<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms">Send us a text!</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Sl61xtQVY'>Watch this episode on YouTube</a>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 <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/728/support.thecultcast.com'>support.thecultcast.com</a> — or unsubscribe at <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/728/unfork.thecultcast.com'>unfork.thecultcast.com</a>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 <a href='https://cultcloth.co/'>CultCloth.co</a>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 <a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'>nordlayer.com/cultcast</a>.This week’s stories:<a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/alan-dye-joins-meta'>Apple design chief quits for Meta. Some say good riddance!</a><ul><li>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?</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/meet-apples-new-ui-design-chief-stephen-lamay'>Meet Apple’s new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called ‘Margaret’</a><ul><li>Meet Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, and learn why Steve Jobs called him “Margaret.”</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-replaces-ai-chief-fix-apple-intelligence'>Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence</a><ul><li>Apple&apos;s AI chief is out after a string of failures. Learn about the new leadership for the company&apos;s critical AI development efforts.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-silicon-might-soon-have-an-intel-inside-again'>Macs might soon have Intel inside again — but there’s a twist</a><ul><li>In a surprising shift in Apple&apos;s chip strategy, Intel will reportedly fabricate low-end M-series chips for future MacBook Air and iPad Pro.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/apple-music-replay'>How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025</a><ul><li>Apple Music Replay is where you find your most-played songs, artists and albums from 2025. Here&apos;s how to find it.</li><li><a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/dgriffinjones'>Griffin on Apple Music</a></li><li><a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/LewisWallace'>Lewis on Apple Music</a></li><li><a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/lkahney'>Leander on Apple Music</a></li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Sl61xtQVY'&gt;Watch this episode on YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This episode supported by:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/728/support.thecultcast.com'&gt;support.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt; — or unsubscribe at &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/728/unfork.thecultcast.com'&gt;unfork.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='https://cultcloth.co/'&gt;CultCloth.co&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;b&gt;cultcast-28&lt;/b&gt;. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at &lt;a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'&gt;nordlayer.com/cultcast&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This week’s stories:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/alan-dye-joins-meta'&gt;Apple design chief quits for Meta. Some say good riddance!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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?&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/meet-apples-new-ui-design-chief-stephen-lamay'&gt;Meet Apple’s new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called ‘Margaret’&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Meet Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, and learn why Steve Jobs called him “Margaret.”&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-replaces-ai-chief-fix-apple-intelligence'&gt;Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Apple&amp;apos;s AI chief is out after a string of failures. Learn about the new leadership for the company&amp;apos;s critical AI development efforts.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-silicon-might-soon-have-an-intel-inside-again'&gt;Macs might soon have Intel inside again — but there’s a twist&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;In a surprising shift in Apple&amp;apos;s chip strategy, Intel will reportedly fabricate low-end M-series chips for future MacBook Air and iPad Pro.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/apple-music-replay'&gt;How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Apple Music Replay is where you find your most-played songs, artists and albums from 2025. Here&amp;apos;s how to find it.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/dgriffinjones'&gt;Griffin on Apple Music&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/LewisWallace'&gt;Lewis on Apple Music&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/profile/lkahney'&gt;Leander on Apple Music&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

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 g...

