Hottest iPhone 14 Pro leak points to it being the coolest iPhone yet… literally

We're now just a week away from the September 7 launch of the iPhone 14 line, but the rumors haven’t stopped rolling in, with a new expansive leak covering everything from the colors to the battery sizes, charging speeds, storage, and more.

This comes from Lanzuk – a known leaker – on Naver, a South Korean blogging platform, and spotted by BGR. The leaker’s information apparently originates from a “US developer source” – presumably they mean a developer who works for Apple, but that’s not specified.

In any case, among the many things listed here is that the new A16 Bionic chipset will unsurprisingly offer better performance than the A15 Bionic; with the improvements apparently largely coming from superior thermal management – meaning it can keep cool under pressure, so performance isn’t throttled.

It’s worth remembering though that reports suggest only the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will get this new chipset, while the vanilla models will retain the A15 found on the current iPhone 13 line.

The leak also mentions the colors these phones will apparently come in. That includes green, purple, blue, black, white, and red for the iPhone 14, and presumably also the iPhone 14 Max, though that’s not named here. The Pro models meanwhile will apparently come in green, purple, silver, gold, and graphite shades.

That’s not the first we’ve heard of these shades – in fact as our iPhone 14 colors guide shows, that exact selection has previously been rumored, so there's additional credibility to this potential palette. We also recently got a look at how the purple shade and some of the others might look.

But we've gone beyond the leaks and created some mock-ups of how these shades might look in reality. You can see an iPhone 14 colors gallery below.

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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a green shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a purple shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a blue shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a black shade

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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a white shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 photo edited to show a red shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We've used a photo of an iPhone 13 as the basis for these images, as we're not expecting huge design changes, especially on the rear.

Then for the possible iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max shades, we've used an edited iPhone 13 Pro photo, as you can see below.

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An iPhone 13 Pro photo edited to show a green shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 Pro photo edited to show a purple shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 Pro photo edited to show a silver shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 Pro photo edited to show a gold shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)
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An iPhone 13 Pro photo edited to show a graphite shade

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Back to the leak, the source also claims that the battery sizes on the iPhone 14 line will be bigger than their predecessors. Despite this, they say the size is “very small,” but it’s possible that they mean the increase is small. Also, on the battery front, 30W charging will apparently be offered for the first time on an iPhone.

Storage will reportedly start at 128GB, tough Gorilla Glass Victus will supposedly be used (no mention of Apple's own Ceramic Shield in this leak), and intriguingly the prices may apparently “be in a completely different direction than expected.”

That’s frustratingly vague, but for reference, previous leaks pointed to a similar starting price to last year for the standard iPhone 14, with the Pro models being around $100 more expensive than their predecessors.

There are a few other interesting little nuggets here too. Apparently the MagSafe magnets will be stronger this year, and a titanium prototype was supposedly explored, but Apple is said to have dropped the idea due to costs and manufacturing issues.


An iPhone 13 Pro Max outside, viewed from the back

An iPhone 13 Pro Max (Image credit: TechRadar)

Analysis: telling us what we already know

Most of the details here are things we’ve heard before, from the colors to the increased battery capacities, the 30W charging, the starting storage, and the faster chipset.

As such, while this leak is expansive it’s not overly exciting – though there a few new little details in there; like the improved thermal management.

But a lack of excitement is okay, because the fact that we’ve heard most of this before increases the likelihood that it’s true. Especially this close to launch, where all the details will be nailed down, and leaks will be harder for Apple to avoid.

So we’ll find out for sure on September 7 at the next Apple event, but for now we’d guess that most of the above information is accurate.

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Twitter Circle can finally help me tweet Spice Girls facts to a chosen few

Twitter has switched on a feature called Circle for all of its users, allowing you to tweet to up to 150 followers without feeling the shame of everyone finding out some facts that may be best kept to yourself.

We've all most likely been in a situation where we want to share some content that only a select few will understand – it's similar to a private joke that you and your partner could only laugh at. Twitter Circle is exactly that, which has been in testing since May.

While Elon Musk is relentlessly finding ways to get out of his deal to buy the company, it hasn't stopped the team at Twitter to look at ways to make tweeting easier for its users.

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Slowly rolling out to everyone on Android and iOS, it's a simple affair to create a Twitter Circle. Regardless of whether someone follows you or not, you can add anyone into the circle when you're about to compose a tweet, by pressing the 'Everyone' button.

The Circle option should appear if it hasn't already, and you can start adding those chosen users to read your guilty pleasures.

Already this is a feature that I know I'll be using. In the past I've been tweeting plenty of Sonic facts, Simpsons memes or Spice Girls facts to my followers, whether they want to read it on their Twitter timeline or not. But now I can treat a certain group with all of these.

