The CultCast m122j

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, Apple’s making the big change we’ve wanted for years… also, Apple glasses are coming sooner than you think, future iPhones might get cameras with insane resolution, Game Center is coming back, and more of your listener voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone, MacBook, display, 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 may switch all OS version numbers to years With an announcement reportedly coming at WWDC25 on June 9, Apple may switch all OS names from version numbers to years. Apple fast-tracks its smart glasses for 2026 launch Get ready for Apple smart glasses in 2026. Take an early look at what the tech in these wearables will be capable of doing for their wearers. Future iPhone might go ultra high-res with 200MP camera Apple may equip future iPhones with a 200MP camera, as it internally tests such a sensor for the primary shooter. Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused app A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV. How to keep your iPhone battery from going to crap There are a few simple changes you can make that will preserve your iPhone battery health for many years of loyal service. YouTube video Listener voicemails

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week: Jony Ive’s new best friend, Sam Altman, bought his secretive startup for $6.5 billion! What are they working on? Also: The next big steps for Apple Intelligence and Siri. This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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. This week’s stories: Jony Ive, Sam Altman tease mysterious prototype as OpenAI buys io As OpenAI buys io, honchos Sam Altman and Jony Ive vaguely tease a mystery prototype in a video and webpage announcement. New details leak about Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s coming ‘AI companions’ OpenAI CEO Sam Altman details his company's ambitious plan to produce 100 million AI devices "fully aware of a 's surroundings and life." Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developers Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developers in hopes of spurring a lot more app development around Apple Intelligence. Apple isn’t as far behind in AI as some might fear Apple might finally let you ditch Siri for a smarter assistant

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, we have the first details on the iPhone 20 — or will it be the iPhone XX? Also: CarPlay Ultra is HERE, major new features coming in iOS 19 and visionOS 3, and more listener voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com Insta360 X5 is the new flagship 360° camera from Insta360. To score a free 45-inch invisible selfie stick with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.comand use the promo code CultCast — available for the first 30 purchases only. This week’s stories: What to expect from the 20th anniversary iPhone Apple plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a fresh design: no cutouts on a truly edge-to-edge, curved screen. CarPlay Ultra finally arrives with complete dashboard makeover (for some) Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road — but only with Aston Martin for now. Apple unveils major accessibility upgrades coming soon Apple accessibility upgrades coming later this year will help s with visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive challenges. visionOS 3 may let you scroll hands-free using your eyes The next major update to visionOS could include eye scrolling, for navigating long lists and webpages entirely hands-free. Apple turns to AI to extend iPhone battery life Apple’s iPhone AI battery innovations could significantly enhance efficiency, increasing time between recharges the smart way. Listener voicemails M4 MacBook Air: Perfect for practically everybody

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, we have rumors about the next THREE generations of iPhone! Also: The next generation of Apple silicon for AI server farms and AR glasses, and more of your listener voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com CultCloth will keep your iPhone, MacBook, display, 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 preps battery case for its sleekest iPhone yet To offset the iPhone 17 Air's limited battery life, Apple will seemingly revive its Smart Battery Case accessory. Apple might shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026 Apple may not launch the regular iPhone 18 alongside its Pro and Air sibling in 2026, delaying its launch by a few months instead. Apple to launch larger iPhone 18 Air and foldable sequel in 2027 To stay ahead of the competition, Apple plans to launch its iPhones in the fall, followed by the value-focused models in spring. Apple considers building AI search into Safari Soon, doing a search in the Safari web browser might get results from an AI like Perplexity rather than Google. Server chips in development will power Apple Intelligence Among other new processors, Apple currently plans new AI server chips to help power its growing Apple Intelligence platform. Apple looks into smart glasses We may all someday wear Apple smart glasses with AI and camera capabilities. The company is reportedly laying the groundwork now. Listener voicemails