more like alan BYE 👋 (CultCast #728)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms">Send us a text!</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQxTTgcCM30'>Watch this episode on YouTube</a>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 <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/727/support.thecultcast.com'>support.thecultcast.com</a> — or unsubscribe at <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/727/unfork.thecultcast.com'>unfork.thecultcast.com</a>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 <a href='https://cultcloth.co/'>CultCloth.co</a>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 <a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'>nordlayer.com/cultcast</a>.This week’s stories:<a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ios-27-focuses-on-bugs'>iOS 27 focuses on the one feature every iPhone user wants most</a><ul><li>With iOS 27, Apple is making the absolute best move it can to improve the iPhone. The same goes for Macs running macOS 27.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/android-quick-share-now-works-with-apple-airdrop'>File sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop</a><ul><li>Google updated its Quick Share feature to allow wireless direct file sharing between Android and iPhone users.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-store-black-friday-shopping-event-2025'>Why you might want to pass on Apple’s Black Friday deals</a><ul><li>An Apple Store shopping event kicks off on Black Friday, but you should probably shop elsewhere. Here&apos;s why.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-week-apple-deals-sale-2025'>Black Friday week Apple sales are here — check out the best deals</a><ul><li>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.</li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-2025-iphone-deals'>iPhone deals</a></li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-macbook-deals-sale-2025'>MacBook deals</a></li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-ipad-deals-sale-2025'>iPad deals</a></li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/best-black-friday-airpods-deals-2025'>AirPods deals</a></li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-apple-watch-deals-sale-2025'>Apple Watch deals</a></li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/change-mac-icons'>Give your Mac a makeover with custom icons</a><ul><li>Unique Mac icons are a great way to customize your machine. Learn how to change Mac icons for folders, apps, disks, files and more.</li></ul>Review: <a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT5WW5JM/?tag=cult087-20'>ViewSonic VP2788-5K</a><ul><li>ViewSonic’s offering has the best balance of build quality, connectivity options, display panel and price.</li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQxTTgcCM30'&gt;Watch this episode on YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This episode supported by:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/727/support.thecultcast.com'&gt;support.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt; — or unsubscribe at &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/727/unfork.thecultcast.com'&gt;unfork.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='https://cultcloth.co/'&gt;CultCloth.co&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;b&gt;cultcast-28&lt;/b&gt;. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at &lt;a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'&gt;nordlayer.com/cultcast&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This week’s stories:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ios-27-focuses-on-bugs'&gt;iOS 27 focuses on the one feature every iPhone user wants most&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;With iOS 27, Apple is making the absolute best move it can to improve the iPhone. The same goes for Macs running macOS 27.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/android-quick-share-now-works-with-apple-airdrop'&gt;File sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Google updated its Quick Share feature to allow wireless direct file sharing between Android and iPhone users.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-store-black-friday-shopping-event-2025'&gt;Why you might want to pass on Apple’s Black Friday deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;An Apple Store shopping event kicks off on Black Friday, but you should probably shop elsewhere. Here&amp;apos;s why.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-week-apple-deals-sale-2025'&gt;Black Friday week Apple sales are here — check out the best deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-2025-iphone-deals'&gt;iPhone deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-macbook-deals-sale-2025'&gt;MacBook deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-ipad-deals-sale-2025'&gt;iPad deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/best-black-friday-airpods-deals-2025'&gt;AirPods deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/deals/black-friday-apple-watch-deals-sale-2025'&gt;Apple Watch deals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/change-mac-icons'&gt;Give your Mac a makeover with custom icons&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Unique Mac icons are a great way to customize your machine. Learn how to change Mac icons for folders, apps, disks, files and more.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Review: &lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT5WW5JM/?tag=cult087-20'&gt;ViewSonic VP2788-5K&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;ViewSonic’s offering has the best balance of build quality, connectivity options, display panel and price.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

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 best thing coming in iOS 27 is… (CultCast #727)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms">Send us a text!</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wspKjtHbnd8'>Watch this episode on YouTube</a>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.comNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code cultcast-28. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at <a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'>nordlayer.com/cultcast</a>.This week’s stories:<a href='https://www.ebay.com/itm/267474355980'>Griffin’s M5 Vision Pro on eBay</a><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-board-preparing-for-a-post-tim-cook-era'>Apple preps for a post–Tim Cook era</a><ul><li>Apple may be nearing a CEO transition, with a report claiming the board is stepping up its search for a Tim Cook replacement.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/iphone-side-button-will-soon-get-a-quiet-upgrade'>iPhone side button will soon get a quiet upgrade</a><ul><li>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).</li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/vocal-shortcuts'>Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts</a></li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-throws-mac-pro-under-the-bus-again'>Apple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again</a><ul><li>Apple&apos;s ill-fated Mac Pro might not get an M5 Ultra upgrade in 2026, with the company pushing the Mac Studio instead.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-iphone-pocket-is-a-huge-hit'>Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit</a><ul><li>If you didn&apos;t move quickly, you missed your chance to get an iPhone Pocket on launch day. The accessory divides Apple fans, though.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/iphone-loving-thieves-return-androids'>London’s iPhone-loving thieves ‘don’t want no Samsung’ for a reason</a><ul><li>In a surprising twist in the smartphone wars, iPhone-craving thieves reject low-value Androids like Samung on the mean streets of London.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/setups/desk-setups-you-wish-you-could-afford'>Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford</a><ul><li>Sure, maybe you can&apos;t afford thousands of dollars for a desk setup worth drooling over, but it&apos;s still fun to look, right?</li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/setups/m2-ultra-mac-pro-with-pro-display-xdr-setup'>In our dreams: Studio Displays flank Pro Display XDR in M2 Ultra Mac Pro rig</a></li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wspKjtHbnd8'&gt;Watch this episode on YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This episode supported by:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;b&gt;cultcast-28&lt;/b&gt;. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at &lt;a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'&gt;nordlayer.com/cultcast&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This week’s stories:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.ebay.com/itm/267474355980'&gt;Griffin’s M5 Vision Pro on eBay&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-board-preparing-for-a-post-tim-cook-era'&gt;Apple preps for a post–Tim Cook era&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Apple may be nearing a CEO transition, with a report claiming the board is stepping up its search for a Tim Cook replacement.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/iphone-side-button-will-soon-get-a-quiet-upgrade'&gt;iPhone side button will soon get a quiet upgrade&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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).&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/vocal-shortcuts'&gt;Automate your iPhone by voice alone via Vocal Shortcuts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-throws-mac-pro-under-the-bus-again'&gt;Apple throws Mac Pro under the bus … again&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Apple&amp;apos;s ill-fated Mac Pro might not get an M5 Ultra upgrade in 2026, with the company pushing the Mac Studio instead.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-iphone-pocket-is-a-huge-hit'&gt;Apple’s most controversial product in years is a huge hit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you didn&amp;apos;t move quickly, you missed your chance to get an iPhone Pocket on launch day. The accessory divides Apple fans, though.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/iphone-loving-thieves-return-androids'&gt;London’s iPhone-loving thieves ‘don’t want no Samsung’ for a reason&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;In a surprising twist in the smartphone wars, iPhone-craving thieves reject low-value Androids like Samung on the mean streets of London.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/setups/desk-setups-you-wish-you-could-afford'&gt;Top 10 high-end Apple setups you wish you could afford&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Sure, maybe you can&amp;apos;t afford thousands of dollars for a desk setup worth drooling over, but it&amp;apos;s still fun to look, right?&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/setups/m2-ultra-mac-pro-with-pro-display-xdr-setup'&gt;In our dreams: Studio Displays flank Pro Display XDR in M2 Ultra Mac Pro rig&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

