Lewis Wallace is the managing editor of Cult of Mac and author of our weekly newsletter, The Weekender.
He's a San Francisco-based writer and editor specializing in technology and culture. He loves his iPhone, hates Siri, and appreciates any hardware that combines form and function.
Prior to Cult of Mac, he juggled words and ideas as culture editor at Wired.com, homepage editor at TechTV, news product manager at NBCi, copy editor at PC World, reporter at The (Hayward) Daily Review and editor in chief of EveryBody's News in Cincinnati.
He earned a bachelor of general studies degree with a journalism certificate from the University of Cincinnati. While in school, he worked as the entertainment editor of The News Record and as editor in chief of Clifton Magazine.
Brendan Hunt, aka Coach Beard, left, says we might not have seen the last of Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis). Photo: Apple TV+
Ted Lasso, the comedy that became the first surprise Apple TV+ hit, earned rave reviews with its recent series finale — and now Apple CEO Tim cook wants more!
That’s according to Brendan Hunt, one of the creators and stars of Ted Lasso. Whether Cook will get it or not remains an open question, however.
The Mac Studio specs make us swoon (and question the Mac Pro's raison d'être). Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The M2 Ultra chip gives the new Mac Studio and Mac Pro incredible powers, the first benchmarks show. And the new 15-inch MacBook Air doesn’t look too shabby, either. In fact, it seems like the ultimate Mac laptop for most people.
Also on The CultCast:
We’ve got a great travel charger from Ugreen in this week’s giveaway.
Erfon uncorks an update on the untimely death(?) and possible rebirth of his beloved original HomePod.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
The technology behind Apple Vision Pro looks amazing! Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first impressions of Apple’s just-unveiled Vision Pro headset leave us mind = blown. Still, no matter how vivid the VR is … or how flawless the visionOS user interface is … or how “natural” the headset looks to be … can anything justify its $3,499 price tag?
Also on The CultCast:
The load of new Macs showcased at WWDC23 left us surprised — and just a little perplexed. Who exactly is the Mac Pro for?
The iPhone’s voice recognition receives marginal improvements in the first iOS 17 beta, and that gives us hope for the future.
Marquee features aside, iOS 17 brings a ton of tiny, thoughtful improvements.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!)
The Vision Pro sizzle reel looks great, of course, but what is the device actually like? Photo: Apple
First impressions of the Vision Pro headset make it sound like Apple absolutely nailed both the industrial design and the overall “experience” of wearing a mixed-reality headset.
Apple didn’t let most reporters go hands-on (or rather “heads-on”) with the new device following the Vision Pro’s unveiling at Monday’s WWDC23 keynote. However, the company’s handlers let some members of the media into a private area to gawk at the Vision Pro — and a handful of people actually got to strap one on.
The very first glimpses reveal hardware that looks far better than the competition, paired with a compelling visual experience, and triggers only a few negative reactions.
That $3,500 price tag certainly got people's attention. Photo: Apple
One key feature of Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset certainly made a splash after Monday’s unveiling. But it wasn’t “spatial computing” or the way you dial in reality while wearing the sci-fi-looking goggles — it was the Vision Pro’s eye-popping $3,499 price tag.
Shortly after the big reveal during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, “For $3500” trended on Twitter, with people jumping on the chance to take the piss out of Apple’s pricey new product.
This might be the future of computing, but some of these jokes are hilarious.
It's more than just a guessing game. Our WWDC23 predictions are all about honor! Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With WWDC23 just days away, we’re going on the record with our predictions for Apple’s most momentous developer conference in years. Will iOS 17 allow alternative app stores? Will the Apple headset cost $3,000? Will our reputations survive this public guessing game?
Also on The CultCast:
It looks like new high-end Macs will definitely be in the mix — and the leaked specs sound absolutely blistering.
The Apple headset’s advanced hardware might make virtual reality look stunningly real.
Generative AI shows us what the rest of Taylor Swift’s evermore album cover might look like.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
A new feature coming soon to iOS 17 sounds like it would be even better on an iPad. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 17 might turn your iPhone into a dashboard for your smart home. Plus, Apple’s new journaling app seems like it will arrive soon as well. With WWDC23 just weeks away, we don’t have long to wait.
