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Apple will introduce the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 alongside its new iPhones this week. Reports point to an upgraded S11 chip replacing the aging S10/S9 silicon, a returning ceramic case option, additional sensors, and possible new health features including an expanded hypertension notification system and an always-on heart rate sensor.
A new Bloomberg report says Apple began exploring foldable iPhone technology around 2016, but Tim Cook's personal enthusiasm after a trip to China in 2020 redirected the project toward a foldable phone rather than a foldable iPad. Rising component costs, partly driven by a memory shortage, have reportedly pushed Apple's internal pricing target from $1,999 up to $2,199, with higher-storage models potentially nearing $3,000.
Counterpoint Research projects global foldable phone shipments will exceed 100 million units this year, with Apple entering the category via the iPhone Ultra and quickly capturing a quarter of the market—putting it second behind Samsung and ahead of Huawei. The firm expects Apple's share to climb to 40% the following year, surpassing Samsung. Separately, Xiaomi has launched its book-style 18 Fold in China just a day before Apple's own hardware event.
CNET's latest People's Picks survey asked readers to rate phone brands on customer satisfaction, battery longevity, and price-to-value. Google came out on top with a 4.52 out of 5 average score, narrowly edging out Motorola at 4.45, while Samsung and Apple trailed with 4.19 and 3.87 respectively.
With new iPhone models on the horizon, buyers face a choice between purchasing directly from Apple or through a wireless carrier. Apple offers unlocked phones with no long-term contract, plus a discount of about $30 if the phone is activated with a carrier at purchase, while carriers often provide financing plans that spread costs over time.
An Android Authority writer who has used both Android and iPhone devices for over a decade discusses rumors of Apple's first foldable phone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra. The author outlines five features—including a crease-free display—that would be necessary for them to consider fully switching from their Android device to Apple's foldable.
Vivo executives confirmed the X500 series will debut in China on September 21, following the acclaimed X300 Pro and X300 Ultra. The lineup will add 4K/240fps recording, 4K HDR portrait video, and new preset and custom video color styles that can be shared between users, an upgrade over the X300 Ultra's photo-only sharing.
Xiaomi has released the 18 Fold, its first book-style foldable phone and the debut device for its self-made Xring O3 chip built on a 3nm process. The phone pairs a redesigned hinge and dual 120Hz displays reaching 4,000 nits with a Leica-tuned triple camera system led by a 200-megapixel main sensor, priced from 10,999 yuan (~$1,638). Xiaomi also unveiled a tablet using the same chip and three electric vehicles under its Pengcheng brand at the same event.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside its iPhone 18 Pro models, arriving seven years after Samsung's original Galaxy Fold. Reports suggest the device will use a short, wide, passport-like design, a shape that Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi have all released in recent months despite Apple not having launched or even officially teased its version yet.
Xiaomi showcased its first wide-screen foldable in the numbered flagship line, the 18 Fold, at IFA 2026, featuring a 5.38-inch cover display and 7.58-inch inner screen. The device stands out with rounded corners, a striking cherry-red finish option, and a passport-style body that houses a notably capable camera setup. The launch comes right after Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and just before Apple's rumored first folding iPhone reveal.
In a new episode of 9to5Mac Overtime recorded at IFA Berlin, host Fernando Silva discusses an anticipated iPhone Ultra along with five other products Apple is expected to unveil at its upcoming 'Awe Dropping' launch event. The episode also promotes a free cybersecurity summit and a sponsor's password management tools.
There is no single button in iOS that resets the Camera app back to its original settings, according to a new how-to guide. Instead, users who want to undo accumulated tweaks or clean up a second-hand iPhone must manually revert each camera option one by one.