Contrary to these recent claims, prominent leaker Instant Digital on Weibo said (via machine translation) that while the appearance of the back on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max has changed "the triple-camera layout is still a triangle, not the horizontal strip that is currently circulating online." Earlier reports have also suggested that the cameras on the back of next year's Pro models will be getting bigger and occupy a chunk of space. Additionally, it has also been speculated that Apple will be using part aluminum and part glass back on the iPhone 17 Pro models to continue supporting the wireless charging technology.

Apple introduced the triangular camera module with the iPhone 11, and this layout has persisted in subsequent models. The design change was part of Apple's strategy to include a new ultrawide camera with improved sensors and optics. While rumors about next year's iPhone 17 camera layout have fueled much discussion, more clarity will likely emerge in the coming months.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also rumored to feature a new display technology called Low-Dielectric TEE, which will help in enhanced power saving. It was earlier speculated that Apple could switch to using aluminum frames on all iPhone 17 models, but Instant Digital refuted the claims and suggested that Apple would stick with titanium frames for iPhone 17 models. The Dynamic Island on the Pro Max model is also expected to get slimmer.

With all these and other changes, including the new iPhone 17 Slim/Air rumored to be incoming with next year's iPhone models, what are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Here is the list of the most downloaded apps and games for 2024 in different categories in the US:

Top 10 free iPhone apps:

• Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
• Threads
• TikTok
• ChatGPT
• Google
• Instagram
• WhatsApp Messenger
• CapCut - Video Editor
• YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
• Gmail - Email by Google

Top 10 paid iPhone apps:

• Shadowrocket
• HotSchedules
• Procreate Pocket
• 75 Hard
• AnkiMobile Flashcards
• AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
• Paprika Recipe Manager 3
• TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
• Goblin Tools
• Forest: Focus for Productivity

Top 10 free iPhone games:

• Block Blast！
• MONOPOLY GO!
• Roblox
• Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile
• Township
• Last War: Survival
• Royal Match
• Brawl Stars
• Subway Surfers
• My Perfect Hotel

Top 10 paid iPhone games:

• Minecraft: Play with Friends
• Heads Up!
• Geometry Dash
• Papa's Freezeria To Go!
• Bloons TD 6
• Five Nights at Freddy's
• Plague Inc.
• MONOPOLY: The Board Game
• Stardew Valley
• Red's First Flight

Top 10 free iPad apps:

• YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
• Netflix
• Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
• Calculator - Pad Edition
• Disney+
• Google Chrome
• Peacock TV: Stream TV & Movies
• Amazon Prime Video
• TikTok
• Goodnotes 6

Top 10 paid iPad apps:

• Procreate
• Procreate Dreams
• Shadowrocket
• forScore
• Nomad Sculpt
• ToonSquid
• Bluebeam Revu for ‌iPad‌
• AnkiMobile Flashcards
• Teach Your Monster to Read
• Endless Paper

Top 10 free iPad games:

• Roblox
• Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
• MONOPOLY GO!
• Subway Surfers
• Brawl Stars
• Geometry Dash Lite
• Block Blast！
• Among Us!
• My Perfect Hotel
• Royal Match

Top 10 paid iPad games:

• Minecraft: Play with Friends
• Geometry Dash
• Five Nights at Freddy's
• Stardew Valley
• Bloons TD 6
• Papa's Paleteria To Go!
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2
• Poppy Playtime Chapter 1
• MONOPOLY: The Board Game
• Ultimate Custom Night

Top 10 Apple Arcade games:

• NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition
• Snake.io+
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure
• Sneaky Sasquatch
• Bloons TD 6+
• Sonic Dream Team
• NFL Retro Bowl '25
• Disney Dreamlight Valley
• Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
• Solitaire by MobilityWare+

Let us know in the comments below, how many of these apps you have downloaded on your iPhone or iPad.

Source: Apple

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Titanium Blue is expected to be the signature color of the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, according to the latest information, the Titanium Black color will be the most produced color option for the model. According to display analyst Ross Young on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Galaxy S25 Ultra's Titanium Black color will be produced the most in terms of volume. Black is a safe color option, which may explain Samsung's confidence in prioritizing this option.

