Cult of Mac

This week: Tons of new details on the awesome iPhones coming this fall, months-long delays are hitting the Mac mini and Mac Studio, possibly existential news for the MacBook Neo, how to get stunning space wallpapers, and the best Mac Studio setup of all time!Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:First look: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold ‘dummy’ units appear in new leakGet a first glimpse at iPhone 18 dummy units, including the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Plus the folding iPhone, too.iPhone Fold may face delays due to engineering challengesApple’s folding iPhone might ditch expected brandingMac mini and Mac Studio face long shipping delaysMac mini and Mac Studio orders are facing unusually long shipping delays, stretching up to 4-5 months. This could hint at an upcoming M5 refresh or supply constraints.Biggest problem with the MacBook Neo? It’s too popular!Apple has a problem that other companies can only dream of — it might completely sell out of the MacBook Neo. Here's why.AirPods Max 2 are gorgeous, dreamy headphones — for nowYou don’t need to be a big audiophile to love AirPods Max 2. But you must be a little bold to buy them yourself. Our AirPods Max 2 review.How to put stunning Artemis II moon wallpapers on your iPhone, iPad or MacIf you love the space photography coming from the Orion spacecraft, find out how to put Artemis II moon wallpapers on your devices.Download the LunarWall shortcutPower to burn: Top 10 Mac Studio setupsApple's powerful and compact desktop machine has wowed users since it came out in 2022. Behold the top 10 Mac Studio setups we've seen.Powerful Mac Studio drives epic ultra-wide displayListener QuestionMore on iPad vs. MacBook Neo: What about security?

This week: Griffin’s first impressions of the AirPods Max 2, we bid farewell to the Mac Pro by honoring a top setup, and our celebration of Apple’s 50th birthday.Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:First impressions with AirPods MaxAirPods Max 2 are the surprise update to Apple’s premium over-the-ear headphones. Now in feature parity with the regular AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, the price makes some kind of sense.Ultimate power: Top 9 Mac Pro setupsTruly the stuff of dreams, the top 9 Mac Pro setups from Cult of Mac's archives showcase the Apple flagship desktop's amazing power.Two ‘trash can’ Macs form core of nerdy workstation built to lastApple quietly kills Mac Pro50 years of the most important Apple productsApple produces plenty of hits, but you don't know them all. These are the most important Apple products of the company's first 50 years.Our first Apple products: How we joined the Cult of MacApple's 50th anniversary makes us look back on how we got started using various Macintosh computers decades ago. Here's how it all began.

This week: What the new Siri will actually do, WWDC26 is official, the grim reaper of services revenue is coming for Apple Maps, the top features of iOS 26.4 and the iPad Air versus the MacBook Neo!Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:What the new, AI-powered Siri will look like (and do) in iOS 27Apple plans a total revamp of Siri in iOS 27 that turns the beleaguered voice assistant into an AI chatbot (and maybe a standalone app).From 2024: Apple Intelligence is AI, done Apple’s wayApple sets June dates for WWDC26 and its next major software updatesApple sets June dates for WWDC26, its major conference where it will unveil the next versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS.Apple plans to bring ads to Maps app this summerSeems like it had to happen eventually, right? Apple plans to bring ads to Maps on all devices and online, probably in summer 2026.Everything new in iOS 26.4: Emoji, Apple Music features and moreiOS 26.4 brings a bunch of great new features to your iPhone: new emoji, Apple Music Concerts, Playlist Playground, video podcasts and more.British Punk Anthems: From '70s to NowThanksgiving Harmonies: From Eve to BlessingsListener QuestionShould you buy a MacBook or iPad?

