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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!

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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 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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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

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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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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

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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

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This 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.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.

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone

• Apple unveils the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted iPhone accessory designed in collaboration with Japan's Issey Miyake.

Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID

• Forget turning your driver’s license into a digital ID, now you can add your passport info to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet.

Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs

• After years of avoidance, Tesla plans to add CarPlay to its electric vehicles to boost sales. That's a big win for Apple.

Genius Mixes

• Use Genius Shuffle or Genius Playlists in Music on Mac
• Use Genius Shuffle, Genius Playlists, or Genius Mixes in iTunes on PC
• Let Autoplay pick what plays next

Kuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy

• The Kuxiu X40 Turbo is a great 3-in-1 charger that supports the fastest MagSafe and Qi charging speeds possible on the latest iPhones.
• Buy on Amazon

Pluribus on Apple TV

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This 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.com

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This week’s stories:

Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’

• With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, the PC industry should definitely be worried.

Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix

• The brains behind the upcoming AI-enhanced version of Siri will reportedly be provided by Google, not Apple’s own tech. For a hefty price.

Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem

• Want an iPhone Air wide-angle camera? That could come in the second generation, partly addressing a big criticism of the slim handset.

How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future

• Despite CarPlay's ongoing popularity, its future is under threat. Automakers can't resist the profit they see in providing their own services.

5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss

• Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is out now; there are five features you should check out after you install it — changes to Liquid Glass and more.
• Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1
• Everything new in iOS 26.1
• YouTube: Everything new in iOS 26.1

AirPods Pro Mad Libs

• Article screenshot

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This 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.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:

iPhone 20 could make buttons a thing of the past

• iPhone 20 might replace buttons with haptics -- at last. The 20th anniversary handset could finally go with motion-sensing, vibrating tech.

Here’s when every iPad gets a beautiful OLED screen

• Apple plans to put gorgeous OLED displays in almost every iPad. Here’s when to expect the tablets to switch away from LCDs.
• Apple could bring iPhone-style water resistance to iPad mini
• How Apple might give the M6-powered iPad Pro a serious performance boost

Weird AirPods Pro 3 glitch proves unbearable at 30,000 feet

• Some users of AirPods Pro 3 are plagued by a whistle noise when using the earbuds on a flight. Here’s how to be ready if it happens to you.

The M5 Vision Pro is still the ultimate entertainment device

• The new M5 Vision Pro brings a huge leap in compute power and graphics performance — plus a more comfortable head band in the box.
• Review on YouTube

Apple Watch Series 11

• How to use advanced Apple Watch sleep stage tracking

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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.

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

Most 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!

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.

Blogging tools:

• MarsEdit
• BBEdit
• Pexels
• Apple Events (Video)

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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.

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

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

Most 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!

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.

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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.

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

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 code cultcast50off to get 50% off plus free breakfast for one year (with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase).

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."

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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.

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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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:

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