The CultCast

Send us a text!

Watch this ep on YouTube!

THIS WEEK: 

• 🤖 MORE new awesome iOS 27 features you'll actually use.

• 📱 Apple’s folding iPhone Ultra may be delayed to 2027 over hinge problems.

• 💻 Why MacBook Ultra is GREAT NEWS for Pro users.

• 📺 tvOS 27 adds a super useful new feature.

• 🚪 A new Silo season 3 teaser reveals a major change.

• 💸 Plex users are furious over a massive lifetime price increase.

• 📺 My Sony TV failure story gets an unexpected new twist.

Sponsors

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcast.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week’s stories

iPhone Ultra delayed until 2027?

https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-ultra-delayed-until-2027-apple-is-reportedly-struggling-to-solve-a-major-hinge-problem-but-the-phones-visually-creaseless-display-sounds-promising

MacBook Ultra could be very good news for MacBook Pro users

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/20/macbook-ultra-could-be-very-good-news-for-macbook-pro-users/

tvOS 27 will give Apple TV 4K a useful new display setting

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/20/tvos-27-will-give-apple-tv-4k-a-useful-new-display-setting/

iOS 27’s new video feature could prove one of Apple’s best additions

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/19/ios-27s-new-video-feature-could-prove-one-of-apples-best-additions/

Apple just revealed an iOS 27 feature that hints at Siri’s new powers

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/19/apple-just-revealed-an-ios-27-feature-that-hints-at-siris-new-powers/

Silo season 3’s significant character change revealed in new teaser

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/21/silo-season-3s-significant-character-change-revealed-in-new-teaser/

Plex's lifetime subscription cost is tripling to $750

https://www.engadget.com/2176760/plexs-lifetime-subscription-cost-is-tripling-to-dollar750/

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube!

THIS WEEK: WWDC is almost here, and NEW leaks are painting us our best picture yet of iOS 27: a totally redesigned AI-powered Siri, a customizable pro-style Camera app, ads invading Apple Maps, and even reports that Apple may turn to Intel to help manufacture future chips. 

Plus, how much is my 100K Apple investment worth now?!  All is revealed!

Sponsors

MacPaw

CleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care, notarized by Apple and meticulously crafted by MacPaw.  Try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CULTCAST - all upper case!

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcast.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week’s stories

Report: Intel is Testing Production of Some iPhone, iPad, and Mac Chips

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/14/kuo-intel-iphone-ipad-mac-chips/

Ads Aren't in the Apple Maps App Yet, But They're Coming Soon

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/13/apple-maps-app-ads-summer-2026/

OpenAI considering suing Apple because ChatGPT integrations weren't a money fountain

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/05/14/openai-considering-suing-apple-because-chatgpt-integrations-werent-a-money-fountain

iOS 27 Getting Major Siri Redesign With Chat Interface and Dedicated App

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/12/ios-27-siri-redesign/

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube!

THIS WEEK: The worldwide RAM shortage is finally hitting Apple, and you won’t like where this is going!

Sponsors

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcast.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week’s stories

Apple Stops Selling Mac Mini With 256GB of Storage, Starting Price Rises to $799

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/01/mac-mini-now-starts-at-799/

Apple Cuts More Mac Studio and Mac Mini RAM Options as Memory Shortage Worsens

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/05/apple-mac-studio-mac-mini-ram-cuts/

Apple May Drop Base $599 MacBook Neo as Chip, DRAM Costs Climb

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/07/apple-drop-base-macbook-neo-costs-climb/

MacBook Neo Could Get New Colors to Cushion Potential Price Hike

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/07/macbook-neo-new-colors-cushion-price-hike/

Apple to Unveil macOS 27 Next Month With These New Features

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/01/macos-27-rumors/

AI performances and screenplays won't be eligible for Oscars

https://www.engadget.com/2162342/ai-performances-and-screenplays-wont-be-eligible-for-oscars/

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube!

