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Today — 26 February 2026Main stream

Transsion captures 48% as Africa smartphone market grows 13% in 2025

26 February 2026 at 01:25
TECNO POVA Curve 2

Africa’s smartphone market had a strong 2025, even as global growth remained uneven. New data from Omdia shows the continent shipped 84.4 million smartphones last year, up 13% year-over-year, the fastest pace of recovery since 2021.

TECNO POVA Curve 2

Growth accelerated toward the end of the year. Q4 shipments rose 14% to 23.1 million units, helped by expanded financing programs, improved currency stability in key markets, wider 4G rollout, and early 5G adoption in countries like South Africa and Egypt. Holiday promotions and aggressive pricing also played a role.

Smartphones now make up roughly 55% of total mobile phone shipments in Africa, highlighting the steady shift away from feature phones. Sub-Saharan Africa continued to outpace North Africa, acting as the main growth engine.

At the country level, South Africa led with 38% growth, driven largely by prepaid demand and strong uptake of sub-$100 devices. Nigeria followed with 25% growth, fueled by affordable 4G smartphones dominating the sub-$200 segment. Egypt grew 22%, supported by local manufacturing and value-focused portfolios. Kenya saw modest 3% growth amid cost pressures, while Morocco dipped 3% due to higher import tariffs.

Transsion — through TECNO, Infinix, and itel — maintained a commanding 48% market share for the year, shipping over 40.5 million units. However, its Q4 share slipped slightly as competition intensified in the entry-level tier. Samsung held second place, posting 27% Q4 growth thanks to the Galaxy A series and a broader mid-range portfolio. Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo also recorded solid gains, particularly in expanding 4G and mid-range segments.

Still, challenges loom. Entry-level devices below $200 accounted for 81% of shipments in 2025, leaving vendors exposed to rising component costs. Average selling prices rose 11% in Q4 as consumers gradually shifted toward better-specced models.

Looking ahead, Omdia expects shipments to decline 23% in 2026 due to inflation and tighter channel inventory management. For now, though, 2025 stands out as a year of resilience and strong momentum for Africa’s smartphone market.

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(Via)

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Samsung launches Bespoke AI Ice Purifier: makes up to 1,000 ice per day

26 February 2026 at 00:47

Samsung is expanding its Bespoke lineup again. The company has introduced the Bespoke AI Ice Purifier, a countertop appliance that combines water purification and high-capacity ice production in a single unit.

The concept is straightforward: instead of having a separate water purifier and ice maker, Samsung is merging the two into one device. For households that regularly consume filtered water and use a lot of ice, that consolidation could be appealing.

The purification system uses a four-stage NSF-certified filter. Samsung says it’s designed to remove bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, and dozens of other contaminants, up to 82 in total. The company also claims the filter can block particles far smaller than a human hair, though real-world performance will ultimately depend on usage and local water quality.

The ice-making system is where Samsung is leaning heavily into the “AI” branding. The built-in module can reportedly produce up to 1,000 ice cubes per day, equivalent to around 8 kilograms, and store roughly 100 cubes at a time.

Hygiene is clearly a major focus. The unit features electrolysis-based sterilization for internal pipes every few days, automatic monthly cleaning for the ice box and tray, and UV sterilization at the water dispensing outlet. The idea is to reduce manual maintenance while keeping both water and ice as clean as possible.

On the smart side, the purifier integrates with Samsung’s broader ecosystem. It supports Bixby voice commands, allowing users to control water temperature and volume hands-free. Voice recognition can even differentiate between family members and recall personalized presets.

Through the SmartThings app, users can fine-tune water output between 50 and 1,000 ml and set hot water temperatures up to 90°C. The front touchscreen adds another layer of control, showing settings, weather information, and quick access shortcuts. Up to 20 custom presets can be saved for things like coffee brewing or preparing baby formula.

For now, the Bespoke AI Ice Purifier is exclusive to South Korea, and Samsung hasn’t announced plans for a wider release. The product is priced at 2.39 million KRW (roughly $1,650–$1,780 USD), clearly placing it in the premium segment.

