Mobile 6 January 2026 - 16 January 2026

New iPhone Fold leak points to Touch ID comeback and 2nm A20 Pro chip
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New iPhone Fold leak points to Touch ID comeback and 2nm A20 Pro chip

Analyst Jeff Pu predicts Apple will launch a foldable iPhone in September 2026 with a 7.8-inch internal display, 5.3-inch cover screen, and Touch ID. Pu expects global smartphone shipments to fall 4% in 2026 but forecasts iPhone shipments will rise 2% to 250 million units. Supply chain sources mention a liquid-metal hinge and more titanium in the chassis. Apple has not confirmed the device.
January 16, 2026
iOS 26.3 Could Finally Encrypt iPhone-to-Android Texts — What Apple’s Beta Reveals
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iOS 26.3 Could Finally Encrypt iPhone-to-Android Texts — What Apple’s Beta Reveals

Apple’s iOS 26.3 beta includes a new carrier setting tied to end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, but it currently applies only to four French carriers and remains inactive. Apple previously announced plans to add encrypted RCS support in a future update. The change appears in carrier configuration files, suggesting activation may depend on individual carriers. iOS 26.2 remains the latest public release.
January 16, 2026
Verizon’s $20 outage credit puts mobile internet reliability back in focus
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Verizon’s $20 outage credit puts mobile internet reliability back in focus

Verizon will issue a $20 credit to customers after a 10-hour outage disrupted calls, texts, and mobile internet in several U.S. regions. The FCC said it will investigate the incident, which led cities to urge residents to use other carriers for emergency calls. Verizon blamed a software issue and denied a cyberattack. Competitors reported normal operations during the disruption.
January 16, 2026
Samsung quietly changes Galaxy AI fine print: basic features now “free,” paid upgrades still on the table
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Samsung quietly changes Galaxy AI fine print: basic features now “free,” paid upgrades still on the table

Samsung says “Galaxy AI basic features” remain free on supported devices, but warns that enhanced Samsung AI tools and third-party AI functions may carry fees. The company has not announced pricing or detailed which features will require payment. Updated terms differ from earlier regional statements that promised free access until the end of 2025. Some features may require Samsung or Google account sign-in.
January 15, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes
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Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored for February 25, with the Galaxy S26 series expected to debut. Leaked images suggest the S26 Ultra will feature rounder edges, a redesigned camera bump, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Samsung is also reportedly planning a major AI upgrade for Bixby, developed with Perplexity AI, for the new models.
January 15, 2026
Google Pixel 10a leaks point to a February 17 launch, €500 price, and a “Berry” pink color — just ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 (Jan 15, 2026)
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Google Pixel 10a leaks point to a February 17 launch, €500 price, and a “Berry” pink color — just ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 (Jan 15, 2026)

Multiple leaks indicate Google’s Pixel 10a will launch February 17, 2026, with European prices at €500 for 128GB and €600 for 256GB. Renderings show a design similar to the Pixel 9a, a 6.285-inch OLED display, 8GB RAM, and a 5,100mAh battery. The phone may debut in Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, and Berry colors. The timing puts it head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch window.
January 15, 2026
iOS 26 Adoption Is Lagging: Why iPhone Users Stick With iOS 18 — and the Security Update You Shouldn’t Skip
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iOS 26 Adoption Is Lagging: Why iPhone Users Stick With iOS 18 — and the Security Update You Shouldn’t Skip

iOS 26 adoption appears low in January 2026, with analytics showing only about 16% of iPhones on any iOS 26 version. Analysts say Safari’s user-agent now reports iOS 18.x even on iOS 26, likely undercounting users. Apple’s December update for iOS 26.2 patched WebKit vulnerabilities linked to sophisticated attacks. Security fixes require updating to iOS 26.2 if supported.
January 15, 2026
Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch
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Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch

Leaked builds of Android 17 show Google testing a “dual-shade” interface that splits notifications and Quick Settings into separate panels, with users swiping from different sides to access each. Phones may offer a choice between the new and classic layouts, but large-screen devices could be locked to the split view. Separate Wi‑Fi and mobile data toggles may return, reversing a change from Android 12.
January 15, 2026
FCC Lets Verizon End the 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule: What Changes for iPhone and Android Users Starting Jan. 13, 2026
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FCC Lets Verizon End the 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule: What Changes for iPhone and Android Users Starting Jan. 13, 2026

