Apple is widely expected to bifurcate the launch of the iPhone 18 lineup. Sources including Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg, and The Information  have reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold will launch later this year, followed by the base model iPhone 18 next spring.

A new report from Nikkei Asia today corroborates that timeline.

Apple has discontinued the iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK, according to changes made to its website. The company says it is starting a “new chapter for upgrades” and that “the iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end.”

Apple also appears to be winding down its partnership with Barclays, which was the bank behind the iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK.

Rivian’s opposition to CarPlay is well-documented, with CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizing the automaker’s focus on creating a native and integrated infotainment experience.

In a new interview with Kara Swisher this week, Scaringe once again reiterated those thoughts, while simultaneously touting a “great working relationship with Apple.”

Benjamin and Chance review the proposition of the Creator Studio bundle now it is finally available, as well as some weirdness in the choices made of the apps in it. Also, Benjamin has been using his new AirTags for the past couple days, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the new Gemini Siri features may be announced in February, sooner than we previously expected.

And in Happy Hour Plus, there’s more talk about Creator Studio, specifically regarding which other kinds of creative apps we could see get added to the offering in the future. Join now and save 26% on annual plans with code HAPPY26. Last call!

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