The Motorola Razr 2023 has been revealed in some new leaked images, just seven months on from the launch of its predecessor – and they suggest it'll come in a fancy two-tone design that has echoes of the original clamshell phone.

The new photos, from reliable leaker Sudhanshu Ambhore and spotted by 91Mobiles, are the first real-world images we've seen of the upcoming foldable phone. And while they don't reveal a huge amount about the Samsung Galazy Z Fold 4 rival's specs, they do show a phone that'll be half grey, and half magenta.

That flash of color has echoes of the Motorola Razr V3's hot pink version, which landed back in 2006. Understandably, the Razr 2023's shade isn't quite as garish as its distant ancestor, which somewhat divided opinion at the time. But it is a lot more fun than last year's model, which stuck to 'satin black' paint job despite rumors of a 'tranquil blue' version.

We don't yet know if this will be one of many Razr 2023 color options, but the two-tone look at least makes its distinct from its predecessor, which only arrived last August. Along with the option of a magenta (or perhaps burgundy) lower half, the upcoming Razr promises to bring a few handy hardware upgrades.

A previous leak suggested that the Razr 2023 will likely get a larger cover display than the 2022 version, with the external screen seemingly wrapping around the camera lenses and filling almost half of the phone. It's hard to tell if this jives with the new leaked photos, as the phone is powered off – but it'd certainly be a big usability upgrade. 

Elsewhere, the 91Mobiles leak suggests we can expect to see some slightly improved cameras (with the main rear camera bumped from 50MP to 64MP) and a larger 4,000mAh battery. It's a combination that could see the Motorola Razr 2023 become an even more serious challenger in our guide to the best foldable phones, and it looks like we won't have to wait long to find out.

Analysis: Foldables take the limelight back from rollables

Motorola clearly doesn't just see foldables like the Razr 2023 as the future of its phone lineup – we're still thinking about the rollable concept it showed off at MWC 2023, which definitely has its benefits.

But it's clear that foldables are more mature and established, so much so that Motorola is starting to dabble in colorful new designs like the one in this leak. Whether its paint job and hardware upgrades are enough to see it leapfrog the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 in our guide to the best foldable phones remains to be seen. 

Our Motorola Razr 2022 review found that its bigger drawbacks were actually performance-related, despite the inclusion of a speedy Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. In our testing, this was particularly the case when using its Quick View external display, so hopefully the new two-tone paint job has been matched by some internal boosts to its software optimization.

If so, it could well be a foldable that lives up to the name of its classic Razr predecessor, which was one of the most iconic phones of the 2000s and the best-selling clamshell phone ever made.

Google IO 2023 is this year's version of the search giant's developer conference, where it'll likely make some big tech announcements – including the arrival of Android 14 and the public arrival of its Bing-rivaling Bard chatbot.

We now know that the Google IO 2023 keynote will take place on May 10, so that's the date for tech fans to put in their Google calendars. This year, the keynote will take place in front of a limited live audience, but there'll also be the usual live stream for those who can't make it over to California.

So what exactly are we expecting to see at Google IO 2023 and how can you tune in? We've rounded up all the key info about Google's equivalent of Apple's WWDC (which typically takes place in June) in this handy round-up. 

Given the rise of AI chatbots like Microsoft's new ChatGPT-powered Bing, the rumors are understandably predicting Google to bake artificial intelligence even further into most of its services this year. But with Android 14 also likely to play a prominent role, Google IO 2023 is likely to be a must-watch for tech fans of all stripes.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? Google's annual developer conference
• When is it? May 10, 2023
• How can I register and how much does it cost? You can register on the Google event page and it's free – all you need is a Google account.

What are the Google IO 2023 dates?

Google has announced that its developer conference and keynote will take place on Wednesday May 10. Unlike last year, it's scheduled to be a single-day event.

The time of the traditional keynote hasn't been confirmed yet, but we expect it to be held on May 10 at around 1pm ET / 6pm GMT, which works out to around 4am AEST on May 11.

This was the time of last year's Google IO 2022 keynote, but we'll update this page when we get an official time.

How to register for Google IO 2023

While it isn't possible to apply for an in-person ticket to Google IO 2023, you can register online to get access all the virtual sessions, keynotes and news. To register, just head to the Google IO event page and sign in with your standard Google account.

You don't have to register to see all of keynotes and sessions, but it does bring the benefit of getting all the latest developer news via what Google calls "non-spammy email". You'll also get a developer profile that lets you save and watch back any relevant videos later, which you won't be able to do without registering.

With the Google IO 2023 sessions expected to cover everything from Android to AI and machine learning, it's well worth signing up if you have developer aspirations (or are just interested in the nuts and bolts of Google apps).

What to expect at Google IO 2023

It's still pretty early days for Google IO rumors, but based on a combination of recent leaks and previous editions of the conference, we can get a good idea of the kinds of announcements we're likely to see.

So here, in rough order of likelihood, are the main things we're expecting to see at Google IO 2023 – and if we get another 'one more thing' bonus extra like Google's AR live-translation glasses, all the better. 

1. Google Bard and AI announcements

Google is in something of a bind with AI chatbots. On one hand, it needs to show it has the tech to compete with the ChatGPT-powered Bing – which is why it announced Google Bard in February and said the chatbot would be opened to the public in "the coming weeks".

But according to CNBC, a recent internal Google meeting apparently made it very clear that "Bard is not search". That's why at Google IO 2023 we'll likely continue to see the AI chatbot presented as an "experimental conversational AI service", rather than a next-gen version of Google Search. Whether we see Bard opened to the public before or during the conference remains to be seen.

Chatbots are also just a small part of AI tech, and Google's IO conference has traditionally seen previews of artificial intelligence and machine learning that work across its apps. For example, at Google IO 2018 we got a glimpse of Google Duplex, a virtual agent that could make phone calls for you, while Google IO 2022 saw AI subtly woven into products like Google Docs.

Expect to see more of the same at Google IO 2023, but with a much stronger AI theme than last year's developer conference. For example, according to a New York Times report, we could see features like 'Shopping Try-on' (a YouTube feature that helps you try on virtual clothes at home) and a Dall-E rival that helps you create and edit images.

2. A good look at Android 14

The latest Android OS is already at its developer preview stage and will be released in beta form sometime between mid-March and April. Android 14 won't be released to the public until August though, so we're expecting to see Google spend a lot of time outlining the software's new tricks at Google IO 2023.

Some expected new features include support for satellite communications and an ability to handle passkeys, which could finally replace passwords and are considered both safer and easier to use.

Naturally, we're also expecting Android 14 to bring some quality-of-life upgrades including improved efficiency, battery life enhancements and some improved accessibility features. There will also likely be some boost to the operating system's security, but naturally some phones will miss out on the Android 14 update – including the Google Pixel 4a.

3. The arrival of the Google Pixel 7a 

Google hasn't been consistent with the launches of its mid-range A-model Pixels, but it's still a pretty good bet that we'll see the Google Pixel 7a.

Like the Google Pixel 6a, we're expecting to see its successor at least announced in May, which would make Google IO 2023 the most sensible place to reveal it. But it may well ship later – the Pixel 6a, for example, wasn't available to buy until two months after its announcement in July 2022.

So far, there haven't been a huge amount of Pixel 7a leaks, but it is expected to have Google's latest Tensor G2 chipset and a design that looks a lot like the Google Pixel 7 (which again means no headphone jack).

In January a couple of hands-on videos also suggested that the Pixel 7a could have a 90Hz screen, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but right now this is all speculation. Expect Google to give us the official skinny on the stage at Google IO 2023.

4. A Google Pixel Tablet launch date (finally)

The Google Pixel Tablet was revealed to the world back at Google IO 2022, but incredibly it still hasn't actually landed in stores. That could potentially change at Google IO 2023.

Despite fears that the Pixel Tablet might be heading straight to the infamous Google Graveyard, the company has confirmed that it's aiming to launch the Pixel Tablet sometime in 2023. The question now is when.

We think a launch at Google's traditional Pixel event in October is more likely, but it seems likely that the company will at least mention the tablet at its developer conference in May. 

After all, it's expected to run Android 12L, which is designed for larger screen devices, and will also have Google's latest Tensor G2 chipset. That makes it a contender for a spot in our guide to the best Android tablets, so hopefully we'll hear more about it soon.

5. A debut for the Google Pixel Fold

Another one to file in the 'maybe' category for Google IO 2023 is a long-awaited announcement for the Google Pixel Fold.

We've been expecting Google's take on the foldable phone to arrive since late 2022. But now the latest rumors are pointing to a launch in May, which would tie in nicely with Google's developer conference.

Those rumors have unfortunately quelled our excitement for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 rival, with the leaked images suggesting it could effectively be a chunkier Pixel phone with surprisingly large bezels above and below the display.

