The last decade went by just like that and we’ve seen evolutions of many kinds. Technology and the internet changed the world for better or for worse.
The way we understand, consume, and own things are now different from how they were just 10 years ago — from politics, health, culture, entertainment, travel; even the career opportunities available to everyone. Here are the technology that shaped the decade:
1. Short form video
Social media has made consuming and distributing information so much different from how it was many years before. One of the things to transform over the last decade is video.
TikTok
We’re starting the list off with the latest platform to take over the internet: TikTok.
Reminiscent of the now-defunct app Vine, on TikTok users record videos of anything under the sun — from skits, to dance challenges, to cute pets.
A lot of these videos go viral not just on TikTok itself, but on other platforms too. The app is slowly becoming the next generation’s go-to app for sharing their activities on the internet and it’s bound to evolve even further from here.
Snapchat
A few years before TikTok got so popular, millennials used Snapchat — and a lot of people still do.
The idea behind the app is simple, yet unheard of at the time of its launch. Everything you post, whether a photo or video, disappears within 24 hours.
Not long after, Instagram copied the feature and called it Instagram Stories. Even though Instagram has long been the go-to platform for sharing mundane, everyday photos, it’s also evolved to a host of highly curated photos with themes, and grids.
Most recently, Instagram also launched IGTV, its answer to YouTube’s popularity.
Because of all its features, the app has created an entire industry of creators and influencers.
2. Livestreaming, YouTube, and other video creators
Speaking of industry, content creation and livestreaming on the internet became a thing this decade, too. It’s spurred new jobs and business opportunities that no one before thought was possible…
Twitch
Apps like Twitch has allowed gamers to make a living out of streaming the games that they play including their reactions. Many users, even non-gamers, enjoy watching them.
YouTube
The market for these kinds of videos is so huge that on YouTube, the most popular channel is Swedish gamer PewDiePie. This year he surpassed the 100 million subscriber mark. No other YouTuber is even remotely close to reaching as many subscribers any time soon.
But the platform has become so popular that a lot of other users thrive off of it enough to make a living — from us tech YouTubers, beauty vloggers, to comedians — even kids! So much so that the highest-paid creator for the last two years is 8-year-old Ryan of Ryan’s World.
Facebook Live
It’s worth mentioning that Facebook Live and Instagram Live have also become another go-to platform for a lot of people. Us at GadgetMatch use them to answer questions and share unboxing experiences with you guys in real time.
3. Content streaming
This decade we didn’t just stream user-generated content; the way we consume movies, TV shows, and music also changed. Gone are the days of renting and buying DVDs, iPods, record players. Now we access everything with a few taps on our smartphones…
Spotify
I don’t know about you but all of my music I listen to on apps like Spotify and Apple Music. Instead of buying albums and owning multiple physical records, a subscription on these platforms gives me access to all my favorite artists and songs — on the go!
Netflix
The same goes for movies and TV shows. Everything can be played on demand with apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime Video.
You can watch them anywhere, and on any screen with friends, or family — even alone. Who says you have to go to the movies on your own when you can just do it at the comforts of your own home?
4. Communication and human interactions
Netflix and chill with your significant other especially in winter is fun, too. Asking someone out to the movies is still pretty common, but meeting people and dating have also evolved in the last 10 years.
Tinder
Today, the act of swiping has taken on a whole new meaning — to swipe is to want to meet a stranger.
Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble have made it possible to connect people who are worlds apart, literally and figuratively.
It’s not just the way we form romantic relationships that changed; messaging apps like Whatsapp, iMessage, Messenger, and LINE have made talking to friends and family easier and a lot faster.
Conversations now unfold on our screens that often times we forget to put our phones down to talk in real life.
Emoji, stickers, and memes
Of course, not everyone is able to convey tone and context with just texting. With the help of emoji, stickers, and memes, communicating with someone miles apart has become more interactive and dynamic like never before.
