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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!

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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:

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.

Send us a text!

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

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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

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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.

Send us a text!

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....

Send us a text!

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.

Send us a text!

This week, the first details on iOS 19’s radical new design. Also, details on the iPhones and iPads just around the corner, and you’re getting Apple Intelligence — whether you like it or not…

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:

iOS 19’s Camera app might receive visionOS-inspired revamp

• Apple might be preparing a big, visionOS-inspired revamp for the iPhone's Camera app in iOS 19 with a cleaner look.

iPhone SE 4 might avoid Apple’s screen notch

• Rumors indicate the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will come with a larger display, but no screen notch or Home button.

iPad Air with quicker M3 chip appears imminent

• An M3 iPad Air could bring in improved speed and performance, and rumor indicates the tablet is right around the corner.

iOS 18.3 will nuke bogus notification summaries for news stories

• Following major criticism from major media outlets, Apple is making changes to how its AI-powered notifications summaries work with iOS 18.3 beta 3.
• Apple seems determined we use its new artificial intelligence features

Send us a text!

This week, we have details on the major changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro cameras, we know exactly how thin the iPhone 17 Air may be, three Apple products coming that you may have forgotten about… and our Nintendo Switch 2 first impressions!

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:

iPhone 17 Pro could go all-in with 48MP rear cameras

• The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may get a 48MP tetraprism 5x shooter and 24MP selfie camera, enabling them to capture more detailed pictures.

iPhone 17 Air may be nearly as slim as M4 iPad Pro

• The iPhone 17 Air could be slimmer than rumored, measuring just 5.5mm. But this thinness may come with some compromises.

3 overlooked Apple products getting updates in 2025

• Apple neglected these products recently, but that should change soon. Here’s what’s to expect from Apple TV, AirTag and HomePod in 2025.
• Mission Battery Base for HomePod Mini

CarPlay 2 could feature iPhone-style widgets

• A batch of newly leaked images show CarPlay 2 widgets that look similar to familiar iPhone, iPad and Mac interfaces.
• CarPod Go Portable CarPlay Screen
• Vinegar: Block all YouTube ads with the best Safari extension ever

Severance season 2 promos try to out-weird the show itself

• With new episodes of Apple TV+'s strangely engrossing workplace series coming Friday, two new "Severance" season two promos get weird.
• Apple: Inside the Grand Central Terminal Pop-Up
• severanceballoon.com
• Apple homepage (screenshot)

Switch 2 first impressions

• Watch the trailer on YouTube

Send us a text!

The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show is in full effect — we’ve got the best and weirdest gadgets for you! Plus: When’s the next Apple event coming? We may have an answer! Also: How to create the coolest Lock Screen wallpapers…

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:

iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 to launch “by April”

• If all goes according to "plan," Apple will only launch the iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 by April, and not with iOS 18.3 this month.

First Thunderbolt 5 display with 6K resolution ideal for M4 Pro/Max users

• In a move that’s sure to catch the attention of Mac users — particularly those with the latest M4 Pro machines — LG just unveiled its new UltraFine 6K Display at CES 2025.

Nanoleaf wants you to put these LED lights right on your face

• In a surprising move at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nanoleaf ventured into the personal care market with its LED Light Therapy Face Mask.

Do summer right with Anker’s solar beach umbrella and power-packed cooler

• Anker Solix unveiled two cool outdoor products Monday at CES 2025 in Las Vegas: Its first solar-powered beach umbrella, and an upgraded, high-performance electric cooler in three sizes, designed for extended outdoor use.

Dell ‘borrows’ Apple’s Pro and Pro Max product names

• Get ready for the Dell Pro Max. The company rebranded all its PCs with names that should sould sound very familiar to Apple users.

How to create a toggling Lock Screen wallpaper

• In just a few minutes, you can create a cool iPhone Lock Screen wallpaper that can switch between two images with just a tap.

Send us a text!

The next big leap for iPhone cameras, the coolest Apple products coming in 2025, how to get free Apple TV+ — and our last picks for the best of 2024!

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/CultCast50off and use offer code CultCast50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.

This week’s stories:

2026 iPhone 18 Pro may feature a game-changing variable aperture camera

• Apple could adopt a variable aperture system for the iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera that would enable the device to adjust the aperture size and light intake depending on surroundings.

Apple TV+ kicks off 2025 with free streaming weekend

• Apple TV+ will open its doors to all for an unprecedented free streaming weekend, January 3-5, 2025. That gives everyone unlimited access to its entire catalog of original content.

Apple in 2025: 5 things that could wow us

• Apple will launch several products in 2025, but these are the 5 things from the company that could wow us.

MacRumors: Redesigned Magic Mouse With Touch and Voice Controls Reportedly Coming in 2026

• A completely redesigned version of the Magic Mouse featuring touch and voice controls is coming in 2026, a Korean leaker claims.

Best of 2024:

• The Leftovers
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
• Waterfield X-Air Duffel
• old.dgriffinjones.com
• Grok
• Diablo IV
• Starfield
• DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Send us a text!

It's our final show of the year, and we're ready to argue which stuff ruled and ruined 2024.

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

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2024 Picks:

• Griffin: FurZapper
• Erfon: Fujifilm X100VI
• Lewis: Fallout
• Griffin: Romeo’s Pizza buy-one-get-one deal every Tuesday (when ordering online with coupon code BOGO)
• Erfon: What We Do In The Shadows — specifically, Matthew Berry
• Lewis: Anker 733 Power Bank
• Griffin: Trying to buy a house
• Erfon: Deciding between 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro
• Erfon: Rick and Morty
• Lewis: Apple Intelligence