Weekly News Roundup
1. Are We Nearing the End of Apple’s Tim Cook Era?
A report suggests that Tim Cook may retire as early as 2026.
There’s no final decision yet, but John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is emerging as a top candidate to succeed him.
This potential transition could have major implications for Apple’s future, especially in hardware innovation.
2. The Robotaxi Expansion That Really Matters
Waymo is now operating its commercial robotaxi service on freeways in key regions — the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
This freeway access is a pivotal infrastructure milestone, enabling more efficient, scalable robotaxi deployment across sprawling metro areas.
3. ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Is Expanding Fast — and That Should Worry Everyone
Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) usage in the U.S. has surged to 91.5 million users, according to Empower.
Nigel Morris, co-founder of Capital One, warns that many BNPL providers don’t check traditional credit bureau data — meaning users could take on multiple BNPL plans without proper risk assessment.
This raises serious concerns about financial fragility for consumers, especially those already under credit stress.
4. Subprime Auto Loans Fall as Lenders Tighten Credit in Q3
Auto lenders are pulling back on subprime financing. According to the New York Fed’s latest Household Debt and Credit Report, originations of subprime auto loans declined in Q3 2025.
At the same time, 90-day delinquency rates have hit their highest point since Q2 2020 — signaling that credit risk is rising among lower-credit borrowers.
This could pose a drag on auto sales, particularly for consumers who rely on high-risk lending to purchase vehicles.
5. Tesla Recalls ~13K Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles Over Battery Pack Defect
Tesla is voluntarily recalling 12,963 vehicles (Model 3 and Model Y) manufactured between March and August 2025.
The issue: a faulty battery-pack contactor (made with an InTiCa solenoid) that could open unexpectedly, potentially causing a loss of propulsion while driving.
Unlike prior recalls fixed via over-the-air updates, this one requires a physical replacement at Tesla service centers — and Tesla will cover the cost.
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Based on recent ad intelligence from GoodsFox:
