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This week, Apple’s making the big change we’ve wanted for years… also, Apple glasses are coming sooner than you think, future iPhones might get cameras with insane resolution, Game Center is coming back, and more of your listener 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

CultCloth will keep your iPhone, MacBook, display, 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 may switch all OS version numbers to years

• With an announcement reportedly coming at WWDC25 on June 9, Apple may switch all OS names from version numbers to years.

Apple fast-tracks its smart glasses for 2026 launch

• Get ready for Apple smart glasses in 2026. Take an early look at what the tech in these wearables will be capable of doing for their wearers.

Future iPhone might go ultra high-res with 200MP camera

• Apple may equip future iPhones with a 200MP camera, as it internally tests such a sensor for the primary shooter.

Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused app

• A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV.

How to keep your iPhone battery from going to crap

• There are a few simple changes you can make that will preserve your iPhone battery health for many years of loyal service.
• YouTube video

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This week: Jony Ive’s new best friend, Sam Altman, bought his secretive startup for $6.5 billion! What are they working on? Also: The next big steps for Apple Intelligence and Siri.

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:

Jony Ive, Sam Altman tease mysterious prototype as OpenAI buys io

• As OpenAI buys io, honchos Sam Altman and Jony Ive vaguely tease a mystery prototype in a video and webpage announcement.

New details leak about Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s coming ‘AI companions’

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman details his company's ambitious plan to produce 100 million AI devices "fully aware of a user's surroundings and life."

Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developers

• Apple plans to open AI models to third-party developers in hopes of spurring a lot more app development around Apple Intelligence.
• Apple isn’t as far behind in AI as some might fear
• Apple might finally let you ditch Siri for a smarter assistant

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This week, we have the first details on the iPhone 20 — or will it be the iPhone XX? Also: CarPlay Ultra is HERE, major new features coming in iOS 19 and visionOS 3, and more 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

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.comand use the promo code CultCast — available for the first 30 purchases only.

This week’s stories:

What to expect from the 20th anniversary iPhone

• Apple plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a fresh design: no cutouts on a truly edge-to-edge, curved screen.

CarPlay Ultra finally arrives with complete dashboard makeover (for some)

• Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road — but only with Aston Martin for now.

Apple unveils major accessibility upgrades coming soon

• Apple accessibility upgrades coming later this year will help users with visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive challenges.

visionOS 3 may let you scroll hands-free using your eyes

• The next major update to visionOS could include eye scrolling, for navigating long lists and webpages entirely hands-free.

Apple turns to AI to extend iPhone battery life

• Apple’s iPhone AI battery innovations could significantly enhance efficiency, increasing time between recharges the smart way.

Listener voicemails

• M4 MacBook Air: Perfect for practically everybody

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This week, we have rumors about the next THREE generations of iPhone! Also: The next generation of Apple silicon for AI server farms and AR glasses, and 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

CultCloth will keep your iPhone, MacBook, display, 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 preps battery case for its sleekest iPhone yet

• To offset the iPhone 17 Air's limited battery life, Apple will seemingly revive its Smart Battery Case accessory.

Apple might shake up iPhone launch cycle in 2026

• Apple may not launch the regular iPhone 18 alongside its Pro and Air sibling in 2026, delaying its launch by a few months instead.

Apple to launch larger iPhone 18 Air and foldable sequel in 2027

• To stay ahead of the competition, Apple plans to launch its premium iPhones in the fall, followed by the value-focused models in spring.

Apple considers building AI search into Safari

• Soon, doing a search in the Safari web browser might get results from an AI like Perplexity rather than Google.

Server chips in development will power Apple Intelligence

• Among other new processors, Apple currently plans new AI server chips to help power its growing Apple Intelligence platform.

Apple looks into smart glasses

• We may all someday wear Apple smart glasses with AI and camera capabilities. The company is reportedly laying the groundwork now.

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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!

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 FactorPodcast to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.

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)