With its price tag expected to be in the region of $1,799 (around £1,520 / AU$2,660), it's shaping up to be a niche phone. But our interest has been piqued again by the suggestion that the Pixel Fold could, like the Google Pixel 7 Pro, have three cameras. If so, that could potentially make it the best foldable cameraphone around.

6. New tricks for Google Maps, Google Lens and more

A staple of Google IO conferences is fancy new tricks for services like Google Maps, Google Translate, and Google Lens that then disappear for several months before eventually launching.

For example, at Google IO 2022 we saw Google Maps' Immersive View for the first time, which looked super-handy for everything from vibe-checking neighborhoods to becoming our favorite new photography sidekick. 

But the feature didn't actually launch in five cities (that's London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo) until February at Google's 'Live from Paris' event. So whatever you see announced at Google IO 2023, expect to wait a little while to see them on your phone or laptop.

Still, with AI expected to be a big theme of the conference, there could be some seriously impressive updates coming to Google Translate, Google Maps, Google Docs, Google Lens, and more. 

7. A makeover for Wear OS

Last year was a big one for Google-powered smartwatches – at Google IO 2022, we saw the Google Pixel Watch finally announced with Wear OS 3.

Since then, the Apple Watch-rivaling platform has been growing steadily, thanks to the arrival of Wear OS 3.5 and some of the best Wear OS watches we've seen so far, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

What will we see at Google IO 2023? So far, there haven't been any major rumors, but some new Wear OS design guidelines suggest that Google is really pushing the consistency and polish of the software experience, and new Wear OS players like Xiaomi have been strongly rumored. 

It may be too soon for a preview of Watch OS 4 at Google IO 2023, but we're expecting to hear some announcements that give the smartwatch platform's growing momentum another strong nudge.

Apple has just boosted the trade-in value of some of its most recent iPhones, but not significantly enough to make them good value compared to alternative options.

In the US, Apple's estimated trade-in values for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro have just gone up by $30, and it's also offering an extra $20 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It's a similar story in the UK only with slightly lower increases – an extra £15 for Apple's two iPhone 13 Pro models, and a mere £5 boost for the iPhone 13 Mini.

These slight raises are a welcome contrast to January when Apple slashed the iPhone prices for its official Trade In program – and it seemingly went a bit too far. It's also worth bearing in mind that these are "estimated trade-in values" that, like other trade-in services, will vary depending on factors like your iPhone's condition and specs.

Still, the prices do give us an idea of the maximum trade-in values that Apple's prepared to offer – and those are typically well below the ones you can get from phone carriers, third-party trade-in services, or private selling sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Here are those Apple Trade In price changes for the UK.

To give you an idea, we've compared the potential maximum prices for trading in an iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 with other services below. Apple's prices mostly trail the alternatives, aside from rivals like Carphone Warehouse (in the UK). 

This isn't to say that you should never use the official Apple Trade In program – it's still one of the most hassle-free ways of upgrading to a new iPhone, and that's likely why Apple has given its prices a slight boost during a tough time for smartphone sales.

But Apple's program also won't necessarily see your old iPhone recycled. The program's small print says that if your phone's "in good shape", it'll "help it go to a new owner". And this is partly why Apple's trade-in prices aren't quite as good as alternative options, as there is a cost involved in doing that.

Naturally, the highest possible prices, from going the private sale route, also come with the most potential hassle in the form of fielding questions from buyers and the risk of dispute. But you may find that there's a sweet spot between third-party services and Apple's Trade In prices, even if the latter has been given a slight boost.

Analysis: doing trade-in research pays off

There's no single best way to trade in your old iPhone – instead, the options are more on a sliding scale of convenience versus value. The exception is if you have an old device that you're keen to recycle rather than resell, as you'll want to use a trusted recycler like Apple Trade In, EcoATM (in the US), or Fonebank in the UK. 

Some schemes, like Three's Reconnected and Vodafone's Great British Tech Appeal in the UK, also let you donate your old iPhone to someone in need, which is another good middle ground between selling and recycling.

But if you need the financial boost from your current iPhone to put towards a new option, then Apple's official scheme in simply one of many options that we've rounded up in our guide to the best Apple Trade In alternatives.

Apple's service can still be a good, hassle-free option – particularly if you do it in-store. If you go the online route with Apple Trade In, the company says "it generally takes 2-3 weeks". Once Apple's checked the device, you'll either get instant credit towards a new iPhone or an Apple gift card.

But to get the highest price for your old iPhone, it's still more rewarding to go through phone carrier trade-in schemes or to sell privately on the likes of eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

WhatsApp may inevitably have an AI chatbot en route, but a feature we're actually more interested in has just popped up in the beta version of its Android app – a newsletter tool.

The incoming feature, currently called Newsletters, was spotted by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp's latest Android beta (version 2.23.5.8, to be precise) and suggests the messaging app is about to jump into the popular news format that's traditionally lived in our email inbox.

As the early previews show (in the image above), the Newsletter feature will live quite prominently in WhatsApp's Status tab. Here you'll be able to "stay updated on topics that matter to you" and follow new newsletters by hitting the plus icon and entering a username.

So how exactly will newsletters fit into WhatsApp's privacy features and end-to-end encryption? According to WABetaInfo, they'll effectively sit outside the latter – your personal messages will continue to have the usual level of security, but newsletters will hide or mask the phone numbers of anyone who creates one or subscribes.

As the early screenshots show, newsletters will simply live in a separate (and optional) section of your Status tab. The ones you subscribe to will be apparently shown chronologically, without any ads or algorithmic interference (to start with, at least).

What isn't yet clear is exactly what kind of newsletters will appear on WhatsApp and who it expects to create them. Due to the popularity of WhatsApp Groups, it seems likely that they'll be a useful way to get updates from local organizations, sports groups, or official sources like city councils.  

But unlike WhatsApp's Communities feature, which arrived in November 2022 and had a cap of 5,000 members, the Newsletter tool doesn't appear to have restrictions on the total number of subscribers. That means it could potentially also be used by brands and Substack creators as an additional outlet to reach fans who want regular updates on particular topics. 

This all remains speculation until we see a more developed version of the feature, but given the popularity of traditional email newsletters, it's one we're keen to keep an eye on. And it would only strengthen WhatsApp's position as one of the best encrypted messaging apps for Android.

Analysis: WhatsApp morphs into Discord

WhatsApp is clearly looking to build on its ubiquity with features that broaden its appeal beyond messaging – and Newsletters is an intriguing step that goes far beyond its recent Communities feature.

As we've previously argued, WhatsApp Communities work in a similar way to public servers on Discord and Slack, as they let people have conversations within wider communities (in other words, groups of Groups) including local clubs, organizations, and schools.

But Newsletters appears to work quite differently and could turn WhatsApp into more of a publishing platform. The anonymity of the feature (no phone numbers of subscribers or creators are shared) means it's really a broadcast medium, without any of messaging or interaction that is currently WhatsApp's hallmark.

It appears that Newsletters will be a completely private tool as well, with WABetaInfo stating that no one will be able to see who you follow. Your subscription options won't be reliant upon who's in your contact list either – not unlike traditional email newsletters, then.

While some marketers have used Discord servers to create thriving communities, some could potentially consider WhatsApp's incoming newsletters as a strong alternative – particularly as the app has over two billion active monthly users. There's currently no timescale for the feature's launch, but we're looking forward to seeing it in a future version of the app soon.  

The latest iPhone 15 leaks have shown that the phone will finally trade a Lightning port for USB-C, but a new rumor suggests that Apple will still find a way to bring restrictions to the charging standard.

A previously reliable leaker called ShrimpApplePro has said in a tweet that "USB-C with MFi is happening", with the MFi standing for Apple's 'Made for iPhone' program. That's significant, because Apple's program can limit the functionality and performance of accessories that aren't approved by the tech giant.

If the rumor is true, and USB accessories for the iPhone 15 do need MFi certification, that could create a situation where some cables will have their data and charging speeds limited. In a worst-case scenario, you could even see the dreaded 'This accessory is not supported' warning on your iPhone.

The leak has added credibility because it follows earlier rumors from the Chinese social media site Weibo that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro will be fitted with an authenticator chip for checking the compatibility of peripherals; in other words, Apple's MFi chip.

But while evidence is growing that Apple may characteristically add an extra layer of control to the USB-C standard for the iPhone 15, there are reasons to doubt the rumors, too. The Apple iPad, for example, has had USB-C ports since the iPad Pro 11 (2018), but the series has never come with any kind of charging restrictions.

The inclusion of MFi authentication on the iPhone 15 could also create a potentially annoying inconsistency for those who own both an iPhone and iPad, and want to use the same charging cable for both. Still, the rumors increasingly suggest that proprietary cables could still be a thing for the iPhone 15, so it'll be interesting to see how Apple spins that one in September if it proves to be the case.