This week, with special guest Christina Warren: The surprise drop of AirPods Max 2, a deep dive on OpenClaw and agentic coding, and our final thoughts after a full week with the Studio Display XDR, MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e!Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:AirPods Max 2 pack AI-powered listening and stronger noise cancellationH2-chip-powered AirPods Max 2 enhance sound quality and noise cancellation and bring new features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation.The MacBook Neo is the fantastic new Mac for the massesThis will be a lot of people’s first Mac, and they’ll be very happy. A hands-on review of the MacBook Neo leaves us highly impressed.The Studio Display XDR is the final boss of all Mac displaysApple’s new flagship desktop display, the Studio Display XDR stands high in a class of its own. And for, like, half as much money.The iPhone 17e, now a solid budget phone with minimal compromiseThe iPhone 17e is a slight upgrade that makes all the difference. Now with MagSafe, it doesn’t have many compromises.

This week: We go hands-on with the new Studio Display XDR, MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e! Also: The Neo has everyone freaking out, bad news about the M6 MacBook Pro and new emoji coming in iOS 26.4.Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:Hands-on with the Studio Display XDR, MacBook Neo and iPhone 17eAnother PC maker sounds alarm as MacBook Neo shakes up industryWe recently wrote about how $599 MacBook Neo could shake up the PC industry. Now more laptop makers are freaking out.MacBook Ultra rumored as Apple’s most expensive laptop yetApple’s next big MacBook Pro refresh could bring an OLED touchscreen, but it may also come with a higher price tag and an "Ultra" moniker.iOS 26.4 beta 4 gives us first look at Apple’s new emojiApple continues testing iOS 26.4 with the release of beta 4, with the new build adding eight new emojis and renaming a new feature.Listener QuestionWho should buy a MacBook Neo?

Leander speaks to David Pogue, renowned author and technology journalist, about his new book, Apple: The First 50 Years.Watch this interview on YouTubeLinks:Buy Apple: The First 50 YearsBookshop.orgBarnes & NobleAmazonMacintosh PortablePowerBook 100 seriesThe Apple CarPowerBook DuoiMac G3The Death of Mac OS 9Noah Wyle as Steve Jobs

This week: Our reactions to Apple’s mad week of announcements — the good and bad from the iPhone 17e, the iPad Air, the incredible M5 MacBooks, the shocking new Studio Displays, and the all-new MacBook Neo. Plus, we’ll grade our predictions from last week!Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:A18 Pro-powered MacBook Neo brings power at lowest price everThe new MacBook Neo, powered by an A18 Pro chip, is Apple’s most affordable laptop ever, at $599 — just $499 for education.MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips deliver major performance leapApple's newest M5 Pro and M5 Max-equipped MacBook Pros arrive, delivering unrivaled performance and additional storage.M5 Pro and M5 Max ‘super cores’ supercharge new MacsStudio Display XDR arrives with mini-LED backlighting and 5K clarityIntroducing the Studio Display XDR: Apple's new premium monitor for professionals with mini-LED backlighting and Thunderbolt 5.iPhone 17e doubles built-in storage, adds MagSafeThe new iPhone 17e includes improvements — like double the starting storage capacity — that make it an even better value.M5 MacBook Air ramps up speed, storage and connectivityWith M5 MacBook Air's launch, Apple's top-selling laptop gains speed, storage and improved wireless networking without any design changes.4 key upgrades make new M4 iPad Air a beastThe new M4 iPad Air features a faster processor, more RAM, new Apple wireless chips and other enhancements to Apple's midrange tablet.March 2026 PredictionsCongratulations to the two listeners who scored 7 points: Damian, and now four-time winner Michael Dennis.

