Apple to FINALLY fix Siri + Radical change coming to iPhone 17 (CultCast #675)
Nov 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Excitement brews as Apple gears up to revolutionize Siri with advanced language models, but don’t hold your breath—it's 18 months away! The discussion dives into the radical redesign of the iPhone 17, with skepticism about battery life, alongside humorous anecdotes about Thanksgiving and quirky tech mishaps. Listeners can also get insights into AirPods Max’s stagnant upgrades and a detailed review of the Asus ProArt 5K display, all underscored by playful banter and vibrant personalities.
iOS 19 aims to revolutionize Siri by integrating advanced large language models, enhancing its conversational capabilities beyond previous iterations.
The upcoming iPhone 17 is set to be slimmer with potential design changes such as removing the physical sim card slot, raising functionality concerns.
The rise of smart home technology highlights consumer demand for security solutions, emphasizing the importance of reliable and privacy-conscious devices.
Deep dives
Innovative Siri Updates Expected
iOS 19 is set to introduce a more conversational Siri by incorporating advanced large language models (LLMs). This improvement aims to enhance Siri's ability to engage in natural and seamless conversations, similar to competitors like ChatGPT. Previous iterations of Siri, particularly in iOS 18, offered only marginal feature upgrades without significant improvements in intelligence or conversational ability. The anticipation is that iOS 19 will fundamentally change the user experience with Siri, making it a more effective virtual assistant.
Black Friday Deals and Saving Strategies
This year's Black Friday presented some of the best deals seen in years, with prices dropping significantly on popular tech items. Price-tracking websites and tools have become essential for shoppers aiming to snag the best discounts during this short time window. The discussion highlighted the competitive landscape, where consumers are encouraged to act quickly to secure deals before they vanish. Recommendations include setting alerts on platforms like Slickdeals to keep informed on the latest offers.
iPhone 17 Air Design and Features
The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be thinner than prior models, sparking intrigue around its potential design and feature sacrifices. Notably, the phone may forego a physical sim card slot and only include a single rear camera due to space constraints. This shift represents a bold step in Apple's design philosophy, focusing on slimness but also raises questions about sacrifices in functionality and battery capacity. The move could cater to consumers looking for a lightweight phone experience while also posing challenges in maintaining adequate performance.
The Impact of Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology continues to evolve, with growing interest around devices such as smart door locks and home security cameras. The increasing concern about package theft has motivated discussions about the necessity of surveillance systems for homeowners. Experiences shared include the frustrations of lacking security during package deliveries and the desire for better monitoring solutions. As consumers adopt these technologies, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of ensuring quality and reliability while providing privacy.
Studio Display Alternatives Emerging
Asus has introduced a new 5K monitor offering features similar to Apple's Studio Display but at half the price. With specifications aimed at creatives needing high-resolution screens, this monitor presents an attractive alternative for those seeking performance without breaking the bank. User experience reviews highlight pros and cons, including build quality and unique features like adjustable height. The growing market for affordable high-quality displays suggests consumers have viable options beyond premium offerings from established brands.
This week, the real REAL good Siri could be… 18 months away? Also, we’re talking about the radical new look for the iPhone 17 lineup and an exciting new 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
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.
Mark Gurman's sources say “a larger-than-usual number of features” of iOS 19 will be delayed from its initial launch in September 2025 to iOS 19.4’s release in spring 2026.
Apple is not planning any major upgrades to AirPods Max anytime soon. The company plans to keep the headphones around in its current iteration for the “foreseeable future.”