Author: Richard

Enhanced Hydration-Monitoring Smart Bottle Assists You in Staying Refreshing

Summer is undeniably here. With sweltering temperatures hitting the United States, Europe, and other areas, the optimal approach to handle this extreme weather is by applying plenty of sunscreen, steering clear of the sun during peak hours, and ensuring you stay hydrated.

Despite the multitude of apps designed to assist with hydration, such as the well-known Waterllama, one of the finest methods I’ve used to keep up my hydration is the HidrateSpark Pro bottle. Launched in 2022, this intelligent bottle monitors the volume of water I consume throughout the day. Each time I take a drink, the bottle connects with an iPhone app.

Within the app, I can also log other beverages I’ve consumed throughout the day, review my hydration score, and assess my goal based on my height, weight, weather conditions, and whether I’ve exercised. Since its introduction, I’ve been an avid supporter of this product. I’ve dropped it numerous times, traveled with it worldwide, and it has been one of the most remarkable gadgets I have ever had.

That being said, I was astonished to discover that HidrateSpark has introduced a new Pro 2 bottle, enhancing the features of the original model even further.

HidrateSpark Pro 2 smart bottle will keep you hydrated

Although summer is the season when we really should be increasing our water intake, it’s safe to say that the HidrateSpark Pro 2 smart bottle should be your companion all year round. Staying hydrated has multiple advantages for your health. Not only will your skin appear improved, but you’ll also be more prepared for whatever challenges arise throughout the day.

The HidrateSpark Pro 2 smart bottle includes many of the same features as the original but with some new enhancements — here’s a breakdown of what the smart bottle offers:

– **Drink Reminders:** Receive notifications when you’re lagging behind on your hydration goals as the bottle lights up, produces a new sound alert, and sends app notifications.
– **Drink Tracker:** Utilizing its SipSense technology, the smart bottle syncs with your iPhone to monitor the amount of water you consume throughout the day.
– **Apple Find My:** A novel feature of the HidrateSpark Pro 2 is its compatibility with Apple’s Find My. This ensures you never accidentally leave your pricey water bottle behind.
– **Drink Goal:** The HidrateSpark app establishes a drinking goal for you and allows you to customize your daily water intake target.
– **Drink Glow:** Select from various glowing patterns when you drink water or when you refill your bottle.
– **Improved Drink Sensor:** The updated Drink Sensor now charges via USB-C and boasts a battery life of up to 21 days. Three years after the launch of the HidrateSpark Pro, my personal water bottle still manages around 15 days on a single charge.
– **About the Bottle:** The HidrateSpark Pro 2 features a splash-resistant lid and a leakproof locking lid. Constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, it is BPA and lead-free.
– **Drink Colder:** This smart water bottle guarantees to keep your drink chilled for up to 24 hours, eliminating worries about consuming warm water.

Price and availability

The HidrateSpark Pro 2 is offered in three sizes:

– **Smart Bottle 21 oz/621 ml:** $69.99
– **Smart Bottle 32 oz/946 ml:** $79.99
– **Smart Tumbler 30 oz/887 ml:** $79.99

Various colors and lid options are available at the official HidrateSpark online store. Currently, most HidrateSpark Pro 2 varieties are out of stock, as they have just rolled out the initial wave of products, with more on the way shortly.

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Early Prime Day Offer: Prime Members Get 50% Discount on Amazon Fire Tablet

This is the lowest price this tablet has ever reached, even if it is limited to Prime members.

(Image credit: Amazon)

If you’re a current Amazon Prime member seeking an affordable tablet deal, you have arrived at the right destination. Currently, Amazon Prime members can enjoy a 50% discount on the highly-rated Fire HD 10 tablet, just ahead of the retailer’s Prime Day sales event (July 8-11).

We’ve chosen the Fire HD 10 tablet as our top pick among Fire tablets for sharing, featuring a reasonably large 10.1-inch screen, seamless integration with Alexa smart home devices, and sufficiently fast performance, second only to the Fire Max 11. In terms of colors, it comes in Black, Lilac, and Ocean, available with 32GB or 64GB of storage.