This week:

• Vision Pro just went from future to flop 🥽
• Apple’s giant iPad Ultra dream could be folding fast 📉
• MagSafe might not be as permanent we thought 🧲
• Good luck getting your hands on Mac Mini or Studio⚡
• Rising memory prices will make your next Mac cost more 💸
• The “Liquid Glass” iPhone is LOOKING pretty awesome 📱
• MacBook Ultra could be Apple’s next big flex - here’s what to expect 💻

Sponsors

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week’s stories

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-vision-pro-m5-flop/

Apple Has Likely Abandoned 'iPad Ultra' Plans

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-likely-abandoned-ipad-ultra-plans/

Apple Reportedly Questioning Whether iPhone Should Drop MagSafe

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/29/apple-questioning-iphone-magsafe/

Apple Says Mac Studio and Mac Mini Will Be in Short Supply for Months

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/30/mac-studio-mac-mini-constrained-months/

Apple Expects 'Significantly Higher Memory Costs' in June Quarter and Beyond

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/30/apple-memory-costs-significantly-higher/

20th Anniversary iPhone's 'Liquid Glass' Display to Make Bezels Vanish

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/28/20th-anniversary-iphone-liquid-glass-display/

Apple to Launch 'MacBook Ultra' With These Six New Features

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/macbook-ultra-up-to-six-new-features/

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube!

This week: our beautiful Tim Cook Era comes to a conclusion. We look back at his past 15 years, and see why everyone's excited about Apple under John Ternus.

Sponsors

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/20/tim-cook-stepping-down/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/macrumor-readers-react-john-ternus-ceo/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/tim-cook-executive-chairman-role/

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/ternus-apple-ceo-jobs-style-decisiveness/

John Ternus: we might just be in good hands

https://x.com/TrungTPhan/status/2046969886795251977?s=20

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/apple-teases-incredible-road-map-ahead/

Send us a text!

This week: Apple’s $600 MacBook Neo is absolutely breaking expectations—and maybe Apple’s own plans—as demand explodes and supply starts running thin. 

Plus, macOS just got a HUGE new feature you’ve probably never noticed, And Apple’s satellite tech is about to go next-level, with faster speeds, new capabilities, and features that could completely change how your iPhone works when you’re off the grid. 

Also: a surprise DaVinci Resolve update that could shake up photo editing, and new details on Apple’s upcoming smart glasses that feel straight out of sci-fi.

Sponsors

Clean My Mac

CleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care, notarized by Apple and meticulously crafted by MacPaw.  Try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CULTCAST

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Apple's $599 MacBook Neo Sold Out Through April Amid Surging Demand

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/16/macbook-neo-demand-surging/

Microsoft Raises Prices for All Surface PCs, Making Them More Expensive Than Equivalent Macs

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/14/microsoft-surface-pc-price-hike/

Make Your MacBook Battery Last Longer With This Setting

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/macbook-charge-limit-setting-benefits/

Apple has four new iPhone satellite features rumored, here’s what’s coming

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/16/apple-has-four-new-iphone-satellite-features-rumored-heres-whats-coming/

DaVinci Resolve 21 Adds Photo Editing and AI Search Tools

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/14/davinci-resolve-21-photo-editing-ai-search/

Apple Testing Four Smart Glasses Styles Made of High-End Materials

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/16/apple-has-four-new-iphone-satellite-features-rumored-heres-whats-coming/

Send us a text!

This week: iPhones are officially in SPACE! 🚀… but it almost didn’t happen. We break down the wild story of how the iPhone barely made it onto a NASA mission and the insane approval process behind it. 

Plus: Apple’s cooking up something just as shocking—a folding “iPhone Ultra” that WILL cost over $2,000. 

Plus plus: Apple’s long-term iPhone strategy and the strange struggles of the iPhone Air. From Cupertino… to the Moon 🌕—this one’s a ride.

Sponsors

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Apple's Three-Year Plan to 'Reinvent' the iPhone is Underway

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/apple-three-year-plan-to-reinvent-iphone/

iPhone Ultra's Price Range Revealed

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/iphone-ultra-price-range-revealed/

Apple is Reportedly Facing a 'Massive Dilemma' With the MacBook Neo

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/07/macbook-neo-massive-dilemma/

Leaker: Apple Will Release iPhone Air 2 No Matter How Badly It May Sell

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/08/iphone-air-2-to-launch-no-matter-what/

Apple Had to Heavily Discount the iPhone Air to Sell It

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/09/iphone-air-needed-discount-to-sell/

How NASA approved the iPhone 17 Pro Max for the Artemis II space mission

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/04/how-nasa-approved-the-iphone-17-pro-max-for-the-artemis-ii-space-mission

iPhone's iconic space photos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55187293546/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55187189317/in/photostream/

Send us a text!

