&w=3840&q=100)
Apple, Samsung may replace Plus models with ultra-thin smartphones: Report
Samsung has reportedly begun development on the Galaxy S26 Edge, its second-generation ultra-thin flagship. According to a report by 9To5Google, citing The Elec, the company plans to replace the 'Plus' model in its Galaxy S series line-up with the Edge variant starting next year. Apple is also expected to adopt a similar approach, potentially replacing the iPhone Plus with a new 'iPhone Air' model.
For those who don't know, Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13. The phone stands out for its ultra-slim titanium build, measuring just 5.8mm thick and weighing 163g—even though it features a display size similar to the Galaxy S25 Plus. It is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and includes a 200MP primary sensor, which marks a camera upgrade over the Plus variant. However, the ultra-thin design comes with trade-offs: a smaller battery and the absence of a telephoto lens.
Apple, meanwhile, is expected to debut the iPhone 17 Air later this year. The device is rumoured to take inspiration from the ultra-slim iPad Pro design and is likely to replace the iPhone Plus in the company's future line-up. The iPhone 17 Air is tipped to feature a 6.6-inch display and support for ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. Similar to Samsung's Edge model, it's expected to offer fewer camera sensors, with early reports suggesting a single rear camera set-up. A smaller battery is also expected compared to the current Plus model.
That said, Apple may have an advantage on the software front. A recent Bloomberg report revealed that Apple is developing a new AI-powered battery optimisation feature for the upcoming version of iOS. The feature will reportedly monitor usage patterns and adjust settings in real time to extend battery life—potentially addressing concerns around battery life in its thinner iPhone model.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge now on pre-order in India
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is now available for pre-order in India. Starting at Rs 1,09,999, the smartphone is available in Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Icyblue colour options. Customers who pre-order will also get access to limited-time offers including a free storage upgrade, no-cost EMI plans, and more.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Price
12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 1,09,999
12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 1,21,999
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate (1-120Hz), 2600nits peak brightness
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB
Rear camera: 200MP primary + 12MP ultra wide
Front camera: 12MP
Battery: 3900mAh
Protection: IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
OS: Android 15-based One UI 7
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Before Apple's next big reveal: How iOS 18 redefined updates and user reach
As we approach the next wave of Apple software updates at WWDC, iOS 18 stands out as one of the most transformative updates in recent years not just in features, but in how swiftly users have embraced it. Introduced at WWDC 2024 and released to the public in September, iOS 18 ushered in a new era of personalization, intelligence, and cross-platform connectivity. For the first time, users could fully customize their Home Screen and Control Center, while a redesigned Photos app streamlined media update also brought RCS messaging support, bridging the communication gap between iPhone and Android users. Most notably, iOS 18 marked Apple's official entry into generative AI with Apple Intelligence a privacy-first suite of on-device tools integrated into everyday apps and an enhanced Siri experience. From offline maps and scheduled messages to Game Mode and advanced accessibility features, iOS 18 redefined what users expect from a mobile operating such a feature-rich update, it's no surprise that iOS 18 has seen rapid adoption across Apple's ecosystem. According to Apple, 88% of all iPhones introduced in the last four years are now running iOS 18, with overall adoption across all compatible iPhones at 82%. The uptake has been similarly strong on the iPad front 81% of iPads released in the past four years have updated to iPadOS 18, while 71% of all active iPads are now on the latest version. These numbers highlight not only Apple's consistent update rollout strategy but also the high user trust in its software of the key reasons behind iOS 18's impressive adoption rate is the central role that Software Update plays in the iPhone experience. Unlike many other smartphone platforms, Apple delivers its updates directly to users without carrier delays or third-party intervention ensuring quick, consistent access to the latest features, technologies, and security sets Apple apart is its commitment to longevity: iOS 18 is supported all the way back to the iPhone Xs, allowing a wide range of users to benefit from new features and improvements, regardless of the device's age. Updates are easy to install, with many users opting into automatic overnight updates, and Apple even offers the flexibility to remain on an older iOS version temporarily while still receiving critical security patches. This seamless and inclusive update model not only extends the useful life and resale value of older devices, but also strengthens security across the ecosystem. For developers, this consistency means they can confidently adopt the latest APIs and tools, knowing most users will have access ultimately resulting in better, more feature-rich apps for everyone. It's this deep integration of hardware and software, and Apple's end-to-end control of the experience, that makes broad adoption possible and beneficial.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Apple leases retail space in Borivali for Rs 2.08 crore annual rent
