Episodes

  • This week, breaking news! The US launches huge lawsuit against Apple. Also, Apple AI might be powered by Google Gemini, all the details on AirPods 4, Epic’s new game store, and a MUCH cheaper Vision headset!

    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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com .

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    This week’s stories:

    Get ready for ‘the biggest AirPods launch to date’

    Apple could launch the AirPods 4 in two flavors later this year: one with ANC and another without. Alongside updated internals, the new earbuds purportedly will sport a sleeker new design.

    Blockbuster US antitrust lawsuit targets Apple’s ‘iPhone monopoly’

    The Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit Thursday aimed at forcing Apple to open up many aspects of its ecosystem, from the App Store to Apple Watch. Extra Ordinary: Apple’s Platform Advantage

    iOS 18’s generative AI features might use Google Gemini

    Apple could use Google Gemini to power the generative AI features reportedly coming this year in iOS 18. Apple and Google are reportedly in “active negotiations” about the possibility, but have not yet finalized a deal.

    iPhone 17’s display could get a big anti-reflective upgrade

    A new rumor says that the 2025 iPhone might feature a “super-hard anti-reflective layer,” which is also more scratch-resistant.

    MacRumors: Epic Games to Charge 12% Fee for App Sales From Alternative iPhone Store

    Epic Games in February said that it would launch an Epic Games Store on the iPhone in the European Union. For games distributed through the Epic Games Store, Epic will collect a 12 percent share of revenue, which is the same fee that it charges on Windows and Mac machines.

    Tomsguide: Apple reportedly ‘accelerating’ entry-level Vision Pro — and it could cost $2,000 less

    Apple is aiming to cut the cost of the Apple Vision Pro from $3,500 down to as low as $1,500, according to a new report. How? Apple’s apparently going back to the drawing board when it comes to one of the headset's most expensive components: its two 4K micro-OLED displays.
  • The Return of VS - the segment where we pit one movie against another then argue over which is best - all while building our list of the greatest movies ever made!

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  • This week: The new M3 MacBook Air is only missing ONE thing¦ Plus: Big changes coming to apps thanks to new EU regulations, why you better act fast on the new 11-inch iPad Pro, what's coming next for CarPlay, and how to pay with an Apple Cash card number!

    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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com .

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    This week's stories:

    Entry-level M3 MacBook Air uses significantly faster SSD

    Apple fixed the slow storage speed that plagued M2 Macs on the M3 MacBook Air. Early testing indicates the entry-level M3 MacBook Air delivers significantly faster read/write speeds than its predecessor.

    No App Store needed: EU iPhone users can install apps directly from websites

    Initially, Apple's plan for compliance required iPhone apps to be on alternative app marketplaces, not directly available for download. That requirement, which brought complaints from developers, has now been rescinded.

    11.1-inch iPad Pro supply shortage might push back launch

    Apple will soon debut the M3 iPad Pros with OLED screens, but perhaps not as soon as many had hoped. And a new leak indicates the smaller 11.1-inch model could be in short supply at launch.

    MacRumors: Here's Everything We Know About Apple's Next-Generation CarPlay

    It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below, we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system. Tim Cook cameo in Porsche event

    How to pay with an Apple Cash card number

    You can get a temporary debit card number to pay with Apple Cash online in case you want to pay with your balance on a site that doesn't accept Apple Pay. If you have a lot of money sitting in your Apple Cash account, this can be a convenient way to pay without using your other cards.

    Apple acquires fundamental AI smarts by buying DarwinAI

    Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computers more efficient.
  • This week, Apple dropped the M3 MacBook Air, and the specs look good! But where’s the iPad? Also, we have details on the CRAZY canceled Apple car prototypes and a folding MacBook that’s still in development, Apple’s $2 BILLION dollar legal fight with Spotify, and new features you’ll get in iOS 17.4!

    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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com .

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    This week’s stories:

    New M3 MacBook Air gets big specs boost with same awesome battery life

    The 2024 MacBook Air lineup launched Monday by Apple runs on the company’s M3 chip, bringing a significant performance boost to the laptop.

    Early benchmarks show M3 chip gives MacBook Air hefty performance boost

    Early benchmark scores found by mysmartprice show that the new Air scored 12,020 on the Geekbench multicore test. That’s 25% better than the M2-based MacBook Air earned on the same test, and 45% better than the M1 version from 2020.

