   MacBook Pro concept shows how useful an OLED touchpad will be http://www.cultofmac.com/432480/macbook-pro-concept-shows-how-cool-an-oled-touchpad-will-be/   Everything from WWDC 2016 worth getting excited about http://www.cultofmac.com/433147/everything-from-wwdc-worth-getting-excited-about/ Leander   All the new Messages features you’ll love in iOS 10 http://www.cultofmac.com/433414/all-the-new-messages-features-youll-love-in-ios-10/  

This week: it’s our WWDC 2016 predictions! We’ll tell you what hardware and software to expect.  Plus: Apple makes huge changes to the prices you’ll pay for apps; this year’s Back to School specials are some of Apple’s best yet; and Steve Jobs... the opera?  Don’t miss more weird and wild stories from the Cult of Mac.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   The critically acclaimed #1 New York Times Bestseller about the real Steve Jobs, is now available in paperback. BECOMING STEVE JOBS will be available June 7, 2016, for $18, wherever books are sold. For more information, visit becomingstevejobs.com.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / david@cultofmac.com   Intro - Welcome to the App Store https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo9cKe_Fch8   Read all about it! Teen’s news app scores him a WWDC scholarship http://www.cultofmac.com/431993/read-all-about-it-teens-news-app-scores-him-a-wwdc-scholarship/   5K Thunderbolt Display will be a no-show at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/431270/5k-thunderbolt-display-will-be-a-no-show-at-wwdc/ Buster Apple will not be updating its old ass Thunderbolt display anytime soon, despite rumors that suggested the company was planning to unveil a new 5K Thunderbolt display with a built-in GPU at this year’s WWDC. Apple’s WWDC 2016 keynote will focus mostly on software, according to a new report from 9to5Mac. "WWDC this year will be a ‘software year’, indicating the show will be light on new hardware announcements in general.” Another report from iMore confirms that the 5K monitor will be a no-show.     Apple is making huge changes to how much you’ll pay for apps http://www.cultofmac.com/432189/apple-is-making-huge-changes-to-how-youll-pay-for-apps/ Buster Starting next week Apple will roll out major changes to the App Store that will effect how, and how much you’ll pay, for your favorite apps. Apple plans to open subscriptions to all apps. In the past, the iPhone-maker only allowed apps for news, cloud services, dating and streaming to offer a subscription that’s billed automatically through iTunes. When developers are able to maintain a customer for more than 12 months, Apple will drop its take down to 15 percent, giving developers another small pay raise. The internally-dubbed “Subscriptions 2.0” model isn’t expected to roll out until this Fall when the company also plans to unleash search ads for apps in App Store search results   Apple kicks off back to school promo with big savings on Beats http://www.cultofmac.com/431225/apple-kicks-off-back-to-school-promo-with-big-savings-on-beats/ Apple has kicked off its latest back to school promotion. Apple is giving away a set of Beats Solo2 headphones  ($300 with MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro purchases. You can also get free Beats Powerbeats2 wireless headphones worth $200 when you buy an eligible iPad or iPhone. Apple’s offer runs through September 5, and you can take advantage of it when purchasing from retail stores throughout the U.S. or from the Apple Online Store.

This week: Macbook Pro spy photos reveal some juicy new features, but some old favorites go bye-bye…  Plus: Apple may finally update its ancient Thunderbolt display; why moving iPhone to a three year update cycle would suck; and stay tuned for more weird and wacky super-fan stories from the Cult of Mac.     This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer codeCultCastat checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / david@cultofmac.com   Intro - Steve Jobs introduces Apple’s new gem, the G4 Cube https://youtu.be/0EPcahdKD_Q?t=1h24m53s   The British Fabio! https://www.instagram.com/p/VH6arxMTKL/   A business is born from presenting Mac love on a pillow http://www.cultofmac.com/431082/a-business-is-born-from-presenting-mac-love-on-a-pillow/   Apple may finally update its old ass Thunderbolt Display http://www.cultofmac.com/430962/apple-may-finally-update-its-old-ass-thunderbolt-display/ It’s been over five years since Apple updated its standalone monitor Thunderbolt Display stock is limited or unavailable at several Apple Stores in North America, Europe, Australia according to a new report Dwindling supplies of Apple’s current Thunderbolt Display could indicate that the company plans to launch a gorgeous new monitor in the near future. It appears that Thunderbolt Displays are still in ready supply in some major cities, so the changes in supply could also simply indicate that Apple is dealing with fluctuations in its inventory.   You better get used to waiting 3 years for big iPhone upgrades http://www.cultofmac.com/430903/you-better-get-used-to-waiting-3-years-for-big-iphone-upgrades/ According to one report, Apple is switching its big upgrades to a three-year cycle, which is why this year’s iPhone 7 will look just like its predecessors This year, following last year’s iPhone 6s series, we should be getting another major refresh — but we know that’s not going to be the case. Leaks have revealed the iPhone 7 is almost identical to the iPhone 6s a report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei warns we should get used to this three-year wait for big upgrades. Apple has reportedly decided to extent its cycle because of slowing market demand and due to “smartphone functions having little room left for major enhancements.”   Spy photos all but confirm 2016 MacBook Pro’s OLED touchpad http://www.cultofmac.com/430982/spy-photos-all-but-confirm-2016-macbook-pros-oled-touchpad/ Leaked photos of what is claimed to be Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pro all but confirm it will ship with a new OLED touchpad above its keyboard. The images sent to Cult of Mac also hint at four USB-C connectors. Loss of SD card reader, Thunderbolt, HDMI out, and MagSafe? Adopts the arrow keys of the new butterfly keyboard No touch ID

This week: Macbook Pro about to get its biggest refresh ever!  Plus: Apple’s plans to rival Amazon’s Echo; Apple gets serious about iCar charging stations; more great stories from the Cult of Mac; the state of gaming in OS X, iOS, and tvOS; and we set aside our agendas to discuss YOUR topics in an all-new As You Wish.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple plans to make Amazon Echo rival by opening Siri http://www.cultofmac.com/429929/apple-plans-to-make-amazon-echo-rival-by-opening-siri/ Apple is reportedly planning to make a rival to the Amazon Echo, but the in order to compete with the device’s incredible array of features and services, Apple plans to open up Siri to third-party apps. According to The Information, Apple to open up Siri to apps made by others. And it is working on an Amazon Echo-like device with a speaker and microphone that people can use to turn on music, get news headlines or set a timer. Opening up its Siri voice assistant to outside app developers is the more immediate step [to competing with Echo],” reports the Information. Apple is supposedly preparing to release a Siri SDK that could arrive at WWDC 2016    MacBook Pro to get Touch ID in biggest ever refresh http://www.cultofmac.com/429822/macbook-pro-to-get-touch-id-in-biggest-ever-refresh/ Apple is set to give its MacBook Pro lineup their “most significant upgrade ever,” according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. New Macs will be thinner and lighter Will also include Touch ID and an OLED display touch bar to replace physical function keys on the keyboard, Employ the same metal injection molded hinges and butterfly mechanism keyboard seen on the 12-inch MacBook.   Apple is already working on charging stations for iCar http://www.cultofmac.com/430020/apple-is-already-working-on-charging-stations-for-icar/ Apple appears to be preparing the ground work for its charging infrastructure, according to a new report claiming the company is scooping up engineers that specialize in electric charing stations. “Apple is investigating how to charge electric cars, talking to charging station companies and hiring engineers with expertise in the area,” reports Reuters Apple has hired at least four charging specialists to help it create a competitive charger, including former BMW    If you’ve broken your iPhone, Parry Gripp’s music will comfort you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3mKnPTcrqc&feature=youtu.be   Leander’s been testing out the Eero router and talked about the Luma too https://www.eero.com https://getluma.com/about/

This week: Apple makes a curious investment in China’s version of Uber; iPhones that charge wirelessly in your pocket; Siri is coming to a Mac near you; more weird and wacky stories from the Cult of Mac; and we tell you what we like (and what we don’t) about the gadgets we’re currently testing in an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro: Your future computer, The Knowledge Navigator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bjve67p33E   Apple invests $1 billion in Chinese Uber rival http://www.cultofmac.com/428251/apple-invests-1-billion-in-chinese-uber-rival/ Apple has invested $1 billion in Chinese Uber rival Didi Chuxing Tim Cook says the deal “reflects our excitement about their growing business … and also our continued confidence in the long term in China’s economy.” Cook told Reuters: “We are making the investment for a number of strategic reasons, including a chance to learn more about certain segments of the China market,”  Jack Kent of tech analytical firm IHS Technology said partnering with Chinese companies is a common way for international companies to get into the massive Asian market.   Apple’s new hires point to iPhone wireless charging http://www.cultofmac.com/428817/apples-new-hires-point-to-iphone-wireless-charging/ In the last four months Apple has hired two former uBeam engineers with expertise in wireless charging and ultrasonic technology The Verge did some investigating, and discovered that in fact the in the last two years Apple has hired more than a dozen staffers with expertise in wireless charging. Earlier this year Bloomberg reported that Apple was hoping to add wireless charging to the new iPhone it releases in 2017. According to Bloomberg's sources, Apple wants to implement a much more advanced technology that would allow you to walk around a room and have your phone charging the entire time. Is the smart dock a stop gap?   Siri for Mac icons leak ahead of WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/428990/siri-for-mac-icons-leak-ahead-of-wwdc/ Apple’s digital assistant Siri is expected to finally arrive on Macs later this year with the next OS X update Cool icon in dock, plus accessible via the menu bar and Hey Siri option   Buster’s reviewing the Garmin Phoenix 3 http://amzn.to/1WG1xKB   Leander’s been listening to the Moshi Avanti on-ear headphones http://www.moshi.com/audio-headphones-avanti   Erfon’s lighting his house with the illumi smart bulbs http://amzn.to/1U3QQet     The three Apples that changed the world, featuring Jimmy Page and Fiona Apple

This week: Apple aims to end music downloads; you can now live stream your aerial drone flights to iDevices worldwide;  staggering facts about who’s making money in the app store; creators of Siri demo an even smarter AI; the ridiculous resale value of old Apple tech; and we reveal our Lust List of the gadgets we currently coveting.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / “At” David Pierini   Intro - Introducing, iPod https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfOciT044zE   All the maidens shall be mine! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhbuEUoxntQ   Periscope takes to the skies with live drone streaming http://www.cultofmac.com/427494/periscope-takes-to-the-skies-with-live-drone-streaming/ 1903: Wright Brothers. 1907: Model T Now you can stream live from your drone when you take to the skies with Periscope, Twitter’s service that lets you broadcast live video, provided you have the app on iOS and a DJI drone. You’ll be able to narrate the broadcast from your iPhone, and even Sketch right on the broadcast itself to annotate your flight.   Apple Aiming to End iTunes Music Downloads in Two Years [Update: Apple Says 'Not True'] http://www.macrumors.com/2016/05/11/apple-ending-itunes-music-downloads/ Citing sources with "close and active business relationships" with Apple, Digital Music News says Apple allegedly has an aggressive plan to "terminate" music downloads from iTunes within two years their sources say, "keeping [iTunes music downloads] running forever isn't really on the table anymore."  Apple rep Tom Neumayr contacted Recode and said the report that Apple would stop iTunes music downloads in two years is "not true." Apple's iTunes business continues to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year, but it is on the decline due to the rise of streaming music services   94% of App Store revenue goes to just 1% of publishers http://www.cultofmac.com/427759/94-of-app-store-revenue-goes-to-just-1-of-publishers/ 94 percent of App Store revenue generated in the U.S. went to just the top 1 percent of app publishers, according to SensorTower SensorTower found that around $1.34 billion of the estimated $1.43 billion in net revenue generated went to just 623 publishers. That means the other 61,677 publishers had to share the remaining 6 percent of the revenue, which was approximately approximately $85.8 million. If it was divided equally, they’d have made less than $1,400 each.   Siri’s sequel beats the heck out of Apple’s AI assistant http://www.cultofmac.com/427517/siris-sequel-beats-the-heck-out-of-apples-ai-assistant/   The value of old iPods could be music to your ears http://www.cultofmac.com/427460/the-value-of-old-ipods-could-be-music-to-your-ears/  

This week: why the iPhone 7s could have features “you’ve never dreamed of"; Apple’s woes in China cause their stock to plummet; the community of fans keeping Apple’s history alive; our favorite Apple Watch faces; embarrassing stories of dates gone wrong; and Kool and the Gang steals our girlfriend!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Submit your CultCast intro, win some CultCloth! https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCultCast/comments/4fsumv/cult_caster_intros_listener_made/   Intro - What is Newton? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2Yliy_WUBQ   The Light Camera is a slim cam with 16 sensors (16!) https://light.co/camera   Kool and the Gang will steal your girlfriend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qchPLaiKocI   Tim Cook promises iPhone features you’ve never dreamed of http://www.cultofmac.com/426218/tim-cook-mad-money-interview/ Apple CEO appeared Monday on Mad Money in an effort to abate the company’s bleeding stock price Future iPhones are going to be so amazing, you probably haven’t even thought of the features Apple is going to add, Tim Cook claimed in a recent interview. Next year is the iPhone’s 10th anniversary   Apple stock suffers longest loss streak in 18 years http://www.cultofmac.com/426176/apple-stock-suffers-longest-loss-streak-in-18-years/ Buster Apple’s meager Q2 2016 earnings report is continuing to wreak havoc on the company’s stock price, leading to the longest streak of losses since 1998.   Apple could get shut out of China http://www.cultofmac.com/424885/apple-could-get-shut-out-of-china/ China has already become the second largest market for Apple in terms of sales, but the iPhone-maker could find itself banned from the country just like Facebook due to its privacy strategy that has already come under fire from government regulators. iTunes and Apple Music launched in China 6 months ago, but the government decided to force Apple to shutdown the iBook Store and iTunes Movies last week after the government changed its mind.   Apple Forced to Share 'iPhone' Trademark in China With Leather Accessory Maker http://www.macrumors.com/2016/05/04/apple-iphone-trademark-in-china/ Apple no longer has the exclusive rights to the "iPhone" trademark in China after the Beijing Municipal High People’s Court ruled in favor of leather goods manufacturer Xintong Tiandi Technology, who sells an “iPhone Case" Apple filed for a trademark of the iPhone name in China back in 2002, specifically centering around computer software and hardware, but Xintong Tiandi didn't do the same for leather goods until 2007 Apple took them to Chinese court, but lost.   Mega-investor Carl Icahn gives up on AAPL http://www.cultofmac.com/425600/mega-investor-carl-icahn-gives-up-on-aapl/ Apple’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Carl Icahn, is getting rid of all of his AAPL shares after the iPhone-maker reported its first year-over-year decline in revenues for the first time in 13 years. Investors’ fears of troubles in China aren’t unfounded. Growth in greater China dropped 26% last quarter. The country also recenty banned iTunes Movies and the iBookstore  

This week: Apple’s 13-year record revenue streak is broken;  our best picture yet of iPhone 7 features; rumors point to a faster, untethered Apple Watch 2; Apple has a huge increase in R&D spending, but where’s the money going?  And stick around for more stories from the Cult of Mac.  This week: a 15-year-old mows lawns, then uses the money to build one of the world’s best Apple collections.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Submit your CultCast intro, win some CultCloth! https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCultCast/comments/4fsumv/cult_caster_intros_listener_made/   Intro - Hamilton Morris loves his iPod  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE6G2TICSJQ   8 optimistic takeaways from Apple’s slumptastic earnings call http://www.cultofmac.com/425131/apple-earnings-call-q2-2016-takeaways/ R&D spending at Apple increased by $1.1 billion dollars compared to the same six month period last year, according to a new SEC filing The tech giant is fighting itself here, being forced to compare this year’s numbers to the killer iPhone 6 sales that drove 2015’s overwhelming revenue Apple’s tablets are doing fine, really, selling 10.3 million units this quarter. But in general, tablets are stinking up the place. Apple surprised by SE demand and can’t keep up   Apple Watch made $1.5 billion more than Rolex last year http://www.cultofmac.com/425038/apple-watch-made-1-5-billion-more-than-rolex-last-year/ The Apple Watch, which celebrated its first birthday this week, is just such a product. How much of an impact did the Apple Watch make in its debut year? Enough to bring in $1.5 billion more than Rolex did in 2015. While Apple has yet to make its Watch sales public knowledge, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the debut Apple wearable likely brought in around $6 billion in its first year. That’s considerably more than Rolex’s $4.5 billion in total revenue for the equivalent time frame. Apple Watch also outsold the iPhone in both products’ respective first years by a margin of 2-to-1.   Apple Watch 2 Rumored to Include Cellular Connectivity Amid Push for iPhone Independency http://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/25/apple-watch-2-cellular-connectivity/ The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is working on including cellular network connectivity and a faster processor in the so-called Apple Watch 2. LTE would undoubtedly require an additional data plan, on top of one they might already have for both the iPhone and iPad, benefits like using GPS, making phone calls, and streaming Apple Music without an iPhone nearby could outweigh the cons for some users.    iPhone 7 may make bigger splash than expected http://www.cultofmac.com/424854/iphone-7-may-make-bigger-splash-than-expected/ Apple will supposedly make its next iPhone both waterproof and dustproof Digitimes claims the device will also have a new touch-sensitive home button that sits flush with the rest of the screen Other features Apple is rumored to be adding include a new Smart Connecter, dual lens camera, bigger battery, wireless charging, no headphone jack, and a cleaner rear shell design with minimal antenna lines. Design will be pretty much the same as the 6 and 6s.  

This week: why the new iPad Pro screen is “practically perfect”; stories from the "Cult of Mac"; our most anticipated WWDC 2016 announcements; a look at Apple’s newly updated MacBooks; Apple’s secret plan to create hit TV shows; and have you ever wondered how rich you’d be if you invested in Apple’s IPO instead of buying their computers?  We break down the numbers.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   9.7-inch iPad Pro’s display is practically perfect http://www.cultofmac.com/423730/9-7-inch-ipad-pros-display-is-practically-perfect/   Siri reveals WWDC 2016 dates http://www.cultofmac.com/423694/wwdc-2016-dates-siri-knows/   Apple unleashes improved MacBooks, now in rose gold http://www.cultofmac.com/423876/apple-unleashes-improved-macbooks-now-in-rose-gold/   Apple is secretly planning to take over Hollywood  http://www.cultofmac.com/423780/apple-is-secretly-planning-to-takeover-hollywood/   What a $1,000 investment in Apple in 1996 looks like today http://www.cultofmac.com/424259/what-a-1000-investment-in-apple-in-1996-looks-like-today/   What are you most excited to see Apple unveil at WWDC 2016? https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCultCast/comments/4fiygt/what_are_you_most_excited_to_see_apple_unveil_at/   Greg Packer, professional Apple line squatter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjC5jGMPrk4

This week: how Steve Jobs and the industrial design team saved Apple.  Plus: the reason Jony Ive now has a chauffeur; one year with the Apple Watch; and we reveal the strange cultural phenomenon we’ve been secretly loving in an all-new What We’re Into.   Join our new Reddit community to discuss current episodes and submit and vote on story topics for future episodes! http://reddit.com/r/TheCultCast   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney   Intro - Steve Jobs intros the iMac DV https://youtu.be/ngW5qCBRwxk?t=35m24s   Is this the Apple Car???? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWQnfLLHyKo   Why the departure of Apple designer Daniel Coster matters http://www.cultofmac.com/422916/why-departure-of-apple-designer-daniel-coster-matters/   A year after its launch, it’s now clear that pretty much no one needs an Apple Watch http://qz.com/658010/a-year-after-its-launch-its-now-clear-that-pretty-much-no-one-needs-an-apple-watch/   Apple Watch shipments predicted to fall 25 percent this year http://www.cultofmac.com/422468/apple-watch-shipments-predicted-to-fall-25-percent-this-year/   Our blades! Gerber Curve (Leander) http://amzn.to/22yAb7M   Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (Erfon) http://amzn.to/1XySs3i   Kershaw Leek Knife http://amzn.to/22yAfnK  

This week: we look into the past at some of the most pivotal moments in Apple’s 40-year history.  Plus: why the iPhone 7 Plus may be your only choice for dual cameras; what it’s like downsizing from the iPhone 6s to the SE; and we pitch our favorite new tech and vote on which is best in an all-new Faves N Raves!   Join our new Reddit community to discuss current episodes and submit and vote on story topics for future episodes! http://reddit.com/r/TheCultCast   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple might finally let you delete unwanted iOS apps http://www.cultofmac.com/421721/delete-unwanted-ios-apps/   Dual Camera Said to Be Exclusive to 5.5-Inch iPhone 7 http://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/04/dual-cameras-exclusive-to-iphone-7-plus-kgi/   iPhone SE proves size doesn’t matter [Reviews] http://www.cultofmac.com/420686/iphone-se-proves-size-doesnt-matter-reviews/   40 moments that have defined Apple over 40 years http://www.cultofmac.com/420649/40-moments-that-have-defined-apple-over-40-years/   Our Fave N Rave Picks Erfon The “Monster” Acer XR341CK 34-inch QHD curved monitor - http://amzn.to/1SU2Jpx   Leander Amazon Tap - http://amzn.to/1UMjWVe Amazon Echo Dot - http://amzn.to/1SE01Sx   Buster Fuji X-T1 - http://amzn.to/23gVn7X Fuji 27mm lens - http://amzn.to/1SE07cT    

CultCast #225 - Burrito Beard   This week: rumors point to an iPhone 7s with drastic redesign, facial recognition, and the return to a glass front and back.  Plus: folks around the world line up for the Tesla  Model 3; Apple’s making a show about apps hosted by megastar Willie AM; why the new iPad Pro is not a notebook replacement for the masses; in a bizarre plot twist, Apple seeks FBI’s iPhone unlocking secrets; and we’ll tell you why Cadbury Eggs are the worst thing ever on an all-new Get To Know Ur Cultist.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro: Exotic Destinations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AQSPE2Ak3M   Review Roundup: 9.7 iPad Pro is a 'Powerful' Laptop Replacement for Casual Users http://www.macrumors.com/2016/03/28/ipad-pro-9-7-inch-review-roundup/   Apple is making a TV show about apps with Will.i.am http://www.cultofmac.com/419714/apple-tv-show-working-with-will-i-am-on-tv-show-about-apps/   FBI cracks San Bernardino iPhone without Apple’s help http://www.cultofmac.com/420219/fbi-cracks-san-bernardino-iphone-without-apples-help/   Apple wants the FBI to reveal how it hacked the San Bernardino killer's iPhone http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-apple-next-steps-20160330-story.html   iPhone 7s Plus may get curved glass body http://www.cultofmac.com/420121/iphone-7s-plus-curved-glass-body/

This week:  Apple’s new iPhone SE in an insane value; the significant differences between the big and small iPad Pros; more evidence affirms major Macbook Pro redesigns in June;  future keynotes need more Yak; and the cool features in the new tvOS 9.2 update.   Join our new Reddit community to discuss current episodes and submit and vote on story topics for future episodes! http://reddit.com/r/TheCultCast   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro: Macs do more and cost less! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqI4-oJFQh8   New ultra-thin MacBooks rumored to arrive in June http://www.cultofmac.com/419111/new-ultra-thin-macbooks-rumored-to-arrive-in-june/   What Apple product launches say about Tim Cook’s leadership http://www.cultofmac.com/418958/apple-product-launches-tim-cook-leadership/   Apple Special Event in 90 Seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ3EEUYW5Vk   New iPad Pro is slower than 12.9-inch model http://www.cultofmac.com/419127/new-ipad-pro-is-slower-than-12-9-inch-model/

This week:  will we see new Macs?  Will there a One More Thing??  These are our March 21st Apple event predictions and expectations…  Plus: how Instagram is about to be ruined; reports of an Apple Car price and ship date surface; why pirates are excited for the AyeCar; and some new iPhone 7 leaks echo familiar rumors...   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - Maybe people won’t get along in the future, but our Macs will https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1zYt8aoiTM   50,000 users want Instagram to turn back time http://www.cultofmac.com/418058/50000-users-want-instagram-to-turn-back-time/   Apple Car may ship in 2021, with a price tag of $75,000 http://www.cultofmac.com/417734/apple-car-will-make-apple-watch-edition-look-like-a-bargain/   Major iPhone 7 changes revealed by leaked case http://www.cultofmac.com/418232/major-iphone-7-changes-revealed-by-leaked-case/   iPhone 7’s redesigned antenna band revealed in leaked photo http://www.cultofmac.com/417970/iphone-7s-redesigned-antenna-band-revealed-in-leaked-photo/   This could be our first look at the iPhone 7 http://www.cultofmac.com/417776/iphone-7-leak-smart-connector/   Everything Apple will announce at its March 21 keynote http://www.cultofmac.com/417308/everything-apple-will-announce-at-its-march-21-event/

This week: it’s official, Apple is gonna “loop us in” at their March 21 press event.  Join us as we decode the mysterious event invitation.  Plus:  some new leaks give us glimpses at the iPhone SE and iPhone 7 designs; why Apple’s new Spaceship campus is clearly home to a future post-apocalyptic battle colosseum; and we share the stuff we’re embarrassed to secretly love in an all-new Get To Know Ur Cultist.   Join our new Reddit community to discuss current episodes and submit and vote on story topics for future episodes! http://reddit.com/r/TheCultCast   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple’s March 21 event promises to ‘Loop you in’ http://www.cultofmac.com/416926/apples-march-21-event-promises-to-loop-you-in/   iPhone 7 case hints at stereo speakers, no headphone jack http://www.cultofmac.com/416728/iphone-7-case-hints-at-stereo-speakers-no-headphone-jack/   Upcoming iPhone SE may look just like an iPhone 5s http://www.cultofmac.com/416833/upcoming-iphone-se-may-look-just-like-an-iphone-5s/   Close up with Apple’s new spaceship campus Theatre http://www.cultofmac.com/416360/close-up-with-apples-new-spaceship-campus-theatre/   Intro: Where are all the robots? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1fpSGAJeXI&list=PL95D18B34DCF05F92&index=55   Erfon never chokes back the tears watching Meet Joe Black https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zIOjl93WrU   Buster wants to hand out the Bachelor rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkzlHJF2RrA   This scene from Scrooged made Leander WEEP! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d6y7IHYiIE   You need to try these.  Alone.  In your car. http://amzn.to/1SExtMQ