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(Source: Samsung)

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Ai+ launches NovaPods and NovaWatch lineup with feature-rich specs at accessible prices

25 February 2026 at 23:45

Ai+ Smartphone, a relatively new Indian brand, is broadening its portfolio beyond phones. The company has announced a range of affordable audio products and smartwatches under the NovaPods and NovaWatch names, while also teasing new smartphones to round out its growing ecosystem.

NovaPods Clips

The NovaPods lineup covers multiple price points, but the core hardware remains consistent. All models use 10mm dynamic drivers and carry an IPX4 rating for splash resistance.

At the top of the range are the NovaPods Clips, priced at ₹3,999. These adopt an open-ear, clip-on design that wraps around the ear instead of sealing inside it. The idea is simple: let users stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. Ai+ claims up to six hours of playback per charge, extending to 16 hours with the case. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 6.0, low latency rated at 50ms, and touch controls.

NovaPods Clips
NovaPods Clips

The NovaPods Pro, priced at ₹1,999, take a more conventional in-ear approach but add active noise cancellation rated at up to 40dB. Ai+ says they offer up to five hours per charge (30 hours total with the case), along with six-mic environmental noise cancellation for calls, dual-device pairing, and a slightly lower 45ms latency figure.

NovaPods Pro

At the entry level, the NovaPods Go come in at just ₹699. They skip ANC but include dual microphones, touch controls, and up to 6.5 hours of playback (24 hours total with the case). The company is also leaning into brighter color options here, including Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Ice Blue White.

The NovaWatch Wearbuds (also referred to as Ai+ Wearbuds) is the most distinctive model at ₹7,999. It combines a smartwatch with built-in detachable wireless earbuds housed inside the watch body. The watch itself features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution, Bluetooth 5.3 dual mode, heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, and even ChatGPT integration. There’s 2GB of onboard storage for music, while the 310mAh watch battery is paired with 25mAh batteries inside each earbud.

More conventional is the NovaWatch Active, priced at ₹2,499. It features a 1.73-inch squircle AMOLED display (466×466 resolution), a functional crown, Bluetooth calling, IP68 water resistance, and a 300mAh battery. Standard health tracking features are included, such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and women’s health tracking.

NovaWatch Active

All NovaPods and NovaWatch products will go on sale exclusively via Flipkart starting February 27 at 12 PM IST.

With this expansion, Ai+ appears to be building toward a broader AIoT ecosystem rather than focusing solely on smartphones.

(Source)

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Samsung takes aim at iPhone’s photo editing ahead of Galaxy S26 launch

25 February 2026 at 20:44

Just hours before Galaxy Unpacked kicks off, Samsung decided to stir the pot a little. The company dropped a short 15-second teaser across its social channels, and it doesn’t take much decoding to see who it’s aimed at. The target is clearly Apple, and more specifically, the iPhone’s photo editing capabilities.

The clip opens with a woman holding what appears to be an older iPhone model, complete with the notch and square camera bump. She’s trying to remove her ex from a shared photo using Apple’s built-in editing tools. What follows is a sequence of taps and retries that don’t quite go as planned. It’s the kind of messy edit most people have probably experienced at some point.

Then the scene cuts. The tagline flashes: “Can your phone do that?”

On a Galaxy device, strongly implied to be the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, removing unwanted elements from a photo happens quickly and cleanly. No visible artifacts. No obvious patchwork. Samsung doesn’t name Apple outright, but it doesn’t need to. The contrast is clear enough.

This isn’t new territory for Samsung. The company has a long history of taking playful (and sometimes pointed) shots at the iPhone. But this time, the focus is squarely on AI-powered photo editing. Apple’s on-devic Clean Up feature can sometimes struggle with complicated backgrounds or fine details. Samsung is positioning Galaxy AI as the more flexible, capable alternative.

