
The CultCast
The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, tech news, and accessories—but more importantly—we do it with pizzaz. Why listen to another dreary tech program? Tune in to the CultCast each week for a healthy dose of Apple and tech news, jokes gone wrong, and unending tangents.
Latest episodes

Aug 4, 2023 • 1h 15min
NEW "AR" AirTags and Apple Watch 2.0 Ultra are incoming! (CultCast #606)
Send us a text!This week: AirTags 2.0 are incoming with a strange new feature, and we've details on what to expect for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.0! This episode supported by Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a private tutor - or fooling yourself with language apps that are little more than games - Babbel’s quick 10-minute lessons are designed by over 150 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as 3-weeks. Get 55% off at babbel.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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories ERFON: Apple preps second-generation AirTag tracker with AR capabilities The Apple AirTag item tracker sells well enough that an updated version is in early development, according to a reputable analyst. And it might include the AR capabilities that were rumored years ago. The tiny tracker has reportedly been selling by the millions since the product launch in 2021. LEWIS: Would you buy Apple Watch 9 or Ultra 2 in these new colors? Reliable leaker ShrimpApplePro tweeted Tuesday about the possible new pink aluminum color for Apple Watch Series 9 and a black titanium case for Apple Watch Ultra 2. GRIFFIN: 1 billion subscribers push Apple’s services revenue to all-time high Apple announced one billion people now subscribe to Apple services, although total revenue decreased slightly during the June quarter, the third time that’s happened in a row. And the money coming in from all Apple’s hardware groups is down ERFON: Tim Cook calls AI ‘absolutely critical’ to Apple products Apple has been quiet about its plans for artificial intelligence, but CEO Tim Cook set out in a conference call with analysts and major investors on Thursday to make it clear that his company isn’t behind the curve on AI. LEWIS: Win a posh leather iPad Pro sleeve from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway] For this week’s giveaway, we partnered with Harber London to offer you an opportunity to win an exquisite, handmade Magnetic Envelope Sleeve for iPad Pro valued at $118.

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 20min
Big iPhone 15 leaks + price hikes + 8 reasons to ditch Spotify for Apple Music! (CultCast #605)
Send us a text!This week: we got more big iPhone 15 leaks, + Apple is considering big price hikes, + we argue over Spotify vs Apple Music... again! This episode supported by Notion combines your notes, documents, and task or project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. iPhone Life Tip of the Day Newsletter Ad Read for BackBeat Media URL: https://www.iphonelife.com/dailytips This week's stories Apple reportedly considers hiking iPhone 15 Pro prices Apple is mulling raising prices for the iPhone 15 Pro and its Pro Max sibling in the United States. The company has yet to make a final decision on the matter, though. iPhone 15 Pro Max price might increase $200 The iPhone 15 Pro Max could go up by as much as $200, according to an industry analyst. iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Options Potentially Revealed in iOS 17 Code: Flashlight, Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and More Remember that bright-orange Action Button on Apple Watch Ultra? The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max might come with something similar. Apple’s 48MP camera heads for more affordable iPhone 15 models The 48 megapixel camera that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro models is making its way to the “standard” iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, according to a trusted analyst. Protect your iPad from bumps and scratches -- and look good doing it! Apple lends Vision Pro AR headset to devs on a very short leash A fortunate few will soon get their hands on the Apple Vision Pro. Developers can now apply to get a prerelease loaner unit with which to test the applications they’re creating for the upcoming AR headset. Get the time without even looking at your Apple Watch You can read the time without even looking at your Apple Watch using a little-known feature called Taptic Time. Hold two fingers on the screen and you’ll feel it tap the time out on your wrist. 8 reasons you should ditch Spotify for Apple Music

Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 14min
Big changes coming to iPhone + 6 must-know Continuity features! (CultCast #604)
Send us a text!This week: Big battery and camera improvements are coming to iPhone! Plus: the Continuity features every Apple user MUST know; Apple preps their own version of ChatGPT; This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Stacked batteries could let iPhone 15 go longer between charges Apple will put batteries that could last up to 10% longer in the upcoming iPhone 15 series, according to an unconfirmed report. These will be stacked batteries rather than wound ones. 2024 iPhone could get 12× telephoto zoom lens While this year’s model reportedly will introduce a new periscope lens, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with an ultra-long telephoto periscope lens capable of 12× optical zoom. 6 mind-blowing Continuity features every Apple user should know Nothing illustrates the power of Apple’s ecosystem like the Continuity features that help your Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch work seamlessly together. Apple gets ready to take on ChatGPT with ‘Apple GPT’ Apple reportedly developed its own generative AI chatbot that’s very similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While it might never be released, the underlying tech is already going into the company’s applications and services. The Mac Pro we all want is 6 years away — at least Similar to how the M1 Ultra was comprised of two M1 Max chips interposed together for double the power, when the tipster talks about “the quad chip,” he or she is referring to the rumored M1 Extreme that would have been comprised of four M1 Max chips. Enter to win a leather MacBook folio from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway] Giving away one Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7 from Harber London! Apple Card contributes to another $667 million loss for Goldman Sachs: ‘We did not execute well’ The exact amount of losses Goldman Sachs has seen with its Apple partnership isn’t quite clear, but since 2020 it’s somewhere in the ballpark of $1-3 billion.

