The CultCast

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week, invites are out for the “awe dropping” iPhone event! Also: Touch ID and bumper cases making a comeback like it’s 2013, how to combine emojis, the first ergonomic dual-ultra-widescreen setup, Twitter versus Mastodon and Leander’s review of PowerBeats Pro 2!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coEasily 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 invites the world to ‘Awe dropping’ eventGet ready for the next “Awe dropping” Apple September event, featuring the exciting iPhone 17 series and more new products.iPhone 17 Air could revive Apple’s bumper caseIn a nod to the iPhone 4, Apple experimented with a bumper case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air that only covered its edges.Foldable iPhone might bring back Touch IDThe first foldable iPhone — set to debut in September 2026 — will reportedly feature Touch ID, C2 modem and five cameras.Combine emoji to make your own fun creations in iOS 26The best Apple Intelligence feature gets even more fun: You can combine two or more emoji into your own custom creation in iOS 26.Double the fun: 10 best dual-monitor setupsFor many folks, two displays beats one display. See these 10 takes on the best dual monitor setup, the most popular configuration.Under Review: Beats PowerBeats Pro 2These Bluetooth earbuds feature a heart rate monitor, Apple's H2 chip, active noise canceling with transparency mode, IPX4 water resistance, up to 45-hour battery life (with wireless charging case) and Apple and Android compatibility.

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Somehow, FineWoven returned… as TechWoven! Will it be any better? Also: Details on the iPhone 17e, Touch ID on the Apple Watch, iOS 26’s coolest new feature, a bananas multidisplay setup, and a fantastic Qi2 battery pack from Anker!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comInsta360 GO Ultra is the tiny, hands-free 53g camera that redefines how you capture your life. To bag a bag of free Sticky Tabs with your Insta360 GO Ultra purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code cultcast, available for the first 30 purchases only.This week’s stories:Apple’s new TechWoven iPhone cases might suck less than FineWovenApple's possible new FineWoven replacement for iPhone 17 cases trades some luxury feel for more practical grippy durability.iPhone 17e could ditch notch for Dynamic IslandA new rumor claims the upcoming iPhone 17e ditches the notch in favor of a Dynamic Island design — a fresh approach for the budget handset.Touch ID could come to Apple WatchThe 2026 Apple Watch could pack some big upgrades, including Touch ID integration for biometric authentication. Plus a faster CPU.Screenfest: Top 15 multidisplay computer setupsWhen it comes to the best-multi-monitor-setup, users often choose between the biggest displays and the most displays. Many go for both.Under Review: Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)The Anker Nano Power Bank has 5,000 mAh of power in a third of an inch. It's the battery that doesn't make your iPhone feel like a brick.

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Blood oxygen is back, baby! Also: Apple’s push into smart homes and robotics, more flip-flopping in iOS 26 beta 6, a weird Mac mini setup, how to stop AirPods switching and a travel charger 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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coCleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care. Get tidy today — try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CultCastThis week’s stories:Blood Oxygen testing returns to Apple Watch in the USA redesigned Blood Oxygen testing feature will launch Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to it after a U.S. court order.Apple preps slew of new home security productsApple home-security devices on the drawing board could include smart cameras and doorbell that knows who's trying to get in.Apple’s ‘Pixar Lamp’ robot could feature a human-like SiriApple's 'Pixar Lamp' robot could feature a much more personable and interactive Siri. It might even butt into your conversations.iOS 26 beta 6: All the new features and changesThe sixth iOS 26 beta expands Liquid Glass to more UI elements, adds new ringtones and brings a much faster app opening animation.iPad Air as external display makes this Mac mini mobileUsing an iPad external display with an M4 Mac mini makes this odd setup mobile. And the self-built split keyboard adds to the weirdness.Under Review: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)This 3-in-1 wireless charger tops up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at 15W fast charging speeds. It’s travel-friendly and ultra portable.