The teaser also subtly leans into a broader theme Samsung has been pushing: creative freedom. Apple’s ecosystem is often described as tightly controlled. Samsung, on the other hand, wants to frame Galaxy devices as more open and adaptable — especially when it comes to generative AI tools integrated directly into the Gallery app.

There’s also a light nod to low-light photography in the campaign, though the main punchline revolves around editing.

Of course, a 15-second ad is one thing. Live demos are another. Whether the Galaxy S26 lineup actually delivers flawless object removal in every scenario is something reviewers will test soon enough.

In the meantime, interested readers can take a look at the early camera comparisons against the S25 Ultra, Vivo X300 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max to get a clearer sense of what’s changed — and how Samsung’s new flagship holds up against the competition.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Galaxy S26 Ultra camera samples compared against Vivo X300 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

25 February 2026 at 18:17

Early camera samples from the Galaxy S26 Ultra are already making the rounds. This time, the comparisons go beyond last year’s model. Beyond the S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra camera comparison, YouTube creator Sahil Karoul has also posted side-by-side shots on X against the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Vivo X300 Pro.

The tests aren’t perfectly controlled. Framing isn’t identical, and conditions shift between shots. Still, they offer a useful early look at how Samsung’s latest flagship might position itself against two of its biggest camera rivals.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
iPhone 17 Pro Max

Against the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the S26 Ultra’s images appear noticeably more restrained. Colors lean natural rather than punchy. Apple’s image looks more contrast-heavy and immediately eye-catching. Samsung’s version feels closer to what you’d see with your own eyes. It arguably looks more true-to-life.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
iPhone 17 Pro Max

The comparison with the Vivo X300 Pro highlights an even bigger stylistic difference. Vivo’s Zeiss-tuned system, especially in its default Vivid mode, delivers saturated, high-contrast images designed to impress at a glance. They’re bold and social-media ready. Samsung’s output, by contrast, stays relatively muted.

In one shot of a vase with red artificial berries, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S25 Ultra, and Vivo X300 Pro all struggle slightly to render the reds accurately. Vivo’s version not only looks the brightest and most detailed, but also slightly overexposed. Interestingly, some viewers have commented that the S25 Ultra’s handling of the scene actually looked preferable to the newer model.

X300 Pro
S25 Ultra
S26 Ultra

Overall, there isn’t a major shift in color processing between the S26 Ultra and its predecessor. In some situations — including this one — the S26 Ultra keeps the image a touch brighter and manages noise slightly better, but the differences are subtle.

On the technical side, the S26 Ultra appears to be using a 24MP shooting mode — enabled through Samsung’s Camera Assistant — instead of defaulting to 12MP binning like the S25 Ultra typically does.

In summary, Galaxy S26 Ultra seems to be evolving Samsung’s established camera philosophy rather than rewriting it.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra camera comparison reveal improvements ahead of launch

25 February 2026 at 15:37

As tends to happen ahead of major launches, a handful of devices appear to have slipped into the gray market. Reports suggest units are circulating in parts of Southeast Asia, where eager buyers have been willing to pay a premium to get their hands on the phone early.

Indian YouTuber Sahil Karoul is one of them. He shared an unboxing video, some hands-on impressions, and several camera samples across YouTube and X.

The creator posted side-by-side comparisons with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. And to be fair, these aren’t controlled tests. The framing varies slightly, and conditions aren’t identical between shots. Still, some patterns do stand out.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S26 Ultra images tend to look a bit brighter overall. Exposure appears slightly lifted, especially in harsher daylight and mixed lighting scenarios. If the rumored wider apertures on the main and telephoto cameras are accurate, that would explain the extra light intake. It could also simply be more aggressive processing.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra

Portrait shots show a similar trend. Skin tones look a touch brighter and, in some cases, more natural. That said, edge detection still isn’t flawless. Fine hair strands and tricky background edges occasionally show minor inconsistencies in the bokeh effect. Nothing disastrous, but not perfect either.

