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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!

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This week’s stories

Apple's John Ternus Takes Over Design in Latest CEO Succession Move

Report: Apple's New AI Strategy Firms Up Under Craig Federighi

A Siri Chatbot is Coming in iOS 27

Will Apple Charge for Its Siri Chatbot?

Apple Expected to Unveil Five All-New Products This Year

MacBook Pro to Receive Up to Six New Features by Next Year

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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

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This week: Google’s Gemini is officially powering next-gen Siri, Apple overhauls all its pro apps, details on OpenAI’s first hardware product, and we go hands-on with a folding iPhone model!

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This week’s stories:

• It’s official — Google Gemini will power Siri’s major AI overhaul
  • Google’s Gemini AI is now set to power the long-promised overhaul of Apple’s Siri voice assistant, turning months of speculation into confirmation after Apple made the partnership official in a statement released Monday.
  • Gemini-powered Siri reportedly will gain these capabilities
• New Apple Creator Studio subscription gives you 6 incredible apps for low price
  • Apple Creator Studio bundles 6 big-time apps into a subscription, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro.
• OpenAI’s first device might take on AirPods
  • OpenAI’s first consumer product may be AI-powered earbuds, designed by Jony Ive and positioned as a direct AirPods rival.
• Hands-on with a folding iPhone mock-up: This thing is weird
  • I got my hands on a model, and have lots of thoughts — if the folding iPhone looks anything like this, it’ll be weird

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THIS WEEK

• iPhone 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?

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This weeks' stories

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

New Studio Display or Pro Display XDR Spotted in Regulatory Database

Apple's Google Gemini Deal Could Be Worth $5 Billion

Google Gemini-Powered Siri Will Reportedly Have These 7 New Features

Will Final Cut Pro on Mac Get Every New Feature Without a Subscription? Here's What Apple Says

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Greetings my beautiful Govs!  Lots to talk about this week, including:

Update: what's coming next for this show

Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/five-iphone-features-rumored-ios-27/

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/07/openai-chatgpt-health-apple-health-integration/

John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEO

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/08/john-ternus-profile/

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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?

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This 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.com

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This week’s stories:

iMac Pro could make an epic M5 Max-powered comeback

• The iMac Pro all-in-one could be poised for a return, this time with a huge processor upgrade for professional users — the M5 Max.

20th anniversary iPhone’s display might wrap around all four sides

• Apple may be planning its boldest redesign yet for the iPhone's 20th anniversary, including a display that curves on all four sides.

iOS 26.4 features surface in new internal Apple leak

• Thanks to a leaked internal iOS 26 build, we now know about several new features that Apple could introduce with iOS 26.4.

Secret trick will stop your iPhone from updating to iOS 26 — forever!

• You can stop the iOS 26 update in its tracks if you want. This trick will keep your iPhone on iOS 18 forever.
• How to control volume with your Apple TV remote (FB21368004)

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Watch this episode on YouTube

This 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.com

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This week’s stories:

Why you’ll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub

• Apple's HomePad smart home hub starts to look interesting, especially after the latest rumors reveal advanced features.

The one executive Apple is fighting to keep

• Johny Srouji, the architect behind Apple silicon, says he's not planning to leave the company "anytime soon."

ProMotion and HDR could finally make Studio Display a true pro tool for creators

• The pro-grade features of the upcoming Apple Studio Display 2 include ProMotion, HDR and a mini-LED panel upgrade.
• How to convert an old iMac into a 5K monitor for less than $200

How to ping your lost Apple Watch from your iPhone

• You can ping a lost Apple Watch from your iPhone. The reverse has always been one of the best uses of an Apple Watch.

Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

• The Beats Pill delivers powerful, room-filling sound. The bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displaces 90% more air volume, packing more of a punch with deeper, fuller bass.

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Watch this episode on YouTube

This 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.com

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This week’s stories:

Apple design chief quits for Meta. Some say good riddance!

• Social media users responded to big news that Alan Dye will join Meta with Liquid-Glass-focused sarcasm. Is it really such a big loss?

Meet Apple’s new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called ‘Margaret’

• Meet Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, and learn why Steve Jobs called him “Margaret.”

Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence

• Apple's AI chief is out after a string of failures. Learn about the new leadership for the company's critical AI development efforts.

Macs might soon have Intel inside again — but there’s a twist

• In a surprising shift in Apple's chip strategy, Intel will reportedly fabricate low-end M-series chips for future MacBook Air and iPad Pro.

How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025

• Apple Music Replay is where you find your most-played songs, artists and albums from 2025. Here's how to find it.
• Griffin on Apple Music
• Lewis on Apple Music
• Leander on Apple Music

Send us a text!

Watch this episode on YouTube

This 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.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

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This week’s stories:

iOS 27 focuses on the one feature every iPhone user wants most

• With iOS 27, Apple is making the absolute best move it can to improve the iPhone. The same goes for Macs running macOS 27.

File sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop

• Google updated its Quick Share feature to allow wireless direct file sharing between Android and iPhone users.

Why you might want to pass on Apple’s Black Friday deals

• An Apple Store shopping event kicks off on Black Friday, but you should probably shop elsewhere. Here's why.

Black Friday week Apple sales are here — check out the best deals

• We have the ultimate guide on the best Black Friday 2025 deals on Apple gear — and all the accessories you could want. See our top picks.
• iPhone deals
• MacBook deals
• iPad deals
• AirPods deals
• Apple Watch deals

Give your Mac a makeover with custom icons

• Unique Mac icons are a great way to customize your machine. Learn how to change Mac icons for folders, apps, disks, files and more.

Review: ViewSonic VP2788-5K

• ViewSonic’s offering has the best balance of build quality, connectivity options, display panel and price.

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Watch this episode on YouTube

This 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.com

NordLayer 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 nordlayer.com/cultcast.

This week’s stories:

Griffin’s M5 Vision Pro on eBay

Apple preps for a post–Tim Cook era

• Apple may be nearing a CEO transition, with a report claiming the board is stepping up its search for a Tim Cook replacement.

iPhone side button will soon get a quiet upgrade

• With iOS 26.2, Apple will allow iPhone users to launch third-party voice assistants using the side key (but only in Japan so far).
• Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts

Apple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again

• Apple's ill-fated Mac Pro might not get an M5 Ultra upgrade in 2026, with the company pushing the Mac Studio instead.

Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit

• If you didn't move quickly, you missed your chance to get an iPhone Pocket on launch day. The accessory divides Apple fans, though.

London’s iPhone-loving thieves ‘don’t want no Samsung’ for a reason

• In a surprising twist in the smartphone wars, iPhone-craving thieves reject low-value Androids like Samung on the mean streets of London.

Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford

• Sure, maybe you can't afford thousands of dollars for a desk setup worth drooling over, but it's still fun to look, right?
• In our dreams: Studio Displays flank Pro Display XDR in M2 Ultra Mac Pro rig