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week: Tim Cook’s plan to save you from tariffs on your next Apple purchase! Plus: The big upgrade the iPhone 17 Pro is sadly skipping, a weird new Apple website, major changes coming to the App Store — and more of your Speakpipe voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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. Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off and use offer code FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: Apple plans to make all US iPhones in India Apple reportedly wants to make all iPhones it sells in the United States in India by next year to avoid the U.S.-China tariff war. iPhone 17 Pro might miss out on major display upgrade Due to scaling challenges, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup will not get an anti-reflective display coating as initially rumored. Apple soft-launches all-in-one site to follow celebs The new Apple Snapshot celebrity website popped up Tuesday, showing fans celebs' work across Apple services. But it's weirdly limited so far. Despite tariff turmoil, Wall Street expects good news from Apple Get ready for the Apple financial results announcement: Wall Street anticipates a revenue increase despite trade challenges. Judge blasts Apple for willfully defying App Store’s anti-competition ruling Apple willfully violated a court order limiting its anti-competitive App Store practices and taking commission on external transactions. Listener voicemails Griffin’s guide on how to quit iCloud

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, we have our best look yet at iPhone 17 Air’s shocking thinness! Plus: Major power features coming to iOS and iPadOS 19, more thoughts on Switch 2 + Mario Kart World, our Sigma BF review — and we’ll wrap up with more of your totally weird voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com Insta360 X5 is the new flagship 360° camera from Insta360. To score a free 45-inch invisible selfie stick with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.comand use the promo code CultCast — available for the first 30 purchases only. This week’s stories: New videos show shocking thinness of iPhone 17 Air New videos show how shockingly thin iPhone 17 Air dummy units appear. One reviewer thinks customers won't want any other model. iPadOS 19 may add Mac-like home screen menu bar iPadOS 19 will include a menu bar at the top of the screen like the one in macOS, according to a noted tipster on Thursday. If true, it’ll be a major step toward making iPads act more like Macs. iOS 19 might transform your iPhone into a mini Mac YouTube: Mario Kart World Direct Sigma BF is an Apple-esque camera for the pure joy of photography [Review] The Sigma BF is a full-frame camera with a beautiful design that centers on the pure joy of old-school photography. YouTube video Listener voicemails

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, we have details and leaked parts on the next TWO Vision headsets! Also, we’ll talk about the big iPadOS update on the way, our top Mac accessories and play more of your listener voicemails! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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. This week’s stories: Apple may slim down the Vision Pro 2 in weight and cost The Vision Pro 2 could launch with a lighter design and a lower price, as Apple looks to beat Meta in the race to full-fledged smart glasses. Vision ‘Air’ headset could sport titanium parts and dark blue finish New leaks point to a more-affordable Vision Pro alternative on the way: Apple's dark blue Vision 'Air' headset may shed weight and cost. Tariff relief for iPhone and Mac doesn’t last long iPhones and other electronics get only a temporary reprieve from tariffs, as the US eyes a special-focus tariff for them. iPadOS 19 may finally blur the line between iPad and Mac Apple may not bring macOS to iPad but it may give them the next best thing with iPadOS 19: a Mac-like experience. 5 Mac accessories I can’t live without Logitech MX Keys S Logitech MX Master 3S Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Charging Station Bose QuietComfort headphones tinkerBOY ADB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Converter Apple Extended Keyboard II CalDigit TS5 Plus AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) OWC ThunderBay 4 enclosure Listener voicemails

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, we have the biggest iOS 19 leak yet! Is it legit? Also, the iPhone 17 Pro might not be what we expect, tariffs starting to affect the iPhone, a secret trick to running ChatGPT on your iPhone, and rumors of something too good to be true we’ve been waiting for a long, long time… This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 19 leak reveals squircle icons and redesigned system apps As part of the iOS 19's visual overhaul, Apple might adopt squircle icons and UI elements with a glossy look. Final iPhone 17 Pro design might defy the leaks Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro series won’t feature the dramatic design changes that renders on the internet might lead you to believe. Customers worried about price hikes pack Apple Stores to buy iPhones Customers' fear of price increases due to tariffs appeared to drive a surge in iPhone sales over the weekend. Why an all-American iPhone is impossible Sorry to burst your bubble, but four huge obstacles mean an American-made iPhone simply isn’t in the cards. Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts Vocal Shortcuts let you control your phone by speaking a command out loud. Think “Hey Siri,” but for running your own custom actions. Instagram may finally release a native iPad app After a 15-year wait, Instagram could finally get around to releasing a native iPad app, as it looks to capitalize on TikTok's troubles. Listener voicemails