As frequently seen with Fire tablet promotions, this offer is the lowest price for the model with lockscreen advertisements. However, it’s important to mention that you can pay just an additional $15 to have them eliminated.

New Report Suggests Postponement in Release of Apple’s ‘iPad Fold’

Next year, Apple is anticipated to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone. Nevertheless, although some analysts forecasted an iPad ‘Fold’ to be introduced around the same period, a new report suggests that this product won’t arrive anytime soon.

### iPad Fold Development Reported to Be on Hold

On the same day that iPhone Fold production was reported to be advancing well toward next year’s introduction, information regarding Apple’s foldable iPad seems less promising. Sources knowledgeable about the situation indicate that Apple had been investigating a foldable iPad alongside the iPhone but has opted to halt development on the larger foldable device for now. Industry analysts point to manufacturing challenges, rising production costs—especially concerning flexible display technology—and somewhat limited consumer interest in larger foldable devices as reasons for this choice.

Before this report, projected launch dates for the iPad Fold had varied widely. Some analysts, including Jeff Pu, anticipated a 2026 release alongside the iPhone Fold, while others, like Mark Gurman, implied we might need to wait until 2028 or beyond. At this point, it appears that the latter timeframe is more precise—assuming the product is ever released.

Apple seems to be adopting a wait-and-see strategy before introducing two foldables simultaneously. The demand for large foldables has yet to demonstrate strength. However, if next year’s iPhone Fold turns out to be successful, there should be sufficient time for Apple to finalize specifications for the iPad Fold with a potential release by 2028.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

The announcement of the iPad Fold’s postponement is disheartening for many, particularly avid iPad users. The expected iPad Fold, rumored to sport an 18.8-inch display, would offer a significant canvas for application management. With the new features in iPadOS 26 emphasizing larger screens, the existing 13-inch size limit on iPads feels insufficient.

As enthusiasm for the iPad Fold increases, particularly amid the developments in iPadOS, users are left contemplating the future of larger foldable devices. The possibility for an iPad Fold still exists, but for the moment, it appears Apple is focusing on the iPhone Fold and evaluating market demand before moving forward with its larger variant.

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watchOS 26 Brings Notifications for Uncommon Apple Watch Battery Depletion

### Upgrades in Battery Monitoring with watchOS 26

With the imminent launch of watchOS 26, Apple is poised to roll out major enhancements to the battery monitoring features of the Apple Watch. This new functionality is intended to track your average usage habits and notify you if your watch’s battery is draining more quickly than normal.

#### Proactive Battery Notifications

The core purpose of this upgrade is to offer users prompt updates concerning their battery status. If the system identifies that your battery usage strays from your historical data, it will generate an alert. This forward-thinking method enables users to act before their battery reaches a critically low level, ensuring they remain prepared.

For example, if you get a notification stating that your battery has declined to 50% by 7 PM, this might indicate an unusual drain, particularly if your usual usage doesn’t involve lengthy workouts or active heart rate tracking. Such notifications can be especially helpful for those who depend on their devices all day.

#### Activation of Low Power Mode

In light of these alerts, users will have quick access to enable the Apple Watch’s Low Power Mode. This mode aims to prolong battery life by restricting certain features, allowing users to save energy until they can recharge their device. This capability is particularly useful for those who may not have quick access to a charger.

#### Grasping Battery Drain Reasons

The system’s skill in assessing battery usage patterns means that users can gain insights into the factors contributing to any unusual battery depletion. For instance, if you’re utilizing a beta version of watchOS, you might notice decreased efficiency and performance, resulting in faster battery drain. Conversely, when using the public version of watchOS 26, the notification could suggest that you’re partaking in activities that draw more power, such as utilizing GPS or cellular capabilities in regions with weak signal.

#### Advantages of Early Alerts

The benefit of receiving these early notifications lies in their provision of an opportunity for users to recharge their devices at their leisure. Rather than waiting for the typical low battery alert, which usually takes place when the battery is nearly depleted, users can take proactive steps to keep their watch functioning throughout the day.

