Apple looking to make 'premium' priced folding iPhones starting next year, analyst says
Apple has plans to make a folding iPhone starting next year, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said on Wednesday.
Kuo said Apple's folding phone could have a display made by Samsung Display, which is planning to produce as many as eight million foldable panels for the device next year. However, other components haven't been finalized, including the device's hinge, Kuo wrote. He expects it to have 'premium pricing.'
Kuo is an analyst for TF International Securities, and focuses on the Asian electronics supply chain and often discusses Apple products before they're launched.
He wrote in a post on social media site X that Apple's plans for the foldable iPhone aren't locked in yet and are subject to change. Apple did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Apple's iPhone makes up over half of Apple's business and remains an incredibly profitable product, accounting for $201 billion in sales in the company's fiscal 2024. But iPhone revenue peaked in 2022, and Apple is constantly looking for ways to attract new customers and convince its current customers to upgrade to more expensive devices.
Several of Apple's rivals, including Huawei and Samsung, have been releasing folding smartphones since 2019.
The devices promise the screen size of a tablet in a format that can be stored in pants pockets. But folding phones still have hardware issues, including creases in the display where it is folded.
Folding phones also have yet to prove they drive significant demand after the novelty wears off.
Research firm TrendForce said last year that only 1.5% of all smartphones sold can fold. Counterpoint, another research firm tracking smartphone sales, said earlier this year that the folding market only grew about 3% in 2024 and is expected to shrink in 2025.
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Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26: The Features Your Older iPhone WON'T Get
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
The best phone battery life of 2025, tried and tested by a smartphone expert
The smartphone is the Swiss Army Knife of the modern world. It's a multi-functional tool that's always close to hand. Whether you're browsing the web, taking pictures, watching videos, listening to music or simply making calls, it's in near-constant use. As a result, battery life has become a critical consideration when shopping for a new handset. As an experienced tech journalist, I've tested dozens of smartphones over the past decade and have seen the overall level of battery life improve considerably over the years. While the general level of smartphone stamina is now very good, there are still some phones that will last longer than others on a single charge. If you're in the market for a new phone that won't shut down before the end of a busy day, I would recommend selecting from one of the following handsets. Samsung, Apple, and Google are all familiar and trusted brands, but I've also included some dark horse picks that you might not have considered before. 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I applied the same five key metrics when judging the smartphones: design and features, display, performance and battery life, software and AI, as well as camera. Where available, I've linked to in-depth reviews for the phones listed. As you can see, we typically roll battery life together with performance, but I've given the former element particular prominence for the purposes of this feature. As well as offering general impressions of each phone's battery life from my day-to-day experience, I also ran our in-house battery benchmark. This involves downloading and playing a looping 20-hour Full HD 1080p resolution video via the VLC video player app (available on iOS and Android). The video is set to display across the whole screen, with a fixed screen brightness of 250 nits, and with aeroplane mode switched on, which turns off all data connections. Any automatic battery saver modes are also deactivated. I do all of this to ensure our tests are repeatable and consistent with one another. When the phone finally ran out of battery and powered down, I charged it back up, reopened the VLC app and recorded how long the video ran for. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best phone battery life of 2025 1. Best Buy Phone Battery Life: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max The iPhone 16 Pro Max scored right up there with the best smartphones on this list in our video test, coming in a close fourth and bursting well past the 30 hours mark on a single charge. Away from this one specific metric, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has exceptional day-to-day battery life and is comfortably the most long-lasting iPhone on the market. While a 4,685mAh battery is the smallest on this list, Apple's efficient iOS software means that the phone utilises that smaller capacity more effectively than its rivals. It will routinely last you through two full days of moderate usage. The main drawback here is the iPhone 16 Pro Max's wired charging speeds, which, at just 45W, will get you from empty to 50 per cent in 30 minutes. That's not terrible, but it falls far short of some of the other phones I tested, such as the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro. However, our top pick in all of our round-ups is all about being the Best Buy. The iPhone 16 Pro is the best all-round smartphone on the market, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is essentially the same phone, only larger and with much better battery life. If that's your most pressing concern, but you're still after a brilliant smartphone experience from top to bottom, it's our top pick. Other than fantastic stamina, you're getting phenomenal performance, a delightfully high-end design (now including a dedicated camera shutter button), and the best phone camera around. To learn more, read our full iPhone 16 Pro Max review. Key specifications Screen: 6.9in, 120Hz refresh rate Processor: Apple A18 Pro Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Dimensions: 163 x 77.6 x 8.3mm Weight: 227g Battery size: 4,685mAh Battery life: 30 hours and 43 minutes 2. Best Value Phone Battery: Google Pixel 9a The Pixel 9a might be the cheapest phone on Google's current roster, but it also has the largest battery. Its 5,100mAh capacity is larger than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite being a significantly smaller phone. While I didn't observe outstanding day-to-day stamina from the Pixel 9a, it stood up to a busy working day with ease. What's more, it landed firmly in the middle of the pack on our video test, beating significantly larger phones such as the OnePlus 13 and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra by several hours. It's not all positive news, with a maximum wired charging rate of 23W proving deeply unremarkable. It will take more than an hour to get to a full charge from empty. Conversely, there's a convenient wireless charging provision, which is far from a given at this price. Strong battery life aside, the Pixel 9a is the best budget smartphone on the market, with an extremely bright display, fast performance from a flagship-level processor, and great photographic capabilities. To learn more, read our full Google Pixel 9a review. 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As it stands, though, the 5,270mAh battery featured here still proves ample, with the Magic 7 Pro scoring the second highest in our video test. Add to this 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging support and you have a phone that's ready to charge up quickly when it finally runs low. It can charge to full from zero in the same time it takes our Best Buy pick to hit 50 per cent. Elsewhere, the Honor Magic 7 Pro offers a compelling package. Its 200-megapixel main camera is capable of taking excellent images, and is a particular dab hand at action snaps. Honor's Zoom function can capture some remarkably detailed close-ups as well. Performance is up there with the best in the business, as is Honor's 6.8-inch display. The custom Android software is a little too messy for my tastes, but if you can learn to live with it, this is a phone that will last you a long while. Key specifications Screen: 6.78in, 185Hz refresh rate Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Storage options: 512GB, 1TB Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.9mm Weight: 227g Battery size: 5,270mAh Battery life: 31 hours Also consider: OnePlus 13 Battery life: 26 hours and 11 minutes The OnePlus 13 previously won a recommendation as the best smartphone for battery life, due to its large 6,000mAh cell and rapid 100W wired charging support. It remains an impressive performer on this front, lasting through two days of regular use. Since that was written, however, we've put the OnePlus 13 through our new looping video test, where it scored the second-worst of all nine phones involved in this test. That shouldn't put you off a purchase, as most people won't be watching non-stop video for a full day. What's more, the OnePlus 13 is simply an excellent phone at a competitive price, with one of the most vibrant displays on the market, an attractive faux-leather finish, a great triple camera system, responsive software and extremely rapid performance. 