The speculation increased following reports of a cyberattack involving Tata Electronics, one of Apple’s manufacturing partners in India.

Documents allegedly linked to the incident have reportedly revealed details about a possible foldable iPhone, including its design direction, expected features, and potential launch timeline.

If the reports are accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become Apple’s most expensive smartphone yet, making it an ultra-premium device aimed at consumers willing to pay significantly more for new technology.

Unlike the iPhone 17e series, which focused on attracting more users into Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone Ultra appears to target the highest end of the market. However, Apple will not be entering a space without competition.

The company is not the first smartphone manufacturer to explore foldable devices. Brands such as Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Honor and even more affordable-focused manufacturers like TECNO have already launched multiple foldable models, giving them valuable experience in design, durability and consumer adoption.

This leads to the question of whether Apple can redefine the foldable smartphone market, or if the iPhone Ultra will find it difficult to stand against companies that have already built a strong foundation.

Expected Features of the iPhone Ultra

The iPhone Ultra is expected to represent Apple’s most advanced smartphone yet, with premium hardware designed to justify its expected high price.

Reports linked to the Tata Electronics leak suggest that the device could feature Apple’s upcoming A20 chip, reportedly built on a 2nm process and expected to power future iPhone models, including the iPhone 18 series.

Apple is also expected to continue reducing its dependence on external suppliers by using its own C2 cellular modem instead of Qualcomm’s hardware.

On the camera side, the iPhone Ultra may not introduce a completely redesigned system compared with the iPhone 17 lineup. Apple already made major improvements to its camera technology in recent generations, meaning future upgrades could focus more on computational photography, artificial intelligence features and improved telephoto capabilities.

Battery life will also be a huge focus because foldable smartphones require additional power to support larger displays and more complex hardware.

While the A20 chip is expected to improve efficiency, the iPhone Ultra could require a larger battery, potentially approaching the 5,000mAh range.

Can the iPhone Ultra Compete With Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Series?

Apple’s biggest challenge will be entering a market where competitors have already spent years refining their foldable smartphones.

The initial demand for the iPhone Ultra will likely come mainly from existing iPhone users who want to experience Apple’s version of a foldable device, rather than consumers already committed to foldable phones from other brands.

Battery capacity and charging technology could also become areas where Apple faces competition. Some rival foldables now feature larger batteries and significantly faster charging speeds, areas where Apple has traditionally taken a more conservative approach.

However, Apple’s biggest advantage could be its processor technology.

The rumoured 2nm A20 chip is expected to deliver improved efficiency and stronger performance compared with current-generation processors. If Apple achieves those improvements, the iPhone Ultra could have a significant advantage in processing power and software optimisation.

Most premium foldable smartphones currently rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon flagship processors, which already deliver strong performance. However, Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software has historically helped its devices compete strongly despite differences in specifications.

Beyond performance, the biggest test for any foldable smartphone remains the display and hinge system. Since the screen is designed to bend repeatedly, durability has become one of the most important factors influencing consumer confidence.

Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra could measure around 9mm when folded, which would make it relatively slim, although some competitors have already pushed foldable designs closer to traditional smartphone thickness.

Display technology may also not provide Apple with a major advantage. Most premium foldables now offer high-resolution AMOLED screens, 120Hz refresh rates and support for billions of colours, setting a high standard for any new entrant.

Apple’s Biggest Foldable Challenge

The iPhone Ultra could become one of Apple’s most innovative smartphone launches in years, as the company’s brand strength, loyal customer base and software ecosystem will likely help generate strong early interest.

However, entering the foldable market presents a different challenge from launching another traditional iPhone. Apple will have to convince consumers that its approach offers something way better than existing devices from companies that already understand the category.

The success of the iPhone Ultra will depend on both specifications and whether Apple can solve the biggest concerns around foldable smartphones. These include durability, price and long-term value.

If Apple gets it right, the iPhone Ultra could boost mainstream adoption of foldable devices. But if the product fails to provide a clear advantage over existing alternatives, it could become one of the company’s most challenging smartphone launches.