This week: rumors point to an insanely thin iPhone 7, but is that what we want?  Plus: our list of top, most-wanted iPhone 7 features; why only some of us are excited for iPhone SE; why the new iPad could have a killer new camera; and if want to hear Leander complain about Mariah Carey and Maroon 5, stay tuned for Leander Loves Pop!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - They finally figured out a way to make PCs easy to use! https://youtu.be/lGCK1-79jik   Is this Drake?? http://imgur.com/Fcdq9jK   Whitney Houston was a national treasure! https://youtu.be/N_lCmBvYMRs?t=1m2s   Rosanne Bar… well https://youtu.be/ls1YVhcLD2c?t=6s   This is basically Buster Heine’s theme song https://youtu.be/eH3giaIzONA?t=43s   Check out Rob Roy for some great “kilt action" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114287/   Apple event for iPhone SE, new iPad to take place March 21 http://www.cultofmac.com/414893/apple-event-for-iphone-se-new-ipad-to-take-place-march-21/   iPhone 7 will be as slim as an iPod touch http://www.cultofmac.com/415264/iphone-7-will-be-as-slim-as-an-ipod-touch/   New iPad may pack better camera than iPad Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/415209/new-ipad-may-pack-a-better-camera-than-ipad-pro/

This week: with the FBI vs. Apple battle heating up, some lawyers say Tim Cook could land in jail; why Siri in the next version of OS X may point to redesigned MacBooks;  and, just how much would you pay for a box of Steve Job’s old crap?  Plus we pitch you our favorite tech and apps in an all-new Faves 'N Raves!   This episode supported by   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s intro: you need a family computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3c7jiij6oY   Steve Jobs’s smelly old sandals just sold at auction http://www.cultofmac.com/413496/steve-jobss-smelly-old-sandals-just-sold-at-auction/   Siri-ously? Apple’s virtual assistant finally coming to Mac http://www.cultofmac.com/414143/siri-ously-apples-virtual-assistant-finally-coming-to-mac/   Apple Faces U.S. Demand to Unlock 9 More iPhones http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/technology/justice-department-wants-apple-to-unlock-nine-more-iphones.html   From Fines To Jail Time: How Apple Could Be Punished For Defying FBI http://www.fastcompany.com/3057045/how-apple-could-be-punished-for-defying-fbi-encryption-order   Congressional ‘Crypto Commission’ may tackle Apple vs FBI debate - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/414213/congressional-crypto-commission-could-tackle-apple-vs-fbi-debate/   Apple believes Congress should decide iPhone privacy case http://www.cultofmac.com/414081/apple-believes-congress-should-decide-iphone-privacy-case/   Apple Is Said to Be Trying to Make It Harder to Hack iPhones http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/25/technology/apple-is-said-to-be-working-on-an-iphone-even-it-cant-hack.html?_r=1

This week: major Macbook Pro and Air redesigns may be coming in June; the magic of the MagSafe adapter; the best Mac for college; Apple vs. the FBI; Apple explains "Error 53” and offers up a fix; and stay tuned for our favorite shows and apps in an all new What We’re Into!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   A Mac is all you need! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_mqp5_dy3U   Check the swagger level in listener Josh Holme's twitter profile! https://twitter.com/JoshHolme   Snowden says Apple security case is most important issue in a decade http://www.cultofmac.com/412891/snowden-says-apple-case-is-most-important-in-a-decade/   How Apple could hack terrorist’s iPhone for FBI (if it wanted to) http://www.cultofmac.com/412870/how-apple-could-hack-terrorists-iphone-for-fbi-if-it-wanted-to/   Buster’s into Vinyl on HBO http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3186130/   Leander’s into People Vs. OJ Simpson on FX http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/american-crime-story/episodes   Erfon’s into swapping faces with Face Swap Live and you will be too! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/face-swap-live-switch-faces/id1042987645?mt=8

This week: neighbors complain of peculiar “motor noises" emanating from Apple’s secret auto labs; the strange error that’s bricking iPhones everywhere (and how to avoid it); and, has Apple lost their way?  Some pundits are arguing Cupertino needs to shape up and start shipping better products.  We discuss!   This episode supported by   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” at checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Intro - Alan Greenspan recommends the Apple IIc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvwxUCHeG0g&list=PL95D18B34DCF05F92&index=12   ‘Motor noises’ complaint at Apple’s auto campus fuels speculation http://www.cultofmac.com/411835/motor-noises-complaint-at-apples-auto-campus-fuels-speculation/#more-411835   Does Apple have a software problem? http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-apple-users-really-hate-apple-software-20160208-column.html   iOS 9 bricks iPhones with unauthorized Touch ID repairs http://www.cultofmac.com/410809/ios-9-bricks-iphones-with-unauthorized-homebutton-repairs/   Everything you need to know about iOS’ crippling ‘Error 53’ http://www.cultofmac.com/411395/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ios-crippling-error-53/ Buster   Tim Cook gets sacked by Twitter for blurry Super Bowl photo http://www.cultofmac.com/411175/tim-cook-gets-sacked-by-twitter-for-blurry-super-bowl-photo/

This week: new hardware, incoming! We’ll tell you our expectations of Apple’s rumored March 2016 event.  Plus, why the next iPad Air could be the best one yet; iPhone 7 may have far fewer features than expected; and, is Apple making a move into virtual reality?   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This Coldplay music video makes Leander angry! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YykjpeuMNEk   The amazing Word Lens app is now Google Translate https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506?mt=8   Apple plans March 15th event for iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se unveiling http://www.cultofmac.com/410232/apple-plans-march-15th-event-for-ipad-air-3-and-iphone-5se-unveiling/   Schematic reveals iPad Air 3 will be slightly thicker than iPad Air 2 http://www.cultofmac.com/410091/schematic-reveals-ipad-air-3-will-be-slightly-thicker-than-ipad-air-2/   Apple Watch may get an ‘S’ upgrade in March http://www.cultofmac.com/410277/apple-watch-may-get-an-s-upgrade-in-march/   iPhone 7 design may ditch antenna bands and camera bump http://www.cultofmac.com/410325/iphone-7-design-will-ditch-antenna-bands-and-camera-bump/   Apple is spending lots of time at Stanford’s VR lab http://www.cultofmac.com/410333/apple-is-spending-lots-of-time-at-stanfords-vr-lab/

This week:  a souped-up iPad Air 3 coming in March; iPhone 5se is a terrible name for a 4-inch iPhone; the iPhone 7 Plus PLUS is for those who demand only the best mobile camera; and why Apple is pumping the brakes on their electric car.   This episode supported by   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   This week’s intro - Give your kids the universe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwEpgMTn48k   The 5 biggest takeaways from Apple’s biggest quarter ever http://www.cultofmac.com/409099/5-biggest-takeaways-apples-biggest-quarter/   Apple might unveil Pencil-ready iPad Air 3 in March http://www.cultofmac.com/409343/apple-might-unveil-pencil-ready-ipad-air-3-in-march/   iPhone 5se may have been finished and ready to ship for months http://www.cultofmac.com/409498/iphone-5se-development-has-been-finished-and-ready-to-ship-for-months/   Apple may release special iPhone 7 Plus aimed at pro photographers http://www.cultofmac.com/409203/apple-may-release-special-iphone-7-plus-aimed-at-pro-photographers/   Apple puts the brakes on struggling electric car project http://www.cultofmac.com/408826/apple-puts-the-brakes-on-struggling-electric-car-project/

This week: our legs are blown off by hover boards; our favorite ways to manage iOS photos; the new Music Memo and Garageband apps get our enthusiastic thumbs up; Bob Mansfeld is back to massage us; and we remember the hard, cruel, miserable realities of life before iPhone.   This episode supported by   Squarespace! Build a beautiful, responsive website quickly at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @alexeheath   I rode a hoverboard around my office for a week, and here's what I learned http://www.techinsider.io/what-its-like-to-ride-a-hoverboard-for-a-week-2016-1   Apple introduces new Music Memos app, updates GarageBand http://www.cultofmac.com/407904/apple-introduces-new-music-memos-app-updates-garageband/   Apple’s new Music Memos app makes songwriting chimp-simple http://www.cultofmac.com/407986/apple-music-memos-songwriting-app-review-how-to/   $50 price bump for Trump’s U.S. iPhones is just as realistic as his hair http://www.cultofmac.com/407940/trumps-apple-hollering-is-just-as-realistic-as-his-hair/

This week: some useful new features are coming to iOS 9.3; the future of driving technology; the coolest, weirdest, and worst technology of CES 2016; Elon Musk says it’s “obvious” Apple is working on an iCar; and we’ll tell you what we love (and don’t) about the gadgets we’re currently testing—it’s an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” as checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Tesla’s Elon Musk calls Apple Car an ‘open secret’ http://www.cultofmac.com/406401/teslas-elon-musk-says-the-apple-car-is-an-open-secret/   Everything new (and exciting!) coming in iOS 9.3 http://www.cultofmac.com/406310/everything-ios-9-3/   All the cosplay girls are going to want this fake electronic tail http://www.in-tail.com/tail-base/in-tail-analog   Buster is scooting around on his new Priority Bike http://www.prioritybicycles.com   Leander wants this CarPlay stereo http://www.jbl.com/connected-car/CP100+LEGEND.html   This steel Apple Watch band from Juuk is just as suave and 1/5 the price of Apple's http://www.juukdesign.com   Erfon is living in the future with these home kit enabled Philips Hue lights http://www.amazon.com/Philips-456210-Ambiance-Starter-Generation/dp/B014H2P4KW/ref=sr_1_1    

This week on The CultCast: robot bartenders, smart coffee mugs, and the coolest of gadgets from CES 2016.  Plus, don’t miss our picks for the absolutely, positively, you-should-install-them-today, most essential Mac and iOS apps.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @maccast   Will Ferrel is a porn actor (and sells iPods)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ulV2XH1Glw   This supersized drone will fly you to work (or anywhere) http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/06/184-delivery-drone-for-people/   Booze bots, badass routers, high-flyin’ drones and more at CES http://www.cultofmac.com/405037/booze-bots-high-flyin-drones-badass-routers-and-more-at-ces/   CES Day 3: Hoverboards, doggie ‘brain puzzles’ and beer http://www.cultofmac.com/405712/ces-2016-roundup-day-3/   Chevy unveils its pure-electric Bolt http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/06/chevy-bolt-launch/   The Ember mug keeps your drink at the perfect temperature http://www.embertech.com   Your movements charge Ampy so Ampy can charge your iPhone http://www.getampy.com   Pico let’s you make craft beer at home https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1708005089/pico-craft-beer-at-home   Sombabar is your home's app-controller robotic bartender http://www.somabarkickstarter.com   Nikon does a full 360 with new action cam http://www.cultofmac.com/405480/nikon-does-a-full-360-with-new-action-cam/   Deliveries Dashboard Widget http://junecloud.com/software/dashboard/delivery-status.html   Erfon won’t live in a world without iStat Menus https://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/   SuperDuper! back and recovery tool http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html   Byword 2 markdown tool http://bywordapp.com   Spark is Adam’s email client of choice https://readdle.com/products/spark

This week:  why 2015 was one of Apple's best (and worst!) years ever.  Plus:  everything Apple needs to improve in 2016; future tech that could change the world; and stick around for our deep-dive into The Force Awakens, our in-depth review of the magic, delight, and heartbreak of J.J. Abrams' new Star Wars universe.   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Why 2015 was Apple’s most important year since original iPhone’s unveiling http://www.cultofmac.com/404188/why-2015-was-apple-most-important-year-since-iphone-unveiling/   What would you like to see Apple improve in 2016? (discussion)   What technology could change the world around us in the next 5 years? (discussion)   J.J. Abrams, the force behind the new Star Wars http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-ot-how-the-new-star-wars-begins/   How the new “Star Wars” begins http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-the-new-star-wars-begins   Thoughts on the end of Force Awakens (SPOILERS) https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/3xhy39/i_have_this_to_say_about_the_end_of_the_new_star/

This week: Apple let’s us all in to their super secret design lab, and what we find is amazing; the best of the holiday iOS App Store deals; and we pick our favorite movies of 2015!   This episode supported by   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Thanks to Audible for supporting this episode. Audible, the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started now at audiblepodcast.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   A very rare look into the Apple Design Lab Part 1 Part 2   The Beatles Are Coming to Apple Music on Christmas Eve http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/22/the-beatles-apple-music-christmas-eve/   God help us, Kim Kardashian now has her own emoji http://www.cultofmac.com/403132/god-help-us-kim-kardashian-now-has-her-own-emoji/   App Store Holiday Sales: Final Fantasy VII, Lara Croft GO, Notability and More http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/21/app-store-holiday-sales-iphone-ipad/ DuckTales: Remastered ($9.99 → 99¢)  Bastion ($4.99 → 99¢)  Deliveries ($4.99 → $2.99)  Leo's Fortune ($4.99 → 99¢)    10 things we learned from Apple’s 60 Minutesepisode http://www.cultofmac.com/402999/10-things-we-learned-from-apples-60-minutes-episode/   Apple may have accidentally leaked new MacBook http://www.cultofmac.com/403051/apple-may-have-accidentally-leaked-new-macbook/   Movies we mention in this episode   Spectre http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2379713/   Sicario http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3397884/   Ex Machina http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/   The Road http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/   No Country for Old Men http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477348/  

This week: the force is looking very strong with the new Star Wars movie; live football may be coming to the Apple TV; the tvOS app store hits a major milestone; why you shouldn't expect 3D touch in the next iPad Air; and with 2016 on the horizon, we’ll review our favorite games, gadgets, and books of 2015.  Hit play, you must!   This episode supported by   Freshbooks — the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  It also makes tax time a cinch. Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section.   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - You too can wookie! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8aEDaeBMyI   Star Wars is back: The Force Awakens is as awesome as you hoped it would be http://www.cultofmac.com/402222/star-wars-is-back-the-force-awakens-is-as-awesome-as-you-hoped-it-would-be/   tvOS App Store After One Month: 2,624 Apps in Total, Entertainment Apps Most Popular With Consumers http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/10/tvos-app-store-stats-after-one-month    Apple expected to bid on Thursday Night Football streaming deal - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/402241/apple-expected-to-bid-on-thursday-night-football-streaming-deal/   Apple Working on Scalable 3D Touch Technology for Future iPads and iPhones http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/15/apple-scalable-3d-touch-tech-future-devices/   Our favorite stuff from 2015   Buster - Lilith’s Brood http://amzn.to/1T5mt8V   Erfon - Super Mario Maker http://amzn.to/1OcbX1o   Leander - Amazon Echo http://amzn.to/1T5mkCf  

This week: we take a look at Apple’s zany new Smart Battery Case; we cover the new and notable in the newest WatchOS, tvOS, and iOS updates; discuss our favorite strategies for managing overloaded inboxes; and stick around till the end for our favorite iOS apps and games of 2015!   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r   Internet questions Jony Ive’s sanity with new iPhone battery case - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/400883/internet-questions-jony-ives-sanity-with-new-iphone-battery-case/   Apple now sells Lightning headphones that are super-expensive http://www.cultofmac.com/401014/apple-now-sells-lightning-headphones-that-are-super-expensive/   watchOS 2.1 is out with lots of language support and bug fixes - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/400896/watchos-2-1-is-out-with-lots-of-language-support-and-bug-fixes/   iOS 9.2 is now available to the public http://www.cultofmac.com/400889/ios-9-2-is-now-available-to-the-public/ http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/08/ios-9-2-tidbits-and-new-features/   Eddy Cue promises new iOS remote app for Apple TV - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/401028/eddy-cue-promises-new-ios-remote-app-for-apple-tv/   Dropbox Shutting Down Mailbox and Carousel in Early 2016 http://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/07/dropbox-shutting-down-mailbox-carousel-2016/   Robin Hood  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robinhood-free-stock-trading/id938003185?mt=8   Vain Glory https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vainglory/id671464704?mt=8   Workflow https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/workflow-powerful-automation/id915249334?mt=8   Overcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast-podcast-player/id888422857?mt=8   Fallout Shelter https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fallout-shelter/id991153141?mt=8   Periscope https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/periscope/id972909677?mt=8

This week: though Apple spends far less on research and development than the competition, they out innovate them all.  How?  Hit play to catch the discussion.  Plus: iPhone 7 may ditch the beloved headphone jack; Amazon Video is coming to Apple TV; the holiday accessory that could be eroding your WiFi signal;  and with the year drawing to a close, we choose we our favorite Apple device of 2015!   This episode supported by   Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, ordevelop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro - HyperCard Mania! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeMRoYDc2z8   Amazon is bringing Instant Video app to Apple TV http://www.cultofmac.com/399948/amazon-is-brining-instant-video-app-to-apple-tv/   Apple would be stupid to drop the iPhone headphone jack - evan http://www.cultofmac.com/399993/apple-would-be-stupid-to-drop-the-iphone-headphone-jack/   Christmas lights may be ruining your Wi-Fi speeds http://www.cultofmac.com/400156/christmas-lights-may-be-ruining-your-wi-fi-speeds/   Target sold one iPad per second on Thanksgiving  http://www.cultofmac.com/399774/target-sold-one-ipad-per-second-on-thanksgiving/   Apple’s R&D spending proves innovation isn’t all about money http://www.cultofmac.com/399899/apples-rd-spending-proves-innovation-isnt-all-about-money/   Apple offers kids free ‘Hour of Code’ programming classes http://www.cultofmac.com/400214/apple-offering-kids-free-hour-of-code-programming-classes/    

This week: why Apple might just need to bring OS X to the iPad; the Apple Pencil makes anyone a digital artist; one Apple TV pro tip you absolutely need to know; fun facts about Apple’s new Spaceship campus; and finally… Gobble Gobble yaaaa’aaall!  We’re invited to a magical Thanksgiving feast at Tim Cook’s house in another episode of Get To Know Your Cultist.   This episode supported by   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   Freshbooks — the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple’s spaceship campus is big enough to hold Disneyland http://www.cultofmac.com/398410/apples-spaceship-campus-is-big-enough-to-hold-disneyland/   The Apple Pencil has reignited my love of drawing http://www.cultofmac.com/398694/the-apple-pencil-has-reignited-my-love-of-drawing/   An Apple TV pro tip you absolutely need to know http://www.cultofmac.com/398570/how-to-undo-accidental-time-skips-on-siri-remote/

This week: get your mace and taser ready for Black Friday! We share some of the best deals on MacBooks, iPhones, Playstation 4s, Xbox One’s, Wii U’s and more.    Plus: why your Mac store apps could be corrupted (and what to do about it); RDIO bites the dust; and the iPad Mini 4 proves far better than we originally thought.   This episode supported by   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lapqJsP8dvU   JNCO’s making a comeback! http://cdn1.relevantmediagroup.com/sites/default/files/field/thumbnail/Screen%20Shot%202015-02-20%20at%207.04.56%20AM.png   Apple apologizes to developers for recent ‘damaged’ Mac App Store apps bug http://www.macrumors.com/2015/11/12/mac-app-store-apps-damaged-expired-receipts-issue/   Rdio is filing for bankruptcy, Pandora will buy ‘key assets’ for $75M http://venturebeat.com/2015/11/16/rdio-is-filing-for-bankruptcy-pandora-will-buy-key-assets-for-75m/   Find the hottest Black Friday deals right here http://www.cultofmac.com/398114/liveblog-find-the-hottest-black-friday-deals-right-here/#more-398114   Some of our favorite deals:   Playstation 4 (act quick!) for $299 shipped   Apple Watch with $100 Target Gift Card for $349 at Target   Xbox One 500GB Gears of War Bundle, Fallout 4, Extra Controller for $300 at Dell Home (available 3pm PST 11/16)   iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus with a $250 Target Gift Card for $0 down at Target   Apple iPad Air 2 16GB Tablet with a $150 Target Gift Card for $499 at Target   B&H's holiday sale slashes 2015 MacBook Pros by $200-$300 , 12" MacBooks by $170-$200, 13" MacBook Airs by $100-$450, iPad mini 4 by $30

This week:  can the new iPad Pro really replace your Mac?  Apple seems to think so, but we’ve got a Pro in-hand and we’re not so sure.  Plus: Apple may soon offer us all a simple way to pay each other; and stick around for another classic El Kahney rant—zombie edition—it's an all new Stuff We’re Into!   Thanks to our sponsors keep us fed!   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so Softlayer provides cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BatEMgmtK6k   First impressions with the big and beautiful iPad Pro - leander http://www.cultofmac.com/396992/ipad-pro-is-big-and-beautiful-unboxing-and-first-impressions/   Jony Ive interview: The story of the Apple Pencil http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/11988396/Jony-Ive-interview-The-story-of-the-Apple-Pencil.html   Surface Pro vs iPad Pro stylus tracking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niD1N1d4nTc   Apple Working on Mobile Person-to-Person Payment Service http://www.macrumors.com/2015/11/11/apple-person-to-person-payment-service/   Leander Hate Watches The Walking Dead http://www.netflix.com/browse?jbv=70177057&jbp=0&jbr=6   Erfon can't stop watching Casey Neistat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYCODMuoHNI   Buster is into Ash Vs Evil Dead http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4189022/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_3

This week: "home buttonless" iPhone 7s; the new Apple TV remote is unnervingly easy to break; the UK wants your Apple devices to be less secure; and we pitch our favorite new Apple TV apps!   This episode supported by   Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, ordevelop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so Softlayer provides cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   Start protecting your home with Canary today for just $199. Go to meetcanary.com to see it in action and use the promo code “cultcast" to get free overnight shipping.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s links   Can you fall in love with a computer? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LbXL_0N68U   Lumina City ($5) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lumino-city/id958604518?mt=8   Operator (free!) https://operator.com   Plex for Apple TV (free!)   Leander likes The Returned show on Netflix  http://www.netflix.com/title/80037657   Don’t drop your new Apple TV remote! https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/3rkmjy/dont_drop_your_new_apple_tv_remote/   4-inch iPhone 6s is coming soon, says top Apple analyst http://www.cultofmac.com/395748/4-inch-iphone-6s-is-coming-soon-says-top-apple-analyst/   Companies such as Apple, Google and others will no longer be able to offer encryption so advanced that even they cannot decipher it when asked to under the Investigatory Powers Bill http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11970391/Internet-firms-to-be-banned-from-offering-out-of-reach-communications-under-new-laws.html?

This week: Apple just had their best year ever—we’ll put it in perspective.  Plus: Nintendo’s first iOS game confuses us; the new Apple TV isn’t quite the revolution Apple promised; and stick around for a spooky new Get to Know Ur Cultist… if you DARE.   This episode supported by   Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so Softlayer provides cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   Backblaze online backup is: $5 a month. Mac Native. Unlmited. Unthrottled. Uncomplicated. And setup takes a minute.  Try it free for two weeks at backblaze.com/cultcast   Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @blakejharrisnyc   This week’s links   Our ghoulish intro https://youtu.be/tsZkwixfsEw?t=2m36s   This Marty McFly costume rules them all http://i.imgur.com/bHNd2Og.gifv   Heeee can show yooou the wooorrrlld https://vine.co/v/eYrl3nI5UZT   The 7 biggest takeaways from Apple’s Q4 earnings call http://www.cultofmac.com/394570/the-7-biggest-takeaways-from-apples-q4-earnings-call/   Apple Stores to Start Selling Apple TV 4 on Friday http://www.macrumors.com/2015/10/28/apple-stores-selling-apple-tv-friday/   Jobs done? Sorkin’s biopic flops on opening weekend http://www.cultofmac.com/394210/jobs-done-sorkins-biopic-flops-on-opening-weekend/   Nintendo unveils first, weird mobile game: Miitomo http://www.cultofmac.com/394784/nintendo-unveils-first-weird-mobile-game-miitomo/

This week: we’ll tell you our hands-on first impressions of the new Apple TV, and it’s not all sugar and spice.  Plus: the new and notable in OS X 10.11.1 and iOS 9.1.  And stick around till the end for an all new Get To Know Your Cultist, #FutureDay edition, because your life might. Just. DEPEND on it...   Thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great theme music you hear in today's show.   This Marty McFly costume rules them all http://i.imgur.com/bHNd2Og.gifv   Apple TV available for pre-order and shipping next week http://www.cultofmac.com/393208/apple-tv-available-for-pre-order-and-shipping-next-week/   YouTube’s new streaming service charges iOS users an Apple tax http://www.cultofmac.com/393517/youtubes-new-streaming-service-charges-ios-users-an-apple-tax/   OS X 10.11.1 update brings new emoji, Microsoft Office fixes and more http://www.cultofmac.com/393480/os-x-10-11-1/   iOS 9.1 is here with new emoji, wallpapers and more http://www.cultofmac.com/393281/ios-9-1-is-here-with-new-emoji-wallpapers-and-more/

This week:  the pros and cons of Apple’s new 4K and 5K iMacs.  Plus: the new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2—we’ve got our grubby hands on Apple’s new peripherals and we’re ready to share what we like (and what we don’t).   And just when you thought we were wrapping it up, we say hale na', let’s talk about apps!  We’ll pitch you some our current favorites.   And stay tuned for CultCast 2nd Hour with guest Blake J. Harris, author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, to be regaled with the story of the 90s video game war that pitted newcomer, Sega of America, against Nintendo, an unstoppable force and maker Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and the beloved Nintendo Entertainment System. 2nd Hour starts at 1:08:05!   This episode supported by   Soft layer — Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Freshbooks — the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.     On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @blakejharrisnyc   This week’s links   Console Wars http://amzn.to/1RLrS4u   Blake “J.” Harris https://twitter.com/blakejharrisnyc   Apple clears the air on Wi-Fi Assist confusion http://www.cultofmac.com/392149/wi-fi-assist/   Apple releases ‘stunning’ new 4K and 5K iMacs http://www.cultofmac.com/391986/apple-releases-brand-new-stunning-4k-and-5k-imacs/   10 insane details about Apple’s new iMacs and Magic peripherals http://www.cultofmac.com/392021/10-insane-details-about-apples-new-imacs-and-magic-peripherals/   How to use Overcast to maximize your podcast fun http://www.cultofmac.com/391823/how-to-use-overcast-to-maximize-your-podcast-fun/   Apple introduces new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2 http://www.cultofmac.com/391990/apple-introduces-new-magic-keyboard-magic-mouse-2-and-magic-trackpad-2/

