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iPhone 13 & MacBook Pro—we got more details! (CultCast #502) Jul 22, 2021

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This week: we got new intel on iPhone 13, MacBook Pro, and the next iPad mini, and you’re gonna like what you hear. Plus an Apple partner demos tech reportedly coming to Apple Watch, and it’s totally insane.

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iPhone 13 event rumored for September 14, Apple expectations sky high

In a Wednesday note to clients, seen by Cult of Mac, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives suggests Apple is gearing up to produce between 90 million and 100 million iPhone 13 units. That’s a 15% increase year-on-year over the iPhone 12, whose initial orders were for 80 million units.

iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an ‘always on’ display

“Apple has tasked suppliers with building up to 90 million new iPhones for this fall,” Gurman wrote. “That’s a 20% increase over the 75 million units Apple planned for the iPhone 12 in 2020 — despite only readying mostly minor changes. Expect a faster A15 chip, smaller notch, a new display for better battery life and the potential of an Apple Watch-like always on mode and a 120Hz refresh rate and upgrades to video recording.”

'iPhone 13 Pro' to come in new colors, including bronze-like 'Sunset Gold'

An apparent supply chain leak is corroborating rumors that Apple's higher-end "iPhone 13" models could be offered in new colors like "sunset gold," matte black and a pale rose gold.

Next iPad mini may get oversized speed boost from Apple A15 processor

The much-anticipated iPad mini 6 will boast the Apple A15 processor, according to an unconfirmed report. That should bring a significant performance increase. And the tablet will allegedly have a USB-C port and a Smart Connector.

Gurman: MacBook Pro with miniLED display coming between September-November

Apple supplier launches non-invasive glucose monitor & health sensor tech

A new "clinic-on-the-wrist" digital health system from Apple supplier Rockley Photonics backs up expectations that the Apple Watch will ultimat

Magsafe Battery reveals iPhone 12’s hidden feature + iPhone 13 loses in-screen touch ID! (CultCast #501) Jul 16, 2021

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This week: Apple’s new Magsafe Battery Pack CONFIRMS iPhone 12 has a very cool hidden feature, and we discuss if the Magsafe Battery is worth its steep $100 price.

Plus: Gurman confirms iPhone 13’s feature set, and, BAD NEWS, in-screen Touch ID didn't make the cut…

And stay for one of our weirdest stories ever: why Apple’s iOS weather app won’t show 69 degrees. Lol. Yeah….

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Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Apple launches MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12 series

On its website Tuesday, Apple offered a new MagSafe Battery Pack, designed to work with the iPhone 12 series from mini to Pro Max. That is, it’s designed to work as of the release of iOS 14.7, due imminently.

Apple Seeks Up to 20% Increase in New iPhone Production for 2021

Apple Inc. has asked suppliers to build as many as 90 million next-generation iPhones this year, a sharp increase from its 2020 iPhone shipments, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The shares jumped to a record.

Larger iMac ‘en route’ and could bring even faster ‘M2X’ chip

A larger iMac powered by Apple Silicon is “en route” and could feature an even faster “M2X” chip, according to reporter Mark Gurman.

Apple could bring 1080p FaceTime cameras to all next-gen Mac models

Apple is planning to bring high-definition FaceTime cameras to all next-generation Mac models, one tipster claims. The move will start with the upcoming MacBook Pro refresh, expected later this year.

Apple’s iPhone Weather app is hilariously prudish

You can be certain it’s never 69 degrees in Cupertino. Never. In what might be a somewhat amazing level of prudishness, Apple’s default iPhone Weather app reportedly will not indicate that the temperature is one degree warmer than 68.

M2 AND M1X Macs incoming + Woz pushes Apple for right to repair! (CultCast #500!) Jul 08, 2021

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This week: a reliable source says M2 Macs are right around the corner, and M1X will be the pro variant chip we’ve been hoping for! We got all the details. Plus: Woz says it’s time for Apple to embrace Right To Repair, and the Biden admin’s new rules may force Apple to support it.

And big ERF’s back with an Apple stock update—this is a big one!

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Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Win an AirTag dog collar for worry-free adventure [Cult of Mac giveaway]

If you have a dog that runs away or just doesn’t listen, this week’s giveaway is for you. The CollarTrek dog collar securely holds an AirTag in place, making sure Fido’s location is easily trackable at all times.