Did you know that the third album from the Spice Girls was allegedly going to be a live album of previous and new songs for 1999 before Geri 'Ginger Spice' Halliwell left the group? Now you do – expect that and more to be in my Twitter Circle soon.

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iPhone 14 Pro line could get a massively upgraded ultra-wide camera

So far, most iPhone 14 Pro camera rumors have focused on the main sensor, which will reportedly jump from 12MP on the iPhone 13 Pro to 48MP this year, but it sounds like the ultra-wide snapper could be in for a major upgrade too.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo – an analyst with a great track record for Apple information – in a tweet spotted by Apple Insider, the company is using larger 1.4µm pixels in the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. That’s up from 1.0µm pixels on the current models.

This new camera will have pixels that are around 40% larger then, and that means this camera should perform a lot better in low light, as larger pixels can capture more light.

So while we’re not currently expecting an increase in megapixels on this sensor – with 12MP looking likely – it could be in for a big upgrade in other ways.

As ever we’d take leaks like this with a pinch of salt, but we’re now only a week away from the September 7 launch of the iPhone 14 range, and this close to launch the leaks tend to have a high degree of accuracy.


Analysis: the telephoto could be left out of the upgrades

It’s sounding like the cameras on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max could be a huge improvement, with big changes coming to both the primary and ultra-wide snappers, and 8K video recording also rumored for inclusion.

But what about the telephoto? So far, most signs suggest this won’t be in for any significant upgrades. That means you can probably expect a 12MP camera with 3x optical zoom once again, and that’s a spec that’s looking increasingly dated.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – and a number of other Samsung phones – offers 10x optical zoom, while even the likes of the Pixel 6 Pro offers 4x optical zoom, and there are many other examples of Android phones that can zoom further than Apple’s.

Still, we might only be waiting another year until Apple starts to catch up, as there is talk of a 5x zoom camera coming to the iPhone 15.

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With iPhone 14, Apple could beat everyone to the satellite smartphone

When did satellite-capable phones and watches get so hot? First T-Mobile and Starlink enter a tech partnership to bring satellite connectivity to just about any T-Mobile 5G phone. Then rumors crop up that Apple is looking to bring some satellite capabilities to the iPhone 14, which most expect to launch next week on September 7. Those new communication platform abilities even extend, possibly, to the Apple Watch 8.

What's going on?

Maybe it's the tenor of the world. There are, to be fair, a lot of bad, scary things happening on our little blue orb right now. We have war in Ukraine, wildfires, floods, and spasms of violence. What most of these things have in common is that, in these situations, you usually want to call for help ASAP. If the disaster hits your infrastructure, power to your home, landlines, and cell towers, the ones that support 4G, LTE, and 5G, your usual avenues of communication might be cut off.

What won't be offline, though, is satellite technology, and, if you can use it to contact first responders, or maybe you're one of them, then you're in luck and maybe your life or that of someone else is saved.

Normally, you need a special satellite phone to connect to these orbiting systems. That's why Starlink and T-Mobile's plan is so exciting.

But here comes Apple.

Apple already ahead?

According to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this is exactly why Apple is reportedly building these satellite services into its upcoming iPhone 14. In a new blog post, he calls it "a must-have smartphone feature."

While T-Mobile and Satlink's plan is probably a year (or more) away from consumer availability, Apple's iPhone 14 could be in our hands this month. Kuo claims Apple's already completed "hardware testing" on the feature.

If the extraordinary speed of these satellite iPhone 14 developments is startling, Kuo seems nonplussed, pointing out that Apple's been working on the idea since iPhone 13.

The fact is that even though Apple appears ahead in the satellite smartphone game, it faces the same challenges as T-Mobile and Starlink - and possibly more.

While the latter two companies have formed a deal that pairs standard smartphone hardware with an existing and growing satellite network, Apple may have yet to make a deal with any company that can connect to whatever satellite-ready hardware is built into the rumored iPhone 14. It's likely that such capabilities might fit only in what we expect will be the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Max, and even then, it might be only the former that gets these "connect anywhere, no matter what" features.

On the other hand, Starlink's current satellites are not ready to connect to any 5G smartphone just yet. They need new hardware, too, hence the delay til 2023 or later.

Apple is, Kuo and others like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believe, hot on satellite technology and, as soon as it can find a willing partner (Kuo points to Globalstar) we may have satellite communications-capable iPhone 14 smartphones already in our hands.

Catch up on all of our iPhone 14 coverage before the big event.