5. Sharing Economy
Having your own car or office has become optional for a lot of people thanks to the boom of the sharing economy.
Uber
Apps like Uber, Lyft, Grab, and Gojek have not only become an alternative to taxis, they’ve completely changed the face of mobility.
Millennials especially are choosing to use ride-sharing apps to get to their day-to-day — eliminating the need to worry about parking space, maintenance, and other responsibilities that come with driving your own car.
Airbnb
Why book a hotel when you can stay at a house with a kitchen, washer and dryer, and live like a local? That’s the idea behind Airbnb.
I personally love using Airbnb when traveling. Aside from being cheaper, you also get a chance to meet your hosts and make new friends all around the world.
6. Cash alternatives
More and more businesses and cities have been going cashless, but in many places it’s not just about having a credit card.
Mobile payments
In China for example, WeChat Pay or AliPay have become more common than both credit card and cash payments. In the US, there’s Venmo.
Even Facebook has Facebook Pay, LINE has LINE Pay, Samsung has Samsung Pay, Apple has Apple Pay. You get the picture. Maybe one day wallets will become a thing of the past, too.
Block chain
And then there’s block chain. It’s not necessarily become as widespread as we’d hoped but both startups and bigger companies use it as an alternative to wiring money abroad and pay salaries to employees who live in other countries, mainly to avoid losing a lot of money foreign exchange rates.
7. Hashtags
The use of hashtags have also changed over the years. From merely an identifier of tweets and instagram posts, hashtags have been used to spread awareness for illnesses (#icebucketchallenge), spark movements (#metoo) and give voice to the oppressed (#blacklivesmatter), and protest, start revolutions, and even oust governments (#arabspring).
8. Ports
And now, to hardware. While a lot of ports evolved there are those that are also dying.
USB-C
USB-C is slowly replacing other ports for data transfer, charging — even audio listening.
3.5mm audio jack
The headphone jack is starting to become obsolete in a lot of devices as brands seek to make phones and laptops more compact and portable.
The last decade has also seen concept devices without any ports at all… but we probably won’t see those come to fruition until the next few years.
9. Big Display
Probably the most notable change that we’ve seen is that on the tangible thing we interact with the most in our day to day: the smartphone display.
Galaxy Note
Initially mocked by Apple founder Steve Jobs when it launched, the Samsung Galaxy Note was the first to popularize the form factor of phones we’re enjoying today.
Now the big display is common, and small phones the rare Pokemon.
Notch
In more recent years manufacturers have been finding ways to make the big display experience even better. They removed bezels and used the infamous notch instead.
The experience has been a hit or miss; I personally don’t mind it as much.
Pop-up camera
Another solution that brands have come up with is the pop/up camera.
Although really cool at first we know this is pretty temporary until tech like underdisplay cameras become more developed.
Foldable
Last but not the least, while it hasn’t exactly shaped the decade, the foldable display is paving the way for the next one.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s going to be really exciting. We can’t wait for it to develop and reach its peak, and forever change the way we use our devices.
Which tech changed the way you live the most? And which one are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
Accessories
CASETiFY Match: Finding the right case for your Galaxy Z8 Series phone
Cases that match your personality
A phone case can be more than protection. It can also be a way to show off your interests, personality, and the little things that make you, well, you.
For our CASETiFY Match for the Galaxy Z8 Series, we asked the team one question: Why was this CASETiFY design your Match?
From Spider-Man fandom and capybara obsession to feline-inspired art and snake motifs, here are the designs that found their way into our team’s everyday carry, plus a couple of bonus picks worth checking out.
Rodneil: A little New York energy for a certified web-head
If it wasn’t obvious enough, I’m a certified web-head. I love anything and everything Spider-Man, especially the iconic red-and-blue motif. Though, if we’re being honest, I’m more partial to the red.
I had my eyes on the Spider-Man suit design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the Spider-Man Mask Snappy Grip Stand. Unfortunately, those designs aren’t available for the Galaxy Z Fold8.