The post Will Apple’s iPhone Ultra Be its First Major Foldable Failure? Leaks and Expectations appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• The MEA smartphone market declined 7% YoY in Q1 2026, underpinned by rising smartphone prices, limited entry-tier models availability, and escalating regional conflicts.
• After several quarters of growth, MEA shipments declined in Q1 2026, weighed mostly by the entry-tier segment, which continues to have the heaviest impact on the MEA market.
• Compounded by the regional uncertainty and memory crisis, MEA shipments are expected to decline further in Q2 2026, notably due to a lack of sales-driving occasions.
• Samsunggrew 19% YoY, maintaining volume leadership in the region, supported by relatively stable prices and stronger inventories, unlike other Chinese OEMs like Transsion and Xiaomi, which have limited product availability and empty shelves in some cases.
• HONORsustained a remarkable 154% growth due to a lower year-ago base, stable existing inventories, and strong positioning in the region’s premium markets, the GCC in particular.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) smartphone shipments declined by 7% YoY in Q1 2026, marking the region’s first quarter of decline after a strong 2025, according to Counterpoint’s latest Market Monitor.

The decline was due to increasing prices stemming from the memory crisis, as well as the regional conflict in the Middle East which led to skyrocketing shipping prices, and weakened market performance in several countries.

Although the overall market is declining, the smartphone premiumization trend can still be seen across the MEA, with increasing 5G smartphone adoption.

This is particularly prevalent in the region’s emerging markets due to the expanding 5G coverage and strategic 2G and 3G sunset plans across several countries in the near future. These factors have driven a 42% YoY surge in 5G shipments in the MEA.

Moreover, AI-capable smartphones have seen a significant 64% YoY growth in Q1 2026. However, most of this growth is still happening at the higher end of the market, i.e. the $400 and above price range, meaning the premium segment continues to capture the bulk of the AI impact in the region.

The region’s Q1 2026 performance came in below earlier expectations, with the surging memory prices being the primary headwind.

Furthermore, the escalating conflict in the Middle East began to weigh heavily on the regional markets toward the end of March. These factors are poised to weigh more heavily in Q2 2026 and the second half of the year.

On the macro side, rising layoffs and corporate downsizing are pushing unemployment higher in the GCC’s premium markets, while spikes in fuel and logistics prices are adding another layer of cost on consumer goods prices across the region.

The factors, compounded, are leading to a net effect: a significant squeeze in purchasing power throughout the region.

More critically, uncertainty is reshaping the market performance, particularly across emerging markets. Purchases now are now being driven more by need than premiumization or upgrades.

The decline in the overall smartphone market stemmed mostly from the 41% YoY fall in the entry-tier ($50-$99) price band as it was the most exposed to regional conflicts and the memory crisis-related price changes.

The higher price bands are also expected to start seeing declines in Q2 2026, hurt by the ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic difficulties, and compounded by the lack of sales-driving occasions in the region.

Insights on Key Brands During Q4 2025

Samsung maintained its leadership position in terms of market share, with a remarkable 19% YoY growth supported by the relatively more stable prices and stronger inventories, complimented by its wider premium portfolio that limit the brand’s exposure to the memory crisis. The launch of the new premium S26 lineup also contributed to Samsung’s performance.

Chinese OEMs like Transsion and Xiaomi remain the region’s most affected brands, leaving their retail shelves empty in some cases, particularly in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Africa is considered the primary market for brands like TECNO and itel.

HONOR recorded notable growth in the region, surging 154% YoY in Q4 2025, although the brand had a small base in terms of volume last year. However, HONOR’s strategy to build up the brand in the region’s premium markets is paying off, strengthening its position among the premium audience more than the mass market.

The comprehensive and in-depth ‘Q4 2025 Market Monitor Smartphone Tracker’ is available for subscribing clients. 

The post MEA Smartphone Shipments Fall 7% as Chip Shortages, Higher Prices Weigh on Demand appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

For people in Nigeria, these advancements promise easier, safer, and more personal digital lives driven by Gemini Intelligence.

