Category: Report

Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone is set to face competition from Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is expected to feature a “crease-free” screen. This prediction comes from Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who states that both devices will incorporate a laser-drilled metal display plate supplied by South Korean firm Fine M-Tec. Currently, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 showcases a visible crease in its inner screen, but Kuo believes that Apple’s stricter standards will compel innovation, resulting in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 also sporting a crease-free display.

Kuo elaborates that this innovative metal plate helps to distribute the stress from bending, effectively preventing the crease that has been a hallmark of previous foldable screens. While the inner screen of the foldable iPhone will be produced by Samsung, the seamless appearance will largely be attributed to the Fine M-Tec component. As for the release schedule, Kuo estimates that Apple plans to commence mass production of the foldable iPhone in the latter half of 2026, with a launch likely to occur the following year.

The device is anticipated to come with a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, dual rear cameras, a front camera, and a Touch ID power button rather than Face ID. Furthermore, recent rumors suggest a starting price for the foldable iPhone could range between $1,800 and $2,000, marking it as the priciest iPhone model to date. Analysts indicate that this price point would surpass that of a MacBook Pro.

In addition to the foldable device, Apple is gearing up for the release of the iPhone 17 series, rumored to debut in early September 2025, featuring some exciting new specifications and enhancements.

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone is expected to debut with a starting price ranging from $1,800 to $2,000 in the United States, as reported by analysts from investment banking firm UBS. If this price range holds true, the foldable iPhone would surpass the cost of a MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,599. At this price point, the foldable iPhone would become the most expensive iPhone model ever introduced, exceeding the Pro Max, which starts at $1,199. Notably, Samsung’s latest models, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, begin at $1,999.99, indicating that Apple may position its foldable iPhone competitively within the premium smartphone market.

In a related update, information about the foldable iPhone’s thickness has surfaced. A post from the Chinese social media platform Weibo claims that the device will measure at least 4.8mm in thickness. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that the phone could be as thin as 4.5mm when unfolded, though it appears Apple might not achieve that benchmark. Instant Digital, the Weibo account that shared this information, has over 1.4 million followers and has a track record of accurately leaking Apple-related details.

For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 has an unfolded thickness of 4.2mm, which means the foldable iPhone could be slightly bulkier when it launches. It’s worth noting that Samsung has been producing foldable smartphones since 2019, giving them a significant lead in this market. Looking ahead, Kuo has indicated that Apple aims to start mass production of the foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, with the launch anticipated for next year. The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner screen, a 5.5-inch outer screen, two rear cameras, one front camera, and a Touch ID power button in lieu of Face ID technology.

The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the base model and the iPhone 17 Air, is set to incorporate LPDDR5 RAM, which is considered a slower and less efficient memory type compared to the LPDDR5X RAM available in all iPhone 16 models. This information comes from a recent report by Jeff Pu of GF Securities. The standard iPhone 17 is anticipated to come with 8GB of RAM, while the iPhone 17 Air will feature 12GB, marking an upgrade from the uniform 8GB in the iPhone 16 series.

However, the choice to use LPDDR5 RAM raises questions about performance and energy efficiency, particularly given that the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to pack a smaller 2800mAh battery. On the higher end, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to utilize LPDDR5X RAM with 12GB, which is known for superior bandwidth and improved power efficiency. This upgrade is crucial as it leads to faster application launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced battery life during high-demand scenarios.

Despite the increase in RAM, the decision to incorporate LPDDR5 in the iPhone 17 Air could suggest a trade-off in performance. This model is characterized as a more affordable, ultra-thin option compared to its Pro counterparts, and leveraging LPDDR5 may help minimize costs or align better with a lower-powered SoC variant. For average users, the difference in performance between the two RAM types is likely to go unnoticed in daily tasks.

However, those who prioritize speed and responsiveness might find the RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max models more appealing. The official launch for the iPhone 17 series is anticipated in September.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is utilizing liquid metal for the hinges of its forthcoming foldable iPhone. This innovative approach aims to enhance the durability of the device while reducing common issues associated with foldable screens, such as creasing. Liquid metal, produced through a die-casting process, has been selected by Apple to tackle these challenges.