Apple has leased retail space in Oberoi Sky City Mall, Borivali — a Mumbai suburb — for an annual rent of Rs 2.08 crore (Rs 17.35 lakh per month), according to lease documents provided by Propstack, a real estate data analytics firm. This will be the US-based technology giant's second store in Mumbai after its first store in India at Jio Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, and its fourth overall following stores in Saket, Delhi, and Batrayanpura, Bengaluru. The space covers a carpet area of about 12,616 square feet (sq ft), making Apple an anchor tenant. The store is located on the ground floor of the mall. Apple will also have access to a storage area of 150 square metres and parking for five cars. Apple has leased the space from Incline Realty, an Oberoi Realty affiliate, for a tenure of 10 years and 10 months. As per the lease agreement, rent will escalate by 15 per cent every three years. Additionally, Apple will share 2 per cent of its revenue for the first 42 months of the lease and 2.5 per cent thereafter. The lease commenced on May 8, 2025, and the company has paid a security deposit of Rs 1.04 crore. Earlier, Apple's head of retail had mentioned plans to open more stores in India, targeting likely locations such as Bengaluru and Pune, besides Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. Apple CEO Tim Cook, during the company's quarterly earnings call in May, said, 'In retail, in addition to the two stores we opened during the quarter, we're also looking forward to a new retail store in the UAE, the arrival of the online store in Saudi Arabia, and new retail stores in India starting later this year.' This development comes amid Apple's shift of iPhone manufacturing from China to India to tap into the growing Indian smartphone market and to export from India to the US amid changing tariffs. US President Donald Trump had warned Apple of a 25 per cent tariff on iPhones sold in the US if they were not manufactured domestically. Apple's retail stores are part of its broader India strategy, where it began manufacturing iPhones in 2017 and now produces the latest models, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, domestically. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple plans to double iPhone production in India to 80 million units to meet the expected US demand of 60 million iPhones by 2026. The company also intends to increase exports to select countries worldwide. Cook noted that most US-bound iPhones in the June quarter will be manufactured in India. 'For the June quarter, we do expect the majority of iPhones sold in the US will have India as their country of origin,' he said during the earnings call. For its Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) retail space of 20,806 sq ft, Apple signed an 11-year lease with an annual rent of Rs 5.04 crore (Rs 42 lakh per month), including a 2 per cent revenue share for the first three years and 2.5 per cent thereafter. Rent will escalate by 15 per cent every three years. In Delhi, the Saket store occupies 8,400 sq ft leased for 10 years at an annual rent of Rs 4.8 crore (Rs 40 lakh per month), with a 15 per cent rent escalation every three years but no revenue share. Last month, Apple leased 8,000 sq ft in Bengaluru for 10 years at an annual rent of Rs 2.09 crore (Rs 17.4 lakh per month), with a 15 per cent rent escalation every three years and a 2 per cent revenue share for the first three years, increasing to 2.5 per cent thereafter. Under the lease terms, Apple has provided the lessor with a list of competitors. The lessor is prohibited from leasing any space to companies that compete with Apple's retail business for retailing, advertising, selling, offering, displaying, and merchandising products and services within the mall's exclusivity zone.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Apple gives Tata India iPhone repair business as partnership expands, sources say
Apple has brought in Tata Group to handle repairs for iPhones and MacBook devices in its fast-growing Indian market, signalling the Indian conglomerate's deepening role in the U.S. tech giant's supply chain, two people familiar with the matter said. As Apple looks beyond China for manufacturing, Tata has fast emerged as its key supplier and already assembles iPhones for local and foreign markets at three facilities in south India, with one of them also making some iPhone components. In its latest partnership expansion, Tata is taking over the mandate from an Indian unit of Taiwan's Wistron, ICT Service Management Solutions, and will carry out such after-sales repairs from its Karnataka iPhone assembly campus, both sources said. The market for repairs is only going to boom in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, as iPhone sales skyrocket. Counterpoint Research estimates around 11 million iPhones were sold in India last year, giving Apple a 7 per cent market share, compared to just 1 per cent in 2020. The latest contract award signals Apple's growing confidence on Tata as it hopes to win more business from the world's most valuable smartphone company. "Tata's deepening partnership with Apple could also pave the groundwork for Apple directly selling refurbished devices in India, like how it does in the United States currently," said Prabhu Ram, a vice president at Cybermedia Research. The takeover from ICT by Tata is currently ongoing, both sources said, who declined to be named as they were not authorized to speak on the matter. Apple and Wistron did not respond to requests for comment, while a spokesperson for Tata declined to comment. While Apple's official service centres across India can do basic repairs, they would now ship phones and laptops to Tata's facility for more complex issues. Wistron's ICT however will continue to service other clients excluding Apple, one of the sources said. Amid an impending threat of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on China, India is also emerging as a favoured destination for iPhone exports. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said the bulk of iPhones sold in the United States during June quarter will be made at factories in India.