This week: we're celebrating CultCast 200, yaaa’aaaaall!  And just in time for the party—it’s the iPhone 6s scandal we all knew would someday come... #CHIPGATE. We’ll tell why the internet is nerd-raging over this newest iPhone scandal, and why it might just be diminishing your iPhone 6s' battery life.  Plus: the new Jobs movie is generating Oscar buzz.  Seriously!  And since he’s seen it—twice—Alex E Heath is here to give us his review. And stay tuned till the end for our favorite memories of CultCast’s past.  It’s CultCast 200!!!!   Join us for our CultCast 200 live hangout and AMA!  Fun starts Friday, October 9th, 12pm PST at live.thecultcast.com   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @alexeheath   Apple denies Chipgate means iPhone 6s battery woes http://www.cultofmac.com/391635/apple-denies-chipgate-means-iphone-6s-battery-woes/#more-391635   Samsung may be ruining your iPhone 6s’ battery life http://www.cultofmac.com/391476/samsung-may-be-ruining-your-iphone-6s-battery-life/   Why I'm canceling my Apple Music subscription http://www.techinsider.io/why-im-cancelling-apple-music-2015-9   Steve Jobs' widow tried to kill Aaron Sorkin's movie about the Apple co-founder http://www.techinsider.io/laurene-powell-jobs-on-steve-jobs-movie-2015-10   Steve Jobs director says Apple has ‘terrifying’ amount of power http://www.cultofmac.com/391392/steve-jobs-director-says-apple-has-terrifying-amount-of-power/

This week:  we’ve spent seven full days with iPhone 6s and we’re ready to report what we love and what we don’t.  Plus: El Capitan just made your Mac a lot better!  We’ll cover the cool tricks your Mac just learned.  And stay tuned for our dive into the world of fake Apple Watch bands… how does  $9 for an Apple Watch Sport band sound? How about $28 for a Leather Loop?  Sure, the fakes are 1/5 the price of genuine Apple bands, but are they any good?  We’ve been testing two fakes to find out, and the results might surprise you.   Our thanks to Lynda for supporting this episode.  Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, ordevelop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s links   Erfon’s $27 Leather Loops http://www.ebay.com/itm/191676686820?   And his $10 Silicone Sport band http://www.ebay.com/itm/131557248730   13 awesome tricks your Mac just learned with El Capitan http://www.cultofmac.com/390769/13-awesome-tricks-your-mac-just-learned-with-el-capitan/   The magic that makes iPhone 6s so water-resistant http://www.cultofmac.com/390735/the-magic-that-makes-iphone-6s-so-water-resistant/#more-390735

This week: the embargoes have lifted and the iPhone 6s reviews are in—we’ll tell you what people love—and don’t—about Apple's newest iPhone.  Plus: Apple car coming in 2019; why we love the new watchOS 2 update; and, with  our three month Apple Music trial running out, we ponder—is the service worth paying for?     Our thanks to Lynda for supporting this episode.  Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, or develop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s links   You won’t be able to buy an iPhone 6s on launch day in these 5 states - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/389803/you-wont-be-able-to-buy-an-iphone-6s-on-launch-day-in-these-5-states/   Apple car project accelerates with possible 2019 ship date - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/389695/apple-car-project-accelerates-with-possible-2019-ship-date/   A savvy Apple fan has sent a robot to queue for her iPhone 6s http://www.cultofmac.com/390033/a-savvy-apple-fan-has-sent-a-robot-to-queue-for-her-iphone-6s/

This week:  we review the new and notable features of iOS 9, and some lesser-known features you should definitely be using.  Plus: why you probably should’ve gotten the 128GB iPhone; a legit way to save 20% off your next Apple purchase; and what we love and don’t about iCloud storage.   And stay tuned for an all-new CultCast 2nd Hour.  This time:  we all love the sweeping musical scores that define our favorite movies and videos games, but have you ever wondered who creates them?  Composer Gareth Coker,  creator of the Ori and the Blind Forest score, joins us to talk about the process of creating a cinematic score from scratch,  how music and technology are more intertwined than ever, and what it’s like to work as a modern day video game and movie composer.  2nd Hour starts at the 1:07:20 mark.   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And Squarespace.Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s links   OS 9 review: It’s all about speed http://www.cultofmac.com/388770/ios-9-review-all-about-speed/   17 secret iOS 9 tricks everyone should know http://www.cultofmac.com/389110/tiny-ios-9-tricks/   Critical bug delays watchOS 2 release http://www.cultofmac.com/389111/critical-bug-delays-watchos-2-release/   Tim Cook on Colbert  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuY0hXkqTWA   Louis CK wants you to stop filming your kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpAwhSSe7F0   iMore’s EXHAUSTIVE iOS 9 review http://www.imore.com/ios-9-review?utm_medium=slider&utm_campaign=navigation&utm_source=im   Ira Glass on creativity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loxJ3FtCJJA   Learn more about Gareth Coker http://gareth-coker.net

This week:  our reactions to and impressions of all the gadgets unleashed upon us at Apple’s media event extravaganza!  Plus: why this event was one for the history books; a look into Apple’s efforts to architect the 6S’s “3D Touch”; why the Apple Pencil is NOT a stylus; and so.  much.  MORE...   Thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a big thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s links   Steve Jobs on the stylus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YY3MSaUqMg   Apple doesn’t need glitz and glamor when it’s got the goods http://www.cultofmac.com/388045/apple-iphone-6s-event-one-for-history-books/   If it’s gold you want, 6s is your only option http://www.cultofmac.com/388306/gold-6s/

This week: here comes iPhone 6S, iPad Pro, and a drastically new Apple TV!  We’ll tell you what to expect from Apple’s Sept. 9th event, because this event is fixing to be a doozie.   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r   This week’s links   Apple TV streaming service could cost more than $40 http://www.cultofmac.com/386865/media-companies-want-apple-tv-streaming-service-to-cost-more-than-40/   Apple wants to take on Netflix with its own original programming http://www.cultofmac.com/387162/apple-wants-to-take-on-netflix-with-its-own-original-programming/   Spoiler alert: All the juicy details on iPhone 6s http://www.cultofmac.com/386935/iphone-6s-rumor-roundup/#more-386935   iPhone 6s will be Apple’s best selfie machine ever http://www.cultofmac.com/387475/iphone-6s-will-be-apples-best-selfie-machine-yet/

This week: new Apple products coming September 9th; our iPhone 6S expectations; the incredible power of Youtube; Instagram finally says yes to portrait and landscape photos; Youtube Gaming vs. Twitch; Logic Pro X update includes a powerful new music app; and we rewrite movie history in a new Get To Know Your Cultist!   Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.   And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4rCQFsML0   Hang out with Buster as he liveblog's Apple’s Sept. 9th event cultofmac.com/liveblog   The ladies cannot resist Magnum P.I. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBIgXhiOpeQ   Instagram won’t force you to be square anymore http://www.cultofandroid.com/75765/instagram-wont-force-you-to-be-square-anymore/   Apple confirmed to host event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium http://www.cultofmac.com/386620/apple-confirmed-to-host-event-at-bill-graham-civic-auditorium/   You just missed your chance to buy cheap Apple stock - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/386211/you-just-missed-your-chance-to-buy-cheap-apple-stock/   Apple brings award-winning synth back from the dead http://www.cultofmac.com/386428/logic-pro-x-alchemy/   iOS 9 code appears to confirm Force Touch for iPhone 6s - buster   http://www.cultofmac.com/386601/ios-9-code-appears-to-confirm-force-touch-for-iphone-6s/

This week: why we’re convinced we’ll see an iPad Pro come fall, and what we expect from Apple’s giant shield tablet of power.  Plus: the iPhone 6S back gets a bend test, and the results are surprising; and Apple leases a secret facility to test their electric car….   This episode supported by   Automatic — Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.   Soft layer — Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and save $50 off your order at Casper.com/cultcast.   This week’s links   Intro - Macintosh: The computer for the rest of us https://youtu.be/3OZg3ljsbc0?t=1m22s   Apple’s electric car is real, and it’s almost ready for testing http://www.cultofmac.com/385411/apples-electric-car-is-real-and-its-almost-ready-for-testing/   New iPhone 6s bend test reveals super-strong aluminum shell http://www.cultofmac.com/385768/new-iphone-6s-bend-test-reveals-super-strong-aluminum-shell/   Pink iPhone 6s revealed in new leaked images http://www.cultofmac.com/385638/pink-iphone-6s-revealed-in-new-leaked-images/   iPad Pro to pack Force Touch, plenty of pixels, optional stylus http://www.cultofmac.com/385757/ipad-pro-to-pack-force-touch-plenty-of-pixels-optional-stylus/   Why MacBook screens must be angled at 76 degrees in Apple Stores   http://www.cultofmac.com/385754/why-macbook-screens-must-be-angled-at-76-degrees-in-apple-stores/

This week: ever wonder what it’s like to have companies pay you to travel the world snapping their Instagram photos? Professional Instagram’er Cory Staudacher is back to share his workflows, favorite iOS photo apps—and you won’t believe how much some companies will pay to make them look cool.  Plus: neat new features coming to iOS 9; Apple quietly beefs up the iPhone 6S to prevent another bendgate; and don’t miss our list of our new favorite apps.   Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.   And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Your iPhone is about to get an awesome built-in flight tracker Read more:  http://www.techinsider.io/flight-tracker-in-ios-9-os-x-el-capitan-2015-8#ixzz3ieoxhqJo   What it’s like to be a professional Instagrammer http://www.techinsider.io/what-its-like-to-be-a-professional-instagrammer-2015-7     Apple is going to fix the most annoying thing about using Wi-Fi on the iPhone Read more:  http://www.techinsider.io/ios-9-wifi-assist-fixes-annoying-problem-2015-8#ixzz3ieqUAGd8   Here’s proof bendgate won’t be back with iPhone 6s http://www.cultofmac.com/384799/heres-proof-bendgate-wont-be-back-with-iphone-6s/   Erfon Gif keyboard - free Smiley key - free   Buster Flightradar24 - 3.99 Chromic - free   Cory Nike+ - free Wildcard - free   Alex Hopper - free  Darkroom 2.0 - free   Other honerable mentions Enlight Snapseed VSCO Cam Filterstorm Whitagram

This week: looks like the radically improved Apple TV we’ve be waiting for lands in September—we’ll tell you what to expect.  Plus: Apple is not going to be your next wireless carrier; more Beats Radio stations are in the works; and don’t miss our picks of the "best of the worst" Apple accessories.   And stick around for our chat with Daniel Rubino from Window’s Central (seriously!),  because he’s going to educate us on why he loves the new Windows 10, what it’s coolest features are, and why he’s made the questionable decision to be a PC man.  We’re going to try our best not to argue.   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and are far less expensive than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   Aaaaand Lynda.  Lynda is like the Spotify of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn to mix and master audio in pro tools, or develop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week's links   Intro: This dude REALLY hates the Apple Watch http://www.cultofmac.com/323739/see-an-apple-watch-hater-nearly-choke-to-death-mid-rant-nsfw/   The Practicing Photographer with Ben Long http://www.lynda.com/Photography-tutorials/Practicing-Photographer/119012-2.html   Radically improved Apple TV will launch in September   http://www.cultofmac.com/383897/radically-new-apple-tv-will-launch-in-september/   Apple claims it has no interest in becoming your carrier http://www.cultofmac.com/384296/apple-claims-it-has-no-interest-in-becoming-your-carrier/   Apple may launch five additional Beats radio stations http://www.cultofmac.com/384328/apple-music-could-launch-to-five-additional-beats-stations/   These designer jeans keep your iPhone charged on the go http://www.cultofmac.com/384410/these-designer-jeans-keep-your-iphone-charged-on-the-go/   Nico Gerard just invented the mullet of smartwatches http://www.cultofmac.com/384203/nico-gerard-just-invented-the-mullet-of-smartwatches/

This week: why we might be in for big iPad upgrades this year; our expectations for the iPhone 6C; the one feature we hope iPhone 6S will get (but probably won’t); Woz is worried about Skynet again; and… is Apple building machine for time travel?  You’ll have to press play to find out...   Check out our sexy sponsors   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   HipChat's team communication app helps all teams work together more effectively, and gets you the information you need faster than email. Get premium features like unlimited file storage and unlimited message history FREE for 90 days when you sign up at Hipchat.com/cultofmac   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a big thanks for all the music you hear in today's show.    This week’s links   Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B-XwPjn9YY   Behinds the scenes footage of Buster and Erfon preparing for CultCast http://i.imgur.com/PmJEIpX.gif   Breakthrough could finally bring wireless charging to iPhone http://www.cultofmac.com/378492/breakthrough-could-finally-bring-wireless-charging-to-iphone/   Woz and other big thinkers call for ban on AI weapons - erfon http://www.cultofmac.com/362797/woz-and-other-big-thinkers-call-for-ban-on-ai-weapons/   C you never! Apple scraps plans for 4-inch iPhone 6c - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/372652/c-you-never-apple-scraps-plans-for-4-inch-iphone-6c/   This year’s iPad mini upgrade won’t suck http://www.cultofmac.com/362762/this-years-ipad-mini-upgrade-wont-suck/

This week: some pundits are fed up with Apple music, but you know what?  We’re not.  Plus: Apple’s Back To School promotion is finally unveiled; Apple Watch topples expectations, gets insane satisfaction rating; iOS devices cross a major threshold; plus we answer your questions on an all-new #CultCastQnA!   Show our sponsors some sweet McLovin’   HipChat's team communication app helps all teams work together more effectively, and gets you the information you need faster than email. Get premium features like unlimited file storage and unlimited message history FREE for 90 days when you sign up at Hipchat.com/cultofmac   Lynda is like the Spotify of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn to mix and master audio in Pro Tools, or develop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.   This week’s links   Intro: Classic Steve Ballmer on iPhone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eywi0h_Y5_U   Apple’s ‘Back to School’ promo will give Mac buyers free Beats headphones http://www.cultofmac.com/329987/apples-back-to-school-promo-will-give-mac-buyers-free-beats-headphones/   Tim Cook reveals Apple Watch sales topped expectations http://www.cultofmac.com/329284/apple-watch-sales-topped-expectations-reveals-apple-cfo/   Apple Watch gains a higher satisfaction rating than original iPhone or iPad http://www.cultofmac.com/329583/apple-watch-gains-a-higher-satisfaction-rating-than-original-iphone-or-ipad/   VC Benedict Evans: iOS unit sales are now matching Windows PCs https://twitter.com/benedictevans/status/623668376280395776   What We’re Into Picks   Buster is into Antman.  All Antmen, really. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWdKf3MneyI   Erfon is REALLY into Twitch http://www.twitch.tv   Leander is into Grain Audio’s shelf speakers http://grainaudio.com/collections/homeaudio/products/pbs  

This week: We all love the popular products, but this ep. we’ll remember some of Apple’s biggest blunders!  Plus: why the new iPods might be the last iPods; Apple’s missing back to school promotion; and perfect way to motivate your lazy workforce...   Please to support our sponsors   If you’re waking up with numb limbs or back pain, Casper's American-made mattresses can help, and with a price far lower than you’ll find in the stores.  Learn how, try one risk free for 100 days, and save $50 off your order at Casper.com/cultcast.   HipChat's team communication app helps all teams work together more effectively, and gets you the information you need faster than email. Get premium features like unlimited file storage and unlimited message history FREE for 90 days when you sign up at Hipchat.com/cultofmac   VideoBlocks is an affordable, subscription-based stock media site that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage. Start a 7 day free trial at Videoblocks.com/promo/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a big thanks for all the great music you hear on today's show.    This week’s links   Intro: Peep the Pippin! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ln_CmNtbvQ   Buster’s Theme Song https://youtu.be/eUDcTLaWJuo   Leander really hated the Apple Studio display https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Studio_Display   See the Macintosh TV in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61k7yUXj6ck   The hockey puck mouse wasn’t THAT bad... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_USB_Mouse   Apple unveils new iPods in six colors http://www.cultofmac.com/329133/apple-unveils-new-ipods-in-six-colors/   Is Apple canceling their Back to School discount program? http://www.macrumors.com/2015/07/15/apple-annual-back-to-school-promo-missing/   Shanghai company creates a golden Steve Jobs bust to inspire its workers http://www.cultofmac.com/329125/shanghai-company-creates-a-golden-steve-jobs-bust-to-inspire-its-workers/

This week: how to train Apple Music to dish up better tunes; Microsoft calls it quits on the phone game; iOS 9 and El Capitan betas go public; awkward stories from Disneyland; and the REAL REASON Apple is building a “Spaceship” campus...   Out thanks to Bushel for supporting this episode, the simple-to-use cloud-based tool that anyone can leverage to manage the Apple devices in their workplace. Get Bushel for free for up to 3 devices when you sign up at www.bushel.com/cultofmac   And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Leander metioned Soundshare as the best social music network http://soundshareapp.com   Jim Carey’s brilliant In Living Color characters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L40amkNdUdo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXhfRBkbeR4   You can now install the El Capitan public beta http://www.cultofmac.com/328685/you-can-now-install-the-el-capitan-public-beta/   iOS 9 beta is now available to the public http://www.cultofmac.com/328666/ios-9-beta-is-now-available-to-the-public/   Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac is here http://www.cultofmac.com/328670/microsoft-office-2016-for-mac-is-here/   Showtime is now available on iOS and Apple TV without a cable subscription - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/328393/showtime-is-now-available-on-apple-tv-without-a-cable-subscription/   Training Apple Music’s “For You” section http://www.macrumors.com/2015/07/02/apple-music-liking-system-customization/     Construction worker from Campus 2 says Apple has raised US building standards http://www.imore.com/contruction-worker-apple-campus-2-says-apple-has-raised-us-building-standards

Ok, we're impressed—Apple Music with Beats1 isn’t just another Spotify… it has some genuinely innovative features some of us are absolutely falling for.     This week, we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about Apple's shiny new music service, and compare it to Spotify, the current king of music steaming.  Plus,  the new Steve Jobs trailer is out!  Stick around to hear us complain about Seth Rogen’s “Woz".   Happy Canada day to our Canadian friends!   Happy 4th of July to our US friends!   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   And CultCloth!  CultCloth’s dense weave and crushed fibers keep your Apple devices sparking clean.  Check out the gallery at CultCloth.co and use code CultCast at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   So you don’t get charged when your free trial is over Apple Music -> Account -> View Apple ID -> Subscriptions -> Automatic Renewal -> Off   Alex’s Hot Apple Music Tips http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-music-tips-and-tricks-2015-6   Alex on Apple Music Vs. Spotify http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-music-vs-spotify-2015-7   Alex again on, is Apple Music DRMing the music you upload? http://www.mcelhearn.com/the-real-difference-between-itunes-match-and-icloud-music-library-drm/   iOS 9 will raise iTunes Match song limit to 100,000 http://www.cultofmac.com/327616/ios-9-will-raise-itunes-match-song-limit-to-100000/   Phone first went on sale 8 years ago today http://www.cultofmac.com/327605/iphone-first-went-on-sale-8-years-ago-today/   New Steve Jobs trailer is out... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEr6K1bwIVs    

This week: the cool features in the new iOS 8.4, iOS 9, and El Capitan betas; Taylor Swift starts a royalty battle with Apple; the ridiculously low payouts artists get from music streaming; the new Macbook’s big missing feature; and the magic of Apple advertising.   Out thanks to Bushel for supporting this episode, the simple-to-use cloud-based tool that anyone can leverage to manage the Apple devices in their workplace. Get Bushel for free for up to 3 devices when you sign up at www.bushel.com/cultofmac   And CultCloth!  CultCloth’s dense weave and crushed fibers keep your Apple devices sparking clean.  Check them out at CultCloth.co and use code CultCast at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   This week’s links   This single from the Darkness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjZuykKY1I   You heard him—Buster bought Chumbawumba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc   Taylor Swift explains her bad blood with Apple Music http://www.cultofmac.com/326931/taylor-swift-explains-bad-blood-apple-music/   Kahney's Korner: Bring back my magnets Jony Ive! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PascXxhc1q0   Apple’s new material will eliminate iPhone’s unsightly antenna lines - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/326976/apples-new-material-will-eliminate-iphones-unsightly-antenna-lines/   Apple’s award-winning ‘Shot on iPhone’ ads are a ‘game-changer’ http://www.cultofmac.com/327156/apples-award-winning-shot-on-iphone-ads-are-a-game-changer/   Pharell made chump change on his streaming royalties for “Happy" http://fusion.net/story/33442/pharrell-made-less-than-3000-from-43-million-pandora-streams-of-happy/

This week: we know you just got your Apple Watch, but we talk rumored updates for the Apple Watch 2.  Plus: why some publishers are outraged by Apple’s new News app; the FCC slams AT&T with a HUGE fine for throttling your data; and we talk amazing E3 announcements and Jurassic World in an all new What We’re Into.   Our thanks to Quickbooks Self Employed for supporting this episode.  QuickBooks Self-Employed helps separate your business and personal expensesplus it helps take the guesswork out of your estimated quarterly and year- end taxes and makes it easy to pay what you owe.   Find out what QuickBooks Self-Employed can do for you and receive fifty percent off at tryselfemployed.com/cultcast     This week’s links   Zoo keepers love Jurassic World http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/18/8803147/jurassiczoo-hashtag-jurassic-world-chris-pratt-raptor-pose   Leander likes his Amazon Echo  http://www.amazon.com/oc/echo/   And he thinks the wireless speakers from ultimate ears sound fantastic http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/roll   Check out this incredible E3 demo of Microsoft’s Hololens https://youtu.be/6yg6ljnASxw?t=46s   Fallout Shelter is free and fun, and it’s now the top grossing game on the App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fallout-shelter/id991153141?mt=8   Apple Watch 2 will add FaceTime camera, better WiFi and more http://www.cultofmac.com/326730/apple-watch-2-will-add-facetime-camera-better-wifi-and-more/   FCC slams AT&T with $100 million fine for throttling unlimited data plans http://www.cultofmac.com/326562/fcc-slams-att-with-100-million-fine-for-throttling-unlimited-data-plans/

This week: we’re on the ground for WWDC and AltConf!  We’ll tell you what it’s like.  Plus: our favorite features announced at the WWDC keynote; why we have high hopes for Beats 1 radio on Apple Music; Phil Schiller discusses some of Apple’s more controversial product decisions in a surprising new interview; and, though it’s all cheers for consumers, we’ll tell you why some developers dread Apple’s yearly WWDC announcements.   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code [CultCast] at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   This week’s links You should rewatch this WWDC opening with Bill Hader http://www.cultofmac.com/326092/apples-pre-keynote-wwdc-vid-skewers-hollywood-apple-itself/   iOS 9 s awesome two finger trackpad gesture is coming to iPhone http://www.cultofmac.com/326041/ios-9s-awesome-two-finger-keyboard-gesture-is-also-coming-to-iphone/   At WWDC, clues that Apple is adding a stylus to the iPad abound http://www.cultofmac.com/325989/at-wwdc-clues-that-apple-is-adding-a-stylus-to-the-ipad/   Apple’s new ‘Move to iOS’ app helps Android users switch to iPhone - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/325558/apples-new-move-to-ios-app-helps-android-users-switch-to-iphone/   All the awesome features coming to your Apple Watch this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/325366/all-the-awesome-features-coming-to-your-apple-watch-this-fall/   All the awesome features coming to your Apple Watch this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/325366/all-the-awesome-features-coming-to-your-apple-watch-this-fall/   Gruber’s Interview with Phil Schiller http://www.cultofmac.com/325819/phil-schiller-explains-16gb-iphones-macbooks-with-one-usb-port-design-vs-battery-life/  

This week: don’t expect hardware… we’ll tell you why the 2015 WWDC could be one of the tamest on record.  Plus: Apple pretty much confirms Apple TV will be your home’s digital hub; Facebook’s an impenetrable fortress with too much power; and the tale of a Bay Area woman who just unknowingly junked her $200,000 Apple-1 computer… whoopsie!   Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off a new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult   And Lynda.com, which has over 3000 expert-taught video courses for you to choose from. Learn to run your business better, hone your skills at Photoshop, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head to lynda.com/cultcast to start your free trial.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Your mind, the pinnacle of computing power  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2Nq7rEs2E   What to expect from WWDC 2015 http://www.cultofmac.com/324660/what-to-expect-from-wwdc-2015/   Apple TV will be the new digital hub for HomeKit http://www.cultofmac.com/324731/apple-tv-will-be-the-new-digital-hub-for-homekit/#1tPIGBTfX3UX842O.99   Apple Web TV service won’t launch at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/324533/apple-web-tv-service-wont-launch-at-wwdc/#eJlDpTAFGBPUPHs9.99   Our Facebook page has been hacked, and it’s impossible to get it back http://www.cultofmac.com/324617/our-facebook-page-has-been-hacked-and-its-impossible-to-get-it-back/#zGsjf0h4UZurkfKe.99   Bay Area woman accidentally junks $200,000 Apple-1 computer http://www.cultofmac.com/324415/bay-area-woman-accidentally-junks-200k-apple-1-computer/#lUE55QJwpyTOZwvr.99

This week: Jony Ive’s big promotion has him leaving the design lab… is this step one of an Ive succession plan?  Plus: the surprising suitability of Ive’s replacement, Richard Howarth; Apple VP Jeff Williams let’s some curious Apple Car comments slip; why Apple Watch will get a lot faster come fall; Leander reveals his fetish for the weird whispering women of Youtube; and stay tuned till the end for a very romantic Get To Know Ur Cultist!   Our thanks to CultCloth for supporting this episode.  If you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” as checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.     This week’s links   Relax with Bob Ross and his happy little trees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT0RNrTDHkI   Leander’s weird whispering fetish videos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=64&v=Kb27NHO_ubg   And check out Kahney’s Korner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwc2BOpPTFw   Cars are ‘ultimate mobile device’ and other Apple insights from Jeff Williams - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/324020/cars-are-ultimate-mobile-device-and-other-apple-insights-from-jeff-williams/#Bddm7qTBeSEiShJR.99   Everything we know about Richard Howarth, Apple’s new ‘badass’ head of industrial design http://www.cultofmac.com/323877/everything-we-know-about-richard-howarth-apples-new-badass-head-of-industrial-design/#KSEUTAC04OMH3zDA.99   Apples Watch apps are about to get the speed boost they desperately need http://www.cultofmac.com/324004/native-third-party-apple-watch-apps-are-coming-this-fall/#xIpdTYmcKQgjJuux.99

