iPhones in Space — It Almost Didn’t Happen! + iPhone Ultra BIG Price Leaks (CultCast #744)
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This episode of The CultCast dives deep into the historic Artemis 2 mission, highlighting the unprecedented approval of the iPhone 17 Pro Max for spaceflight — a rare feat given NASA's strict hardware certification process. The host, Aaron, expresses regret for missing the live launch but is determined to watch the dramatic re-entry on Friday. He marvels at the stunning, high-dynamic-range images captured by astronauts using iPhones, which outperformed even professional cameras like the Nikon D5 and Z9 due to the iPhone’s computational photography. The episode also explores Apple’s ambitious three-year roadmap, including the upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra (expected to launch in September 2026), rumored to start at $1,899 and potentially exceed $2,000. Despite the high price, the host questions whether the device will justify its cost beyond novelty. The iPhone Air, meanwhile, is struggling in sales, prompting Apple to offer a rare 30% discount on Amazon UK — a sign of weak demand. The episode closes with a nostalgic, heartfelt reflection on the wonder of space exploration, the fragility of human life in space, and a humorous, fan-driven proposal to fund a future CultCast reunion mission to the moon.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max became the first iPhone ever approved for spaceflight on Artemis 2, capturing iconic high-dynamic-range images that outperformed professional cameras.
NASA’s hardware certification process is extremely rigorous and slow, which is why older cameras like the Nikon D5 (2016) and GoPros are still being used despite newer tech being available.
Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra (aka iPhone Ultra) is expected to launch in September 2026 with a starting price near $1,900, potentially crossing the $2,000 threshold.
The iPhone Air is underperforming in sales, leading Apple to offer a rare 30% discount on Amazon UK — a sign of strategic inventory liquidation.
The Artemis 2 mission’s re-entry on Friday at 4:52 PM PT will be a major live event, with the host vowing not to miss it after missing the launch.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Shocking Launch of Artemis 2 and Missing the Moment
“I'm just kicking myself for having missed the event live. I mean, I went back and I watched the entire thing after the fact, but watch, there's something about the energy of watching something live that is special and magical.”
The iPhone in Space: A Technological Triumph
“Could you have taken this with one of those Nikon cameras? Possibly, but you would have had to do some serious adjusting in Lightroom to get it to match the look of what the iPhone just did on camera.”
Apple’s Three-Year iPhone Reinvention Plan
The host details Apple’s ambitious roadmap, including the foldable iPhone Ultra (expected in 2026), the 20th-anniversary iPhone (2027), and the struggling iPhone Air. He critiques the Air’s high price and lack of features, while expressing cautious excitement for the Ultra’s potential.
The iPhone Ultra Price Leak and Market Realities
“That being so close to the price of an actual computer, I think I would prefer the computer if it were just me.”
The iPhone Air’s Struggles and Rare Discount
The host discusses the iPhone Air’s poor sales performance and Apple’s unprecedented move to discount the device by 30% on Amazon UK — a rare breach of Apple’s no-discount policy. He attributes the failure to high pricing and feature limitations compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.
“I want to make that happen. Think if we can do it, go fund me. $11 million GoFundMe.”
“Could you have taken this with one of those Nikon cameras? Possibly, but you would have had to do some serious adjusting in Lightroom to get it to match the look of what the iPhone just did on camera.”
“What a sacred moment, you know, to be in a place where no human has been, to see things that no human has seen, and to be completely disconnected from human life.”
Host
Artemis 2
other
NASA
organization
iPhone 17 Pro Max
product
Apple
organization
iPhone Ultra
product
iPhone Air
product
Aaron
person
Nikon D5
product
GoPro
product
Nikon Z9
product
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