Just how hot are those new M3 MacBook Pros? [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tests performed on the M3 MacBook Pros reveal the performance-crushing effects of thermal throttling and skimpy RAM. Erfon is not impressed!

Also on The CultCast:

• Apple shocks everyone by pledging to support Rich Communication Services for better texting between iPhones and Android devices.
• Griffin runs down some of the most interesting new features coming soon in iOS 17.2.
• Apple reportedly plans to overhaul the iPad lineup next year, and a mammoth 12.9-inch iPad Air is apparently on the menu.
• If the iPhone 16 gets exclusive AI features, will Siri really get smarter? We’re extremely skeptical.

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 CultCast live stream archive

Our sponsors this week: Notion and Factor

• Notion: Combine your notes, documents and task/project management into one space that’s simple and beautifully designed, with the power of AI built right inside. Try Notion AI for free when you go to notion.com/cultcast.
• Factor: Get Factor and enjoy eating well without the hassle. Simply choose your meals and enjoy fresh, flavor-packed meals delivered to your door. Ready in just two minutes, with no prep, no mess! Head to FactorMeals.com/cultcast50 and use code cultcast50 to get 50% off.

This week’s top Apple news

On the show this week: Your host Erfon Elijah (@erfon), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).

Here are the headlines we’re talking about on this week’s show:

Weekly Cult of Mac giveaway

Enter to win a super-protective iPad case from Zugu

This week, Cult of Mac is giving away five super-rugged and highly functional iPad cases from Zugu. These things are so tough the company will cover repair costs if you’re using one and your iPad breaks!

To enter, just visit our giveaway page. Get in there … repeatedly!