Low-light samples look marginally cleaner compared to the S25 Ultra — a bit less visible noise and slightly better shadow detail. The difference, however, isn’t dramatic.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra

The S26 Ultra retains the same core camera setup as its predecessor — a 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x periscope, and 10MP 3x telephoto — with adjustments focused more on lens tuning and image processing rather than entirely new sensors.

If these early samples are anything to go by, Samsung’s approach this year seems evolutionary. The output looks a bit brighter, a bit cleaner, maybe slightly more polished — but not radically different. For S25 Ultra owners, nothing here immediately screams “urgent upgrade.”

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(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

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Yesterday — 25 February 2026Main stream

Samsung stays on top in Europe, but Apple hits record 27% share

25 February 2026 at 00:57

Samsung stayed on top of Europe’s smartphone market in 2025, but Apple was the one that really moved the needle.

Fresh data from Omdia shows Europe shipped 134.2 million smartphones last year. That’s down just 1% from 2024, not a dramatic drop, but it signals demand is still soft. Between tighter consumer spending and regulatory shifts like mandatory USB-C and eco-design requirements, the market never really found strong momentum.

Even so, the big names tightened their grip. Samsung and Apple together accounted for 62% of all shipments in the region.

Samsung held the No. 1 spot with 46.6 million units shipped, translating to a 35% market share — up slightly from 34% a year earlier. Growth was modest, roughly 200,000 additional units year-over-year, but the company managed to steady things after a slow start. Things picked up later in the year, helped by aggressive pricing on the Galaxy A16 and particularly strong demand for the Galaxy A56, which reportedly ended up as Europe’s best-selling smartphone overall in 2025.

Apple, meanwhile, had the stronger growth story.

Apple shipped 36.9 million iPhones in Europe, up 6% year-over-year, reaching a record 27% market share in the region. Much of that came from steady upgrade cycles and strong demand for the iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max performed well at the high end.

Xiaomi remained in third place with 21.8 million shipments and a 16% share, though volumes dipped slightly. Motorola followed with 7.7 million units (6% share), down 5% year-over-year. Honor broke into the top five with 3.8 million units and a 3% share, showing noticeable momentum toward the end of the year.

Overall, the market looks increasingly split. Premium devices continued to drive growth, while the budget segment stayed under pressure. Samsung leaned on its mid-range strength, Apple capitalized on premium upgrades, and both extended their lead.

Europe accounted for 10.8% of global smartphone shipments in 2025. Not the largest region, but still an important one.

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(Source: Omdia)

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Modified RTX 5090 dies at idle due to extreme temperature

25 February 2026 at 00:06

Trying to squeeze every last bit of performance out of high-end GPUs is nothing new. But in the case of the RTX 5090, one ambitious modding attempt ended in a very expensive lesson.

In a recent YouTube video titled “I Killed My 5090…”, the creator behind Frame Chasers walked viewers through what started as a bold experiment on a Gigabyte RTX 5090 Aorus Master, and ended with a completely dead card.

The idea, at least on paper, made sense. Some Gigabyte variants include an unpopulated pad on the PCB for a second 12V-2×6 (16-pin) power connector. It’s there for alternative board designs, including versions that use dual connectors. Seeing that unused pad, Frame Chasers decided to take things further by soldering in a second power connector.

That wasn’t the only modification. He also performed a shunt resistor mod, a well-known (and risky) tweak that effectively bypasses NVidia’s built-in power limits. The goal was simple: let the GPU draw far more power than stock settings allow.

At first, it appeared to work. The system booted, benchmarks ran, and the card seemed stable under load. For a moment, it looked like the mod had paid off.

Then things went very wrong.

The card didn’t fail during a benchmark run or stress test. Instead, it died while idling. According to the video, two large holes were burned straight through the PCB, and at least one capacitor was knocked off the board from extreme heat.

Frame Chasers believes the failure came down to a dangerous combination of factors. The shunt mod reportedly increased baseline power draw, meaning the GPU was pulling more wattage even at idle. On top of that, the fans weren’t spinning despite rising temperatures. The card was also set to “performance mode” in the NVidia Control Panel, which keeps clocks elevated instead of allowing the GPU to downclock at idle.