This week: ok sure, Apple may have forever shelved plans for a proper television, but reports of a souped-up Apple TV debuting at WWDC will make you forget all that.  Plus: the good stuff in Apple’s first Watch update; new Macbook Pros and iMacs get faster specs and bigger price tags; and Steve Jobs teaches bad actors a lesson they shan’t forget.   Keep your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch sparking clean with CultCloth!  Use code “CultCast” at checkout for a free 8x8 CleanCloth with any order.   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And Squarespace!  Squarespace Seven doesn’t just have a redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, and new templates, they give you a bunch of tools to update your website on the go and view your metrics right on your iPhone. Try the new Squarespace free for two weeks Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to save 10% off any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   This week’s links   Intro: Windows 95… still playing catch-up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ujTgty7Uk&spfreload=10   Leander Witnessed this Noah Wiley/Steve Jobs showdown! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIClAanU7Os&spfreload=10   The first Apple Watch software update is here Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/323215/the-first-update-for-apple-watch-is-here/#PUYyp37fYax6Bm8v.99   Apple launched a number of new Macs through the Apple Online Store today, Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/323166/apple-brings-force-touch-to-15-inch-macbook-pro-adds-cheaper-5k-imac/#cBdBWflzQj8HHUtx.99   iPhone 6s might launch as soon as August - boostier Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/323107/iphone-6s-launch-might-come-as-soon-as-august/#YiuHTVhs8MfYT31j.99   Michael Fassbender still doesn’t look much like Steve Jobs in first teaser trailer Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/323001/michael-fassbender-still-doesnt-look-much-like-steve-jobs-in-first-teaser-trailer/#Ihmt3zHAkTgqAEsd.99   New Apple TV with App Store and Siri will debut at WWDC Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/323050/new-apple-tv-with-app-store-and-siri-will-debut-at-wwdc/#mkTe4mMjoxkqbwak.99

This week: why the iPhone 6s could be the biggest “S” update yet; Nintendo promises 5 top-notch titles coming to iOS; the paltry earnings of top Mac App Store apps; and just when we thought we’ve seen every iPhone accessory imaginable, a new gadgets sneaks up on our behinds. We mean behind us. No.  Just… just listen.   Join the twitter and Periscope party: @bst3r / @erfon / @alexeheath / @lkahney   Thanks to Casper for supporting this episode. If you’re waking up with numb limbs or back pain, Casper's American-made mattresses can help, and with a price far lower than you’ll find in the stores.  Learn how, try one risk free for 100 days, and save $50 off your order at Casper.com/cultcast.   And Automatic!  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and via their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.   And thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Intro - What is Newton??   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpmJ16sfQyw   iPhone 6s could be Apple’s biggest ‘incremental’ upgrade of all time http://www.cultofmac.com/322312/iphone-6s-could-be-apples-biggest-incremental-upgrade-of-all-time/#2x8iU7ueiMtjIUwm.99   Nintendo promises five top-notch smartphone games by 2017 http://www.cultofandroid.com/73351/nintendo-promises-five-top-notch-smartphone-games-by-2017/   You’ll never guess how little a Top 10 Mac app makes per day http://www.cultofmac.com/321860/youll-never-guess-how-little-a-top-10-mac-app-makes-per-day/#AzsW041WF5D2UtRq.99   Quantified smells: This gadget tracks farts http://www.cultofmac.com/322270/quantified-smells-this-gadget-tracks-farts/

For years Apple has been reportedly working their magic on the worst device in every home—the remote control. And now, with a rumored new Apple TV on the the horizon, we’ll tell you why an Apple-hewn controller could be its flagship feature.  Plus: how to create your own Apple Watch band; how to share your digital heartbeat with other lonely Apple Watch wearers; and we vote on our favorite new gadgets on an all-new Faves ’N Raves.   And stick around for CultCast 2nd hour with our guest, award-winning graphic designer and professor, Sean Adams. Sean shares his insights, tools, and tips for breaking into the design industry, building a name for yourself, and why everyone needs to care about design.   We have three great sponsors this episode:   Lynda.com has over 3000 courses for you to choose fro. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, just head to lynda.com/cultcast to start your free trial.   Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Lonely Apple Watch buyers turn to the Internet to share their heartbeats Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321618/lonely-apple-watch-buyers-turn-to-the-internet-to-share-their-heartbeats/#aboVz29u4K8PAuTS.99   How to add your own custom band to Apple Watch Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321556/how-to-add-your-own-custom-band-to-apple-watch/#Ivbgo0IzCsI3UDAQ.99   How third-party bands are allowed to work with Apple Watch Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321601/how-third-party-bands-are-allowed-to-work-with-apple-watch/#lJjpFKGJb1YkI8R1.99   Apple’s aggressive music ambitions draw DOJ scrutiny Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321512/apples-aggressive-music-ambitions-draw-doj-scrutiny/#5GzQvcoTGIyGwQ6J.99   Patents suggest Apple TV wand full of Cupertino magic Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321683/patents-suggest-apple-tv-wand-full-of-cupertino-magic/#1pJCCHBRZ3kdQhGB.99   Apple is planning to launch its new TV box this summer Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/321592/apple-tv-remote-is-getting-a-trackpad-this-summer/#5uzkVdaFRr8qlser.99   Help us pick this week’s Faves N Raves winner at Facebook.com/thecultcast  Leander - HiRise for Apple Watch - $49 Buster - Capture Pro camera clip from peak designs - $80 Erfon - Vanguard Alta Pro 263 AT tripod - $150   Get some inspiration from Sean Adam’s Design blog       burningsettlerscabin.com

t’s been a week now that we’ve been living with the Apple Watch affixed upon our wrists, and in that time, we’ve curated a list of what we love, what we don’t, and our overall impressions of Apple’s newest trinket.   And while some of us are smitten, not all of us are sold.   Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.   And CultCloth!  Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” as checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   Join the twitter and Periscope party: @bst3r / @erfon / @alexeheath / @lkahney   This week’s links   Intro courtesy of the iToilet: Your interactive toilet thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMcSiTL9yAU&spfreload=10   Confused about the Apple Watch UI? Memorize this cheat sheet http://www.cultofmac.com/319198/apple-watch-ui-cheat-sheet/   Discover will support Apple Pay starting this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/320751/discover-will-support-apple-pay-starting-this-fall/#HlkhhaLryG92ZrYL.99   Apple doesn’t want Watch apps that tell time Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/320953/apple-doesnt-want-watch-apps-that-tell-time/#T5ua46xXdd039QV5.99   Tattoos might make Apple Watch malfunction http://www.cultofmac.com/320924/key-apple-watch-features-may-not-work-for-users-with-tattoos/

Apple Watch, inbound!  And now that it is, we’ll take a look at some of the most useful Watch apps available, and just for fun, some of the stinkiest.  Plus: the noteworthy differences between the Sport and Steel; why those “scratch test” videos shouldn’t trouble you; and finally, you’ll never believe what our ol’ pal and ex-Apple exec Scott Forstall is up to now...   Join the twitter and Periscope party: @bst3r / @erfon / @alexeheath / @lkahney   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And CultCloth!  Let’s face it, CultCloth isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re obsessive about keeping your iPhone, iPad, Mac, DSLR, glasses, and other gadgets in sparkling clean condition, you’ll love ‘em.  Check them out now at CultCloth.co, and use code “CultCast” as checkout to score a free 8x8 CleanCloth!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   He’s mysterious and the ladies love him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBHKVAs85Ko   Modeling’s a man’s job! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69o4iyr54fQ   What does it take to scratch the Apple Watch Sport’s Ion X Glass? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORIQXujC2v8   Anxious buyers freak out about Apple Watch shipments Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/320014/anxious-buyers-freak-out-about-apple-watch-shipments/#3D2pqcXX721PrrYH.99   Apple gives devs chance to own Apple Watch before everyone else Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/319905/apple-gives-devs-chance-at-owning-apple-watch-before-everyone-else/#SwKWvjPsjLgEKuO3.99   You can now control PowerPoint presentations with your Apple Watch - erfon Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/319856/you-can-now-control-powerpoint-presentations-with-your-apple-watch/#xOIPdS7s2BFoxrbS.99      

This week: why trying on the Apple Watch will make you a believer; our WWDC hardware predictions; why a recent acquisition might mean a revolutionary new iPhone camera; Leander reviews the new Macbook; and a very special wedding surprise for our very special Buster Hein.   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the CultCast intro music.   Join the twitter and Periscope party: @bst3r / @erfon / @alexeheath / @lkahney   This week’s links   This week’s intro: The Pitch https://youtu.be/5SIgYp3XTMk?t=3m   If you want you can donate to Buster’s wedding gift fund! http://gofundme.com/weddingbeard   Good work Johnson, that’s one of them “super computers” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwSfyoygA2g&spfreload=10   Karl Lagerfeld’s Apple Watch is almost as sexy as his gloves  http://www.macrumors.com/2015/04/15/custom-gold-link-bracelet-apple-watch/   How an in-store Apple Watch demo will make you a believer http://www.cultofmac.com/318848/how-an-in-store-apple-watch-demo-will-make-you-a-believer/#BGTYBBGQUuqol45Z.99   Apple will kick off WWDC 2015 on June 8 http://www.cultofmac.com/319101/apple-will-kick-off-wwdc-2015-on-june-8/#M8BO521Pl3J6BPbh.99   http://www.cultofmac.com/318967/an-estimated-1m-apple-watches-sold-in-u-s-in-first-24-hours/#JLqhfc2BfuauTsrf.99   J.J. Abrams rocks an Apple Watch at Star Wars Celebration http://www.cultofmac.com/319395/j-j-abrams-rocks-on-apple-watch-for-star-wars-celebration-panel/#6b0i1yJEuf8DioDE.99   Apple’s latest acquisition could revolutionize iPhone camera http://www.cultofmac.com/319159/apples-latest-acquisition-could-give-iphone-an-slr-like-camera/#bOI86xsfPpcm4kKq.99

This week:  get’em while they’re hot! The Apple Watch is ready for pre-order, but the reviews are in, and they’re a mixed bag. Plus: what’s good in iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3; how to get a free month of HBO NOW; Samsung is up to their old tricks; the new Macbook didn’t benchmark well, but it might not matter; and things get weird in an all-new Get to Know Your Cultist!   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And Squarespace!  Squarespace Seven doesn’t just have a redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, and new templates, they give you a bunch of tools to update your website on the go and view your metrics right on your iPhone. Try the new Squarespace free for two weeks Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to save 10% off any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links Alex on twitter/periscope - @alexeheath http://twitter.com/alexeheath   Erfon on twitter/periscope - @erfon http://twitter.com/erfon   Buster on twitter/periscope - @bst3r http://twitter.com/bst3r   Alex E is going to resurrect the Milli Vanilli blazer and tights hottness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdSmokR0Enk&spfreload=10   Damn George Michael got ALL the ladies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgZ7gMze7A&spfreload=10   The 17 best Apple Watch tidbits from early reviews - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/318433/the-17-best-apple-watch-tidbits-from-early-reviews/#bbd5Izg7vOWCH1SM.99   Apple retail guru Angela Ahrendts says “The days of waiting in line … are over” http://www.cultofmac.com/318249/angela-ahrendts-wants-to-change-the-way-you-buy-apple-products/#T47PLCQWVWa53HL8.99   OS X update brings Photos app and hundreds of new emojis - alex http://www.cultofmac.com/318435/os-x-update-brings-photos-app-and-hundreds-of-new-emojis/#KGXboVi2W5YXLwZ1.99   iOS 8.3 is out with racially diverse emoji, new Siri languages, and more - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/318439/ios-8-3-is-out-with-racially-diverse-emoji-new-siri-languages-and-more/#w0cdWUHDGttSY24g.99   Samsung paid 500 fake fans to attend Galaxy S6 China launch - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/318204/samsung-paid-500-fake-fans-to-attend-galaxy-s6-china-launch/#fMyRBHXyJczYG1PX.99   Apple's ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook benchmarks on par with 2011 MacBook Air http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/04/01/apples-ultra-thin-12-inch-macbook-benchmarks-on-par-with-2011-macbook-air-

This week:  Apple Watch apps are hitting the store, we discuss some of the most popular ones; if you want an Apple Watch you’ll need to pre-order—we’ll tell you why and how.  Plus: we love selfie sticks; Leander's special way of “bookmarking” webpages; and… Periscope!  We’ll tell you all about it and why it’s way better than Meerkat.  And stay tuned till the end for Sh*t We’re Into for the non-Apple stuff we’re all really loving so sweetly.   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks is the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   Aaaaaaand lynda.  Are you an aspiring designer?  lynda.com has 562 video courses on design, color, best practices, typography—and so much more to help you hone your craft and even build your own great brand.  Get full access to Lynda’s entire library, and learn all you want with a free 10-day trial at lynda.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Come gawk at our incredible Periscopes @erfon / @bst3r / @alexeheath   Apple is officially ready to accept your Watch app  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/317676/apple-is-officially-ready-to-look-at-your-watch-app/#pbul8XjCTcmS3cqZ.99   A big ol’ list of Apple Watch apps hitting the store http://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/26/apple-watch-apps-app-store/   Apple Watch for Sale in Retail Stores by Reservation Only, No Walk-In Sales http://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/29/apple-watch-reservation-only/   iPad selfie sticks have officially become a thing Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/317539/ipad-selfie-sticks-have-officially-become-a-thing/#bRhJFXOS0VRGvlvQ.99   Watch Aaron Draplin make an awesome logo right before your eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOPA0NaeTBk      Shite we’re into Leander likes this awesome Stromer ST2 electric bike http://www.stromerbike.com/en/us/e-bikes   Alex thinks this Cm4 Q Card iPhone case is the hottness http://www.cm4.com/shop/p-29-iphone-6-plus-wallet-case-q-card-case-for-iphone-6-plus.aspx   Buster is loving Sufjan Stevens' Carry and Loeol album and Wale’s The Album About Nothing featuring… Jerry Seinfeld https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-album-about-nothing/id972747051   Erfon keeps rewatching Interstellar on Bluray cause it’s one of the best SciFi movies of all time http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/

This week: more rumors of a souped-up Apple TV coming in June, and we examine the softer side of Steve Jobs, as described in a new unofficial, Apple-backed biography.  Plus: Skynet is the stuff of movies, but Elon Musk, Steven Hawking, and now Steve Wozniak, all believe AI is a big threat.  Should we worried?  You’re gonna want to unplug your Segway after this discussion.   And stay tuned for an all new Faves N Raves where we pitch our favorite tech and vote on which is best!   Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And Chipolo.  Tired of searching for your lost your keys, wallet, or other belongings? Well affix a Chipolo bluetooth tracker to your stuff and they’ll never be lost again.   With a built-in super loud speaker and their smart iPhone app, you’ll find your lost stuff fast.  Get your hands on Chipolo now at Chipolo.net.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Intro: Owner of Segway dies on Segway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHKrt1iPvMc&spfreload=10   Watch Woz boss around on his not-yet-self-aware Segway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpdmGuVGjl4&spfreload=10   If you want to die on an electric bike, this model might be the one for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYIJm7101pg&spfreload=10   Apple intends to show the device off at its annual World Wide Developers Conference in June - John Paczkowski at Buzzfeed News http://www.buzzfeed.com/johnpaczkowski/new-apple-tv-set-top-will-debut-this-summer-with-app-store-s#.peG2QeQ3M   Woz: ‘The future is scary and very bad for people’ - buster Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/316728/woz-the-future-is-scary-and-very-bad-for-people/#Ewac565dD0UJ08a7.99   Apple officially loves new Steve Jobs bio, hated old one (Becoming Steve Jobs - Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli) Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/316692/becoming-steve-jobs-officially-has-apples-seal-of-approval/#wXjYHoYsYaY0XbXx.99   Steve Jobs had to be convinced that multi-touch was the future - luke Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/316829/steve-jobs-had-to-be-convinced-that-multi-touch-was-the-future/#r6kQLcfSjtBru1wF.99   Steve Jobs’ high school classmates cash in on their yearbooks - alex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/316768/steve-jobs-yearbooks/#WIZDh6sHI8Ak9MKS.99   Our Fave and Rave picks Nokia Lumia 635 - $70.  Yes... Leander chose a Nokia…. E3 Peak Electric Mountain Bike - $3000.  Buster obviously cheated this week. MacID iOS app - $4.  Clearly the king of all picks. Doxie Go WiFi Scanner - $180.  It scans paper.  How cool.

This week: it’s kind of a big deal—Nintendo is finally bringing their games to iOS!  Plus: the reviews are in, and people are loving the new Force Cluck Touch Trackpad; Apple’s rumored streaming TV service might land in June; and why the new Macbook hails the end for the Macbook Air.    Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   And FreshBooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Erfon on twitter/instagram - @erfon http://twitter.com/erfon // http://instagram.com/erfon   Leander on twitter/instagram - @lkahney http://twitter.com/lkahney // http://instagram.com/lkahney   Buster on twitter/instagram - @bst3r http://twitter.com/bst3r // http://instagram.com/bst3r   Duo Mobile makes 2-factor authentication easier https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/duo-mobile/id422663827?mt=8   Nintendo gives in: Mario, Zelda and more are coming to your smartphone   http://www.cultofandroid.com/72357/nintendo-gives-in-mario-zelda-and-more-are-coming-to-your-smartphone/   Does the new Macbook signal the end of the Air? http://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/2zf2ow/does_the_new_macbook_signal_the_end_of_the_air/   Apple TV streaming service coming in June with 25 channels - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/315960/apple-tv-service-june/#RPLv4gJD4jGrgRC0.99   How Apple is sweetening the deal for potential TV partners - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/316055/how-apple-is-sweetening-the-deal-for-potential-tv-partners/#Evx3r9VAR8UfYDet.99   Yahoo aims to kill passwords with on-demand codes - buster http://www.cultofmac.com/315837/yahoo-looks-to-kill-passwords-with-on-demand-service/#1LvRwtgBoRujFOcv.99  

  This week: we break down all that we know and still don’t about the Apple Watch, and Leander says why the $10,000 gold editions are totally opposite Steve Jobs’ vision for the company he co-founded.  Plus: Apple quietly kills their iconic glowing logo; what we love and don’t about the new Macbook, and why some are not thrilled with its new “butterfly” keyboard; and with HBO Now coming exclusively to Apple… could big AppleTV changes be on the horizon?   Our thanks for Freshbooks for supporting this episode.  FreshBooks is the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!   And Squarespace!  Squarespace Seven doesn’t just have a redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, and new templates, they give you a bunch of tools to update your website on the go and view your metrics right on your iPhone. Try the new Squarespace free for two weeks Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to save 10% off any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Erfon on twitter/instagram - @erfon http://twitter.com/erfon // http://instagram.com/erfon   Leander on twitter/instagram - @lkahney http://twitter.com/lkahney // http://instagram.com/lkahney   Buster on twitter/instagram - @bst3r http://twitter.com/bst3r // http://instagram.com/bst3r    Watch Sizing Guide http://store.apple.com/Catalog/regional/amr/pdf/static/pdf/content/Watch_Sizing_Guide.pdf   Apple quietly killed its glowing logo today http://www.cultofmac.com/314952/apple-quietly-killed-glowing-logo-today/#0L58UWZERAzELIXY.99   Why the $10,000 gold Apple Watch really winds me up http://www.cultofmac.com/314922/10000-gold-apple-watch-really-winds/#3xdqbMavg87dBPph.99     The new MacBook isn’t for you, it’s for the future http://www.cultofmac.com/315094/new-macbook-isnt-future/#QxuD0TUJCxQpQakI.99   HBO Now will be an Apple exclusive for three months http://www.cultofmac.com/314933/hbo-now-will-apple-exclusive-three-months/#Rb9RBRghqiPXosJV.99

It’s time for all our Apple Watch hopes and dreams to come true.  With the big event coming March 9th, catch our Spring Forward event expectations, all that we (think we) know about the Apple Watch thus far, how much each edition will cost, and our expectations for other Apple hardware announcements. Plus: why Apple watch will replace your keys; Apple adds cars to its list of products; and since the new Photos app for Mac just hit public beta, we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about Apple’s iPhoto replacement.   Thanks to lynda.com for supporting this episode. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Lynda now has over 3000 courses for you to choose from, and now they’re offering our listeners a 10 day free trial.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head on over to lynda.com/cultcast   And Audible, home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started now at audiblepodcast.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week Erfon Elijah - @Erfon Buster the luster Hein - @bst3r Alex Excelsior Heath - @alexeheath   This week’s links Intro - Will the Watch be Apple’s most personal device yet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QUpQC4zrhU&spfreload=10   Careful with those drugs! http://imgur.com/zrBoPpi   Apple officially wants to be recognized as a car maker Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/313849/apple-officially-wants-recognized-car-maker/#kitLBzxdPlbq   Apple will live stream March 9 Apple Watch event! Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/page/7/#d7rA7cRiwP8yMaxL.99   What to expect from Apple’s ‘Spring Forward’ Watch event Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/314293/what-to-expect-spring-forward-apple-watch-event/#eHOevx8oH3GIyUkq.99   Apple could surprise us with 12-inch MacBook Air next week Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/314006/apple-surprise-us-12-inch-macbook-air-next-week/#I3JJwCowlRSVRWp9.99   Apple Watch will have ‘Power Reserve’ mode for saving battery life Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/313833/apple-watch-battery-life-power-reserve/#HjsOaOI70bj22JbE.99   Apple seeds first public beta of Photos app with OS X 10.10.3 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/313916/apple-seeds-first-public-beta-photos-app-os-x-10-10-3/#1YALyRX5uLAjy3GV.99    

This week: Apple might be eyeing 2020 for their first car, but you can catch our most wanted features and price expectations right now.  Plus: Cupertino pay massive bonuses to poach top talent; the insane acceleration of Tesla’s new electric car; the new and notable from iOS 8.3 beta; Toyota says “no thanks” to CarPlay; and finally, your listener questions, answered!     Our thanks to Varidesk for their support! With models starting at just $275, Varidesk is the highest quality, least expensive way that we know of to get started with a standing desk.  And you should absolutely check them out, because moving to a standing desk will change your life"   Annnnd Squarespace.  Squarespace Seven has a redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, new templates, and  impactful one-page websites called Cover Pages. Try the new Squarespace at Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to save 10% off any order.   And get control of your inbox and save a ton of time with Sanebox.  Sanebox's algorithms learn which emails you want to see and puts the rest into a daily digest you can review or delete all one click. See how accurate it is with a free trial.    We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links Erfon on twitter/instagram - @erfon http://twitter.com/erfon // http://instagram.com/erfon   Alex E Heath on twitter/instagram - @alexeheath http://twitter.com/alexeheath // http://instagram.com/alexeheath   Leander on twitter/instagram - @lkahney http://twitter.com/lkahney // http://instagram.com/lkahney   Buster on twitter/instagram - @bst3r http://twitter.com/bst3r // http://instagram.com/bst3r   Intro - It’s 1985, can Apple survive? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0JseHQ8sDc&spfreload=10   Happy birthday song in 3-part french horn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cgnjduJDGU&spfreload=10   Watch these folks react to the insane acceleration of Tesla’s new P85D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qFV5i8tBhs   Emojitype translates your texts into relevant emojis http://www.emojitype.co   Ste Smith reviews the Tesla P85+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebZ1B6qvmH4&spfreload=10   Simon Phoenix is gonna be super happy about his new emoji icons https://www.facebook.com/TheCultCast/photos/a.451719838200997.101894.450627508310230/916586845047625/?type=1   John Spartan doesn’t know how to use the three seashells... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mFuB0gsNAA&spfreload=10   Apple wants first cars on the road by 2020 http://www.cultofmac.com/312932/apple-wants-first-cars-hit-road-2020/#KYZAmO65XfdsMMgI.99   Siri speaks 7 new languages in iOS 8.3 http://www.cultofmac.com/313268/siri-speaks-7-new-languages-ios-8-3/#UIqhs0HoZyorDarA.99   Apple adds 300 racially diverse emojis to iOS 8.3 http://www.cultofmac.com/313191/apple-adds-300-racially-diverse-emojis-ios-8-3/#ETV5Fy8QDsvmT4yJ.99   Toyota vehicles won’t support CarPlay anytime soon http://www.cultofmac.com/313150/toyota-wont-supporting-carplay-anytime-soon/#VBPgt8FHbz7j6Xb5.99   Check out this week’s fabulous listener-suggested topics on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheCultCast/posts/916316618407981

Jony Ive and his infamous design team aren’t simply creating the Apple products you use and love, their influence is reshaping Apple itself.  On this episode, we look back at Jony’s humble start, and examine how Sir Ive and team became the powerful core of the world’s greatest company.  Plus, we bet you just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of your very own Apple-made…. minivan?  We'll fill you in on the latest Apple Car rumors.   Our sponsors have baller products! With models starting at just $275, Varidesk  is the highest quality, least expensive way that we know of to get started with a standing desk.  And you should absolutely check them out, because moving to a standing desk will change your life.   Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.   And get control of your inbox and save a ton of time with Sanebox.  Sanebox's algorithms learn which emails you want to see and puts the rest into a daily digest you can review or delete all one click. See how accurate it is with a free trial.    We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links Intro: The iPhone call that started it all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPd3P3UuGb8&spfreload=10   The Shape of Things to Come: How an industrial designer became Apple’s greatest product http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/shape-things-come?intcid=mod-most-popular   It’s time to rewrite Apple history — with more Jony Ive http://www.cultofmac.com/312475/rewrite-apple-history-more-jony-ive/#XvEs00XoOkh3Gvfm.99   Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars http://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-titan-car-project-to-challenge-tesla-1423868072   Touch ID might be coming soon to MacBooks, Magic Mice and trackpads http://www.cultofmac.com/312552/touch-id-might-coming-soon-macbooks-magic-mice-trackpads/#EG1eij21PA3ZB4IB.99   Our Under Review links: Buster loves Darkroom on iOS for non-destructive photo editing. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id953286746?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4   Leander reviewed the Avea Bluetooth LED bulbs and liked them so much he went out and bought ten. https://www.elgato.com/en/smart/avea   Erfon thinks the audio fidelity of Tidal’s music streaming service is incredible, but its Mac app is a stinker. http://tidalhifi.com  