So, I went with a design that gives off a bit of New York energy instead. It still pairs nicely with the Spidey Snappy Grip Stand, letting me bring a little of that Spider-Man vibe to my everyday setup.
V: Keeping it cool with capybaras
I’ve been a capybara stan since 2020, long before the world finally caught up with just how cute and chill these animals are. Seeing them get the recognition they deserve has been a source of much excitement.
Finding cool and cute capybara cases and accessories for the phones I use every day, however, hasn’t always been easy.
That’s where Deville Dewil’s capybara collection comes in. It fills that gap while making my Galaxy Z Fold8 feel like an even more personal accessory.
At this point, I’d like to identify as a capy/bara.
Luigi: A cat design that’s playful without being too loud
There’s no shortage of cat-themed cases out there. If you’re a cat lover like me, chances are you’ve considered one at some point.
The tricky part is finding a design that isn’t too whimsical or loud. I love the little furballs, but I still want something sleek and clean.
CASETiFY’s cat collection speaks to that balance. In particular, this design by Catwheezie blends artistry with a touch of whimsy. It lets me show off my personality without being too flashy.
MJ: A little reputation energy
I’ve always had a soft spot for snake motifs, and CASETiFY’s Transparent Kingsnake case gives me Taylor Swift’s reputation era energy.
I love how snakes symbolize transformation. As someone who’s always evolving and never afraid to reinvent himself, that meaning feels personal.
The black-and-white design also brings a sleek, rebellious edge. Paired with my Galaxy Z Flip8, it’s giving statement accessory with a little bite.
Bonus Match: Sunglasses at Night
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go. The Sunglasses at Night design is tasteful and understated, letting me show off the actual color of my phone without competing with it.
Bonus Match: Pink Weekly Planner
For the girls (and gaes) who plan their days–and life–ahead. And of course, for when they need to keep their Wednesdays pink.
Find your Match
There’s no single way to find a phone case that feels right. It might be a favorite character, an animal you’ve loved for years, a piece of art, or a symbol that means something to you.
For our team, the right CASETiFY design is the one that brings a little more personality to a device we carry every day.
So, which design would be your Match?
Hands-On
Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on
Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested
Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!
Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.
Most of all, which apps support it (or not).
But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!
Buyer's Guide
iPhone Duo Philippines: Prices, installments, and where to buy
Compare prices and payment options
The iPhone Duo is now available for pre-order in the Philippines. Apple’s first foldable iPhone comes in four storage configurations, with promotional prices ranging from PhP 159,990 to PhP 254,990.
But which model should you buy, and where should you get it?
Several authorized retailers offer discounted launch prices, 0% credit card installments, and pre-order bundles. Eligible bank promotions can also reduce the price by thousands of pesos.
Here’s what you need to know before ordering.
iPhone Duo Philippines price list
| Storage | Regular SRP | Promotional price |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | PhP 170,990 | PhP 159,990 |
| 512GB | PhP 187,990 | PhP 175,990 |
| 1TB | PhP 221,990 | PhP 207,990 |
| 2TB | PhP 271,990 | PhP 254,990 |
The promotional prices are based on Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer. Other retailers may have different payment requirements or participating bank promotions.
Prices reflect Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer and may differ across retailers. We’ll update this guide as we verify each store’s latest offers.
Pre-orders run from October 16 to 29, 2026, ahead of the October 30 launch.
Which storage should you buy? Get the 512GB
Our recommendation is simple: skip the 256GB and get the 512GB iPhone Duo.
At PhP 159,990, the 256GB version is already an expensive purchase. While it offers enough storage for everyday tasks, it could become restrictive as your photo library, videos, games, and downloaded files grow.
The 512GB model costs PhP 16,000 more under the promotional pricing. That buys twice the storage capacity without the significantly larger price jump to 1TB.
Spread across 24 months, the difference is approximately PhP 667 per month.
For a phone this expensive, we’d rather pay that difference than constantly manage storage or rely on cloud subscriptions.