From handing off your to-do list to unbreakable theft protection, dive into how Android’s 12 latest offerings will empower users across the continent:

1. Hand Off Your To-Do List with Gemini App Automation

Google is introducing Task Automation, allowing Gemini to navigate multi-step tasks across your apps so you can focus on other things. Instead of manually switching between apps and copying data, you can simply point your camera at a travel brochure in a hotel lobby and say, “Find a tour like this on Expedia for a group of six.”

You can also long-press your power button over a grocery list in your notes app and ask Gemini to build a shopping cart with all the items for delivery. Gemini handles the logistics in the background while keeping you in complete control.

Availability: Already in beta on S26 and P10 Pro devices, and launching on Galaxy Fold8 and Pixel 11 later this year.

2. Speak Naturally with “Rambler” (Powered by Gemini)

Google is announcing Rambler, a revolutionary voice typing feature in Gboard that captures your underlying intent rather than just transcribing your exact words. Because we don’t always speak the way we want to write, Rambler lets you talk naturally, including self-corrections, repeats, and filler words like “ums” and “ahs”, and turns those raw thoughts into a polished, concise message.

It is built for a global community and can seamlessly switch between multiple languages, like blending English and Hindi, within a single sentence.

Availability: Rolling out first to Pixel devices starting in Q3 2026.

3. A Personal Browsing Assistant with Gemini in Chrome

Google is announcing a built-in personal browsing assistant for Chrome on Android, designed to help you research and understand web content without ever leaving the app.

By tapping the Gemini icon on your toolbar, the assistant opens at the bottom of your display so you can ask specific questions about the webpage you are currently viewing.

Whether you need a quick summary of a long article or a detailed explanation of a complex topic, this tool seamlessly enhances your mobile web experience.

Availability: Rolling out to select Android 12+ devices with 4GB+ of RAM in the U.S. starting at the end of June.

4. Instant Image Customization with Nano Banana

Google is introducing Nano Banana, an innovative feature that lets you instantly create and customize images directly within your Chrome browser.

For example, if you are studying for an online exam, you can simply ask your browsing assistant to turn a text-heavy page into an informative infographic.

Similarly, if you are scrolling through apartment listings, you can ask the assistant to alter a photo of an empty room to include modern living room essentials, allowing you to instantly visualize ideas on the go.

Availability: Available in Chrome for Android starting next month.

5. Share with Anyone Using Quick Share & AirDrop

Google is announcing a massive expansion to Quick Share, making it compatible with AirDrop to solve the universal hassle of sharing files between different phone brands.

If you are at a family gathering and want to share a video with friends using iOS, you can simply use Quick Share on your Android phone to generate a QR code. Scanning this code lets you instantly share high-quality media across devices via the cloud, breaking down the barriers between operating systems.

Availability: Expanding to more partners including Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and HONOR this year.

6. OSmosis: Wireless iOS-to-Android Transfer

Google is announcing OSmosis, a completely overhauled, wireless iOS-to-Android transfer process that makes switching phones easier than ever. You can now wirelessly migrate your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, and even your precise homescreen layout directly from your iPhone to your new Android device without needing a cable.

Availability: Launching first on new Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices later this year.

7. Pro-Grade Creator Tools Natively on Instagram

Google is announcing an expanded partnership with Meta to bring pro-level camera and editing features natively to the Instagram app on Android flagships.

Android creators can now enjoy Ultra HDR capture for lifelike, vibrant colors, along with built-in video stabilization to keep footage smooth while walking or dancing.

The update also includes deep Night Sight integrations, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot even in the dimmest settings.

Availability: Rolling out to flagship devices throughout Q3 and Q4 2026.

8. Reclaim Your Time with “Pause Point”

Google is introducing Pause Point, a new digital wellbeing tool designed to help you stop mindless, autopilot scrolling. When you try to open an app you have identified as distracting, Pause Point gives you a mandatory 10-second breather to ask yourself, “Why am I here?” During this pause, you can do a quick breathing exercise or set a strict timer for your app usage. To ensure you stick to your goals, turning the feature off completely requires you to restart your phone.

Availability: Available in Q4 2026 across all countries and languages.

9. Unbreakable Biometric Theft Protection

Google is announcing a powerful new anti-theft measure that enhances the “Mark as lost” feature with biometric authentication.

If your device is snatched, you can now lock it using your fingerprint or face in addition to the standard passcode.

This provides an immediate, unbreakable layer of security, meaning that even if a thief spied on your PIN before stealing your phone, they will not be able to turn off device tracking or re-access your personal data.

Availability: Rolling out as a built-in feature on devices running Android 17.

10. Express Yourself with Noto 3D Emoji

Google is announcing Noto 3D, a massive update to the way we express ourselves with nearly 4,000 newly designed emoji. Moving away from flat 2D icons, these new 3D emoji bring a touch of physicality and weight to your digital conversations.

Whether you are sending a wrapped burrito or a joyful smile, this visually vibrant collection bridges the digital divide, representing the difference between a message simply being received and a true presence felt.

Availability: Available across Google platforms, starting with Pixel phones later this year.

11. Fill Out Forms in a Single Tap with Gemini Personal Intelligence

Google is announcing an evolution to Autofill with Google, powered by Gemini’s Personal Intelligence. This new feature allows Android to automatically fill in complex forms across your apps and Chrome browser.

By securely pulling relevant information from your connected apps or saved photos, such as passport details or frequent flyer numbers, your device saves you from the universal hassle of typing out tiny text on a mobile screen.

Availability: Rolling out in Q2 2026 for phones, and Q4 2026 for laptops and tablets.

12. Build Custom Widgets with Gemini Intelligence

Google is introducing Create My Widget, taking the first step in generative UI to give you more ways to make your device truly yours.

You can now build entirely custom widgets just by describing what you want using natural language. For example, a meal prepper can ask for a widget that suggests high-protein recipes every week, or a cyclist can create a weather dashboard that surfaces exact wind speed and rain stats right on the home screen.

Availability: Launching in Q3 2026 for phones, watches, laptops, and tablets.

The post 12 Major Android Announcements at Google I/O 2026 | Gemini AI Transforms Smartphones appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

New figures from Counterpoint Research showed Apple’s shipments grew 20% year-on-year between January and March. That was the strongest performance among the country’s major phone makers.

The overall Chinese smartphone market, however, fell 4% during the same period. High memory chip prices and supply chain pressure weighed on sales across the sector.

Huawei kept its lead in the market with a 20% share after posting 2% shipment growth. Apple followed closely with 19%.

Counterpoint senior analyst Ivan Lam said Apple stood out while rivals raised prices.

“As most rivals raise prices, Apple stands out for value, with Chinese consumers knowing its products last at least three years,” he said.

That view appears to be helping Apple hold demand in a market where buyers have become more careful with spending.

Huawei also benefited from strong demand across both premium and lower-priced devices. Lam said sales of models such as the Enjoy 90 series helped lift its numbers.

Several other brands lost ground.

Xiaomi’s shipments dropped 35%, pushing it down to sixth place. Lam linked the fall to a strong performance in the same period last year, when the company benefited from aggressive discounts and government subsidies.

Oppo and Honor also posted declines of 5% and 3% respectively.

Vivo was one of the few brands to grow, recording a 2% rise, helped by strong Lunar New Year sales.

With these, Counterpoint expects more pressure in the second quarter as Chinese brands keep raising prices.

Lam said Apple and Huawei may cope better than others, with Huawei likely to gain further support from demand for cheaper handsets.

The post Apple iPhone Shipments Surge 20% in China as Smartphone Market Falls appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This was revealed in a new report from Counterpoint Research, as Apple led international brands with a 21% increase, while HONOR recorded an 83% peak, supported by strong inventory and early-year growth.

This shows that Chinese manufacturers still led the MEA market, with Samsung and Transsion holding large market shares through high volume shipments and strategic stock management.

The growth in Q4 was strongest at both the entry and premium ends of the market, with devices priced between $100 and $249 rising 28% year-on-year. This was driven by feature phone migration in Africa.

Phones above $700 jumped 46%, helped by consumer financing and trade-in programmes. High 5G adoption also contributed, with shipments of 5G devices surging 22% as operators expanded coverage in emerging markets.