Samsung is also anticipating the Titanium SilverBlue (which could be the signature color option) color to sell well. The Galaxy Z Fold6 already comes in a Navy Blue color option, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra could rock a similar shade. Following in the list are the Titanium Gray and WhiteSilver colors. There is a returning JetBlack color, which the company last offered with the Galaxy S10. The JadeGreen and PinkGold colors are expected to be produced in the lowest quantities.

Notably, the list purportedly shows the initial production volume, which Samsung can adjust based on the demand. Additionally, some colors on the list may be exclusive to online channels.

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Apple has been rumored to be working on a folding iPhone for quite some time, with a patent surfacing back in May this year. It was also reported that Samsung could supply displays for the foldable device. Apple was also rumored not to launch a foldable iPhone until it irons out the display crease issue. However, the company is allegedly moving ahead with its plan of launching a folding iPhone with a clamshell design in 2026.

The upcoming folding iPhone is expected in 2026. When unfolded, the device will feature a larger display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This means that the folding iPhone could come with at least a 7-inch display since the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display. The report adds that Apple has been working on these foldable devices for years, but its focus has shifted toward developing folding iPhones. The company has reportedly tackled significant hurdles, such as perfecting the hinge mechanism, which is an important part of any foldable.

Apple has explored the outward-folding design but now seems to have settled on an inward-folding design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. The folding iPhone is Apple's answer to reignite growth and breathe fresh air into the waning smartphone market.

Additionally, the report also adds that the rumored iPhone 17 Slim/Air could be cheaper than the Pro models. Currently, the iPhone 16 Pro model starts at $999, and if the report is to be believed, the iPhone 17 Slim/Air could cost around $900. This could be apt as the iPhone 17 Slim/Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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Reportedly, Samsung will be taking a cautious step and plans to produce only 3 million units of the Galaxy S25 Slim model. The step will be purportedly taken to gauge the market reactions to the model's new slim form factor. While earlier reports hinted at a January launch alongside the Galaxy S25 series, recent updates suggest the Galaxy S25 Slim could launch in Q2 of 2025.

The decision to release the Galaxy S25 Slim in the second quarter of 2025 in limited quantities mirrors the approach taken with the Galaxy Z Fold6 SE, which also witnessed a limited release. Notably, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold6 SE in Korea and Samsung W25 in China, which was much thinner than the global Galaxy Z Fold6 model. However, compared to the flagship Galaxy S-series, which usually sees an annual production of 30-35 million units, the 3 million units for the Galaxy S25 Slim may indicate a conservative approach.

Additionally, the number represents only one-tenth of the S-series production volume and 30% of the individual models such as the "Plus" variant. It is purported that the Galaxy S25 Slim could feature a 6.66-inch display, aligning with the rumored display size of the Galaxy S25 Plus. Moreover, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are tipped to feature a 6.16-inch and 6.86-inch display, respectively. The Galaxy S25 Slim is also expected to pack a 200MP primary camera, along with a 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP 3.5x optical lens.

An industry insider noted that "The biggest feature of the slim model is that the layout of the internal components of the smartphone is different. The key to design and development is to optimize the thickness of the smartphone to match the battery, which is thick and difficult to change the design." If the Galaxy S25 Slim garners a positive response, Samsung may continue with a slim phone in the future S-series lineup.

Source: ETNews

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According to a source close to Google (via Android Authority), the search giant weighed all options for 5G modems available on the market, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75, which powers Apple's iPhone 16 series. However, Google has chosen MediaTek's T900 modem for its next-gen Pixel phones.

The T900 is part of MediaTek's "M85" generation of modems, which were expected to support the newest 3GPP Release 17 5G specifications and possibly even standards newer than that. Meanwhile, the previous "M80" series topped out at Release 16 support, making this a sizeable upgrade— beyond that high-level specification. However, details about the T900 are less clear.

In this regard, it is a bold move on Google's part to go with an unproven MediaTek solution when an option existed to use Qualcomm's modem technology. This shows that Google is increasingly focused on establishing its in-house mobile ecosystem, independent of any third-party chipset vendors.

The fact that Google's in-house Tensor chipsets have already started to reduce the company's reliance on partners like Samsung and the shift to a MediaTek modem suggests that will continue. However, the risk with an unproven solution like the T900 is that it may affect the connectivity performance and compatibility of the Pixel 10.

In other news, Google's new Tensor G5 will also come with some key camera upgrades. In particular, it said that the chip will support 4K 60fps HDR video, which the current Tensor G4 does only with a cap of 4K 30fps HDR. Also mentioned in the document, Pixel 11 could offer 100x zoom capability.