Verizon received an FCC waiver ending its 60-day automatic phone unlocking rule, effective January 13, 2026, for new device activations. Phones activated before that date remain under the old rule. Verizon will now follow the CTIA Consumer Code, unlocking devices upon request after conditions are met, rather than automatically.
January 15, 2026
Samsung quietly lists Galaxy A07 5G with a 120Hz display — and a surprisingly long Android update pledge
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Samsung quietly lists Galaxy A07 5G with a 120Hz display — and a surprisingly long Android update pledge

Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G appeared on Samsung Thailand’s site with a 6.7-inch 120Hz LCD, 6,000mAh battery, and prices starting at THB 5,499 ($175). Samsung promises up to six major Android OS updates for the A07 line, an unusual move for entry-level phones. The A07 5G ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.0, with updates planned through Android 22. Two memory variants are listed: 4GB/128GB and 6GB/128GB.
January 14, 2026
Trump Mobile’s $499 Gold T1 Phone Still Hasn’t Shipped: Latest Updates and Refund Questions (Jan. 13, 2026)
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Trump Mobile’s $499 Gold T1 Phone Still Hasn’t Shipped: Latest Updates and Refund Questions (Jan. 13, 2026)

Trump Mobile’s $499 “T1” gold smartphone remains unavailable as of Jan. 13, 2026, despite months of pre-orders and $100 deposits. No firm shipping date has been announced. Media reports highlight growing refund concerns and unverified claims about preorder numbers. The company continues to accept deposits while offering only vague shipping estimates.
January 13, 2026
Samsung admits it held back Google Play system updates on Galaxy phones — and says they’ll return
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Samsung admits it held back Google Play system updates on Galaxy phones — and says they’ll return

Samsung confirmed it delayed Google Play system updates on some Galaxy phones due to internal software checks during major One UI updates and new device launches. The company says rollouts will resume in January but gave no specific schedule. Users reported Play system versions stuck at July–September 2025 despite receiving other security patches. Samsung did not clarify which models will get updates first.
January 8, 2026
Trump Mobile promised a golden T1 phone. CES opens in Las Vegas and it’s still missing
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Trump Mobile promised a golden T1 phone. CES opens in Las Vegas and it’s still missing

Trump Mobile’s gold-colored T1 smartphone has not shipped after missing its 2025 target, though the company continues to take $100 deposits and sell a $47.45 monthly plan. The Trump Organization has not said when the phone will ship. Analysts question whether a $500 U.S.-built phone is feasible. The company now describes the device as “American-proud” instead of U.S.-made.
January 8, 2026
iOS 26.3 Could Be a Big iPhone Update in Europe: AirPods‑Style Pairing for Any Earbuds, Third‑Party Watch Notifications, and an Easier Switch to Android (January 6, 2026)
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iOS 26.3 Could Be a Big iPhone Update in Europe: AirPods‑Style Pairing for Any Earbuds, Third‑Party Watch Notifications, and an Easier Switch to Android (January 6, 2026)

Apple’s iOS 26.3 update is expected by late January 2026. EU users may see AirPods-style proximity pairing for third-party earbuds and expanded smartwatch notifications, in line with Digital Markets Act requirements. All users get a new Transfer to Android tool and additional Weather wallpapers.
January 6, 2026
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Stock Market Today

  • Australian Job Mobility Hits Record Low Amid Rising Economic Uncertainty
    May 24, 2026, 3:48 PM EDT. Australian job mobility has declined sharply, with only 7.7% of workers changing jobs in the year to February 2025, down from nearly 20% in 1989. Economic indicators reveal Australians are increasingly risk-averse, hesitant to move jobs, start businesses, or relocate between states. Factors include housing costs, the burden of large mortgages averaging $700,000, and a tightening labor market. Research from the e61 Institute highlights a fall in self-employment to a 20-year low of 14%, as more workers opt for wage jobs offering greater security through benefits like superannuation and paid leave. Business strategist Kate McCready attributes this shift to fears over job retention amid technological advances like AI and global uncertainties. The trend suggests Australians are 'stuck' in current roles, limiting labor market dynamism.