4. Best Phone Battery Life for Video Playback: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro If we were going purely on our video test, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro would be a clear winner. It topped the table by a massive margin, beating the number two contender by an hour and 40 minutes. It's not hard to see why the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro has such impressive media playback power. This is a gaming phone, which means that it's purpose-built to deliver a sustained screen on time (SoT) and fast performance. Part of that formula involves extending the phone's stamina, as nothing saps battery life as much as playing games. To that end, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro starts with a large 5,800mAh battery. While its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is the same as several other phones on this list, Asus pairs this with an extensive cooling system to prevent heat build-up (a cooler phone is more energy efficient). Beyond that, Asus clearly focused on optimising the phone's software to maximise battery life. At 65W, the charging speeds are good rather than great, but unlike most phones on this list, you get that charger included in the box. It also supports 15W wireless charging, which is unusual for a gaming phone. The reason I wouldn't recommend the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro to most people, however, is because of this gaming focus. It's relatively large and cumbersome, with a somewhat crude design. Meanwhile, its camera, while not bad, isn't up to the standard you might expect of a £1,100 phone. Key specifications Screen: 6.78in, 185Hz refresh rate Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Storage options: 512GB, 1TB Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.9mm Weight: 227g Battery size: 5,800mAh Battery life: 32 hours and 41 minutes Also consider: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Battery life: 30 hours and 55 minutes The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra came third in our looping video test, just pipping the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the post. Samsung's battery optimisation is generally some of the best in the business, allowing its phones to compete despite rarely having the largest size (the Galaxy S25 Ultra's battery is 5,000mAh). This is a phone that will reliably last you a heavy day of usage and well into a second day, no matter what you throw at it. The main aspect holding it back is a mere 45W wired charging provision, which is a fair bit slower than much of the opposition. With that said, we voted the Galaxy S25 Ultra to be the best Android smartphone on the market, with a fabulous glare-free display, excellent camera zoom, and a host of powerful AI features. 5. Largest Phone Battery: Redmagic 10S Pro When it comes to capacity, no phone at the time of writing comes with a bigger battery than the Redmagic 10S Pro. At 7,050mAh, it's truly vast. This huge battery leads to exemplary day-to-day stamina, which is required to keep it running through extended gaming sessions. This is another gaming phone, like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, but this handset has a couple of bonuses. It features a physical cooling fan to avoid heat build-up, and it also has a souped-up version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Technically, it's the fastest phone on this list, as well as being one of the cheapest. The phone comes with an 80W charger in the box, though it supports up to 100W charging. A full charge should take around 40 minutes. On a less positive note, there's no wireless charging. That's far from the only drawback here. Surprisingly, the Redmagic 10S Pro posted one of the worst scores in our video playback battery test. The Redmagic OS software is also messy and glitchy. The physical design, too, is somewhat juvenile, with an off-putting gamer aesthetic that incorporates gaudy lighting effects. Key specifications Best phone battery life FAQs Is a higher mAh better for battery life? Generally speaking, a larger battery leads to better battery life. However, other factors play a major part, including screen and processor efficiency and how well the manufacturer has optimised the software. How do you prolong a phone's battery life? Reducing screen brightness and preventing apps (particularly social media) from running in the background are two ways to preserve battery life. Every phone also has a battery saver mode that can be initiated manually or automatically once it drops down to a certain percentage. Which brands are well-known for producing phones with good battery life? Samsung and Apple both have excellent reputations in this department. Neither brand's phones have the biggest batteries in their class, but both do well through expert optimisation. The biggest batteries, however, are currently coming from Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, Honor, and OnePlus, all of which have started utilising super-dense silicon-carbon (Si/c) battery technology. What everyday activities drain phone battery the fastest? Social media apps and navigation apps running in the background can play havoc with battery life, as does frequent switching between mobile networks (5G is a known battery hog). Gaming, too, is an infaillible way to rapidly drop your phone's battery percentage.
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Apple CarPlay: 30+ New Features You Need to Know (YouTube Streaming & More!)