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According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a trusted source for Apple-related news and rumors, Apple designers are working on a giant foldable iPad for the upcoming years. As Gurman says, while the alleged product might move away from offering a hybrid iPad-Mac experience, it still holds elements from both devices.

Additionally, Apple's goal for its foldable iPad is to get rid of conventional creases seen in foldable phones. Instead, Apple wants an iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side. Apple's product team could apparently design prototypes with nearly invisible creases. The alleged product has been under development over the past years and might finally make it to the market in 2028.

"It's not yet clear what operating system the Apple computer will run, but my guess is that it will be iPadOS or a variant of it. I don't believe it will be a true iPad-Mac hybrid, but the device will have elements of both. By the time 2028 rolls around, iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS apps, but it also makes sense to support iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil."

While the design of Apple's foldable iPad remains a mystery, the Cupertino-based firm might follow Lenovo's footsteps in Yoga Book 9i. Lenovo's product has two 13.3-inch OLED screens working side by side. However, Gurman says Apple's approach is to offer an integrated, unified display for an uninterrupted experience. This could potentially result in an Apple foldable iPad that expands to a massive 20 inches or so when unfolded.

Bloomberg's recent reporting aligns with a leaked roadmap by market research firm Omdia released last week. The alleged roadmap suggested that Apple would launch a foldable 18.8-inch tablet/note PC/monitor in 2028 with an OLED display.

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Starting off, the Pixel 9a is said to be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, paired with the M2 Titan security chip. The device is claimed to feature a 6.285-inch Actua AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate boasting a peak brightness of 2,700 nits and a resolution of 1080x2424 (FHD+). The display could feature Gorilla Glass 3 protection with IP68 dust and water resistance.

The camera setup is likely to remain the same as the Pixel 8a. As per the leak, the Pixel 9a will feature a 48MP + 13MP dual-camera setup on the rear and a 13MP selfie camera. Notably, the 48MP main camera is said to be sourced from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, enabling better low-light photography on the Pixel 9a. Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is tipped to be juiced by a 5,100mAh battery, which is 13% larger compared to the Pixel 8a (4,492mAh).

Gallery: Pixel 9a specifications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will get improved charging speeds, which stand at 7.5W wireless and 23W fast wired charging. The device won't feature Qi2 charging just like the Pixel 9 series launched this year. The Pixel 9a could launch in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony, mirroring the colors of the standard Pixel 9. The phone is expected to get a bit taller and wider, but weigh less than its predecessor. It would reportedly measure 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, and weigh 185.9 grams, compared to Pixel 8a which measures 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm with a weight of 188 grams.

Speaking of the price, the Pixel 9a is tipped to launch for $499 for the 128GB model and could cost $50 extra for the mmWave model, likely exclusive to Verizon.

Source and images: Android Headlines

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iOS 18.2 delivers some of the previously announced Apple Intelligence features. With the latest update, users can generate images in different styles based on text prompts, photos, and concepts. Also, the update lets you generate custom emojis right from the stock keyboard. If you need a very specific emoji that is not available by default, describe it to your iPhone, and it will generate it for you.

Another big part of iOS 18.2 is ChatGPT integration with Siri and Writing Tools. Siri can request information from ChatGPT to provide you with additional information or answer your questions. An important note is that you do not need an OpenAI account, albeit Apple lets you sign in with one if you want to access additional features.

Besides new Apple Intelligence features, Apple is expanding the availability to more countries. English-speaking customers in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK can now access Apple Intelligence on compatible devices.

Users with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max can now enjoy more Camera Control features. Visual Intelligence now lets you capture something with your iPhone and ask Google or ChatGPT about the subject. Also, Camera Control now supports a two-stage shutter for focus and exposure control.

Other improvements in iOS and iPadOS 18.2 include Mail categorization, the ability to scrub frame-by-frame in the Photos app, new backgrounds for Safar, the option to import or export browsing data from and to Safari, natural language search in Apple Music, favorite categories in Podcasts, and more.

Here is the list of compatible iOS 18.2-compatible iPhones:

And here is the list of compatible iPads:

You can install iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2 by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

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Now, the signature color of the Galaxy S25 Ultra may just have been leaked. It is rumored that the Galaxy S25 Ultra could launch in black, green, blue, and silver color options. Some information about the online exclusive colors of the entire lineup was also leaked, along with multiple renders showcasing how these colors would look on Samsung's premium model.