    MacBook with 20-inch folding screen still on track for release

    The product has been on the drawing board for quite some time, but isn’t scheduled for release until 2027. The (cancelled) Microsoft Surface Neo

    How indecision and hubris killed the Apple car

    The history of the Apple car is littered with wild prototypes, astonishing hubris and a deadly dose of crippling indecision, according to a damning report that offers the best picture yet of the secretive Project Titan.

    Get ready for new MacBooks and iPads at Apple March event

    Another product we can expect in the pipeline is the OLED iPad Pro and the first 12.9-inch iPad Air.

    EU fines Apple 1.8 billion euros over ‘abusive’ treatment of Spotify

    The European Commission fined Apple more than 1.8 billion euros Monday for “abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps.†Apple calls Epic Games ‘untrustworthy,’ blocks Fortnite rerelease in EU

    Try these exciting iOS 17.4 features on your iPhone now

    Apple just dropped iOS 17.4, bringing a plethora of new features — some of which fundamentally change how the iPhone works. Monarch: Budget and track money
  • D. Griffin Jones is joined by Allison McDaniel to talk more about Mac gaming, what games she's playing, what gear we use and the Stardew Valley speedrunning scene.

    Remember that you can support The CultCast at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com and you can employ Allison McDaniel as a writer and digital marketing specialist.

    Links:

    Allison McDaniel on LinkedIn Allison's writing on The Punished Backlog Stardew Valley on Steam The Sims 4 for Mac The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog on Steam Mini Motorways on Apple Arcade Pocket Card Jockey on Apple Arcade Stray on Mac App Store Resident Evil Village on Mac App Store Lies of P on Mac App Store Baldur's Gate 3 on Steam Asphalt 8: Airborne on Apple Arcade 8BitDo controllers Onn gaming mouse Satechi X3 Slim keyboard
  • After 10 years and 10 billion dollars, Apple finally calls it quits on the Apple car. What happened!? Plus: Apple's FineWoven cases are aging like milk, how to set up the best Mac screen saver, the future for Apple Arcade, and what comes next for Vision Pro.

    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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com .

    Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

    This week's stories:

    Apple car crashes to a halt

    In a somewhat shocking development, Apple reportedly completely canceled all development on its self-driving car program on Tuesday. The company is shifting its emphasis to artificial intelligence, instead. Lewis Wallace: Killing the Apple car is depressing and sad The New York Times: Behind Apple's Doomed Car Project: False Starts and Wrong Turns D. Griffin Jones: Canceling the Apple car is a sensible move we should celebrate

    MacRumors: Not-So-FineWoven iPhone Case 'Browning Like a Rotten Banana'

    Apple's $59 FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 took heavy flak when they were released last September for being subpar compared to the leather Apple cases they replaced. Now, The Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern has distilled customers' ire by sharing her own experience with the case after five months of use. Poll by John Gruber

    Apple Arcade's future: Kids win, but devs fear ‘smell of death'

    Apple Arcade now focuses so heavily on family-friendly titles from well-known franchises that some indie game developers feel abandoned, according to a new report.

    How to set up the best Mac screensaver, Aerial

    Screensavers fell out of fashion a long time ago, but Apple's Aerial screensaver looks so beautiful, it just might make you reconsider. In fact, with its stunning visuals, it might just be the best Mac screensaver around.

    Don't expect Vision Pro 2 or Vision Air before 2027

    Vision Pro may be Apple's only AR headset until 2027. The company has yet to start work on Vision Pro 2 or Vision Air, according to a trusted analyst. Vision Pro returns aren't as bad as we feared
  • This week, surprising new designs for the iPhone 16 AND incoming iPad Pros!

    Plus: a new iPhone security issue steals your face to drain your bank account! We’ll tell you what you need to know, and we wrap with our review of a new mic we’re using on UNDER REVIEW.

    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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com.

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    This week’s stories:

    First-ever iOS trojan steals your face to break your bank

    For the first time, an iOS trojan has been spotted in the wild. It steals an iPhone user’s facial recognition data to go after money in banking and other financial apps. Original Post by Bleeping Computer

    Apple fortifies iMessage to foil hackers of the future

    An iMessage upgrade with post-quantum cryptography will make Apple’s instant messaging platform ready to fend off future hackers. Today’s encryption methods likely won’t be able to stand up, which is why Apple is bringing in the cutting-edge protocol.