This week: more iCar rumors are swirling… is Apple preparing to give Tesla a run for its money?  Plus: the industries we want Apple to conquer next; why we need Cupertino to get into the space game; college kids love iPhones more than sexy time;  our favorite packs for toting about Apple and DSLR gear; and stay tuned to the end for our new segment, Cross The Streams, where we’ll cover the shows we can’t stop binge-watching.   Our thanks to Varidesk for their support! With models starting at just $275, Varidesk is the highest quality, least expensive way that we know of to get started with a standing desk.  And you should absolutely check them out, because moving to a standing desk will change your life.   Annnnd Squarespace.  Squarespace Seven has a redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, new templates, and  impactful one-page websites called Cover Pages. Try the new Squarespace at Squarespace.com, and enter offer code CultCast at checkout to save 10% off any order.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links Intro: Why Microsoft is better than Mac!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxXwos_iAxM&spfreload=10   Don’t cross the streams! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyaLZHiJJnE&spfreload=10   Apple working on something to ‘give Tesla a run for its money’ Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/311552/apple-working-something-give-tesla-run-money/#RYApXzmmlk34Y1fa.99   Apple now the most valuable company in history http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2015/02/10/apple-just-made-history-again/   College students crave iPhones more than sex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/#z7HG5bXUGs2wTvum.99   Sling TV, the Netflix for cable, opens doors to all subscribers, with new channels coming - erfon Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/311598/sling-tv-netflix-cable-opens-doors-subscribers-new-channels-coming/#hSMkE6KRKeReOdY3.99   Our favorite packs to tote your DSLR and Apple gear Lowepro Photo Sport 200AW - http://store.lowepro.com/photo-sport-200-aw OGIO Ascent pack - http://ogio.com/backpacks/ascent-pack Hefty bags - http://www.hefty.com/products/trash-bags/ Polar Excursion - http://www.polerstuff.com/products/the-excursion-pack-combo Street Walker HardDrive pack - http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-harddrive-backpack.aspx Think Tank’s Roller bags (great for serious travel) - http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/rolling-camera-bags/airport-series.aspx   All the shows we’re currently steaming Leander’s been watching Boardwalk Empire but he think it’s gone off the rails. -  Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, and, you know, the internet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6z71l6HQwQ&spfreload=10   If you like the X-Files, you need to watch Fringe - On Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE&spfreload=10   Alex liked Better Call Saul on AMC - TV or internet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1xIGfVFb-U&spfreload=10   Sopranos - Also available on Amazon Instant Video and HBO Go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKFxCPBUPa8&spfreload=10   Luther is a cop tracking down serial killers, and Buster likes it - BCC show available on Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEwrOnrlERY&spfreload=10

This week: a curiously equipped mystery van has us wondering if Apple’s working on self-driving autos.  Plus, we review all that  Apple Watch apps can’t do; Sorkin’s Jobs’ biopic gets a cast, and not everyone is thrilled; Apple’s plans for a global “data command center”; and Macho Man Randy Savage helps us answer listeners questions in an all-new Get to Know Your Cultist.   Thanks to lynda.com for supporting this episode. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Lynda now has over 3000 courses for you to choose from, and now they’re offering our listeners a 10 day free trial.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head on over to lynda.com/cultcast   And Varidesk! With models starting at just $275, Varidesk is the highest quality, least expensive way that we know of to get started with a standing desk.  And you should absolutely check them out, because moving to a standing desk will change your life.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week Erfon Elijah - @Erfon Buster the luster Hein - @bst3r Leander KaHaney - @lkahney Alex "Not Kip" Heath - @AlexEHeath   This week’s links Mr T wants you to treat your mother right https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_rBidCkJxo&spfreload=10   Leander wants to you go to the Spandau Ballet with him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR8D2yqgQ1U&spfreload=10   Macho Man Randy Savage is the cream of the crop! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C4lK41SX-Q&spfreload=10   And he wants you to SNAP IT TO A SLIM JIM!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxp_3000h_U&spfreload=10   Tesla should “borrow” from this handy prototype Apple Watch app https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6MZCKBNgxc   Mystery Van Could Be Apple’s Entry In Effort To Develop Driverless Vehicle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/02/03/mystery-van-could-be-apples-entry-in-effort-to-develop-self-driving-vehicle/   Why the Apple Watch’s first apps might disappoint you Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/310733/apple-watchs-first-apps-might-disappoint/#7zh5GERi8Qm3Mf1Y.99   Everything Apple Watch apps can’t do http://www.cultofmac.com/305778/everything-apple-watch-apps-cant/   Meet the official cast of the Steve Jobs movie Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/310397/meet-official-cast-steve-jobs-movie/#wlgULkFb0DZmqoFf.99   Apple’s failed Arizona sapphire plant will be $2 billion data ‘command center’ Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/310834/apples-failed-arizona-sapphire-plant-will-become-2b-data-command-center/#CB9FLwLMLPkisewT.99

This week: Apple has their best quarter ever; Apple Watch is coming in April; the best parts of the new iOS and Yosemite updates; Disney considers rebooting Indiana Jones; and then catch El Kahn’s TMI moment in Facts of Life, a new game where we mix real facts with fake ones then guess which is which!   Our thanks to Varidesk for supporting this episode.  With models starting at just $275, Varidesk is the highest quality, least expensive way that we know of to get started with a standing desk.  And you should absolutely check them out, because moving to a standing desk will change your life. Your buns will thank you.   And Automatic!  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful iOS app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  Save 20% off your new Automatic plus get free shipping at Automatic.com/cult.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.   On the show this week Erfon Elijah - @Erfon Buster the luster Hein - @bst3r Leander KaHaney - @lkahney   This weeks  links Steve Ballmer isn’t so sure about the iPhone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eywi0h_Y5_U&spfreload=10   Ahhhh, Venice... http://youtu.be/nXuvzsIf1oE?t=19s   The Facts of Life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd6wEeKjbqg&spfreload=10   Apple reduces amount of free storage needed for updates with iOS 8.1.3 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/#q1jVfM4tvolRisHW.99   Apple releases OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 with Wi-Fi and Spotlight fixes Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/#q1jVfM4tvolRisHW.99   Apple shatters records with $74.6 billion in revenue, $18 billion in profit for Q1 2015 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/310313/apple-shatters-records-74-6-billion-revenue-18-billion-profit-q1-2015/#bsQZSsdT2KtxraV1.99   Revelations from Apple’s historic earnings call Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/#q1jVfM4tvolRisHW.99   Disney Eyeing Chris Pratt For Indiana Jones Revival http://deadline.com/2015/01/chris-pratt-indiana-jones-guardians-of-the-galaxy-disney-1201360637/  

This week: why Apple Watch will win the wrist war; we snap a pic with Patrick Stewart and he’s NOT amused; the good and bad of a Lucas-free Star Wars 7; Microsoft’s new Hololens look incredible; and we reveal some of our favorite apps and gear on an all-new Under Review.   PSA: Come hang out with Erfon live and bring your podcasting questions on Sunday the 25th at 1pm Pacific.  Just head over to live.thecultcast.com   On the show this week Erfon Elijah - @Erfon Buster the luster Hein - @bst3r Leander KaHaney - @lkahney Alex "Not Kip" Heath - @AlexEHeath     It’s a Circle of Life! Please support our sponsors!   Squarespace Seven has a completely redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, new templates, and an incredible feature called Cover Pages. Try the new Squarespace, at Squarespace.com, and enter offer code [show’s offer code] at checkout to get 10% off.   Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.     This weeks story links   How George Lucas Star Wars 7 Ideas Were Used By Disney http://www.cinemablend.com/new/How-George-Lucas-Star-Wars-7-Ideas-Were-Used-By-Disney-69271.html   Steve Jobs rolls over in his grave: the iPad Pro could have a stylus http://www.cultofmac.com/309293/steve-jobs-rolls-grave-ipad-pro-stylus/#Mjv5cZO8waMXO4VZ.99   Goodbye Glass This is your last chance to get your hands on Google’s head up display http://www.cultofandroid.com/71320/goodbye-glass-last-chance-get-hands-googles-head-display/   Apple Watch wins the wrist war before it starts http://www.cultofmac.com/308806/apple-watch-wins-battle-for-your-wrist/#5cKhIRBSPvy6MmzS.99     Also, watch these   The Knowledge Navigator is Apple’s computer of the future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bjve67p33E&spfreload=10   Famous pals Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan do great impressions… of each other! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSwn0nl3yms&spfreload=10   Hear why Martin Sexton is an American treasure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5CCt7Jcm3E&spfreload=10   And here’s Erfon with a wax Patrick Steward http://imgur.com/cXbWVjx     Our Under Review Picks   Buster - Near Lock for iOS and Mac unlocks your Mac when your iPhone is near.  Free http://nearlock.me   Erfon - The Marantz HD-DAC1 headphone amp pairs beautifully with your iOS and Mac and delivers superb audio quality.  $800  http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&ProductId=HDDAC1   Alex - AllCast for iOS let’s you AirPlay your iPhone content to the Chromecast, Xbox,  Roku, Amazon Fire stick—just about anything.  Free or $5 to lose the ads and watermark https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/allcast-stream/id777002997?mt=8        

This week: optical zoom and Force Touch rumored for the iPhone 6s; autonomous future-cars chauffeur us about; we’re back from Vegas with a full report on the best gadgets, technology, and trends from the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show; and for small fee, we cover your enemies in a layer of spectacular glitter.  Yes... seriously.   Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors.  Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   Ask Erfon anything you want about podcasting on Sunday, January 25th at 1pm Pacific time!  Bring your questions or just come hang out for an hour at live.thecultcast.com   BlackBerry gets caught tweeting from an iPhone Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/308946/blackberry-gets-caught-tweeting-iphone/#PQ6o   Obama wants US internet speeds to go way up and prices to go down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbol8oMNggs&spfreload=10   Apple eyes big improvements for iPhone 6s camera Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/308894/apple-eyes-big-improvements-iphone-6s-camera/#UhhTfbEFIUWs45lB.99   Musings on CES 2014 (discussion) The coolest and most useful gadgets  Technology trends this year Best we did at the show Trends in new car tech   ENRAGE YOUR ENEMIES BY SENDING THEM AN ENVELOPE FULL OF GLITTER http://dangerousminds.net/comments/enrage_your_enemies_by_sending_them_an_envelope_full_of_glitter      

This week: someone tried to burn down the Mrs. Doubtfire house—time for a drive-by fruiting; prepare thy wrists, the  Watch cometh in March; details on a radically new Macbook Air; and… as promised!  With over 430,000 Instagram followers, @withhearts joins us to talk mobile photography, his favorite photo apps and gear, and his tips for capturing beautiful images with your favorite iDevice.   And guess what??  This episode is brought to you by Squarespace!   Squarespace recently launched the latest version of their platform, Squarespace Seven, which has a completely redesigned interface, integrations with Getty Images and Google Apps, new templates, and an incredible feature called Cover Pages. Try the new Squarespace, at Squarespace.com, and enter offer code [show’s offer code] at checkout to get 10% off.   And thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for all the great music you hear in today's show.     The sexy dudes on this episode   Erfon “the-perfect-six-pack-abs” Elijah http://twitter.com/erfon // http://instagram.com/erfon   Cory Staudacher aka @withhearts http://twitter.com/withhearts // http://instagram.com/withhearts   Buster/Alex/Leander are drunk in Las Vegas.  They’ll prob. be back next week.     This week’s links   Intro - Don’t you f#cking call it an iWatch! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cux9T9wvERs&spfreload=10   Someone tried to set the Mrs. Doubtfire house on fire! http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/01/06/mrs-doubtfire-house-san-francisco-fire/21332495/   Apple transforms retail stores into art galleries for ‘Start Something New’ campaign http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/02/apple-store-art-galleries-for-start-something-new/   Apple Watch launch expected in March, retail training set for mid-February http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/06/apple-watch-launch/   Apple’s next major Mac revealed: the radically new 12-inch MacBook Air http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/06/macbook-air-12-inch-redesign/   Cory uses this stuff   An iPhone 6 Plus and a Canon 5D Mark III   Joby Gorilla Pod http://joby.com/gorillapod   Vsco Cam (he likes the M5, P5, and A5 presets) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vsco-cam/id588013838?mt=8   Manual Custom Exposure Camera give you fine-tuned control https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/manual-custom-exposure-camera/id917146276?mt=8   Filterstorm to remove stuff from your photos… like guys flashing their nipples https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filterstorm-neue/id728479183?mt=8   Average Camera Pro combines multiple pictures into one.  Good at giving water that “glass look" https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filterstorm-neue/id728479183?mt=8   Cortex Cam works well for taking low-light photographs https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cortex-camera/id517488939?mt=8   His favorite sexy sax man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoLU6zKaws&spfreload=10  

This week, on our maiden episode of 2015: The story of an iOS developer who gave a gift so generous, it went totally viral; Discovering new apps and podcasts on iTunes is an awful experience, but we know how to fix it; plus, how Steve Jobs contributions helped build the new Disney...   And stay tuned for an all-new CultCast 2nd Hour!  Pro photographer David Hobby shares his favorite gear for travel pics, his tips and tactics for taking great travel photos, plus his street photography advice will help you not get punched...   Thanks to lynda.com for supporting this episode. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  lynda now has over 4500 courses for you to choose from, and now they’re offering our listeners a 10 day free trial.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head on over to lynda.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s links   Erfon on twitter/instagram - @erfon http://twitter.com/erfon // http://instagram.com/erfon   Leander on twitter/instagram - @lkahney http://twitter.com/lkahney // http://instagram.com/lkahney   Buster on twitter/instagram - @bst3r http://twitter.com/bst3r // http://instagram.com/bst3r   This week's intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULifDary70E&spfreload=10   iOS dev pays off his parents’ mortgage for Christmas http://www.cultofmac.com/307244/ios-dev-pays-off-parents-mortgage-christmas/#7LJyIJzj0Pouk60F.99   iPhone 6 drives App Store to new download record http://www.cultofmac.com/307449/iphone-6-drives-app-store-new-download-record/#sLkaHAmEeWjOL61b.99   Apple Pay comes to gas pumps in 2015 http://www.cultofmac.com/307349/apple-pay-comes-gas-pumps-2015/#ExhEu8foakt4AFpE.99   How Jobs helped shape the new Disney http://fortune.com/2014/12/29/disney-ceo-bob-iger-empire-of-tech/   2nd Hour Links   David Hobby on twitter:  twitter.com/strobist   Learn how to light on his Strobist site:  http://www.strobist.blogspot.com   His favorite travel camera is the Fuji X100S:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK8ZBE0   The Fuji X100T is the newer version of the X100S: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NF6ZGY6   David loves the book The Passionate Photographer: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321719891   David’s lynda catalog of courses (please use lynda.com/cultcast to sign up): http://www.lynda.com/David-Hobby/2042130-1.html

With 2015 nearly upon us, we pick our favorite tech, iOS apps, Mac apps, movies, and tv shows—everything that delighted us in 2014, on this very special, far too long, last-episode-of-the-2014 CultCast.   Thanks to lynda.com for supporting this episode. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Lynda now has over 4500 courses for you to choose from, and now they’re offering our listeners a 10 day free trial.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head on over to lynda.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.   On This Episode Boostier Hhhheine - @bst3r Erfon Elijah - @erfon Adam Christianson - @maccast   Intro clip Girls get iPhone for Xmas, appropriately freak out    And def. check out Will Ferrell Lego Movie outtakes  This scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation...  John Oliver explains net neutrality perfectly    Our fave Tech Products iPhone 6 Plus iFixit Pro Tech Toolset Oru Foldable Kayak   Our fave Mac Apps Calcbot 5 Git Tower Gif brewery   Our fave iOS Apps Slack (team communication tool) Acorn (invest your spare change automatically) 1Password (safely store and access your passwords) Alien Blue (Reddit App)   Our fave iOS Games Vain Glory Monument Valley Leo’s Fortune Sailor’s Dream   Our fave Movies The Lego Movie - Everything is Awesome! Guardians of the Galaxy Whiplash   Our fave Christmas Movies Rise of the Guardians Polar Express Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Home for the Holidays Die Hard (the musical!)   Our Fave TV Shows The Walking Dead  Once Upon A Time YoungArts Master Series Game of Thrones Breaking Bad Last Week Tonight with John Oliver       Your mom!

Merry CultCast boys and girls!  This week: Santa gets a little “grabby”; Apple wins a major lawsuit; our iPhones deserve "rollover" data plans; the incredibly low payouts artists get from Spotify; and the high-end gifts we really want but will never get on an all-new Get To Know Your Cultist.   Thanks to Audible for supporting this episode. Audible, the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started now at audiblepodcast.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   Announcement!   Join us for a live CultCast hangout on Saturday, December 20th, 1pm.  Just head to live.thecultcast.com   Links to this week’s stories   Apple wins at last: iTunes DRM was ‘genuine improvement,’ jury finds Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/306320/apple-just-won-1-billion-ipod-lawsuit/#UiLVQyJJBqkLYx8W.99   T-Mobile’s Un-carrier 8.0 plan is rollover minutes for your data Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/306304/t-mobiles-un-carrier-8-0-plan-rollover-minutes-data/#LmLZQq3vYRJ4wmFJ.99   Bose plans to take on Beats with its own music streaming service Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/306275/bose-plans-take-beats-music-streaming-service/#By8zxRZ3eKmZI4Im.99   The expensive Christmas gifts we’ll never get   Leander is drooling over this $16,000 road bike: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/performance_race/emonda/   Alex and Erfon want to find this $1300 Fuji X100T camera under their tree: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x100t/   Buster wants the new $2000 full-frame A7 II from Sony:  http://www.wired.com/2014/11/sony-alpha-a7-mark-2/   This $3000 electric bicycle Erfon wants will have you blasting up hills like rocketman: http://www.currietech.com/eflowebikes/eflow-e3-nitro-l-4   Leander wants a 4K tele but needs to convince his wife:   http://4k.com/news/lg-coming-out-with-quantum-dot-tv-8k-tv-4587/   Erfon drove the BMW i3 at CES this year, and if can muster $40,0000 he’s gonna buy it:  http://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/i3

This week: the Sony hack reveals all sorts of juicy Jobs movie tidbits; HBO uses Game of Thrones to break big cable’s iron grip; iPod Classic prices skyrocket as fans scramble to buy them; we’ll tell you how to get some fantastic iOS games absolutely free; and then we pitch our favorite tech and vote on which is best… it’s an all new Faves ’N Raves.   Thanks to lynda.com for support this episode. Learn to run your business better, become a photoshop ninja, learn how to create music with your iPad, and so much more.  Lynda now has over 4500 courses for you to choose from, and now they’re offering our listeners a 10 day free trial.  Learn all you want for free for 10 days, head on over to lynda.com/cultcast   And a big thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s stories HBO will use Game of Thrones to break cable’s iron grip Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/305620/hbo-launch-streaming-service-time-game-thrones-premiere/#bjlbpRmqtSOeofps.99   Fans scramble for iPod Classic, the music player Apple killed off http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/06/ipod-classic-apple-fans-scramble-for-last-gadgets   Sony hack reveals dirty secrets behind Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs movie http://www.cultofmac.com/305630/sony-hack-dirty-secretst-steve-jobs-biopic/#mx5pLpJL0LqiAwiV.99   Jeff Daniels slated to play ex-Apple CEO in Steve Jobs movie Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/305582/jeff-daniels-slated-role-former-apple-ceo-john-sculley/#YD3zXPvidU3zESBf.99   Pocket Gamer will give away a top-rated iOS game every day for two weeks http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Pocket+Gamer/feature.asp?c=62844   This week’s intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12bojHojBKY&spfreload=10   And these vids…. Classic Curb Your Enthusiasm  This is the movie that got Sony hacked   Take it to Ludicrous speed

This week: how’s about that new Star Wars trailer! Plus, warm up the tele—Woz is getting a tech-filled reality TV show; we divulge our new favorite apps; we answer some ridiculous Qs in an all new get to know your Cultist; and finally, Steve Jobs denies Leander Kahney’s attempted handshake not once, but TWICE.  Leander recounts the tale.  We die laughing.   Our thanks to Might Tees for support this episode.  Steve Jobs, Woz, the very vintage Apple Lisa, check out Might Tees for some of the best Apple-inspired tees in the land, and don’t miss indie designs features John Wayne and Captain Jean Luc Picard.   MightTees.com ships worldwide and you can and save a whopping 50% off your order with code CultCast at checkout.  Erfon thanks you for your order.   And thanks to Boom 2!  Ever needed to turn up your Mac’s volume farther than it could go?  Boom 2 can bolster your Mac’s puny volume levels righteous amounts your ears probably can’t handle.  Try it out free for 7 days at bit.ly/cultcastboom and save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   This week’s links   Stephen colbert explains the new light saber  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jic__6mK7Ms&spfreload=10   Microsoft declares iPhone 6 most popular device of 2014 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/304919/microsoft-declares-iphone-6-popular-device-2014/#vJp4j5PCj2W   Steve Wozniak is about to become a reality TV show Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/304782/steve-wozniak-become-reality-tv-show/#8LUlqJ5RgcvT684J.99   Get to Know Your Cultist - ultra mega edition - tons of great Qs here https://www.facebook.com/TheCultCast/posts/869280556444921   Leander’s favorite band every is Blancmange https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ8qPOk0Zvc&spfreload=10   Woz opens a hotel door with his iPhone 6, gets mean comments Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/search/woz/#r2eJKwKR3PjGoL45.99

Gobble gobble yaaa’aall! Ever wonder what a Thanksgiving meal with Tim Cook might be like?  Ok, maybe not, but come imagine it with us anyway.  Then: why Apple quietly included 4K support in iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2; and Amazon is building an ad-supported Netflix streaming competitor.   Plus stayed tuned for the CultCast gift guide!  We’ll talk about the products we’d love to get as gifts this year.     Thanks to Fracture for supporting this episode!  Fracture is pretty neat.  They print your photos directly onto glass so they really pop.  And they come ready to hang on a wall or sit on your desk. They’re great gifts too for your family or significant other.   Check them out at Fracture.me and save 15% off any order with code CultCast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   Links to this week’s stories   Jeff Goldblum on the iMac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2y4Crs0ct8&spfreload=10   iPad Air 2 and iPhone 6 secretly support 4K video Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/304077/ipad-air-2-iphone-6-secretly-support-4k-video-playback/#8Da6Z6w4ED8xfU83.99   Amazon plans a streaming-video alternative http://nypost.com/2014/11/21/amazon-plans-a-streaming-video-alternative/   The Van Damme splits you have to see  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7FIvfx5J10&spfreload=10   And check out this classic Van Damage montage! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCYgQR5PEzA   And this one for some epic splits! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_vaSsF9hx0&spfreload=10   But only watch this one if you’re ready to party https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD1Usk0DYc0&spfreload=10     Gifts we talked about   Breaking Bad Complete Series BluRay Barrel Set   Gear Beast Lightning Cable (Black)   Gear Beast Lightning Cable (White)   Miir Insulated Beer Growler   Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker   Marc Newson’s revolutionary beer machine   Fenix Flashlights 2014 Edition PD35 Flashlight   Fenix TK35UE (Ultimate Edition)   ForLife Brew-In-Mug Tea Infuser   The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Hardcover Box Set

This week: Uber’s crazy culture is making the news, but we want to party with their brogrammers; why we’re not so jazzed on Apple Watch apps; why the next iPhone might feature a massively improved camera; why Steve Jobs drowned the first iPod prototype; and finally, what we like and don’t about the gadgets and Apple accessories we’re reviewing—it’s an all-new Under Review.   Thanks to lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With 3,119 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free with a 10-day free trial now at lynda.com/CultCast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.   This week’s stories   Tick tock, devs: WatchKit brings tools for making Apple Watch apps Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/303529/watchkit-arrives-giving-developers-ability-make-apple-watch-apps/#qvyUCg4qDBS0ZZY6.99   Sony’s new sensor could bring 4K video to next iPhone Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/303429/sonys-new-camera-sensor-bring-4k-video-next-iphone/#Wf73w0FPWaZz4WxW.99   Apple May Introduce 'Biggest Camera Jump Ever' in Next-Generation iPhone http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/18/apple-biggest-camera-jump-ever/   Some OS X Yosemite Users Still Experiencing Wi-Fi Connection Issues Even After 10.10.1 Update http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/18/wi-fi-issues-even-after-os-x-yosemite-10-10-1/   Why Steve Jobs drowned the first iPod prototype Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/303469/steve-jobs-drowned-first-ipod-prototype/#q8jvmDVJqpWEz1bi.99

This week: huge news in the fight for an open internet; Youtube’s Music service confuses us; Apple Pay is like, the payment of the future, man; big Black Friday deals on Apple’s newest gadgets; the go-to apps we keep on our home screens, and sooooo much more.   This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity's Ten Days or Whatever of Kwanzaa! You give Cards Against Humanity $15 and they'll send you ten mystery gifts for the ten days or whatever of Kwanzaa. Space is limited to the first 250,000 people who sign up at HolidayBullshit.com.   Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode.  Squarespace 7 is now live, and it’s the biggest update in years.   Now building a beautiful website is easier than ever.  See it in action and grab a free trial at Squarespace.com and use code “CultCast” at checkout for 10% off any order.   And Automatic! Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving habits, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   Links to this week's stories   YouTube delivers the music streaming service you’ve been waiting for http://www.cultofandroid.com/70296/youtubes-music-streaming-service-finally-arrives/   Pres. Obama comes out strong to support an open internet -https://www.fightforthefuture.org/hugewin/   Apple Pay is such a hit, event Google Wallet is seeing a big increase in usage http://arstechnica.com/business/2014/11/google-wallet-grows-after-apple-pay-launch/   Netflix for iOS Updated With iPhone 6 Support, 1080p Video for iPhone 6 Plus http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/11/netflix-iphone-6-support-update/   Apple’s new tool will nuke your phone number from iMessage forever - alex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/302506/apples-new-tool-will-nuke-phone-number-imessage/#5p8bKIB4ZpcSgAcx.99   Best Buy Discounting iPads, iPhones, Macs, and More for Black Friday http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/11/best-buy-black-friday/   Home screen apps - the goto apps we keep on our home screens Buster: Product Hunt, Acorns Erfon: cPro Craigslist Client, Newsify