However, according to reliable leaker IceUniverse, Samsung could opt for "Blue" as the signature color option for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the leaker shared this piece of information. Since the source of information isn't known, we would advise you to take it with a grain of salt.

The leaker did not confirm which shade of blue it would be. Looking at the comments on the post, it appears that many are hopeful that Samsung may opt for the "Navy blue" color that Samsung introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold6 earlier this year.

The signature color is typically the one used prominently in marketing and promotions. Samsung, like other brands, has had a tradition of introducing its device in a new color every year. For example, the Galaxy S22 Ultra's signature color was "Burgundy," whereas the Galaxy S23 Ultra used "Green." Similarly, this year, Samsung opted for the "Titanium Gray" color for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It remains to be seen what the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra's signature "Blue" color would look like.

Let us know your thoughts, which shade of blue would you like to see the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra debut in?

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However, a fresh leak suggests that Samsung could end the drought and finally introduce the Qi2 wireless charging standard with the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. Samsung is expected to launch the trio of Galaxy S25 series: Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra next month, purportedly on January 22, 2025, at an Unpacked event in the USA. The South Korean tech giant is also rumored to throw the Galaxy S25 Slim into the mix. There are also rumors of Samsung giving us a glimpse of its new XR smart glasses at the event.

According to reliable leaker IceUniverse (via Jukanlosreve), the entire Galaxy S25 lineup will feature the Qi2 wireless charging. While the leaker did not reveal the source behind this piece of information, considering the track record of IceUniverse regarding leaks, there is a good chance that Galaxy S25 could finally introduce Qi2 wireless charging.

While not much can be extracted from the information, aside from the fact that if true, the Galaxy S25 series will max out at 15W of wireless charging. Additionally, it has been reported that the Galaxy S25 and S25+ could feature 12GB of RAM from the base model, whereas the Galaxy S25 Ultra could offer 16GB of RAM in the middle and top variant.

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A couple of hands-on videos have already given us a glimpse at the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Dummy units have also surfaced suggesting that the phone could feature a flat front and back, Galaxy Z Fold6-like camera rings, rounded corners, and showcased two color options the device is expected to launch in. Now, reliable leaker Jukanlosreve has shared some information about the RAM and storage option of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, that corroborates a previous leak.

According to the information, Samsung could offer the Galaxy S25 Ultra in three variants:

• Base variant: 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage
• Mid variant: 16GB RAM with 512GB internal storage
• Top variant: 16GB RAM with 1TB internal storage

There are a couple of tidbits that can be extracted from the above information. Firstly, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 512GB and 1TB models could feature more RAM than this year's Galaxy S24 Ultra's 512GB and 1TB models. Secondly, interested buyers may not need to opt for the top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra variant to get 16GB RAM, since it is also available in the mid-variant.

It has been reported that Samsung could increase the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That may not be true for the other models. Samsung has recently begun the One UI 7 beta program in some major countries, and the Galaxy S25 series is expected to come with the One UI 7 stable version out of the box.

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Initially, the Pixel 6 series and 7 series—including the Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Pixel Fold, were promised three years of Android OS upgrades. For comparison, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 with four years of software updates and now offers seven years of software updates for eligible devices.

However, Pixel 6, which was launched in 2021, debuted with three years of OS updates. Fortunately, that is changing as per an official announcement by Google on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Last year's Pixel 8 series debuted with an impressive seven years of OS updates pollicy, which continues with this year's Pixel 9 series as well. The Google Pixel 6 and 7 series owners were left behind in the act. Thankfully, ahead of the holiday season, Google has silently revised its software policy and notes:

Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro & Pixel Fold
These phones, including Pixel Fold, will get updates for 5 years starting from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.

 

This includes 5 years of OS and security updates, and may also include new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops.

Going by the updated software policy, the Pixel 6 series devices will receive Android 17 as their last OS update (which could've been Android 15 as per the old policy), whereas the Pixel 7 series will pick up Android 18 as their last OS update.

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As many Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) rely on the networks of these two companies, the CMA says they will get access to pre-set wholesale prices and contract terms—these will be available for three years too.

In September, the CMA found that a merger could lead to higher prices for customers and worse terms for MVNOs. It said that the companies would need to remedy these concerns for the merger to move forward. With the newest proposals, the CMA says the deal is okay to go ahead.

