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Foldable smartphones will dominate next year

Three more brands will launch their own next year

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With two months left in 2018, next year’s smartphones are already gearing up for their respective launches. With a multitude of options, no one knows what tomorrow’s smartphones will look like. From truly bezel-less phones to fully integrated screens, the possibilities are endless. However, a new report is tipping the odds towards one specific form factor — the foldable phone.

For one, Samsung has already committed considerable assets towards its own take on the unique design. The South Korean company has leaked patents and software corresponding to the upcoming smartphone. Even now, the phone is rumored to debut next month. Afterwards, it will launch next year.

Besides Samsung, other companies are also preparing their own foldable phones. According to trusted leaker Ice Universe, at least three more brands will launch foldable models between CES and MWC in 2019.

Unfortunately, the leaker refuses to name which brands are involved in foldable screen development. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess.

However, Evan Blass, another renowned leaker, has confirmed LG’s plans to launch a foldable phone at CES next year. Given Blass’ reputation, this report is as good as gold.

Also, of note, a smaller Chinese company, Rouyu Technology, has unveiled the world’s first foldable smartphone. The 7.8-inch phone touts a Snapdragon 855, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of internal storage. Further, the phone will feature a 20-megapixel plus 16-megapixel rear camera combination. Launched in its home turf, the Rouyu FlexiPai will retail for CNY 8,999.

However, Ice Universe asserts that the earlier releases “are not necessarily the best.” Of course, the leaker has notoriously focused on Samsung’s leaks more than any other brand’s reports. Take the account’s assertions of quality with a grain of salt.

At most, Ice Universe’s report offers a preview of the smartphone industry’s looks next year. However, the form factor’s performance is still up in the air. At the very least, we only have a little more than two months to wait.

SEE ALSO: Huawei will launch a foldable, 5G-ready smartphone

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Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

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April 30, 2026

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When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade

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Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

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April 30, 2026

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Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

SEE ALSO: YouTube remains top PH video platform; advertisers urged to continue investing

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Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

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April 30, 2026

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OnePlus 13

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.

SEE ALSO: realme is reportedly going back to being an OPPO sub-brand

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