The MacBook is finally coming BackBook! (CultCast #706)

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This week, the MacBook might be coming back as Apple’s cheapest laptop ever! Also: Apple might be borrowing Claude or ChatGPT to power Siri, details on the next three years of Apple Vision headsets, the best Apple Watch faces, what to do when you’re low on iCloud storage, and a new Under Review!

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This week’s stories:

Apple may launch its most affordable MacBook yet next year

• Apple could launch a more affordable MacBook early next year with a 13-inch display and an A18 Pro chipset.

Apple might rely on AI rivals to make Siri smarter

• Apple’s struggle to develop artificial intelligence might reach the point where the company needs to outsource Siri to an AI partner.

Lighter, cheaper Vision Air could rescue Apple’s headset dream

• The Vision Air is reportedly on the drawing board. This more affordable version might revive Apple’s flagging AR headset sales.

These are the best and coolest Apple Watch faces

• If you want to spice up and individualize your Apple Watch, here are the best and coolest faces out of the dozens of options.

Long live Apple’s late great iPod Hi-Fi stereo

• Sure, HomePod and HomePod mini are amazing, but this man-shed MacBook user insists iPod Hi-Fi is the best speaker Apple ever made.

Listener Questions

• Clever Cleaner iPhone storage cleanup app: Free to use and free of ads, forever!

Under Review: Portable CarPlay screens

• 7" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay
• 10" Touchscreen Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay
• 6.8" Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with Apple CarPlay

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Factor (00:02:06)

3. Affordable MacBook (00:05:05)

4. Anthropic-powered Siri (00:13:04)

5. Future Vision headsets (00:21:27)

6. Squarespace (00:30:17)

7. Best Apple Watch faces (00:31:19)

8. iPod Hi-Fi Setup (00:47:08)

9. Listener Questions (00:54:59)

10. Under Review (00:59:44)