Also on The CultCast:
Three Apple TV+ hits conquer the streaming charts.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie is a moving and surprisingly inspirational documentary about the actor’s life (and his heroic battle with Parkinson’s disease).
MoviePass is back from the dead — and one option actually sounds enticing!
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
No, Apple's headset likely won't look like this AI-generated image. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Well-placed sources say Apple’s AR/VR headset blew them away. Even the guy who dreamed up the Oculus Rift says it’s great.
The more we hear about the device nobody seems to need, the more intrigued we become. And with WWDC23 just weeks away, we don’t have long to wait for answers to our questions. In the meantime, we can imagine the possibilities …
Also on The CultCast:
How Apple’s M3 chip will stack up against its predecessors.
Five hidden features in iMessage that you should try ASAP.
Erfon finally gives us an update on his beloved, but beleaguered, original HomePod.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: ExpressVPN
Protect your online activity today with the VPN rated No. 1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra three months free on a one-year package.
Robert De Niro, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio bring plenty of star power to Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon. Photo: Apple TV+
The first trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon opens with bare-chested members of the Osage Nation dancing exuberantly in slow motion around an oilfield gusher. And then things get dark … really dark, really fast.
It’s a riveting first look at the movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, which comes to Apple TV+ this October.
The wait is over for Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro on the iPad. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple finally brings Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro to iPad, and apparently uses some clever spycraft to take down a leaker in the process. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
Also on The CultCast:
One feature in the new Final Cut Pro for iPad makes iPhone owners jealous (and hopeful).
Erfon thinks it’s a great time to buy a Mac.
Humane’s combadge-style gadget might not kill your iPhone, but the company’s vision of a personalized AI sounds promising.
Enter for your chance to win an Urban MacBook Sleeve from SwitchEasy.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: Lectric eBikes
With top-tier build quality, a range of up to 42 miles and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.
The 15-inch MacBook Air will be a dream machine. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: What will WWDC23 bring us? In addition to a sweeping look at the future of all Apple’s platforms, it sounds like we’ll get some major new hardware. Yes, there’s that $3,000 AR/VR headset, but there’s also something we really want: a 15-inch MacBook Air.
Also on The CultCast:
The Apple Watch interface will get a major upgrade with watchOS 10. And the same holds true for Stage Manger in iPadOS 17.
All about Apple’s new Rapid Security Response system for deploying urgent upgrades.
Shockingly, internal strife seems to be one of the things holding back Siri and Apple’s artificial intelligence efforts.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
iOS 17 is starting to come into focus. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The iOS 17 leaks start drip, drip, dripping out as we approach Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. Sounds like a minor update overall, but there’s some interesting stuff coming down the pike.
Also on The CultCast:
Apple Watch and the Health app might break their chains this year.
The journaling app that Apple’s working on sounds kind creepy.
Does Apple have an actual plan for its mixed-reality headset?
Get the Apple Watch face that keeps Tim Cook cookin’ (free download).
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Mylio and Factor
Mylio Photos is a smart and powerful cross-platform system for managing a lifetime of memories. Get 30% off your first year of Mylio when you sign up for an annual plan at mylio.com/CULTCAST.
Factor is America’s No. 1 ready-to-eat meal kit, and can help you fuel up fast with great food delivered straight to your door. Head to factormeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off your first box.
Many have tried to make AR/VR a sparkling reality. So far, nobody's nailed it. Can Apple? Photo: Sara Kurig/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest leaks about Apple’s AR/VR headset — possibly called the “Reality” — get us thinking about real-world applications. Will this thing kick-start a mixed-reality revolution, or flop harder than the Pippin?
Also on The CultCast:
The new Apple Card Savings account pays high interest — and we’re definitely interested!
WWDC23 might bring additional new hardware beyond the headset.
