We look back at this week's news and headlines in the Android world, including Galaxy Z Fold6 secrets, Samsung's S25 surprise plans, Pixel 9 Pro display decision, the arrival of Google AI, the smartphone AI race, Xiaomi's MIX Fold 4 leaks, Android's desktop mode, and more.
Android Circuit is here to keep you up to date on some of the many discussions taking place around Android in the last seven days, as well as my weekly digest of Apple news for Forbes.
Secrets of the Galaxy Z Fold6
Ahead of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked launch event next week, final details of the foldable flagship Galaxy Z Fold6 are being revealed, with the hinge being one that garnered attention earlier this week.
“Interestingly, these renderings show further detail of the crucial hinge assembly. From the bulky, exposed hinges of early Z Fold devices, the technology has matured, allowing for designs with fewer internal moving parts, smaller physical size, and better protection against environmental conditions. It's clear from these images that the Z Fold6 continues the trend of smaller hinge assemblies…”
(Forbes).
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Unpacked 2024, London, UK
Samsung cancels S25+ plans
Looking further ahead, is Samsung planning to cancel one of its three core Galaxy S models? The Galaxy S Plus series sits between the standard and Ultra high-end models and generally has the same specs as the entry-level model. Do you still need it?
“It looks like the company may discontinue the 'Plus' model in 2025. We know that Samsung is actively developing the S25 series, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra already in development. Our database has revealed details of Samsung's upcoming devices, revealing the presence of the regular Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, but conspicuously missing the S25+ model. This suggests that Samsung has indeed discontinued the S25+.”
(Android Headlines).
Pixel 9 Pro's new display
Google's August event is expected to see the unveiling of the Pixel 9 family of devices (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL), which will be a chance for Google to show off new software and hardware, one of which could be a new long-life display.
“Although not specified, this likely uses a new dual-stack tandem technology for OLED panels. This uses two light-emitting panels stacked on top of each other. Individually the two panels emit lower levels of light, but when combined they result in a brighter panel. This allows the panel to operate more efficiently and reduces the rate at which the panel degrades.”
(Forbes).
Google AI prepares for Pixel debut
On the software side, the Pixel 9 family is expected to debut Google AI, a branded suite of three AI tools: “Add Me,” a photo enhancement tool that brings people into your photos, “Studio,” a creative assistant that generates media, and “Pixel Screenshots,” which lets you view images on your phone's screen.
“Instead of automatically capturing everything you're doing, it only works on screenshots that you take yourself. When you do this, the app adds a bit of extra metadata like the app name, web link, etc., which are then processed by a local AI (presumably a new multi-modal version of Gemini Nano) that will let you search for specific screenshots by content alone, or ask the bot questions.”
(Android Authority).
Next-gen AI racing
The move to bring in Google AI is key, given that Samsung's Galaxy AI already exists and Apple plans to introduce Apple Intelligence in Q1 2025. Where are the major smartphone makers in this space? Earlier this week, we analyzed the current state of AI.
“Early July will see the release of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. While the foldable market is smaller than your average candy bar phone, Samsung can continue to talk up the current success of the Galaxy AI and what's to come in the second wave of AI. Notably, Samsung will be announcing this next-gen AI a month before Google unveils its next step.”
(Forbes).
Xiaomi's next foldable phone
Samsung isn't the only company planning to release a foldable device: Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi is also preparing the MIX Fold 4, which will have a slim design and a four-lens camera.
“The top quarter of the phone's back plate houses a large camera array that houses four lenses, a flash, and what appears to be a mirrored panel. Photos of the folded back don't reveal much more than that, other than a subtle hinge on the phone's right side and a striking powder silver color scheme.”
(Android Authority).
And finally…
It's been hinted at a few times, but will the next version of Android introduce a desktop mode to the OS? Add a keyboard and monitor to your phone and you'll have a desktop-style setup. Samsung has taken a similar approach with its own DEX software, but Google could make it universal.
“Desktop mode joins standard Android features like split-screen multitasking and theme customization, and could be the latest in a series of OEM-pioneered features that Google has incorporated into the core Android experience. We know the Pixel 9 series will launch at the August event, and we're confident Android 15 will debut on Google's new phones.”
(Android Police).
Android Circuit recaps the Android world news every weekend on Forbes. Be sure to follow us so you don't miss any future articles, and of course, be sure to read our sister column, Apple Loop. You can find last week's Android Circuit here. If you have any news or links you'd like to see featured on Android Circuit, please let us know!
