What’s coming to iOS 18 + Siri’s ChatGPT overhaul! (CultCast #647)

The CultCast

This week, we have over two years of rumors — Apple’s plans for Siri and AI, what’s coming in iOS 18, the new lineup of the iPhone 17, the first folding iPhone and MacBook, and who will be the next Apple CEO!

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 at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com

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.

The Bilt Mastercard® is the first card to offer points on rent with no transaction fee. Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to joinbilt.com/CULTCAST

This week’s stories:

Apple using AI to make Siri more useful

• Siri supposedly won’t become a general-purpose chatbot. It’ll be focused on better handling the sort of tasks iPhone users need.
• New York Times: Apple Will Revamp Siri to Catch Up to Its Chatbot Competitors

iOS 17.5 helps detect unwanted Bluetooth tracking tags

• iOS 17.5 was released on Monday this week. It features Bluetooth tracker detection for third-party devices, a new daily word game in Apple News+ and the new Pride Lock screen.

Apple showcases amazing new accessibility features like Eye Tracking

• In a press release on Wednesday, Apple showcased some remarkable new accessibility features for people with disabilities that are coming in iOS 18.

Could John Ternus equal Tim Cook and Steve Jobs as Apple CEO?

• John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, reportedly sits at the top of the list to step into Tim Cook’s shoes when the current Apple CEO steps down.

iPhone 17 lineup might feature ‘more complex’ designs, smaller Dynamic Island

• Apple reportedly plans some big design changes for next year’s iPhone 17 lineup. The changes include an iPhone 17 Slim, a smaller Dynamic Island and a “more complex” aluminum design.

First folding iPhone could launch in 2026

• Jeff Pu also says the first iPhone with a folding screen will go into production in 2026. This is the second such report in recent months, and could be a sign that Apple is really ready to move ahead with the product.

MacBook with 20-inch folding display could launch as early as 2025

• According to Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities, a 20.3-inch foldable MacBook will go into production near the end of 2025.