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 availa...

The last three months of CEO Tim Cook? (CultCast #726)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms">Send us a text!</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-po19pludDI'>Watch this episode on YouTube</a>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.comNordLayer is an easy to use and easy to set up security platform for businesses. Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code cultcast-28. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at <a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'>nordlayer.com/cultcast</a>.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 <a href='https://clnmy.com/CultCast'>clnmy.com/CultCast</a>This week’s stories:<a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apples-latest-accessory-is-a-designer-pocket-for-your-iphone'>Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone</a><ul><li>Apple unveils the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted iPhone accessory designed in collaboration with Japan&apos;s Issey Miyake.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-just-created-a-whole-new-type-of-digital-id'>Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID</a><ul><li>Forget turning your driver’s license into a digital ID, now you can add your passport info to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/tesla-plans-to-add-carplay'>Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs</a><ul><li>After years of avoidance, Tesla plans to add CarPlay to its electric vehicles to boost sales. That&apos;s a big win for Apple.</li></ul>Genius Mixes<ul><li><a href='https://support.apple.com/guide/music/use-genius-musbe3694c1b/mac'>Use Genius Shuffle or Genius Playlists in Music on Mac</a></li><li><a href='https://support.apple.com/guide/itunes/use-itunes-genius-itns22073/windows'>Use Genius Shuffle, Genius Playlists, or Genius Mixes in iTunes on PC</a></li><li><a href='https://support.apple.com/en-us/109336'>Let Autoplay pick what plays next</a></li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/reviews/kuxiu-x40-turbo-review'>Kuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy</a><ul><li>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.</li><li><a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNMP9W2X/?tag=cult087-20'>Buy on Amazon</a></li></ul><a href='https://tv.apple.com/us/show/pluribus/umc.cmc.37axgovs2yozlyh3c2cmwzlza'>Pluribus on Apple TV</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-po19pludDI'&gt;Watch this episode on YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This episode supported by:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;b&gt;cultcast-28&lt;/b&gt;. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee at &lt;a href='https://nordlayer.com/cultcast/'&gt;nordlayer.com/cultcast&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='https://clnmy.com/CultCast'&gt;clnmy.com/CultCast&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This week’s stories:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apples-latest-accessory-is-a-designer-pocket-for-your-iphone'&gt;Apple’s latest accessory is a designer pocket for your iPhone&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Apple unveils the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted iPhone accessory designed in collaboration with Japan&amp;apos;s Issey Miyake.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-just-created-a-whole-new-type-of-digital-id'&gt;Apple just created a whole new type of Digital ID&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Forget turning your driver’s license into a digital ID, now you can add your passport info to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/tesla-plans-to-add-carplay'&gt;Tesla finally plans to add CarPlay to its EVs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;After years of avoidance, Tesla plans to add CarPlay to its electric vehicles to boost sales. That&amp;apos;s a big win for Apple.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Genius Mixes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://support.apple.com/guide/music/use-genius-musbe3694c1b/mac'&gt;Use Genius Shuffle or Genius Playlists in Music on Mac&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://support.apple.com/guide/itunes/use-itunes-genius-itns22073/windows'&gt;Use Genius Shuffle, Genius Playlists, or Genius Mixes in iTunes on PC&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://support.apple.com/en-us/109336'&gt;Let Autoplay pick what plays next&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/reviews/kuxiu-x40-turbo-review'&gt;Kuxiu X40 Turbo: The best, fastest 3-in-1 charger money can buy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNMP9W2X/?tag=cult087-20'&gt;Buy on Amazon&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://tv.apple.com/us/show/pluribus/umc.cmc.37axgovs2yozlyh3c2cmwzlza'&gt;Pluribus on Apple TV&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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...