It’s your last chance to snag a limited-edition Sunset Moment iPhone case from Pitaka.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
The iPhone of the future is coming into focus ... Photo: Apple/Modified by Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest iPhone 15 rumors provide a fuller picture of what to expect this year. Sounds like big changes are coming in iOS 17. But a last-minute reversal means a hardware feature we were counting on probably won’t happen.
Also on The CultCast:
Whatever you do, don’t get “juice jacked” this summer. We offer easy ways to avoid this menace.
How much would it take to get you to give up your iPhone forever?
The morons running General Motors ditched CarPlay. Get ready for sales to crash!
A new edition of What We’re Into dishes up pasta, podcasts and a sci-fi show.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Lectric eBikes and Squarespace
Lectric eBikes: With top-tier build quality, a range of up to 42 miles and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.
Squarespace: 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.
Apple crams a whole lot of computing power into the Mac mini. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini is a dream machine for creative types, according to our reviewer D. Griffin Jones. He joins us to sing the praises of this pint-size powerhouse. (It’s quite an upgrade from the 2015 MacBook Pro he used before.)
Also on The CultCast:
It’s just two months until we’ll see Apple’s mixed-reality headset. We can’t help thinking this pricey “star product” is gonna flop hard, even as it points the way toward the future.
A free book coming next week will reveal Steve Jobs “in his own words.”
Will the next version of watchOS really bring big changes?
Erfon knows where you can find a steady supply of genuine Apple accessories at cut-rate prices.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Hello Fresh and Mylio
Hello Fresh is America’s No. 1 food kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free!
Mylio is the easy way to manage all your photos on all your devices. Try it at Mylio.com/cultcast.
There's no way anybody's gonna wear Apple's AR/VR headset outside, is there? Photo: Thoroughly Reviewed/modified by Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The invites for WWDC23 just went out, so maybe … just maybe … we have a date certain upon which we will cast our eyes upon Apple’s mixed-reality headset. The more we hear about it, the more intrigued we are. And at least part of that is who in the devil will buy one of these things if they cost $3,000?!?
Also on The CultCast:
New features arrive in iOS 16.4, including Voice Isolation for iPhone calls.
This AI crap is getting creepier by the minute — even Woz and Elon Musk are spooked!
How to spot AI deepfakes.
We’ve got a nice magnetic iPad stand for this week’s giveaway.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Kolide and Lectric eBikes
Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast.
With top-tier build quality, range up to 42 miles, and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in electric bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric eBikes’ other great rides at lectricebikes.com.
The new Apple Store that opens Friday in South Korea looks a little different than your typical sparkling shrine to the empire that iPhone built.
The new Seoul store’s striking facade features a “completely new gradient frit and mirrored coating treatment that blurs the transition from top to bottom,” Apple said Tuesday in a press release previewing Apple Gangnam. The building’s unique face also “shifts in appearance during different times of day or seasons.”
Just how different will iPhone 15 be? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iPhone rumors are flying, and some of them sound fantastic! But then there’s the one about a potentially troublesome mute button…
Also on The CultCast:
Apple TV+ gets ready to invade theaters in a big way.
Celebrity portraits created by Midjourney V5 look shockingly realistic. Erfon’s been trying his hand at AI-generated art, too, and he’s loving this new technology.
We’re giving away a selfie stick with superpowers.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Mylio and ExpressVPN
Mylio: It’s the easy way to manage all your photos on all your devices. Try it at Mylio.com/cultcast.
ExpressVPN: Get fast, global protection for every device you own. Try it at Expressvpn.com/cultcast.
No, the next-gen HomePod isn't gonna look like this. AI can't do everything! (At least not yet.) Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: That old rumor about a HomePod with a built-in display for FaceTime calls and smart-home wizardry resurfaces. But this time, some fresh details make Erfon even more cranked up than usual about Apple’s smart speaker.
Also on The CultCast:
It sounds like Tim Cook pulled a power move on Apple’s design team to make sure the company foists an expensive AR/VR headset on the masses sooner rather than later. Who’s excited? Show of hands?!?
Apple TV+ racks up another Oscar, and Erfon is almost intrigued enough to resubscribe. (Especially if his “get three months free” trick works again.)