This week: We’re heading back to the Moon (with iPhones in tow!), Tim Cook might actually become Tim Cook™, and iOS 27 could finally fix autocorrect once and for all. 

Plus: Apple randomly drops the price of the XDR display, a must-know iPhone video trick you’ll actually use, and the unbelievable story of Apple employee #8, the man who never left. 

And to wrap it up — ERF relives his surreal Stand By Me live experience… the full story!

Sponsors

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

Stories

Phones are going to the Moon on Artemis II

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/02/iphones-are-going-to-the-moon-on-artemis-ii

Tim Cook Says iPhone Launch Was His Favorite Apple Moment in 50th Anniversary Interview

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/01/tim-cook-50th-anniversary-interview/

iOS 27 Rumored to Feature Keyboard Upgrade

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/01/ios-27-upgraded-keyboard-rumor/

Studio Display XDR without tilt-adjustable stand now costs less

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/04/01/studio-display-xdr-without-tilt-adjustable-stand-now-costs-less

Stop Your iPhone Suppressing Background Audio in Videos

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/clearer-audio-zoomed-iphone-videos/

Apple employee #8 Chris Espinosa on working his whole life at one company

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/02/apple-employee-8-chris-espinosa-on-working-his-whole-life-at-one-company/

Send us a text!

This week: 

• 💀 Apple just killed the Mac Pro—and it’s $700 wheels too!
• 🧠 WWDC 26 is official—Apple is about to unveil their AI master plans
• 🔊 We’re about to get new all new HomePods, yes, including the big ones
• 💸 Apple is throwing HUGE money at talent to stop them from leaving for OpenAI
• 📱 Let’s go through all the cool new features in iOS 26.4!

Sponsors

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

You can also go to unfork.thecultcast.com to unfork your support!

This week's stories

Apple Confirms Mac Pro Is Dead, No Future Models Planned

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/apple-discontinues-mac-pro/

Apple's $700 Mac Pro Wheels Kit Discontinued Along With Mac Pro

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/mac-pro-wheels-kit-discontinued/

Apple Announces WWDC 2026 Will Take Place June 8 to 12

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/23/apple-announces-wwdc-2026-dates/

WWDC 2026 to Showcase Apple's 'AI Advancements'

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/23/wwdc-2026-ai-advancements/

New HomePod Expected Alongside Updated HomePod Mini and Apple TV

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/new-full-size-homepod-rumor/

Apple Plans to Let Rival AI Chatbots Integrate With Siri in iOS 27

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/26/apple-ios-27-siri-chatbot-integration/

iOS 26.4 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.4

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-features/

Anthropic's Claude AI Can Now Use Your Mac While You're Away

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/24/claude-use-mac-remotely-iphone/

Send us a text!

This week: The MacBook Neo has a surprise no one’s talking about, the Studio Display XDR is seriously testing my willpower, and I break down what’s actually new (and not) with AirPods Max 2!

Sponsors

CleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care, notarized by Apple and meticulously crafted by MacPaw, a leading macOS & iOS software development company.  

Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CULTCAST

NordStellar

Most companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.

Squarespace

If you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.

CultCloth

Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. 

Support the CultCast!

Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com.

This week's stories

iFixit Teardown: MacBook Neo Has Most Accessible Mac Battery in Over a Decade

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/13/ifixit-macbook-neo-teardown/

Apple Studio Display XDR Hands-On: Better Than the Pro Display XDR in Almost Every Way

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/17/studio-display-xdr-hands-on/

10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/airpods-max-2-audio-improvements/

What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/what-hasnt-changed-with-airpods-max-2/

Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/apple-acquires-motionvfx/

Tim Cook on iPhone's Future: 'There's So Much Left That We Can Do'

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/18/tim-cook-comments-on-iphone-future/

Tim Cook denies imminent retirement rumors, 'can't imagine life without Apple'

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/03/17/tim-cook-denies-imminent-retirement-rumors-cant-imagine-life-without-apple