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Apple still hasn't revealed a foldable iPhone, but the steady drip of leaks suggests the project is moving closer to reality. Over the past few months, analysts and supply-chain watchers have continued to fill in key details, with most reports still pointing to a launch sometime in the second half of 2026. While Apple hasn't confirmed anything publicly, the overall picture is starting to look more consistent.
As always, plans for unreleased Apple hardware can change at any time. Features may shift, timelines can slip and some prototypes may never ship. Even so, recent reporting gives us the clearest sense yet of how Apple's first foldable could take shape and where it might fit in the broader iPhone lineup.
Below, we've rounded up the most credible rumors so far, and we'll keep this guide updated as new details emerge.
When could the iPhone Fold launch?Rumors of a foldable iPhone date back as far as 2017, but more recent reporting suggests Apple has finally locked onto a realistic window. Most sources now point to fall 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup, with some supply-chain hints suggesting mass production could begin in mid-2026 if development stays on track.
Mark Gurman has gone back and forth on timing, initially suggesting Apple could launch "as early as 2026," before later writing that the device would ship at the end of 2026 and sell primarily in 2027. Analyst
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 Xiaomi will introduce a new software update at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) that will reportedly improve connectivity between its own devices and Apple products.
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NEW RESOURCES Spotted on Reddit: DeadStack. From the front page: "DeadStack is your ruthless tech news filter: a real-time aggregator that reads hundreds of sources so you don't have to. It hunts […]
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Samsung's 2025 was filled with new foldables, an ultra-thin new form factor and the launch of Google's XR platform. After making some announcements at CES 2026, the company has announced its first Galaxy Unpacked of the year will take place on February 25, where it is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup. Official invites have been shared, but actual information on what devices are arriving then is still not completely confirmed. But as usual, we know a lot about what's expected at Unpacked.
Engadget will be covering Galaxy Unpacked live from San Francisco tomorrow, and we'll most likely have hands-on coverage of Samsung's new smartphones soon after they're announced. While we wait for the full details, here's everything we expect Samsung will introduce at the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026.
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The Hedgehog Go is the world's first dual-purpose dryer for both hair and winter gear, but does it actually work? I tested it on my own hair and winter accessories.
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YouTube is adding new features to its Premium Lite plan. The tier will offer background play and downloads for the mostly ad-free plan. The update comes a year after YouTube first launched the lower-cost plan.
The Premium Lite tier is notable because for $8 per month you get most videos ad-free, emphasis on most. Currently, it still uses ads for YouTube music (along with random other videos), but the new update is bringing more Premium tier features without the $14 per month price tag.
As a Lite user, you will be able to use background play on most videos. Notably, this announcement comes less than a month after Google cracked down on free workarounds to access background play on YouTube. "Background playback is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members. While some non-Premium users may have previously been able to access this through mobile web browsers in certain scenarios, we have updated the experience to ensure consistency across all our platforms," Google told Android Authority. Now, it's for Premium Lite users as well.
YouTube Premium Lite users are also getting access to downloads. They can watch — here it comes again — most videos offline. These new features will roll out starting today and in the coming weeks to Premium Lite subscribers.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtubes-premium-lite-tier-gets-background-play-and-downloads-170051755.html?src=rss
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NEW RESOURCES Spotted on Reddit: Epstein Financial Forensics. This is a GitHub repository. From the README: "This repository contains the methodology, findings, and documentation for a computational forensic analysis of the U.S. […]
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 Testing on the iOS 26.4 update is continuing, and Apple released the second beta today. The main new feature is an expansion of RCS encryption testing, but there are a few other small tweaks.
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 This tiny house embraces the small living movement's humble roots by offering a towable home for two that doesn't break the bank. Featuring a compact single-floor interior, it's currently up for sale for just US$39,000.
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Gather ‘round, it's time to catch up on the latest batch of Engadget reviews. Whether you missed our in-depth testing of Sony's latest flagship earbuds or a truly unique ASUS laptop, I've compiled our recent reviews so you can get up to speed quickly. Read on for the list that also includes a love letter to a tiny camera and another VPN option that worth considering.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sony's 1000X earbuds have always been the top pick in our best wireless earbuds guide. With the M6 though, the company doesn't do enough to clearly separate itself from the competition like it has in the past. "The two most obvious places the company is lagging behind the competition is ANC performance and overall voice quality, not to mention my continued dissatisfaction with the fit that Sony's foam tips provide," I wrote.
ASUS Zenbook Duo (2026)
If you're looking for something unique in your next laptop, the
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Agibot stages live televised gala with over 200 humanoid robots in Shanghai, featuring synchronized dancing, martial arts and acrobatic performances.
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 Apple has launched Apple Music Connect, a new resource for labels, distributors, and partners to manage promotional assets, upload press photos, and help coordinate how artists' music and marketing materials are presented across the streaming service.
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NEW RESOURCES Found via Reddit: Burrfect. From the Reddit announcement: "A major struggle we've had brewing at home is that espresso recipe info is incredibly thin and fragmented. Maybe 85% of the […]
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Perhaps Steve Jobs was right to limit the amount of time he let his children use iPhones and iPads — a tradition Apple maintains with its Screen Time tool, which lets parents set limits on device use. Now, an extensive UNESCO report suggests that letting kids spend too much time on these devices can be bad for them.
Baked in inequality and lack of social skills
That's the headline claim, but there's a lot more to the report in terms of exploring data privacy, misuse of tech, and failed digital transformation experiments.
To read this article in full, please click here
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