Upgrade 598: Transparent Man of the People
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Jan 12, 2026 Google and Apple are teaming up on AI, setting the stage for a showdown in the smartphone market. John Ternus's New York Times profile ignites discussions on Apple's CEO succession. The hosts dive into the foldable iPhone design, debating its potential as either a phone or an iPad. They also explore Apple's inconsistent App Store enforcement and the implications of live NBA streaming on the Vision Pro. From device naming quirks to user privacy concerns, the conversation is packed with insights and entertaining banter.
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Apple Chooses Integration Over Building Core AI
- Apple partnered with Google to use Gemini as the foundation for its next-generation Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri.
- This is a strategic product integration choice, not purely a technology surrender, letting Apple focus on product integration while leveraging Google's model.
Deal Reinforces A New AI Duopoly On Phones
- The Apple–Google deal strengthens both companies and can entrench Gemini across iOS and Android devices for the duration of the agreement.
- That concentration risks reducing competitive room for OpenAI and Anthropic in the smartphone AI layer.
Ternus Profile Feels Like A Prepared Succession Narrative
- The New York Times profile suggested John Ternus is front-runner for Apple CEO succession while noting Tim Cook plans for broader candidate preparation.
- Jason argued the story reads like a prepped profile timed to the succession conversation rather than an impartial scoop.