The baton’s about to wave on Apple Music Classical. We’re all quivering with excitement!
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Kolide and Squarespace
Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. It’s Zero Trust tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today at Kolide.com/cultcast.
Squarespace gives you all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.
Apple just decided to paint the town yellow. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Did the world really need a yellow iPhone 14? Especially one that looks about as bold as a buttered banana? At least we’ve got new iMacs coming to ease our disappointment.
Also on The CultCast:
Those new iMacs are just the beginning of a coming wave of even-more-powerful Apple computers.
Who in their right mind would pay $600 for an Apple Watch band?
At least the yellow iPhone wallpaper is free (and so is Microsoft Outlook for Mac).
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Join us for a rundown of what you can expect in iOS 16.4. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 16.4 doesn’t look earth-shattering or anything, but there are some cool new features coming.
Also on The CultCast:
You need to toggle this switch on your iPhone ASAP so thieves don’t ruin your life.
Working for Apple’s secret Exploratory Design Group sounds like a dream job.
We’re giving away a very fancy backpack from Harber London.
Erfon put his new HomePod stereo pair to the test in a head-to-head audio smackdown with the originals. The results are … disappointing.
Windows users get a little taste of iMessage goodness. But just a taste!
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Why can't we have a real red iPhone 15 Pro?!? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumor indicates Apple just can’t kick its obsession with lackluster iPhone colors. Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro might come in “dark sienna,” aka the red that dare not speak its name.
If so, you can color us disappointed.
Also on The CultCast:
Apple’s longstanding dream of adding a blood glucose monitor to Apple Watch takes an important step forward.
New leaks and rumors give us an even better look at what iPhone 15 might bring.
Tim Cook reportedly hoovers up the entire output of TSMC’s next-gen 3nm chips. Power move!
Apple Watch faces a legal hurdle that could get it banned in the USA. (Spoiler alert: Not gonna happen.)
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: Dashlane
Everybody needs a password manager. Why not go with one that’s never been breached? That would be Dashlane. You can try Dashlane for free on your first device. Or take 50% off with promo code cultofmac50 when you upgrade to a premium plan across unlimited devices.
When it comes to laptops, size matters! Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The upcoming 15.5-inch MacBook Air might be the perfect laptop for many people. In fact, Erfon plans to buy one almost immediately. And he might get his chance in as little as six weeks! How can he contain his excitement?
Also on The CultCast:
What’s next for iPhone 15?
“Periscope lens” is a strange term, and one of these things is likely coming in the next iPhone Pro Max. Let’s discuss!
The MagSafe cable gets a … software upgrade. Welcome to 2023. 🤣
Sir Jony Ive designs a logo fit for a king. Literally.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below, along with this week’s CultCast show notes.
If the "iPhone Ultra" looks like this, we're in. (Or at least one of us is.) Concept art: Jonas Daehnert
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s squinty supreme leader Tim Cook sees room to push the high end of the iPhone market, and you know what that means … iPhone Ultra incoming! We know at least one feature this thing will pack — a big, fat titanium price tag.
Also on The CultCast:
A cool mockup shows what that rumored iPhone Ultra might look like.
We could get reverse wireless charging on iPhones after all.
Insiders explain the messy breakup between Apple and Intel (and reveal the best time to buy a Mac … sorta).
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsors: Lectric eBikes and CultCloth
The Lectric XP 3.0 electric bike will take you up to 45 miles — and up to 28 miles per hour! Get out there and find adventure with Lectric eBikes!
There’s only one cleaning cloth you need: CultCloth!
We've got our ears all cleaned out and ready to listen. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first reviews of the 2023 HomePod make Apple’s updated smart speaker sound pretty formidable. We can’t wait to hear for ourselves. (Unfortunately, if you didn’t already place your HomePod order, you’re probably looking at a substantial hang time.)
Also on The CultCast:
An iPad with a folding screen might be just around the corner.
Retina alert: Apple Watch Ultra might get an even bigger, brighter screen next year.
Former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s latest creation is … a bright red nose!
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.