Analysis: a highly charged, polarizing issue  

Rumors of Apple wedging a 'Made for iPhone' step between iPhone 15 accessories and a global standard like USB-C have inevitably polarized opinion. And it's important to remember that these are just rumors at this stage.

Apple critics will point out that the company traditionally charges third-party accessory makers a fee to get certified MFi branding for Lightning accessories. With smartphone shipments having just recorded their largest-ever decline (with an 18.3% year-on-year drop during the last few months of 2022), this could be something Apple is reluctant to lose.

Then there's the issue that iPhone 15 owners could potentially face issues like slower data-transfer speeds (something that isn't covered by EU legislation) if they don't buy MFi-approved cables. In theory, this goes against the idea and spirit of an open standard like USB-C.

But there's also the argument that 'Made for iPhone' helps to protect iPhone owners from buying potentially damaging cables, or ones that don't work as intended. USB-C cables can vary greatly in spec and the type of charging they offer, so it wouldn't be hugely surprising to see Apple intervene in an attempt to create a consistency of experience.

What could prove slightly more controversial are the rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro could support higher data-transfer speeds than the standard iPhone 15, which has been tipped to remain at the same speeds (equivalent to USB 2.0) as current Lightning-equipped iPhones.

Snapchat has become the first social media giant to build a ChatGPT-powered chatbot into its app, with the messaging platform calling its new feature 'My AI'.

According to Snap, the new chatbot is running the latest version of OpenAI's GPT technology (its GPT-3.5 model) and is an "experimental feature" for paying Snapchat Plus subscribers (a service that costs $3.99 / £3.99 / AU$5.99 a month).

So what can it do? Given the many recent examples of Microsoft's ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine going off the rails, Snap has wisely puts some guardrails in place by training it to "avoid biased, incorrect, harmful, or misleading information". It's also mainly designed help organize your social life and boost your Snapchat game.

Some examples of things that My AI can help with include planning your hiking trip, recommending birthday present ideas, suggesting dinner recipes and, for fans of Japanese verse, "writing a haiku about cheese for your cheddar-obsessed pal". That all certainly sounds a bit more family-friendly than watching Bing have an existential crisis.

Still, Snap is also bracing itself for errors and has already apologized in advance for My AI's own clangers. It says that "My AI is prone to hallucination and can be tricked into saying just about anything", which sounds worrying. Snap also tells users to "please be aware of its many deficiencies and sorry in advance" for its potential mistakes.

Unlike Bing's ChatGPT-powered chatbot, My AI is customizable – you can give it a name and also customize the wallpaper for your chat sessions. But, despite this cuddly exterior, the AI helper is likely to go very wrong – with Snap stating that you can press and hold on any message to submit feedback and help guide it towards better behaviour.

Analysis: A taste of social chatbots to come

The arrival of a ChatGPT-powered helper on Snapchat isn't quite as earth-shattering as an equivalent feature would be on the likes of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok – after all, Snapchat is only tenth on the list of social media sites in terms of global active users.

But it does give us an interesting glimpse of how ChatGPT (or an equivalent chatbot technology) could be baked into some of the world's most popular apps. Imagine, for example, an equivalent sidekick in Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp groups. Meta did recently announce its own "state-of-the-art AI large language model called LLaMA", so that could well be coming.

The arrival of chatbots in social media and messaging apps does also raise privacy issues. Snap is keen to stress that "all conversations with My AI will be stored and may be reviewed to improve the product experience", and you shouldn't "share any secrets with My AI" or "rely on it for advice".

Those are all big disclaimers that show where we are with AI chatbots – while they're fun sidekicks that could work well in the likes of Snapchat, they're also far from the all-knowing sages they purport to be.

There's a good chance that your next Android phone will support Qualcomm's two-way satellite text messaging service, as the chip maker has announced support from six major phone makers.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite service is designed to let you text your contacts when you're off-grid in remote locations that don't have network coverage. And we've just learned that Honor, Motorola, Nothing, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi are all on board to develop phones that support it.

A notable absentee from that list is the world's biggest Android phone brand, Samsung. That's because Samsung has recently announced its own network modem that will allow two-way communication between phones and satellites. The Samsung Galaxy S23 was expected to support Qualcomm's Snapdragon satellite tech, but it was curiously missing from that phone.

The reason for that omission appears to be that the race is now on to offer Android's equivalent of the iPhone's Emergency SOS feature. Unlike Apple's system, Qualcomm's tech uses the Iridium satellite network, and promises to be useful for more than just an emergencies on hiking trips – Qualcomm is suggesting that it can also be used for "recreation" in remote areas, and for getting in touch with family and friends when you have no signal.

It isn't yet clear when we'll see the first phones that support Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite, but it shouldn't be too long – Qualcomm says it'll land on 5G devices with Snapdragon 8 or Snapdragon 4 chips, which means it'll initially be restricted to premium and mid-tier phones.

Interestingly, Qualcomm also said that Snapdragon Satellite is coming to "other device categories in compute, automotive and IoT segments", which means we can expect to see support for it in future laptops, cars and more, too. 

Analysis: Lift-off for satellite text messaging

Satellite messaging has become one of the hottest themes of this week's MWC 2023 show (which you can follow in our MWC 2023 live blog). And this Qualcomm announcement shows it'll be one of the big features in your next Android phone – even if Samsung appears to be taking its own route.

Motorola had already stolen Qualcomm's thunder last week by announcing the Motorola Defy 2, a rugged Android phone that delivers two-way satellite messaging using a different service called Bullitt Satellite Messenger. It also announced the Defy Satellite Link (pictured above), a Bluetooth fob that delivers the service to older Android phones and iPhones, too.

But while Qualcomm and Bullitt's satellite messaging services broadly promise the same service – two-way messaging in remote areas – they're based on different networks and work in different ways. While Qualcomm is promising that Snapdragon Satellite will "offer truly global coverage from pole to pole" (as long as you can see the open sky), Bullitt's satellite coverage is a bit more limited.

Qualcomm's service will also integrate with an Android phone's SMS text messaging, rather than requiring a separate app. But what we don't yet know is how much Snapdragon Satellite will cost. Bullitt Satellite Messenger gives us a ballpark figure, though: $4.99/£4.99 per month (around AU$9) for the ability to send 30 two-way messages, plus access to its SOS assistance service.

Both Qualcomm and Bullitt's services are more versatile than Apple's Emergency SOS, and we're expecting to see the first Snapdragon Satellite Android phones land later this year. While satellite text messaging remains a relatively niche feature right now, It'll be interesting to see how both Apple and Samsung respond.

The iPhone 15 Pro rumors are already in full swing more than six months before its expected release – and while it's a little early for reliable color leaks, a source has apparently revealed that a new 'dark red' special edition model is en route.

The new rumors from 9to5Mac, which include some slightly less confident predictions about iPhone 15's new color options, suggest that Apple's next premium model will be available in a crimson-like shade that the site has mocked up (below) based on its apparent color hex value of '#410D0D'. 

In an attempt to attract buyers towards its Pro models, Apple does usually release special edition colors for the range, which have in the past leant towards more subdued hues than its standard iPhones. 

The iPhone 12 Pro received a Pacific Blue shade, the iPhone 13 Pro arrived in Sierra Blue, while the iPhone 14 Pro went a bit further with Deep Purple and Space Black, which is actually more of a dark grey.

This rumored new dark red color for the iPhone 15 Pro would fit into that overall subdued theme for the Pro series, but it's also far from a dead cert. Firstly, iPhone color leaks are notoriously hit-and-miss – the iPhone 13 Pro, for example, was tipped to arrive in a bronze-like shade, but that never materialized.

It's also very early for these color rumors to appear, as aspects of the iPhone 15 Pro's design, including its color and finish, are unlikely to have been finalized more than six months from its expected launch. As an example, a gold version of the iPhone X was created (according to FCC filings), but never actually launched.

Still, that doesn't mean we aren't intrigued by this potential new special edition edition color for the iPhone 15 Pro – particularly as there's a chance it could slot into Apple's Product Red lineup.

Analysis: a Pro version of Product Red?

These iPhone 15 Pro rumors should be treated with great caution, as color speculation doesn't traditionally start until a few months before Apple's traditional September launch event. 

But this 'dark red' speculation has got us wondering about how it might fit into Apple's longstanding Product Red range – and if it could be the first iPhone Pro model to be part of the series. 

A portion of every Product Red model that Apple sells goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS and Covid-19. The first device in the series was the iPod nano, back in 2006, and the iPhone jumped on board with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. 

Apple has traditionally reserved red hues for these charity editions. But the iPhone Pro line has so far never had a Product Red version, presumably because its colors don't tend to match the deep red that's the signature of the series.

While most Product Red devices have tended to have a largely similar red hue, there is precedence for a slight variation – the iPhone 12 and 12 mini's Product Red versions had a more orange or coral tint. So it's not impossible that the rumored dark red iPhone 15 Pro could see it become part of Apple's charity series.

