Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Finally Ignite a Dormant Market?

For years, smartphone manufacturers have been experimenting with foldable devices. Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and others have released multiple generations of foldable phones, hoping to convince consumers that a bending screen is the next big leap in mobile technology. Yet despite these efforts, the foldable phone market has remained a niche segment. High prices, durability concerns, and a lack of compelling use cases have kept most buyers firmly attached to traditional slab-style smartphones. But all of that could change later this year, when Apple is widely expected to enter the fray with a foldable iPhone — reportedly called the iPhone Ultra — and a new survey suggests the device could become a surprising catalyst for mass adoption.

A Modest Statistic with Massive Implications

According to research conducted by CNET, approximately 14% of iPhone users in the United States say that a “new phone concept” would be the primary motivator for them to upgrade their device. The survey specifically identified flip-style or foldable designs as examples of such concepts, which would almost certainly include Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone Ultra. At first glance, 14% might not sound particularly impressive. After all, that leaves 86% of iPhone users who are not primarily motivated by novel form factors. However, when you consider the sheer scale of Apple’s user base, that minority suddenly represents an enormous pool of potential buyers.

Apple’s latest financial results, covering the three months ending March 28, 2026, show that the company generated nearly $57 billion in revenue from iPhone sales alone. While Apple does not disclose exact unit sales, independent analysts at IDC have estimated that Apple sold roughly 247.4 million iPhones worldwide in 2025. Even if we take only the US market into account — where the survey was conducted — the installed base of iPhone users runs into the tens of millions. Fourteen percent of that figure translates into millions of early adopters who are actively looking for a new design as their reason to upgrade.

The Price Factor: Why 14% Is Actually a Strong Signal

One crucial detail that the CNET analysis perhaps underplays is the expected price of Apple’s foldable iPhone. Rumors circulating in the supply chain suggest that the iPhone Ultra could cost upwards of $2,000 — significantly more than even the most expensive current iPhone Pro Max models. At that price point, it would be unrealistic to expect a majority of iPhone users to express interest. In fact, for a premium, experimental device with a luxury price tag, a 14% upgrade motivation rate among all US iPhone users is remarkably high.

To put it in perspective, most flagship smartphones see upgrade rates of only 10–20% over a typical two-year cycle, even with traditional designs and carrier subsidies. A foldable iPhone costing twice as much as a regular Pro model would normally be expected to attract only a tiny fraction of enthusiasts. So a finding that one in seven iPhone users is tempted by the new concept, despite the likely price, suggests that Apple’s brand power and ecosystem lock-in could drive exceptionally strong demand.

What This Means for Apple and the Industry

If 14% of US iPhone users alone decide to purchase a foldable iPhone Ultra, that would represent millions of units and billions of dollars in additional revenue. Globally, the number could be even larger, as Apple has a loyal following in Europe, China, and other major markets. Such a surge would not only boost Apple’s bottom line but also fundamentally reshape the foldable phone market. After years of slow growth, a successful Apple entry would force Android competitors to accelerate their innovation, drive down component costs through economies of scale, and encourage app developers to optimize more aggressively for foldable screens.

Of course, survey data is not a guarantee of actual purchases. People often express interest in new technology but hesitate when it comes time to open their wallets. Nevertheless, the CNET research provides a credible early indicator that Apple’s foldable iPhone could be the product that finally makes the category mainstream. For years, the industry has waited for a “game changer” — and with a September launch reportedly on the horizon, the Cupertino giant may be about to deliver exactly that.

A Question for You

So where do you stand? Does the promise of a foldable iPhone Ultra — with its larger screen, novel form factor, and premium build — tempt you to upgrade? Or are you perfectly happy with the traditional candy-bar design that has served you well for over a decade? Given the rumored $2,000 price tag, is innovation worth that kind of investment? Share your thoughts. After all, the future of the smartphone might just hinge on how many of us are ready to embrace a fold.

Samsung Galaxy A37 Review: A Reliable Budget Contender with Some Compromises

The Samsung Galaxy A-series has long been the backbone of the company’s smartphone sales, offering affordable devices that prioritize longevity and reliability over cutting-edge features. The newly announced Galaxy A37, set to replace the A36, continues this tradition. While it brings modest iterative improvements rather than revolutionary changes, it remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers—despite a $50 price increase.