The 1TB and 2TB configurations remain options for people who regularly shoot large amounts of video or need substantial offline storage. However, most buyers won’t need to spend that much.
The 512GB iPhone Duo offers the best balance of storage and price.
Where to buy the iPhone Duo in the Philippines
Power Mac Center
Power Mac Center offers the iPhone Duo 512GB at an exclusive launch price of PhP 175,990.
Its published installment options include:
| Term | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 24 months at 0% | PhP 7,332.92 |
| 36 months at 0% | PhP 4,888.61 |
The 24-month option is available with credit cards and Home Credit under the published offer. The 36-month option is subject to eligible bank cards and promotional periods.
Installment amounts are based on Power Mac Center’s published promotional pricing and applicable 0% installment terms. Actual payments depend on the eligible card and transaction. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest terms.
Power Mac Center also operates UpTrade, which lets customers trade in eligible devices toward a new purchase.
Beyond the Box
Beyond the Box offers iPhone Duo pre-orders with installment options of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months at participating physical stores. Online payment options differ.
Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, a 0% installment would cost:
| Term | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 12 months | PhP 14,665.83 |
| 24 months | PhP 7,332.92 |
| 36 months | PhP 4,888.61 |
Monthly payments are illustrative calculations based on the PhP 175,990 promotional price, assuming 0% interest and no additional fees. Confirm the final price and available installment terms with Beyond the Box before purchasing. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.
Beyond the Box also advertises a pre-order accessory bundle worth over PhP 22,000 at listed retail prices. It includes a Speck case, Urbanista speaker, Function101 charger, Momax speaker flask, Bellroy tech kit, and other accessories.
The retailer says qualifying pre-orders receive the gift bundle, subject to availability. Buyers can also explore its BoxTrade program.
Digital Walker
Digital Walker participates in iPhone Duo pre-orders and selected bank promotions.
Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, the illustrative monthly payments would be:
| Term | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 12 months at 0% | PhP 14,665.83 |
| 24 months at 0% | PhP 7,332.92 |
These are calculated examples, not confirmed Digital Walker quotations. Actual pricing depends on the final transaction, participating bank, and installment terms. We’ll update this section when the retailer confirms its current offers.
Digital Walker also participates in the Live Beyond Grand Raffle, which gives qualifying iPhone Duo purchases a chance to win an exclusive dinner for two at Toyo Eatery. The raffle is a chance to win, not a guaranteed purchase benefit.
Digimap
Digimap offers the iPhone Duo through its retail channels, with participating bank promotions and its DigiTrade program.
Metrobank lists Digimap among its participating retailers offering special iPhone Duo cash pricing.
For the 512GB model, the reference promotional price is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, that would equal PhP 14,665.83 monthly over 12 months or PhP 7,332.92 over 24 months.
These amounts are illustrative calculations, not verified Digimap installment quotations. Digimap’s exact installment amounts and applicable terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.
Buyers should compare the final cash price against available credit card installment offers. Trade-in credits may also reduce the amount payable, depending on the assessed value of the device.
The Loop
The Loop participates in several iPhone Duo bank promotions, including an offer from Security Bank.
The retailer’s reference promotional price for the 512GB model is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, the illustrative payments would be:
| Term | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 12 months | PhP 14,665.83 |
| 24 months | PhP 7,332.92 |
These are calculated examples based on the reference promotional price, not confirmed quotations from The Loop. Actual payments depend on eligible bank cards and transaction terms. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest offers.
The Loop also participates in bank-specific discounts. Buyers should check whether their card qualifies and whether the discount can be combined with other retailer offers.
Bank discounts can make a difference
Security Bank currently advertises a PhP 5,000 discount on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at participating retailers, including Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and The Loop.