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Another iPhone 14 leak shows purple reigns this year

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 We already suspected that the new Apple iPhone 14 might launch in a purple hue, thanks to earlier leaks. Now a leak on the Chinese site Weibo pictures what seems to be the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro in an all-new purple that hints at deeper attention to material design.

iPhone 14 Pro in multiple colors including new purple

(Image credit: Sleepy Afternoon)

The new tidbit from leaker Sleepy Afternoon shows five colors of what might be the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, including silver, graphite, and gold versions that would be familiar in today’s stores. There is also a darker blue color, as well as the increasingly ubiquitous purple. A second view shows only the first three colors with another shot of the purple model.

iPhone 14 Pro in multiple colors including new purple

(Image credit: Sleepy Afternoon)

In the subsequent images, the purple looks first dark and saturated, then lighter and more metallic. Phone manufacturers will use layers of materials on the back of a phone to create this shimmering effect that appears to change as it reflects light differently. Current iPhones use similar materials, depending on the model and color. You can see the difference between the layering effects in our hands-on with the green Apple iPhone 13 this year.

Analysis: One more purple makes a trend

While flagship phones are generally launched in up to three or more color options, one of those is usually a dark grey or black, one a light silver or white, and then there is the fun color. This year’s fun color seems to be purple, based on these iPhone rumors and the delightful bora purple shade that Samsung chose for its entire flagship lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4

In the past, the color has been rose gold, but it seems that lighter-yellow champagne gold tones have won out against rosier hues. It may not be a coincidence that the Pantone color of the year for 2022 is a periwinkle purple called “Very Peri.” Apple rarely finds itself in a fast follower position behind Samsung, but when the folding-phone maker is right, it’s best to follow the market. 

It will be interesting to see how long the purple phase lasts. The new Pantone color of the year is announced in December, and the next Samsung flagship phones will launch in early Spring or late February if history is a guide. 

Today’s Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in a gorgeous new burgundy color, as well as a light blue. There is also a green to match Apple’s iPhone 13. The expensive Ultra end of the Galaxy S lineup does not offer a bora purple option to match Samsung’s newest phones, but it would not be hard for Samsung to add the color at any point.

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‘Reality One’ might be Apple’s AR headgear moniker

New filings spotted by Bloomberg News might point to a possible set of trademarks for Apple's rumored augmented reality line of headgear - even though Apple itself hasn't actually filed anything.

It's only fitting that news of Apple's potential augmented reality headgear is full of speculation (and basically about as real as anything in augmented or virtual reality). In this case, a trio of United States Patent Trademark Office filings, spotted first by Bloomberg, are now fueling speculation that "Reality One," "Reality Pro," and "Reality Processor," might all be part of Apple's grand and still speculative AR and VR strategy.

The records, which TechRadar was able to find, were all filed earlier this month by a company called "Immersive Health Solutions, LLC." The Delaware company may be, as Bloomberg claims, a shell company, designed to hide Apple's intentions from competitors and the public.

Shell game

Apple filing under an assumed name or shell company (a real company that's designed solely to hide the activities of another real company) is not unheard of. It's fairly standard practice for tech companies to file trademarks outside the U.S. to hide them from search. In some of those cases, Apple has reportedly taken measures further, using shell companies to register trademarks.

Put simply, it is possible that this is Apple, and that matters because it may be further evidence that we're getting closer to seeing Apple's long-rumored Apple Glasses and/or Apple's VR headset.

Apple already has RealityKit and Reality Composer for developers, so expanding the "Reality" brand into consumer-facing products makes sense.

Taking things a step further, we can assume that these are trademarks for three interconnected technologies and products. At the core might be a "Reality Processor." As we know, Apple is deeply committed to Apple Silicon in all of its products (M1 and M2 line) and it would make sense for Apple to build bespoke silicon for its potential AR and VR products.

Product possibilities

The Reality Processor trademark application is the shortest of all three filings, but lists the Goods and Services it seeks to cover as, in part:

Apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; data processing equipment; data communication apparatus that transmit data and information to databases; smartglasses; optical apparatus and instruments; computer chips; integrated circuits; telecommunication apparatus for mobile networks for the sending, receiving and storing of digital data; computers; computer hardware; computer peripherals; virtual and augmented reality headsets; goggles; glasses; wearable computer hardware...

Note the inclusion of "virtual and augmented reality headsets; goggles; glasses."

"Reality One," which might apply to a headset, glasses, or an AR-related service (a la Apple One) also mentions "virtual and augmented reality headsets, goggles, glasses, and smartglasses."

"Reality Pro" more or less repeats the former, though it could refer, instead, to Apple's virtual reality headset plans or, simply, a more feature-rich set of Apple Glass.

Both Reality Pro and Reality One also mention a lot of health-related services including health, fitness, diagnostic, and "Medical." Again this is only an application to cover a collection of unknown products for trademarks across a fairly broad set of services.

On the other hand, the company that filed them is called "Immersive Health Solutions" and there is no confirmation that this is even Apple doing the filing.

