The Cultcast

Send us a text! This week:Why your next iPhone could run on satellitesWhat's the future for Vision Pro?Vision Pro gets a LONG awaited appApple is prepping multiple foldable iPhonesAnd Jony Ive debuts one of his most beautiful designs since iPhone

Send us a text!I’m joined by listener-turned-guest Major Dr. Zach Hicks, an Air Force physician living in Japan, to talk  how Apple’s translation tech is making daily life in Tokyo not just possible, but actually kind of magical. We dive into using AirPods for real-time translation, navigating Japan without speaking the language, and why this stuff feels like a genuine sci-fi breakthrough. Along the way, we wander into raising kids overseas, Japanese culture shock, aviation anxiety, flying in military cargo planes, and why understanding how airplanes work might make you more nervous, not less. It’s a classic CultCast off-topic episode: part tech, part travel, part existential aviation dread — and a reminder that some of the best conversations come straight from the listener community.

Send us a text!With reseller stock drying up, new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros appear to be RIGHT around the corner!   We’ve also got more intel on Apple’s first OLED MacBook Pro (with a full redesign!). Plus: major new features landing in iOS 26.3 and 26.4, what Apple’s second-largest acquisition reveals about Siri’s future, autonomous AI agents are coming to Xcode, and a disappointing new rumor about the next Studio Display…SponsorsNordStellarMost companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code  cultcast-10-NORDSTELLAR at https://nordstellar.com/cultcast.SquarespaceIf you’ve been thinking about building a website — or rebuilding one that hasn’t aged well — head to Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.CultClothKeep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available onl

Send us a text!This week:A deep dive into Apple’s new Creator Studio and whether it’s actually a good value for creative professionalsEverything you need to know about AirTag 2!Not one but TWO new MacBook Pros are likely coming this year.A rundown of 20+ Apple products expected to launch this year, from Macs and iPads to totally new stuff.Google’s new $7.99 AI Plus plan and what it says about the rapidly heating AI arms raceRevelations from my trip to Stockholm using my $2K mirrorless vs my iPhone 17 Pro cameraOur sponsorssupport.thecultcast.comunfork.thecultcast.comCultClubJoin us in the CultClub (it's totally free!)This week's storiesApple Creator Studio review: Incredible value for most creative proshttps://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/28/apple-creator-studio-review-incredible-value-for-most-creative-pros10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/26/10-things-to-know-about-the-new-airtag-2/Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Yearhttps:/

Send us a text!This week on the pod, Apple’s future starts to come into focus — and it’s getting very interesting. John Ternus quietly steps into a major design role as Apple’s long-term CEO chessboard shifts, while a new report says Craig Federighi taking the reins on Apple’s evolving AI strategy. We also dig into the biggest Siri shake-up in years: a full-on chatbot experience coming in iOS 27. Plus: five all-new Apple products are expected this year and new details on the upcoming MacBook Pro redesign!Join us in the CultClub (it's totally free!)Our sponsorsSquarespaceSquarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkoutFactorHead to factormeals.com/cultcast50off and use code cultcast50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.This week’s storiesApple's John Ternus Takes Over Design in Latest CEO Succession MoveReport: Apple's New AI Strategy Firms Up Under Craig FederighiA Siri Chatbot is Coming in iOS 27W

Send us a text!I found him in a box in downtown Scottsdale! It's the return of my old friend and former co-host, the beautiful Buster Heine.  If you like this episode, consider supporting big Papa Erf at support.thecultcast.com

Send us a text!THIS WEEKiPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features. Apple's new Creator Studio - will Final Cut Pro on Mac will keep getting new features without paying a subscription?  A new Studio or Pro XDR Display is RIGHT around the corner.And, it's official!  Google Gemini will overhaul Siri - what can we expect?CultClubJoin us in the CultClub (it's totally free!)Our sponsorsCleanMyMacCleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care, notarized by Apple and meticulously crafted by MacPaw, a leading macOS & iOS software development company.  Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code CULTCAST for 20% off at clnmy.com/CULTCASTFactorHead to factormeals.com/cultcast50off and use code cultcast50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.This weeks' storiesiPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New FeaturesNew Studio Display or Pro Display XDR Spotted in Regulatory DatabaseApple's Google Gemini De

Send us a text!Greetings my beautiful Govs!  Lots to talk about this week, including:Update: what's coming next for this showFive New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/five-iphone-features-rumored-ios-27/OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integrationhttps://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/openai-chatgpt-health-apple-health-integration/John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEOhttps://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/john-ternus-profile/---------> Join us in the CultClub! <----------SponsorsSquarespaceSquarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout.Hello FreshGo to HelloFresh.com/cultcast10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. 

Send us a text!An episode in three acts: Act I - where did I go?Act II - what's going on with the CultCast?Act III - what's the future for CultCast?

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week, the iMac Pro may be back from the dead — with an M5 Max and a 32-inch display! Also: The iPhone 20th anniversary edition may go beyond edge-to-edge, leaked features from iOS 26.4, how to stay 18 forever (iOS 18 that is), and our new trivia quiz — Apple Genius!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coCleanMyMac is your ultimate solution for Mac control and care. Get t

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Have you forgotten about the HomePad? Apple hasn’t! Also: The one exec Apple can’t afford to lose, the great new features coming to the Studio Display 2, how to ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone, a question about the Mac that Apple should make, and a review of the Beats Pill!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coHelloFresh is the #1 meal kit in America making

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week, it’s the biggest brain drain at Apple for decades — and a lot of Apple fans are celebrating! Also: Intel is coming back to the Mac (but it’s not what you think!) and another pedantic Mac question only Griffin can answer. 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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Fr

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: iOS 27 is getting a “Snow Leopard” update, Android is getting AirDrop support, your Mac is getting custom folder icons, Griffin is getting the best cheap 5K display — and you’re getting our top Black Friday deals!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Friday off

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: This quarter. It could be Tim Cook’s last! We could have CEO John Ternus by January. Also: iOS 26.2 lets you replace Siri (in Japan), the Mac Pro canceled again, iPhone Pocket sells out instantly, thieves are giving Android phones back to their victims, and the most expensive Mac setup money can buy!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code cultcast-28. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at n

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Everyone yearns for the Apple TV, but instead, we have the $230 iPhone sling! Also: Apple’s new digital passport, Tesla gets on the CarPlay bandwagon, a question about an old iTunes feature you definitely forgot about, our favorite 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, and our first impressions of Pluribus!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code cultcast-28. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at nordlaye

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Apple’s cheap MacBook sending PC makers into a panic, Google Gemini rescuing the new Siri from vaporware, the next iPhone Air that may (or may not) solve its biggest problem, the battle over Apple CarPlay and iOS 26.1 features you should try. Also: AirPods Pro Mad Libs.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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comMost companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Get an exclusive offer: Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code cultcast-10 at NordStellar.com/CultCast. Just mention it to NordStellar!Factor

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis week: Project Bongo is back to replace your iPhone buttons with haptics, (almost) every iPad is turning OLED, AirPods Pro 3 are having troubles, when you should upgrade your iMac — and our full reviews of the M5 Vision Pro and Apple Watch Series 11!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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coMost companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your busin

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis 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.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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coMost companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s pr

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis 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.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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCleanMyMac 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/CultCastMost companies only act after a breach. Be the one that’s prepared. Defend your business with NordStellar. Get an exclusive offer: Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code

Send us a text!Watch this episode on YouTubeThis 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.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 unsubscribe at unfork.thecultcast.comCultCloth 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.coFactor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious,