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ASUS is leaving the smartphone industry

Is it temporary or for good?

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In 2023, there were rumors that ASUS is done with the Zenfone series. The rumors were apparently exaggerated because the brand eventually issued an official statement to deny the shuttering of the Zenfone. Now, in 2026, we’re back to speculating on the smartphone’s future. This time, however, it’s coming from high up the chain of command.

In a translated version of an interview (via Taiwan’s Inside), ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih said that ASUS has no plans to add new smartphone models in the future. Based on previous rumors, the shutdown will affect 2026, at the very least.

Despite confirming that the brand’s phones are gone for now, Shih has not waved away the possibility that they might come back in the future. Right now, we don’t know if this is all just a “see you later” or a “we’re leaving for good.”

ASUS’s last major launch in the smartphone space was early last year. The Zenfone 12 Ultra was an interesting headset but didn’t make enough waves to make a dent in the industry. On the other hand, ROG released the ROG Phone 9 Pro, which made our list of the best premium smartphones from 2025.

With the almost-certain exit from the smartphone space, this leaves the Zenfone 12 Ultra and the ROG Phone 9 Pro without successors in the foreseeable future. However, Shih has promised that the current lineup will still receive updates going forward.

SEE ALSO: Spotlight: ASUS Zenbook at CES 2026

Apps

Significantly better ChatGPT Images 2.0 launches

Stronger creative reasoning, better design output, more formats, improved overall experience

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OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Images 2.0. This updated image generation model has a meaningful jump over competitors and its current ImageGen 1.5.

Now available across ChatGPT, Codex and the API, Images 2.0 delivers stronger creative reasoning, better design output, more flexible formats, and a faster, more intuitive user experience.

Paid users (Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise) will benefit from a more advanced image experience (ImageGen Thinking 2.0). The state-of-the-art model can take on complex visual tasks and produce precise and immediately usable visuals.

ChatGPT Images 2.0 is likewise better for creative and professional use cases. It has a significantly better performance at producing text-heavy assets, infographics, product mockups, UI concepts, and more structured visuals.

Moreover, users can generate images in a wider range of aspect ratios. The outputs are limitless, from posters to comics or anime to detailed infographics to simple images. API users, on the other hand, will also have access to 4K resolution.

To try the upgraded image generation model, simply head to ChatGPT and select “Images” in the sidebar.

Users will be able to see the top five prompts as well, curated by OpenAI, for them to try. This is to highlight the capabilities of the new model.

Overall, ChatGPT Images 2.0 offers a more seamless experience on mobile, web, and desktop. The intuitive user experience includes improved prompt suggestions, loading states, editing features, and multi-output views.

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Malaysia

HONOR 600 Series debuts globally in Malaysia

Pre-orders now open

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HONOR 600

Malaysia is first to get the HONOR 600 Series.

HONOR has officially unveiled its latest “accessible flagship” lineup, bringing both the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro to the global stage.

The series focuses on combining flagship-level features with more attainable pricing, starting at RM2,599.

Pre-orders are now open until April 29, 2026. Early buyers can enjoy a RM200 instant rebate along with free gifts and protection bundles worth up to RM1,935.

For the HONOR 600 Pro, customers get a free Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ alongside extended warranty and damage protection. Meanwhile, HONOR 600 buyers receive a free HONOR CHOICE Watch 2 Epic with similar coverage.

The devices will be available starting April 30, 2026 through HONOR’s official stores, online platforms, and partner retailers.

Flagship features come to the N Series

HONOR 600 Series

With the HONOR 600 Series, the company is pushing its N Series further into flagship territory.

Leading the charge is a 200MP main camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor. The Pro model adds a 50MP telephoto lens with up to 120x zoom and enhanced stabilization, while the standard version supports up to 30x zoom.

Both devices are designed to handle low-light scenarios with improved night processing and color accuracy.

AI Image to Video 2.0 also returns as a headline feature. It allows users to turn still images into short video clips using prompts, templates, and multiple reference images.

On the performance side, the HONOR 600 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, marking the first time the series gets an Elite-tier chip.

The standard HONOR 600 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, offering solid gains in both CPU and GPU performance for everyday use.

Bright display, big battery, and added durability

Both devices feature a 6.57-inch display with up to 8000 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate.

HONOR also highlights its Eye Comfort Display tech, which includes high-frequency PWM dimming and adaptive brightness controls for long viewing sessions.

Battery is another key focus.

The series packs up to a 7000mAh battery, paired with 80W wired charging and reverse charging support. The Pro model also adds 50W wireless charging.

Durability sees an upgrade as well, with IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings alongside SGS 5-star drop and crush certification.

Pricing and availability

The HONOR 600 Series comes in Orange, Golden White, and Black.

Malaysia pricing is as follows:

  • HONOR 600 (12GB + 512GB): RM2,599
  • HONOR 600 Pro (12GB + 256GB): RM3,099
  • HONOR 600 Pro (12GB + 512GB): RM3,299

Pre-orders run until April 29, 2026, with general availability starting April 30.

Europe pricing

In Europe, the HONOR 600 is priced at €649.9 for the 256GB model and €699.9 for the 512GB variant.

With launch coupons, both configurations are effectively reduced to €499.9, bundled with 12 months of screen insurance.

The HONOR 600 Pro (512GB) is priced at €999.9, with a €200 coupon bringing it down to €799.9. Early buyers also receive bundled freebies, including either a tablet or projector, plus headphones for select orders, alongside 12 months of screen protection.

United Kingdom pricing

In the UK, the HONOR 600 Pro (512GB) is priced at £899.99.

The HONOR 600 is available at £549.99 for the 256GB model and £599.99 for the 512GB variant.

A Lite version is also available, with the HONOR 600 Lite (256GB) priced at £369.99.

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News

iPhone 18 may have lower specs and a delayed launch, rumor says

Once again, it’s because of rising RAM prices.

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A tale as old as time by now, Apple will always launch the latest generation of the iPhone in the fall every year. Lately, however, the more affordable iPhone e series found a home much earlier in the year. Next year, according to rumors, the regular iPhone 18 duo will join the iPhone 18e’s launch next spring, and it will be heavily downgraded.

Much ado has been said about the lack of differences between the four models of the current iPhone series. The “which iPhone is best for you” debate is still a worthy one today. Now, a new rumor from Weibo states that the base iPhone 18 will delineate itself further from the Pro and the Pro Max because of downgraded specs. The rumor has not detailed which pieces of hardware will get budget cuts.

The downgrade is supposedly due to the rising RAM prices in the industry today. That said, it also serves as a way to maintain the premium niche of the Pro and the Pro Max. However, pushing the base iPhone 18 away from the premium models naturally pushes it towards the iPhone 18e. Only its launch can tell how Apple will keep the two models separate from one another.

Besides the difference in specs, a previous rumor has also speculated that the base model will depart its usual launch window in September for a delayed one in March, right next to the iPhone 18e.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review

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