Design and Build: Glossy but Slippery

At first glance, the Galaxy A37 looks nearly identical to its more expensive sibling, the Galaxy A57, and shares the same design language as recent A-series phones. The vertical camera bar, dubbed the “Ambient Island,” sits in the top-left corner of the backplate. The power button rests under the volume rocker on the right side, and the screen bezels are slightly asymmetrical—noticeable only if you look closely.

However, Samsung’s choice of a glossy mirror finish on the back is a double-edged sword. While the company claims it’s “made to be shown off,” the Gorilla Glass Victus+ back becomes a fingerprint magnet within days of use. Worse, the phone turns into a slippery bar of soap when hands are even slightly sweaty. Most manufacturers have moved to frosted or matte finishes for better grip and cleanliness, making Samsung’s decision feel outdated. Fortunately, the plastic frame features a brushed matte finish that resists smudges, and the buttons are slightly raised for blind navigation. Of course, if you plan to use a case—which is highly recommended, especially because the phone teeters on flat surfaces due to its off-center camera bar—these concerns become minor.

Display: Bright Enough, but Outdoor Throttling Is an Issue

The 6.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen is smooth and responsive, thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. Indoors, brightness is more than adequate. Outdoors, however, the phone struggles. During heavy use—such as taking photos in direct sunlight or playing Pokémon Go—the device heats up and automatically dims the screen to prevent burn-in. While it recovers quickly in the shade, this behavior could be a dealbreaker for people who work outside. On the plus side, Samsung has earned an Eye Care Certification from SGS for the Eye Comfort Shield, which blocks blue light effectively. Users sensitive to PWM (pulse-width modulation) may still notice some flicker, but the extra-yellow filter helped reduce eye strain during testing. The optical fingerprint sensor is placed low on the screen, which can be a stretch for smaller hands, and its bright flash can be blinding in the dark.

Performance: Adequate for Everyday Tasks, Not for Power Users

The Galaxy A37 runs on a 2024 Exynos 1480 chipset paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the storage model (128GB with 6GB is the standard carrier version). This is not a phone for gamers or heavy multitaskers. In everyday use—reading webtoons, scrolling social media, or watching YouTube—it handles two or three apps at a time without issue. However, pushing it further reveals limits. In testing, games like Merge Dragons would hang for several seconds when waking from sleep and crashed multiple times over a weekend. Pokémon Go frequently reloaded after switching to another app, even for a quick reply on Instagram. After an hour of continuous raids, lag became consistent.

The phone also became uncomfortably warm on a few rare occasions in 90-degree Florida weather, even when not in active use. Google’s Gemini assistant performed basic tasks fine but slowed down during multimedia processing. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, but there is no microSD card slot—so choose your capacity wisely. The 256GB version also bumps RAM to 8GB, a worthwhile upgrade if you can find it.

Battery and Charging: Single-Day Life with Fast Refills

Samsung avoids bold battery claims for the A37, simply calling its 5,000mAh battery “long-lasting.” In reality, it delivers a solid single day of use—not the 1.5 to 2 days seen on competitors like the Google Pixel 10a or Moto G Power. The saving grace is 45W wired charging (Power Delivery). There’s no wireless charging, but Samsung argues that slow 5W or 10W wireless charging isn’t worth including.

Software: One UI 8.5 and Galaxy AI

The A37 launches with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8.5. Samsung guarantees system updates through Android 22 and six years of security updates, one of the longest support cycles in the budget segment. Galaxy AI (rebranded as “Awesome Intelligence” for the A-series) takes center stage during setup but fades into the background afterward. Circle to Search remains handy, but features like Object Eraser and Suggested Edits in the Gallery app are hit-or-miss.

One UI’s strength lies in its abundance of options—sometimes overwhelming, but often invaluable. For example, Samsung offers both quick settings and a dedicated sound/vibrate/silent toggle in the main settings menu, something Pixel phones lack. Modes and Routines provide more premade options and better consistency than Google’s routines. However, the default app drawer is a paginated custom sort that dumps new apps in installation order, creating a jumbled mess. You can switch to an alphabetical vertical scroll, but it would be nicer to have that option during setup.