Apple's renewed push in the AI arena takes center stage, with Tim Cook assuring a commitment to winning the AI race. The team discusses an intriguing ChatGPT rival and ongoing enhancements to Siri. They showcase a hands-on look at a colorful iPhone 17 Pro case featuring a built-in stand, and delve into the impact of new materials like Liquid Silicone. The conversation wraps up with insights into iOS 26's latest features and a quick detour into healthier meal solutions.

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeStephen Hackett joins Leander and Griffin to talk all about a big week of iPhone 17 Pro leaks. We have a camera rumor that’s absolutely bananas, models of the new colors — and a spy shot out in public? Also: tips on customizing your Home Screen, an almost-normal Mac mini setup, and a big new Mac display!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coEasily 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:iPhone 17 Pro camera could zoom past expectations with 8x lensiPhone 17 Pro's telephoto camera could get a bigger upgrade than initially rumored, with a new dual lens system for up to 8x optical zoom.iPhone 17 Pro could break tradition with bold new orange colorAlleged iPhone 17 dummy units showcase the color options for the upcoming lineup, including a bold orange shade for the Pro models.Masked iPhone 17 Pro prototype spotted in the wildBlurry images of a supposed iPhone 17 Pro test unit have surfaced online after someone reportedly spotted the device in the wild.WidgetsmithWidgetsmith lets you personalize your device like never before with a wide range of highly-customizable widgets.App StoreGiant smart TV dwarfs 32-inch display in Mac mini rigIn today's featured M2 Mac mini setup, a mammoth Hisense smart TV dominates its complementary 32-inch LG monitor.Under Review: BenQ PD3226GAlthough this 32-inch display is only 4K and not 6K, it has a built-in Thunderbolt 4 dock with a KVM, highly accurate colors, a HotKey Puck remote control — and a gorgeous 144 Hz refresh rate.

This week, rumors swirl around the exciting design and functionality of the upcoming folding iPhone slated for 2026. The challenges of adapting iOS 27 to accommodate dual screens are discussed. Listeners will also learn about the innovative M5 iPad Pro, potentially enhancing Face ID's usability. There are valuable tips for runners using the Apple Watch, focusing on metrics like cadence for better performance. The hosts delve into the emotional ties we have with colorful iPhone designs, blending nostalgia with modern practicality.

Exciting revelations about Apple's upcoming M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro surface, with the potential for delays! All iPhone 17 colors are leaked, showcasing an impressive variety. The importance of heart rate recovery is discussed, emphasizing its impact on fitness tracking via Apple Watch. A new Mac app, Longplay, aims to recreate the nostalgia of vinyl collections. The hosts also dive into workspace setups, weighing the pros and cons of standing desks and multiple displays, all while engaging with listener feedback.

Graham Bower, a developer from Barcelona known for creating Reps and Sets, joins the conversation to delve into juicy iPhone 17 leaks, hinting at exciting design upgrades. They discuss Jeff Williams' impending departure and speculate on Apple's next CEO, adding an intriguing twist. Bower also shares insights on optimizing Liquid Glass in iOS 26 for better readability and highlights innovative app development techniques using AI. The episode wraps up with a look at a snazzy new handheld gaming console that’s capturing attention.

Apple is set to release its most affordable MacBook yet, packed with the powerful A18 Pro chip. The team speculates on potential AI collaborations to enhance Siri's capabilities, while also reflecting on user preferences for Apple Watch customization. They dive into practical tips for managing iCloud storage and explore the latest in car tech, highlighting the evolution of CarPlay. With a mix of future tech insights and personal anecdotes, this discussion keeps you informed and entertained!

Sam Henri Gold, a design engineer and founding designer at Patina Systems, dives into the world of Apple's next big innovations with hosts Leander and Griffin. They discuss the anticipated M5 iPad Pro, already in production, and the potential for super-size folding iPads with iPadOS 26. The conversation touches on the gradual reduction of iPhone screen cutouts and the features of iOS 26 beta 2, packed with subtle improvements. Gold offers insights into the design challenges faced in tech startups, highlighting the evolving user experience.