Still, we are now just a little bit more than a week away from Apple's big September 7 event, which most assume will be the launchpad for the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch 8. There's always a chance of something more, however. Could this be the moment where we get a look at Apple's long-percolating AR plans? It's worth noting that recent Apple Glass rumors have pointed to the device working with an iPhone.

It's unlikely Apple will launch AR goggles at the event, but it could tease glasses, a headset, and a new processor for launch later this year or early next. Do we now have the names? Only time will tell.

If you can't wait for Apple's AR plans, check out what Nreal has to offer.

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Samsung may be working on a dual-screen phone with a transparent display

The recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is evidence that Samsung likes to innovate and experiment with its smartphones, and based on a patent filing that has just been registered by the company, even more ambitious handsets are on the way.

According to the patent application (via XDA Developers and SamMobile), Samsung is exploring the viability of a phone with displays on the front and the back – and if that's not unusual enough for you, the rear display would also be transparent.

Seasoned TechRadar readers will remember that Samsung has been linked with transparent phone displays before, as well as screens that expand and contract through a rolling mechanism. This filing looks to involve some of the same technology.

This could actually be useful

When we say transparent display, you wouldn't be able to see through the phone – but you would get a phone that can show text and images on the back, even while it looks like it has a normal rear casing (with the manufacturer logo and so on).

One way to think about it is as an always-on display for the back of the phone. It could be deployed to show notifications for example, or updates from a particular social media feed. You might be able to see who's calling or what the weather is going to be like today, even while your phone is face down on a surface.

The usual caveats with patent applications apply: these filings don't guarantee the existence of any products, either now or in the future. However, they do show ideas that companies are exploring, and which they may decide to incorporate into actual devices.


Analysis: smartphone innovation isn't dead yet

We've heard plenty of comments in recent years about how there's a lack of innovation in the smartphone market – and there are, after all, only so many ways that you can design a slab of glass and metal and plastic with a display attached to the front.

However, phone makers continue to push the boundaries in terms of what's possible. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is just one example, with a folding main display and a smaller secondary display that can keep you up to date with your notifications.

As this new Samsung patent shows, more is on the way: perhaps transparent handsets similar to those seen in the fourth season of Westworld. We have phones that fold, phones that roll, and display technology continues to get more flexible.

If anyone can pull off a phone with a transparent display, it's Samsung. The company leads the way when it comes to foldable phones – it seems like that Apple and Google will follow – and Samsung has also worked on transparent TV technology in the past.

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Samsung’s grand vision for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4

Earlier this month, Samsung unveiled the latest devices in its range of foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. The new handsets refine the formula, with iterative improvements that add an additional layer of polish, but who are they really for?

Samsung’s glossy launch event might have implied these are mainstream consumer devices, but with starting price points of $1,899/£1,699 and $999/£999, not so. In reality, the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 are likely to be found in the pockets of two types of user: enthusiasts and professionals.

In an email exchange with TechRadar Pro, Samsung explained the new devices were designed with business use cases front-of-mind, in particular the Fold. Amid the widespread shift to hybrid working, the aim was to give professionals the ultimate device for multitasking on the move.

“In our fourth generation foldables offering, we are providing users with a smart, powerful, long-lasting mobile device that flexes with their future working needs. From security to always-on service support, key partnership integration and unparalleled connectivity, this device is made for today’s hybrid workers,” said Joe Walsh, Director of B2B, Samsung UK and Ireland.

“Our new Galaxy Z Fold 4 provides a new mobile experience centred on our customers and engineered for a new era. This powerful device is perfect for secure working on the go, providing users with a comprehensive array of new business-focused features and services, while backed up by defence-grade security.”

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, in multitasking mode. (Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4

When TechRadar Pro last chatted with Walsh, after the launch of the previous generation of devices, he spoke with conviction about the trajectory of the foldables market, despite questions over the long-term staying power of the form factor.

“The foldable form factor represents another step forward in smartphone innovation, but one that we are confident is now reaching the mainstream,” he said, at the time.

One year on, Walsh remains bullish about Samsung’s Fold and Flip series devices, buoyed by sales figures that suggest the momentum behind foldables is only building.

“Whether at home, in the office, or on the move, the modern workplace is changing. Professionals are seeking more flexibility and freedom to get their work done in a way that suits them,” he told us.

“We’re already seeing growing momentum towards foldables across our customer base. Last year, industry analysts reported that 10 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide. That’s an industry increase of more than 300% from 2020.”

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 (Image credit: Samsung)

Walsh attributes the growing popularity of Samsung’s foldables to attributes that align closely with modern ways of conducting business, from powerful processors to generous screen real estate and high levels of portability.