Cameras: Incremental Improvements, Obvious Limitations

The camera system sees few changes: a slight bump to the main sensor and an improved Nightography mode. In daylight, photos are vibrant thanks to Samsung’s signature oversaturation. Zoom goes up to 10x, but detail drops off sharply after 4x—2x zoom already loses sharpness. Compared to the Google Pixel 10a, Samsung’s processing turns 5x–10x shots into watercolor-like images, though the A37’s longer reach can get you closer to distant subjects.

Night photography is a mixed bag. During fireworks, the A37’s single exposure slider (versus Pixel’s three separate sliders) allowed for quick adjustments and better-timed shots. However, the phone’s limited RAM and older processor caused severe lag: the viewfinder would freeze for multiple seconds between shots, and mode-swapping missed the finale entirely. The same slowdown occurs in concerts or clubs with strobe lighting.

Selfies are passable in daylight but struggle at night or indoors. Samsung omitted the “Best Face” feature (found on the pricier A57), which would have helped group shots. The 8MP ultrawide is dim and lackluster, and the 5MP macro camera is essentially unusable—none of the test photos came out in focus. Macro mode is buried in the “More” submenu, suggesting Samsung knows it’s not a selling point.

Competition and Verdict

The Galaxy A37 faces stiff competition from the Google Pixel 10a, which often sells for 449– 449–499. The Pixel 10a offers significantly better performance, smoother multitasking, and superior camera processing—especially for macros and consistent detail. It also handles heat better. However, the A37 counters with a larger screen, a much stronger blue-light filter, and One UI’s extensive customization. For non-gamers who don’t constantly multitask, the A37 is a reliable, long-lasting device.

Compared to its own big brother, the Galaxy A57, the A37 saves you over $100 while delivering a similar experience. The A57 has 8GB of RAM standard and a newer processor, but neither phone is truly suited for heavy gaming or productivity. For most users, the A37 offers better value.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A37 is not perfect—its glossy design is slippery, its processor struggles under pressure, and its macro camera is a waste. But for under $500, you get a bright 6.7-inch screen, fast charging, six years of updates, and a dependable daily driver. Just don’t forget to buy a case.

The Steam Deck’s Secret Weapon: Why SteamOS Outshines Windows on Handheld Gaming PCs

When Valve launched the Steam Deck in 2022, few expected it to become a benchmark for portable gaming. The device surprised critics and gamers alike by delivering a remarkably smooth gaming experience, despite its modest hardware specifications. Its success did not go unnoticed. Soon, major players like Asus, Lenovo, and MSI entered the market with their own handheld consoles, boasting significantly more powerful components. The Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw all promised higher graphics settings, better frame rates, and an overall superior experience to the Steam Deck. Yet, as real-world usage and new testing have revealed, these devices have largely failed to live up to that promise. The culprit is not the hardware, but the software—specifically, the operating system.

Recent benchmark tests conducted by Ars Technica have shed light on a surprising performance gap. The publication compared two identical Lenovo Legion Go S units, one running Windows 11 and the other running Valve’s SteamOS. The results were striking. Across multiple high-end games, the SteamOS-equipped device consistently outperformed its Windows counterpart, even when both ran the same resolution and graphics settings. In some cases, the performance difference was dramatic. For example, the demanding game Returnal managed only 18 frames per second (FPS) on Windows 11, but soared to 33 FPS when the same hardware ran SteamOS—an 83 percent improvement. Even after the Legion Go’s Windows installation was tweaked with Asus drivers (which performed better than Lenovo’s own drivers), SteamOS still came out ahead in every test.

Why does SteamOS deliver such a decisive advantage? The answer lies in Valve’s long-term, focused development philosophy. Unlike Microsoft, which designs Windows as a general-purpose operating system for everything from spreadsheets to video editing, Valve has spent years refining SteamOS specifically for gaming. The system is lean, stripped of unnecessary background processes, services, and “bloatware” that often accumulate on Windows-based handhelds. When manufacturers like Asus or Lenovo ship a device with Windows 11, they typically add their own customization layers, driver suites, and utility software. While well-intentioned, these additions often consume system resources, introduce latency, and conflict with game performance. SteamOS, by contrast, is a lightweight, dedicated gaming environment that minimizes overhead and lets the hardware focus on what matters: running games smoothly.