Jul 14, 2023 • 1h 29min
iPhone 15 is INCOMING - here’s what to expect! (CultCast #603)
Send us a text!This week: Here's what to expect for the iPhone 15 and its big redesign! Plus: we go hands-on with the iOS 17 and watchOS 10 public betas, Jony Ive is back making new hardware, and we pitch our favorite gadgets in an all-new Under Review! This episode supported by Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off plus free shipping! 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15 Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. Still, early renders show the iPhone 15 series will look much like its predecessors. Griffin: Think twice before installing iOS 17 public beta (or watchOS 10!) Apple just gave the general public access to the latest iOS 17 beta, but before you put it on your iPhone, the Cult of Mac staff has some warnings. We’ve used the betas for weeks, and while it’s gone well for some people, it’s been a dumpster fire for others. Much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is still over a year away The iMac is Apple’s desktop PC with a built-in screen. This long-running product line was significantly revamped in 2021 with a slim design and M1 processor. Currently, the only version has a 24-inch screen, but there have been numerous calls for a larger variant. Jony Ive returns to hardware design with $60,000 record player If Apple made a turntable, would it cost $60,000? Almost certainly not, but that’s the lofty price tag on the new 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12-50, sketched out by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom. Jony Ive’s discontinued Apple design book now goes for big bucks Apple released Designed by Apple in California in 2016 to mixed but largely positive reviews — with a fair amount of snark about the pricing — and discontinued it in 2019. Under Review Griffin Rode NT USB Plus Rode NTH 100 Erfon Anker Soundcore Motion x600 Lewis Geometric

Jul 7, 2023 • 1h 40min
Apple about to make AirPods A LOT better + Threads vs. Twitter! (CultCast #602)
Send us a text!This week: We're talking BIG changes coming to AirPods, Apple's radical plan for new displays, and Twitter vs. Threads, battle of the the tech titans! Plus: Apple hits 3 TRILLION in market value, so Erfon's got another epic Apple stock update! This episode supported by 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Next-gen AirPods Pro could measure your body temperature In the Sunday edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman shared Apple’s future roadmap for the AirPods. The company wants to position AirPods as a hearing aid replacement. It has hired engineers from traditional hearing aid companies to boost its research in this area. Apple plans to launch a monitor that stays on when you shut down your Mac Vision Pro’s complex design forces Apple to make significant production cuts Apple reportedly made hefty cuts to its production goals for the Vision Pro due to the headset’s complex design, which makes mass production a challenge. Lewis: Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway] This is a rare repeat - but this time it's open to contestants worldwide! How to use Threads, the new (new (new)) Twitter replacement Threads is the new social media platform with Twitter-like features, coming from Instagram. Apple TV+ has a lot more subscribers than you might realize The number of Apple TV+ subscribers has more than tripled in the past two years, according to data from a market-analysis firm. Apple passes $3 trillion mark cap … again Apple’s share price us up 53% this year!

Jun 30, 2023 • 1h 7min
Apple prepping 30-inch iMac + iPhone 15 leaks! (CultCast #601)
Send us a text!This week: We've got new intel on the next round of Apple's upcoming hardware releases including the long awaited 30-inch iMac (Pro?!), OLED iPads, the next Apple Watch Ultra, and more. Plus, fresh new images leak for iPhone 15 Pro Max! This episode supported by 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories Apple is reportedly working on iMac with 30-inch-plus screen Aside from the inevitable iPhone refresh (and the headset everyone’s buzzing about), Apple reportedly has several other major new products lined up for launch in 2023 and the first half of 2024. This includes revamped iPad Pros with OLED displays, new Macs powered by a next-gen M3 processor and an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra. iPhone 15 Pro Max case leaks well ahead of fall announcement Those eager to get their hands on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max should check out a short video showing a case supposedly designed for Apple’s next flagship smartphone. This helps confirm a few details that previously leaked out. EU countries, lawmakers reach data rule deal targeting Big Tech The European Commission proposed the Data Act last year to cover data generated in smart gadgets, machinery and consumer products, part of a raft of legislation aimed at curbing the power of U.S. tech giants. Apple Hikes iCloud+ Subscription Prices in Many Countries Around the World Apple has increased the price of iCloud storage in several regions around the world, including the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Win this brilliant bundle from Function101 to whip your desk into shape [Cult of Mac giveaway] In this week’s giveaway, two lucky winners will bag themselves a magnetic Desk Mat Pro with two Cable Block XL cable managers from Function101. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to tidy up their desk and ensure wires are secure and easily accessible.