He also gestured to tight integration with first- and third-party business software, like collaboration platform Microsoft Teams and Samsung DeX, which makes it easy for users to connect their phones to their business monitors.

Asked how Samsung will set about driving further adoption in business circles, Walsh explained the strategy is to lean into the strength of its product ecosystem, which includes devices like the Galaxy Book2 Business and a range of rugged smartphones.

“We know that many of our foldable fans are Samsung loyalists, with nearly half already owning at least one ecosystem device. That’s why we’ve created an ecosystem that syncs perfectly across devices no matter what life throws at them,” he said.

Although foldable devices will remain a niche component of the greater smartphone ecosystem for some time yet, Samsung has positioned itself at the forefront of a movement that could prove to be transformative. 

As the technology matures, costs are bound to fall, bringing foldables to a much wider audience. But for now, Samsung has the business market in its crosshairs.

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Google is apparently already working on the chipset for the Pixel 8

While we wait patiently for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro to be fully launched, complete with the upgraded Tensor 2 chipset, we've got news about the Tensor 3 CPU that is likely to power the Pixel 8 when it comes out next year.

As per GalaxyClub (via 9to5Google), Samsung and Google have already been testing an upgraded Tensor chipset, which logic dictates is going to be called the Tensor 3. The third-gen chip apparently has the model number S5P9865 and is being tested on a developer board codenamed Ripcurrent.

That distinguishes it from the Tensor 2, which is believed to have the model number S5P9855 (and is being tested on a board codenamed Cloudripper). The original Tensor chipset has the model number S5P9845, so you can see the pattern.

Chips with everything

What we don't have here is any indication of how much more powerful the Tensor 3 CPU is likely to be – and we don't actually know much about the Tensor 2 at this point, except that it's going to be powering the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro.

No doubt there will be some performance upgrades, and even more in the way of capacity for artificial intelligence processing, but it's notable that Google is continuing to partner with Samsung on these chips as the Pixel line progresses. The Tensor processors are believed to be based on Samsung Exynos technology.

Speaking of Exynos, the GalaxyClub report also states that a chip likely to be the Exynos 1380 is also in development, the successor to the Exynos 1280 that's currently found in several mid-range Samsung phones (like the Samsung Galaxy A53).


Analysis: powering up

While the original Tensor chipset has a lot going for it, it's fair to say that it doesn't match up with chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the A15 Bionic processor that you'll find inside the iPhone 13 at the moment.

However, developing its own silicon in partnership with Samsung does mean that Google can customize it very specifically to the needs of its Pixel phones. That means making sure the architecture is right for the AI processing required to carry out tasks with Google Assistant and the Pixel's advanced photo processing features.

For example, we know that the original Tensor chip helps with face detection when taking photos, and powers the live translation feature that's available on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Expect more of the same with the Tensor 3, when it eventually appears inside a phone, most likely sometime next year.

Even taking the perspective that benchmark scores aren't the most important part of a mobile processor's performance, Google is still going to want a flagship that can keep up with its competitors, and it'll be interesting to see how the new chip does in that regard.

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iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2 look set to get a great Bluetooth upgrade

Apple has recently filed a declaration saying it intends to use a more advanced version of Bluetooth than it ever has before, which is potentially a great sign for iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2, because it would enable a couple of very useful audio upgrades.

Spotted by MacRumors, the Apple filing with Bluetooth's control group means that the company could start including Bluetooth 5.2 in future products, which it hasn't done so far. The filing actually references Bluetooth 5.3, but MacRumors points out that Apple always files for one version above the Bluetooth version it uses in practice, for some reason.

Why do we care about which version of Bluetooth Apple is using? Because Bluetooth 5.2 has one particular new feature that very useful, although admittedly it's – shall we say – a practical one rather than a wildly exciting one.

It's called LE Audio, and it's designed to give you better audio quality, especially when the connection between your phone and your headphones gets weak. The claim from Bluetooth's official site is that the new system can sound better than current Bluetooth audio even when it's only able to use 50% as much data in the connection.

This means that with LE Audio devices, you could go much further from your device, or have more walls/interference between your phone and your headphones before the sound cuts out. If should just feel more reliable and flexible.

It also means there's the potential for longer battery life from AirPods that use it, because it could transmit in good quality, but much more efficiently.

That's assuming Apple implements it, of course. It's a feature that has to be specifically supported in products, so just having Bluetooth 5.2 in your phone and earbuds doesn't necessarily mean you actually get LE Audio.

Easier audio sharing

The other interesting feature that Bluetooth 5.2 supports is AuraCast, which is a way of sharing audio over Bluetooth with lots of devices at once, which hasn't been possible in the past.

There are lots of suggested uses for this: if supported in AirPods, it could enable you to connect to a shared screen in a public place to get personal audio from it; if supported on iPhone, it could mean you can share your music or sound from a video to multiple headphones from any manufacturer (as long as they also support AuraCast).

