THIS WEEK’S UPDATE

iPhone Season Is Upon Us

I’m writing to you from Berlin, where I’m attending IFA - one of the world’s largest tech conventions. There’s the usual range of new TVs, wacky phone accessories, and AI dishwashers (no, really), but the talk behind the scenes is, as always, about the impending iPhone launch. Next week, on 9th September, Apple will unveil its latest smartphone lineup and, this year, I’m super curious as to what they’ll show us and, more importantly, how they’ll show us it.

I’ve made no secret about the love affair I’m currently having with the Samsung Z Fold7 - a foldable phone which is thin enough to feel like a very thin regular phone, albeit one that actually splits in half and provides a huge secondary display. It is quite simply brilliant.

Apple isn’t going to launch a competitor to the Z Fold series next week - if that’s going to happen, it’ll be next year. But they do need to do something more than simply iterate on the iPhone’s existing design and capabilities. This will likely arrive, in part, with a brand-new addition to the lineup - the so-called ‘iPhone 17 Air’. The question is - will that be enough to stop the people who have told me they’re switching to Android this year from actually going through with it?

By the time you read this, we may already have the answer to that, but I, for one, cannot wait for this particular iPhone launch. I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot to talk about once Tim Cook departs the screen (find out how to watch here).

Now on to what I’ve been working on lately…new videos, reviews, articles, the latest podcast, and a couple of YouTube picks I think you’ll enjoy.

MUST-WATCH

The Z Fold7 Replaced My iPhone. Here’s Why...

After years of living deep inside the Apple ecosystem, I’ve finally made the switch — and not just any switch. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 has officially replaced my iPhone as my main phone, and in this video, I walk you through exactly why.

Why I’ve Stopped Using My iPad (And I Hate That I Have)

Is the iPad still worth having in 2025, or is it starting to feel a bit lost in Apple’s lineup? I recently got the chance to stop and think about where the iPad sits right now, how it fits into the tech world these days, and whether Apple might just need to jump on the foldable bandwagon.

The BEST phone AI? Moto AI Hands-On

Motorola asked me to take a look at the Razr 60 Ultra, so in this video I go hands-on with the phone and try out Moto AI’s standout feature. Could this be the best phone AI we've seen so far? Let’s find out.

YES, THERE’S MORE…

Reviews, Podcasts, & More Videos,

I’ve Used Macs For 15 Years – Is CleanMyMac Actually Worth It (Review)

We all know that Macs generally take care of themselves. Smooth software, built-in malware protection, and less clutter than Windows. But tools like CleanMyMac have been around for nearly two decades. This week, I dug into why people still use it and whether it actually makes a difference →

Google Pixel 10 Review: Why Would You Need Anything More? (Review)

This is my full review of the Pixel 10, Google’s latest attempt to take on Apple’s regular iPhone. With more people considering a switch from iPhone to Pixel, we’ve put it to the test to see how it stacks up against the iPhone 16 - and soon - the iPhone 17 →

Honor Magic V5 Review: Thinness Doesn’t Matter (Review)

I’ve put the Honor Magic V5 through its paces, and it’s one of the strongest alternatives yet to Samsung’s Z Fold7. Honor already nailed the slim design with last year’s Magic V3, so this year’s update feels more iterative, but the V5 still impresses and even beats Samsung in some key areas. If you want to dig in more, this is my full review. →

How Important is Smartphone Battery Life? (Podcast)

In the latest edition of the Not-PC podcast, Rob and I were joined by Ben from Lover of Tech. He lifted the lid on how he pulls off those brutal battery drain tests, why they’re still such a big deal, and just how far creators go to stand out these days. →

TIP OF THE WEEK

Schedule texts to send later on iPhone 👉
If you’re writing a message but want it to send at a better time, open the conversation, type your text, then tap the ➕ icon next to the message field. Choose Send Later, then pick a date and time. Great for late-night thoughts you’d rather deliver in daylight.

Get 100+ more iPhone tricks with my free ebook, which you can download here.

TOP FINDS

What I Watched On YouTube This Week

🎵 Underworld | Boiler Room: London (Boiler Room) - If you’re from my generation, you’ll know who Underworld are. And if, like me, you’ve been into electronic music for most of your life, this particular gig will mean an awful lot to you. I could watch it on repeat.

🎸 David Gilmour: The Studio Interview 2025 (Rick Beato) - I’m not sure how Rick will top this, because it’s possibly the longest, most open, and most insightful interview with the Pink Floyd guitarist. If you’re a Floyd and/or Gilmour fan, you’re going to love this video.

ON THE ‘GRAM

Hands on with the Samsung S25 FE!

I recently got hands-on with Samsung’s new smartphones in London, and the standout was definitely the S25 FE. It’s got a smaller, sleeker design, yet somehow squeezes in a bigger battery. The AI features are smart, the camera’s had some solid upgrades, and it all feels nicely refined. Check out my short Instagram video for more details, including the price.

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter! Please hit reply and let me know what you thought. Is there anything else you’d love to see me cover?

~ Mark