This week: more rumored details of the 12-inch "iPad Pro”; 755 more Emojis coming soon to your iDevices; with Christian Bale out, we make our list of the actors that definitely *shouldn’t* replace him in the Sorkin-penned Jobs movie; and finally… nude or not?  Do you keep your iDevices bare or covered up in a case?  We ponder the pros and cons and ask the question: why are so many iPhone and iPad cases horrid pieces of garbage? We’ll pitch some of our faves, too.   Thanks to lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 3,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at lynda.com/CultCast   And Audible, home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started now at audiblepodcast.com/cultcast   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.   Links to today's stories, aka, reading material for your toilet time   CNN caught using Microsoft Surface as iPad kickstand - buster Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/302105/cnn-hid-ipads-behind-microsoft-surface-mid-term-coverage/   CurrentC’s Apple Pay ban to expire in ‘months, not years’ - alex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/301972/currentcs-apple-pay-ban-expire-months-years/#ebZFJiMCsOzIdxJO.99   12.2-inch iPad Pro could be thinner than the iPhone 6 Plus - alex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/301811/12-2-inch-ipad-pro-thinner-iphone-6-plus/#WIoaajYWxPZw5Toj.99   Christian Bale bails on Steve Jobs movie - buster Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/301876/christian-bale-says-hes-steve-jobs-deserve-turns-role/#8yLuOTa1LJTZKczj.99     Michael Fassbender in talks to play Steve Jobs after Christian Bale bails - alex Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/302022/michael-fassbender-talks-play-steve-jobs-christian-bale-bails/#pBaTpoRzv6PIRSuu.99     Amazon Prime’s an even greater deal with unlimited photo storage http://www.cultofandroid.com/70135/amazon-primes-even-greater-deal-unlimited-photo-storage/   Your keyboard is about to get 755 new racially diverse emojis - booster Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/301965/emojis-get-racially-diverse/#LGQbIyH2PtbU61gR.99   Apple Watch Pricing to Reportedly Start at $500 for Stainless Steel, $4,000 for Gold http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/04/apple-watch-steel-500/    

This week: the war on Apple Pay has begun.  We’ll tell you why some of the biggest retailers are moving to block it, and all about the ridiculously dumb app they want you to use instead.  Plus, our 72-hour review of the iPad Air 2; the FTC sues AT&T for throttling your data; Christian Bale is your next Steve Jobs; and we pitch our favorite tech and apps then vote on which is best—it’s an all-new Faves ’N Raves. And Faves N Raves.  And….   Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.   And thanks to Sworl!  With the free Sworl iOS app, you can print, frame and deliver beautifully wrapped photos, quickly and easily, all from your iPhone in less than 3 minutes.  They’re great, easy gifts, too.  Download the app from the App Store or learn more at GetSworl.com, and save 20% off your first order with code “CultCast” at checkout.   Links to this week’s stories:   FTC finally sues AT&T for throttling unlimited data plans http://www.cultofmac.com/301317/ftc-finally-sues-att-throttling-unlimited-data/ FTC is  going after AT&T for throttling customer’s data speeds, by filing an official complaint that the company has lowered speeds on LTE up to 95% on unlimited data plans. FTC also alleges that AT&T engaged in unfair or deceptive acts and practices that affected commerce. And they’ve got the numbers to back up their lawsuit, with claims that AT&T illegally capped users’ data speeds at 128 Kbps AT&T’s response “The FTC’s allegations are baseless and have nothing to do with the substance of our network management program. It’s baffling as to why the FTC would choose to take this action against a company that, like all major wireless providers, manages its network resources to provide the best possible service to all customers, and does it in a way that is fully transparent and consistent with the law and our contracts.”   Inside the war on Apple Pay that’s doomed to fail http://www.cultofmac.com/301040/war-apple-pay-explained/   Why Christian Bale will play an amazing Steve Jobs Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300746/christian-bale-will-play-amazing-steve-jobs/#OS0VTQ0MvCBvDz7f.99

This week: the iPad Air 2 reviews are in, and not everyone’s in love; Cult of Mac spends a day with Apple Pay; Yosemite and iOS 8.1 Continuity blows. our. minds; a potential cure for the painful #6PlusPinch; some welcome changes rumored for Beats Music; and we wrap with our favorite movie trilogies of all time in an all-new Get To Know Your Cultist. Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  Lynda now has over 3000 high quality video courses taught by instructors who are experts in their filed. Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, whether you’re a beginner, novice or, pro, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 day with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast    And Smile Software. TextExpander touch 3 for iOS saves you time and effort by expanding your short abbreviations into full blocks of texts, code and more. Plus now includes a custom keyboard so you can use your abbreviations in any iOS app, including Mail and iMessage. See it in action at smilesoftware.com/cultcast We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com  a huge thanks for all the great music you hear on today's show.    Links to this week's stories Early reviews of latest iPads praise new hardware, but wish for more  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300493/ipad-air-2-ipad-mini-3-review-roundup/#6pJpRhGHdP6q3Lhi.99 Malt Wossberg "They are, in most respects, the best iPads ever made. But for average users, they represent only a modest evolutionary improvement over last year’s models, not the kind of big change that the first iPad Air or the Retina display iPad mini did last year.” The Verge called the iPad Air 2 “a monumental achievement in the field of iterative improvement,”  Cult of Mac’s day with Apple Pay Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300229/cult-macs-day-apple-pay/#rsLHeQbEOR3TDLzL.99 Leander will be shopping around San Francisco. Alex is testing Apple Pay in the backwoods of Kentucky. Buster sputterered around Phoenix in search of a burrito shop with Apple Pay Everything you can buy with Apple Pay starting today - buster Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300227/thing-can-buy-apple-pay-starting-today/#a7GRq10844WDRRFe.99 Continuity features we love Sms relay Call relay Hotspot iCloud Photo Library New iOS 8.1 features you need to know Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300128/new-goodies-youre-getting-ios-8-1-today/#96Ar48bKpjTH5YfI.99 This store will enlarge your pockets to fit your new iPhone 6 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300208/store-will-enlarge-pockets-fit-new-iphone-6/#FeQi21lFPLLXYmyi.99 Apple and GT Advanced Technologies amicably part ways Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300481/apple-gt-advanced-technologies-amicably-part-ways/#PlKmvR6sp1hR6wrZ.99 GT Advanced Technologies and Apple have reached an agreement that will see the two companies amicably parting ways, GTAT filed for bankruptcy and that it would work to preserve the sapphire plant in Arizona and the jobs it created, but lawyers for GTAT say the deal allows it to wind down operations at the plant and pay incentives to employees Apple aiming for $5 Beats Music streaming subscriptions - luke Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/300223/apple-aiming-5-beats-music-streaming-subscriptions/#2AUmM0ZTzLIw5kQQ.99 Having helped pioneer the concept of the $0.99 music track on iTunes, Apple is now trying to bring down the price of streaming music. According to a new report published by Re/code, Apple is pushing music labels for extensive price cuts that would bring the cost of a Beats Music subscription from its current $10 price point all the way down to $5. Learn our favorite movie trilogies of all time in our new Get To Know Your Cultist! 

Fresh off the Apple event, our impressions of iPad Air 2, the iPad Mini 3, the big beautiful iMac with 5K display, and the updated Mac Mini.  Plus, our favorite Continuity features of Yosemite and iOS 8.1; and HBO makes a move to offer all us cable cutters the a la cart TV we’ve always wanted. Boom.  CultCast 149. Now ready for your listening pleasures. Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode.  Squarespace 7 is now live, and it’s the biggest update in years.   Now building a beautiful website is easier than ever.  See it in action and grab a free trial at Squarespace.com and use code “CultCast” at checkout for 10% off any order. And thanks to Sworl!  With the free Sworl iOS App you can print, frame and deliver beautifully wrapped photos, quickly and easily, all from your iPhone in less than 3 minutes!  They’re great, easy gifts, too.  Download the app from the App Store or learn more at GetSworl.com, and save 20% off your first order with code “CultCast” at checkout. We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.  

It’s official, friends: on October 16th, Apple will hold yet another hardware event, so ready your wallets, cause another round of gadgets is headed our way…  we’ll run through our list of iPad and Mac expectations.  Plus, ever wonder what it’s like to have a brand new iPhone 6 Plus stolen right out of your hands?  Well we can tell you first hand, and we want your help to catch the crooks.  All that and this week’s best Apple stories on our newest CultCast! Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With almost 2997 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast And Smile Software!  TextExpander Touch from Smile let’s you expand short abbreviations you type on your iOS device into full blocks of text, code, pictures, and more.  Plus now it will work in any iOS app and it syncs perfectly with the snippets you create on TextExpander for Mac.  Visit smile software.com/cultcast and see it in action.    This week's stories It’s been way too long: Apple sends invites to October 16th event Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/299089/way-long-apple-sends-invites-october-16th-event/#KLwPAbL5q2LDCe0G.99 iPad Air 2 dummy unit reveals upcoming design changes  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/299082/ipad-air-2-dummy-unit-show-apple/#6YtuBbKX72jfFwzw.99 Full iPad Air 2 details allegedly leak ahead of big reveal  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/298866/full-ipad-air-2-details-leak-ahead-next- Crazy rumor claims Apple’s 12-inch iPad will run iOS and OS X  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/298932/crazy-rumor-claims-apples-12-inch-ipad-will-run-ios-os-x/#XpIspl2hJr4z81yb.99 iPhone 6 Plus proving more popular than even Apple expected Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/298927/iphone-6-plus-proving-popular-even-apple-expected/#J5xG4VBcTjxOBcmw.99 Visiting the cemetery where Steve Jobs was laid to rest Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/298782/visiting-steve-jobs-last-resting-place/#2h9Gq7G63CxqcXbv.99 iPhone prototype seller can’t wait for Apple to squash $100K eBay auction  Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/298887/seller-100000-iphone-prototype-looking-forward-apple-canceling-auction/#hVKVMMSt7jgTjEjr.99  

This week: it’s no coincidence—your love for Apple and their pretty gadgets was Steve Jobs' master plan... Then, Bendgate might seem overblown, but where there’s smoke there’s fire; we love our iPhone 6 Pluses, but dear lord, they’re huge…  And finally, Jony Ive gains a counterpart in Apple's newest Industrial Designer. Our thanks to Backblaze for supporting this episode!  Backblaze online backup is: $5 a month. Mac Native. Unlmited. Unthrottled. Uncomplicated. And setup takes a minute.  Try it free for two weeks at backblaze.com/cultcast And Varidesk!  Get healthier by standing more during your workday with one of Varidesk's afforable standing desks. Check them out at Varidesk.com and enter CultCast in the "how did you hear about us" section.  

Bendgate! Some say it’s Antennagate 2.0, but is there a legitimate issue happening here? We’ll tell you what we think about these “bent” iPhones… Then, we’ve used it for a whole week—catch our updated impressions of iPhone 6. Plus, why you should hold off on installing iOS 8.0.1, and what you can do if you already have. And finally, it’s not just the big screen, there might be another reason the iPhone 6 has been impossible to buy. We’ll tell you our stories from launch day… Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With almost 3000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast And to Smile Software!  Did you know that, with PDF Pen Scan+ and your iPhone or iPad, you can easily scan your paper documents into single or multi-page PDFs?  You can OCR them as well so they’re fully searchable when you need to hunt them down. See it in action at Smilesoftware.com/cultcast.   Get bent: The shocking history of bent smartphones Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/297404/get-bent-shocking-history-bent-smartphones/#meDRYmDMUlBTZRd6.99 Insane stories of launch day iPhone 6 in final approval stage ahead of China launch Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/297322/iphone-6-final-review-stages-ahead-china-launch/#zZ47kGckfiQhG27u.99 iPhone 6s being sold for insane amounts of money in China http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/09/22/iphone-6s-being-sold-for-insane-amounts-of-money-in-china/ Casey Neistat’s NYC iPhone line video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef_BznBwktw Leander’s review of the iPhone 6 Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/297034/review-iphone-6/#RSoyXoTeRuuzASFx.99 Buster’s review of the iPhone 6+ (discussion) iPhone 6 Plus has best LCD display you can hold in your palm - busterRead more at http://www.cultofmac.com/297186/iphone-6-plus-best-lcd-display-can-hold-palm/#RU6tYk5QOBeq5KiV.99 This killer trick will charge your iPhone 6 in half the timeRead more at http://www.cultofmac.com/297300/killer-trick-will-charge-iphone-6-half-time/#tJhXMzxHHd6iUhjT.99 Applecare Plus, Squaretrade, or no insurance? (discussion)

The reviews are in! We’ll tell you what people love and don’t about the iPhone 6...  Then, RIP, iPod Classic.  We remember the humble beginnings of the device that built the new Apple.  And finally, Apple announced a base price of $349 for the Apple Watch, sure, but the prices for the other editions might make even Rolex envious.  All that plus the lesser known features of iOS 8; how to get U2 out of your iTunes; and a new social video app has us taking more selfies than ever. Thanks to Squarespace for supporting  this episode!  Need a beautiful website that’ll look good on any device that visits?  Try Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout.   Free with space on your Mac with Clean My Mac 2 by Macpaw! http://macpaw.com/cultcast And get up off your butt, stand during your workday with one of Varidesk's afforable standing desks! Check them out at Varidesk.com and enter CultCast in the "how did you hear about us" section.   Apple launches site to help you remove U2’s free album forever http://www.cultofmac.com/295975/apple-launches-site-help-people-remove-u2s-shitty-free-album/#U2z0xVlLHli6WyP7.99    A sad day for the people of 4Chan - Apple’s two-factor authentication now protects iCloud backups http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/09/apples-two-factor-authentication-now-protects-icloud-backups/  Apple confirms iPhone 6 NFC chip is only for Apple Pay at launch http://www.cultofmac.com/296093/apple-confirms-iphone-6-nfc-apple-pay/#xoYOeFJkifiIY8T5.99  Apple will make 15 cents for every $100 spent on Apple Pay http://www.cultofmac.com/296086/apple-will-make-15-cents-every-100-spent-apple-pay/#sfu9GDJdpOOZtSGi.99  An illustrated history of the iPod and its massive impact http://www.cultofmac.com/124565/an-illustrated-history-of-the-ipod-and-its-massive-impact-ipod-10th-anniversary/#GZ5TRFJhQwUSRFVX.99  Gruber takes a stab at future  Watch Pricing http://daringfireball.net/2014/09/apple_watch?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews 

Decision time:  Which iPhone 6 is right for you?  We’ll walk you though the features of both new iPhones and help you make that very decision in time for the pre-order.   Plus, will Apple Pay be replacing our wallets?  We’ll tell you our thoughts and musings.  And of course, the Apple Watch—we’ll review it’s features and tell you our impressions. And finally… he did it, guys. Tim Cook brought back one. more. thing.  Some of us are thrilled.  Some of us aren’t.      Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,800 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast    And thanks to Smile Software!  Use your iPhone or iPad to digitize and create searchable PDFs from all the documents and paper bits in your life with PDFPen Scan+.  See it in action at smilesoftware.com/cultcast

This week: The Fappening!   How did so many high-profile celebrity nudies leak for all to see, and is an iCloud flaw responsible for the debacle? We’ll tell you what happened, how it happened, and how you can keep your nude selfies safe from prying eyes.  Plus, our predictions for Apple’s September 9th media event—we dust off crystal balls and reveal our predictions of the iPhone and iWatch models and specs  we expect to be unveiled on the big day.   Thanks to Squarespace for support this episode!  Need a beautiful website that’ll look good on any device that visits?  Try Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout.     And Automatic!  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at automatic.com/cultcast

This week: Mark your calendars for Sept. 9th, friends, cause iWatch is nigh!  Plus, an insanely accurate iPhone 6 leak hits Youtube; the apps we use to send our friends and family money; why everyone’s buzzing about Hyperlapse; rumors of a 12.9-inch iPad resurface; we discuss some listener feedback; and privileged apps that live in our menu bars. Looking for the iPhone 6 leak video?  —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34T80iLYojk Thanks for Smile Software for supporting this episode!  Sign a contract, fix a typo, correct a price list, or fill out a form while you're on the go—PDFpen for iPad lets you edit PDFs anywhere you are, and supports popular Bluetooth styluses.  Find out more at www.smilesoftware.com/cultcast  We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.    Link to this week's stories iWatch will debut alongside iPhone 6 on September 9th http://www.cultofmac.com/292911/apple-reveal-iwatch-alongside-iphone-6-september-event/#tfDMcHqtvBBkVp4R.99 Juiciest iPhone 6 leak ever http://www.cultofmac.com/292800/funniest-iphone-6-leak-weve-ever-seen/ Cash is but a text away with Square Cash 2.0 http://www.cultofmac.com/292783/square-cash-update-lets-send-friends-money-via-text/#2JVZq21pYiK4ecXU.99 Speed is the only filter in Instagram’s new Hyperlapse app - buster/erfon http://www.cultofmac.com/292710/instagrams-new-app-like-15000-rig-iphone-camera/#MDljSK7pdE4IZ2rA.99 Apple’s supersized 12.9-inch iPad to land in early 2015 http://www.cultofmac.com/292758/apples-supersized-12-9-inch-ipad-land-early-2015/#Ek0E7dR8SwFR3cZY.99 Tim Cook’s 3-year report card at Apple: B - leander Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/292474/tim-cooks-three-year-report-card-b/#D6VxllGcBsZQiYcj.99 We read listener feedback (discussion) Contribute yours at www.thecultcast.com/feedback Which apps live in your menu bars?  We'll tell you ours (discussion)

This week: Steve Ballmer finally lands the perfect job; NFC and your iPhone make credit cards obsolete; iPhone 6 gets even faster data access;  new photos gives us our best look yet at a 4.7-inch iPhone 6; an Apple ad so good it wins an Emmy; APPL stock hits an all-time high; and, behold, Podcasting turns 10!  Oh, and it’s growing like crazy, too. All that and more on this week’s CultCast.  And be sure to check our new CultCast website for all the show notes and links to the products and apps we mention on the show! —> http://www.thecultcast.com   Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,800 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast And Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout.    We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show. 

This week: Robin Williams.  We remember the incredible passion, talent, comedy and heartbreak of one life’s great artists.  Then, stay tuned for this week’s best iPhone 6 and iPad rumors; Oculus Rift coming to OS X; the good, bad, and ugly of iTunes Family sharing; and we pitch our favorite tech and apps in an all-new Faves N’Raves.   Join us and Youtube gadget-reviewer extroidinaire, Lewis Hilsenteger (aka UnboxTherapy), for this very fun and heart-filled CultCast.  Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast   And Automatic!  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and paired with their beautiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cultcast.

This week: iThieves, beware!  Find My iPhone is now a tool of vigilante justice; iPhone 6’s release date gets leaked; we reveal our favorite must-have apps for Mac and iOS; why the next iPhone could ship with 32GB standard; and we wrap’er up with all-new Get To Know Your Cultist: movie edition! Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast And Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout. A better web starts with your website.

This week: with over 300,000 followers, we welcome back professional (and paid!) Instagram’er Cory @WithHearts Staudacher to share his iPhone photo editing tips and reveal which camera apps he relies on daily.  Plus, why our cities deserve municipal internet; unlocking your iPhone gets legal… again; great changes on the horizon for Apple's Podcasts app; and our musings on the freshly-updated 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pros. Cheerio, guvs! Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode!  Ahh, Squarespace, future home of Buster's Beard Kits, it's the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout. A better web starts with your website.  And we couldn't forget a big thanks to TextExpander. If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast

This week: William Shatner is the coolest grandpa ever; to take on Apple, Microsoft doubles down on design; Apple inches closer to a digital wallet; why the Apple on your iPhone 6 could glow; iBeacons are a marketer’s best friend; and then… if you could ride any animal into battle, what would it be?  We’ll answer that question and more on an all-new Get To Know Your Cultist.  Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast  And a big thanks to Kevin MacLeod for all the great music you hear on this week's episode. Links to todays stories: OS X Yosemite beta goes public — here’s how to get it http://www.cultofmac.com/288717/apples-os-x-yosemite-public-beta-live/#5TqpPA3ODgazIybP.99 William Shatner reviews Facebook apps… on his Tumblr http://williamshatner.tumblr.com/ Microsoft makes design central to its future http://www.cbsnews.com/news/microsoft-makes-design-central-to-its-future/ Apple’s mobile payments solution could arrive in the iPhone 6 this fall http://www.cultofmac.com/288607/apples-mobile-payments-solution-finally-arrive-iphone-6-fall/#YtuFpUY3cdZYeBkJ.99 Apple orders insane number of new iPhones, but 5.5-inch model faces setbacks http://www.cultofmac.com/288316/apple-orders-insane-number-new-iphones-5-5-inch-model-faces-setbacks/#FTtKB7oWcfRavQKE.99 Glowing Apple logo could serve up alerts on iPhone 6 http://www.cultofmac.com/288148/glowing-apple-logo-serve-alerts-iphone-6/#XvLprk5SVvBdgi0p.99 All the little tweaks Apple added to iOS 8 beta 4 http://www.cultofmac.com/288205/new-stuff-ios-8-beta-4/#GXlAAx0rCkmvz1IM.99 A look at the redesigned iTunes 12 in OS X Yosemite beta   http://www.cultofmac.com/288212/itunes-12-tour/#siIZOsCFJShLeyFx.99 Apple’s iBeacons are paying off for advertisers in a huge way http://bgr.com/2014/07/23/apple-ibeacon-advertising-stats/?

This week: Chicks on tech!  Plus, rumored Apple tech could give weeklong battery life to your iPhone; why your grandma will love the new iTunes; Apple and IBM kiss and make up; Kim Kardashian’s iOS app makes way more than it should; Beats brings the marketing magic back to Apple; and we pitch our favorite apps and tech then vote on which one’s best—it’s an all new Faves N Raves!  Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast 

This time on The CultCast:  thirsty Germans drink the tears of Brazilian children!  Ohhh, sorry.  Too soon?  Also on the docket:  the secret Apple eBay store is back at it and selling iPhones at absurdly low prices; we pitch insanely great feature we hope Apple bakes in to Siri soon; a Youtuber gets his hands on the iPhone 6’s sapphire screen and its durability is hard to believe; and… GEEKN, the new segment where we divulge whatever gadget or activity we’re currently obsessing over.  Stay tuned till the end for that.  Thanks to lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at lynda.com/cultcast. This week's stories: Secret Apple factory outlet is the cheapest place to get an iPhone 5  http://www.cultofmac.com/286607/apple-launches-new-secret-ebay-store-refurbished-iphone-5/#FdbhHhv6po5xSfuU.99 How Siri’s ultimate killer feature could be remembering http://www.cultofmac.com/286521/siris-ultimate-killer-feature-remembering/#MEVH0hVBoZ7qG2lC.99 Steve Jobs was right: Tablet sales set to topple the PC market http://www.cultofmac.com/286533/steve-jobs-right-tablet-sales-set-topple-pc-2015/#IGbC7kXHvhRmEFEK.99 Total iBeacon shipments will blow past 60 million units by 2019 http://www.cultofmac.com/286670/ibeacons-shipments-will-pass-60-million-2019/#Jg1D8XxZ1xPo3QAW.99 iPhone 6 Sapphire display emerges unscathed from brutal scratch test  http://www.cultofmac.com/286467/iphone-6-sapphire-display-comes-scratch-test-completely-unscathed/#U4ojRrsVz8WrxhwQ.99 Battery life will still suck on ultra-slim iPhone 6 http://www.cultofmac.com/286352/thinnification-iphone-will-suck-battery-life/#qXpG6jbAE8OxdRqe.99 Foxconn is ready to release an army of robots to build the iPhone 6 http://www.cultofmac.com/286323/foxconn-ready-release-army-robots-build-iphone-6/#PeYEPBdHSxZLEEro.99 OS X Yosemite gets Dark Mode and other interface tweaks in third developer preview http://www.cultofmac.com/286422/os-x-yosemite-gets-dark-mode-interface-tweaks-third-developer-preview/#sF6o1skpLPXmyLAW.99 All the tiny new tweaks added in iOS 8 beta 3 http://www.cultofmac.com/286369/tweaks-added-ios-8-beta-3/#WSIIWkBSwkbJBiQJ.99 

USA!  USA!  On this festive new episode, we reveal our favorite 4th activities and it’s clear Alex E Heath will be in jail by the 5th. Plus! A weird breakthrough app has us texting hodor to all our friends; Apple kills off Aperture and iPhoto; Siri might finally understand us after a rumored update; Apple maps is poised to finally get a whole lot better; and did you know Steve Jobs always ate lunch alone like a sad Keanu?  It’s true. Well, maybe.  Alex doesn’t believe a word of it.  We’ll tell you story coming up.    Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at s

This week on the CultCast: Leander’s Big Adventure!  Leander’s back to tell us about his top secret mission to Apple HQ.  CoM reviews editor Charlie Sorrell tells us about some cool gear he’s reviewing.  We also run through a list of all the great hardware we’re expecting Apple to dump on us in just a few short months… And we wrap up with an all new Get to Know Your Cultist, and this round has us diving into some of our favorite movies ever made.  Guess who has the weird choice?   You’re right it’s Leander… Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast  And our thanks to Slingbox for their support! Slingbox is the best way to watch your TV anywhere, and brings your cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR, right to your favorite mobile device, wherever you are in the world. With no monthly fees.  Check it out at slingbox.com/cult, and get $50 off plus free shipping on a new Slingbox.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.  Links to today's topics: Microsoft will pay you $650 to ditch your MacBook Air for a Surface http://www.cultofmac.com/284788/microsoft-will-pay-650-ditch-macbook-air-surface/#SkXYvSdB74oSgYcE.99  12 Inch MacBook Air to Begin Production in 3rd Quarter 2014 http://www.cultofmac.com/284866/apples-12-inch-macbook-air-enter-production-next-quarter/  iPhone 6 Said to Launch on Friday September 19 in 32 GB and 64 GB Variants http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/25/iphone-6-friday-september19-32gb-64gb/  Bloomberg: Apple’s Big IPhones Said to Start Production Next Month http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-24/apple-s-big-iphones-said-to-start-production-next-month.html  Google reveals its real face: unfocused, unoriginal and a little bit evil http://www.cultofmac.com/285112/google-reveals-real-face-unfocused-unoriginal-bit-evil/#oeZq3Ijlo1Bmkh2P.99 

There’s a fire in the Amazon!  Ok, but bad jokes aside, we’ll tell you what we love and don’t about Amazon's much-buzzed debut mobile phone.  Plus: the iMac just got a lot cheaper… and slower; another Weibo leak reportedly shows a huge 5.5-inch iPhone 6; the cool additions to iOS 8 and Yosemite's 2nd betas; this summer’s hottest mens’ bathing suit attire; plus, you asked, we answer—it’s an all-new CultCast Q&A! Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast And Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code “CultCast" at checkout. A better web starts with your website. 