The GPU die and VRAM chips themselves may still be intact. The catastrophic damage seems localized to the PCB and surrounding power components.

For enthusiasts, extreme overclocking can be thrilling. There’s always the temptation to push just a little further. But this incident is a stark reminder that modern GPUs operate within tightly controlled power and thermal envelopes for a reason.

(Source | Via)

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Galaxy S26 series pre-order deals revealed: up to €350 in savings

24 February 2026 at 22:10

But just ahead of the official reveal, a fresh leak has already outlined what could be some pretty attractive pre-order incentives for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra in Europe.

According to reliable French leaker billbil-kun, posting via Dealabs, Samsung is preparing a mix of storage upgrades and trade-in bonuses that could save buyers as much as €350 in the Eurozone, assuming everything stacks the way it’s expected to.

Pricing reportedly starts at €999 for the base Galaxy S26 with 256GB of storage. Interestingly, Samsung appears to be moving away from the 128GB entry model seen on the Galaxy S25, making 256GB the new starting point. Pre-orders are expected to open right after Unpacked wraps up, with shipping beginning around March 11.

One of the headline offers is a free storage upgrade. Buyers who pre-order a 256GB model may receive the 512GB version at no extra cost, a perk that typically represents a €200 to €300 value, depending on the device. Similar “double storage” promotions have been popular in past Galaxy launches, and it looks like Samsung may be leaning on that strategy again in Europe (including France, and possibly the UK).

Trade-in bonuses are also part of the package. Leaks suggest an extra €100 in trade-in credit for those pre-ordering the Galaxy S26 or S26+, and €150 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. When combined with the storage upgrade, that could push total savings into the €300–€350 range for certain configurations.

In practical terms, that means a 512GB Galaxy S26 could effectively land closer to €899 in some scenarios, depending on the device you trade in. For buyers eyeing the top-end 1TB Galaxy S26 Ultra, there’s also talk of an additional €200 pre-order discount, which would stack on top of the other incentives.

All of this fits Samsung’s broader strategy. Offering storage bumps and boosted trade-in credits is a relatively low-friction way to drive early orders without officially lowering retail prices.

It’s also worth noting that incentives vary by region. In the US, for example, early reservation offers have included smaller credits and larger trade-in ceilings instead. Europe, on the other hand, seems to be getting the more straightforward storage-upgrade approach this time around.

(Source)

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Galaxy S26 series EU energy labels confirm battery sizes and endurance hours before launch

24 February 2026 at 19:04
Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-vs-iPhone-17-Pro-Max-in-real-life

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is just hours away from going official at the February 25 Unpacked event, but thanks to mandatory EU energy labels, we already have some confirmed details.

The information comes from official European certification listings. These labels are required for devices sold in the EU and include rated (minimum guaranteed) battery capacities, advertised “typical” capacities, standardized battery endurance results, and even durability metrics.

Starting with the base model, the Galaxy S26 gets a rated 4,175 mAh battery, marketed as 4,300 mAh typical. That’s a modest bump over the Galaxy S25’s roughly 4,000 mAh cell. In the EU’s standardized mixed-use test, it’s rated for 51 hours on a single charge. That suggests Samsung has managed at least incremental gains in efficiency, not just raw capacity.

The Galaxy S26+ sticks with a rated 4,755 mAh battery (advertised as 4,900 mAh typical). Endurance is listed at 55 hours, which either matches or very slightly improves on its predecessor.

Then there’s the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which continues Samsung’s now very long 5,000 mAh tradition. The rated capacity sits at 4,855 mAh, marketed as 5,000 mAh typical, unchanged for six straight generations. It also achieves 55 hours in the EU test.

Beyond battery size and endurance, the EU labels reveal some additional details. All three models score Class A for energy efficiency and drop resistance, carry IP68 dust and water protection, and receive a Class C repairability rating.

The labels indicate 80% capacity retention after 1,200 full charge cycles, which is a noticeable drop from the 2,000-cycle figure associated with the S25 series. That’s roughly a 40% reduction on paper.