Apple’s next-gen M2 chips could roll out in early 2022

The tipster, known as Dylandkt, has an 81.3% accuracy rating according to Apple Track based on 16 previous rumors. Dylandkt said the M2 chip will be released alongside “the upcoming colorful MacBook Air.”

U.S. President Joe Biden to Direct FTC to Draft Right to Repair Rules

President Joe Biden plans to direct the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to create new right to repair rules that would affect tech companies like Apple, reports Bloomberg.

Steve Wozniak speaks on Right to Repair

Original HomePods reportedly ‘bricked’ by 14.6 software update

Recent reports suggest owners of the original HomePod should steer clear of the device’s software version 14.6 and the newer version 15 update for beta users.

Warren Buffett’s premature Apple selloff cost his firm $20 billion

Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway firm has long invested in Apple, with Buffett once saying that, “I don’t think of Apple as a stock. I think of it as our third business. It’s probably the best business I know in the world. And that is a bigger commitment than we have in any business except insurance and the railroad.”

Yes, Mini-LED MacBook Pros ARE Incoming! (CultCast #499) Jul 01, 2021

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This week: a new report provides even more proof that new 14” and 16” mini-LED MacBook Pros are right around the corner—we discuss! Plus: Apple’s planning new iPads with HUGE screens, iPhone 13 is getting a big camera upgrade, and Apple’s whacky new scheme to keep employees from leaking! This one is hilarious.

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

MacBook Pro with mini-LED display could land this year in 2 sizes

Apple is teaming up with two new suppliers to bring mini-LED displays to MacBook Pro later this year, according to a new report. The next-generation machines are expected to come in 14- and 16-inch sizes.

Going beyond 13 inches, Apple reportedly ‘exploring larger iPads’

Someday, Apple could make tablets as large as the biggest MacBooks. The company is reportedly investigating making super-size iPad models with displays larger than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to a reliable source for insider info.

iPhone 13 Pro may pack improved Ultra Wide camera with autofocus

Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup will pack an improved Ultra Wide camera with autofocus, according to a reliable analyst. The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max models are expected to get the upgrade first.

Apple allegedly requires employees to wear body cameras to stop leaks

Apple is reportedly forcing some of its employees to wear “police-grade” body cameras in an effort to stop them from leaking proprietary information.

How to download Apple Watch’s new international Stripes faces

Apple introduced new International Collection bands for Apple Watch on Tuesday, priced at $49 each. There are 22 available and each comes with an accompanying Stripes face you can download from Apple’s website.

Here it is—iPhone 13! (CultCast #498) Jun 24, 2021

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This week—new leaks give us our best look yet at iPhone 13! We got details and pics to share. Plus: Apple has a stunningly new retail location, and we review their most beautiful retail stores, and we review the dizzying number of new original shows and movies coming to Apple TV+—it might finally be worth the price!

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

New iPhone 13 dummies and renders show incremental changes

Leaker Sonny Dickson showed off iPhone 13 dummies Wednesday of four possible models that could be released this fall, in addition to case renders and video of a case, included below. They all suggest a handful of tweaks to iPhone 12 that may be forthcoming in the new models.

iPhone 13 will come with new, improved batteries and faster 5G for many users

The next-gen iPhone will boast “more flexible SiP battery modules and LCP antenna modules,” backing up previous rumors that it will come with a new, improved battery and bring new ultra-speedy mmWave 5G to new countries.

1 in 5 customers say they’d skip iPhone 13 due to superstition

A massive 74% of people surveyed think Apple’s next iPhone should be called something other than “iPhone 13.” And triskaidekaphobia — aka fear of the number 13 — could stop one in five Apple users from buying the next-gen smartphone if it bears that name.

Apple’s new Tower Theatre store in LA looks preposterously beautiful

Apple previewed its newest retail location at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The company announced the store’s Thursday opening in conjunction with the launch of the Today at Apple Creative Studios global mentorship initiative for young creatives.

Here’s when Foundation and other big shows hit Apple TV+

The free Apple TV+ trial offered when the service debuted runs out at the end of June, and the iPhone-maker is trying to build excitement for upcoming series by announcing their debut dates.