    New Apple Sports app gives fans scores and stats for free

    The new Apple Sports app for iPhone gives fans access to real-time scores, stats and more for their favorite teams across a wide range of sports leagues. Apple Sports on the App Store

    Woah! Is this the new iPhone 16 Pro camera?

    The latest iPhone 16 Pro camera rumor comes with an image that shows a radically redesigned lens module.

    MacRumors: Apple's Upcoming OLED iPad Pro Models Rumored to Be Much Thinner

    Such a slimmed down body suggests a notable design change, which is enabled by an even more significant update — OLED display technology. Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple is expected to introduce two new iPad Air models, including a larger 12.9-inch version for the first time.

    D. Griffin Jones: Why I don’t want to return my Vision Pro

    The two-week return window for my Vision Pro is fast approaching, so I need to make my keep it/toss it decision in a matter of days. And I desperately want to keep it.

    Under Review: RØDE Wireless Pro

    The RØDE Wireless Pro is a whole set of microphones you can use for recording videos with high-quality audio on the go.
  • These are the strategies I use to get huge discounts on tech and most of my other online purchases!

    CultCast Off Topic is our new podcast that's ad-free and free for all thanks to your support! If you like us and want to support our future content, fork over $5 a month at support.thecultcast.com !

  • This week, we have Leander Kahney! It's our second-week thoughts on Vision Pro — after cooking, working out, typing tests and more, we've done it all. Are we keeping or returning ours?

    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 your $5 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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com .

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    This week's stories:

    People are returning Vision Pro in droves … or are they?

    Many early adopters seem set on returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets. As the 14-day return window approaches for people who bought the device on launch day, an avalanche of posts on X and other social media channels point to a wave of Vision Pro returns.

    Mark Zuckerberg says Quest 3 is better than Vision Pro

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company's mixed-reality headset beats Vision Pro in almost every way, despite the fact that it costs far less than Apple's device. In a short video posted Tuesday on Instagram, Zuckerberg called the Meta Quest headset the “better product, period.†Tweet by Azad Balabanian

    Griffin's Vision Pro tests

    What's it like working out wearing a Vision Pro? What's it really like to cook with Vision Pro? Typing on Vision Pro: A scientific test with surprising results

    MacRumors: iOS 17's AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Rolling Out ‘This Spring'

    Starting with iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, you can wirelessly stream content from your iPhone or iPad to a compatible hotel room TV via AirPlay, and we have now learned that the feature should begin rolling out at hotels over the coming months.

    They Are Coming!

    If you want the Fujifilm X100VI, I make a recommendation that I can't remember I've ever done in 12 years of blogging: pre-order it instantly.
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  • These are our hands-on reviews of Vision Pro — everything that’s good, everything that’s great, and then the parts you won’t like.

    We are RELAUNCHING CultCast Off Topic, a new ad-free weekly podcast covering our favorite weekly topics! First new episode is coming soon.

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    This week’s BIG story:

    Our Vision Pro Hands-on reviews.

    Plus:

    Apple Vision Pro: In the wild! Can you get real work done inside Vision Pro? Vision Pro teardown finds pixels smaller than a red blood cell

    Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway]

    You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win.
  • This week we’re talking Vision Pro reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly! Also, we have some details on iOS 17.4 — and did Vanity Fair leak an image of the new iPad?

    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.

    If you like fresh tech, check out Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set.

    CultCloth will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, 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

    This week’s stories:

    Vision Pro review roundup: ‘Magic’ and ‘a revolution,’ but definitely unfinished


    The first reviews of Apple’s Vision Pro gush compliments on the augmented-reality headset, with one reviewer calling it “mind-blowing” and another “stunning.”However, there’s also plenty of criticism for the high price, weight and slim collection of software available when the product launches later this week.Vanity Fair: Why Tim Cook Is Going All In on the Apple Vision ProApple Vision Pro’s biggest problem: It’s highly addictive!

    Win a rugged and waterproof Apple Watch sport band [Cult of Mac giveaway]


    You might win a super-cool and rugged new Lululook Waterproof FKM Sport Band. We’re giving away one orange band and one blue one, and anyone in the world can enter to win.

    iOS 17.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes


    The first beta of iOS 17.4 is here, and it packs several big changes. The beta build arrived just days after Apple released iOS 17.3 to the public.Auto-generated transcripts coming to Apple Podcasts

    Is this an unannounced iPad in a press photo?


