Mobile Devices 4 December 2025 - 8 January 2026

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

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
Samsung One UI 8.5 leak adds AI weather lock screen effects — and shuffles Galaxy S25 camera modes

Samsung One UI 8.5 leak adds AI weather lock screen effects — and shuffles Galaxy S25 camera modes

Samsung Electronics’ next One UI 8.5 update will add weather animations to Galaxy lock screens, with rain or snow generated by artificial intelligence software and blended into the wallpaper, according to GalaxyClub. The Dutch Samsung-focused site said a new Weather option in Settings can create the effect while keeping it behind people or objects in the picture. Samsung has not announced when One UI 8.5 will roll out, the site added. galaxyclub.nl Lock screens have become a new front in phone software, as makers chase more daily use without forcing people to open apps. Android Authority said Samsung’s approach looks similar to Google Pixel “Live Effects” and is already showing up in a One UI 8.5 beta — a test
January 8, 2026
iOS 27 is coming: reports tip foldable iPhone tweaks, Siri redesign and new satellite featuresCUPERTINO, California, January 8, 2026, 02:37 PST

iOS 27 is coming: reports tip foldable iPhone tweaks, Siri redesign and new satellite featuresCUPERTINO, California, January 8, 2026, 02:37 PST

Apple’s next major iPhone software update, iOS 27, is expected to arrive in September and may put performance and bug fixes ahead of splashy new functions, according to separate reports published on Wednesday. The timing matters now because Apple is still lining up a big Siri upgrade for the spring and is trying to push further into on-device AI as rivals such as Google and Samsung pack new phones with their own AI features. Apple calls its AI suite “Apple Intelligence.”
January 8, 2026
January 2026 Google Play system update is causing buggy reboots on Pixel phones — what’s happening and how to fix it

January 2026 Google Play system update is causing buggy reboots on Pixel phones — what’s happening and how to fix it

Published: January 7, 2026 A new Google Play system update is rolling out to Pixel phones — but for some owners, the installation experience has been unusually buggy. Reports describe everything from a black screen after reboot to the Pixel Launcher failing to load, plus slightly longer boot times on some models. 9to5Google+1
January 7, 2026
Clicks Communicator Brings Back the BlackBerry-Style Keyboard Phone at CES 2026 — Price, Specs, Release Date, and Why It Matters

Clicks Communicator Brings Back the BlackBerry-Style Keyboard Phone at CES 2026 — Price, Specs, Release Date, and Why It Matters

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 7, 2026 — If your smartphone feels less like a tool and more like an attention trap, Clicks wants to sell you an alternative: a compact, physical‑keyboard Android phone designed for communication, triage, and quick action—not endless feeds. Unveiled around CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the new Clicks Communicator is positioned as a “second phone” you carry alongside your iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel, with a sharper focus on messaging and email. But Clicks says it can also work as a standalone daily driver—especially for people who miss the speed of real keys and want fewer reasons to doomscroll. GlobeNewswire+2GlobeNewswire+2
January 7, 2026
Motorola Razr Fold Debuts at CES 2026: Book-Style Foldable Takes Aim at Samsung, Plus Qira AI and New Moto Things

Motorola Razr Fold Debuts at CES 2026: Book-Style Foldable Takes Aim at Samsung, Plus Qira AI and New Moto Things

Motorola has unveiled the Razr Fold—its first book-style foldable phone—set for a summer 2026 launch in North America, alongside the new Qira cross-device AI platform, a “Signature” premium handset, and fresh Moto Things accessories. LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2026 — Motorola is finally stepping into the big-screen foldable arena it’s been circling for years. After refining flip-style Razr phones for more than half a decade, the company used CES-week announcements in Las Vegas to introduce the Motorola Razr Fold, a book-style foldable designed to compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line and Google’s Pixel Fold family. WIRED+2The Verge+2
January 7, 2026
Motorola Razr Fold Leak Points to Motorola’s First Book-Style Foldable With Stylus Support Ahead of CES 2026

Motorola Razr Fold Leak Points to Motorola’s First Book-Style Foldable With Stylus Support Ahead of CES 2026

Fresh leaks suggest Motorola is ready to expand beyond flip phones with a “motorola razr fold” book-style foldable—plus a Moto Pen Ultra stylus and a new “Motorola Signature” flagship—just as Lenovo Tech World lights up CES 2026. LAS VEGAS — January 6, 2026 — Motorola appears to be on the verge of its biggest foldable shake-up since the Razr revival. A wave of leaks and official-event messaging tied to Lenovo Tech World @ CES 2026 points to a new device called the motorola razr fold—a larger, book-style foldable meant to compete in the same category as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line—alongside a premium new flagship brand dubbed Motorola Signature. Lenovo+2The Verge+2
January 6, 2026
iPhone StandBy Mode in iOS 26: How to Turn Your iPhone Into a Smart Display (Updated January 3, 2026)

iPhone StandBy Mode in iOS 26: How to Turn Your iPhone Into a Smart Display (Updated January 3, 2026)