Right now, though, this is pure speculation, and we're more inclined to trust the other iPhone 15 Pro leaks that have surfaced so far – namely, those suggesting the inclusion of a USB-C port, a new titanium body and some thinner bezels.   

The rumored iPhone 15 Ultra is expected to be Apple's priciest phone so far, but even that flagship will be dwarfed by the price an unopened, original iPhone has just achieved at auction – a record $63,356 (around £52,635 / AU$91,630).

Before you go rummaging through your drawers, the key to that high price was that the auctioned iPhone was "factory sealed", which means that even its cellophane wrapping is still intact. This is a big deal to collectors, which meant someone was willing to shell out the price of a Tesla Model 3 ($42,990 / £42,990 / AU$64,300) with enough spare to throw in a Subaru Impreza. 

A similar original iPhone sample was sold at auction in October 2022 for $39,339 (around £32,680 / AU$56,890), which means that their value is rising sharply. Back in 2007, a first-generation iPhone 8GB would have cost $599 – that means its price has risen by more than 105 times.

According to Business Insider, the phone's original owner Karen Green (a cosmetic tattoo artist) was given the phone in 2007 as a gift for starting a new job. There was just one problem; at the time, iPhones were tied to AT&T, and Green already had three phone lines tied to Verizon. So she left the phone unopened on a shelf for years.

A few years ago, Green heard about the rising prices of original iPhones and went on a daytime TV show called Doctor & the Diva to get it valued, where it was estimated to be worth $5,000. Since then, the prices of factory-sealed iPhones have sky-rocketed, hitting the $30k mark last year and now going for double that.

Naturally, the LCG auction house that sold this record-setting iPhone thinks prices will continue to rise. Its listing says that these types of examples are "widely regarded as a blue-chip asset amongst high-end collectors" and that "many believe the space is still in its infancy". Considering the prices achieved by other pieces of retro technology, like the Leica O-Series, it may well be right.

Analysis: Expensive, but far from the priciest

A combination of significance and rarity is a formula that sets auction houses ablaze – and while a factory-sealed original iPhone ticks both boxes, it's far from the priciest example of retro Apple technology.

An original Apple 1 computer, for example, was sold for $442,118 in December 2022, while just a few months earlier a prototype sold for nearly $700,000. Part of the reason for these incredible prices is that Apple made only 200 versions of the Apple-1, with only about 175 ever sold.

But even these holy grails of computing pale in comparison to a recent record set by vintage camera. In June 2022, the Leica-O stunned the photographic world by selling for a world record $15.1 million, which was almost five times its high estimate. Understandably, this made it the most expensive camera ever made.

That example was one of only 23 prototypes made by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar (the ultimate founder of Leica) and was apparently also the personal camera of Oskar Barnack, who invented the 35mm Leica camera. So until an original iPhone that was also the main phone used by Steve Jobs is discovered, the record for Apple phones could stay at the relatively lowly mark of $63,356.

If you're feeling dispirited that you didn't hold onto your original iPhone, you can lift your spirits by reading our Apple iPhone review from 2007 – which gave it four stars and concluded that "it could do more".

If you've just installed iOS 16.3.1 and were disappointed to find only basic bug fixes for iCloud and Siri issues, fear not – a far more interesting iOS 16.4 update is en route, and the release of its developer version has revealed what's inside.

Naturally, the changes are a little more incremental than the bigger changes we saw in iOS 16, which arrived back in September 2022 and delivered an overhauled Home app, new lock screen features, and some fresh fonts and themes to choose from.

But there are some notable improvements in iOS 16.4, particularly if you're a fan of Apple's Podcasts or Shortcuts apps, new emojis, or keeping up with the latest news. There are also some HomeKit tweaks that should make it a little more reliable when controlling your compatible smart home tech.

Unfortunately, there's still no sign of a full launch for Apple Music Classical, which there were hints of in iOS 16.3, but the new software still has some significant new treats. So, in rough order of importance, here are all the features coming to iOS 16.4 – after a quick update on its availability.

iOS 16.4 release date: when will it be available?

If you're an Apple developer you can install the iOS 16.4 beta right now, by going to Apple's Developer website on your iPhone and heading to 'Software Downloads'.

This isn't recommended for casual users, though, as beta can bring bugs and performance issues. For most of us, Apple says the full release of iOS 16.4 will be released "later this Spring" (in other words, sometime between March and June).

5 new features coming to your iPhone in iOS 16.4

1. Push notifications from web apps

If you like to keep up with the latest news from your favorite web apps – which live in your browser, rather than the homescreen – then iOS 16.4 could be a handy update for you.

You can already add web app shortcuts to your homescreen (when on the website, just tap the arrow button in the top right, then choose 'Add to Home Screen'). But unlike native apps, these shortcuts haven't been able to send your push notifications – this will change in iOS 16.4.

If you choose to allow notifications, they'll appear just like the ones for apps you've installed, including on your lock screen, in notification center and on a paired Apple Watch, if you have one. Interestingly, you'll also be able to add web apps to your homescreen from third-party browsers (rather than just Safari).

It's a feature that could get overwhelming if you grant too many permissions, but you'll be able to manage them in them in the Notifications settings menu.

2. A ton of new emojis

You can never have too many emojis to choose from – and fortunately iOS 16.4 is adding 21 new options to our messaging arsenals.

Fittingly for our troubled times, we're getting a shaking face emoji, which looks handy for expressing shock or confusion at troubling news. Fans of animal emojis are also well catered for in iOS 16.4, with a donkey, moose, goose and jellyfish all joining the fray.

A slightly antagonistic 'pushing hand' emoji will also arrive to help you swiftly reject suggestions, while an array of new hearts (including pink, grey and light blue) will be on hand to help you patch up any offense you've just caused.

3. An improved Podcasts app

If you mainly feed your podcast habit in Apple's default Podcasts app rather than third-party ones, you'll see several small improvements to the overall experience in iOS 16.4.

Firstly, it'll become easier to find shows that are part of wider channels or networks. When you follow a show that's part of a channel (for example, a network that produces multiple shows, like Bloomberg or the BBC), you'll be able to see it in a new dedicated Channels section in your podcast Library.

This is handy, given that many podcasts are now part of wider networks that produce several shows around similar themes. When you tap on a channel, you'll see the shows you follow at the top, plus any subscription options that are available for that network.

Elsewhere, the app's 'Up Next' queue will include more options to help you manage it. These will include the option of rejecting an episode from Up Next, or touching and holding to show its artwork.

If you listen to the Podcasts app while commuting in your car, you'll also finally be able to access your Up Next and Recently Played queues in the CarPlay's 'Listen Now' section. An overhauled Browse tab will also show you hand-picked podcast recommendations to help you find your next podcast addiction.

4. A boost for Apple HomeKit

If you've found Apple HomeKit to be a little buggy and consistent with certain devices, iOS 16.4 could deliver some improved performance.

According to MacRumors, the software includes a HomeKit architecture update that was removed from iOS 16.2 due to some additional bugs that it unfortunately introduced. 

But the HomeKit update, which apple first announced during the launch of iOS 16, will seemingly return in iOS 16.4, and promises to bring more reliable communication between your Apple devices and your smart home kit.

The release also includes both manual and automatic software update support for Matter accessories, which are starting to arrive from the likes of IKEA. This means you should be able to update these accessories from within Apple's Home app.

5. New options for Shortcuts

Apple's Shortcuts app lets you combine multiple actions from different apps with one tap. For example, you could make one that turns on your iPhone's 'Do Not Disturb' function, then automatically switches it off when you leave a particular location.

In iOS 16.4, Apple is adding a lot more options to these Shortcuts to help you cook up some new automation recipes. Some of the new 'actions' include locking your device's screen, shutting it down, setting a VPN, silencing unknown callers or automatically triggering Night Shift, which automatically pushes the colors of your screen to the warmer end of the spectrum to make it easier on your eyes.

These features can also be useful if your favorite app lacks a particular option in its settings menu, as it lets you automate an action (for example, 'set True Tone') when opening the app.

If you've just installed iOS 16.3.1 and were disappointed to find only basic bug fixes for iCloud and Siri issues, fear not – a far more interesting iOS 16.4 update is en route, and the release of its developer version has revealed what's inside.

Naturally, the changes are a little more incremental than the bigger changes we saw in iOS 16, which arrived back in September 2022 and delivered an overhauled Home app, new lock screen features, and some fresh fonts and themes to choose from.

But there are some notable improvements in iOS 16.4, particularly if you're a fan of Apple's Podcasts or Shortcuts apps, new emojis, or keeping up with the latest news. There are also some HomeKit tweaks that should make it a little more reliable when controlling your compatible smart home tech.

Unfortunately, there's still no sign of a full launch for Apple Music Classical, which there were hints of in iOS 16.3, but the new software still has some significant new treats. So, in rough order of importance, here are all the features coming to iOS 16.4 – after a quick update on its availability.

iOS 16.4 release date: when will it be available?