    Some people think the first picture of Tim Cook wearing a Vision Pro also has a surprise: an iPad that Apple hasn’t released yet. But no. The tablet looks a bit odd, but that’s not because it’s a future one with a new design.Post by John SiracusaEdited image by David Schaub

  • This week: Vision Pro sells out in mere moments and its insane scalping prices, new Apple hardware coming this spring, and yes, the Apple Car is back on the menu! Plus: BREAKING NEWS on App Store sideloading and game streaming on iOS. What a week!

    This episode supported by:

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month.

    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.

    Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

    This week’s stories:

    Too late: Apple Vision Pro preorders sell out fast

    Seven months after its announcement at WWDC23, Apple started accepting preorders for its Vision Pro headset Friday morning — and quickly sold out. Shipping dates for the company’s first AR headset slipped within minutes of preorders opening. More Vision Pro headsets sold on launch weekend than you might expect 9to5Mac: Vision Pro scalpers used bots to place thousands of pre-orders; face check no barrier

    Win a portable magnetic 3-in-1 wireless charger [Cult of Mac giveaway]

    Kuxiu X55 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger and Stand gives you a compact, lightweight way to keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wireless charging case charged up pretty much anywhere.

    New Apple sideloading rules require pre-approval for iPhone apps

    Apple gave EU developers the guidelines and access to the tools needed for sideloading — installing applications that don’t go through the App Store. iPhone App Store change allows streaming games and mini apps Apple will allow alternative browser defaults and engines in EU Apple opens iPhone tap-to-pay to third parties in EU

    MacRumors: New iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air Models Likely to Launch in March or April

    Finally, Apple car coming in 2028

    Apple still plans to put a car on the road, but the release date for the Apple car is sometime in 2028, according to a new report. And designers had to slam the brakes on hopes for full self driving. The electric vehicle will allegedly offer some driver-assistance capabilities but these will fall far short of full autonomy.
  • This week: The Supreme Court is forcing big changes on the App Store, we have Apple’s Plan B to keep selling Apple Watches, last-minute Vision Pro details (are we ordering one?) and finally, 9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone!

    This episode supported by:

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, entirely online. Visit BetterHelp.com/CultCast to get 10% off your first month.

    Songfinch creates a totally original song inspired by your story, written and recorded by a professional artist. Go to songfinch.com/CULTCAST to get your song added to Spotify Streaming for free, a $50 value, with your purchase.

    If you like fresh tech, check out Scott Hanselman’s Hanselminutes wherever you get your podcasts! Scott finds fresh tech and fresh faces and shares them with you, like clockwork, every week. It’s like NPR’s Fresh Air for the tech set.

    This week’s stories:

    Supreme Court decision means major iPhone app change is on the way

    The U.S. Supreme Court effectively upheld a lower court’s ruling that Apple must allow third-party iPhone app developers to point customers to their websites when making purchases. This means the company is forced to drop its “anti-steering” rule for such applications — a major change.

    AppleInsider: Apple bills Epic Games $73 million in legal costs

    Following the end of the Epic Games vs Apple case, the "Fortnite" developer will be required to pay Apple over $73 million in legal fees.

    Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 without blood oxygen feature go on sale in US

    Apple is not making any hardware tweaks to the wearables. Instead, it will turn off the blood oxygen sensor feature through software.

    Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable [Cult of Mac giveaway]

    Time's running out on our latest giveaway: We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get either a Sunset or Moonrise case.

    Apple Vision Pro’s Lengthy Sales Pitch Will Include 25-Minute Demo

    Apple Inc. is facing one of the toughest marketing challenges in its history: pitching customers on a $3,499 headset with limited battery life, an unwieldy design and no killer app. MacRumors: Kuo: Apple Will Only Produce Up to 80,000 Vision Pro Headsets for Launch, Sellout Likely Gurman on Vision Pro Keyboard Apple Vision Pro’s killer feature might be neck pain

    9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone

    YouTube Video There are a lot of things you can do with old iPhones. In fact, it might be worth keeping them around rather than trading them in. There are all kinds of things you can use an old iPhone for.
  • Vision Pro goes on sale NEXT WEEK — we have all the last-minute details! We’re also talking about the strange new AI hardware from CES, AI-powered Siri coming at WWDC, and finally, is it worth it to buy expensive phone cables?

