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WWDC25 is on the calendar for June 9th — what might we see? The major iOS 19 redesign that Jon Prosser leaked! Also, weird rumors about the Apple Watch, a surprise new feature for AirPods Max and more listener Speakpipe messages!

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This week’s stories:

Griffin’s new purchase (spoilers)

Prepare to see the future of iOS and macOS at WWDC25 on June 9

• Apple revealed on Tuesday that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) runs from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

iOS 19 leak showcases visionOS-inspired glassy design

• A YouTube video gives us our alleged first look at iOS 19's big visual revamp, which takes inspiration from visionOS.

Apple preps future Apple Watch with AI-powered camera

• Future Apple Watch models might feature a camera and leverage AI-driven Visual Intelligence to deliver contextual, relevant information.

iPhone 17 Pro’s upgraded cameras could enable 8K video recording

• iPhone 17 Pro may finally catch up to Android flagships and offer 8K video recording, leading to a 4× jump in the video resolution.

Surprise! Lossless audio comes to AirPods Max with USB-C

• Apple just promised to upgrade the latest AirPods Max version with lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio.

Listener voicemails

• AI Inside
• Intelligent Machines
• SECRETS… (CCOT #17)

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This week, Griffin’s reviews of the new iPad Air and MacBook Air, Erfon pores over Mac Studio benchmarks… and Lewis is here, too. Also: Siri’s NEW new management, Apple’s two new displays in the works, and the next mind-blowing AirPods Pro feature — and your listener voicemails!

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.com

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This week’s stories:

Reviews and benchmarks:

• M3 iPad Air review on Cult of Mac and YouTube
• M4 MacBook Air review on Cult of Mac and YouTube
• M3 Ultra boosts Mac Studio performance by 30%

New Siri boss tasked with turning around floundering AI upgrade

• Development of the AI-enhanced Siri is now under the management of an Apple executive who already launched a major product for the company.

MacRumors: Apple working on mystery new display

• Apple is rumored to be planning a second-generation Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting — and an additional mystery monitor.

iOS 19 could transform your AirPods into real-time translator

• iOS 19 could add a handy new feature to the AirPods, enabling live translation of conversations in real time.

And finally, listener voicemails!

• The Mac & Forth Show

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This week, details on the biggest iOS redesign since iOS 7 and the folding iPhone! Also, our first impressions of the new MacBook Air and iPad Air, and Apple delaying The New Siri again…

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.com

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This week’s stories:

MacBook Air and iPad Air hands-on

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost a fortune

• Apple's first folding iPhone could arrive in Q4 2026 with a book-style design, titanium alloy chassis, and dual rear cameras.
• The Verge: The CEO of Huawei’s consumer group photographed using a tri-fold device

iOS 19 and macOS 16 might bring massive redesigns

• Get ready for major changes in iOS 19 and macOS 17. Apple supposedly plans to change the look and feel of many operating system features.

When it comes to making Siri smarter, the struggle is real

• Apple says the smarter Siri promised at WWDC24 is delayed, confirming previous rumors. We might see promised upgrades "in the coming year."
• Apple’s iPad-like smart home hub gets significantly delayed

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This week, Apple dropped iPads and Macs galore — we’re talking ALL the details on the iPad Air, iPad 11, MacBook Air M4 and Mac Studio! Also: iOS 18.4 beta 2 and Griffin’s review of the iPhone 16e. (Remember that?)

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.com

CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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.co

Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/FactorPodcast and use offer code FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.

This week’s stories:

John Gruber versus Mark Gurman:

• Gruber/Daring Fireball: Your Source for Scoops Half a Day Before They’re Announced Publicly
• Gurman/X: “You mean 11 months ago”
• Gruber/Daring Fireball: Who Cares About Getting News That’s True When You’re Getting It Fast
• Steve Troughton-Smith/Mastodon: “Always funny when multiple Apple outlets try to assassinate somebody's character simultaneously out of the blue”

MacBook Air gets the M4 treatment, lower price and stunning new color

• Apple revises the MacBook Air with the M4 chip. It comes in a beautiful new sky blue color, at an even lower price point.

2025 Mac Studio launches as ‘the most powerful Mac ever’

• The 2025 Mac Studio is here, with either M4 Max or (surprise!) M3 Ultra processors.

iPad Air gets an M3 speed boost and new Magic Keyboard

• Apple's new iPad Air is here with an M3 chip for better performance and a revamped Magic Keyboard.

iPad 11 chip upgrade does not bring Apple Intelligence

• Apple's entry-level tablet gets a faster processor and more storage.

iOS 18.4 beta 2: All the new features and changes

• iOS 18.4 beta 2 brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro, new emoji and the Vision Pro app.

iPhone 16e: Lightweight power in a beautiful package [Review]

• YouTube video
• Ohsnap! Snap Grip Luxe

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This week, we have a bunch of iPhone rumors: the ugly camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro, its new Apple Wi-Fi chip and details on the folding iPhone coming next year! Also, when the heck are we getting iOS 18.4 and the new MacBook Air?

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.com

CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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.co

Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast

This week’s stories:

iPhone 17 Pro models might sport huge camera humps

• New CAD drawings show the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with huge camera humps that span the width of the phones’ backsides.
• iPhone 17 Pro’s video upgrades could make your camera obsolete

iPhone 17 to use Apple’s Wi-Fi chip for enhanced connectivity

• Apart from the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will use its in-house Wi-Fi chip for enhanced connectivity.