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 13min
Removable batteries coming to iPhone & iPad + cool features coming to Vision Pro! (CultCast #600)
Send us a text!This week: Imagine being able to easily swap out the battery on your iPhone or iPad - the EU is about to force Apple to do just that. Plus, cool new features coming to Vision Pro and the Photos app! This episode supported by Factor is America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, and can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad The European Parliament passed sweeping legislation last week intended to make recycling batteries easier. The new rules will require Apple to redesign iPhone and iPad so their batteries can be replaced by users. (Android devices will face the same mandate.) Devs can now start making apps for Apple Vision Pro AR headset Turning the Apple Vision Pro headset from an announcement into a shipping product took a big step forward Wednesday with the release of the visionOS SDK. This includes the software tools developers will use to write applications for the AR headset that Apple unveiled earlier this month. Lewis: Win a 65W GaN travel charger you can plug in anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway] The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger packs two USB-C ports along with one USB-A port, making it easy to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Plus, its switchable plugs make it effortless for use when traveling in the United States and Europe. It retails for just $55.99, but you could snag one for free in this week’s giveaway. 8 New Photo Features Coming to iPhone in iOS 17 When viewing your photos, Apple has enhanced Visual Look Up in iOS 17 in a few ways, one being the ability to find recipes for similar dishes when meals are recognized in the picture. iPhone media apps can play music on HomePod using Siri with iOS 17 Apple will finally make playing music from third-party sources on your HomePod easier. Starting with iOS 17, you can ask Siri to play music on your HomePod from music apps installed on your iPhone. MacBooks make up a whopping 77% of Mac If you own a Mac, it’s almost certainly a MacBook rather than a desktop. New data from a market research firm show that Apple’s notebooks made up the lion’s share of macOS sales over the last year.

Jun 16, 2023 • 1h 8min
M2 Mac Studio & the 15" MacBook Air - nothing else comes close! (CultCast #599)
Send us a text!This week: We react to reviews of the M2 Mac Studio, Mac Pro, and 15" MacBook Air - Plus: all this week's best Apple stories! This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories 2023 Mac Studio review roundup: Eye-watering power The primary difference between the new Mac Studio and its predecessor is the processor, so this was the focus of many of the reviews. M2 Ultra Mac Pro proves twice as fast as Intel Mac Pro — at half the price In Geekbench 6 stats that surfaced online Saturday, the M2 Ultra scored 2,776 and 21,402 in single-core and multi-core benchmarks, respectively. For comparison, the M1 Ultra scores 2,379 and 17,579 in the same set of tests. This indicates Apple’s M2 Ultra packs a 20% faster CPU. First Benchmark Result Surfaces for Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip The first Geekbench 6 benchmark result for the new Mac Pro surfaced today, providing a closer look at the M2 Ultra chip's CPU performance in the desktop tower. Win a Ugreen Nexode a fast 65W Charger with universal plugs 15-inch MacBook Air review roundup: Killer for consumers Reviewers have plenty of praise for the first 15-inch MacBook Air, with comments like it “does its job very, very well” (The Verge) and it’s “more than good enough” (CNET). Cheaper Apple Vision Headset Likely to Launch by End of 2025 Apple still plans to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset by the end of 2025, with the non-Pro model likely to be called "Apple Vision One," or more

Jun 9, 2023 • 1h 44min
Reactions/impressions of Vision Pro! Plus: iOS 17 hidden features! (CultCast #598)
Send us a text!This week: We're talking all the best announcements at WWDC 23, reactions to the Vision Pro and "Spacial Computing", iOS 17 hidden features, and we reveal the winner of last week's WWDC '23 predictions! This episode supported by With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories First looks at Vision Pro: Apple nails the hardware (and the experience) The headset, which Apple says will launch in 2024 and with a $3,499 price tag, represents the company’s first foray into what it calls “spatial computing.” iOS 17 Tidbits: Enhanced Siri Suggestions, Multiple Timers, Recipe Visual Look Up, and More If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, Apple has added an optional button in Control Center that enables you to ping your watch if you have misplaced it. Enter to win a clever AirTag bike reflector mount [Cult of Mac giveaway] For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Device Therapy, which makes a clever disguise to keep an eye on your bicycle. Three lucky winners will receive an awesome Bike Reflector Mount that can help foil thieves who want to steal your two-wheeler. Mac Studio updated with ‘most powerful chip ever made for a personal computer’ The desktop machine now comes with Apple’s new M2 Ultra chip — the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” according to Apple. Mac Pro finally gets updated to Apple silicon, is 3X faster The new Mac Pro features the “most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer,” and is up to 3x faster than the previous-generation Intel-based model. WWDC23 Prediction Results

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 18min
WWDC 23 predictions! (CultCast #597)
Send us a text!This week's we're talking: New Macs expected at WWDC 23 Last-minute rumors on what to expect Our most anticipated announcements What will make the Apple headset completely different from everything on the market More! This episode supported by Hello Fresh is America's #1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast16 and use code cultcast16 for 16 FREE meals plus free shipping! 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. Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 14, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. This week's stories WWDC 23: What to expect from Apple’s blockbuster keynote New high-end Macs with M2 Max and Ultra chips could debut at WWDC23 Rumored 4K screens could let Apple VR/AR headset offer real world-like clarity The CultCast WWDC23 Predictions