#### Comparable Features in iOS 26

This battery monitoring capability is not limited to the Apple Watch; it has also been incorporated into iOS 26 for iPhones. This uniformity across devices enriches the user experience, facilitating better battery management across the entire lineup of Apple products.

#### Release Information

Both iOS 26 and watchOS 26 are anticipated to be accessible as free software updates later this year. At present, these updates are undergoing a closed developer beta phase, with a public beta expected to be launched in July.

In conclusion, the advancements in battery monitoring with watchOS 26 signify a major improvement in user experience, furnishing vital tools for effectively managing battery life.

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TCL NXTPAPER 4.0 Tackles Significant Concealed Challenge in Technology

NXTPAPER 4.0 arrives in the U.S. for the very first time with the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet priced at $249, and it’s magnificent.

In my pursuit of a display that is visually appealing and gentle on the eyes, I have narrowed it down to a select few options. E Ink is frequently praised as the most eye-friendly display type available, and while it certainly presents a more natural feel compared to traditional displays, companies like TCL are striving to merge E Ink’s legibility with the smoothness of conventional displays.

With the introduction of the NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet at the end of June, TCL is initiating a new chapter in display technology with NXTPAPER 4.0, the newest iteration of TCL’s captivating ePaper technology. NXTPAPER 4.0 offers increased brightness, improved color accuracy, and a host of fresh eye-friendly features that establish a new benchmark for LCD technology.

Like its predecessors, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus incorporates a protective layer over the display that is not only matte — akin to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra display — but also possesses a paper-like texture underneath for a more organic look. It offers three distinct color modes that can be utilized to closely replicate a paper-like experience: regular mode, color paper mode, and ink paper mode, all accessible with a tap of the new NXTPAPER key located at the top of the tablet.

Even more impressively, the tablet is incredibly affordable, retailing at just $249 at Walmart. The U.S. version does not include a stylus, but it is available as a $39 optional add-on should you desire one. If only we could see more of the TCL 60 series in the U.S. featuring NXTPAPER 4.0 displays, it would be truly excellent.

The hues, Duke

While I genuinely value the paper-like look of the imagery displayed on the 11-inch tablet’s screen, it’s the improved color accuracy that significantly benefits sensitive eyes. This isn’t due to the fact that more precise colors inherently make a display more comfortable. Instead, a display capable of naturally exhibiting a broader spectrum of colors is preferable because it doesn’t rely on artificial methods to achieve it.

A notable number of modern displays utilize a technique called color dithering to enhance perceived display quality. This clever engineering trick alters a pixel quickly between two colors, tricking the eyes into seeing a non-existent color. However, analogous to PWM dimming, any rapid flickering of this sort can cause users severe headaches (or worse).

TCL NXTPAPER 3.0 and previous versions employed color dithering due to the technology’s inability to natively render 8-bit or 10-bit color, but NXTPAPER 4.0 addresses this issue. In regular color mode, you can deactivate all NXTVISION features in display settings, fully eliminating all color dithering in my assessments.

I gauge this by connecting a OnePlus 13 to an affordable smartphone microscope that I acquired on Amazon for $20. I selected this phone specifically for its capability of 480FPS slow motion, whereas most flagship devices (iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel) max out at 240FPS.

I then display various images and bring the microscope up to the screen momentarily to capture any potential pixel activity. My evaluations include a rainbow gradient, a grayscale gradient, three different gray images set at 25%, 50%, and 75%, alongside an examination of the edges of text and icons on the home screen.

The most prevalent location for dithering is along the edges of icons and text, as well as with grays at 50% and darker. In regular mode, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus exhibited no traces of dithering, something that flicker-sensitive users have long desired in an age where display and phone manufacturers often overlook scientific findings in favor of more vibrant screens, neglecting the long-term well-being of their consumers.

Regrettably, NXTPAPER’s two additional display modes, color paper and ink paper, both employ dithering to create their unique visual effects. Users who aren’t sensitive to dithering — which thankfully seems to be a majority — will appreciate these alternative modes for varied types of content.