Samsung posted 53% year-on-year growth, maintaining volume leadership over Transsion by front-loading lower-cost inventory ahead of rising market prices.

Xiaomi and Transsion saw declines of 14% and 4% respectively, as expensive components and global memory shortages hit production. HONOR’s strong growth came from leveraging existing stock and early-year demand, rather than market expansion alone.

The report noted that Q4 2025 may be the final growth quarter for the entry segment. The market is reaching the limits of low-cost component stocks, and memory price hikes are expected to slow shipments in 2026.

However, the premium segment is healthy, underpinned by financing options, trade-in programmes, and a strong appetite for high-end devices.

Strong 5G adoption is pushing premiumisation in both established and emerging markets, including Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and Sierra Leone.

While geopolitical challenges fluctuated through the year, the market stayed resilient thanks to steady oil prices, consistent purchasing power, and demand for modern technology.

The post HONOR Shipments Soar 83% as Apple Rises 21% in MEA Q4 2025, China Brands Still Lead appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The decline is a 2.6-percentage-point revision from earlier forecasts, with Chinese brands like Honor, Oppo, and vivo facing the biggest setbacks.

“What we are seeing now is the low end of the market (below $200) being impacted most severely, with bill-of-materials costs increasing by 20%-30% since the beginning of the year,” said MS Hwang, research director at Counterpoint. 

Mid- and high-end models are not left out in the global smartphone shipments statistics for 2026, seeing cost jumps between 10% and 15%.

The crunch is being driven by a global shortage of legacy memory chips, as manufacturers change production to high-end semiconductors designed for artificial intelligence servers. 

Nvidia’s move to adopt smartphone-style memory chips in AI servers is expected to double server-memory prices by late 2026, creating sudden demand the industry cannot easily meet.

Yang Wang, senior analyst at Counterpoint, added: “Apple and Samsung are best positioned to weather the next few quarters. But it will be tough for others that don’t have as much wiggle room to manage market share versus profit margins. We will see this play out especially with the Chinese OEMs as the year progresses.”

OEMs are already responding with portfolio adjustments. Some low-end models are being stripped of features like periscope camera modules, high-end displays, and audio components. 

Others are pushing consumers toward higher-spec ‘Pro’ variants or streamlining product lines to mitigate cost pressures. Shenghao Bai, another senior analyst, noted: “Other tactics include reusing old components, streamlining the portfolio, and pushing consumers to higher-specification ‘Pro’ variants and adopting new designs to stimulate upgrades.”

As a result of cost pass-through and strategic portfolio changes, average selling prices are projected to rise by 6.9% in 2026, an increase from the 3.9% forecasted in September. 

The low-end segment is expected to be the hardest hit, with price hikes potentially pricing out some consumers entirely.

The post Global Smartphone Shipments to Fall 2.1% in 2026 as High Memory Prices Hit Low-End Devices Hard appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ – 5.95 mm

The Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ features a jaw-dropping 5.95mm slim profile, weighing just 155g—and somehow, it still packs a massive 5160mAh battery inside.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – 5.8 mm

Samsung launched its slimmest flagship yet in May 2025. Featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 200 MP camera, and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the S25 Edge packs premium features into a titanium body just 5.8 mm thick. It’s a compelling choice for those putting design and portability first.

TECNO Spark Slim – 5.75 mm

Unveiled at MWC 2025, the Spark Slim concept showcases what engineering can achieve: 5.75 mm thin, 146 g, a 5,200 mAh battery, and a 6.78-inch AMOLED display.

Though not yet available for sale, it sets a new benchmark for sleek design without sacrificing battery life.

Apple iPhone 17 Air (Rumored) – ~5.5 mm

Expected in September 2025, leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, measuring around 5.5 mm.

Despite its slim build, it could include a 6.6″ OLED display, A19 chip, and an optimized battery system, thanks to new silicon-anode tech .

Foldables: Xiaomi, Oppo & Honor

In early 2025, OPPO made history with the Find N5, officially crowned the world’s thinnest book-style foldable phone .