Apple TV+ prepares a visit to Natha

Leaked! Here's Apple Watch Series 7.... (CultCast #497) Jun 17, 2021

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This week: leaked! A new report outlines everything we can expect from Apple Watch Series 7, and it’s kind of a surprising.... Plus: Apple’s Beats Studio Buds are like cheaper AirPods Pro, M1 iMacs are shipping with crooked screens, and some big Apple TV+ changes you need to know about.

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Win not one but two Quattro Pro Apple Watch bumper cases [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

You might make your Apple Watch look like a retro Casio with our giveaway this week. Four lucky winners will receive not one but two Quattro Pro Apple Watch bumper cases from Elkson. That’s one to keep and one to give to a friend.

Apple Watch Series 7 will feature updated display, Explorer Edition will ship in 2022

The Apple Watch Series 7 will boast a faster processor, better wireless connectivity, and a new, improved screen, says a new report from Bloomberg. The screen will have thinner bezels and a “new lamination technique that brings the display closer to the front cover.” This would be the first Apple Watch form factor redesign since 2018.

iOS 15: How to Get Notified If You Leave an AirTag or Apple Device Behind

In iOS 15, Apple has added separation alerts to the Find My app, which let you know when you leave an AirTag or other Apple device behind. Separation alerts also support Find My-enabled third-party accessories.

9 great but easily overlooked features in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey

Apple made an enormous number of changes in its 2021 operating system updates. Many of these drew plenty of attention — like the FaceTime upgrade — but some useful improvements might have been overlooked in all the hoopla. Here are nine new features in iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey you might have overlooked.

Some M1 iMac Models Shipping With Crooked Mountings

Some M1 iMacs appear to have a manufacturing defect that causes the display to be mounted on the stand in a way that's not perfectly aligned, leading to a crooked display.

EU regulation would ‘d

WWDC '21 re cap and reactions! + MacBook Pros, what happened!? (CultCast #496) Jun 10, 2021

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This week: we recap and react to all the best WWDC '21 keynote announcements! Plus: what the heck happened to the rumored MacBook Pros?? We discuss!

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

9 things that blew us away at WWDC 2021

iCloud+ makes your online activities more secure on Apple devices

iCloud+ is a new service that promises to make your online activities more private and more secure. It’s included at no extra cost with a premium iCloud subscription, and it works across all your Apple devices. Here’s what Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video in iCloud+ can do for you.

tvOS 15 lets you sign into apps using Face ID or Touch ID on iPhone

tvOS 15 will offer a “Sign in with Apple Device option.” Selecting it will deliver a notification to your iPhone and iPad (if they’ve been updated), where you’ll be able to sign in quickly using Face ID or Touch ID.tfv

iOS 15 brings back word magnifier for easier text selection

The iPhone text magnifier makes a comeback in iOS 15. It disappeared two years ago, but returns in the next version of iOS and iPadOS. The magnifier makes it easier to place the cursor exactly where the user wants, without it being hidden behind their fingertip.

Live Text in iOS 15 is completely amazing

Like so many people, I’ve gotten in the habit of taking a picture of anything I want to remember later. Live Text makes this even more useful. Rather than saving a whole image, I can turn the text in it into a note or a reminder.

You may be waiting a few more months for Apple’s new MacBook Pro

Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pros were erroneously expected by some to show up at this year’s WWDC. But according to a report from Digitimes, the next-gen Apple notebooks will not launch until the third quarter of 2021. This could be due to a lower-than-expected production yield for the mini LED screens for the computer.

Live Text and other macOS Monterey features not coming to Intel Macs

Many of macOS Monterey’s most exciting

New Macs coming to WWDC + iOS 15 features! (CultCast #495) Jun 03, 2021

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This week: it’s all but confirmed… ANOTHER source is saying we’re getting new Macs at WWDC’s keynote on Monday. They're incoming!

Plus we’ll review all iOS 15’s rumored features, and there’s something going on with HomePod that Apple’s not telling us… there’s hope for us HomePod fans!

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Expect to see updated MacBook Pros at WWDC

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives expects new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros to be among Apple’s announcements for the usually software-focused WWDC. The company’s 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off with a keynote address next Monday.