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, Apple is getting ready to launch the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro! Also, the future of Apple Health, the weird prototype Apple Watch and big news for iPhone game emulation. Finally: a surprise product unboxing and hands-on! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .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/CultCast50off and use offer code FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on 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. This week’s stories: Apple preps M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro launch for later this year Apple's M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pros are reportedly all set to go official later this year, with modest spec bumps but few external changes. Apple plans to put an AI health coach on your devices Ready for an Apple AI health coach? The company may combine a revamped Health app with a sort of digital doctor within a year. Apple Watch 10 prototype reveals mysterious new health sensor An Apple Watch 10 prototype shows a different health sensor array than the production model. Could it be long-awaited glucose monitoring? Delta emulator adds live online multiplayer for Nintendo DS games With a new update, Delta iOS game emulator adds live online multiplayer functionality, delighting retro mobile gaming fans everywhere. Mystery product unboxing Watch this segment of the livestream on YouTube Aftershow: Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct announcement

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! WWDC25 is on the calendar for June 9th — what might we see? The major iOS 19 redesign that Jon Prosser leaked! Also, weird rumors about the Apple Watch, a surprise new feature for AirPods Max and more listener Speakpipe messages! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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’s new purchase (spoilers) Prepare to see the future of iOS and macOS at WWDC25 on June 9 Apple revealed on Tuesday that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) runs from June 9 to June 13, 2025. iOS 19 leak showcases visionOS-inspired glassy design A YouTube video gives us our alleged first look at iOS 19's big visual revamp, which takes inspiration from visionOS. Apple preps future Apple Watch with AI-powered camera Future Apple Watch models might feature a camera and leverage AI-driven Visual Intelligence to deliver contextual, relevant information. iPhone 17 Pro’s upgraded cameras could enable 8K video recording iPhone 17 Pro may finally catch up to Android flagships and offer 8K video recording, leading to a 4× jump in the video resolution. Surprise! Lossless audio comes to AirPods Max with USB-C Apple just promised to upgrade the latest AirPods Max version with lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. Listener voicemails AI Inside Intelligent Machines SECRETS… (CCOT #17)

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.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. This week’s stories: Reviews and benchmarks: M3 iPad Air review on Cult of Mac and YouTube M4 MacBook Air review on Cult of Mac and YouTube M3 Ultra boosts Mac Studio performance by 30% New Siri boss tasked with turning around floundering AI upgrade Development of the AI-enhanced Siri is now under the management of an Apple executive who already launched a major product for the company. MacRumors: Apple working on mystery new display Apple is rumored to be planning a second-generation Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting — and an additional mystery monitor. iOS 19 could transform your AirPods into real-time translator iOS 19 could add a handy new feature to the AirPods, enabling live translation of conversations in real time. And finally, listener voicemails! The Mac & Forth Show

Send us a text! Send us a voicemail! This week, details on the biggest iOS redesign since iOS 7 and the folding iPhone! Also, our first impressions of the new MacBook Air and iPad Air, and Apple delaying The New Siri again… This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast This week’s stories: MacBook Air and iPad Air hands-on Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost a fortune Apple's first folding iPhone could arrive in Q4 2026 with a book-style design, titanium alloy chassis, and dual rear cameras. The Verge: The CEO of Huawei’s consumer group photographed using a tri-fold device iOS 19 and macOS 16 might bring massive redesigns Get ready for major changes in iOS 19 and macOS 17. Apple supposedly plans to change the look and feel of many operating system features. When it comes to making Siri smarter, the struggle is real Apple says the smarter Siri promised at WWDC24 is delayed, confirming previous rumors. We might see promised upgrades "in the coming year." Apple’s iPad-like smart home hub gets significantly delayed

