In this episode of Basic AF, Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby kick off the year by digging into some of the biggest Apple stories in early 2026—starting with the news that Apple is partnering with Google to have Gemini power a revamped Siri and Apple Intelligence. The discussion looks at how Gemini might be integrated behind the scenes, and whether Apple’s privacy promises can hold up when Google enters the equation.

The conversation then turns to Apple Creator Studio, Apple’s new subscription bundle that includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and other creative tools. Tom and Jeff debate who this bundle is really for, how it compares to Apple’s older one-time purchase model, and whether subscription fatigue is simply the cost of modern software.

From there, they break down Apple’s controversial new app icons and macOS Tahoe design changes, followed by concerns over App Store ads becoming harder to distinguish from real search results. The episode wraps with a broader look at Apple’s record-breaking services revenue and what it signals about the company’s priorities moving forward.

Links from the show:

• Google and Apple issue joint partnership statement
• Report: Google Gemini will expand Siri’s capabilities
• Report: Apple will fine-tune Gemini independently
• Apple confirms Google Gemini will power new Siri features
• Apple announces Apple Creator Studio
• Apple reports record-breaking Services revenue in 2025

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• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
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• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
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• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

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Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.