Last week’s Vision Pro release shed some fascinating light on Apple’s generally top secret development process. A Vanity Fair interview with Tim Cook detailed — in part — what a long and heavy lift it took to get the company’s first headset off the ground. The Apple CEO gave an early iteration of the device the less than flattering nickname, “the monster.”
Rumored foldable versions of the iPhone have also reportedly had their share of setbacks. Issues around durability and the ever-present crease are said to have caused the company to put the foldable iPhone’s development on ice, as the company shifted focused on a folding iPad. A new report from The Information, however, suggests that — after delays — Apple may be back in the foldable iPhone business.
The Vanity Fair piece alluded to the product in the above profile, noting:
[Cook] strolls past restricted rooms where foldable iPhones and MacBooks with retractable keyboards or transparent televisions were dreamed up. Where these devices, almost all of which will never leave this building, are stored in locked Pelican cases inside locked cupboards.
The tense with which the device is described, however, lumps it in with what sounds like one-time projects that failed to materialize. Apple has been known to abandon ambitious projects that don’t meet its exacting standards. With occasional exceptions like AirPower, however, these devices aren’t announced publicly.
Image Credits: Brian Heater
As it did with spatial computing, Apple has apparently been mulling the notion of foldables for quite some time. The root of these efforts could date back to 2018 — a year before Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, the first viable foldable smartphone. Of course, that launch was fraught with its own launch issues. As Samsung re-learned the hard way, lab testing will only get you so far. TechCrunch was among the users who experienced issues with an early version of the phone.
The category has matured a fair bit in the intervening 4.5 years. Foldables are hardly ubiquitous, but Samsung’s Fold and Flip devices proved that demand is there, culminating in the company’s decision to retire the Galaxy Note and promote the new devices to flagship status. A number of other companies are also in the game now, including Huawei, Oppo/OnePlus, Motorola (Lenovo) and Google. For my money, Google and OnePlus’ models are the best on the market, currently.
Durability issues have largely been addressed by now. That’s not to say that foldables can necessarily stand up to the same degree of wear and tear of other flagship devices (adding moving parts to a device always complicates the math), but the days of them breaking due to things like dirt particulars are mostly over. Ultimately, the question here, however, is what constitutes “good enough” for Apple?
Much like Vision Pro, the original iPhone, AirPods and the Apple Watch, the company needs to believe it’s bringing something fresh to the table before launching a new product line. Maybe that means better drop-testing results. From the sound of things, it could mean the elimination of the ubiquitous foldable crease. Whatever the case, however, it seems consumers won’t be able to get their hands on one of these things before 2026.
Image Credits: Brian Heater
IDC put foldable shipments at just over 21 million for 2023, while projecting that the market will more than double to 48.1 million by 2027. That might sound like a big figure, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the 1.17 billion smartphones that shipped globally in 2023 (itself a 3.2% decline from the previous year).
While foldables have seen continued growth and have injected some excitement back into a staid smartphone market, it’s difficult to know how things will look come 2026 (a sentiment that can obviously be applied far more broadly than just foldables). There have been discussions for several years now about whether Apple can “pull an iPhone” with the foldables space. And while the form factor continues to have its detractors, much speculation has softened as interest in the category has grown.
Apple has reportedly been toying with different versions of a foldable iPhone, though the company seems to prefer the clamshell model — that is to say more Galaxy Flip than Galaxy Fold. Both takes on the category have their merit. The Fold has a much larger main display with a more common aspect ratio, but it’s heavy and large, even when folded. The Flip is a far more portable phone. I prefer the latter, due in part to the fact that these devices generally spend more time folded than not.
The company is reportedly eyeing an eight-inch main display, which would be massive for a clamshell form factor. The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s main screen is 6.7 inches, while the latest Motorola Razr is 6.9. A foldable iPhone would need to be significantly wider to pull this off without a bizarre aspect ratio, and at that point one begins to wonder at what point “clamshell” isn’t the most accurate description of form factor. The Information compares the prototype’s interior to an iPad Mini.
Image Credits: Cory Green/Yahoo
One nice thing about market competition is that different companies have different notions of the ideal footprint for such a device. One of the key things that impressed me with Google’s Pixel Fold is the balance its designers struck between screen and device size. It’s one of the most book-like foldables in terms of aspect ratio. Much of this comes down to personal preference, so each company needs to determine the dimensions they believe will appeal to the largest sliver of audience. Most companies have one or two form factors, tops, and it’s hard to imagine Apple straying from that in the early days of a product.
The likeliest scenario is that Apple releases a single form factor positioned as a second flagship in the iPhone line. Much like the Vision Pro, such a device will probably be cost-prohibitive, hampering adoption — though certainly not to the tune of $3,500.
Another thing worth noting is that Apple’s mere presence legitimizes a category for many. I’m not saying this is always a rational thought, but the company has a great track record of revolutionizing existing categories. Again, see the iPhone, the iPad, the Apple Watch, AirPods. The jury is still very much out on the Vision Pro, leaving some to wonder whether that particular brand of magic has begun to fade.
At the very least, Apple’s entry in the space would certainly move the needle on foldables. It will surely impact the 48.1 million by 2027 figure forecasted by IDC. For the time being, the fight is very much Samsung’s to lose, with analysts putting the hardware giant’s share at between 60-70% of the market.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