Apple's iOS 26 update for Apple CarPlay introduces a comprehensive range of features designed to elevate your in-car experience. With a focus on personalization, seamless integration, and enhanced functionality, this update aims to make driving safer, more intuitive, and enjoyable. Below is a detailed look at the most impactful updates and how they redefine the way you interact with your vehicle in a new video from Hotshottek. Watch this video on YouTube. Device Compatibility To access iOS 26 Apple CarPlay, you'll need an iPhone 11 or newer. The update is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta expected in July and an official release planned for the fall. This ensures compatibility with the latest hardware, delivering optimized performance and a smoother user experience. By aligning with newer devices, Apple ensures that CarPlay users benefit from the most advanced features without compromising on speed or reliability. Enhanced Interface and Customization The iOS 26 update introduces a redesigned interface that prioritizes customization and visual appeal, allowing users to tailor their CarPlay experience to their preferences. Key updates include: A revamped widget system that enables you to create customizable stacks , displaying essential information such as the clock, weather, and battery status in one convenient view. , displaying essential information such as the clock, weather, and battery status in one convenient view. The Smart Zoom feature, which automatically adjusts the display to fit various screen sizes, making sure a consistent and seamless experience across different vehicle models. feature, which automatically adjusts the display to fit various screen sizes, making sure a consistent and seamless experience across different vehicle models. New wallpapers and icon designs, offering light, dark, and translucent themes to suit your aesthetic preferences. A redesigned toolbar with rounded edges and updated UI elements, creating a modern and cohesive look that enhances usability. These updates not only improve the visual appeal of CarPlay but also make it easier to access critical information while driving, making sure a safer and more enjoyable journey. Expanded Third-Party App Integration CarPlay now supports third-party widgets, significantly expanding its functionality and versatility. This update allows you to integrate apps like weather trackers, social media platforms, and podcasts directly into your dashboard. Additionally, enhanced live activity tracking lets you monitor real-time updates, such as flight statuses or delivery progress, directly from your car's display. While some features are still being refined, this marks a major step forward in making CarPlay a central hub for both entertainment and productivity. Apple Maps: Smarter Navigation Apple Maps has received several updates aimed at improving navigation and safety. These include: Railroad crossing alerts to enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. to enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. Minor UI updates that make navigation more intuitive, making sure you can focus on the road while easily accessing directions and other critical information. These enhancements demonstrate Apple's commitment to making navigation not only more user-friendly but also safer for drivers and passengers alike. Apple Music: A Better Listening Experience Music playback sees significant improvements in iOS 26, making your in-car entertainment more enjoyable. Updates include: A redesigned Apple Music interface with larger icons and new categories, making it easier to browse and select your favorite tracks. and new categories, making it easier to browse and select your favorite tracks. The Automix feature, which creates seamless transitions between songs by matching tempo and key, delivering a smoother and more immersive listening experience. These updates ensure that your music experience is as engaging and effortless as possible, whether you're on a long road trip or a short commute. Accessibility Enhancements Accessibility remains a core focus in iOS 26, with several new features designed to make CarPlay more inclusive. These include: Adjustable text size and bold text options to improve readability for users with visual impairments. Enhanced voice control for hands-free navigation and interaction, reducing distractions while driving. for hands-free navigation and interaction, reducing distractions while driving. Sound recognition alerts that notify you of critical sounds, such as sirens or a baby crying, making sure you remain aware of your surroundings. These features highlight Apple's dedication to creating a platform that caters to the needs of all users, regardless of their abilities. Streamlined Notifications and Messaging Communication within CarPlay has been refined to minimize distractions and improve usability. Key updates include: Compact call notifications that no longer take up the full screen, allowing you to manage calls without interrupting other activities. The ability to reply to messages using reactions, such as likes or hearts, for quicker and more convenient communication. These changes make it easier to stay connected while keeping your focus on the road, enhancing both safety and convenience. Updates to Other Apps Several built-in apps have received subtle yet meaningful updates to improve functionality and usability. These include: Messages, Podcasts, Audiobooks, and News now feature minor interface and functionality improvements, making them more intuitive to use. The Calendar app offers enhanced integration, allowing you to view and manage your schedule more efficiently while on the go. These updates ensure that every aspect of CarPlay is optimized for a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Future Possibilities Looking ahead, there are rumors of potential features that could further expand CarPlay's capabilities. One such possibility is video streaming support for platforms like YouTube, which would allow playback while your vehicle is parked. If implemented, this feature could make CarPlay an even more versatile platform, offering entertainment options for passengers or during downtime. Apple's commitment to innovation and user satisfaction is evident in these updates, and the potential for future enhancements only adds to the excitement surrounding iOS 26. Enhance your knowledge on iOS 26 Apple CarPlay features by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Auto News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