This strategic choice is expected to improve screen flatness and minimize the crease marks that often affect folding displays. Notably, while Apple has previously incorporated liquid metal in smaller elements like SIM ejector pins, this will be its first significant application in a pivotal mechanical component for a device. Reports indicate that Dongguan EonTec will serve as the exclusive supplier of this liquid metal.

The foldable iPhone is anticipated to feature a display size of 7.8 inches when unfolded and 5.5 inches for the cover display. The design is thought to resemble the book-style format seen in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, rather than adopting a clamshell design. Additionally, Kuo has suggested that this upcoming device may come equipped with two rear cameras and a single front-facing camera, with Touch ID integrated into the power button.

When unfolded, the device could measure just 4.5 mm thick and between 9 mm and 9.5 mm when closed. Mass production is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, potentially leading to a release in late 2026 or early 2027. As for the pricing, analysts have projected that the foldable iPhone will start between $1,800 and $2,000, potentially making it the most expensive iPhone to date.

Apple is reportedly making advancements with the iPhone 17 series, particularly regarding the display technology for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. After overcoming yield issues, the company aims to incorporate a scratch-resistant anti-reflective layer in these models, which is expected to improve durability compared to the current Ceramic Shield. A reliable insider informed *MacRumors* that Apple’s suppliers have now achieved sufficient production capacity to support mass manufacturing of this upgraded display. However, it appears that this technology will not be available for the standard iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Air.

Initial rumors about the anti-reflective layer emerged earlier this year, suggesting that it would enhance the device’s resistance to scratches and wear. Earlier this year, Apple faced challenges related to the display coating process, causing concern that the feature might be scrapped altogether due to complications in scaling production. Fortunately, improvements have reportedly been made, reigniting the possibility of the new display technology making its debut. Currently, iPhone models benefit from a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating and the Ceramic Shield, but Apple has not prioritized anti-reflectivity for its phone displays as it has for iPad and Mac displays.

In contrast, competitors like Samsung are employing innovations such as Gorilla Glass Armor, which significantly reduces reflections and enhances visibility in bright conditions. Apple’s potential introduction of similar technology could help it stay competitive in the smartphone market. As we approach the launch of the iPhone 17 series in just a few months, anticipation continues to build regarding its design and features, with expectations for exciting updates and improvements in functionality across the lineup.

Recent rumors suggest that iOS 19 will bring Stage Manager support to iPhone models equipped with a USB-C port. The information was shared by leaker Majin Bu, who indicated that users connecting their USB-C iPhones to external displays will benefit from a Stage Manager-like interface to run multiple apps simultaneously.

However, it is expected that this version may have more limitations than the Stage Manager available on iPads. Currently, only iPhone 15 models and newer feature a USB-C port.

While previous iPhone models, utilizing either Lightning or USB-C, could connect to external displays, they were only capable of basic screen mirroring. The first developer beta of iOS 19 is anticipated to launch shortly after the WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, with a public release expected in September.

It remains uncertain whether the Stage Manager feature will be included in the initial beta or introduced later in the iOS 19 timeline. Majin Bu has had a mixed success rate with Apple leaks, having accurately predicted the naming of the upcoming iPhone SE’s successor as the iPhone 16e.

However, they have also made some incorrect claims, such as suggesting that this device would feature Dynamic Island instead of a notch. Nonetheless, they have correctly reported various other details regarding upcoming Apple products.

In related news, Apple is also rumored to be launching the new Apple TV with anticipated features like improved Wi-Fi support, as well as significant upgrades planned for its upcoming iPhone 17 series. As excitement builds for these future releases, the tech community continues to speculate on the enhancements Apple has in store.

Recent predictions from analysts indicate that the MacBook Pro will not transition to OLED displays next year as previously speculated. Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young have forecasted that the MacBook Pro models will continue to utilize mini-LED displays at least through 2025. This aligns with earlier rumors suggesting a possible switch to OLED technology by 2026.

OLED technology would bring significant advantages over current MacBook Pro models equipped with LCD screens, such as enhanced brightness, superior contrast ratios, and deeper blacks. Moreover, the adoption of OLED displays could improve power efficiency, leading to extended battery life. This advancement might also allow for thinner designs in future MacBook Pro versions.