All of this lines up fairly well with previous leaks. The standard S26 finally gets a capacity bump, while the Plus and Ultra models lean more on efficiency than larger cells. Whether that’s due to EU transport regulations around battery shipping thresholds, internal space constraints, or Samsung’s design priorities isn’t fully clear — but the strategy is consistent.

We now have concrete figures for capacity, endurance, and durability before the official reveal even begins. The real test, of course, will be hands-on reviews and real-world usage.

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(Source)

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OnePlus 16 could shrink bezels below 1mm, claims new leak

24 February 2026 at 16:38

A new leak out of China suggests the upcoming OnePlus 16 could feature bezels measuring under 1mm on all sides. Some measurements even point to around 0.8mm. If that number holds, it would be an incremental but noticeable improvement over the OnePlus 15, which already had impressively slim 1.15mm borders.

On paper, shaving off a few tenths of a millimeter doesn’t sound dramatic. But visually, it can make a difference. Ultra-thin symmetrical bezels tend to create that “all display” look that makes content feel more immersive, especially when you’re watching videos or gaming in landscape.

The latest leak mostly focuses on the bezels, so full display specs are still unclear. That said, earlier rumors have mentioned a flat 1.5K LTPO OLED panel, possibly sourced from BOE again. There’s also talk of refresh rates going as high as 240Hz.

Whether 240Hz actually makes it to the final retail unit is another question. Manufacturers often test higher refresh panels, but power consumption and real-world benefit usually dictate the final number. Even so, anything above 165Hz would keep the OnePlus 16 firmly in “high-refresh flagship” territory.

Interestingly, OnePlus is reportedly avoiding more gaming-specific additions like shoulder triggers or built-in cooling fans. The direction seems clear: keep the design clean and premium rather than turning it into a niche gaming device.

Then there’s the battery rumor. Reports point to a massive 9,000mAh “Glacier” battery using silicon-carbon technology. Silicon-carbon cells are known for higher energy density, so it’s not impossible. Still, until more concrete details surface, that figure is worth treating cautiously. It would be a major leap.

As expected, the OnePlus 16 should run Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship chip. That would bring predictable year-on-year improvements in performance and power efficiency.

Camera rumors suggest a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and possibly a 200MP periscope telephoto. If accurate, that telephoto setup would be one of the more aggressive upgrades, especially for users who prioritize zoom performance.

As always, though, early leaks are best taken as a direction — not a guarantee.

  1. Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Sources: 1, 2)

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iPhone 18 Pro could debut in “deep red” after the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro

24 February 2026 at 15:09

Apple’s next wave of iPhones may bring an interesting split in design philosophy: bold on the Pro side, restrained on the foldable.

In his February 22 edition of the Power On, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared new details about the color options currently being tested for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup, as well as Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone.

A new red for the Pro models?

According to Gurman’s supply-chain sources, Apple is experimenting with a “deep red” finish for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. If it makes it to production, it would be the first time a Pro model has launched in red.

This isn’t expected to be a bright red finish. Instead, the tone is described as darker, closer to burgundy or wine. Earlier rumors mentioning brown or purplish shades may have been referencing variations of this same concept.

Apple has occasionally used bold colors to differentiate Pro models in recent years. Last year’s standout Pro color reportedly performed well in some markets, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple continues leaning into distinctive flagship hues.

That said, nothing is final. Color testing happens months ahead of launch, and some finishes never make it past internal prototypes.

Foldable stays conservative

On the other end of the spectrum is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the iPhone Fold. Gurman suggests Apple is planning to keep things simple for its debut foldable. Instead of experimenting with bold finishes, the company is said to be focusing on classic tones like black, dark gray, and silver or white.

For now, the picture forming is fairly clear: the Pro models may take a bit of a design risk with a darker red option, while the foldable plays it safe for its first outing. If accurate, it would be a small but telling glimpse into how Apple is positioning its next-generation hardware.