If you're an Apple developer you can install the iOS 16.4 beta right now, by going to Apple's Developer website on your iPhone and heading to 'Software Downloads'.

This isn't recommended for casual users, though, as beta can bring bugs and performance issues. For most of us, Apple says the full release of iOS 16.4 will be released "later this Spring" (in other words, sometime between March and June).

5 new features coming to your iPhone in iOS 16.4

1. Push notifications from web apps

If you like to keep up with the latest news from your favorite web apps – which live in your browser, rather than the homescreen – then iOS 16.4 could be a handy update for you.

You can already add web app shortcuts to your homescreen (when on the website, just tap the arrow button in the top right, then choose 'Add to Home Screen'). But unlike native apps, these shortcuts haven't been able to send your push notifications – this will change in iOS 16.4.

If you choose to allow notifications, they'll appear just like the ones for apps you've installed, including on your lock screen, in notification center and on a paired Apple Watch, if you have one. Interestingly, you'll also be able to add web apps to your homescreen from third-party browsers (rather than just Safari).

It's a feature that could get overwhelming if you grant too many permissions, but you'll be able to manage them in them in the Notifications settings menu.

2. A ton of new emojis

You can never have too many emojis to choose from – and fortunately iOS 16.4 is adding 21 new options to our messaging arsenals.

Fittingly for our troubled times, we're getting a shaking face emoji, which looks handy for expressing shock or confusion at troubling news. Fans of animal emojis are also well catered for in iOS 16.4, with a donkey, moose, goose and jellyfish all joining the fray.

A slightly antagonistic 'pushing hand' emoji will also arrive to help you swiftly reject suggestions, while an array of new hearts (including pink, grey and light blue) will be on hand to help you patch up any offense you've just caused.

3. An improved Podcasts app

If you mainly feed your podcast habit in Apple's default Podcasts app rather than third-party ones, you'll see several small improvements to the overall experience in iOS 16.4.

Firstly, it'll become easier to find shows that are part of wider channels or networks. When you follow a show that's part of a channel (for example, a network that produces multiple shows, like Bloomberg or the BBC), you'll be able to see it in a new dedicated Channels section in your podcast Library.

This is handy, given that many podcasts are now part of wider networks that produce several shows around similar themes. When you tap on a channel, you'll see the shows you follow at the top, plus any subscription options that are available for that network.

Elsewhere, the app's 'Up Next' queue will include more options to help you manage it. These will include the option of rejecting an episode from Up Next, or touching and holding to show its artwork.

If you listen to the Podcasts app while commuting in your car, you'll also finally be able to access your Up Next and Recently Played queues in the CarPlay's 'Listen Now' section. An overhauled Browse tab will also show you hand-picked podcast recommendations to help you find your next podcast addiction.

4. A boost for Apple HomeKit

If you've found Apple HomeKit to be a little buggy and consistent with certain devices, iOS 16.4 could deliver some improved performance.

According to MacRumors, the software includes a HomeKit architecture update that was removed from iOS 16.2 due to some additional bugs that it unfortunately introduced. 

But the HomeKit update, which apple first announced during the launch of iOS 16, will seemingly return in iOS 16.4, and promises to bring more reliable communication between your Apple devices and your smart home kit.

The release also includes both manual and automatic software update support for Matter accessories, which are starting to arrive from the likes of IKEA. This means you should be able to update these accessories from within Apple's Home app.

5. New options for Shortcuts

Apple's Shortcuts app lets you combine multiple actions from different apps with one tap. For example, you could make one that turns on your iPhone's 'Do Not Disturb' function, then automatically switches it off when you leave a particular location.

In iOS 16.4, Apple is adding a lot more options to these Shortcuts to help you cook up some new automation recipes. Some of the new 'actions' include locking your device's screen, shutting it down, setting a VPN, silencing unknown callers or automatically triggering Night Shift, which automatically pushes the colors of your screen to the warmer end of the spectrum to make it easier on your eyes.

These features can also be useful if your favorite app lacks a particular option in its settings menu, as it lets you automate an action (for example, 'set True Tone') when opening the app.

Apple's Pay Later service is apparently now just weeks away for US customers, but rumors suggest the tech giant will make you jump some significant hurdles before granting you its financial help.

The Pay Later service, which was announced in June 2022 but is still in testing, will let you split any Apple Pay purchase into four zero-interest payments over six weeks. But Bloomberg says you'll need to prove that "you've been a good customer in the past" based on your spending history and "even which of the company's devices" you own.

Apple will also apparently check "whether customers have applied for an Apple Card credit card" and what other cards are linked to their Apple Pay accounts. In other words, you'll need a good credit score and preferably a solid record of buying things from the Apple Store to earn access to Apple's 'buy now, pay later' (often referred to as 'BNPL') service.

Needing to qualify for BNPL credit isn't anything new, but having to prove that you've been a good customer to a tech giant like Apple is less common. Apple Pay Later is significant because it'll be the first time that Apple will use its own in-house payment platform, making it a fully-fledged financial services company.

Apple Pay hasn't been without its controversies, with Apple currently locked in discussions with EU antitrust regulators over a charge that it's been restricting access to third parties who want to develop mobile wallet services for iOS devices. But more important to existing iPhone owners will be the financial help Pay Later promises to bring – which is unfortunately pretty limited.

With Pay Later, which will be US-only at launch, you'll be able to split Apple Pay purchases into four equal payments over six weeks, with no interest or any fees. According to Bloomberg, you'll simply be asked how much you'd like to borrow in the Apple Pay app and it will return with an approved amount.

While that could be handy for those who want to split the cost of a pricey purchase (for example, an Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)) across a couple of credit card billing cycles, it doesn't really improve on existing options from the likes of Paypal or Affirm (which offer 0% interest over longer periods).

Analysis: Welcome to the Bank of Apple

It's a sign of the times that Apple's biggest area of expansion and innovation in 2023 is seemingly in financial services, rather than the products that have made it the world's most valuable company. 

We recently heard rumors that Apple's iPhone Subscription service is still en route despite delays, and it now seems that Apple Pay Later could also launch soon. Both services are a response to a cost-of-living crisis that has put Apple products beyond the reach of many. But they'll also be a handy financial boost for the tech giant, which takes a small cut from every Apple Pay transaction.

Some of those Apple earnings may take a hit if the EU does indeed decide that the tech giant has been blocking rivals from gaining a foothold in its iOS mobile wallet, with a potential fine reported to be as high as $39bn. But Apple will likely remain undeterred from pursuing its mobile payments side hustle – and that's good news for Apple Pay fans who've been waiting for its Pay Later service to launch.

It's a shame Pay Later's interest-free loans aren't offered beyond six weeks – considering you'll also need to start paying it off just two weeks after purchase, this could limit its early popularity. 

But the move to being a fully-fledged financial lender, which has apparently involved Apple creating a separate business to handle approvals, is a huge one for the company, so it may simply be starting cautiously. With the service having now been tested with employees in recent months, Bloomberg says Apple Pay Later should arrive "in the coming weeks". In the meantime, you can get prepared by checking out our guide to the best personal finance software.

A new iPhone subscription service is still in the pipeline, despite some delays – according to fresh rumors – and the service could help to ease a growing issue for both Apple and phone buyers.

According to Bloomberg's reliable analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s iPhone subscription service "should still arrive eventually", despite the fact that it was expected to launch as early as last year.

The service – which could see new iPhones added to app-based subscriptions like Apple One – apparently remained in development alongside the iPhone 14 family. But according to Gurman, it was delayed by "engineering challenges" and the complex development of a "next-generation financial system".

Given that it’s expected to be offered as a payment method for iPhones before potentially expanding to other products, there's a chance it could still launch alongside the iPhone 15 later this year, unless it's scuppered by further delays.

Exactly how the iPhone subscription plan is going to work isn't yet clear. But it's likely to be a development of Apple's existing iPhone Upgrade Program (above), which lets you pay a monthly rolling fee to effectively lease an iPhone 14, then upgrade when Apple launches a new model.

Unlike installment programs, the iPhone subscription service apparently won't simply be the price of the phone split across a set period of 12 or 24 months. According to earlier Bloomberg speculation, the subscription service will be an ongoing monthly fee that's managed through your Apple account in the App Store. 

It could also appear as a checkout option in Apple's online store or be bundled as part of an Apple One subscription, but it seems we'll have to wait until at least later this year to find out.

Analysis: It still makes financial sense – for Apple

An Apple iPhone subscription service would be designed to solve a problem that's arguably bigger for Apple than phone buyers – smartphones have become too good, and too expensive, for us to upgrade on an annual basis.

According to market analysts IDC, the period between October and December last year saw smartphones suffer their largest-ever decline in shipments (a year-on-year fall of 18.3%). That period also saw the lowest total shipment of smartphones for a decade.