    This episode supported by:

    Notion AI can now give you instant answers to your questions, using information from across your wiki, projects, docs and meeting notes. Go to notion.com/cultcast to try the powerful Notion AI today.

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    This week’s stories:

    Apple Vision Pro launches February 2, preorders start January 19 [Updated]

    Apple’s Vision Pro headset finally has a release date. Apple will accept preorders for Vision Pro in the United States starting Friday, January 19, at 5 a.m. Pacific, the company said Monday. Steven Troughton-Smith on Mastodon

    First Vision Pro ad harks back to classic iPhone Hello advert

    Apple’s fun new Get Ready video for the upcoming Vision Pro headset is clearly intended to ratchet up the hype for the spatial computing device scheduled for release in early February.

    MacRumors: Apple 'Carefully Orchestrating' Vision Pro Reviews With Multiple Meetings

    Apple has a detailed plan for Apple Vision Pro reviews, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. YouTubers and members of the media selected for reviews will meet with Apple on January 16 for a hands-on experience, with a follow-up meeting to take place on January 23 to go over the device's features a second time.

    Win a Pitaka iPhone 15 case that’s colorful, thin and incredibly durable

    We're giving away four iPhone 15 cases from Pitaka. Winners will get one of these: Sunset or Moonrise.

    Ask AI-powered Rabbit R1 for anything (without touching an app)

    You can ask the new AI-powered Rabbit R1 gadget to do pretty much anything you’d normally do with some combination of apps on your smartphone, according to Rabbit’s fascinating keynote at CES 2024.

    Wave of Apple Generative AI Tools on Track for WWDC Debut

    In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman reaffirmed and expanded upon previous comments related to Apple's plans to announce a series of new tools based on generative AI at WWDC as part of iOS 18, including a revamped version of Siri.

    Cheap or Pricey: Which Charging Cables Last Longest?

    How many times have you left your phone plugged in overnight just to wake up and find that it hasn’t charged at all? It seems like a trivial thing, but when a charging cable fails, it can ruin your day.
  • This week, it’ll be the biggest update since the original — here comes Apple Watch X… Plus, app sideloading might be coming to the US next and we pitch our favorite shows, movies and stuff in an all-new What We’re Into!

    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

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    This week’s stories:

    What to expect from Apple Watch in 2024: Series X

    2024 looks like a big year for Apple Watch. The world’s most popular wearable could get the biggest redesign in its 10-year history in the form of a device potentially called “Apple Watch Series X” or simply “Apple Watch X.” Everything (else) Apple Will Announce in 2024

    9to5Mac: US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is ‘firing on all cylinders’

    The US antitrust case against Apple’s App Store exclusivity is “firing on all cylinders” according to the head of the Department of Justice unit responsible for policing breaches of competition law.

    Inside Apple’s massive push to transform the Mac into a gaming paradise

    Gaming on the Mac in the 1990s until 2020, when Apple made a big shift to its own custom silicon, could be boiled down to this: Apple was in a hardware arms race with the PC that it couldn’t win. “Apple silicon has changed all that,” Keppel tells Inverse. D. Griffin Jones on Extra Ordinary: The Weird, Cyclical State of Mac Gaming

    What We’re Into

    Griffin: Sausage with bell peppers and onions Erfon: Fujifilm X100V rumored successor
  • This week, the Apple Watch is back on sale already — but for how long? Jony Ive is pawning some BIG designers from Apple to work on a secret new AI project. And we close with the rest of our picks for the Best (and Worst) of 2023.

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    This week’s stories:

    Federal court temporarily un-pauses Apple Watch ban

    During the temporary stay on the ban, the court will review Apple’s request. Now the ITC has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a stay.

    Another Apple Designer Joins Jony Ive to Work on Hardware for OpenAI

    Apple's vice president of product design Tang Tan is set to join Sir Jony Ive's LoveFrom to design hardware products for OpenAI. At Apple, Tang Tan is vice president of product design and reports to senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus. Tan is responsible for the design of the iPhone, Apple Watch, accessories, and acoustic devices like AirPods.

    Best of 2023 Round 1:

    Griffin: 404 Media is a journalist-run independent media company with excellent investigative reporting on the hottest tech news. Lewis: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe is a great night stand charger for your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. Erfon: Xbox Game pass is like the Netflix of video games, and with its ever-expanding library of indie, and now, big titles from major studios, it’s finally worth its monthly price.