It could be like the audio sharing that AirPods currently have, but on steroids.

Neither of these features can be added to the iPhone 13 or earlier, or any existing AirPods (including the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max), because they all only support Bluetooth 5.0 at most. So even though a .2 upgrade doesn't sound like much, we're hoping it'll make a big difference.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could have one key visual difference to the S22 Ultra

We heard recently that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra would look very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, with almost identical dimensions and some similar specs too. Now, the source of that claim has revealed more design details, which point to both similarities and differences.

According to @UniverseIce – a leaker with a good track record – the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is “100% confirmed” to have exactly the same camera design as the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

We’d obviously take this with a pinch of salt, but they seem very sure of it, meaning Samsung’s floating lens design might stick around for at least one more generation of phone.

They do note one thing that might change in the design of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra though, and that’s the shape, with the top and bottom edges – or "fuselage" as they call it – apparently being less curvy on the S23 Ultra.

That could make for a blockier appearance, with a more squared-off look, as you can see below.

But this will apparently be the “biggest difference” visually between the S22 Ultra and the S23 Ultra, so if @UniverseIce is right, these two phones will look extremely similar.

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Analysis: keeping the camera design makes sense

Samsung only changed to this camera design with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, so it would make sense to keep it around for at least one more year.

Likewise the rest of the design doesn’t really need overhauling every year, and it was largely new for the S22 Ultra. So it’s both reasonable and believable that little would be changing visually for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

And of course, that doesn’t mean things won’t be changing under the hood. A previous leak from the same source suggested that the battery and screen would remain much the same, but the chipset is sure to be upgraded, and sticking with the same camera design doesn’t mean using the same lenses and sensors, so we could see changes there too, with a 200MP camera having been rumored.

We’ll likely find out for sure in early 2023, as that’s when the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will probably be unveiled. But whatever the case, we’d be surprised if it didn’t end up ranking among the best Samsung phones.

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Google’s Pixel foldable may differ from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 in one key way

It seems we're one step closer to the rumored Google Pixel Fold, thanks to the discovery of a new patent by 91Mobiles which suggests the proposed foldable will differ from Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 in one key way.

According to diagrams included in the patent, which were submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) back in June 2021, the Pixel Fold will reportedly sport a similar form factor to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. 

The images show a device with a comparable hinge mechanism and which opens up like a book to reveal a tablet-style interior display.

Where the Pixel Fold will differ, however, is that it will apparently house its interior selfie camera within a thicker-than-usual bezel surrounding the display, rather than attempt Samsung's under-display approach. You can check out the patent diagrams below.

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Alleged patents for a foldable Google device

Google's proposed foldable appears to have a thick bezel where the selfie camera lives. (Image credit: 91Mobiles)
Image 2 of 4

Alleged patents for a foldable Google device

A look at the alleged Pixel Fold's hinge mechanism. (Image credit: 91Mobiles)
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Alleged patents for a foldable Google device

Here's what the Pixel Fold may look like when closed. (Image credit: 91Mobiles)
Image 4 of 4

Alleged patents for a foldable Google device

The device's selfie camera will reportedly live in its thick bezel. (Image credit: 91Mobiles)

So why the thick bezel?

While it's generally agreed that Samsung has mostly nailed the 'phone that unfolds into a mini tablet' form factor with its Galaxy Z Fold range, the device's cutting edge under-display selfie camera is considered a point of contention for some users.

Introduced with last year's Galaxy Z Fold 3, the under-display camera is undoubtedly impressive from an aesthetic standpoint, allowing users to view the device's large 7.6-inch screen completely unobstructed. 

That said, there is a trade-off when it comes to selfie image quality, resulting in lower resolution pictures that require a great deal of post-processing in order to produce merely adequate results. That also makes the device's interior camera less than ideal for video chat.

Given that Google's handsets are known for their exceptional cameras, it's no surprise that the search giant would look to avoid this hurdle altogether by embedding a traditional selfie camera in the bezel of its own foldable device.

Whether that aesthetic concession will be worth it remains to be seen, though we imagine Google's selfie capability will take less of a hit than Samsung's whenever the Pixel Fold does end up getting announced. Of course, none of this is confirmed at this stage, so we'll have to wait and see.

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PSA: It’s a good idea to trade in your old iPhone before the iPhone 14 launch

It's heavily rumored that the iPhone 14 will be launching early next month. Thinking about upgrading? You're not alone - millions of consumers will be looking to hand over their old iPhone as part of a trade for a shiny new device. We've got an important tip, however - it may be better for you to trade in that old device before the iPhone 14 launches.