That's down to a variety of factors, but a big one is the cost-of-living crisis that's making it increasingly difficult to justify buying a premium smartphone. Particularly when rumors suggest that flagship phones – like the rumored iPhone 15 Ultra – are about to get even pricier.

An iPhone subscription service could be a handy new option for those who want the latest models without paying the full asking price, either up-front or in installments. The service likely won't just be a way to pay off your iPhone gradually, instead being an ongoing subscription that'd also let you swap your handset out for a new model.

But a few similar schemes do already exist to help make iPhones more affordable, including carrier plans and Apple's own iPhone Upgrade Program. The iPhone Subscription plan will likely differ from the latter by being included as part of Apple One. This currently starts from $16.95 / £16.95 / AU$21.95 per month for its cheapest plan, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade and iCloud Plus.

If you could get a new iPhone as part of this plan, without needing to pay off the total cost of the phone over a set period, that could open up flagship models to a new audience. But it would also nicely serve Apple's need for both fresh smartphone growth and locking fans into its increasingly important software services – a small bonus for us, then, but potentially a bigger win for Apple.

It's the day after Samsung Unpacked 2023 – and now the dust's settled on the announcements, it's time to take a closer look at the trio of phones and laptops that have arrived to brighten up our Februarys.

Fortunately, we've tried all of them, so have lots of opinions to share. Read our hands-on Samsung Galaxy S23 review for our early impressions of the most affordable option, our hands-on Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review for our first look at the bigger version, and our hands-on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review for our opinion on the biggest, fanciest and most expensive model.

While the phones were the stars of the show, we were also impressed by Samsung's new laptops. For a closer look at its top-end ultrabook, head to our hands-on Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra review. Or if you're in the market for a 2-in-1 market, check out our hands-on Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 review. 

Our hands-on Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro review also discovered that laptop to be almost impossibly slim and lightweight, so it could be an ideal partner for your Samsung phone. During our time with Samsung's new laptops, it was our favorite of the three.

Already decided to buy one of the S23 phones instead? We've rounded up all the best Samsung Galaxy S23 deals right now for the US and UK. It's also worth keeping your eyes on this liveblog, as we'll continue to tease out some of the details that slipped under the radar during yesterday's big live event (which you can rewatch below)...

Good afternoon and welcome to our Samsung Galaxy S23 live blog. 

The Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event has ended, though you can still catch the show on YouTube if you want to see Samsung speak for itself. The company showed off plenty of dramatic footage from Ridley Scott and Na Hong-jin to show off the low-light and improved video recording capabilities. 

We've also got a hands-on look at each new device, including the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We haven't had time for a full review, but we snapped plenty of hands-on photos and got great first impressions of each device. 

What we expect to see at Samsung Unpacked

There have been a lot of rumors flying around, but what exactly are we expecting to see at Unpacked? The main news will be the S23 series, but here's a broad overview of everything that's likely en route.

Samsung Galaxy S23: The S23 looks like a relatively minor upgrade on the Samsung Galaxy S22, with the same 6.1-inch FHD+ screen, the same 120Hz refresh rate, and the same rear camera setup. But a new chipset - most likely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 - looks a cert, and the design should be brought more in line with the S23 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: As with the S23, the Galaxy S23 Plus is likely to be an evolution rather than revolution. Expect a bigger 6.6-inch FHD+ screen and a larger battery than on the vanilla model, but not many other differences.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The standout reveal at Galaxy Unpacked should be the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. As well as getting a powerful new chipset it's tipped to get a whopping 200MP sensor on the rear camera. Elsewhere, a 6.8-inch QHD+ screen, up to 12GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery should give it the specs to compete with the best phones.

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 family: Rumors suggest that there will be several Galaxy Book 3 models debuting at Unpacked, including the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro, the Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360, and the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra.

One UI 5.1: The only software reveal at the event is likely to be the latest version of Samsung's One UI. This is unlikely to be a huge release, with bigger changes likely held back for the arrival of Android 14 later this year.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: Design

As Samsung fans will already be well aware, we're expecting three members of the Galaxy S23 series to arrive in just over an hour: the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

The leaked image of dummy units you see below (credit: Sonny Dickson) echoes other leaks and rumors around the design direction Samsung is taking with this generation. Each device looks strikingly similar in form to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

The standard and Plus models of the S23 this year appear to shrug off the Contour Cut camera module of the previous two generations of Galaxy S phone, in favor of something a little more sleek and sharp.

TechRadar's Editor in Chief, Marc McLaren has done a deep-dive on the difference between the three expected models in our Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus vs S23 Ultra comparison feature.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: price

Regardless of how many leaks there have been around the Galaxy S23 – and seriously, this thing has leaked like a sieve – we don't know everything about it yet.

For one, we don't yet know for sure how much it will cost.

The smart money (pun intended) says that in the US at least, all three models will keep the prices from the S22. If true, that would mean prices of $799.99, $999.99 and $1,199.99 respectively, for the base variants.

However, earlier this week we heard rumors that Galaxy S23 prices could go up in some countries - and considerably so. Fingers crossed that isn't the case.

Samsung Galaxy S23 pre-orders: hurry!

If Samsung Galaxy S23 prices do rise, then you'll want to save every cent you can on the new phones. That's particularly true if you have your eye on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, because that phone is unlikely to be cheap wherever you are.

The good news is that you can save money on the devices if you act quickly (within the next 20 minutes or so). Galaxy S23 preorders are still live, and the official Samsung site is running a unique pre-registration promo which could save you $50 on one of the phones.

Simply head on over to this page and fill out the 'register your interest' form to reserve a device. Not only will you secure a firm place in line in doing this, but you'll also receive $50 of store credit should you commit to a preorder once they go live later today.

But act quickly: the pre-orders will close an hour before the event starts, so you have around 20 minutes to register.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: the all-important ringtone

Looking for a bit of light relief in the last 15 minutes before Samsung Unpacked kicks off? Check out the series' new retro ringtone below.

The trademark tune has been around since 2011's Galaxy S II and this year's take on it comes courtesy of Yaeji, a Korean-American DJ and producer who straddles the worlds of pop, house music and hip hop. I like its Nintendo-style charm, but as expected it's divided opinion in the YouTube comments.

Expect to hear this song on a train near you very soon – or perhaps on the music festival circuit, as Yaeji's booked to play the likes of Coachella later in 2023.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series price: how much will they cost?

Given the amount of leaks we’ve digested over the past few weeks, we’re fairly confident about what we expect to see unveiled at this year’s Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event – but just how much the company’s new Galaxy S23 phones will cost is still up for debate. 

Based on recent rumors, we suspect Galaxy S23 prices to stay the same as their S22 counterparts in the US (i.e. $799.99, $999.99 and $1,199.99), but the news is less promising for European customers, who could be facing price increases of up to €300 (which would mark the biggest generational increase in Galaxy history!).

One leaker has even suggested that Galaxy S23 prices in Turkey will be equivalent to around $2,660 / £2,145 / AU$3,740 – which would probably be enough to get you two of the company’s new phones in the US and UK. Here’s hoping Samsung doesn’t vary its prices quite so wildly across the globe... 

Samsung Unpacked 2023: how can you watch?

There's now just ten minutes to go until the Samsung Galaxy S23 launch. If you're still wondering how to tune in, you have a few potential options.

Samsung will be streaming Galaxy Unpacked 2023 on the Samsung website, and the event will also be livestreamed across the company's usual channels.

That gives us a good idea of where else you’ll be able to watch it. Samsung’s YouTube pagewill definitely host a livestream, for one, and we've embedded that below.

The Samsung News siteis also likely to host the stream, and it's very possible the video will be viewable elsewhere, too.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: performance

If the leaks are to be believed, then Samsung’s Galaxy S23 lineup could be its best-performing smartphones yet.

A big part of that will be down to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset that Samsung hasn’t admitted it will be using but leaks and comments from Qualcomm itself hint that this is indeed what the S23 mobiles will rely on. 

Leaked Galaxy S23 benchmark scores suggest that the Galaxy S23 (and its Plus and Ultra models) will be the fastest Android phone on the market, with scores that put the device close to the Apple A16 chip used in the iPhone 14 Pro. 

These claims are backed up by another source that says all three S23 models will see an increase in processor speed by 36%, an increase in graphics performance by 48%, and an increase in neural processing of 60% compared to Samsung’s S22 phones.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 also claims to give mobile games a bump in performance, with its Adreno GPU promising 25% faster performance and better visuals thanks to its ray-tracing capabilities. We'll have to wait and see what Samsung announces, but if its new hardware includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 then we could be in for a treat.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: specs

It's not just the chipset being used by Samsung's hardware that's been leaked, their other specs might have been revealed early too.