This sleek device not only sets a record—it redefines the future of smartphone design. 8.93 mm when folded, rivalling the thickness of a credit card. Only 4.21 mm thick when unfolded, making it marginally slimmer than any non-foldable device .

Thinness isn’t limited to traditional phones—ultra-slim foldables are making waves too:

• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 – 4.6 mm unfolded
• Oppo Find N5 – 4.2 mm unfolded
• Honor Magic V3 – 4.4 mm unfolded

These devices blend bigger full-screen experiences with featherweight folded forms, redefining portability.

Quick Comparison Table

What Makes the “Thin” Trend Significant

• Real engineering feats: Achieving ultra-slim profiles demands breakthroughs in battery tech, heat dissipation, and internal architecture.
• Consumer appeal: Sleek design translates to comfort and style—phones that slip easily into pockets and hands.
• Innovation frontier: Concept devices like TECNO’s show what’s possible, pushing big brands to adapt.

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Which of thesee phones are you buying? Tell us in the comment session

The post Meet Thinnest Smartphones in 2025 So Far appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• The smartphone industry is set for a revolutionary change with the introduction of Generative AI-based devices. 
• The share of GenAI smartphones will be 4% of the market in 2023 and is likely to double next year.
• By 2027, we expect the GenAI smartphone share to reach 40% and surpass half a billion in shipments.
• Samsung will capture half of this market next year followed by key Chinese OEMs like Xiaomi, vivo, HONOR and OPPO.
• Qualcomm and Samsung are immediate leaders as current product offerings and capabilities position them as first movers.
• Qualcomm is likely to capture over 80% of the GenAI smartphone market for the next two years. MediaTek is likely to catch up with its

The coming year will be pivotal for Generative AI (GenAI) smartphones with preliminary data projecting their shipments to reach over 100 million units in 2024.

According to Counterpoint Research’s Smartphone 360 Service titled, “GenAI Smartphone Shipments and Insights”, by 2027, they expect GenAI smartphone shipments to reach 522 million units, growing at a CAGR of 83%.

Counterpoint Research defines GenAI smartphones as a subset of AI smartphones that uses Generative AI to create original content, rather than just providing pre-programmed responses or performing predefined tasks.

These devices will run size-optimized AI models natively and come with certain hardware specifications.

“Our short-term GenAI landscape sees OEM roadmaps touching on four main areas – info provisioning, image building, live translation, and personal assistant applications”, the report contains.

Samsung and Qualcomm are immediate leaders as current product offerings and capabilities position them as first movers.

Similar to what it did with foldables, Samsung is likely to capture almost 50% share for the next two years, followed by key Chinese OEMs like Xiaomi, vivo, HONOR and OPPO.

Samsung earlier highlighted the use case of its Galaxy AI on smartphones. This is one example of how OEMs are geared to differentiate their upcoming smartphones and GenAI will play a key role in that differentiation.

Qualcomm is likely to capture over 80% of the GenAI smartphone market for the next two years. MediaTek is likely to catch up with its Dimensity 9300-based devices.

Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “The share of GenAI smartphones in the overall smartphone market will be in single digits through next year. But those numbers will not accurately reflect the amount of excitement and marketing hyperbole we are expecting to see.”

Pathak added, “We are working to a standard definition developed with our clients and partners, reflecting inputs from across these key players. Next year is about learning and we expect GenAI smartphones to hit an inflection point in 2026 as the devices permeate through the broader price segments.”

VP & Research Director Peter Richardson said,

“AI has been a feature of smartphones for the last few years. We now expect to see the emergence of smartphones optimized to run GenAI models in addition to the normal use of AI in smartphones.

The likely use cases will include creating more personalized content, smarter digital assistants with unique personalities and conversation styles, content recommendations, and more. However, this will also require addressing issues like running into memory constraints and will likely lead to a hybrid approach in some cases. Nonetheless, one thing is for certain – we are entering an era where smartphone users no longer need to align to their devices; it will be the other way around with GenAI smartphones.”

[Featured Image Credit]

The post Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO to Lead over 1 Billion Generative AI (GenAI) Smartphones Shipments by 2027 – Report appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.