Send us a text! This week, Apple dropped iPads and Macs galore — we’re talking ALL the details on the iPad Air, iPad 11, MacBook Air M4 and Mac Studio! Also: iOS 18.4 beta 2 and Griffin’s review of the iPhone 16e. ( that?) This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/FactorPodcast and use offer code FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: John Gruber versus Mark Gurman: Gruber/Daring Fireball: Your Source for Scoops Half a Day Before They’re Announced Publicly Gurman/X: “You mean 11 months ago” Gruber/Daring Fireball: Who Cares About Getting News That’s True When You’re Getting It Fast Steve Troughton-Smith/Mastodon: “Always funny when multiple Apple outlets try to assassinate somebody's character simultaneously out of the blue” MacBook Air gets the M4 treatment, lower price and stunning new color Apple revises the MacBook Air with the M4 chip. It comes in a beautiful new sky blue color, at an even lower price point. 2025 Mac Studio launches as ‘the most powerful Mac ever’ The 2025 Mac Studio is here, with either M4 Max or (surprise!) M3 Ultra processors. iPad Air gets an M3 speed boost and new Magic Keyboard Apple's new iPad Air is here with an M3 chip for better performance and a revamped Magic Keyboard. iPad 11 chip upgrade does not bring Apple Intelligence Apple's entry-level tablet gets a faster processor and more storage. iOS 18.4 beta 2: All the new features and changes iOS 18.4 beta 2 brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro, new emoji and the Vision Pro app. iPhone 16e: Lightweight power in a beautiful package [Review] YouTube video Ohsnap! Snap Grip Luxe

Send us a text! This week, we have a bunch of iPhone rumors: the ugly camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro, its new Apple Wi-Fi chip and details on the folding iPhone coming next year! Also, when the heck are we getting iOS 18.4 and the new MacBook Air? This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast This week’s stories: iPhone 17 Pro models might sport huge camera humps New CAD drawings show the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with huge camera humps that span the width of the phones’ backsides. iPhone 17 Pro’s video upgrades could make your camera obsolete iPhone 17 to use Apple’s Wi-Fi chip for enhanced connectivity Apart from the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's iPhone 17 lineup will use its in-house Wi-Fi chip for enhanced connectivity. Folding iPhone won’t suffer from unsightly screen crease Apple reportedly moves toward production of a folding iPhone after solving a key problem by eliminating an ugly screen crease. iOS 18.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes The first iOS 18.4 beta 1 packs plenty of changes, including new Apple Intelligence features — although the revamped Siri is still missing. Apple’s AI-powered Visual Intelligence tool heads for iPhone 15 Pro Good news for iPhone 15 Pro s: It seems Visual Intelligence won’t be reserved for only the iPhone 16 series for much longer. Apple gears up for M4 MacBook Air launch in March Apple's 2025 MacBook Air refresh is around the corner, with the company preparing the retail channel for a March launch.

Send us a text! Surprise Apple announcement coming next week — we’ll lay out our predictions! Also, we’re talking about the new Powerbeats Pro 2, and Apple’s shift into foldable iPhones and robotics. This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast This week’s stories: Tim Cook teases new Apple product, but what is it? Tim Cook revealed Thursday that Apple plans to launch a new product on February 19. Cook’s post is deliberately vague, saying only, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” Redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds feature heart-rate monitoring The updated and redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s first set of earbuds to feature built-in heart rate monitoring, and feature ear hooks for a secure fit during workouts. First foldable iPhone might arrive in 2026 A report from late last year suggested Apple wants to launch its first foldable in 2026. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates the same in his latest Power On newsletter. Apple is really getting into robots Robots may become Apple’s next big thing. It’s looking for a completely new product category to grow its business, and robots might be the answer, according to an unconfirmed report from Ming-Chi Kuo. The CultCast February 2025 Predictions For the first time this year, we must place our predictions for Apple’s… event? Announcements? Day of stuff? Who knows! Submit your own answers here