This week, with special guest Casey Liss: Thanks to the success of Cosmic Orange, new colors are coming to iPhone 18 Pro, but they’re a bit WTF, the super clever way the first touchscreen Macs will work, exciting changes in iOS 26.4 beta 2, an even weirder keyboard setup than last week’s, plus our predictions for next week’s Apple announcements!Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSubmit your answers to the March 2026 prediction gameSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:iPhone 18 Pro may double down on bold colorsApple reportedly plans a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro, following the strong response to cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro.New interface will be key to touchscreen Macs’ successBuilding a touchscreen into the MacBook Pro will require changes to macOS 27. We just got the first hints of the needed modifications.iOS 26.4 beta 2: All the new features and changesApple continues testing iOS 26.4 with the release of beta 2, and the update brings more than just minor tweaks.Callsheet: Find Cast & CrewCallsheet is the best way to quickly look up information about the cast and crew in TV and movies. It respects your time, doesn't try to sell you stuff you don't need, and is designed to answer your questions quickly and easily.15 coolest (and weirdest) keyboards in Mac setupsWe picked out the 15 coolest (and weirdest) keyboards for Mac setups, including ergonomic wonders and highly customizable options for gamers.Keeping it weird with a ‘dual-display laptop’ and an ortholinear keyboardMarch 2026 PredictionsFor the first time in 2026 (and on the new Cult of Mac podcast) we will lay down our predictions for Apple’s not-an-Event event.Submit your responses hereAftershow: Accidental Transportation PodcastThird-gen Ford Ranger / Mazda B-seriesBMW 3 Series (E90)BMW i4Second-gen Range RoverVolvo XC90Third-gen Toyota PriusFord F-150 Lightning

This week: Apple’s got an "event" coming up in the first week of March! We’ll get into what we think it is. Also: Apple’s fast-tracking three wearable AI products and one of them is already a known bust, some big changes in iOS 26.4, a truly genius MacBook Air setup, and our hands-on with a great iPhone game controller for the rest of us.Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions, feedback or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:Apple just announced its March event — here’s what could be comingGet ready for the Apple March event! We're looking forward to new MacBooks, iPads, an iPhone and possibly more announcements.3 game-changing AI wearables Apple is rushing to launchApple is putting the pedal to the metal as it rushes to produce new types of AI-powered wearable devices — smart glasses, upgraded AirPods and an AirTag-size pendant.iOS 26.4 beta 1: All the new features and changesApple has kicked off testing for iOS 26.4, with the update bringing more than just minor fixes. Here’s what’s new in iOS 26.4 beta 1.Top 10 MacBook Air setupsOur collection of the top 10 MacBook Air setups really shows why the sleek machine is the world's best-selling laptop.‘Headless’ MacBook Air runs alongside retro MacsListener QuestionWhy do we censor swearing?Upgrade iPhone gaming for cheap with GameSir X5s controllerThe GameSir X5s is a great and affordable way to upgrade mobile gaming. Your phone slides in and gives you console-quality physical controls.

This week: The new Siri is slipping yet again — but that’s a good thing, Eddy Cue pulls the plug on Apple’s AI doctor, more new AirPods Pro are on the way, the best multi-Mac setups, and we’ve got a great tip for the Messages app.Watch this episode on YouTubeSend us a text with comments, questions and feedback; or a video to play on the show: cultofmacpodcast@icloud.comSponsors:The Cult of Mac Today and Weekender newsletters. Cult of Mac Today is a rundown of the top daily news, plus reviews and how-tos, with commentary by Leander himself. And the Weekender is an easy-to-digest roundup of the week’s top stories. Sign up at newsletters.cultofmac.com.Links:M5 Pro MacBook Pro release date just became clearerAfter weeks of speculation, Apple’s M5 Pro MacBook Pros may finally be on the horizon. A fresh report offers the clearest launch window yet.That Siri upgrade coming in iOS 26.4? Don’t get your hopes up.iOS 26.4 may not live up to expectations. Apple is struggling to complete a long-delayed artificial intelligence upgrade for Siri.Apple shifts AI health coach plans to new focusA new decision by Eddy Cue means Apple shifts AI health coach plans to focus on incremental Health app updates.Next AirPods Pro’s new cameras could see your surroundingsA new leak says new cameras in upcoming AirPods Pro 4 could see around the user. Look for them sometime in 2026.Maximum fun: Top 10 multi-Mac setupsFor Apple enthusiasts, one Mac is great — but two or more? That’s when things get seriously interesting.Developer dual-Mac dance: Mac mini and MacBook AirListener QuestionWill AI actually eliminate white collar jobs?6 great features in Messages in iOS 26Get to know the great new features in Messages in iOS 26: polls, background images, group Apple Cash payments and so much more.Short YouTube video