If you’ve ever wished your iPhone could do more while it’s just sitting on a charger, StandBy mode is the feature built for exactly that. In iOS 26, StandBy can turn an idle iPhone into a glanceable smart display—a bedside clock, a photo frame, a widget dashboard, or even a Live Activities “now playing” screen when music is running. Apple Support+1 And as of January 3, 2026, StandBy’s moment makes sense: today’s iOS coverage is heavily focused on personalization, while iOS 26.3 remains in beta with more changes on deck. Geeky Gadgets+2Apple Developer+2
January 3, 2026
OnePlus 16 Leaks Hint at a 200MP Camera Fix and a 200Hz–240Hz Display — Here’s What We Know on Jan. 3, 2026

OnePlus 16 Leaks Hint at a 200MP Camera Fix and a 200Hz–240Hz Display — Here’s What We Know on Jan. 3, 2026

Fresh OnePlus 16 leaks suggest a major camera overhaul with a 200MP sensor and testing for an ultra-high 200Hz–240Hz refresh-rate display. Here’s what’s credible, what’s unclear, and why fans are split. The OnePlus 15 is barely out of the spotlight, but the rumor mill has already shifted to the OnePlus 16 — and the early talk is unusually bold. Across multiple reports this week, two themes keep repeating: a long-awaited camera upgrade and a display refresh rate that could jump into 200Hz+ territory — potentially as high as 240Hz. Android Central+291mobiles+2
January 3, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 “Privacy Display” leak: One UI 8.5 could bring built‑in screen privacy — and the iPhone 17 may not match it

Samsung Galaxy S26 “Privacy Display” leak: One UI 8.5 could bring built‑in screen privacy — and the iPhone 17 may not match it

A wave of One UI 8.5 leaks suggests Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra could debut a “Privacy Display” that dims the screen from side angles, with quick toggles and smart automation. Samsung’s next flagship wave is already being shaped by software leaks—and the biggest surprise isn’t a new camera sensor or faster chip. Instead, multiple reports published over the last 48 hours point to a new “Privacy Display” feature coming with One UI 8.5 and the Galaxy S26 series, designed to make your screen harder to read from side angles—the classic “shoulder surfing” scenario on trains, planes, cafés, and office hot desks. TechRadar+3Android Authority+3SamMobile+3
January 3, 2026
Clicks Communicator: BlackBerry‑style Android 16 “second phone” debuts with a $79 Power Keyboard ahead of CES 2026

Clicks Communicator: BlackBerry‑style Android 16 “second phone” debuts with a $79 Power Keyboard ahead of CES 2026

January 3, 2026 — The physical smartphone keyboard is officially making another run at relevance. Clicks Technology — best known for its QWERTY keyboard cases — has announced two new products aimed at people who want to type more, scroll less, and stay reachable without getting trapped in feeds: the Clicks Communicator and the Clicks Power Keyboard. The Verge+3GlobeNewswire+3GlobeNewswire+3 Both devices are slated to appear at CES 2026 in Las Vegas — a sign that Clicks is positioning this as more than nostalgia, and more like a broader push for “purpose‑built” mobile hardware. GlobeNewswire+1
January 3, 2026
Google Pixel Camera Shake Bug Hits Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1: 50MP Mode Reportedly Broken on Some Phones (Dec 22, 2025)

Google Pixel Camera Shake Bug Hits Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1: 50MP Mode Reportedly Broken on Some Phones (Dec 22, 2025)

Pixel users on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 report severe camera vibration and autofocus “pumping,” especially in 50MP mode. Here’s what’s happening, which devices are affected, and what you can do right now. Google Pixel owners testing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 are sounding the alarm over a frustrating camera issue: the camera preview shakes, autofocus “hunts” nonstop, and the phone can even vibrate in your hand—making high‑resolution shots unusable for some people. Multiple reports say the problem is most obvious when switching into 50MP photo modes, while the standard 12MP mode often remains workable. Gizmochina+2CHIP+2
December 22, 2025
Google Pixel Swollen Battery Report: Delhi Service Center Blames Samsung Charger — What We Know and What Pixel Owners Should Do

Google Pixel Swollen Battery Report: Delhi Service Center Blames Samsung Charger — What We Know and What Pixel Owners Should Do

A viral post claims a Google service center in Delhi blamed a Pixel’s swollen battery on a Samsung charger. Here’s what’s known, what Google’s own charging guidance says, and how to stay safe. A new controversy around Google Pixel battery swelling is spreading today after a social media post alleged that a Google service center in Delhi told a customer her Pixel’s bulging battery was caused by using a Samsung charger. The claim has sparked a wave of debate over USB‑C charging compatibility, how warranty cases are handled at repair counters, and what actually causes lithium batteries to swell. X+2PiunikaWeb+2
December 22, 2025
Apple iOS 26.2 Security Update: Why Some iPhones Can’t Get iOS 18.7.3—and Are Being Pushed to Upgrade

Apple iOS 26.2 Security Update: Why Some iPhones Can’t Get iOS 18.7.3—and Are Being Pushed to Upgrade