Surprise Apple announcement coming next week — we’ll lay out our predictions! Also, we’re talking about the new Powerbeats Pro 2, and Apple’s shift into foldable iPhones and robotics. This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast This week’s stories: Tim Cook teases new Apple product, but what is it? Tim Cook revealed Thursday that Apple plans to launch a new product on February 19. Cook’s post is deliberately vague, saying only, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” Redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds feature heart-rate monitoring The updated and redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s first set of earbuds to feature built-in heart rate monitoring, and feature ear hooks for a secure fit during workouts. First foldable iPhone might arrive in 2026 A report from late last year suggested Apple wants to launch its first foldable in 2026. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates the same in his latest Power On newsletter. Apple is really getting into robots Robots may become Apple’s next big thing. It’s looking for a completely new product category to grow its business, and robots might be the answer, according to an unconfirmed report from Ming-Chi Kuo. The CultCast February 2025 Predictions For the first time this year, we must place our predictions for Apple’s… event? Announcements? Day of stuff? Who knows! Submit your own answers here

This week: Apple’s secret robot desk lamp revealed! Is this a first look of Apple’s wacky iPad-on-a-robot-arm? Also, the Apple M5 chip enters production, the new Invites app, the iPad case with a kill switch, and Erfon’s two-week review of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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. Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. This week’s stories: Apple’s amazing desktop robot looks straight out of Pixar Apple's amazing new lamp-like robot prototype, developed for both functionality and social interaction, looks a lot like Pixar's mascot. Next-gen Apple M5 chip already in mass production The latest Apple M5 processor is ready to enhance the performance of Macs and iPads. Plan a party with the new Apple Invites app You can plan events with Apple Invites, an app that lets s share invitations and photos and collaborate on music playlists with ease. iPad case lets you take your secrets to the grave Protect your secrets with the In Case of Death Case for iPad Pro. It automatically bricks your tablet if/when you die. Really. Under Review: ROG Falchion RX Low Profile The Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile mechanical keyboard is slim, compact and super quiet.

Erfon's mini van is back at the shop (for the same issue!!), and he learns his local repair shop is not who they seem....

This week: Bad news about Apple’s AR glasses — was another Vision product canceled? The solution to Siri is on the way… just like CarPlay 2, right? Also, you won’t believe this new iPhone case! This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 kills AR glasses project to focus on Vision Pro’s future Apple kills its AR glasses project, an attempt at lightweight specs that connect to Macs. The glasses Apple Car on the scrap heap. Mind-melting stats from Apple’s profitable earnings call Here are the high points from the Apple earnings call with investors on Thursday as quickly and as interesting as we can make them. Apple pulls out the big guns to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence In a new move to catch up with AI competitors, Apple taps software veteran to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence. She has a good track record. Apple confirms CarPlay 2 is still coming — but when? Despite delays, Apple reaffirms its commitment to next-gen CarPlay and confirms it is working with several automakers on it. This is the most bananas iPhone case ever! The Andy Warhol x Casetify collection turns the pop artists iconic works into whimsical Apple accessories, like a banana-shaped iPhone case.

This week, the first details on iOS 19’s radical new design. Also, details on the iPhones and iPads just around the corner, and you’re getting Apple Intelligence — whether you like it or not… This episode ed by: Listeners like you. Your 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. The CultCast at .thecultcast.com — OR at CultOf9to5MacRumors.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 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. This week’s stories: iOS 19’s Camera app might receive visionOS-inspired revamp Apple might be preparing a big, visionOS-inspired revamp for the iPhone's Camera app in iOS 19 with a cleaner look. iPhone SE 4 might avoid Apple’s screen notch Rumors indicate the iPhone SE 4 will come with a larger display, but no screen notch or Home button. iPad Air with quicker M3 chip appears imminent An M3 iPad Air could bring in improved speed and performance, and rumor indicates the tablet is right around the corner. iOS 18.3 will nuke bogus notification summaries for news stories Following major criticism from major media outlets, Apple is making changes to how its AI-powered notifications summaries work with iOS 18.3 beta 3. Apple seems determined we use its new artificial intelligence features