This finding presents a clear fork in the road for companies hoping to compete with the Steam Deck. One option, already demonstrated by Lenovo with its Legion Go S, is to officially allow or even encourage the installation of SteamOS. By offering users a choice between operating systems, manufacturers can let their hardware shine without being held back by Windows inefficiencies. The other option is to develop a superior alternative—a task that is far easier said than done.

Microsoft and Asus are betting on this second path. In early June, the two companies unveiled a collaborative device tentatively called the ROG Xbox Ally X. Microsoft’s stated goal is to create an Xbox-like experience on a handheld PC, matching the performance of the Steam Deck while leveraging the vast Xbox ecosystem. If recent updates to the Xbox PC app are any indication, the new device will support not only Xbox games but also titles from other platforms such as Steam and Battle.net. This is a key advantage, as SteamOS does not officially support non-Steam storefronts out of the box (though workarounds exist through tools like Lutris or Heroic Games Launcher). A handheld that can natively play more games—and run them better than the Steam Deck—could indeed dethrone Valve’s device.

However, the bar is high. Valve has proven that optimising an operating system for a specific hardware profile yields tangible benefits. Microsoft’s challenge is to reinvent Windows—or a variant of it—to be equally streamlined without sacrificing its versatility. The company has a mixed track record here; previous attempts to create lightweight Windows versions for tablets and netbooks often ended in compromise. Meanwhile, Asus will need to ensure that its hardware drivers and software layers complement rather than hinder performance.

Until such a device arrives, the Steam Deck remains the king of portable PC gaming—not because of raw specs, but because of a carefully tuned operating system that punches above its weight. And while the rumoured Steam Deck 2 will inevitably raise the bar further, the current generation has already taught the industry a valuable lesson: great gaming is not just about what’s inside the box, but how the box thinks. For now, SteamOS is the smartest operating system in the room.

Motorola Leads the Charge: Silicon-Carbon Batteries Arrive on US Carrier Phones

Motorola has just unveiled a wave of new devices, but the most groundbreaking detail isn’t the flashy design or camera specs—it’s the battery technology hidden inside. Two of the company’s latest phones feature silicon-carbon batteries, and for the first time in the US market, one of them will be available directly through major wireless carriers. This marks a significant turning point for smartphone battery innovation, which has long been held back by the limitations of traditional lithium-ion cells.

The two standout models are the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 and the Motorola Razr Fold. The Razr Ultra 2026 packs a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, while the Razr Fold takes it even further with a massive 6,000mAh cell. As Android Authority points out, both phones will be widely sold at US retailers, but the Razr Fold goes one step further—it will be offered by T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Verizon. That’s a first. Until now, very few silicon-carbon battery phones have reached US consumers, and none have been available through carrier channels.

Why does this matter? Silicon-carbon batteries are a genuine leap forward. They can store more energy than conventional lithium-ion batteries of the same physical size, meaning higher capacity without adding bulk or weight. For years, smartphone makers have struggled to balance battery life with slim, lightweight designs. Silicon-carbon technology breaks that trade-off.

The real-world impact is clear when comparing the new Razr Ultra 2026 to its predecessor, the Razr Ultra 2025. Last year’s model had a 4,700mAh battery. By switching to silicon-carbon, Motorola increased capacity by 300mAh—roughly 6.4% more—while keeping the phone’s weight and thickness unchanged. That’s a meaningful improvement for any user, especially heavy smartphone users who rely on all-day power.

The benefit is even more pronounced for foldable phones, which have limited internal space due to their complex hinges and dual-screen designs. Foldables often lag behind traditional slabs in battery capacity. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has only a 4,400mAh battery, despite being a large, premium device. That’s far lower than the similarly designed Motorola Razr Fold’s 6,000mAh battery. Motorola has effectively set a new benchmark for foldable battery life, and competitors will have to take notice.

Now that Motorola is making silicon-carbon batteries easily accessible to US buyers—especially through carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile—pressure is mounting on Samsung, Apple, and Google to catch up. Recent surveys have shown that battery life is the single biggest driver of smartphone purchases, outpacing camera quality, display resolution, and even brand loyalty. Consumers want phones that last, and silicon-carbon delivers exactly that.

