The CultCast

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M5 Vision Pro — first impressions! (CultCast #722) Oct 23, 2025

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This week, Griffin has spent a whopping 24 hours with the M5 Vision Pro and shares first impressions. Also: Great news for haters of Liquid Glass, bad news for fans of foldables, a Mac mini setup featuring very little Mac mini and a listener question about our writing processes.

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This week’s stories:

YouTube: Unboxing the New M5 Vision Pro

Griffin’s first impressions of the new M5 Vision Pro.

Latest iOS 26.1 beta lets users toggle off Liquid Glass

The fourth beta version of iOS 26.1 lets users make Liquid Glass a lot less glass-like. It’s now available for anyone to test.

New rumor details foldable iPhone screen size — and possible delay

A new rumor from an investment firm details foldable iPhone screen size, plus a possible delay over that tricky hinge mechanism.

Even Apple realizes a $3,000 foldable iPad is sheer lunacy

Apple’s effort to push its tablet lineup to the cutting edge with a folding iPad has reportedly run into multiple snags.

Top 10 mighty Mac mini workstations

Into Mac mini setups? Lucky you. The little powerhouse is one of the best desktop computers you can buy. Check out our top 10 looks.

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M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Vision Pro are HERE! (CultCast #721) Oct 16, 2025

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This week, don’t call it an Apple Event, but the first M5 devices are here! The MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the Vision Pro too… I guess. Also: What we’re buying, and the Steve Jobs commemorative $1 coin.

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s new M5 chip pumps up AI and graphics processing power

With release of the new MacBook Pro and more, Apple's new M5 chip pumps up AI and graphics processing power amid other gains.

14-inch MacBook Pro gets M5 power boost

Apple's refreshed entry-level MacBook Pro delivers a massive leap in CPU, GPU and AI performance thanks to the next-gen M5 processor.

Apple supercharges iPad Pro with next-gen M5 processor

Apple just revealed the 2025 iPad Pro, which gets a speed boost from the new M5 processor, and some variants get 50% more RAM.
Going large on M5 iPad Pro storage also scores premium performance

Spatial computing gets more powerful (and comfortable) with M5 Vision Pro

Apple upgrades the Vision Pro to the latest M5 chip. The improved headset also features a more comfortable strap and better battery life.
Vision Pro owners can get its biggest upgrade for just $99

Steve Jobs $1 coin looks nothing like Steve Jobs

A weird portrait of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs sitting in a California meadow will appear on a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint in 2026.

Sora takes over the App Store… unfortunately (CultCast #720) Oct 09, 2025

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This week: Sora is number one on the App Store, OpenAI’s iPhone killer has a steep uphill battle and the iPad gets a great old feature back — and better than before. Also: How to set up call screening, a recent Mac switcher setup, and Apple’s spotty relationship with enterprise products.

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This week’s stories:

Sora rockets to No. 1 on App Store

OpenAI’s Sora iPhone app is hugely popular because using AI to create funny videos is so much fun. Watch some hilarious videos made with it.

OpenAI struggles to create its iPhone killer

Understand the hurdles OpenAI encounters while developing the AI companion that potentially could be a new rival for iPhone and Android.

Second iOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 betas go out to devs and the public

Apple seeded the second beta versions of iOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 to developers and the public, letting them test these upcoming operating systems.

Screen calls on iPhone and you, too, can live in interruption-free bliss

You have a few options on your iPhone to screen calls: one aptly named Call Screening, as well as Live Voicemail and Silence Unknown Callers.

PC user gets deal on MacBook Air — then gleefully upgrades whole workstation

User scored a good deal on MacBook Air and then found himself a convert to Mac, upgrading everything as a newly minted "Apple fanboy."

Apple product leaks are getting insane (CultCast #719) Oct 02, 2025

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This week, some insane Apple leaks — the M5 iPad Pro fully unboxed and benchmarked, M5 MacBook Pro and Vision Pro confirmed and coming SOON! Also: Apple scraps the cheap Vision headset, a big update to the lauded Logitech mouse, the setup of our very own David Snow, and we make Leander answer for his sins.

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This week’s stories:

Early unboxing video leaks M5 iPad Pro (and blistering benchmarks)

An unboxing video of the M5 iPad Pro reveals nearly everything about it weeks before the launch, including benchmark scores of the new chip.
How are Russian YouTubers getting unreleased Apple products early?