Matte for the win

Incorporating a distinctive matte layer atop a display is one of the aspects that makes the finest E Ink tablets immensely enjoyable to read on, and it contributes to the appealing nature of NXTPAPER as well.

Matte layers reduce reflections and enhance visibility in varying lighting conditions, in addition to aiding in diffusing light in a manner that’s generally regarded as easier on the eyes. In fact, these layers are often so effective at diffusion that individual pixels beneath the matte layer are nearly invisible, even under a microscope.

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Current Savings: M4 iPad Pro Up to $299 Reduced, iPad A16 Starting from $284, Apple Pencil Pro, AirTag, and More Deals

### 4th of July Apple Gear Offers: Irresistible Savings on iPads and Accessories

As the 4th of July nears, Apple fans can seize substantial savings on a wide array of Apple products, especially iPads and accessories. This piece showcases some of the top offers currently available, making it an ideal moment to enhance your technology.

#### Latest Generation iPads: Starting Prices at $284

One of the highlighted offers this holiday season is on the latest generation iPad A16, which can now be purchased for as little as **$284 shipped**. Normally priced around $299, this model is ideal for casual users who like browsing the web, engaging on social media, and video calls. The iPad A16 comes in several color choices, and open-box offers at Best Buy feature even lower prices, with some models listed at **$283.99 shipped**.

For those seeking a more portable choice, the iPad mini 7 is also experiencing significant markdowns. This model is compatible with Apple Intelligence and is currently **$100 off**, with starting prices at **$399**. This makes it a compelling option for users who favor a smaller device without compromising on performance.

#### Apple Pencil Pro: Now Priced at $99

The Apple Pencil Pro has seen its price drop to **$99 shipped** on Amazon, matching its lowest rate since last year. Regularly $129, this stylus enhances the iPad experience with innovative features such as additional gestures and haptics. It works with several iPad models, including the iPad Pro and iPad Air series, making it an essential accessory for both creatives and professionals.

#### M4 iPad Pro Savings: Up to $299 Off

For those in search of high-performance gadgets, the M4 iPad Pro is presently **$200 off** across multiple models. Notably, the **2TB 11-inch M4 iPad Pro** is priced at **$1,699.97**, a **$299 discount** from its usual price of $1,999. This model is perfect for users needing significant storage and processing capability for intensive tasks.

#### Accessories and Charging Promotions

Along with the iPads and Apple Pencil, there are various accessories and charging promotions available. These feature discounts on AirTags and other vital accessories, providing a comprehensive sale for Apple users looking to upgrade their setup.

#### Conclusion

With these remarkable savings on iPads, Apple Pencils, and accessories, the 4th of July sales offer an excellent chance for Apple enthusiasts to enhance their devices or buy gifts. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable iPad or a premium Pro model, there’s something to suit everyone in this year’s promotions. Don’t let these limited-time deals pass you by!

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Apple Patent Indicates Major Progress in Camera Sensor Technology Nearing Human Eye Dynamic Range

Apple is exploring innovative image sensor technology that claims to deliver up to 20 stops of dynamic range. This capability exceeds that of the ARRI ALEXA 35 and approaches the dynamic range of the typical human eye. Here’s what this entails.

### 1,048,576:1

A recently released patent, titled “Image Sensor With Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range And Low Noise,” initially noticed by *Y.M.Cinema Magazine*, discloses Apple’s ambitions for a next-level sensor that competes with the dynamic range found in modern professional cinema cameras.

The patent describes a stacked sensor configuration that aspires to achieve 20 stops of dynamic range, representing the proportion between the highest and lowest light values that can be recorded at the same time without detail loss. It’s gauged in “stops,” with each stop signifying a doubling or halving of light.

Thus, a 20-stop dynamic range would effectively translate to a 1,048,576:1 contrast ratio with no light or shadow loss in a single image.

### A complex measurement

For context, although there is no formal dynamic range specification available for the iPhone 16 Pro Max sensor, here’s *CineD’s* detailed approximation of the iPhone 15 Pro Max 24mm camera, derived from three distinct methods: waveform test (“how many stops can be discerned above the noise floor”), IMATEST (“signal to noise ratio for every stop”), and latitude test (“the ability of a camera to maintain colors and details when over- or underexposed”).