Samsung has already signaled its intentions. The company has publicly stated that it is preparing silicon-carbon batteries for future devices. So far, no specific models have been confirmed, but industry watchers speculate that the Galaxy S27 series could be the first to adopt the technology. Whether Motorola’s early move will accelerate Samsung’s timeline remains to be seen, but competitive pressure is a powerful motivator.

Apple, by contrast, is likely to move more slowly. The company has a well-earned reputation for waiting until a technology is mature before adopting it. While there have been faint rumors that the iPhone 18 lineup might include silicon-carbon batteries, none of the most reliable Apple leakers have confirmed this. Given Apple’s cautious approach, it could be several more years before we see an iPhone with this advanced battery. But eventually, when Samsung and Google embrace silicon-carbon, Apple will have little choice but to follow.

Google is another key player to watch. The Pixel series has consistently prioritized battery efficiency, but capacity has remained modest. A switch to silicon-carbon would allow Google to deliver dramatically longer battery life without increasing phone size—a perfect match for the Pixel’s clean software and optimized power management.

For now, consumers who want the best battery technology don’t have to wait. Motorola is offering two compelling options that are available today—or very soon—through major US retailers and carriers. If you value all-day battery life and want to vote with your wallet, the Razr Ultra 2026 and Razr Fold are excellent choices. They prove that silicon-carbon batteries are not a distant future concept but a present-day reality.

In the long run, the entire smartphone industry will likely transition to silicon-carbon. The technology is too advantageous to ignore. But credit goes to Motorola for bringing it to US carrier stores first. That’s a bold move that could finally shake up the slow pace of battery innovation. As more brands follow suit, consumers everywhere—not just in the US—will enjoy phones that last longer, charge faster, and stay slim. The battery revolution has officially begun.

Canon Battery Pack: The Essential Guide for Photographers in 2026

Earlier this week, I received an email from a customer who had just purchased a Canon EOS R6 Mark III and was already frustrated with how quickly the battery drained during a full day of shooting. His main question was straightforward: “Which Canon battery pack should I buy as a spare, and how long does a Canon battery take to charge?” It is a question I hear frequently, so I decided to put together this comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Canon Battery Pack Range

Canon offers several battery packs designed for different camera systems. The most popular models in 2026 include the Canon LP-E6NH, which powers the EOS R5, R6, and R7 series, and the Canon LP-E17, used in entry-level mirrorless cameras like the EOS R10 and R50. For professional videographers and wildlife photographers, the Canon LP-E19 remains the go-to choice for flagship bodies such as the EOS R1. Each Canon battery pack varies in capacity, with the LP-E6NH offering 2130 mAh and the LP-E19 delivering an impressive 2750 mAh for extended shooting sessions.

How Long Does a Canon Battery Take to Charge?

Charging times depend on both the battery pack and the charger used. Using Canon’s standard LC-E6E charger, the LP-E6NH takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach a full charge from empty. I recently watched a YouTube comparison video by “Camera Battery Pro” that tested the Canon LC-E6E against third-party fast chargers from Neewer and RAVPower. The results showed that the Neewer dual charger reduced charging time to around 1 hour and 45 minutes without compromising battery health. For the LP-E17, a full charge typically takes about 2 hours with the original Canon LC-E17E charger.

Should You Buy Original or Third-Party Canon Batteries?

While the original Canon battery pack guarantees full compatibility and optimal performance, trusted third-party brands like Wasabi Power, Hähnel, and BM Premium offer excellent alternatives at significantly lower prices. Hähnel, a well-known European brand, produces the HL-E6NH which is fully decoded and compatible with Canon’s battery level indicator, something that many cheaper alternatives fail to provide.

Tips for Maximising Canon Battery Life

To get the most out of your Canon battery, avoid leaving it fully discharged for extended periods. Store batteries at around 40-60% charge in a cool, dry place. The customer who emailed me ultimately purchased two Hähnel HL-E6NH packs along with a dual USB-C charger, giving him enough power to shoot confidently for an entire weekend without worry.

Investing in the right Canon battery pack and charger setup is one of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades any photographer can make to their kit.