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This week: Tim Cook’s plan to save you from tariffs on your next Apple purchase! Plus: The big upgrade the iPhone 17 Pro is sadly skipping, a weird new Apple website, major changes coming to the App Store — and more of your Speakpipe voicemails!

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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:

Apple plans to make all US iPhones in India

• Apple reportedly wants to make all iPhones it sells in the United States in India by next year to avoid the U.S.-China tariff war.

iPhone 17 Pro might miss out on major display upgrade

• Due to scaling challenges, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup will not get an anti-reflective display coating as initially rumored.

Apple soft-launches all-in-one site to follow celebs

• The new Apple Snapshot celebrity website popped up Tuesday, showing fans celebs' work across Apple services. But it's weirdly limited so far.

Despite tariff turmoil, Wall Street expects good news from Apple

• Get ready for the Apple financial results announcement: Wall Street anticipates a revenue increase despite trade challenges.

Judge blasts Apple for willfully defying App Store’s anti-competition ruling

• Apple willfully violated a court order limiting its anti-competitive App Store practices and taking commission on external transactions.

Listener voicemails

• Griffin’s guide on how to quit iCloud

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This week, we have our best look yet at iPhone 17 Air’s shocking thinness! Plus: Major power features coming to iOS and iPadOS 19, more thoughts on Switch 2 + Mario Kart World, our Sigma BF review — and we’ll wrap up with more of your totally weird 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

Insta360 X5 is the new flagship 360° camera from Insta360. To score a free 45-inch invisible selfie stick with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code CultCast — available for the first 30 purchases only.

This week’s stories:

New videos show shocking thinness of iPhone 17 Air

• New videos show how shockingly thin iPhone 17 Air dummy units appear. One reviewer thinks customers won't want any other model.

iPadOS 19 may add Mac-like home screen menu bar

• iPadOS 19 will include a menu bar at the top of the screen like the one in macOS, according to a noted tipster on Thursday. If true, it’ll be a major step toward making iPads act more like Macs.
• iOS 19 might transform your iPhone into a mini Mac

YouTube: Mario Kart World Direct

Sigma BF is an Apple-esque camera for the pure joy of photography [Review]

• The Sigma BF is a full-frame camera with a beautiful design that centers on the pure joy of old-school photography.
• YouTube video

Listener voicemails

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This week, we have details and leaked parts on the next TWO Vision headsets! Also, we’ll talk about the big iPadOS update on the way, our top Mac accessories and play more of 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

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:

Apple may slim down the Vision Pro 2 in weight and cost

• The Vision Pro 2 could launch with a lighter design and a lower price, as Apple looks to beat Meta in the race to full-fledged smart glasses.

Vision ‘Air’ headset could sport titanium parts and dark blue finish

• New leaks point to a more-affordable Vision Pro alternative on the way: Apple's dark blue Vision 'Air' headset may shed weight and cost.

Tariff relief for iPhone and Mac doesn’t last long

• iPhones and other electronics get only a temporary reprieve from tariffs, as the US eyes a special-focus tariff for them.

iPadOS 19 may finally blur the line between iPad and Mac

• Apple may not bring macOS to iPad but it may give them the next best thing with iPadOS 19: a Mac-like experience.

5 Mac accessories I can’t live without

• Logitech MX Keys S
• Logitech MX Master 3S
• Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Charging Station
• Bose QuietComfort headphones
• tinkerBOY ADB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Converter
• Apple Extended Keyboard II
• CalDigit TS5 Plus
• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
• OWC ThunderBay 4 enclosure

Listener voicemails

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This week, we have the biggest iOS 19 leak yet! Is it legit? Also, the iPhone 17 Pro might not be what we expect, tariffs starting to affect the iPhone, a secret trick to running ChatGPT on your iPhone, and rumors of something too good to be true we’ve been waiting for a long, long time…

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:

iOS 19 leak reveals squircle icons and redesigned system apps

• As part of the iOS 19's visual overhaul, Apple might adopt squircle icons and UI elements with a glossy look.

Final iPhone 17 Pro design might defy the leaks

• Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro series won’t feature the dramatic design changes that renders on the internet might lead you to believe.

Customers worried about price hikes pack Apple Stores to buy iPhones

• Customers' fear of price increases due to tariffs appeared to drive a surge in iPhone sales over the weekend.

Why an all-American iPhone is impossible

• Sorry to burst your bubble, but four huge obstacles mean an American-made iPhone simply isn’t in the cards.

Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts

• Vocal Shortcuts let you control your phone by speaking a command out loud. Think “Hey Siri,” but for running your own custom actions.

Instagram may finally release a native iPad app

• After a 15-year wait, Instagram could finally get around to releasing a native iPad app, as it looks to capitalize on TikTok's troubles.

Listener voicemails

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This week, Apple is getting ready to launch the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro! Also, the future of Apple Health, the weird prototype Apple Watch and big news for iPhone game emulation. Finally: a surprise product unboxing and hands-on!

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

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 FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on 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.

This week’s stories:

Apple preps M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro launch for later this year

• Apple's M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pros are reportedly all set to go official later this year, with modest spec bumps but few external changes.

Apple plans to put an AI health coach on your devices

• Ready for an Apple AI health coach? The company may combine a revamped Health app with a sort of digital doctor within a year.

Apple Watch 10 prototype reveals mysterious new health sensor

• An Apple Watch 10 prototype shows a different health sensor array than the production model. Could it be long-awaited glucose monitoring?

Delta emulator adds live online multiplayer for Nintendo DS games

• With a new update, Delta iOS game emulator adds live online multiplayer functionality, delighting retro mobile gaming fans everywhere.

Mystery product unboxing

• Watch this segment of the livestream on YouTube

Aftershow: Nintendo Switch 2

• Nintendo Direct announcement

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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!

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:

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

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

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:

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

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:

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.