The following items are legally binding commitments that the merger company is required to carry out:

• Delivery of the joint network plan, which sets out the network upgrade, integration, and improvements Vodafone and Three will make to their combined network across the UK over the next 8 years. The group has concluded that by significantly improving the quality of the combined network, the full implementation of this plan would boost competition between the mobile network operators in the long term, benefiting millions of people who rely on mobile services.
• Capping selected mobile tariffs and data plans for 3 years, directly protecting large numbers of Vodafone / Three customers from short-term price rises in the early years of the network plan.
• Offering pre-set prices and contract terms for wholesale services (again for 3 years) to ensure that virtual network providers can obtain competitive terms and conditions as the network plan is rolled out.

The network's commitments will be overseen by both the CMA and Ofcom. Regarding the expansion of its 5G network, the company will have to produce an annual report to outline its progress. The CMA will be the one to ensure consumer tariffs and wholesale terms are stuck over the next three years.

Source: CMA

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The committee also advocates for doctors to incorporate questions about screen time into regular checkups, screening for potential issues like anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns linked to excessive device use. These suggestions come as part of Spain’s broader push to protect children from the possible dangers of excessive digital exposure, echoing the type of public health warnings associated with cigarette smoking.

But Spain isn’t the only country trying to rethink how kids interact with tech. Australia recently passed its under-16 social media ban, which aims to block platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for young users. It’s set to roll out next year and comes with hefty fines for platforms that don’t comply. Austrialia says it’s all about protecting kids' mental health and letting them have a real childhood.

In places like France and some U.S. states, there are bans on smartphones in classrooms, but they aren't total lockdowns. For example, France has banned phone use during school hours for kids up to age 15, though exceptions exist for emergencies or disabilities. Similarly, U.S. restrictions vary by state, with some schools outright banning phones during classes and others limiting usage to certain areas or times.

Last year, UNESCO also stepped into the debate, urging global policies to ban phones in classrooms unless they’re strictly needed. Their research claims that even having a buzzing phone nearby can hurt focus, and they point to studies showing improved learning outcomes when phones are removed, especially for students lagging behind their peers.

Via: El País

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Previously, Firefox for Android defaulted to displaying websites in their mobile-optimized versions on larger-screen devices. This led to a suboptimal browsing experience, as mobile websites often appear cramped and poorly formatted on larger screens. The latest update aims to rectify this issue.

While the desktop mode update is a welcome change, it's important to note that not all websites are optimized for desktop viewing. Some websites may display formatting issues or layout problems when viewed in desktop mode. However, Firefox allows users to manually switch between mobile and desktop modes through the Site Settings menu.

From the release notes:

Desktop mode browsing is now enabled by default for large devices. This can be controlled via a preference under Settings in "Site settings" previously named "Site permissions".

This update brings Firefox closer to its rival, Google Chrome, which introduced a similar feature for premium Android tablets last year. However, Firefox takes it a step further by enabling desktop mode for all large-screen Android devices, including foldables. This means that users of devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can now enjoy a full desktop browsing experience, unlike Chrome, which currently doesn't support this feature on foldables.

Beyond the desktop mode update, Firefox v133 also introduced a new privacy feature that aligns with Android's clipboard masking capabilities. Content copied from Firefox's Private Browsing mode will now be marked as "sensitive" by default. This prevents snippets of copied text from appearing in notification previews, adding an extra layer of privacy for private browsing users.

Via 9to5Google

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This isn’t the first time we’ve seen apps intended for future software updates hit the internet early. Google’s apps, for example, have a history of sneaking out before official announcements. Samsung itself had a similar situation during One UI 5's development, where experimental features and designs popped up before their time.

Speaking of One UI 7, the update is shaping up to be a visual refresh paired with Android 15. Among the rumored features are Homework Help with Circle to Search, a redesigned lock screen with live activity tracking, and enhanced AI tools for photo editing and productivity.

There's also talk about improved parental controls and better integration between Galaxy devices, thanks to features like "Energy Score" for syncing with Galaxy Watches. Visual updates, smoother animations, and better app icons are also on the menu. On the aesthetic side, leaks suggest custom widgets for apps like Calendar, where you can tweak shapes, colors, and even background images. Whether these features make the final cut is still up in the air, as nothing is official yet.