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(Source: Bloomberg)

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iPhone Air user makes it transparent, adds physical SIM tray Apple couldn’t

24 February 2026 at 10:42

Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Air was already designed to stand out, but one modder has taken it in a completely different direction, by making the back transparent and adding something Apple deliberately left out: a physical SIM slot.

The project was documented by YouTuber Linzin Tech. In a 22-minute video, he walks through the process of turning the standard iPhone Air into a clear-backed, SIM-enabled custom build.

The first step involved removing the opaque coating from the rear glass panel. Using a laser process, the modders carefully stripped away the paint layer without damaging key components underneath, particularly the MagSafe coil, which sits just beneath the glass.

Once the coating was removed, the result was a fully transparent back, revealing the battery, logic board layout, shielding, and internal connectors. The Apple logo remains visible, but now it floats above exposed hardware rather than a solid color finish.

Adding what Apple removed

The bigger challenge came next: installing a nano-SIM tray into a phone designed to rely entirely on eSIM.

To make room, the team milled a cutout into the bottom frame of the device. That modification required removing the original Taptic Engine, Apple’s large and finely tuned haptic motor, because there simply wasn’t enough internal space to accommodate both it and a SIM tray.

In its place, a smaller third-party vibration motor was installed. The SIM reader itself was wired in through board-level microsoldering, and according to the video, the modified phone successfully connects to mobile networks using a physical SIM card. It’s a significant hardware alteration, especially considering how tightly packed ultra-thin smartphones are.

As impressive as the mod looks, it wasn’t without consequences. Removing thermal pads during the laser process reportedly affected heat dissipation, leading to faster throttling under sustained load. The structural modifications also eliminated the phone’s IP68 water and dust resistance. And, of course, any warranty coverage was gone the moment the frame was cut open.

Performance of the iPhone Air mod with affected heat dissipation

For most users, the trade-offs wouldn’t make sense. But for hardware enthusiasts, it’s a fascinating reminder that even the most closed-off designs can still be opened up.

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(Source)

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Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra to launch globally soon with 75km range, 1200W peak power

24 February 2026 at 09:52

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra has been officially teased ahead of the company’s February 28 launch event in Barcelona. It appears on Xiaomi’s global website as part of the Xiaomi Launch February 2026, confirming that a full reveal is just days away.

The Ultra will sit above the rest of the Electric Scooter 6 lineup, which already includes the standard 6, 6 Lite, 6 Pro, and 6 Max. While Xiaomi hasn’t published the complete spec sheet yet, early listings and retailer pages give a fairly clear idea of what to expect.

More power, longer range

According to those listings, the Scooter 6 Ultra uses a 500W motor with a peak output of up to 1,200W. That should translate into stronger acceleration compared to the 6 Max, along with improved climbing ability.

Top speed is still capped at 25 km/h in most regions to comply with local regulations, but torque figures of around 45 Nm suggest it’s built to feel punchier off the line.

Battery capacity is said to be 585Wh, which could deliver up to 75 km of range under ideal conditions. Real-world numbers will likely vary depending on rider weight, terrain, and speed, but it positions the Ultra as the longest-range model in the current series.

The Ultra seems to lean slightly more toward durability than its siblings. It reportedly includes front and rear suspension, 12-inch tubeless all-terrain tires, and dual disc brakes paired with E-ABS for added stopping control.

There’s also an IPX6 water resistance rating, suggesting it should handle light rain without issue. A 3-inch TFT display shows ride data like speed and battery level.

The trade-off for all that hardware is weight. At roughly 33.7 kg, this is not a lightweight commuter scooter. It’s closer to a heavy-duty urban machine than something you’d casually carry up a flight of stairs.

Pricing and launch timing

Early reports suggest a price around €799.99, which would place it at the premium end of Xiaomi’s scooter lineup. That’s a noticeable step up from lower-tier models, but the Ultra clearly targets riders who want more range and stronger performance.

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(Source)

The post Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra to launch globally soon with 75km range, 1200W peak power appeared first on Gizmochina.

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