This Week at Mark Ellis Reviews

👋 Hello! I downloaded the iPadOS 26 beta this week and, well, I have some thoughts. They’re all there for you below, but let’s just say that there’s one fairly large problem with Apple’s big OS redesign. Also, my first-ever gaming review hit the channel; I went full Dad-mode on the Switch 2 and had a surprising amount of fun!

FIRST THINGS FIRST

I took the plunge…and installed iPadOS 26

Well, that escalated.

I’ve always promised myself that I would never, ever, on pain of death, ever install an Apple OS developer beta. Ever. And, a couple of days ago, I decided to install the developer beta of iPadOS 26 on my main iPad Pro.

This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I needed a topic for this week’s Tech Diary video. Secondly, I genuinely couldn’t wait for the public beta to arrive (let alone the full release later this year). And that hasn’t happened for a while. In fact, this is the first Apple OS release for as long as I can remember that I’m genuinely excited to get my hands on - hence the insane decision to install the very first developer beta on my M4 iPad Pro.

In the latest Tech Diary video, you’ll see my live reaction to what is, basically, macOS for the iPad. Come on, Craig - that’s exactly what it is. Just admit it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video, and let me know what you think in the comments, please!

BYTE-SIZED NEWS

This Week’s Top Tech Headlines

🧐 Apple’s Foldable iPhone Saga Rolls On With Slated 2026 Production Window
Hopefully this doesn’t turn into another Siri update delay fiasco

💸 Samsung Mulls Subscription Fees for Health Features on Galaxy Watches
This won’t be popular, but it brings them in line with everybody else

HAVE YOUR SAY

As the news about Apple’s foldable iPhone rumbles on and Samsung begins its Z Fold 7 update, I want to know your opinion on foldables. If Apple is intent on entering the market, then they must feel like there’s a sizeable opportunity there.

The gamers amongst you gave an interestingly mixed set of results to last week’s question:

It’s fairly even, and a few of you commented that you have multiple devices, including using your phones for gaming, too. I haven’t yet tried serious smartphone gaming, but I’m looking at giving a ROG phone a spin ASAP to see what I’m missing! The Switch 2 has won me over for now.

BEST BUY

Logitech Flip Folio for iPad

Logitech make some excellent peripheral tech for loads of different devices, but their iPad range is particularly good. This week, I reviewed the Logitech Flip Folio iPad case and instantly loved it, so much so that I’m calling it out here specifically for anyone who needs a new keyboard case for their iPad.

There’s no trackpad, but for on-the-go typing and convenience, it beats the Combo Touch and Magic Keyboard. The fact that the keyboard isn’t permanently attached to the case also means that it doesn’t get in the way when you just want to watch/read stuff. You can watch my full review for more info!

A note to say these are affiliate links, meaning I may earn from any purchases made.

ICYMI

Nintendo Switch 2 two weeks later - Why You Need One!

Here we are, my first gaming review! And it’s a weirdly nostalgic one for me. I used to play video games a lot back in the day and still own an old Super Nintendo console. And the Switch 2 feels like a return to those old days of pick-up-and-play, which I love. But there are some things I don’t like about it…

Motorola edge 60 pro review: The Sleeper Hit!

I loved the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra the other week, so I thought it only made sense to check out their latest conventional flagship offering. Yes, the Edge 60 Pro still rocks curved display edges, which is a bold move considering how much people disliked them. But it’s still a very interesting, and underrated, phone!

NEED TO KNOW

Tip Of The Week

👉 iOS tip: Secure access to certain apps by requiring Face ID. This is especially helpful if your child often uses your phone and you’d like to prevent them from opening games or accidentally sending emails. To activate this, long-press the app and choose "Require Face ID."

TOP FINDS

What I Watched On YouTube This Week

The Liquid Glass name was bound to lead to *that* joke being made, as you’ll see in the first video recommended below. It’s also a video I’m sure lots of you will agree with…

😬 iOS 26 is terrible. (fpt.) - That’s quite a thumbnail. Quite a take, too.

🥽 I tried M4 Mac Mini with Vision Pro only (Samuel Nam) - This is the first video I’ve watched of Samuel’s, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Funny and insightful. And, no, I won’t be doing that with Vision Pro in a pizza restaurant, I’m afraid.

🎶 focus no vocals deep house mix vol. 2 (SOUND ISLAND) - I’ve been playing videos like this in the background while working at the studio, and I’m a big fan. Almost feels like something I should try something similar myself…

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. I hope you enjoyed the Switch review, let me know if you’d like to see more gaming content in future!

~ Mark