Mobile Devices 23 January 2026 - 11 March 2026

Samsung’s iPhone Fold Fight Starts Early: July 22 Leak Points to a Wide Galaxy Fold
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Samsung’s iPhone Fold Fight Starts Early: July 22 Leak Points to a Wide Galaxy Fold

Samsung Electronics is gearing up to launch its latest foldable lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, according to Korea Economic TV. The company is set to introduce three new Galaxy Z Fold 8-series devices, among them a “Galaxy Z Wide Fold” that sports a 4:3 screen ratio. Samsung’s aiming this wide-screen model at Apple’s rumored debut foldable iPhone. S Pen support is on the roadmap again, but will roll out gradually as the company tackles earlier design limits around thickness and weight. Timing comes into play here as foldables shift from a Samsung-dominated corner of the market into a bigger premium-phone showdown. Counterpoint Research is forecasting 48% growth for North America’s foldable smartphone segment in
April 21, 2026
iPhone Fold Design Leaks Reveal Wide Book-Style Shape as Apple Said to Drop Flip Plan
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iPhone Fold Design Leaks Reveal Wide Book-Style Shape as Apple Said to Drop Flip Plan

This week’s leaked CAD files gave the first real look at Apple’s foldable iPhone, showing off a wide, book-like design with dual rear cameras. A separate report Tuesday indicated Apple dropped its previous flip-phone project. Both leaks combine to sketch out the most detailed picture so far of what’s being called the iPhone Fold. Apple’s schedule is key here: Reuters reported in January that the company plans to spotlight the device during a premium-only iPhone launch in the back half of 2026, delaying the standard iPhone 18. Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee complained last September that Apple’s redesigns have mostly been “tepid incremental changes,” which may be why even rumor-mill foldable renders are getting noticed.
March 11, 2026
iPhone 17e launch date leak points to Feb 19 — MagSafe return and iPad 12 upgrade chatter
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iPhone 17e launch date leak points to Feb 19 — MagSafe return and iPad 12 upgrade chatter

Apple is rumored to unveil its next budget iPhone, the iPhone 17e, on Feb. 19. According to industry insiders quoted by Macworld, the phone will reintroduce MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic wireless charging, but will keep a single rear camera and a notched screen. The timing is key since Apple’s cheapest new iPhone is up for an update just a year after the iPhone 16e took over from the older iPhone SE line. The iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch OLED screen, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence — the company’s AI toolkit for things like writing and summarizing — with a starting price of $599 in the US, according to MacRumors.
February 6, 2026
Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: price hike chatter, Qi2 magnet doubts and the S Pen problem
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Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: price hike chatter, Qi2 magnet doubts and the S Pen problem

Leaks suggest Samsung Electronics will raise prices for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series in France, even though the company reportedly scaled back some planned upgrades to keep costs down. According to a Dealabs report referenced by 9to5Google, the 256GB Galaxy S26 will cost €999, with the S26+ at €1,269. The 256GB S26 Ultra remains at €1,469. The report adds that higher storage options will jump by around €100. Samsung’s Galaxy S series stands as their flagship slab phone lineup and ranks among the largest annual Android launches. Even a slight price increase usually sparks backlash, since buyers are already tight on budget and the year-over-year hardware upgrades tend to be minor.
February 6, 2026
Redmi’s water-reveal Hindustan Times ad goes viral as Note 15 Pro pushes durability and 200MP camera
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Redmi’s water-reveal Hindustan Times ad goes viral as Note 15 Pro pushes durability and 200MP camera

Videos have popped up on LinkedIn showing a Hindustan Times ad for Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 15 Pro series, where the price only reveals itself after water is poured on it. Redmi said the idea was first shown to select media through a locked pouch using “invisible ink.” Later, the campaign ran as an interactive front-page ad in the Gurgaon edition. Still, advertising trade site afaqs noted it couldn’t independently confirm the print placement when it initially covered the story. The ad carries the tagline: “We didn’t choose between camera and durability. Neither should you.” https://www.afaqs.com/news/advertising/redmis-water-durability-pitch-in-ht-print-ad-gains-traction-on-linkedin-11075373 The timing is no accident. With mid-range phones flooding the market and software features increasingly similar, manufacturers are desperate for fresh ways to differentiate their
February 5, 2026
Don’t update yet? iOS 26.2.1 sparks iPhone crash, freeze and battery-drain complaints
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Don’t update yet? iOS 26.2.1 sparks iPhone crash, freeze and battery-drain complaints

More and more iPhone users report that the iOS 26.2.1 update is causing app crashes, freezes, connectivity issues, and significant battery drain, according to discussions on Apple’s support forums and Reddit tracked by 9to5Mac. One support thread saw 141 “Me too” clicks, another 46, while a related Reddit post gathered 277 upvotes and 78 comments, the site said. https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/04/ios-26-2-1-causing-crashes-freezes-and-severe-battery-drain-for-some/ Complaints are surfacing right as Apple urges users to keep their iOS versions up to date to fix bugs and plug security gaps. Even if only a small number of devices are affected, it can trap users on a flawed update and make others hesitate before installing future releases.
February 5, 2026
Google teases Pixel 10a ahead of Feb. 18 pre-orders as leaks point to new colors
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Google teases Pixel 10a ahead of Feb. 18 pre-orders as leaks point to new colors