OMG YAA'AALL, it’s CultCast time. This week we bring to thee some more cool iOS 8 features you didn’t hear about at WWDC, plus we'll tell you all about the new time-lapse video feature we've been playing with.  Then, with the rumors swirling that fall will bring us iWatch, we have to wonder what features and price point it will need to make want one adoring our wrists.  All that plus Apple’s marketing arm gets major renovations, and in honor of this weeks’ E3, we say why Nintendo absolutely needs to bring Mario to iOS to survive! And our thanks to Slingbox for their support! Slingbox is the best way to watch your TV anywhere, and brings your cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR, right to your favorite mobile device, wherever you are in the world. With no monthly fees.  Check it out at http://slingbox.com/cult, and get $50 off plus free shipping on a new Slingbox.    We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.

Wow!  This year’s WWDC is one of the most important in years, and on this week’s CultCast, we unpack all the new features announced for Yosemite, iOS 8, and tell you which ones we can’t believe we ever lived without. Plus, so many new developer APIs and a whole new programming language!  We think Apple in on the verge of something big, and if you thought they had cool products before… well, hold on to your butts. We discuss it all on this our WWDC MEGASODE. Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast And our thanks to Slingbox for their support! Slingbox is the best way to watch your TV anywhere, and brings your cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR, right to your favorite mobile device, wherever you are in the world. With no monthly fees.  Check it out at http://slingbox.com/cult, and get $50 off plus free shipping on a new Slingbox.  

It’s all happening!  WWDC 2014 is right around the corner, and if recent rumors are true, Apple’s about to make major moves into your home with iOS 8—we’ll fill you in.  Plus, the Apple/Beats deal is a reality, and the news hits right as we’re recording.   And don't miss an all new CultCast 2nd Hour.  We'll be speaking to popular Youtuber Jonathan Mann, who, for the last five years, has written one song every. single. day.  We talk to Jonathan about the inspiration, perspiration, and agony of making art, and what it was like to have his songs unexpectedly featured by Steve Jobs at one of Apple's most infamous press conferences. Our thanks to Slingbox for supporting this episode! Slingbox is the best way to watch your TV anywhere, and brings your cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR, right to your favorite mobile device, wherever you are in the world. With no monthly fees.  Check it out at http://slingbox.com/cult, and get $50 off plus free shipping on a new Slingbox.

This week: two incredible Apple artifacts hit the auction block; the Govern-na-tah uses iPad for shirtless selfies; Oompa-loompas leak iPad Pro pics; why the Beats acquisition could be all about video; Woz sets the FCC straight on net neutrality; and a popular travel app you should definitely download like, right now. Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac and iOS.  TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text,  pictures, code blocks, and more, and it's an application we use every single day.  Try it out for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast WWDC Keynote - they’re gonna have one at 10am June 2nd Apple’s original rainbow office signs hit the auction block Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/279529/apples-sign-auction/#2hw6u2lJJgLFPITO.99 iPad selfies gone wrong: Arnold Schwarzenegger edition Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/279926/caption-contest-arnold-schwarzenegger-taking-ipad-selfies/#m639ZUEZMv6OR71Z.99 Insanely huge iPad Pro dummy part leaks out of China Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/279434/insanely-huge-ipad-pro-dummy-part-leaks-china/#MSPxC5j4SsgXZpT0.99 Apple bought Beats for video, suggests Steve Jobs’ biographer Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/279728/apple-bought-beats-video-says-steve-jobs-biographer/#bOkq2ITUgoxR4cBG.99 Google snatches up Word Lens, the most magical translation app for iPhone Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/279486/google-snatches-word-lens-magical-translation-app-iphone/#kgPHomBS 

If all the reports ring true, Apple is about to embark on their largest acquisition ever, and the ramifications could be massive. And on this episode of The CultCast, we dissect the Apple/Beats merger, and ask the questions: what could Apple possibly have planned for the worlds most popular headphone brand?  Are new wearable headphone tech a part of Apple's future?  And most importantly, could the Doctor D-R-E be Apple’s next CEO?     Strap on ya gats, ya’ll...   Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at http://lynda.com/CultCast

This time: No—those rumored new EarPods won’t measure your pulse—last week's biggest Apple rumor was a fake made up by a guy on a toilet! Plus, why you shouldn’t expect new hardware at June’s WWDC; iPhone warns you when the NSA wants you for drug trafficking; Apple’s newest executive gets a HUGE payday; Katie Cotton, Apple’s long time PR leader and Steve Jobs confidant, calls it quits; Cupertino will take on Samsung with more Guerrilla-style marketing; and since you asked, we reveal the jobs we’ve always wanted on an all-new Get To Know Your Cultist.  Our thanks to Smile Software for supporting this episode!  If you haven't tried TextExpander from Smile software, you’re missing out on one of the most useful apps available for the Mac. TextExpander saves you time and effort by expanding short abbreviations into frequently-used text and pictures, and it's an application Erfon uses every single day.  Try it out yourself for free at http://smilesoftware.com/cultcast And Audible, home of over 150,000 audio books from every genre you can think of.  Sign up for a free 30-day trial and get our own Leander Kahney’s book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple’s Greatest Products, for free!  Get started at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast 

This time: rumored new EarPods take your pulse and more;  Updated Macbook Airs get faster and cheaper; a leaked "iPhone 6" case indicates an iPod-inspired design; Google takes on Office with new iOS apps for Drive; we ponder the state of the iPod; and we pitch our favorite tech and apps then vote on which is best… it’s an all new Faves N Raves! Thanks to Lynda.com for supporting this episode! With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.  And Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create your own professional website, portfolio, and online store. For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code "CultCast" at checkout. A better web starts with your website.

Apple just made so much money, they’re splitting their stock 7-to-1, and other surprising (and non-boring) notes from their recent financial call.  Plus, the best way to get the Apple stuff you want at lower prices; OS X beta now available to even non-devs; Apple Maps spots Nessie; Apple celebrates Earth Day with some great new marketing; why we’re crazy about Apple Campus 2; and forget Ashton, how about Leonardo DiCaprio as the next Steve Jobs? Our thanks to New Relic for sponsoring this episode! New Relic, the all-in-one web application performance management (APM) tool that lets you see performance from the end user experience, through servers, and down to the line of application code. Put simply, New Relic helps the people who build modern software understand the stories their data is trying to tell them. If you’re ready to make your software run better, head over to http://newrelic.com/cultcast for a free 30 day trial.

Back in September, popular Youtuber Lewis Hilsenteger released a hands-on video of what he believed to be the outer shell of the iPad 5.  The video exploded on the internet, and 6 weeks later when Apple announced the iPad Air, it confirmed his video preview was spot on.   So how does someone get their hands on the parts of one of Apple's most anticipated gadgets weeks before it’s announced?   Our guest this episode is Lewis Hilsentenger, and he’s going to tell us exactly how he did it.   Plus, sightings iPhone 6 parts are ramping up; iWatch might come in two sizes; the new Steve Jobs movie just hit a setback, but it's ok, because one of the best movies of all time is getting a sequel.   Our thanks to our friends at New Relic for supporting this conversation.   New Relic, the all-in-one web application performance management (APM) tool that lets you see performance from the end user experience, through servers, and down to the line of application code. Put simply, New Relic helps the people who build modern software understand the stories their data is trying to tell them. If you’re ready to make your software run better, head over to NewRelic.com/cultcast for a free 30 day trial.   And iFixit!  You’ve seen their amazing teardowns of the hottest tech and gadgets, but did you know you can use iFixit's free step-by-step repair guides to fix virtually anything?  Free we say!  Check them out at http://iFixit.com/cultcast, and for the best tools around for fixing Macs and iDevices, pick up their Pro Tech Toolkit!  Get $10 off with code “CultCast” at checkout.    And thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the music used in this episode.   Story links:   Leaked Image Appears To Show iPhone 6 Front Panel [Rumor] Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274506/leaked-image-appears-show-iphone-6-front-panel-rumor/#4M9daeGKyek4W1iK.99      * A single image showing what appears to be a larger iPhone screen has shown up on Chinese microblogging website Weibo.    * The photo — posted by user jiezhixc on Tuesday — depicts what looks like a current generation iPhone 5s being held up as comparison, showing how significantly larger the iPhone 6 could potentially be.   Leaked Assembly Line Photos Could Reveal Big Battery Life For iPhone 6 - John Brownlee Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274521/leaked-assembly-line-photos-reveal-big-battery-life-iphone-6/#UkssSuePdS0xHRgh.99      * Hot on the heels of this morning’s leak of the alleged front panel of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, a new photo purportedly shows the battery of Apple’s next-gen smartphone.    * Published by Nowhereelse.fr, the image shows a supposed iPhone 6 battery with its tell-tale metallic section (present on current iPhone batteries) in a different place   Leaked Foxconn Images Appear To Show iPhone 6 Chassis [Gallery] Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274357/leaked-foxconn-images-appear-show-iphone-6-chassis-gallery/#El7xEvOjX2acSluk.99      * New leaked images purportedly taken inside a Foxconn plant show the iPhone 6 chassis and a handful of manufacturing molds for Apple’s upcoming smartphone.    * The photos, posted on Chinese microblogging website Weibo over the weekend, appear to confirm that Apple will increase the size of the iPhone.   Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274357/leaked-foxconn-images-appear-show-iphone-6-chassis-gallery/#El7xEvOjX2acSluk.99   LG To Be Sole Supplier Of Flexible Displays For iWatch [Rumor] Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274515/lg-sole-supplier-flexible-displays-iwatch-rumor/#DlWDjve7GGRvZBGh.99   David Fincher Backs Out Of Directing Steve Jobs Movie For Sony Read more at http://www.cultofmac.com/274427/david-fincher-backs-directing-steve-jobs-movie-sony/#GckSKiMwlPfYHMQb.99      * David Fincher, who was previously rumored to direct Sony’s movie about Steve Jobs, is now out of the picture. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fincher and Sony have parted ways due to disagreements over “compensation and control.”   Google Glass Sells Out In First One Day Sale http://www.cultofandroid.com/61562/google-glass-sells-first-ever-one-day-sale/      * On Tuesday, Google began selling Google Glass to residents of the United States for a 24-hour period.

Queue the spy music, cause on this week’s CultCast, our very own Buster Heine sneaks into Apple’s under-construction Arizona Sapphire Crystal factory and reports back what he’s found.  Plus, WWDC dishes out golden tickets like they’re Willy Wonka; what you can do about HeartBleed; all that’s been revealed in the ongoing Apple V. Samsung trial; and you asked, so we answer: why we love Apple but would never want to work there. Thanks to iFixit for sponsoring the show! You’ve seen iFixit's amazing teardowns of the hottest tech and gadgets, but did you know you can use their free step-by-step repair guides to fix virtually anything?  Free we say!  Check them out at http://iFixit.com/cultcast, and for the best tools around for fixing Macs and iDevices, pick up their Pro Tech Toolkit!  Get $10 off with code “CultCast” at checkout. And New Relic! New Relic, the all-in-one web application performance management (APM) tool that lets you see performance from the end user experience, through servers, and down to the line of application code.   Put simply, New Relic helps the people who build modern software understand the stories their data is trying to tell them.  If you’re ready to make your software run better, head over to NewRelic.com/cultcast for a free 30 day trial. This Week's Stories Buster goes rogue, sneaks into Apple's Sapphire Crystal Plant (discussion) Got A Golden Ticket? Apple’s WWDC Invites Are Hottest Thing Going Heartbleed Security Bug: What Apple Users Need to Know All we've learned from the ongoing Apple V. Samsung Trial (discussion)

You want iPhone rumors? Well CultCast's got'em, brotherrrr! This time: the rumored 5.5-inch iPhone 6 gets delayed; Foxconn iPhone photos leak; patents indicate a future of interchangeable iLenses. Plus, what FireTV has that AppleTV needs; iWork online gets an update; Office finally comes to iPad; and Facebook bought Oculus, but why? Thanks to New Relic for sponsoring the show!  New Relic, the all-in-one web application performance management (APM) tool that lets you see performance from the end user experience, through servers, and down to the line of application code.   Put simply, New Relic helps the people who build modern software understand the stories their data is trying to tell them.  If you’re ready to make your software run better, head over to http://newrelic.com/cultcast for a free 30 day trial. And Squarespace!  Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order.   This Week's Stories   Apple Buys iFixit and Other 2014 April Fools Jokes http://www.macrumors.com/2014/04/01/april-fools-2014/ 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Suffers Production Setback [Rumor] http://www.cultofmac.com/272552/5-5-inch-iphone-6-suffers-production-setback-rumor/#iXXildXLS1PEmLhI.99 Alleged iPhone Images Show Slimmer Body, Protruding Camerahttp://www.cultofmac.com/272413/alleged-iphone-images-show-slimmer-body-protruding-camera/#8swYvE6gWZI2DxU1.99 Future iPhones Could Feature Changeable Camera Lenses [Patent]http://www.cultofmac.com/272573/future-iphones-feature-changeable-camera-lenses-patent/#GCQmUf9sP6SJ4pwR.99 Quickly Hide All The Icons On Your Desktop [OS X Tips]http://www.cultofmac.com/272595/quickly-hide-icons-desktop-os-x-tips/#5A4EiMOQxSVZF8zE.99 Amazon Takes On Apple TV With $99 FireTV http://www.cultofandroid.com/60621/amazon-takes-apple-tv-chromecast-firetv/ iWork for iCloud Gets Facelift, Thank Goodnesshttp://www.cultofmac.com/272635/iwork-icloud-gets-facelift-thank-goodness/#1hYaJYmE2oQWyKcP.99

  We're excited to bring you all the hoot'n hollerin' good times from our first ever CultCast LIVE event!   Join us and several hundred of our closet friends as we talk our Macwolrd 2014 impressions; the state Apple today with a very special guest; why booths need babes-we get it straight from one very beautiful tradeshow model; we pitch our favorite tech from the floor on Macworld 2014-edition Faves N Raves; plus, don't miss your chance to grab a 100% free license for DiskAid 6.  No joke!  No BS. Stay tuned for the url to visit.   Thanks to DiskAid 6 for making this event possible, and to Macupdate!  Be sure to check out deals.macupdate.com regularly for significant discounts and daily deals on all kinds of popular Mac software.    And a big thanks to our amazing listeners for their support insane enthusiasm at our first CultCast Live event.  We love you guys and gals.

We’ve descended upon San Francisco for Macworld 2014!  Join us for our show expectations, plus plenty of news, rumors, and discussion on: why 2014 might be the year for Retina Macbook Airs; Apple’s plans for a streaming TV service with Comcast; Office coming to iPad; the problem with emojis; and why iTunes needs to be more like Spotify. Thanks to Sanebox for sponsoring this episode!  Do you get too much email? Then SaneBox is for you. It moves unimportant emails out of the Inbox into a separate folder and summarizes them in a digest. Try it out for free at http://sanebox.com/cultcast And Lynda.com! With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast 

Secret sauce—it’s the reason Apple keeps winning where others fail, and on our newest CultCast, we discuss the recipe that keeps Apple ahead of the pack. Plus, iOS 8 rumors detail some powerful new features; whispers of an impossibly thin iPhone 6; A-list musicians praise Pono as the digital music player for audiophiles; iPad 4 makes a comeback; and we reveal our favorite Cult movies on a all-new Get To Know Your Cultist! FreshBooks, the simple online accounting solution built for small business owners – just like you – who want to skip the headache of tax time. For a limited time, try FreshBooks free 60 days. To get started, visit getfreshbooks.com now and enter CultCast in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section. 

On this ep. ya'aaall: All that we love about iOS 7.1; rumors of a 4.7 and 5.7-inch iPhone 6 gets more credible; CultCast Studios gets a new home; why Flappy Bird might fly back into the App Store; 2014 brings a new MS Office; iTunes Radio is taking over; and an intriguing new iPod challenger gets a lot of buzz... Thanks to our sponsors! FreshBook, the simple online accounting solution built for small business owners – just like you – who want to skip the headache of tax time. For a limited time, try FreshBooks free 60 days. To get started, visit getfreshbooks.com now and enter CultCast in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section.Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.  

Hallelujah, iOS has come to the car! On this week’s CultCast, we’ll tell you all we love and don’t about Apple’s new CarPlay-enabled automobiles.   Plus: why Apple’s best years are still to come; why iOS 7.1 could drop at any moment; why new iPhones might drop every six months; and we pitch our favorite tech and apps on an all new Faves 'N Raves. Thanks to Backblaze online backup for supporting this episode!  Founded by ex-Apple engineers, Blackblaze was built to work seemlessly with all the Macs in your life.  Get simple, easy-to-use, unlimited backup for your Macs and external hard drives.  Try it for free at  http://Backblaze.com/cultofmac. And thanks to Squarespace for making this episode a reality. Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com/ to start a free trial and use the offer code “cultcast” to save 10% off any order.   This week's stories Oscars Host Ellen DeGeneres Ditched Her Galaxy Note For An iPhone  Apple To Finally Discontinue The Non-Retina MacBook Pro This Year [Rumor] Apple CFO Joins Goldman Sachs Board of Directors Apple Poaches HTC Engineers To Speed Up Product Development iOS 7.1 Rumored To Launch By Next Week CarPlay: iOS Comes to the Car (discussion)

This time: The mysterious life of Timothy Cook; exciting rumors around the new Jobs movie; Mavericks 10.9.2’s features and fixes; why you should install iOS 7.0.6 like, right now; Netflix pays off Comcast; and we’re too sexy for this podcast. Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.  And Sanebox.com!  Do you get too much email? Then SaneBox is for you. It moves unimportant emails out of the Inbox into a separate folder and summarizes them in a digest. Try it out for free at http://sanebox.com/cultcast This week's stories Hipster Beard Transplants Are All the Rage These Days http://gizmodo.com/hipster-beard-transplants-are-all-the-rage-these-days-1530786332 Why iOS 7.0.6 Is A Way More Important Update Than You Think - Alex http://www.cultofmac.com/267501/ios-6-0-6-way-important-update-think/#EhF4380S3Xw3ogw8.99 Netflix Tosses In The Towel, Will Pay Comcast To Stream Video To You http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/business/media/comcast-and-netflix-reach-a-streaming-agreement.html  Tim Cook’s ROBERTSDALE Alabama Youth  Profiled http://blog.al.com/live/2014/02/tim_cook_--_apple_ceo_and_robe.html

Greetings comrades!  This time on CultCast: for first time, Apple brings iTunes Festival to United States, but why not mother Russia?  Facebook buys WhatApp for cool 19 billion Ruples… but why?  Then, like enemy of Putin, Jony Ive vanishes from Apple website; Apple and Tesla make secret talks, could this mean iCar?  Only the KGB knows for sure.  And don’t miss all new Faves N Raves where men pitch favorite tech and apps then supreme leader chooses with one is best! Thanks to Fresbooks for sponsoring this episode! FreshBooks, the simple online accounting solution built for small business owners – just like you – who want to skip the headache of tax time. For a limited time, try FreshBooks free 60 days. To get started, visit getfreshbooks.com now and enter CultCast in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section . And thanks to macupdate.com - You know what we love?  Getting big discounts on Mac apps.  Be sure to check out deals.macupdate.com regularly for significant discounts and daily deals on all kinds of popular Mac software.

We'll never stop Flapping!  On this episode, we investigate the worldwide obsession with the iOS wünder-game, Flappy Bird, plus, the bizarre story of why the game's developer pulled the wildly popular game so abruptly from the App Store.  Plus, some new iPhone 6 rumors surface, and a Macintosh super-grid you've never heard of is hunting down a cure for cancer. Thanks to our sponsors! Freshbooks, the simple cloud accounting solution that’s helping thousands of new entrepreneurs and small business owners savetime billing and get paid faster. Sign up free today at GetFreshBooks.com and join over 5 million users running their business with ease. And thanks to Lynda.com.  With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.    

With rumors of a new Apple-made “fitness app” in iOS 8, secrets meeting with the FDA, and murmurs of more sleep and fitness expert joining the Apple ranks, the iWatch rumors are heating up on this week’s CultCast!  Plus, a classic Nintendo game makes its way to iOS; Microsoft says goodbye to the one and only Steve Ballmer; and new job openings in Cupertino could mean big upgrades in battery life for future MacBooks… Thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode!   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “CultCast” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order.

This time: iBras make the world a better place; Apple TV is your tele’s next gaming console; iPhone 6's get huger screens; Net Neutrality and why you should care; and Erfon pitches the best Fave N Rave pick EVER... Thanks to SaneBox for sponsoring this episode!  Do you get too much email? Then SaneBox is for you. It moves unimportant emails out of the Inbox into a separate folder and summarizes them in a digest. Try it out for free at http://sanebox.com/cultcast And Ting!  The straight forward wireless carrier who doesn't overcharge. With Ting, you only pay for the data, minutes, and text messages you use.  Plus, no contracts, ever! See how much could be saving on your wireless bill at http://cultcast.ting.com. 

This time: the Mac and its iconic ad turns 30! We’ll recall the vintage models of yore.  Plus, Google contacts make you a cuter nerd; Beats music has a feature others should copy; why Jailbreaking is losing its luster; and a trusty iOS app makes watching unsupported video formats a cinch. Thanks to Ting for support this episode!  Finally, an honest, straight forward wireless carrier who doesn't overcharge. In fact, did you know 98% of people who switch to Ting save money?  See how much could be saving on your wireless bill at cultcast.ting.com. And Freshbooks, the simple cloud accounting solution that’s helping thousands of new entrepreneurs and small business owners savetime billing and get paid faster. Sign up free today at GetFreshBooks.com and join over 5 million users running their business with ease.

This time: Finally, a full-size iOS controller for manly hands! Tim Cook just loves China so much ya’ll; Google buys Nest and their 100 ex-Apple employees, but why? Aaron Sorkin’s Jobs movie finally gets a script, Kutcher just gets a Razzie nod. Thanks to Ting for sponsoring this episode!  Finally, an honest, straight forward wireless carrier who doesn't overcharge. In fact, did you know 98% of people who switch to Ting save money?  See how much could be saving on your wireless bill at cultcast.ting.com. 

We’re live from Las Vegas talking about the best and worst gadgets and tech from the 2014 Consumer Electronics show!  We’ll call out some of our favorite Apple accessories too, and some will surprise you. Plus, did you hear about the Michael Bay meltdown at the Samsung keynote?  Well we were there, and things got weird.  We’ll tell you the story. Thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode!  FreshBooks is the simple cloud accounting solution that¹s helping thousands of new entrepreneurs and small business owners save time billing and get paid faster.  Sign up free today at GetFreshBooks.com and join over 5 million users running their business with ease.

If you had to pick one app, piece of tech, and one movie as your favorite of 2013, what would they be?  We'll tell you ours on this first episode of the year! Plus, we all know NSA likes backdoor action, but are they really spying on us via our iDevices, and worse, is Apple in cahoots?  We'll tell you what we think... Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast1” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order.

Ho Ho Ho, it's Christmas CultCast time!  This episode: a new deal in China hands Apple 770 million potential new customers; we cover some of the wackiest rumors of 2013; the Mac Pro delivers surprising results in performance tests; some of the best apps just went on sale; and we recall some of the best and worst gifts we've given or received! Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!   With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.  

This time: Apple has a new Christmas commericial, and some are hailing it as their best ad yet.  Mac Pro, Apple's most powerful computer ever, just went on sale, but can you stomach the price?  Beyonce's iTunes-only album release breaks all the records, proves we are indeed not ready for her jelly.  An alarming new study shows pervs can use your Mac camera to peep your naked bod.  Plus we choose on our favorite Christmas movies! Thanks to DigiDNA and MacUpdate for sponsoring this episode.  Need an easy way to transfer movies, music, and data on an off your iDevice?  You need DiskAid.  Grab it at http://DigiDNA.net. Plus check out Macupdate’s new holiday app bundle!  Get $400 worth great apps for only $40.  Peep the apps at https://deals.macupdate.com.

This week on the CultCast—its layout, its machinery, and the creative people and processes that build the amazing products we love—we go behind the veil of Apple’s insanely secretive design studio. Plus, how to get great paid apps for free (it’s legal, promise!), and could an Apple/Microsoft merger be in our future?  One analyst thinks so… Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!   With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast. 

Pro television editor and motion graphics artist Mike Gaines joins to tell us the Pros and Cons of Apple's new cylindrical beauty, the Mac Pro.  Plus, Darth Vader has an iPhone 4; your face might soon be your password; Apple patents wireless charging for your Mac and iDevices; and we pitch our favorite new apps on an all-new Faves 'N Raves app edition! Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast12” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order.

It’s our T-Day edition CultCast!  This time: Jony Ive’s golden touch makes millions for charity; Apple teases underwhelming Black Friday deals; how Apple’s blacklist keeps bad press at bay; the new money in old macs; and we pitch our favorite Thanksgiving Day foods on our holiday edition Faves ’N Raves! And thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this episode!   With over 2,000 high quality video courses taught by industry-leading experts, Lynda.com will help you master virtually any application, all on your own time and at your own pace.  Learn all you want for free for 7 days with a free trial.  Try it now at Lynda.com/CultCast.

Apple and a 12.9-inch iPad; the first iOS 7 game controller is long overdue; Retina iPad Minis are *almost* perfect; strategies to backup all those iPhone photos you take; and Adam Christianson from the Maccast podcast joins us on this time on The CultCast! Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this episode!   If you need a website, you have got to check out Squarespace, a beautiful and intuitive website platform that allows anyone to easily create professional web pages, blogs, online stores, and galleries that are automagically formatted and resized to look great on any device that visits. For a free trial, go to http://Squarespace.com/CultCast, and use code CULTCAST11 to save 10% any order.

We made it guys!  Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode on this week’s CultCast.  We'll remember some of our favorite moments from CultCast's past, tell you how you can win a free signed copy of Leander Kahney’s new Jony Ive book,  plus, we also talk the new iPad mini Retina; killer Black Friday iPad deals; why dropping your unlimited data plan might be better for you; new iPhone 6’s with way bigger screens; and lots more! Thanks to our sponsor, Reflector, the app that let’s you Airplay mirror your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch screen to any Mac or PC.  Demonstrate an iOS app on you’re working on, stream music to your Macbook's speakers—Reflector puts what you see on your iOS device onto the big screen of any Mac or PC. Try it free at www.airsquirrels.com, or unlock all its features and save 25% off with the code CULTCAST25.