FCC leaks reveal Apple’s next Vision Pro headset and upcoming Macs and iPads

In a new round of inadvertent FCC leaks of Apple products, we learn about the next Vision Pro along with M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.

Apple puts cheaper Vision Pro on back burner to focus on smart glasses

Determined to release smart glasses sooner rather than later, Apple reportedly shuts down development of a cheaper Vision Pro headset.

New Logitech MX Master 4 mouse brings haptic feedback and Actions Ring

The new Logitech MX Master 4 wireless mouse upgrades a classic with haptic feedback and productivity shortcuts.

Folder Quick Look

Preview folder and archive contents (ZIP, RAR, and more) instantly in macOS Quick Look. Just select a folder and press the Space bar.

Killer standing desk lifts MacBook rig in more ways than one

David Snow's dual-display M4 Pro MacBook setup gets a huge non-computer upgrade — an amazing Uplift standing desk.
From PC pigsty to prim M1 Pro MacBook workstation

iPhone 17 Pro & Air — our hands-on reviews! (CultCast #718) Sep 25, 2025

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Our full, honest reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air and AirPods Pro 3! How’s the battery life? How’s the orange? How bad does it scratch? How good is Live Translation? Everything you need to know.

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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 17 Pro is a powerhouse without functional compromise

For the first time ever, Apple released a Pro iPhone where “pro” means professional, not premium. With upgraded pro features and a no-nonsense design, the iPhone 17 Pro delivers maximum power.
Scratchgate is real: I’ve seen it myself
iFixit breaks down the iPhone 17 Pro’s Scratchgate problem

If you touch an iPhone Air, you’ll want to buy it immediately

In our iPhone Air review, we find this is the first phone in ages that will truly shock you when you take it out of the box.
Review on YouTube

Why AirPods Pro 3 are my new favorite headphones

A solid evolution of Apple’s high-end earbuds, they reign supreme even if they don't bring many new features. An AirPods Pro 3 review.
Live Translation test with Niléane

Hidden features in iOS & watchOS 26 (CultCast #717) Sep 18, 2025

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This week, while we wait for our iPhones, we have all the new features in iOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26! Also: A surprise feature coming to the all-new MacBook Pro, how to fix a major problem in macOS Tahoe, and whether or not it’s time to upgrade your iPhone.

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This week’s stories:

First OLED MacBook Pro could add touchscreen support

Apple's next big MacBook Pro refresh with a slimmer design and OLED panel will supposedly also get touchscreen support.

Everything new in iOS 26: Liquid Glass and 70+ new features

iOS 26 is a major new update that brings the biggest visual redesign in 12 years — on top of over 70 new features.
How to turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26 if you hate it

Best new features in iPadOS 26: Major UI revamp, Liquid Glass and more

iPadOS 26 is the biggest iPad revamp since 2010, making the tablet far more Mac-like. Here are the best new features in iPadOS 26.

Everything new in watchOS 26: Workout Buddy and 15 other features

watchOS 26 is a more modest update with one headlining new feature, Workout Buddy — on top of 15 other new tweaks.

“Latest” for Mac

Continue getting Mac App Store updates in Tahoe using this free app by Max Langer.

Cult of Mac Buyback Program

Cult of Mac offers some of the highest cash prices for your old Apple gadgets. In almost every case, we pay more cash for your trade-in than other services. Trading in your old device is dead easy, and we guarantee great customer experience.

iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch — our reactions! (CultCast #716) Sep 11, 2025

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This week: Thrilling rumors that the updated Vision Pro will have more unified memory — no, just kidding. It’s ALL about the Awe Dropping event: iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3. Plus: Our prediction results!

This episode supported by:

CleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care. Get tidy today — try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CultCast

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 to get 50% off plus free breakfast for one year (with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase).

This week’s stories:

Super-slim iPhone Air brings radical new design

Super-slim iPhone Air launches at Apple's Awe Dropping event as Plus replacement — and the biggest iPhone redesign in years.

iPhone 17 Pro debuts bold new design that’s engineered for performance

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro debuts with big changes: a new design, the largest iPhone battery yet, and an upgraded telephoto camera.

iPhone 17 boasts larger, ProMotion screen and Center Stage selfie camera

iPhone 17 offers features previously preserved for pricier models, including a larger, always-on ProMotion display.

AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate monitoring, live translation and audio upgrades

Apple updated AirPods Pro 3, improving noise cancellation, battery life while adding heart rate monitoring and live translation.