Google is teasing its upcoming budget phone, the Pixel 10a, with pre-orders kicking off on Feb. 18. The company also shared an early peek at its slightly updated design. This marks Google's first official nod to the A-series — the budget-friendly Pixel line — following weeks of leaks. It also signals Google's return to the mid-range phone game early in the year, where minor design updates and carrier deals often carry as much weight as the specs themselves.
February 5, 2026
Sony’s next Xperia 1 VIII and 10 VIII hit the GSMA database, hinting a near-global launch
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Sony’s next Xperia 1 VIII and 10 VIII hit the GSMA database, hinting a near-global launch

New Sony model numbers tied to the upcoming Xperia flagship and a mid-range sibling have popped up in a global handset identifier database. This adds fuel to the fire that the Xperia 1 VIII and Xperia 10 VIII are gearing up for launch across multiple markets. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/sony-xperia-1-viii-xperia-10-imei-database-listing-launch-report-10943613 These sightings are significant given Sony’s smartphone division has repeatedly faced doubts over its long-term dedication and market presence, especially as the premium Android segment becomes tougher to penetrate without carrier backing and wide distribution.
February 4, 2026
Apple’s foldable iPhone leak hints at iPad-style buttons and a monster battery — with “iPhone Flip” talk back
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Apple’s foldable iPhone leak hints at iPad-style buttons and a monster battery — with “iPhone Flip” talk back

A recent leak reveals Apple’s first foldable iPhone may feature reworked button placement and internal changes to accommodate a larger battery and display, The Mac Observer reports. The details, sourced from Weibo posts by Instant Digital, describe volume buttons arranged similarly to those on an iPad, plus a battery upgrade. These details matter because Apple is still missing from the foldable market that Samsung Electronics and Google have led for years. Battery life, weight, and durability have long been the key compromises—and the newest leak throws those challenges into sharp relief.
February 3, 2026
iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches
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iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches

A personal audit of iPhone settings shared Sunday found that restricting Background App Refresh—Apple’s feature that lets apps update while running in the background—to Wi‑Fi only boosted mid-afternoon battery life on an iPhone 15 Pro from 38%–42% up to 55%–60%. K. Nik reported on YourTango that the week-long experiment also included clearing and disabling Apple’s Significant Locations & Routes log, blocking tracking prompts, and turning off iPhone analytics sharing. Battery life and privacy now often go hand in hand: settings that keep feeds updated and services responsive tend to keep radios, sensors, and processors active. Liz Ticong’s Jan. 29 guide for TechRepublic points out that background features running all day usually cause battery drain—and that simple adjustments can extend battery
February 2, 2026
Are annual iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel upgrades about to end? 2026 puts the phone sequel cycle on notice
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Are annual iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel upgrades about to end? 2026 puts the phone sequel cycle on notice

Warsaw, 08:59 CET, February 2, 2026 Smartphones no longer require yearly updates, 9to5Google argued Sunday, noting that improvements have shrunk to minor tweaks despite brands releasing new models on a strict schedule. The site highlighted Google’s Pixel series’ “tick-tock” pattern and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S line sticking to well-worn designs as evidence the market is facing diminishing returns.
February 2, 2026
Apple’s foldable iPhone buzz: “iPhone Flip” talk and 5,500 mAh battery leak collide
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Apple’s foldable iPhone buzz: “iPhone Flip” talk and 5,500 mAh battery leak collide

Cupertino, California, Feb 2, 2026, 00:07 Mark Gurman shared in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter that Apple is exploring a new foldable device: a square, clamshell-style phone, as reported by The Mac Observer. He cautioned, though, that this clamshell concept is still “far from guaranteed” to make it to market.
February 2, 2026
2nm chip showdown: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 tipped to hit iPhone 18 month as Samsung foundry role debated
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2nm chip showdown: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 tipped to hit iPhone 18 month as Samsung foundry role debated

igor´sLAB revealed that flagship Android phones powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 might hit the market the same month as Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup. This compressed schedule would set up a close showdown between the industry’s first 2-nanometre-class mobile chips — a fresh manufacturing leap promising higher speeds and lower power consumption. Apple has enjoyed a valuable window between unveiling the iPhone and the launch of major Android flagships: time for reviews, pre-orders, and initial sales. Narrowing that gap might push competitors to start shipping in larger quantities earlier, rather than just hinting at features.
February 2, 2026
Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it
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Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it