But before you get too excited about installing these leaked apps, remember: they’re not endorsed by Samsung, so tread carefully. Running unofficial software can be a gamble, especially if it contains bugs or hidden problems that could negatively affect performance or security. If you’re eager to give it a shot, the smart move is to use a backup device—keep your primary phone out of harm’s way.

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Google also released the Pixel 9 Pro Fold earlier this year. But despite some extra launches, the global foldable smartphone shipments saw the market's first-ever Q3 decline. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, global smartphone shipment fell by 1% year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2024, breaking a streak of six consecutive quarters of YoY growth.

Samsung remained at the top spot with a 56% global foldable smartphone market share (down from 70% in the same period last year), with a significant 21% YoY decline in shipments. Analysts attribute this decline to the poor performance of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Z Flip6, which failed to match its predecessor's sales.

Researchers at Counterpoint noted that "as the foldables supply chain matures, Samsung is increasingly facing strong competition from in North America from Moto with its full range of sub-$1000 Razr flip foldables, and in Western Europe from Honor with its attractive and thin Magic V series book-type foldables."

Chinese smartphone giant Huawei was in the second spot with a 15% market share, although it experienced a 2% dip YoY. HONOR doubled its share from 5% to 10% during the same period. Motorola and Xiaomi saw a jump of 7% and 6%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Based on the report, Samsung's crown as the market leader in the foldables smartphone category seems to be in danger, thanks to the growing demand and contribution from its Chinese counterparts.

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According to a fresh report by The Information, Apple is struggling to fit hardware components inside the iPhone 17 Slim/Air because of its slim profile. One major issue is accommodating the physical SIM tray, which is posing a huge hurdle.

There are chances that Apple could adopt a similar strategy to what it used for US variants of iPhones. Notably, in the US, the iPhone 14 or above models are sold with eSIMs. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card tray. However, implementing this same strategy may not be feasible in other regions like China or India, where eSIM adoption is limited and demand for traditional SIM slots remains high.

If Apple doesn't fix this problem related to the iPhone 17 Slim/Air, then there is a grave danger of missing out on a big user base. On the other hand, another problem that could affect the iPhone 17 Slim/Air's slim design is the modem.

It has been rumored that it will be among the first iPhones featuring Apple's in-house 5G modem, and if things don't go Apple's way, they might have to ditch the in-house modem. There are a lot of components that could further pose a problem for Apple such as speakers, batteries, thermals, cameras, etc. that need to fit inside the iPhone 17 Slim casing.

The iPhone 17 Slim/Air is also reportedly not getting the 5x optical zoom lens like the "Pro" models. The phone is tipped to launch next year, potentially replacing the iPhone 17 Plus model.

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The video posted by Redditor (via IceUniverse) shows off a test model or prototype of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Redditor mistakenly referred the device as Galaxy S24 Ultra, but was later confirmed to be the Galaxy S25 Ultra by reliable tipster IceUniverse.

Another reputable leaker, Chuvn8888, also confirmed that the alleged hands-on video is of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The clips highlight what is claimed to be the Galaxy S25 Ultra's updated design. The phone is tipped to feature more rounded corners and a flat design. The camera module has new camera rings, similar to the ones on the Galaxy Z Fold6. The device has a glossy metallic finish and is seemingly running the latest One UI 7 software.

The phone could be rocking one of the expected colors of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The bezels on the front look minimal, which is what has been speculated by multiple leaks. Aside from this, the video doesn't reveal any other information related to specs, etc.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to launch with a price hike. Samsung is anticipated to bump the RAM configurations across the Galaxy S25 series. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are tipped to feature 12GB RAM from base models, whereas the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to feature 16GB RAM. The flagship series is likely to launch on January 22, 2025, where a fourth Galaxy S25 model, the Galaxy S25 Slim is also expected to make a surprise appearance.

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The smoother animations shown in the video appear to address a long-standing criticism that Android’s interface feels less refined compared to iOS. Android animations have often faced criticism for lacking the smoothness and refinement seen in Apple’s ecosystem. To address this, Google introduced updates like Project Butter in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, designed to improve animation fluidity by ensuring a consistent 60fps performance. Similarly, Android 12 brought Material You, which improved dynamic and seamless transitions. Despite these efforts, many Android skins, including Samsung’s One UI, have struggled to match the finesse of iOS.