Apple Watch Series 11 adds hypertension alerts and 24-hour battery life

Blood pressure monitoring, sleep score, 5G and longer battery life.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings bigger screen, better battery and new health tricks

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 packs all the right upgrades, including a bigger and brighter display, longer battery life and new health features.

Apple Watch SE 3 adds plenty of pro features

The Apple Watch SE 3 boasts a lengthy list of features new to Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, including an always-on display.

The CultCast ‘Awe Dropping’ Predictions

Congratulations to the three listeners who scored 16 points: Lee Cox, and three-time winners Michael Dennis and Shane Lother.

Vision Air details + ‘Awe Dropping’ event predictions! (CultCast #715) Sep 04, 2025

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This week: We have a price on the Vision Air, a Lego iMac G3 that needs your support, Tim Cook can sleep well at night again, a gorgeous dual Studio Display setup — and OUR PREDICTIONS for the ‘Awe Dropping’ event! Place your own votes here.

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This week’s stories:

Vision Air could cost half what Vision Pro does

Apple is reportedly working on a Vision Air that will be half as expensive and almost half the weight of the Vision Pro.

Vote to make this Lego iMac G3 a reality

Vote for the Lego iMac G3 design and help transform this nostalgic Apple computer into a real-life Lego product.

Apple’s lucrative Google search deal is safe

Google can continue its search deal to pay Apple billions of dollars a year for a prime spot as Safari's default search engine.

Top 12 drool-worthy dual Studio Display setups

What's better than a sleek Apple Studio Display? Two of them! Lust over the best dual Studio Display setups.

The CultCast ‘Awe Dropping’ Predictions

It is time to lay down our predictions for the biggest Apple announcement of the year. Previously, Lewis won at WWDC, but Leander and Griffin have the opportunity to kick him off his throne.
Submit your predictions here!

Get ready for the ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone event (CultCast #714) Aug 28, 2025

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This week, invites are out for the “awe dropping” iPhone event! Also: Touch ID and bumper cases making a comeback like it’s 2013, how to combine emojis, the first ergonomic dual-ultra-widescreen setup, Twitter versus Mastodon and Leander’s review of PowerBeats Pro 2!

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.

This week’s stories:

Apple invites the world to ‘Awe dropping’ event

Get ready for the next “Awe dropping” Apple September event, featuring the exciting iPhone 17 series and more new products.

iPhone 17 Air could revive Apple’s bumper case

In a nod to the iPhone 4, Apple experimented with a bumper case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air that only covered its edges.

Foldable iPhone might bring back Touch ID

The first foldable iPhone — set to debut in September 2026 — will reportedly feature Touch ID, C2 modem and five cameras.

Combine emoji to make your own fun creations in iOS 26

The best Apple Intelligence feature gets even more fun: You can combine two or more emoji into your own custom creation in iOS 26.

Double the fun: 10 best dual-monitor setups

For many folks, two displays beats one display. See these 10 takes on the best dual monitor setup, the most popular configuration.

Under Review: Beats PowerBeats Pro 2

These Bluetooth earbuds feature a heart rate monitor, Apple's H2 chip, active noise canceling with transparency mode, IPX4 water resistance, up to 45-hour battery life (with wireless charging case) and Apple and Android compatibility.

Somehow, FineWoven returned (CultCast #713) Aug 21, 2025

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This week: Somehow, FineWoven returned… as TechWoven! Will it be any better? Also: Details on the iPhone 17e, Touch ID on the Apple Watch, iOS 26’s coolest new feature, a bananas multidisplay setup, and a fantastic Qi2 battery pack from Anker!

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s new TechWoven iPhone cases might suck less than FineWoven

Apple's possible new FineWoven replacement for iPhone 17 cases trades some luxury feel for more practical grippy durability.

iPhone 17e could ditch notch for Dynamic Island

A new rumor claims the upcoming iPhone 17e ditches the notch in favor of a Dynamic Island design — a fresh approach for the budget handset.

Touch ID could come to Apple Watch

The 2026 Apple Watch could pack some big upgrades, including Touch ID integration for biometric authentication. Plus a faster CPU.

Screenfest: Top 15 multidisplay computer setups

When it comes to the best-multi-monitor-setup, users often choose between the biggest displays and the most displays. Many go for both.

Under Review: Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)

The Anker Nano Power Bank has 5,000 mAh of power in a third of an inch. It's the battery that doesn't make your iPhone feel like a brick.

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