Firstly, in terms of digital storage space, we might see every Samsung Galaxy S23 model will abandon their smallest 128GB variant; that would mean you'd only be able to buy a model with 256GB at a minimum. If these new smallest models adopt prices that are similar to their respective 128GB Galaxy S22 counterparts then we won't be complaining, but if the change means Samsung's base models end up being more expensive than before we'll be disappointed.

That said, those after a budget option may not be out of luck; another rumor has suggested the regular Galaxy S23 will retain its 128GB version, so we'll have to see which leak is true.

Another note on storage is that some versions of the phones might be exclusive to the Samsung store. This includes some colors but also the rumored 1TB storage / 12GB RAM model of the Samsung Galaxy S23.

Speaking of RAM; the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are expected to only boast 8GB of it, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rumored to offer only 8GB of RAM in its 256GB storage model, but its 512GB and 1TB storage models will deliver 12GB of RAM.

When are Samsung's new phones actually launching? 

In terms of when you can physically get your hands on Samsung’s shiny new devices, the latest intelligence suggests that the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra will all begin shipping online and in stores from February 17. 

As we’ve mentioned, Galaxy S23 preorders are still live (but only for a few more minutes!), and it’s worth flagging again that you’ll get a nice little $50 store credit should you commit to purchasing one of the brand's new phones. Go! Go! Go! 

Samsung Unpacked 2023 is kicking off in an hour – here's a final reminder of that livestream so you can watch along with us.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: what cameras will they have?

As TechRadar's former Cameras editor, I'm most interested in the photography upgrades we're going to hear about later – particularly on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

These are the likely camera setups we'll see on each phone according to the leaks.

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: the big camera improvements

A lot of Samsung's pre-launch hype (like its 'Epic nights are coming' promo) has been around the phone's potential for Moon photography. 

But as impressive (and sometimes controversial) as that AI-powered mode is, the bigger quality-of-life upgrade for most people will likely be the S23 Ultra's improved zoom at more modest focal lengths like 15x zoom.

According to a Tweet from the leaker Ice Universe (above), the quality of the S23 Ultra's 30x zoom will be on a similar level to the S22 Ultra's 20x zoom.

That's a big deal, as is the prospect of an improved zoom in the 10x-15x zoom range. In theory, the latter could get close to the quality offered by the folded optics of the S23 Ultra's 10x zoom lens. 

This is the space where Samsung is really opening up a lead on the iPhone. And the prospect of having a slim smartphone with that kind of zoom quality is still an amazing one to me – it wasn't long ago that Samsung could only get to 10x zoom on a phone by slapping a compact camera on the back of the Galaxy Camera (below). Remember that?

Samsung Galaxy S23: the bundles and promos

With about 20 minutes to go until Unpacked kicks off, we're getting some hints about possible promos and bundles. 

In the UK, for example, it appears that Very will be offering a tempting bundle that includes the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Watch 5. Naturally, it isn't cheap though...

If you're looking for a rough hint about pricing for all three models, we've listed the latest rumors below. And we'll be rounding up the best Samsung Galaxy S23 deals as they land. 

• Likely prices
• Galaxy S23: $799 / £769 / AU$1,249
• Galaxy S23 Plus: $999 / £949 / $1,549
• Galaxy S23 Ultra: $1,249 / £1,199 / AU$1,950

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 has begun

You can check out the event live from the Samsung YouTube page. We haven't seen any new device yet, but Samsung has already teased a new Ultra laptop, and the new phones are on the way!

Ultra is up first

Up first is my old friend Drew Blackard, VP of Product Management at Samsung. The new colors have all been shown off in the context of their namesakes, so we see green in a Botanic environment, and beige in a field of Cotton Flowers. 

Blackard is directly comparing the new design of the base model Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus to the Ultra, and Samsung started by shaving off, literally, the camera contour from the old phone in a bit of CGI wizardry. 

Now the focus is on cameras, and Samsung has turned over its new Ultra device to Ridley Scott to make some movies for promotion. 

Professional-grade cameras on every model

Samsung says that every camera gets an upgrade, not just the big sensor on the Galaxy S23 Ultra (which hasn't been mentioned, yet). Every model will be able to record 4K Super HDR video at 60fps on rear and front camera. 

Still photographs will see a similar HDR benefit as well, and Samsung is not explaining how its pixel-binning technology works on the various camera sensors. Basically, the sensors will combine four pixels into one, reducing the resolution of the image but also adding more information to help process the images. 

Wait, is it GIF or JIF?

Sorry, I'm just distracted for a moment because Samsung's Jacs Wyatt has taken a hard stance on the soft-G pronunciation of GIF. Anyway, the new phones will be able to make GIFs better than ever before. Or JIFs. Depends on whom you ask. 

Samsung is playing up movies and video recording performance in a big way. The company passed the Galaxy S23 Ultra to a few directors to buy some premiere sample footage to show off at this Unpacked event. 

But seriously, it takes great videos in the dark

Getting a director like Na Hong-jin to record spooky footage is effective, but Samsung is continuing to drive the point home, spotlighting its optical image stabilization. New OIS hardware has twice the adaptive range of travel to help it adjust more to shaking. 

Samsung is also saying that some sort of AI features will reduce noise in videos as well. The company is sticking with its 'nightography' branding for night-time shooting, and low-light is the name of the game today. 

We expected to hear more about pixels and huge sensors, but Samsung is smart to stick with problems that everyone has, and solutions that everyone gets, no matter which model of Galaxy S23 you buy. 

Are we gonna talk about anything besides the camera?

Samsung has finally moved on and started to talk about battery power. We have all of the specs in our hands-on review of the new devices, but the batteries are just as big or bigger than last year, depending on which phone you buy. 

Samsung is also talking up the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, saying it's the fastest Snapdragon ever. Samsung told us in our hands-on time that Qualcomm overclocked its main processor, the fastest of the CPU cores, to make it faster than other Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices that you'll see. 

The graphics have also gotten a nice boost on the new mobile platform, but we'll have to put these devices to the test to see how our games really feel in person. 

The Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is the first PC with real Ultra inside

We've had a Galaxy S Ultra phone, and a Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra tablet, but we've been missing the Ultra in Samsung's laptops, apparently. The company hinted that Ultra would be coming to more products, and now Samsung has introduced a Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, in addition to a Pro and Pro 360 version of the new laptop. 

We've gotten hands-on with the new Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, but of key interest is the AMOLED display on the new machines. Samsung is well-known for its eye-popping screen technology, so we're always excited to see improvements in that area. 

Laptops aimed at creative types

The new Galaxy Book 3 family will come with Samsung's Expert Raw software for RAW image processing. Adobe reached out to let us know that Expert RAW will use its Lightroom software for editing and enhancing images. It seems that the processing will be available on both the new phones and laptops. 

In fact, when you shoot in RAW format with the new Galaxy S23 cameras, your Galaxy Book 3 will get those photos automatically in the library to edit and process. We're looking for more synergy between the new laptops and phones, especially those that share the Ultra name. 

Minor changes to the software, if you look closely

Samsung has made some improvements to its One UI interface that it slaps on top of Google's Android 13. It's not the major redesign that I'd like to see, and Samsung's phones have fallen far behind both Google Pixel and Apple iPhone in terms of modern design. 

While Google and Apple are using gestures and intelligent shortcuts, Samsung is updating its Notes app for more editing and sharing. Whenever Samsung has nothing new to add, it always over-complicates the Notes app to add professional layout features nobody needs in a Notes app. 

Pre-sales starting now, phones in hands on February 17

All of the new phones are available for pre-order starting today. The phones will arrive in hand and in stores on February 17. The Galaxy Book 3 has a more complicated pre-sale schedule, depending on which model you buy. We have all of the sales details in our hands-on look at the new devices. 

Samsung is also talking up its pledge for net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The new devices will include recycled materials, though I must be forgiven for thinking Samsung is overhyping what it's actually doing. 

Only a small percentage of a few specific components of the phones are made of recycled materials. I love to see Samsung making strides, but we are far from seeing a fully recycled phone at the flagship level. 

Hold on, we've got one more thing: Extended Reality!?

The Head of Mobile Experience Business TM Roh has taken the stage to announce a surprising new project: a new XR initiative. Samsung is working together with Google and Qualcomm to make some sort of new 'Extended Reality' technology, and we're hearing about it now for the first time. 

Samsung has brought Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, and Hiroshi Lockheimer, the Google SVP who helped found Android, on stage to talk about the new project. So far, details are very, very light. We only know the companies are working together. 

That's a wrap, let's check out the new goodies!

The Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event has ended, with no solid news about what sort of XR project Samsung, Google and Qualcomm are working toward. No matter, we have our hands on the new devices, and we're ready to share our initial impressions. 

We still haven't had these phones and laptops long enough for a formal review, but you can check out our first impressions of all the new gear. We've had a look at the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy S23 Plus, and the humble but potent Galaxy S23. 

We've also taken some time with the new laptops: the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, the Galaxy Book 3 Pro, and the Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360. 