While the looming launch of a new generation of Apple flagships may offer a tempting prize, it's important to understand how the trade-in game works. Those on an older device, in particular, should time their trade-ins accordingly to get the very best value possible out of their old phone.

It could, for example, be the case that you'll get better value if you trade in for an iPhone 13 right now instead of waiting for the iPhone 14 - such is the way that the trade-in programs work at the major carriers. While it's too early to say what the iPhone 14 pre-orders window will offer, it's certain that some older iPhones will dramatically fall off in value.

Trade in tiers explained

iPhone 13 mini

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Generally speaking, because there are so many iPhone models on the market now, retailers and carriers generally group them into tiers when determining value. Newer devices or more premium models obviously belong to higher tiers, whereas older or more budget-orientated models populate the lower tiers. 

Where things generally get a little fuzzier is on the models that sit somewhere in between - think something like the iPhone XR or iPhone XS. These are still great devices with good specs but they're definitely advancing in age.  It's safe to assume that, while still serviceable, these older models are the most likely to drop in value when the next generation of flagships is announced. Both these devices are just an example but they're decidedly "last gen" now - namely because of their aged design, but also because they're only 4G capable.

We expect the 5G compatible phones (iPhone 12 and upwards) to be a lot more resistant to resale value drops as they're not only capable of supporting the latest cellular networks, but they also feature a design that's outwardly the same as the later models.

How much will I get for a trade exactly?

Best Buy trade-in values

Up to $800 off:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone X
- iPhone SE (2022)
Up to $400 off:
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 6
- iPhone SE (2020)

One of the best places to see the "trade-in tier" system in action is in the terms and conditions for carrier cell phone deals. Take this page for Verizon iPhone 13 trade-in promotions at Best Buy for example. 

Here we can see the existing iPhone models laid out in tiers. Everything newer than the iPhone X, assuming it's in good condition, will get you up to $800 off an iPhone 13 with a trade. Anything older, like the iPhone 8, will only garner a maximum trade-in rebate of up to $400 off. Those with a comparatively ancient device like the iPhone 5 are out of luck completely.

While this is only a snapshot of one carrier's deals on one model at one retailer, nearly all trade-in deals at the big names follow this kind of system. Subsequently, you may either find yourself in the trade-in value sweet spot or on the cusp of losing out big time on your device's value, regardless of your choice of carrier. 

Note, we're assuming here that $800 is the maximum trade-in rebate you'll be able to get for the upcoming iPhone 14 deals since this is the value that's generally been offered at launch for the past few releases. Take this value with a big pinch of salt, however, as the device itself hasn't been officially launched and nothing is confirmed.

What about second-hand resale values?

iPhone SE 2022

(Image credit: Future)

The second-hand unlocked market fundamentally follows different rules to the carrier trade-in system. If you have an iPhone 13 that you want to sell, you'll want to shift it before the iPhone 14 is announced.

There's of course another option for upgrading - simply selling on an unlocked device via eBay or a second-hand phone site. In this case, it's likely you'll still take a hit with the announcement of a new iPhone but won't face the steep drop-off in value associated with the trade-in tiers.

The second-hand phone market site SellCell published a report earlier this month showing that the value of existing iPhone models dropped 14% on average in the month following the iPhone 13's announcement. Interestingly, the newly displaced flagship models (the iPhone 12 series) had the sharpest drops with an 11.9% decline on average while the slightly older iPhone 11 series saw a flatter decline of just 8.8% on average. Here's a quick graph taken from SellCell's report showing the iPhone 12 series' value drop off following the iPhone 13's announcement.

Second-hand iPhone 12 value data on SellCell

(Image credit: Sellcell)

It's interesting to note here that the second-hand unlocked market fundamentally follows different rules to the carrier trade-in tier system. If you have an iPhone 13 that you want to sell for example, then you'll want to shift it before the iPhone 14 is announced, based on the SellCell report. If you have an older phone like an iPhone 11, then it's likely you won't be faced with quite so sharp a drop-off in value, although you'll probably still want to sell it before the new flagship is announced.

Should you upgrade before the iPhone 14 launch?

If you're thinking about upgrading your old iPhone, then we'd at least recommend exploring the various trade-in tiers at your preferred carrier ahead of launch. Doing so will at least make sure you don't get caught flat-footed at launch.

This advice is particularly important if you're on an older flagship device like the iPhone X or XS - devices that are very much in danger of falling down from a tier one to a tier two trade-in value. Not being at least aware of your device's value could cost you upwards of $400 if you're not careful, so it's well worth doing a bit of research.

Of course, if you're looking for the shiniest and most feature-packed design on the market, then this advice isn't going to be useful - you'll have to take your chances and opt for the iPhone 14 when it launches. If you don't mind jumping the gun for a slightly older device, then it's well worth going for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro, instead. Not only are these still fantastic devices, but they'll remain serviceable for many years to come (at least until it's trade-in time again). 