For the 512GB model, that brings the promotional reference price from PhP 175,990 to PhP 170,990.
| Installment term | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 12 months at 0% | PhP 14,249.17 |
| 24 months at 0% | PhP 7,124.58 |
| 36 months at 0% | PhP 4,749.72 |
Monthly payments are calculated from the PhP 170,990 discounted price, assuming an eligible 0% installment transaction with no additional fees. The discount is subject to the bank’s promotional terms and participating merchant conditions. We’ll update this section if the offer changes.
EastWest also advertises savings of up to PhP 17,000 on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at Power Mac Center and The Loop. Its promotion includes 0% installment options for 12 or 24 months, with the final discount depending on the applicable terms.
Metrobank separately lists iPhone Duo offers at Power Mac Center, The Loop, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and Digimap. Benefits differ by merchant and transaction.
Before choosing a payment method, check the final amount payable. Some bank offers cannot be combined with other promotions.
Postpaid options: Smart and Globe
Smart Communications
Smart offers the iPhone Duo through Postpaid Plans+ 1999, with advertised monthly payments starting at PhP 6,304.
The offer includes an open-line device, a choice of Unli App bundle, 12 months of UNLI 5G, and high-priority network access.
Customers who qualify for the pre-order promotion can also receive 18GB of additional Open Access Data valid for three months, a PhP 5,000 voucher for select Smart accessories, and 18% off select Digimap accessories.
Online pre-orders also qualify for a complimentary AirTag, subject to the offer’s conditions.
Smart supports zero-interest credit card installments over 24 months with select banks. Renewing subscribers may qualify for 36-month device payments charged to their postpaid bill.
Advertised monthly payments and promotional benefits are subject to Smart’s eligibility requirements and offer conditions. The total cost depends on the selected device configuration and plan. We’ll update this section as we verify the complete cost breakdown.
Globe Telecom
Globe also offers Apple devices through its postpaid channels.
However, we have not independently verified a complete iPhone Duo price and installment breakdown for its current GPlan offers.
Buyers considering Globe should compare the device cashout, monthly plan fee, contract duration, and total payable amount against the outright retail price.
Globe’s current iPhone Duo device pricing and installment terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section when the relevant details are available.
Should you trade in your old phone?
Trading in an existing device can reduce the cost of upgrading.
Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, and Digimap operate trade-in programs. However, final valuations depend on the device’s condition, storage, and assessment results.
Before committing, compare the assessed trade-in value against potential private-sale prices. Also check whether a trade-in bonus can be combined with the promotional price and bank discounts.
What should you check before buying?
Before placing an order, keep these points in mind:
- Final price: Confirm the amount you’ll actually pay after eligible discounts.
- Installments: Compare total cost, monthly payments, and any additional fees.
- Freebies: Check which gifts are guaranteed and whether they’re subject to availability.
- Stock: Confirm the availability of your preferred storage configuration and color.
- Trade-ins: Ask for the final assessed value and any promotional bonus.
- Warranty: Understand the standard warranty and any optional protection plan.
- Network compatibility: Confirm eSIM support if you’re keeping your existing number.
- Delivery: Ask when your order is expected to arrive, particularly if the model is on back order.
Is the iPhone Duo worth buying?
The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990, putting it firmly in premium flagship territory. Its foldable design offers a larger screen for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking while retaining a compact outer display when closed.
For most buyers, we’d recommend the 512GB model at PhP 175,990. It offers twice the base storage for PhP 16,000 more, without the much larger price jump to 1TB.
Power Mac Center currently provides one of the clearest published installment schedules, while Beyond the Box offers a substantial pre-order accessory bundle.
Security Bank cardholders should pay particular attention to the PhP 5,000 discount available at participating retailers. Smart is another option for buyers who already want a postpaid subscription, although its total contract cost deserves closer examination.
Ultimately, compare the final amount payable, not just the advertised monthly payment. The right offer should give you the storage you need without unnecessary charges or restrictions.
Last updated: October 17, 2026. We are verifying retailer-specific prices, installment terms, trade-in offers, and freebies. This guide will be updated as additional details are confirmed.
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