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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… Sponsors NordStellar Most 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. Squarespace If 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. CultCloth Keep your gadgets, glasses, and more sparkling clean with CultCloth, premium grade cleaning cloths available only at CultCloth.co. Support the CultCast! Fork over $5 a month, show papa ERF you care, at support.thecultcloth.com. This week’s stories M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/m5-pro-max-macbook-pro-imminent/ Report: OLED MacBook Pro to Launch This Year https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/report-oled-macbook-pro-to-launch-this-year/ iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/ios-26-3-and-ios-26-4-features/ Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/apple-second-biggest-acquisition/ Xcode 26.3 Lets AI Agents From Anthropic and OpenAI Build Apps Autonomously https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/xcode-26-3-agentic-coding/ Apple's Studio Display 2 Rumored to Have Up to 90Hz Refresh Rate Instead of 120Hz https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/04/apple-studio-display-2-unusual-feature-rumor/

Send us a text! This week: Our sponsors support.thecultcast.com unfork.thecultcast.com CultClub Join us in the CultClub (it's totally free!) This week's stories Apple Creator Studio review: Incredible value for most creative pros https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/28/apple-creator-studio-review-incredible-value-for-most-creative-pros 10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2 https://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 Year https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/25/macbook-pro-two-upgrades-in-2026-rumor/ Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/25/rumored-apple-products/ Google Brings Cheaper $7.99 'AI Plus' Plan to 35 Countries, Including U.S. https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/27/google-ai-plus-plan-expansion/

Send us a text! Watch this episode on YouTube This week: Siri’s growing up as a proper chatbot, Apple copies the raging success of the Humane Ai Pin, why your next Mac might cost even more, how you can make your Mac hot, and a truly bizarre prison-inspired user setup. The new Cult of Mac podcast: Apple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsOvercastCastroRSS feedAmazon MusicPocket CastsPodcast AddictDeezerPlayer FMPodchaserListen NotesCastboxGoodpodsMetacastLinks: Apple may reinvent Siri as a conversational AI in iOS 27Apple works on AI wearable with mics, cameras and moreWhy Apple faces new pressure to raise iPhone and Mac pricesMacBook Pros disappear from stores — here’s whySpeed up your Mac workflow with Hot Corners, the feature pro users swear byHands-on with a folding iPhone mock-up: This thing is weirdHow these brilliantly lit setups strike a mood for work or gamingRGB hues bathe Beatles-themed retro Apple rig in otherworldly light

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 sponsors Squarespace Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout Factor Head 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 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

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! Watch this episode on YouTube 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! The new Cult of Mac podcast: Apple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsOvercastCastroRSS feedAmazon MusicPocket CastsPodcast AddictDeezerPlayer FMPodchaserListen NotesCastboxGoodpodsMetacastThis week’s stories: It’s official — Google Gemini will power Siri’s major AI overhaulGemini-powered Siri reportedly will gain these capabilitiesNew Apple Creator Studio subscription gives you 6 incredible apps for low priceOpenAI’s first device might take on AirPodsHands-on with a folding iPhone mock-up: This thing is weird

Send us a text! THIS WEEK CultClub Join us in the CultClub (it's totally free!) Our sponsors CleanMyMac CleanMyMac 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/CULTCAST Factor Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50off and use code cultcast50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. 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

Send us a text! The new Cult of Mac podcast: Apple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsOvercastCastroRSS feedAmazon MusicPocket CastsPodcast AddictDeezerPlayer FMPodchaserListen NotesCastboxGoodpodsMetacastThis week’s stories: Samsung teases the foldable iPhone’s biggest upgradeDecorating your iPhone with tiny stickers is 2026’s hot new trendThis is the weirdest auction of Steve Jobs memorabilia we’ve ever seenNew fitness app Reps & Sets 26 gets serious about strength trainingReps & Sets 26 on the App StoreTop 10 Apple setups of 2025Turn your M4 Mac mini into a small-but-mighty ‘Mac Pro’

Send us a text! 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/ ---------> Join us in the CultClub! <---------- Sponsors Squarespace Squarespace.com/cultcast for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code CultCast at checkout. Hello Fresh Go 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 YouTube This is the last show with Leander, Lewis and Griffin — we’re here to review the biggest news stories, rumors, leaks and madness of 2025. We’re going to talk about everything that happened in 2025 in extreme detail and wonderful nuance. Specifically, of Apple. This week’s stories: The new Cult of Mac podcast Apple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsOvercastCastroRSS feedHeadlineAmazon MusicPocket CastsPodcast AddictDeezerPlayer FMPodchaserListen NotesCastboxGoodpodsMetacast2025 was huge for Apple — here’s why Introducing iPhone Pocket: a beautiful way to wear and carry iPhone

Send us a text! Watch this episode on YouTube 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 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 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 This week’s stories: iMac Pro could make an epic M5 Max-powered comeback 20th anniversary iPhone’s display might wrap around all four sides iOS 26.4 features surface in new internal Apple leak Secret trick will stop your iPhone from updating to iOS 26 — forever! How to control volume with your Apple TV remote

Send us a text! 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 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 HelloFresh is the #1 meal kit in America making home cooking easier with chef-crafted recipes and fresh ingredients delivered straight to your door. Go to HelloFresh.com/CultCast10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! This week’s stories: Why you’ll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub The one executive Apple is fighting to keep ProMotion and HDR could finally make Studio Display a true pro tool for creators How to convert an old iMac into a 5K monitor for less than $200How to ping your lost Apple Watch from your iPhone Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Send us a text! 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 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 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: Apple design chief quits for Meta. Some say good riddance! Meet Apple’s new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called ‘Margaret’ Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence Macs might soon have Intel inside again — but there’s a twist How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025 Griffin on Apple MusicLewis on Apple MusicLeander 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 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: iOS 27 focuses on the one feature every iPhone user wants most File sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop Why you might want to pass on Apple’s Black Friday deals Black Friday week Apple sales are here — check out the best deals iPhone dealsMacBook dealsiPad dealsAirPods dealsApple Watch dealsGive your Mac a makeover with custom icons Review: ViewSonic VP2788-5K

Send us a text! 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 iPhone side button will soon get a quiet upgrade Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal ShortcutsApple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit London’s iPhone-loving thieves ‘don’t want no Samsung’ for a reason Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford In our dreams: Studio Displays flank Pro Display XDR in M2 Ultra Mac Pro rig

Send us a text! Watch this episode on YouTube 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. 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 This week’s stories: Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs Genius Mixes Use Genius Shuffle or Genius Playlists in Music on MacUse Genius Shuffle, Genius Playlists, or Genius Mixes in iTunes on PCLet Autoplay pick what plays nextKuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy Buy on AmazonPluribus on Apple TV

Send us a text! Watch this episode on YouTube 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 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! 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: Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’ Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future 5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1Everything new in iOS 26.1Everything new in iOS 26.1AirPods Pro Mad Libs Article screenshot