Jony Ive, the private man who some say built Apple—with his new book hitting stores Nov. 14th, Leander Kahney reveals more inside information about the design icon, and how he and his teams create the world-renowned products we all use every day.  Plus, J.D. Power says, for the first time ever, Samsung tabs are better than iPads… we’ll debunk. PSA: Don’t miss our live video episode for CultCast #100.  Head to live.thecultcast.com Wednesday the 13th at 3pm Pacific time to watch our 100th episode live!

Get your silver bullets and holy water dear friends, because our new CountCast is not for the fainthearted! This time… some new Dell laptops omit a mysteriously pungent smell; iPad Air gets benchmarked, is murderously speedy; our fave photo app brings darkness… out of the shadows; Apple says some 5S batteries will die… faster than they should; Tim Cook says upcoming Apple products will blow… your mind;  and we chant... aloud our favorite apps so you can vote on which is best… it’s an all new Faves N Graves!

The big Apple event might be over, but there are still plenty of great Apple stories to chat over! On this CultCast: the iPhone stops giving motion sickness to the pukers; some of your favorite Apple apps just got big redesigns; the new Macbook Pro runs a tad slower than we'd hoped; and more! Just us for second CultCast this week, and don't miss episode 96 for our MEGAsode coverage on all that was announced at Apple's big Oct. 22nd event.

iPad Air. Retina iPad Mini.  New Macbook Pros. The new Mac Pro.  Mavericks goes free.  So does the new iLife and iWork.  There's a TON to talk about on this Special Edition CultCast! Join us, and Special MacCast host Adam Christianson, as we discuss our first impressions on all that Apple announced at the jam-packed event.

Confirmed!  Apple's October 22nd, 2013 iPad event is locked and loaded.  We'll run through what to expect. Then, Steve Jobs and his nights of profound amore; Apple hires a fashion star to man retail stores; and we review a new app that makes it insanely simple to send money to anyone you know.

October 22nd, 2013.  Go ahead and insert that date into your iOS 7s, dear friends, because even though they haven't confirmed it, that's the day Apple will be unveiling two new iPads unto the world.  But will we see new MacBooks, Mac Pros, and the other tasty tech we've been wishing for?  We reveal our hopes, dream, and expectation on this week's glorious new episode. Thanks to our sponsor, your mom. Yes, your mom… baker or tasty cookies and snacks.  Nurturer of your scraped knees and big dreams.  She might sometimes wear an apron, but she also looks real good in a pant suit.  Let your mom know CultCast loves her and appreciates her support.

This time on the 'Cast: drug dealers want your Bitcoins; Samsung shenanigans earn them a new nickname; and, iMessages stop working in iOS 7?  Don't worry, we'll fix that for you… But then, it's been two years now since Steve Jobs passed, and on this episode of the CultCast, we remember the man, ponder how Apple has fared without him, and stick around till the end! We're rebroadcasting once of Steve's most special appearances. Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace - a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with everything you need to create an exceptional website. Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast10” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order.

iPhone sales make Tim Cool squee; iPads leak in Space Grey; CultCast hits four million ears; we dish a bunch more iOS 7 tips; plus we pitch our fave tech and apps in an all-new faves and raves so you can vote on which is best—all that and more on this episode of The CultCast! Thanks to the new Cult of Mac magazine for making this episode possible.  Grab your two free copies today in the Newstand app.  Just search "Cult of Mac"

This week: iOS 7!  It's out, we offer our thoughts on the controversial OS plus our favorite tips.  Then, the NDAs are up and the reviews are in, we'll tell you what critics think of the 5S and why we all agree—the 5C feels great in the pants. Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over a million high-quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 25% off your new account order, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST9.

Hot off the Apple event—it's our iPhone 5S and 5C reactions on our all-new CultCast.  We'll take a look at what's new in iOS 7 and each new iPhone, and we'll walk step-by-step through all the powerful new tech Apple unveiled throughout their 60-minute keynote.  No stone goes unturned… hit play already! Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over a million high-quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 25% off your new account order, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST9.

The time 'round on the Cult of Casts: Apple finally confirms what we all knew, new iPhones are coming… we'll give our September 10th predictions.  Then, Erfon offers a bold prediction a big 5S spec bump; Apple's about to do something no tech company ever done; Microsoft buys Knockia; and Wil.i.am is the only one excited about the new Samsung Smartwatch. And stick around for our new segment CultCast Second Hour!  This time for a discussion with Mike Gaines, professional video editor, motion graphics artist, and former editor for the ultra-popular video podcast, The Totally Rad Show.  We'll talk the pros and cons Final Cut X; what software the pros use; the best cameras for indie projects; and all the Mac gear you need to have a solid video product rig; plus so much more.  Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast9” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 20% discount off your order!

This time on another fabulous episode of The CultCast: we imagine Ballmer-less Microsoft; the 5S chip could be smokin' fast and feature a mysterious camera upgrade; the best ways to sell your old iPhone; why you should definitely wait to buy another Mac or iPad; plus special guest and Wired Editor Joe Brown uses future toilets.

Rumor has that Apple might soon get a golden member… of the iPhone family.  But on this week's CultCast, we'll ask the important question: would anyone want a gold iPhone?!  We'll ponder the color choice and rumors of a big bump in 5S storage space. Plus, Kyle Wiens from iFixit.com joins us to discuss why Apple is purposely building devices only a Genius can fix.  Surely it's not just an Apple money grab… right?

This week on CultCast: Jobs!  We've seen it, and now the question is—should you?  We'll discuss the much-hyped movie (100% spoiler free), Kutcher's performance and love for the man, plus examine if the real Jobs fits the fictional. Then, an all new Yay & Nay: September 10th edition.  We'll yes and no our way through the rumors and what we expect at the all but confirmed Apple iPhone event. Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over 700,000 high quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 30% off your new account order, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST8.

Never heard of the British Oreo? You will on this week's CultCast! Of course we'll also cover the week's best Apple stories, including what's new in iOS 7 beta 5; our own Leander Kahney's new book about Jony Ive; the strange new buzz around the upcoming Jobs movie; plus we pitch our favorite tech and apps in a little segment we call Faves 'N Raves. Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over 700,000 high quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 30% off your new account order, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST8.

Hold onto your butts, because on this ep., we're joined by Adam Christianson from the super popular MacCast podcast to discuss: why the low-cost iPhone 5C is a unicorn you might soon see… we'll cover the recent rumors; also, Apple just seeded iOS 7 beta  to devs, we'll cover what's new; plus, the hidden strings in iOS 7 beta 4 that are confirming a home button fingerprint sensor is coming to future iPhones;  plus plus so much more! Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast8” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

This week on the 'ol Cast: why Google's new Chromecast is great for *Apple* fans; why the 5S could be the biggest S-upgrade ever; why Apple's earnings make a low-cost iPhone look likely; how to best connect your iDevice to your car stereo; the Dev Center gets hacked; and then, Tim Cook sings Barbie Girl! Thanks to BitCasa.com for sponsoring this week's episode!  BitCasa is your infinite storage in the cloud.  Upload anything from your iOS devices or Mac, and have those photos, videos—anything—available to you from any of your computing devices.  BitCasa makes sharing with others a cinch, too.  Sign up for a free account and get 10GBs of free space, and save 20% off infinite space with code "CultCast20" at check out.  Check it! www.bitcasa.com

This week on CultCast: Logic Pro gets X rated and a bunch of great features; Google Maps finally comes to iPad; Apple on the hunt for iWatch engineers; more iPad Mini retina rumors; Apple slangin' TV deals with studios to kill commercials; we dish great computing tidbits on Tips Ahoooy!; and we wrap with Under Review, another new segment where we talk about the apps and hardware we're currently testing.

This time on CultCast: tons of apps go free for Apple's 5th Appaversary; an updated retina Macbook Pro is close at hand; iPad Mini COULD go retina; our favorite new iOS 7 beta 3 features; researchers know where you'll take your iPhone next; Alex E Heath gets caught slippin; mini Kahney gets a birthday surprise; and guests hosts GWAR stop by! That last part's a lie.  Hit play ballmdogs!

This time on CultCast: the Guv is back; Apple trademarks iWatch; back to school sale is back; Mac upgrades that are worth the money;  PRISM takes Alex; happy 4th; and so maaach more! Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast7” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

This time on The CultCast: Why iPhone 5S may have two flashes; the iOS game controller could change everything; new Thunderbolt displays on the way;  guy who sold the iPhone 4 prototype recounts the tale on reddit;  iOS 7 gets shinier in beta 2; and Tim Cook gets a back massage with Erfon after brunch. All that an more on our newest CultCast! Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over 700,000 high quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 30% off your new account, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST6.

This time on The CultCast: Siri gets Bing'd;  Apple TV gets better; Apple's new routers gain our affection; Anchorman 2 gets classier; we answer your Facebook questions; an all new Faves N Raves; and… WHEW!  Just press play already. Thanks to Audible for sponsoring the show! Audible is the best place on the internet to get your audio books and entertainment, with over 100,000 titles to choose from in every imaginable genre.  Audible's spoken entertainment titles also work on any MP3 player, no iPod required. Get your free audio book now at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast

You know we couldn't possibly cover all of WWDC in just one special episode, so we're back with even more, this time joined by Wired writer Christina Bonnington who attended the keynote, to discuss our favorite features of iOS 7 and why it's still "a work in progress"; iOS game controllers; and the unusual tale of how those new iOS icons were actually created. All that and OS X Blowfish! Thanks to Shutterstock.com for making this episode possible.   Whether it’s for your website, advertisement, multi-media presentation, or other type of film project, with over 700,000 high quality video clips, Shutterstock helps you take your creative projects to the next level.  For 30% off your new account, go to Shutterstock.com and use offer code CULTCAST6.

This time 'round on CultCast: iOS 7 debuts to a standing ovation, but some aren't in love;  OS X 10.9 Mavericks will have you rewatching Top Gun, we'll highlight the new features; new MacBook Airs get insanely long battery life and more power; and Apple resurrects the rumored Mac Pro to uproarious applause—it's our complete WWDC coverage on this very special episode of the CultCast.  Join us as we review all the great stuff Apple announced on this glorious day.

Apple's Worldwide Developers conference is RIGHT around the corner, dear brethren, and on this episode, we'll ponder the rumors surrounding the big event, like whispers of new MacBooks with dramatically extended battery life and even more power; Airs with retina displays, and why that's now very possible; updates to the long-neglected Mac Pro; Intel's powerful yet power-sipping Haswell chips;  and soooo much more! Join us and former Gizmodo-chief-come New York Wired Editor Joe Brown for an extra long CultCast all about our WWDC expectations, hopes, and dream. Namaste. Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast4” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

When can we expect Apple's next big thing?  Is an Apple Television coming this year?  Is wearable tech a place Apple is heading?  Will a larger-screen iPhone ever make it out of Cupertino?  This week on CultCast: Tim Cook gets grilled at D11, the big Tech Conference that once had both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs on the same stage together—and we'll examine what he said and what he didn't.  Plus an all-new Faves 'N Raves, the segment where we pitch we pitch our favorite tech and apps then vote on which one's best! All that and more on this week's CultCast!

This week on CultCast: Apple Chief Tim Cook brings his Southern charm to Washington, hints at an iHologram; we make sense of the Apple tax debaucle; and Xbox One vs. Apple TV, should Apple be worried? All that and more on this week's CultCast! Thanks to Disk 6 for supporting this week's show! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6.  Download DiskAid 6 today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

Google Maps get better, smarter, and faster; Hangouts is a new app with innovative chat features; Google Music is too late to party; Erfon eats H'orderves on a space jet with Tim Cook and Richard Branson; and Leander dons his powdered judge wig to rule over an all new Faves 'N Raves. All that and more on this week's CultCast! Thanks to Audible for sponsoring the show! Audible is the best place on the internet to get your audio books and entertainment, with over 100,000 titles to choose from in every imaginable genre.  Audible's spoken entertainment titles also work on any MP3 player, no iPod required. Get your free audio book now at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast

This week in the Creative CultCast Cloud: Adobe goes rental; Nintendo comes to iPhone; 5S begins production; Steve Jobs dolls find new homes; Alex gets probed; Leander loves dinner; and Buster gets hit on by a goat.  Baaaah! Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible!  DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6.  Download DiskAid 6 today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

Slip on your Nikes and grab your Kool-Aid, it's time for another Cast of the Cult!  This time around, iOS 7 takes over your car; 5S gets better at selfies; Jony Ive is under pressure; Tim Cook really doubles down on secrecy, ya'll; and we pitch our favorite tech and apps on an all new Fave's 'N Raves. Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.    Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code CultCast5 when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

This time around on CultCast: why we need $150,000 for coffee with Tim Cook; Tim talks iPhone with a 5-inch screen; and with iPad taking over, could Apple eventually stop selling Macs? Plus, we're finally getting a new Xbox console; the next iOS and OS X at WWDC, and the current Apple hardware drought needs to end! Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

iPhone 5S' new camera; why megapixels don't matter; Facebook Home coming to iOS?; reviews prove why teens really love Snapchat;  and we review the iSteve mocumentary—all that and more on this episode of The CultCast! Thanks to Audible for sponsoring the show! Audible is the best place on the internet to get your audio books and entertainment, with over 100,000 titles to choose from in every imaginable genre.  Audible's spoken entertainment titles also work on any MP3 player, no iPod required. Get your free audio book now at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast

Did Facebook Home just totally screw Apple?  Then, inside Leander Kahney's new Jony Ive book; Ron Johnson father of the Apple Store takes a boot to the rear;  and we wrap with and all new Faves N Raves, the segment where we pitch our favorite tech and apps then vote on which one's best! Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

Jony Ive's huge sweeping iOS 7 changes; Apple Television and the Ring of Power; our favorite April Fools pranks; and careful, your iPad might be giving you Gorilla Arm!  All that and more on this lovely new episode of The CultCast. Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace-a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast4” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

Are you still still using Finder to  lauch applications on your Mac??  Wroooong!  Find out how the all new Alfred 2 will make your Mac a new machine! Plus, Google Reader, the tech only a nerd could love, and we wrap with our favorite gear and tech on an all-new Faves N Raves and Faves N Raves, and, FAAAAAVVEEES. Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

IS THIS THE END FOR IPHONE?  HAS SAMSUNG'S NEW GALAXY S4 CONQUERED THE PRESCIOUS IDEVICE? NO! Of course not!  We've got a thousand reasons why on this ep. of The CultCast. Plus, a new Steve Jobs movie you'll actually want to see; Galaxy S4 features we hope make it to the iPhone 6; and could the iPad Mini *get* any better? All that and more on this episode of the CultCast!

We mix it up on this week's CultCast!  Join us for a very special hour with guest and former host of Totally Rad Show (TRS) and Current Co-Host of Always On, Jeff Cannata.   For all those who used to watch and love TRS, we'll remember the show and relive how it's cutting-edge production made it one of the most popular and beloved podcasts on the internet. But then, a segment we're calling Tech Jeff Cannat-a live without!  Jeff tells us his favorite iPhone and iPad apps and gadgets, and why he's more than super-duper excited for the upcoming Playstation 4 console. Join for CultCast #63, won't you? Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

Finally, it's time to talk iPhone 5S and iPad 5!  We'll tell you why April and August might be bringing you the tasty new iDevices. Then, is Apple is a innovation lull?  Ex-Apple CEO John Scully thinks so.  We'll tell you what we think is going on. All that and we wrap up with our favorite tech and apps on this week's Faves N Raves! Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace- a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “CultCast3” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

With over 205,000 Instagram followers, iPhone photographer Cory aka @withhearts knows a thing or two about how to capture beautiful photos on Apple's beloved iDevice. He joins us on this CultCast to reveil his favorite editing apps, tips, and secrets for taking amazing photos with just an iPhone. But first, Google Glass!  Does anyone really want to wear these dorky accessories?  What practical uses could they possible have? Also, did you know your US Internet provider is about to enforce new copyright protection rules on you?  We'll tell you all about them. Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

It's a Cult-a-versary party on this, our first year anniversary and 60th episode of the CultCast!  On this episode, we take a look at episodes and guests past, and tell the story of how the show almost never made it on the air. Plus, the new iOS features Sony is bringing to their just-announced Playstation 4 console; the honor Jony Ive just received that's even better than a knighthood; and Woz says Apple is losing its cool—we disagree!   To all our govs and governesses that have supported over the last year, a big heart-felt thanks

Tim Cook just had the best week ever yaa'll! We'll tell you what he said to Goldman Sachs about a cheaper iPhone, and what President Obama did that had him blushin' like a school girl. Then, what we know about iWatch; Leander tells us about his new Jony Ive book; and we answer your Facebook queries in an all-new CultCastQNA. Thanks to DigiDNA.net, makers of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible! DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid, or save 30% a license with code "TheCultCast" at checkout.

Hot out the oven, a new iOS 6 jailbreak!  We'll tell you why you should and shouldn't hack into your precious iPhone. Then, what's next for Mac Pro, the apps and gear you need to live an iPad-only life, and our favorite apps and tech on an all-new Faves 'N Raves. Time to get CULTY YAAA'LLL. Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace- a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “CultCast2” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

Ashton describes becoming Steve Jobs and ends up crying; Will.i.am imagines a future of weird gadgets; our favorite Apple tech from the show; and wrapping up, JJ Abrams, Stars Wars director?   Don't miss the debate and our coverage live from Moscone West here at Macworld 2013. Thanks to DigiDNA, crafters of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible.   DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid

Apple just made all the money and other fun facts from their just-released earnings report. Then, iOS 7, bigger-screen iPhones, and our favorite Mac apps—we answer your questions on an all new CultCast Q&A. And then we pitch our favorite tech in an all new Faves 'N Raves, and this time, Leander's got an unfair advantage!

Team Cult is back from Vegas, baby!  Yes, we're still a little, um, foggy minded, but the show must go on! On this episode, we introduce our brand new CultCall voicemail, a great way to send us your comments, questions, or CultCast intros. Then, is Woz a spanish guy with a perm?  Cause that's what he looks like in the new jOBS movie that's about to be unleashed on the world.  And don't worry, we've got a healthy dose of iPhone 5S rumors and address reports saying version 5 just ain't selling.  All that and why Apple needs to release their TV asap to stay in the game on our all-new CultCast! Thanks to DigiDNA, crafters of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible. DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid

Live from CES 2013 in Vegas - day 4! Our final CultCast from CES 2013 in Vegas! Join us to hear why the Qualcomm press event just became an instant internet meme; the gear that got our best-of-CES votes; and Gadgets Editor Charlie Sorrell says why if you're naughty your dad might give you a "Dicky Back Ride.".

Live from CES 2013 in Vegas - day 3! The Consumer Electronics Show is now officially open for business, and team Cult spent the day scouring the massive halls looking for the best booths and tech. On our newest episode, we recount cool tech we've seen at the show thus far, say which celebrities swang by the press room for us to nudify, and talk about the best booths of years' past.

*Please forgive the less-than-stellar audio quality; we've had some gear issues but will be back to normal by next Thursday's episode!*  Day 2 of Team Cult at the Consumer electronics show in Las Vegas!  On this this episode, we talk about the new technology introduced by Intel, Ford, Samsung, Panasonic, and other major players in their CES keynotes. Then we reveal our favorite gadgets so far from show!

Team Cult of Mac has descended upon Las Vegas to attend the largest and in-chargest technnology show in North America, the Consumer Electronics Show. On this episode, we talk about some of the cool tech we've seen so far, and our why Apple wants to turn your house into an iHome.

It's all business on this, our 50th episode of The CultCast! We'll tell you why the New Year broke your iPhone's Do Not Disturb feature; why the iPhone 6 is already showing up in the web logs of some developers; and why Bill Gates wouldn't give his kids the Christmas gifts they *really* wanted. But wait, there's more! Team Cult is preparing for CES 2013, and on this episode, we'll tell you what it's like to walk the halls as press and attend the parties full of geeks, gadgets, and never—empty cocktail glasses.  Plus the tech we're most excited about this year! Thanks to Squarespace for making this episode possible.   Treat yourself to a brand new website with the help of Squarespace- a drag-and-drop, do-it-yourself site builder with EVERYTHING you need to create exceptional websites! Head to http://Squarespace.com/cultcast to start a free trial. Use the offer code “cultcast1” when you decide to purchase, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your order!

On this, our last episode ever of the year, we throw out the naughty 2012 with new iPad 5 and mini rumors, our iOS 7 hopes & dreams, and our favorite must-see movies from the year gone by. All while discovering the true nature of one Mr. L. Kahney…  he's not who you think he is! Thanks to DigiDNA, crafters of DiskAid 6, for making this episode possible.   DiskAid 6 is the best way to transfer videos, documents, and other information on and off your iDevices with ease.  Download your voicemails, call logs, photos, videos, or anything else right to your computer—all via WiFi, all without long iTunes syncing—with the new DiskAid 6. Download it today and use its basic features for free at http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid

On this week's CultCast, we're ending the year with our favorite gear! Don't miss our "End of Days, Faves 'N Raves," where pitch our favorite apps, accessories, games, even shows, of 2012. But before that, we'll break down the whole Instagram debacle for you, and tell you why you should be paying attention to the big I's plans for your personal pics. All that and Tim Cook, person of the year? ------------------------------------------------------------------- Our twitters! @erfon, @lkahney, @bst3r, @alexeheath ------------------------------------------------------------------- And thanks to our sponsor, CrashPlan for making this episode possible. CrashPlan is automatic, offsite, data backup for your PC or Mac. With CrashPlan, your important files are protected, but accessible to you – anytime, anywhere. CrashPlan is also what Erfon uses to keep his Macs securely backed up. Try it out for free at http://www.crashplan.com.

Google's new Maps App is out for iOS!  We'll tell you what we love and don't. Plus, a very special announcement we couldn't have made without you, our much-loved CultCast listeners. Then, Flickr's new app; Twitter wants to be your Instagram; and don't miss our end chat on The Hobbit and, best movie of 2013, FRIGGIN' ALIENS.

On this week's CultCast, Erfon rants: why Apple Maps has lost its luster; Ashton Kutcher does his best Steve jOBS impression; then, Tim Cook charms and makes some interesting comments in his interview with Brian Williams - we analyze! ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- DigiDNA, makers of DiskAid 5, the iPhone, iPad, and iPod transfer tool for Mac *and* PC. Try DiskAid 5 for free at http://DigiDNA.net, and save 30% on a license at checkout with code THECULTCAST at checkout.

Apple has finally given us iTunes 11, and oh boy, is it a worthy upgrade.  We'll tell you what we like, what we don't, but more importantly, what Apple needs to make iTunes relevant again. And then our thoughts on Will.i.am's baffling new iPhone accessory and social network.  Will anyone wanna buy this thing? ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- Cult of Mac Deals!  Grab 10 great apps, including Camtasia 2, Circus Ponies Notebook, Little Snapper, and a whole host of other great apps for only $49.99.   If you bought all these apps separately it would be $780!  Check out the deal now before the it expires at https://deals.cultofmac.com/sales/the-istack-mac-bundle-2-0 

Apple's Black Friday sales; Oprah's love for the iPad; and Tim Cook's favorite Thanksgiving accoutrements all on this very gravy-covered over-stuffed CultCast! ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- Thanks to Audible for sponsoring the show! Audible is the best place on the internet to get your audio books and entertainment, with over 100,000 titles to choose from in every imaginable genre.  Audible's spoken entertainment titles also work on any MP3 player, no iPod required. Get your free audio book now at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast.

Apple and HTC put their lawsuits behind them; Microsoft's paid cavalcade of celebrity Windows Phone endorsements make us sad; and Apple's big new plans to to fan the flames of employee innovation. As you'll soon hear, no topic is safe from discussion on this week's CultCast! All that and a big Faves 'N Raves controversy meltdown! ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- DigiDNA, makers of DiskAid 5, the iPhone, iPad, and iPod transfer tool for Mac and PC. Try DiskAid 5 for free at http://DigiDNA.net, and save 30% on a license at checkout with code THECULTCAST at checkout.

On this week's CultCast, with no new Apple hardware to wax on and on about, we were forced to come up with real, actual content! So begrudgingly, this week we cover some of our favorite and most useful productivity apps; tell you if you can ever expect to see Google's answer to Apple Maps released to the App Store; and did you know Samsung's about to change their logo to a pear with a bite taken out of it?  Kidding!  But rumor is they're about to rebrand in a major more "Apple-like" way… All that and more on this week's CultCast! ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- Thanks to Audible for sponsoring the show! Audible is the best place on the internet to get your audio books and entertainment, with over 100,000 titles to choose from in every imaginable genre.  Audible's spoken entertainment titles also work on any MP3 player, no iPod required. Get your free audio book now at http://audiblepodcast.com/cultcast.

Ok, so we've fondling Apple's new iPad mini for hours and hours now, and we're ready to report our first impressions and answer the question: without a retina display, is the iPad mini a worthy replacement for its larger, retina-pixeled brother?

It's an Apple executive shakedown, and all sorts of fruit is falling off the tree! Find out what the departure of long time exectutive Scott Forstall and the just-hired John Browett means for iOS, OS X, Apple stores, and all the great Apple products you love.  Plus, Jony Ive's about to get even more design control over all the Macs you love to own, but is that a good thing? Then, get out your lighsbaers, cause we're diving deep into the Disney acquisition of LucasFilm and what that means for everyone's favorite space movies. If this doesn't end in another Spaceballs movie, we're gonna be upset. ---------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor ---------------------------------- DigiDNA, makers of DiskAid 5, the iPhone, iPad, and iPod transfer tool for Mac and PC. Try DiskAid 5 for free at http://DigiDNA.net, and save 30% on a license at checkout with code THECULTCAST at checkout.  

Kindle; Nexus; Surface—they're all doomed, and on this week's CultCast, we'll tell why Apple's new iPad mini will most definitely sit as the king of all tabs small. Then, we review a new social iOS game so stellar, it'll have you clamoring for Game Center friends just so you can get your fix. Get your play on!

Fresh off the Apple iPad Mini media event, we're ready to give our fist impressions of the iPad Mini, the new, thinner iMac, and just 7 months since it's last new model, the controversial new 4th gen iPad. Cultcast: we're here to pump *clap* YOU UP!