Apple’s iOS 26.2 fixes two exploited WebKit zero-days, but users say iOS 18.7.3 isn’t offered on iPhones that can run iOS 26—forcing an upgrade for security. Apple’s latest iPhone security fixes are colliding with a messy software-update reality: if your iPhone can run iOS 26, but you’re still on iOS 18, you may not be offered the smaller iOS 18.7.3 security update at all—leaving iOS 26.2 as the only path to patch two vulnerabilities Apple says were exploited in an “extremely sophisticated” attack. Six Colors+2Apple Support+2
December 19, 2025
Google Pixel Emergency Update (Dec 2025): Second Patch Rolls Out to Fix Battery Drain and Touch Bugs

Google Pixel Emergency Update (Dec 2025): Second Patch Rolls Out to Fix Battery Drain and Touch Bugs

A surprise second December 2025 Pixel update is rolling out to Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 phones. Here’s what it fixes, who gets it, and why updating matters on Dec. 19, 2025. Google is pushing a second, unexpected December 2025 update to select Pixel phones—just weeks after the main December release. The new patch is small, but it targets problems users have been complaining about since the first rollout: faster-than-normal battery drain, intermittent touch failures, and a bug that can block access to locally cached offline content after upgrading to Android 16. 9to5Google+2Verizon+2
December 19, 2025
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Restock Update: Sold-Out Demand, No S Pen Support, and Profitability Questions

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Restock Update: Sold-Out Demand, No S Pen Support, and Profitability Questions

Dec. 16, 2025 — Samsung’s first tri-fold phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, is quickly turning into one of the most talked-about launches in the foldable market: it sold out fast in South Korea, a new restock window is now being reported, and early coverage is converging on two big realities—you can’t use an S Pen, and Samsung may be squeezing margins to get the device out the door at a headline-grabbing price. PhoneArena+3Daum+3Android Central+3 Below is everything that’s making news today around the Galaxy Z TriFold—availability, S Pen support, early quirks, and why Samsung’s “trifold moment” may be as much about showcasing engineering as it is about selling volume. Daum+2Samsung+2
December 16, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Roundup: FCC Listing Confirms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qi2 Magnetic Charging Emerges, and Critics Slam the Base S26 (Dec. 15, 2025)

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Roundup: FCC Listing Confirms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qi2 Magnetic Charging Emerges, and Critics Slam the Base S26 (Dec. 15, 2025)

New reports dated December 15, 2025 say the Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced in FCC filings with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while Qi2 magnetic charging and a new Samsung battery pack leak—yet the base S26 faces harsh criticism. Samsung’s next flagship cycle is coming into focus fast, and today delivered the clearest “paper trail” yet: multiple reports point to the Galaxy S26 Ultra appearing in U.S. FCC documentation, with model identifiers that align with Samsung’s typical naming—and a chipset code that maps to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Business Standard+2Gadgets 360+2
December 15, 2025
Google Pixel 10 December 2025 Update Causes Always‑On Display Flicker: What We Know, Workarounds, and When a Fix Might Arrive

Google Pixel 10 December 2025 Update Causes Always‑On Display Flicker: What We Know, Workarounds, and When a Fix Might Arrive

The December 2025 Android 16 QPR2 update is causing a flickering always‑on display on some Google Pixel 10 phones. Here’s what’s happening, who’s affected, and how to temporarily fix it. Google’s December 2025 Pixel update – the stable Android 16 QPR2 release – was supposed to be a big clean‑up: dozens of bug fixes, stability tweaks, and some new features for Pixel phones from the 6 series onward.PiunikaWeb+1
December 6, 2025
Apple Confirms iPhone 17 Pro Drops Night Mode Portraits — What Changes for Your Low‑Light Photos (December 4, 2025)

Apple Confirms iPhone 17 Pro Drops Night Mode Portraits — What Changes for Your Low‑Light Photos (December 4, 2025)

On December 4, 2025, Apple’s latest camera controversy became official: the iPhone 17 Pro no longer supports Night mode Portraits, a feature that’s been standard on Pro iPhones since the iPhone 12 Pro. Apple’s own support documentation, combined with independent testing, now confirms that the flagship model forces users to choose between brighter Night mode shots and Portrait-style background blur — but not both at once. 9to5Mac+2Macworld+2 The change first surfaced in user reports on Apple’s own discussion forums and Reddit, where iPhone 17 Pro owners noticed that Night mode never appeared when shooting in Portrait mode. Tech outlets including Macworld, 9to5Mac, BGR and, today, The Mac Observer have since verified the behavior and tied it to Apple’s updated Night
December 4, 2025
OnePlus 15 US Pre‑Orders Start Today: Price, Launch Time, Free Watch 3 Deal & Full Specs

OnePlus 15 US Pre‑Orders Start Today: Price, Launch Time, Free Watch 3 Deal & Full Specs

The wait is finally over for US fans of OnePlus. After weeks of regulatory delays and a missed global launch window, the OnePlus 15 officially goes up for pre‑order in the United States today, December 4, 2025 — and OnePlus is piling on aggressive launch offers, including a free OnePlus Watch 3 or Buds Pro 3 for early buyers. Android Central+2Notebookcheck+2 Here’s everything you need to know right now about pre‑orders, pricing, specs, and whether it’s worth locking in your order on day one.
December 4, 2025