The findings:

> “The waveform indicates approximately 11 stops above the noise floor. Speaking of which, the concept of a noise floor is nearly nonexistent – everything is exceptionally clean, suggesting substantial internal noise reduction (there’s no way to disable this ‘off’)”

And

> At ISO55: “We achieve 12 stops of dynamic range in the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) for a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 1, and the same 12 stops for a signal to noise ratio of 2. Also for the ‘slope based DR’. This suggests ‘excessive’ noise processing for IMATEST to yield a substantial measurement. It also becomes evident in the lowest diagram where ‘Noise (% of max pixel)’ is illustrated. Noise metrics for the shadow stops are incredibly low.”

At ISO1200: “IMATEST calculates (higher) 13.4 stops at SNR = 2 and 13.4 stops at SNR = 1.”

> At ISO55 “We obtain 5 stops of exposure latitude (3 above to 2 under). This is, in fact, 2 if not 3 stops lower than the present array of consumer APS-C or full-frame cameras. When compared to the previously mentioned ARRI Alexa Mini LF, it reflects 5 stops less exposure latitude. Moreover, juxtaposed with the Alexa 35, the variance is an even seven stops.”

Meanwhile, most calculations position the instantaneous dynamic range of the human eye between 10-14 stops, extending to 20-30 stops post pupil and retinal adjustments.

### A dual-layer strategy that could create new product categories

While Apple has historically depended on Sony for its camera sensors, this patent indicates the company may be developing something even more ambitious internally, starting from the silicon level.

According to the patent, Apple’s design merges two layers:

– **A sensor die**, which captures light via photodiodes and specialized analog circuitry
– **A logic die**, where the processing occurs, incorporating built-in noise reduction

As noted by *Y.M.Cinema Magazine*, this stacked design isn’t entirely novel in the industry. Sony reportedly employs something comparable. However, Apple’s methodology introduces a few unique elements:

– **First**, it features a mechanism called LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor), enabling each pixel to hold light across three distinct charge levels depending on scene brightness.
– **Second**, each pixel is equipped with its own current memory circuit, which measures and nullifies thermal noise in real-time, removing the need for post-processing cleanup techniques. Notably, Apple achieves this with a three-transistor (3T) pixel configuration, as opposed to the more intricate and less noise-prone 4T.

As this *Reddit* discussion elucidates, by stacking the sensor atop a chip, Apple effectively integrates a discrete shutter for each pixel and processes the image for noise reduction prior to it exiting the die.

### What implications does this have for products?

Should this sensor find its way into a commercial product, it may allow Apple to outpace not only its smartphone rivals but also professional camera manufacturers like Sony, Canon, or RED in particular key metrics.

Incorporate the Neural Engine and other capabilities enabled by Apple’s cohesive hardware-software integration, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to envision

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“Apple TV+ Reveals Premiere Date and Unveils First Teaser for Invasion Season 3”

The anticipation is nearly at an end for sci-fi enthusiasts looking forward to the next installment of *Invasion*, one of Apple’s ventures in the genre. Along with the premiere date announcement, Apple TV+ has just unveiled the teaser for what lies ahead. Here are the specifics.

## Invasion Season 3 Debuts August 22

Here’s the initial official teaser for *Invasion* season 3, which has recently been released on the Apple TV+ YouTube channel:

*Invasion* narrates an alien invasion from various viewpoints across the globe. In its third season, these viewpoints intersect for the first time, as the primary characters of the series unite to collaborate on a crucial mission to breach the alien mothership. The ultimate apex aliens have at last surfaced, swiftly extending their lethal tendrils across our world. It will require the combined efforts of all our heroes, utilizing their collective experience and skills, to protect humanity. New bonds are forged, old bonds are tested and even broken, as our diverse cast of characters must unite before time runs out.

The third installment of *Invasion* features returning cast members Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Shane Zaza, Enver Gjokaj, and introduces new series regular Erika Alexander.

