The CultCast

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 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.comEasily 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 ioAs 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 user's surroundings and life."Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developersApple 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 fearApple might finally let you ditch Siri for a smarter assistant

Exciting insights about the upcoming 20th anniversary iPhone reveal a possible edge-to-edge design and innovative camera features. CarPlay Ultra makes its debut, promising a revamped dashboard experience, but currently exclusive to Aston Martin. Apple’s commitment to accessibility shines with new features for various user needs, including eye scrolling technology. Humorous tech troubles and nostalgic reflections round out the conversation, highlighting the evolution of Apple's influence in our lives.

Get ready for a sneak peek into Apple's future with juicy rumors about the iPhone 17, 18, and 19. The discussion highlights the iPhone 17 Air's design and battery challenges, with talk of a Smart Battery Case making a comeback. Apple’s evolving launch strategy might mean a staggered release schedule. Plus, there's buzz around AI innovations potentially being incorporated into Safari and the exciting world of smart glasses. Tune in for fun banter about kitchen gadgets, gaming, and some Star Wars nostalgia!

Tim Cook has ambitious plans to produce all U.S. iPhones in India to dodge tariffs, a bold move amid rising geopolitical tensions. However, the iPhone 17 Pro might disappoint fans by skipping a major display upgrade. The hosts dive into the evolving App Store policies and the implications of recent court rulings on developer fees. They also share their playful ideas for innovative Apple Watch designs, creating a lively discussion about the future of tech. Humor infuses the chat, making it a mix of fun and insightful commentary.

Discover the stunning sleekness of the iPhone 17 Air, which leaves previous models in the dust! Explore how iPadOS 19 might redesign the iPad experience to mimic macOS features. Dive into the quirky frustrations around pre-ordering the Switch 2 and the thrilling updates in Mario Kart World. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted review of the Insta360 X5 camera, with its dazzling 4K capabilities. The hosts mix tech insights with playful banter, making for a captivating listen!

Discover exciting leaks about Apple's upcoming Vision Pro 2 and the Vision 'Air' headset, which may come with a lighter design and more affordable price. Dive into discussions about the anticipated iPadOS 19 update that blurs the lines between iPad and Mac functionalities. Enjoy humorous anecdotes and engaging listener voicemails, while also exploring essential Mac accessories and tariff updates affecting the tech industry. Lighthearted critiques on audio gear add some fun to the mix!

This week, a major iOS 19 leak reveals shiny squircle icons and UI changes, stirring excitement among fans. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro design might play it safe, failing to live up to the rumors. Consumers rush to buy iPhones before tariffs push prices higher, showcasing a reactionary market. Plus, a clever trick for running ChatGPT on your iPhone is unveiled, and the discussion dives into the whimsical — with Jack Black and chicken antics adding a humorous touch to the tech talk.

Apple is gearing up to launch the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, with exciting spec upgrades on the horizon. A leaked prototype of the Apple Watch Series 10 hints at cutting-edge health features, including non-invasive blood sugar monitoring. The hosts dive into the concept of an AI health coach, potentially transforming personal wellness. They also share a lively unboxing experience and discuss the thrilling world of gaming emulation, with nods to nostalgic consoles. Plus, a dash of humor about cooking adds to the fun!

Excitement is in the air as WWDC 2025 is officially set for June 9! Major leaks hint at an iOS 19 redesign inspired by visionOS and a potential AI-powered camera for future Apple Watch models. The hosts dive into the implications of new features for AirPods Max and share humorous experiences during their tech upgrades. As if that’s not enough, listeners weigh in with their voicemails, adding to the engaging discussion about Apple's innovations and the evolving tech landscape.

Dive into the latest Apple innovations with a humorous take! Discover the impressive features of the M3 iPad Air and the surprising AI prowess of the MacBook Air. Delve into Apple's leadership shakeup for Siri, aiming to elevate its AI game. Enjoy insights on the upcoming second-generation Studio Display and potential real-time translation for AirPods. The hosts weave in personal anecdotes about tech experiences, all while keeping the conversation light and entertaining.