    Best of 2023 Round 2:

    Griffin: Mastodon is an open-source social media platform that cuts out garbage ads, tracking and algorithms; cutting straight to the high-quality discussions with people you care about. Lewis: TRIGGERnometry Erfon: Juscant is a PC game with a beautiful aesthetic, intuitive climbing mechanics, and mysterious plot.

    Worst of 2023 Round 1:

    Griffin: Michael Darius is a former Apple employee who is selling his meager experience from nearly twenty years ago as some design guru and personal protégé of Steve Jobs. Lewis: Apple service price hikes Erfon: The state of streaming in 2023 is a huge mess. It’s like cable TV all over again.

    Worst of 2023 Round 2:

    Griffin: The feeling of being trusted to drive a stranger's car alone after you only met them earlier that same evening is a bizarre experience I hope to never repeat. Lewis: San Francisco Erfon: Amazon Prime keeps getting more expensive while offering fewer benefits.
  • This week, the Apple Watch is BANNED in the US! We’re also talking bad news about next year’s models and the future of CarPlay that was just announced, followed by new picks for the Best of 2023!

    This episode supported by:

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    This week’s stories:

    It’s the last day to buy Apple Watch from Apple.com before US sales ban [Updated]

    U.S. sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple’s website stopped on December 21.

    Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year's Model

    Next-generation Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering them incompatible with all current bands, according to the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as “Kosutami.”

    Enter to win an iPhone 15 case and screen protector bundle from MagEasy

    Two winners will receive a MagEasy iPhone 15 case of their choice, along with a screen protector. Enter now for your chance to win!

    Porsche and Aston Martin preview gorgeous next-gen Apple CarPlay

    Now we have our first looks at what next-gen Carplay will look like thanks to Porsche and Aston Martin.

    Best of 2023:

    Erfon: Silo. In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo. Lewis: Slow Horses. This quick-witted spy drama follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents—and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb—as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces. Griffin: U.S. Interstate 77 is possibly the greatest highway on the planet, offering two lanes of 70 mph speeds with regular stops, little congestion or traffic, scenic views and a world-class interchange with Interstate 70 — it’s the fastest way to leave Cleveland.
  • This week: Apple just made it harder for the Gov to spy on your phone, iOS 17.3 makes your iPhone a lot harder to steal, and our picks for best (& worst!) gear (& stuff!) of 2023!

    This episode supported by:

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    This week’s stories:

    You can now buy stand-alone USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2… for $99!

    In September, Apple introduced a tweaked version of AirPods Pro 2 that comes with a charging case with a USB-C port. The MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) joined the online Apple store Wednesday.

    Apple makes ‘push notification spying’ more difficult

    Governments will find push notification spying harder to do now that they no longer enjoy easy access to records of push notifications sent to iPhone users. Apple changed its policy so that law enforcement and other government agencies need a court order to obtain this data.

    How Apple plans to ramp up iOS security for stolen iPhones

    The just-released iOS 17.3 beta 1 includes a surprise feature: Stolen Device Protection. The option makes it harder to reset the passcode on a stolen device if the thief already knows the current passcode. There are also new password protections.

    Why Google Play courtroom loss could hurt Apple, too

    Epic Games convinced a federal jury that the Google Play store for Android applications is an illegal monopoly. The decision might have wide repercussions.

    Apple reportedly offers to open iPhone NFC to other payment systems

    The days of the iPhone’s NFC capabilities being limited to just Apple Pay could be coming to an end. Apple is reportedly open to allowing other systems to use the wireless payment system.

    Best of 2023:

    Erfon: Matter is the best new smart home technology that brings all your devices together seamlessly. Lewis: The Last of Us is a show on Max about a hardened survivor (Pedro Pascal) taking care of a 14-year-old girl (Bella Ramsey) who may be humanity’s last hope. Griffin: Music, a great way to experience art in the form of rhythmic sounds, vocalizations and instruments. The Roland Cube 30X was designed for listening to music.

    Worst of 2023:

    Griffin: The KUXIU X55 is a garbage cheap plastic version of my favorite 3-in-1 charger, the KUXIU X40. Lewis: Apple predictive text makes confusing and erratic changes as you type. Erfon: The second-generation HomePod fails to live up to the premium listening experience of the original.