Why interactive widgets might be the best improvement in iOS 15

Widgets actually debuted in iPadOS 13, then made the jump to iOS in 2020. But Apple has yet to make them interactive. The current version gives fast access to useful information. A widget is convenient for seeing what’s coming up on your calendar, or checking the weather. But they can’t do anything.

Apple has a pair of intriguing HomePod devices in the works

A proposed HomePod speaker with a built-in screen, and another device combining HomePod, FaceTime camera, and Apple TV, remain in “early development” at Apple, a Bloomberg report Friday states.

Mysterious ‘homeOS’ platform leaks in Apple job listing [Updated]

There’s macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS. How about homeOS, signaling a ramping up of Apple’s smart home ambitions? That is one take-home from a new Apple Music job posting spotted online. It references a hitherto-unannounced mobile operating system called “homeOS.” While Apple rolled out its HomeKit smart home platform in 2014, it has — to date — been a part of iOS/iPadOS, rather than its own fully fledged operating system. That could change soon.

“M1X” MacBook Pros - here they come! (CultCast #494) May 27, 2021

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This week: Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set for June 7, and the “M1X” MacBook Pro will almost certainly be making its debut. We’ll tell you all we know.

Plus: Prosser says a Pro version of the Mac Mini with M1X is incoming, Apple may be making moves into crypto, and a BIG update on Apple Music lossless and your HomePod.

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Apple details plans for WWDC 2021

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is scheduled for June 7, and on Monday the iPhone-maker revealed that the all-important keynote address for WWDC 2021 will be held at 10 a.m. PDT on that day. This is almost certainly when they wraps will come off the next major upgrades for iOS, macOS and the company’s other operating systems.

WWDC Invite all but confirms new MacBook Pros!

The evidence:
https://twitter.com/SamiFathi_/status/1396861652012785669

Prosser now confirming new MacBook Pros coming to WWDC:
https://twitter.com/jon_prosser/status/1396915038154334214

Next Mac mini refresh could bring slimmer design, faster ‘M1X’ chip

Apple’s next Mac mini refresh could prove even more exciting than the last, thanks to a slimmer chassis design and a faster “M1X” chipset, according to a reliable leaker.

Apple could be cashing into cryptocurrency

It’s no rumor that Apple is looking for an expert in alternative payment providers. The job description is for someone with at least five years experience with “digital wallets, BNPL, Fast Payments, cryptocurrency and etc.”

Apple Music lossless WILL be coming to your HomePods, but AirPods Max still uncertain

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212183

HomePod Mini specs

AirPods Max specs

“M2” MacBook Pros are incoming, and we got details! (Cultcast #493) May 20, 2021

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This week: the new M2 MacBook Pros are right around the corner, along with a new and larger “Pro” iMac. We’ll share the details! Plus: everything you need to know about Apple’s new Lossless audio format coming soon to Apple Music. This is going to be a huge leap in sound quality, and it’s totally free! And Lewis fills us in on Apple’s wild new accessibility features coming to Apple Watch.

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

Redesigned MacBook Pro could arrive this summer, larger iMac in the works

A redesigned MacBook Pro could hit Apple Store shelves as early as this summer, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Apple Watch Series 7 might feature flat-edged design, green color option [Updated]

The next-gen Apple Watch could get a huge makeover, with a new, flat-edged design and a green option reminiscent of the AirPods Max.

Apple Music will add lossless audio, Spatial Audio for no extra cost

Apple Music is going lossless — at no extra cost to subscribers. Apple revealed the free upgrade Monday, a day ahead of its rumored launch. The company said Apple Music will bring lossless audio to more than 75 million tracks starting in June so listeners can hear songs “the way the artists created them in the studio.”

Spotify HiFi: quality, price, release date, free trial and latest news

Spotify HiFi is the popular music streaming service's long-anticipated entry into CD-quality streaming. Set to launch in 2021, it will allow Spotify Premium subscribers to 'upgrade' their membership so they can listen to higher-quality, lossless audio streams.

AirPods, HomePod lose out on Apple Music lossless audio streaming [Updated]

Apple Music fans who are super-excited about the just-announced lossless audio option should be aware that it won’t work with AirPods or HomePod. Not even the $549 AirPods Max.

What you need to enjoy amazing lossless audio on Apple Music

You’ll be able to enjoy some of that magi

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