Season 3 of *Invasion* launches on Apple TV+ on August 22 and will consist of 10 episodes, released weekly. Seasons 1 and 2 are available for viewing now.

Apple TV+ is priced at $9.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.

### Accessory Deals on Amazon

– [Anker 25,000mAh power bank, 100W, USB-C](https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Portable-Multi-Device-Charging-Retractable/dp/B0DMDJBCDP?tag=marcmendes-20): $119.99
– [Anker Foldable 3-in-1 wireless charger, 15W, Qi2](https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Compatible-Wireless-Certified-Foldable/dp/B0D8PTGKSM?tag=marcmendes-20): 20% off, at $71.99
– [AirPods Pro 2](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Cancellation-Transparency-Personalized-High-Fidelity/dp/B0D1XD1ZV3?tag=marcmendes-20): 20% off, at $199.00
– [AirTag, 4 Pack](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack/dp/B0D54JZTHY?tag=marcmendes-20): 24% off, at $74.99

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Nothing Headphone 1: A Leading Option to AirPods Max

Nothing has recently introduced its inaugural over-the-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1, in conjunction with the new Nothing Phone 3. With a price tag of $299, the Headphone 1 stands out for its combination of innovative and vintage aesthetics. Recognized for its distinctive products, Nothing has crafted these headphones to be visually appealing, showcasing a transparent design on the outer ear cup and an aluminum frame. The headphones come with memory foam cushions and oil-resistant material, ensuring longevity.

The Headphone 1 features unique buttons and switches that invoke a sense of nostalgia, akin to a Discman, providing a blend of retro and contemporary vibes. It boasts up to 35 hours of playback time with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) activated and up to 80 hours without ANC, aided by its USB-C port for charging.

Reviews emphasize the excellent audio quality, although the Spatial Audio-like capabilities are not particularly pronounced. The audio tuning was executed in partnership with KEF, a pioneer in audio with over 60 years of experience. The custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver produces rich, natural sound with deep bass, precise mids, and clear treble across all modes, including ANC, Transparency, and Spatial Audio.

In comparison to the AirPods Max, which have been available for nearly five years, the Nothing Headphone 1 presents a distinctive design and a competitive price point. While it does not include some of Apple’s hallmark features, it offers a refreshing take on the headphone industry. With speculation that the next AirPods Max might not debut until 2027, the Nothing Headphone 1 emerges as an enticing option for those in search of a unique and stylish audio experience.

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iPhone Fold Anticipated to Debut Next Year as Prototypes Enter Evaluation

The much-anticipated iPhone Fold, a name attributed to Apple’s yet-to-be-announced folding iPhone, is allegedly poised for a possible release in the latter part of next year. Recent information suggests that the device has achieved the Prototype 1 (P1) phase, which is the initial step where Apple develops fully operational devices.

Apple typically initiates new product development with a number of mockups that transition into realistic dummy models, mimicking the envisioned device’s appearance, feel, and weight. This is followed by testing prototype hardware in a breadboard configuration. The realistic prototyping phase involves the creation of fully functional units for preliminary testing, and as reported by Digitimes, the iPhone Fold reached this level last month.

Sources within the supply chain confirm that Apple has begun the early phases of its foldable iPhone development, initiating the P1 phase in June. Should the timeline remain steady, the device might finish prototype testing by late 2025 and transition to the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase, potentially leading to a launch in the latter half of 2026.

This initiative is still in its nascent stages, with two additional phases of prototyping to complete before the EVT phase, which aims to validate the design’s manufacturability. Apple is employing its “best not first” philosophy regarding the folding smartphone market, striving to tackle common challenges faced by early adopters, like the noticeable crease in the display. The company is anticipated to partner with display provider Samsung to create a more sophisticated screen than those currently found in existing folding devices.

While the iPhone Fold’s specifications are still ambiguous, analysts believe that Apple has not yet finalized several aspects. However, leaks suggest that the current testing specifications feature a titanium chassis, a 7.58-inch display, and dual 48MP rear cameras. The design of the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air may act as a precursor to the iPhone Fold, reflecting Apple’s strategic foresight in the advancement of its foldable gadget.

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