Folding iPhone won’t suffer from unsightly screen crease

• Apple reportedly moves toward production of a folding iPhone after solving a key problem by eliminating an ugly screen crease.

iOS 18.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes

• The first iOS 18.4 beta 1 packs plenty of changes, including new Apple Intelligence features — although the revamped Siri is still missing.

Apple’s AI-powered Visual Intelligence tool heads for iPhone 15 Pro

• Good news for iPhone 15 Pro users: It seems Visual Intelligence won’t be reserved for only the iPhone 16 series for much longer.

Apple gears up for M4 MacBook Air launch in March

• Apple's 2025 MacBook Air refresh is around the corner, with the company preparing the retail channel for a March launch.

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This week, it’s the iPhone 16e — did Apple make a mistake? Also, the leaked design of the iPhone 17 Air, the miniLED Studio Display, a huge update to Vision Pro, and the winners of the prediction game!

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.com

CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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.co

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:

With iPhone 16e, Apple brings big speed boost to budget model

• We expected iPhone SE 4, but instead Apple introduces iPhone 16e with jacked up processing power and camera capabilities.

Everything stripped out of iPhone 16 to make the 16e

• We compare the new lower-price iPhone 16e to the iPhone 16 to help you make the choice that fits your needs and budget.

Here’s your first look at the iPhone 17 Air’s supposed design

• A video reveals the final design of Apple's rumored 5.5mm slim iPhone 17 Air in all its glory, highlighting the Pixel-like rear camera bar.

Apple Studio Display’s big refresh could land in 2026

• Apple plans to refresh its $1,599 Studio Display monitor in 2026 with mini-LED panel for higher brightness and better picture quality.

Vision Pro’s next big update will bring Apple Intelligence support

• Apple's $3,500 mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, will reportedly gain Apple Intelligence support with the upcoming visionOS 2.4 update.

Prediction game results

• Congratulations to the three listeners who scored 17 points: Michael Dennis, Chuck and now two-time winner Shane Lother.

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Surprise Apple announcement coming next week — we’ll lay out our predictions! Also, we’re talking about the new Powerbeats Pro 2, and Apple’s shift into foldable iPhones and robotics.

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.com

CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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.co

Take back control of your personal information and reduce the risk of spam, scams and identity theft with Incogni. Get 60% off an annual plan with code CULTCAST at incogni.com/cultcast

This week’s stories:

Tim Cook teases new Apple product, but what is it?

• Tim Cook revealed Thursday that Apple plans to launch a new product on February 19. Cook’s post is deliberately vague, saying only, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.”

Redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds feature heart-rate monitoring

• The updated and redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s first set of earbuds to feature built-in heart rate monitoring, and feature ear hooks for a secure fit during workouts.

First foldable iPhone might arrive in 2026

• A report from late last year suggested Apple wants to launch its first foldable in 2026. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates the same in his latest Power On newsletter.

Apple is really getting into robots

• Robots may become Apple’s next big thing. It’s looking for a completely new product category to grow its business, and robots might be the answer, according to an unconfirmed report from Ming-Chi Kuo.

The CultCast February 2025 Predictions

• For the first time this year, we must place our predictions for Apple’s… event? Announcements? Day of stuff? Who knows!
• Submit your own answers here

Send us a text!

This week: Apple’s secret robot desk lamp revealed! Is this a first look of Apple’s wacky iPad-on-a-robot-arm? Also, the Apple M5 chip enters production, the new Invites app, the iPad case with a kill switch, and Erfon’s two-week review of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro!

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.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.

Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.

This week’s stories:

Apple’s amazing desktop robot looks straight out of Pixar

• Apple's amazing new lamp-like robot prototype, developed for both functionality and social interaction, looks a lot like Pixar's mascot.

Next-gen Apple M5 chip already in mass production

• The latest Apple M5 processor is ready to enhance the performance of Macs and iPads.

Plan a party with the new Apple Invites app

• You can plan events with Apple Invites, an app that lets users share invitations and photos and collaborate on music playlists with ease.

iPad case lets you take your secrets to the grave

• Protect your secrets with the In Case of Death Case for iPad Pro. It automatically bricks your tablet if/when you die. Really.

Under Review: ROG Falchion RX Low Profile

• The Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile mechanical keyboard is slim, compact and super quiet.

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Erfon's mini van is back at the shop (for the same issue!!), and he learns his local repair shop is not who they seem....

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This week: Bad news about Apple’s AR glasses — was another Vision product canceled? The solution to Siri is on the way… just like CarPlay 2, right? Also, you won’t believe this new iPhone case!

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.com

CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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.co

This week’s stories:

Apple kills AR glasses project to focus on Vision Pro’s future

• Apple kills its AR glasses project, an attempt at lightweight specs that connect to Macs. The glasses join Apple Car on the scrap heap.

Mind-melting stats from Apple’s profitable earnings call

• Here are the high points from the Apple earnings call with investors on Thursday as quickly and as interesting as we can make them.

Apple pulls out the big guns to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence

• In a new move to catch up with AI competitors, Apple taps software veteran to fix Siri and Apple Intelligence. She has a good track record.

Apple confirms CarPlay 2 is still coming — but when?

• Despite delays, Apple reaffirms its commitment to next-gen CarPlay and confirms it is working with several automakers on it.

This is the most bananas iPhone case ever!

• The Andy Warhol x Casetify collection turns the pop artists iconic works into whimsical Apple accessories, like a banana-shaped iPhone case.