The anticipated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, powered by M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, are expected to be announced in October 2024. However, no significant design changes are planned; the last redesign occurred in 2021, and the latest models with M3 chip variants were released the previous October. In the broader Apple ecosystem, there are other developments to watch.

The upcoming iPhone 17 series is set for release in two months, with the Pro variants expected to feature a redesigned rear casing. Additionally, the iPhone’s Wallet app is gradually rolling out the capability to incorporate driver’s licenses digitally in select states, although progress is slow. Looking ahead, Apple has decided to postpone updates involving M5 chips for its Macs until 2026.

New MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now anticipated in the first half of that year, indicating a shift in Apple’s product refresh timeline. Meanwhile, a new Apple TV is expected with upgraded features, further showcasing Apple’s commitment to innovation across its product lines.

I’ve encountered some perplexing issues with my three iPhone 16e devices, all of which are experiencing connection problems. Two of them suddenly lost connectivity, and it turned out the issue was linked to deleted e-SIMs. Interestingly, I had never intentionally used an e-SIM in either phone. To my surprise, the physical SIMs in those devices were actually inactive, and there were no e-SIMs listed.

Both devices are linked to EE. I can pinpoint the appearance of these “hidden” e-SIMs to my update to iOS 18.5, which took place on July 13th. Currently, I’m trying to restore physical SIMs, but unfortunately, I have no working connections on either of those iPhones at this time. The third iPhone has presented its own challenges, particularly with porting issues.

Changing networks wasn’t successful until I added an e-SIM. However, I still need to figure out a way to get the physical SIM to work independently with this device, which is on the Vodafone network. This situation raises a question for me: have others experienced problems with SIMs being recognized or used as “hidden” e-SIMs? I’ve always had reservations about e-SIM technology, and these incidents have only solidified my skepticism.

According to analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities Hong Kong, Apple may not release the AirPods Pro 3 until 2026. This announcement contradicts previous expectations of a much earlier launch. Pu’s timeline suggests a significant delay, especially considering Mark Gurman from Bloomberg had indicated in February that new AirPods with heart rate monitoring could arrive as soon as late 2025. Recent findings have highlighted references to the AirPods Pro 3 in the iOS 26 beta, as shared by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser.

However, another analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, previously noted that major updates for AirPods might not occur until 2026, though it remains unclear whether he was referring to the standard AirPods or the Pro version. Historically, Apple tends to unveil notable updates to AirPods alongside new iPhone releases. Thus, many anticipated a launch during the September event concurrent with the new iPhone 17 series. If the AirPods Pro 3 is indeed delayed until 2026, it would represent a four-year gap since the introduction of AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022.

Looking ahead to 2025, Pu suggests Apple plans to concentrate on other hardware, forecasting the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. He also predicts the anticipated HomePad tablet release within the same year, although specific dates were not disclosed. For 2026, the AirPods Pro 3 is expected to debut alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and a refreshed Vision Pro. Further into 2027 and beyond, Pu anticipates the introduction of new capabilities such as blood monitoring for the Apple Watch, along with “Vision Air” and smart glasses.

The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to include enhanced active noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring, following the features seen in the recently revealed Powerbeats Pro 2.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day extension on the TikTok ban, which will take effect later this week. This marks the third time Trump has delayed the ban since he took office in January.

The current extension is set to expire on June 19, but there are currently no indications of an agreement with China that would allow TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold to an American company. The ban on TikTok originated on January 19, under the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

However, Trump’s extensions have effectively paused the enforcement of this law, enabling TikTok to continue its operations in the United States. The act stipulated that TikTok needed to be divested from its Chinese ownership, but the company was unable to finalize a sale during the initial grace period.

Following the first ban, Trump moved to grant a temporary extension while working towards a deal with China. Any acquisition of TikTok by a U.S. company requires approval from the Chinese government, and discussions have been complicated by the trade tensions resulting from Trump’s tariffs.

Currently, TikTok remains accessible for download in the U.S. while these extensions are in place. In other news within the tech world, Apple is gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 17 series, expected to debut in September.

In addition, there are rumors about a new MacBook featuring the A18 Pro chip, and Apple is reportedly planning updates for its various products, including AirPods Pro and its digital car key feature in the Wallet app.