Apple has introduced a new privacy setting that lets some iPhone and iPad users limit how precisely mobile carriers can determine their location, tightening control over tracking that happens outside apps. The “Limit Precise Location” option appears after upgrading to iOS 26.3 or later, according to Apple support information and a report by BleepingComputer. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/apple/new-apple-privacy-feature-limits-location-tracking-on-iphones-ipads/ The change targets a basic reality of mobile service: carriers can estimate where a device is based on which cell towers it connects to as it moves. Apple says the setting reduces the precision of the location data available to the network, shifting it from street-level detail to a broader area.
February 2, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G lands in Malaysia with Gemini AI and a RM699 launch deal
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Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G lands in Malaysia with Gemini AI and a RM699 launch deal

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31, 2026, 17:03 Samsung Electronics has rolled out the Galaxy A07 5G in Malaysia, packing Google’s Gemini assistant and the “Circle to Search” feature into an affordable device. The top storage model is available for 699 ringgit as part of the launch offer. Samsung promises six Android OS upgrades and security updates spanning six years. https://news.samsung.com/my/power-to-play-stream-and-multitask-all-at-once-with-the-new-samsung-galaxy-a07-5g
January 31, 2026
Galaxy S26 leaks show Samsung’s 25W magnetic Qi2 charger and new KindSuit cases
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Galaxy S26 leaks show Samsung’s 25W magnetic Qi2 charger and new KindSuit cases

Photos leaked online reveal what looks like Samsung’s 25-watt magnetic wireless charging puck designed for the upcoming Galaxy S flagship. This adds another piece to the puzzle of accessories linked to the yet-to-be-announced Galaxy S26 series. This is important because Qi2 — the Wireless Power Consortium’s latest Qi wireless charging standard — introduces magnetic attachment to snap phones onto chargers, reducing misalignment and energy loss. According to the consortium, the Qi2 25W tier enhances that magnetic “lock” and packs nearly 70% more charging power than the original Qi2.
January 29, 2026
Huawei Pura 90 leak: 20GB RAM upgrade eyed as the next performance boost
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Huawei Pura 90 leak: 20GB RAM upgrade eyed as the next performance boost

SHENZHEN, China, January 24, 2026, 20:14 Huawei might boost its upcoming Pura 90 flagship’s performance by cranking up the RAM—essentially the phone’s short-term memory for apps—instead of switching to a new processor, Huawei Central reported Saturday, citing leaks. The site mentioned a hefty 20GB RAM option could appear on an “Ultra” variant, with a potential launch in the second quarter of 2026, though these details remain unconfirmed.
January 24, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet

Samsung is now offering customers a chance to test the Galaxy Z TriFold, its new smartphone that folds twice to create three panels, at select Samsung Experience Stores across the U.S. This comes ahead of the device’s official American debut. Samsung’s decision to push the new foldable into stores is key as it tries to drum up interest in this pricier design without locking in a firm U.S. launch date. According to Android Central, the company isn’t accepting reservations or pre-orders yet, only citing an “early 2026” release for the U.S. The phone is already on sale in South Korea and parts of the Middle East, though.
January 24, 2026
Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates
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Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates

Alphabet’s Google is looking into a bug reported by some Pixel users where callers can hear background sounds when the “Take a Message” feature activates after a missed call. The reports raise concerns since the feature is promoted as a hands-free solution for missed calls, not as a way to open a live audio feed to a stranger. If it activates accidentally—say, in a pocket or on a desk—it might reveal far more than just the caller’s message.
January 23, 2026
Windows Phone nostalgia returns: NexPhone packs Android, Linux and Windows 11 into one $549 smartphone
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Windows Phone nostalgia returns: NexPhone packs Android, Linux and Windows 11 into one $549 smartphone

Nex Computer started taking reservations Wednesday for the NexPhone, a $549 smartphone designed to run Android 16, boot Debian Linux on demand, and dual-boot into Windows 11. “NexPhone is the device I’ve wanted to carry for 14 years,” said founder and CEO Emre Kosmaz, describing it as “your Linux machine” and “your Windows PC” packed into a phone-sized slab. The pitch arrives as “phone-as-PC” concepts are making a comeback. Samsung’s DeX lets certain Galaxy phones display a desktop-like interface on an external monitor, while Android 16 expands desktop-style support to a broader range of devices.
January 23, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. Samsung stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. Samsung stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet

Samsung Electronics announced Thursday that it will showcase the Galaxy Z TriFold at seven Samsung Experience Stores across the U.S. starting Jan. 23. Customers can get hands-on with the tri-folding phone before a wider release. The stores are located at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota; Queens Center in Elmhurst, New York; Roosevelt Field in Garden City, New York; The Galleria in Houston; Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, Texas; plus Cerritos and Glendale, California. Samsung hasn’t revealed the U.S. price or the official sale date yet. This comes after Samsung unveiled the TriFold at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, where most attendees only got a quick look unless they managed to get their hands on a demo unit, PhoneArena
January 23, 2026
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