The CultCast

Apple surprises everyone with the quirky, 3D-knitted iPhone Pocket designed by Issey Miyake. The new digital passport makes a splash, but it raises concerns about privacy and security. Tesla's new move to integrate CarPlay has people buzzing, but Android Auto is still in the dark. Remember Genius mixes? There’s a discussion about their potential return to iOS Music! Plus, first impressions of the sci-fi show Pluribus hint at a captivating narrative, with intriguing themes and visuals.

This week, discussions ignite over Apple's budget-friendly MacBook, sending shockwaves through the PC industry. A revealing look into Apple's partnership with Google Gemini for enhancing Siri raises eyebrows about privacy and tech integration. The hosts ponder what upgrades the iPhone Air needs to solve its major issues, while the impact of automakers abandoning CarPlay could disrupt consumer convenience. Don't miss the fun as they tackle iOS 26.1 features and play a hilarious Mad Libs game with AirPods Pro announcements!

This week, the future of iPhones gets a buzz with haptic buttons replacing traditional ones in the rumored buttonless 20th anniversary model. Exciting news emerges about Apple’s push for OLED screens across nearly all iPads, including the mini, while weighing the pros and cons of this tech. There’s chatter about AirPods Pro 3 experiencing frustrating in-flight whistling issues and handy troubleshooting tips. Plus, hands-on impressions of the M5 Vision Pro reveal cool new features, including enhanced gaming performance and impressive photo handling.

D. Griffin Jones, a tech writer and video reviewer, shares his insights after 24 hours with the M5 Vision Pro, discussing its unboxing and unique dual knit band. Lewis Wallace dives into the new iOS beta, highlighting a toggle for the controversial Liquid Glass feature. The duo also examines the headset's market reception, gaming performance, and the implications of rumored Apple foldables, including an 18'' foldable iPad. They wrap up with a look at a creative Mac mini setup and their favorite writing processes.

The latest M5 chip from Apple is causing a stir with its AI and graphics processing power. The refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro showcases impressive upgrades, while the new iPad Pro aims to rival laptops. There's buzz around the Vision Pro's enhancements, including a sleek redesign and improved battery life. Hosts share their purchasing plans and debate the iPad's role in work environments. Plus, get a glimpse into the quirky reactions to the new Steve Jobs commemorative coin!

Sora is taking the App Store by storm with its AI-generated videos, raising questions about creativity versus potential misinformation. OpenAI faces significant challenges in launching its own iPhone killer, grappling with privacy and operational limitations. The hosts also discuss updates from the upcoming iOS 26.1, including multitasking features and call screening options. Plus, insights into the Mac switcher experience and Apple’s complicated relationship with enterprise products add depth to the conversation.

This week dives into the frenzy of Apple leaks, including an exclusive unboxing of the powerful M5 iPad Pro and its impressive benchmark scores. The hosts discuss how Russian YouTubers snag unreleased devices early, and FCC leaks confirm the imminent arrival of M5 Macs and Vision Pro. They also explore Apple's shift in focus from a budget Vision headset to advancing smart glasses, while reviewing the new Logitech MX Master 4 mouse. Plus, there's a fun look at Dave Snow's standout multi-monitor setup!

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeOur full, honest reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air and AirPods Pro 3! How’s the battery life? How’s the orange? How bad does it scratch? How good is Live Translation? Everything you need to know.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 is a powerhouse without functional compromiseFor the first time ever, Apple released a Pro iPhone where “pro” means professional, not premium. With upgraded pro features and a no-nonsense design, the iPhone 17 Pro delivers maximum power.Scratchgate is real: I’ve seen it myselfiFixit breaks down the iPhone 17 Pro’s Scratchgate problemIf you touch an iPhone Air, you’ll want to buy it immediatelyIn our iPhone Air review, we find this is the first phone in ages that will truly shock you when you take it out of the box.Review on YouTubeWhy AirPods Pro 3 are my new favorite headphonesA solid evolution of Apple’s high-end earbuds, they reign supreme even if they don't bring many new features. An AirPods Pro 3 review.Live Translation test with Niléane

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week, while we wait for our iPhones, we have all the new features in iOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26! Also: A surprise feature coming to the all-new MacBook Pro, how to fix a major problem in macOS Tahoe, and whether or not it’s time to upgrade your iPhone. 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.comOpenCase is a patented iPhone case with a literal “open space” in the back. It keeps your accessories from sliding off and your phone charging at peak speeds. Go now to TheOpenCase.com and use promo code "cultcast" for 10% off.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:First OLED MacBook Pro could add touchscreen supportApple's next big MacBook Pro refresh with a slimmer design and OLED panel will supposedly also get touchscreen support.Everything new in iOS 26: Liquid Glass and 70+ new featuresiOS 26 is a major new update that brings the biggest visual redesign in 12 years — on top of over 70 new features.How to turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26 if you hate itBest new features in iPadOS 26: Major UI revamp, Liquid Glass and moreiPadOS 26 is the biggest iPad revamp since 2010, making the tablet far more Mac-like. Here are the best new features in iPadOS 26.Everything new in watchOS 26: Workout Buddy and 15 other featureswatchOS 26 is a more modest update with one headlining new feature, Workout Buddy — on top of 15 other new tweaks.“Latest” for MacContinue getting Mac App Store updates in Tahoe using this free app by Max Langer.Cult of Mac Buyback ProgramCult of Mac offers some of the highest cash prices for your old Apple gadgets. In almost every case, we pay more cash for your trade-in than other services. Trading in your old device is dead easy, and we guarantee great customer experience.

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Thrilling rumors that the updated Vision Pro will have more unified memory — no, just kidding. It’s ALL about the Awe Dropping event: iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3. Plus: Our prediction results!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.comCleanMyMac 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/CultCastFactor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free breakfast for one year (with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase).This week’s stories:Super-slim iPhone Air brings radical new designSuper-slim iPhone Air launches at Apple's Awe Dropping event as Plus replacement — and the biggest iPhone redesign in years.iPhone 17 Pro debuts bold new design that’s engineered for performanceApple’s iPhone 17 Pro debuts with big changes: a new design, the largest iPhone battery yet, and an upgraded telephoto camera.iPhone 17 boasts larger, ProMotion screen and Center Stage selfie cameraiPhone 17 offers features previously preserved for pricier models, including a larger, always-on ProMotion display.AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate monitoring, live translation and audio upgradesApple updated AirPods Pro 3, improving noise cancellation, battery life while adding heart rate monitoring and live translation.Apple Watch Series 11 adds hypertension alerts and 24-hour battery lifeBlood pressure monitoring, sleep score, 5G and longer battery life.Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings bigger screen, better battery and new health tricksThe Apple Watch Ultra 3 packs all the right upgrades, including a bigger and brighter display, longer battery life and new health features.Apple Watch SE 3 adds plenty of pro featuresThe Apple Watch SE 3 boasts a lengthy list of features new to Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, including an always-on display.The CultCast ‘Awe Dropping’ PredictionsCongratulations to the three listeners who scored 16 points: Lee Cox, and three-time winners Michael Dennis and Shane Lother.