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Oppo: App ecosystem needs to grow before we bring foldables to Europe

Oppo says it is committed to becoming a major player in the European smartphone market despite a recent setback Germany but warns there needs to be a more developed application ecosystem before it releases a foldable smartphone in the region.

The Chinese smartphone vendor is one of several manufacturers hoping to become the main alternative to Apple and Samsung, who have an effective duopoly. Third place is an obvious immediate target, although previously the company has suggested it could go further.

However last week, the company was forced to remove its devices from sale in Germany over a patent dispute with Nokia.

Oppo foldables

Billy Zhang, Oppo’s vice president of overseas sales, does not expect this to be a long-term blow to its ambitions: “We always respect IP rights and innovation, and we think this will be resolved properly.”

While others have attempted to compete on price, Oppo wants to compete on technology and capture a greater share of the high-margin, high-end premium segment.

Zhang was coy when asked which of its competitors it believed it could take market share away from, whether it was Apple, Samsung or one of its fellow Chinese vendors in a saturated market.

Instead, he reiterated the focus on technology and said there would be some internal changes in terms of structure and strategy to maximise its resources and offer a more consistent product portfolio cross the continent.

“Our target isn’t [necessarily] to be number one,” he said. “We’re focused on making great products and if you do that, then success will follow.

“We will continue to build on the momentum of the Find and Reno series … deepen the portfolio and we will gradually expend it to include IoT products.

 “We will build our presence [in the market] and build a customer base with our products. We aren’t specifically focused on a single competitor, we just focus on getting things right. If we do that our presence will continue to grow.

New battleground

“We never use the competition-oriented mindset – we just focus on the users. If you are too competitively minded then you will go astray as you will focus on quick fixes rather than what’s [best for customers].”

An emerging technological battleground at the top end of the market is the foldable form factor. Samsung has attracted plenty of attention for its recently-launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, but Oppo has released its own foldable handset – the Find N – in its homeland.

The company is rumoured to have another foldable device in the works, but Zhang would not commit to a European release, arguing that there needs to be more development in terms of the application ecosystem for this to happen.

“Even though we’ve had success with first generation, there is always room for improvement,” he explained. “For the next generation, we plan to [reduce] the crease visibility and improve the battery life [for example]. We will try to make more breakthroughs.

“[But] if we were to bring a foldable to the global market, it would need to fit in with our overall thinking. It’s not just about hardware. From a software perspective we need to see how to improve more compatibility with apps."

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Ericsson, Nokia and Google make 5G breakthrough on Android 13

Google has successfully completed trials of technology that will allow a single Android device to switch between network slices and connect to multiple network slices at the same time.

Network slicing is viewed by operators as one of the biggest revenue opportunities of standalone 5G (5G SA) networks which use an entirely virtualised, cloud-based core network and effectively allows them to section of certain parts of the network for certain applications.

Slices can be customised to guarantee a certain speed or latency, and to cover a particular location, enabling industrial, broadcast, healthcare, and public service use cases. For example, one network slice could carry video traffic at a stadium, while another slice is reserved for safety officials.

5G network slicing

Although slicing is possible with LTE, the ultrafast speeds, greater capacity, and ultralow latency of 5G will support more advanced applications, while the software-defined and cloud-based core layer of the networks will enable the flexibility and automation required to provision and manage any number of slices.

In separate trials of User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology with telecoms equipment vendors Ericsson and Nokia, Google was able to switch between different slices on a single Google Pixel 6 Pro device running the Android 13 operating system.

This allows operators to configure different slices for different applications, with developers able to dictate which slice should be used. For example, a gaming app might want to use a slice that has low-latency, while video conferencing software needs a higher bandwidth slice.

The capability also provides businesses with greater freedom when it comes to managing employee phones. Most staff now use the same device for both work and personal use, with businesses using mobile device management (MDM) capabilities, often creating separate profiles.

Android 13 allows devices to add up to five enterprise-defined slices to a work profile, ensuring business applications use the most appropriate slice rather than going through the same route as consumer traffic.

“As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their investment in 5G networks, the ability to provide for a wide and varied selection of use cases is of crucial importance,” said Monica Zethzon, head of Solution Area Packet Core at Ericsson.

“Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a vast reserve of different uses of those devices. By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology, we are marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realize the true value of 5G.” 

“New application-based URSP slicing solutions widen operator’s 5G network business opportunities,” said Ari Kynäslahti, head of technology and strategy at Nokia Mobile Networks. “We are excited to develop and test new standards-based URSP technologies with Android that will ensure that our customers can provide leading-edge enterprise and consumer services using Android devices and Nokia’s 4G/5G networks.”

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