Apple Unleashed Event — here come the M1X Macs! (CultCast #514)

This week: Finally! Here come the M1X Macs! We talk our predictions for Monday’s Apple “Unleashed” event! Plus: a rumor says Apple is prepping a Nintendo Switch-like gaming console, and we reveal our favorite new shows on an all-new What We’re Into!

Get 2 episodes of CultCast Off Topic each and every week for just $6! Off Topic is a new weekly variety show hosted by Erfon Elijah and friends, dedicated to tech, gaming, culture, and more. Join Cult Support, good friend!

This episode supported by

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.

Cult of Mac's watch store is full of beautiful straps that cost way less than Apple's. See the full curated collection at Store.Cultofmac.com

CultCloth will keep your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, iPad, glasses and lenses sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CarryCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.

Join us in the CultClub! discord.gg/BrKdnSK

On the show this week

@erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace

New MacBook Pros Likely to Launch at Apple Event This Month, Says Gurman

• In his latest newsletter, Gurman says Apple y is poised to announce the M1X powered MacBook Pros within the next month, noting that "Apple typically does its major new Mac introductions in October. So stay tuned."

Apple invites the world to Oct. 18 ‘Unleashed’ event; new M1X Macs expected

• Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its much-anticipated October product launch event. The tagline is “Unleashed,” and the streaming event almost certainly will bring the debut of redesigned MacBooks and perhaps an iMac running an updated Apple processor.

M1X MacBook Pros might start at 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 120Hz screen

• A tipster who goes by Dylandkt reported Tuesday via Twitter that the base models for both sizes of the 2021 MacBook Pro will have 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Those are double the amounts in the 13-inch M1 MacBook released in 2020. But they are the same as the current base model 16-inch MacBook Pro, which uses an Intel processor.

Win an iPhone 13 case bundle from Smartish [Cult of Mac giveaway]

• If you just got an iPhone 13, this week’s giveaway is for you. Popular case-maker Smartish is giving one lucky winner a bundle that will keep their new iPhone protected, organized and charged.

Laughable report claims Apple will take on Nintendo Switch with powerful hybrid console

• Apple is developing its own “Nintendo Switch style gaming console” with a hybrid design that “will outperform anything that Microsoft or Sony offers in 2021,” according to one very sketchy report citing unnamed sources.

Apple Arcade goes big with NBA 2K22 and Transformers: Tactical Arena

• Apple’s gaming service will soon launch a pair of big-name titles. Basketball season starts soon, and that means it’s time for NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition. Meanwhile, Transformers: Tactical Arena will let players choose their favorite characters and battle it out in PvP action.

Apple signals entertainment ambitions with major Los Angeles expansion

• With plans underway to build two adjoining facilities on the border of Los Angeles and Culver City, Apple has signaled it means business in the entertainment industry. The new development will serve as its regional headquarters, the Cupertino tech giant said.

Classic iPhone Game 'Tiny Wings' Launches on Apple Arcade This Friday

• Over a decade after being released on the App Store, the classic hit iPhone game Tiny Wings is coming to Apple Arcade this Friday.

What We’re Into!

The Boys (Amazon Prime)

Loki (Disney +)

ROBIN Test Footage Scene

Foundation (Apple TV+)