One UI 7 seems to be addressing this gap more aggressively. Besides the improved animations, leaks suggest it borrows heavily from iOS in its design. For example, there’s talk of updated icons with a more rounded, 3D look, similar to Apple’s macOS and iOS styles. Samsung is also reportedly making changes to the notification and Quick Settings panels, splitting them into two panes akin to iOS and other Android-based interfaces like Xiaomi's HyperOS.

Additional features include changes to the lock screen, like more rounded widgets and swipe gestures for quick actions. The camera interface is also seeing updates, moving controls to the bottom of the screen for easier one-handed use.

While the first beta of One UI 7 is expected soon, the final release might be a while off, probably aligning with the launch of the Galaxy S25. If these leaks are accurate, it looks like Samsung is doubling down on creating a more polished and fluid experience, even if it means leaning heavily on iOS-like features.

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For years, Siri has lagged behind its competitors. While Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Bixby improved in natural conversation and handling advanced tasks, Siri gained a reputation for being way too basic. Apple's focus on privacy and its closed ecosystem was partly to blame, but it left Siri feeling outdated compared to its rivals. Now, Apple wants to rewrite that narrative.

The revamped Siri will integrate more tightly with third-party apps through enhanced App Intents and draw on Apple Intelligence features like summarizing text and generating content. The idea is to create an AI that feels as intuitive as Apple’s hardware but also as smart as any cutting-edge generative AI. While the assistant will prioritize user privacy (a classic Apple move), Apple also seems keen on leveraging third-party AI systems like ChatGPT in the short term before fully transitioning to in-house solutions.

Interestingly, Apple is playing it safe by testing the new tech as a standalone app across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Job listings hinting at conversational AI expertise show how seriously Apple is taking this pivot.

For consumers, these updates mean Siri will finally stop feeling like the “dumb” AI. Instead, it’s set to become a more useful tool that could rival Google and Amazon in functionality. However, with the timeline stretching into 2026, Apple’s “new Siri” still has some catching up to do.

Source: Bloomberg

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As per Android Authority (citing sources close to the matter), the Pixel Tablet 2 — which was recently leaked to be under development — is the device that Google has decided to shelve. The decision was reportedly driven by concerns about potential financial losses.

Recently, details about a new tablet, presumed to be the Pixel Tablet 2, hinted at features such as upgraded cameras, a new Tensor chipset, and reduced bezels on the front. It was also tipped that Google might also launch the official keyboard case for the tablet. However, it now appears the tablet in question was mistakenly identified as Pixel Tablet 3.

Moreover, the alleged code name "Kiyomi," initially coined for the Pixel Tablet 3 in a previous report, is said to actually refer to the Pixel Tabelt 2, as per Android Authority's sources. The sources suggest that the Pixel Tablet 2 is still in the early stages of development, and rumors about the Pixel Tablet 3 getting canceled are premature, as Google may have not even started working on the Tablet 3.

The Pixel Tablet 2 was rumored to launch in both Wi-Fi only and 5G models. While the company may have axed the development of Pixel Tablet 2, there are chances that Pixel Tablet 3 could still be in the works, or at least the company would consider it in the future.

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Multiple sources (via Android Headlines) close to the Pixel Tablet 3 project claim that Google has decided to abandon the tablet project to focus on other priorities. As a result, the team working on the Pixel Tablet 3 project has been reassigned to other projects.

Internally referred to as "Kiyomi," the Pixel Tablet 3 was reportedly axed last week. Google's last tablet, the Pixel Tablet, was launched in 2023, with the latest rumors suggesting that the next tablet, the Pixel Tablet 2, could launch in 2025.

Google is expected to equip the Pixel Tablet 2 with upgraded cameras and a new Tensor chipset. While it is anticipated that the design will remain similar to the original Pixel Tablet, the new one could feature reduced bezels on the front. Additionally, Google is also speculated to be working on an official keyboard cover for the tablet.

The Pixel Tablet 2 could bring support for display output, offer seven years of updates (thanks to the upgraded chipset), and run Android 15 or 16, depending on its release timeline. Although Google's commitment to tablets may appear uncertain after the Pixel Tablet in 2023, that isn't entirely accurate. On the software front, Google has been continuously developing new features for tablets and foldable.

Speculations are that Google may shift its focus to the rumored Pixel Laptop powered by Android. Instead of splitting resources between two different Android products (excluding Android phones), the company seems to be prioritizing the Android laptop, which is rumored to target the premium laptop market.

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