iPhone Pocket — What was Apple thinking? (CultCast #725)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms">Send us a text!</a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1s0ecG2HB4'>Watch this episode on YouTube</a>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 <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/724/support.thecultcast.com'>support.thecultcast.com</a> — or unsubscribe at <a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/724/unfork.thecultcast.com'>unfork.thecultcast.com</a>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 <a href='https://nordstellar.com/cultcast'>NordStellar.com/CultCast</a>. 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 <a href='https://factormeals.com/cultcast50off'>FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off</a> 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:<a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-developing-low-cost-laptop'>Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’</a><ul><li>With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, the PC industry should definitely be worried.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/upgrading-siri-with-google-gemini-will-be-1-billion-quick-fix'>Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix</a><ul><li>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.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/upgrading-siri-with-google-gemini-will-be-1-billion-quick-fix'>Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem</a><ul><li>Want an iPhone Air wide-angle camera? That could come in the second generation, partly addressing a big criticism of the slim handset.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/how-a-battle-for-your-dashboard-threatens-carplays-future'>How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future</a><ul><li>Despite CarPlay&apos;s ongoing popularity, its future is under threat. Automakers can&apos;t resist the profit they see in providing their own services.</li></ul><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ios-26-1-update'>5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss</a><ul><li>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.</li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/ipad-slide-over-returns-in-ipados-26-1'>Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1</a></li><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/guide/ios-26-1-new-features'>Everything new in iOS 26.1</a></li><li>YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUQxnl8TFk'>Everything new in iOS 26.1</a></li></ul>AirPods Pro Mad Libs<ul><li><a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/AirPods-Pro-3-Mad-Libs.png'>Article screenshot</a></li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453212/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1s0ecG2HB4'&gt;Watch this episode on YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This episode supported by:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/724/support.thecultcast.com'&gt;support.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt; — or unsubscribe at &lt;a href='file:///Users/Griffin/Documents/2025/Cult%20of%20Mac/CultCast/724/unfork.thecultcast.com'&gt;unfork.thecultcast.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;b&gt;cultcast-10&lt;/b&gt; at &lt;a href='https://nordstellar.com/cultcast'&gt;NordStellar.com/CultCast&lt;/a&gt;. Just mention it to NordStellar!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Factor Meals. Treat yourself to Factor’s delicious, high-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered right to your door. Head over to &lt;a href='https://factormeals.com/cultcast50off'&gt;FactorMeals.com/CultCast50off&lt;/a&gt; and use code &lt;b&gt;cultcast50off&lt;/b&gt; to get 50% off plus free breakfast for one year (with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This week’s stories:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-developing-low-cost-laptop'&gt;Apple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, the PC industry should definitely be worried.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/upgrading-siri-with-google-gemini-will-be-1-billion-quick-fix'&gt;Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini will be $1 billion quick fix&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/upgrading-siri-with-google-gemini-will-be-1-billion-quick-fix'&gt;Next iPhone Air could fix its camera problem&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Want an iPhone Air wide-angle camera? That could come in the second generation, partly addressing a big criticism of the slim handset.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/how-a-battle-for-your-dashboard-threatens-carplays-future'&gt;How a battle for your dashboard threatens CarPlay’s future&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Despite CarPlay&amp;apos;s ongoing popularity, its future is under threat. Automakers can&amp;apos;t resist the profit they see in providing their own services.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ios-26-1-update'&gt;5 new features in iOS 26.1 you don’t want to miss&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;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.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/ipad-slide-over-returns-in-ipados-26-1'&gt;Thank goodness Slide Over is back in iPadOS 26.1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/guide/ios-26-1-new-features'&gt;Everything new in iOS 26.1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;YouTube: &lt;a href='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUQxnl8TFk'&gt;Everything new in iOS 26.1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;AirPods Pro Mad Libs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/AirPods-Pro-3-Mad-Libs.png'&gt;Article screenshot&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

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 ...

Upgrading Siri with Google Gemini (CultCast #724)

The CultCast covers each week’s best Apple stories, tech news, and accessories—but more importantly—we do it with pizzaz. Why listen to another dreary tech program? Tune in to the CultCast each week for a healthy dose of Apple and tech news, jokes gone wrong, and unending tangents.

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