Now that the phones have been announced, we expect to hear more about deals, accessories, and special offers. Keep refreshing and we will keep updating with more coverage of the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Book 3 launch. 

Nobody pays full price for a Samsung phone

Now that the phones are available and Samsung is taking money, let's talk about deals! We've got the best Galaxy S23 preorder deals lined up in one spot. Samsung phones can be very expensive at launch. The company likes to beat its competitors on specs, and it doesn't shy away from charging more than you'll pay for a similar iPhone 14 or Pixel 7. 

That's why we love to find deals on Samsung phones. The best deals come when you can trade in your old phone, and we've seen carriers offering bonuses for trade in devices. If you don't have a phone to trade, your best bet is signing up for a new line of service. Otherwise, you may be stuck. 

We're also seeing bonuses like a free Galaxy Watch 5 if you buy your phone with Verizon in the US, or a Best Buy gift card when you trade in your phone to buy there. We expect many more deals to appear as the launch unfolds. 

Every camera will get a little bit better thanks to Snapdragon

With all of the leaks in the lead-up to the big Galaxy Unpacked event, were there any surprises left today? We knew about much of the hardware, but we weren't really sure what it could do when you put it all together. The answer seems to be photography, as that's the name of the game across the new phones and laptops. 

We weren't exactly sure what improvements the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus would see in the cameras. We knew all about the new 200MP sensor in the Galaxy S23 Ultra; Samsung Semiconductor announced that sensor months ago. We just weren't sure if the more affordable models would get left behind. 

The new phones will indeed get improved camera sensors and image processing. Some of that comes from the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, where much of the sensor data is turned into a photo. That chip also gives every phone better video recording capabilities, up to 4K HDR recording at 60fps. 

That XR announcement feels like a stab at Apple

Of course we're most excited about the new products we can actually use, but that final announcement about XR, bringing Google and Qualcomm to the stage, feels like a dig at Apple. The iPhone maker was expected to announce a head-mounted wearable this year, likely an AR product called Apple Glasses. 

Rumors now suggest the glasses have been put on hold indefinitely. The speculation at the time was that the technology simply wasn't ready, and Apple would not release an inferior product. 

The big three companies we saw today don't have a product, either, but they certainly have technology to talk about. Samsung doesn't get enough credit for sparking the current consumer VR trend with its Gear VR headset. It's fascinating to see the company is still working hard within the space, now with more support than it ever had before. 

It's easy to find the difference between the Galaxy S23 and the Plus

It may seem like the Galaxy S23 Plus is just a slightly larger version of the Galaxy S23. It's got a bigger screen, more storage and a bigger battery and that's it, right? The cameras are the same, the processor is the same, and it gets the same amount of RAM. It doesn't get the S Pen or the megazoom camera like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. 

Not so! In fact, there's an important difference to the Galaxy S23 Plus. It offers ultra-wideband technology (UWB). This is the same technology that Apple includes in its AirTags. It makes accessories easy to find with pinpoint accuracy. 

If you've ever used an AirTag to find your missing keys or track your luggage at the airport, you know how invaluable this techology can be. It may not seem like a huge upgrade over the Galaxy S23, but having UWB on board makes the Plus a device worth considering. 

Adobe Lightroom is powering the RAW photo work

We got word from Adobe that Lightroom would be handling the RAW image processing in the Expert RAW app available for the Galaxy S23 phones. We were curious what that meant, so we got clarification, and the deal isn't as great as it seems. 

Basically, if you want to use all of the feature of Adobe Lightroom, you have to pay for it. It's a great app, I personally pay for it. Samsung buyers will get two months free, then you need to pay. 

If you don't pay, you get very limited editing options. You don't get the amazing healing brush and selective adjustment tools. It's better than nothing, but it isn't the Lightroom experience that I'd hope was bundled with such a premium phone. 

In any case, it's worth using Lightroom if you're shooting in RAW, and we're excited to try all of the new photo tools available on the Galaxy S23 family. 

How to get a free Galaxy S23 (that's not exactly free)

We're seeing the same sort of deals around the Galaxy S23 launch that we saw around the iPhone 14 launch, as well as Black Friday. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon in the US are offering a free Galaxy S23 and even Galaxy S23 Plus. You can get a Galaxy S23 Ultra cheap, if you qualify, and there are a lot of qualifications. 

First, you'll need to have a phone to trade. Carriers can be lenient on which phones they'll take, though. AT&T has a massive list of phones that will get you a $1000 off the price of your new Galaxy. If your phone is a Galaxy Note, Galaxy S, or Galaxy Z phone, it doesn't even have to work, AT&T will still take it. 

Second, you'll need to agree to a contract, or rather a couple of contracts. You'll be signing up for a payment plan for your new phone, and also a new service contract. As long as you have service, the carrier makes the payments on the payment plan for the phone. If you cancel, you owe the rest. 

Carriers have been stretching these deals out into three-year terms, previously unheard of in the US. If you get a free Galaxy S23 Plus today on AT&T, you're on the hook for 36 payments around $28 each. If you quit AT&T and switch phones after a year, you still owe the remainder of those payments. 

Finally, you can't get this deal with any ordinary line of service. You'll be signing up for one of the expensive plans with the fast mmWave data that you'll never encounter, or some streaming services you'll probably enjoy. Expect to pay into the triple-digits for your monthly service, if you want the best discount on your new Galaxy phone. 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus – the perfect middle child?

We feel a bit sorry for the Galaxy S23 Plus – during yesterday's Unpacked launch it was a bit unfairly overlooked, as the spotlight shone on the Galaxy S23 Ultra's camera skills and the relative affordability of the Galaxy S23.

But our US Mobile Phones editor Philip Berne has argued that Galaxy S23 Plus could actually been the series' sweet spot. Unlike its nearest Apple equivalent, the iPhone 14 Plus, Samsung's big-screen Galaxy has the latest processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

The Plus also comes with quality-of-life bonuses like ultra-wideband (UWB) tech, which is helpful for finding your keys – and could become even more useful when Google expands its rumored 'Finder Network' among Android phones. So it's definitely worth considering, even if might look like an awkward middle child.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S23 preorder deal

Looking for the best offers on the new Samsung Galaxy S23 range? Well, check this out. TechRadar is one of a few publications that can offer this exclusive deal if you buy one of the handsets direct from Samsung.

It's fantastic value for money, with trade-in rebates of up to $1,000, a free storage upgrade and store credit up to the value of $100. Plus, as a little sweetener, you also get an extra $50 credit on top. The additional credit is a nice little bonus you can put towards some Galaxy Buds, a Galaxy Watch, or any other accessories to go with your brand-new phone.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer you'll have to go through to the Samsung site from one of our exclusive links below. This is a limited-time deal, too, so you've got until February 16 in order to secure it. And we don't expect it to be beaten after the preorder window either so now's the time to buy. We've dropped the equivalent UK offer below, too.

Check out our main Samsung Galaxy S23 deals hub for even more offers across the major retailers and networks in both the US and the UK.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 leaks have revealed a lot about the incoming flagship phone series, but an important new detail has just dropped – Samsung has revealed the official 'Over the Horizon' ringtone for the S23 series.

This official tune for the Samsung Galaxy S-series gets a new interpretation every year. And this time it's been composed by Yaeji, a Korean-American DJ and producer who melds the worlds of pop, house and hip hop.

As you'll hear by listening to it below, the new tune is a very retro-flavored slice of lo-fi loveliness – or perhaps a disappointment compared to "the masterpiece versions of 2015-2022", as one YouTube commenter put it. You can't please everyone.

The new ringtone, which you'll no doubt hear on a train near you very soon, is certainly a gear change from the piano jazz sounds of last year's S22 version. Samsung says the Nintendo-style remix "evokes the universal feelings of hope and joy", even if the early reaction isn't quite as universally positive as that description.

We rather like it – and if you're partial to lo-fi pop, retro synths and stop-motion animation, the official video below could be the work soundtrack you need to get you through to Samsung's Unpacked event, which we'll covering in our Samsung Galaxy S23 event live blog. 

Samsung's 'Over the Horizon' theme dates all the way back to Samsung Galaxy S2 in 2011 – and while some may roll their eyes at the concept of ringtones as music, the tune has been reimagined by some critically-acclaimed musicians including Jacob Collier and, this year, Yaeji.

Yaeji is known to be a chameleon-like DJ who combines elements of pop, hip hop and house, most obviously in her biggest song Raingurl (83 million Spotify plays and counting). Like Samsung, Yaeji also has South Korean roots having gone to school there in her early years before moving back to the US.

Yaeji's version of 'Over the Horizon' is certainly distinct and does have more playfulness than some of Samsung's recent jingles, which have embraced a more serious, nature-inspired ambience. 

If you're interested in listening to how the six-note motif has been reinterpreted over the years, check out our potted history of 'Over the Horizon', complete with YouTube videos of every song alongside our own liner notes.