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Apple withholds data in India antitrust case, CCI sets final hearing
India's antitrust watchdog is moving quickly to decide penalties for Apple. The Competition Commission of India found Apple abused its dominant position in the iPhone app market. Apple has not provided requested financial data. The watchdog has set a final hearing for May 21. This signals a hardening stance against the US tech giant. Apple faces potential fines in India.
$499 ‘Made in America’ phone: What happened to Trump sons’ big promise?
Trump Mobile's much-hyped smartphone launch is delayed. Initial promises of a 'Made in America' device at $499 have changed. The phone is now described as 'shaped by American innovation' with no set price or launch date. Despite setbacks, FCC clearance suggests progress. Broader ambitions are indicated by new trademark filings.
Backup calling, direct voicemail features in smartphones originated in India: Samsung official
Samsung's India research team is a powerhouse of innovation. Features like backup calling and direct voicemail, crucial for modern smartphones, originated here. These advancements are now integrated into Samsung devices worldwide. The Noida facility also contributes to AI-driven features like call screening and privacy display, showcasing India's significant role in global technology development.
India drops proposal to mandate national ID app Aadhaar on smartphones after pushback
India's government has dropped a proposal to pre-install the Aadhaar app on smartphones. This decision follows opposition from smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung. They raised concerns about security, costs, and manufacturing. Privacy advocates also criticized Aadhaar due to past data leaks. The government previously withdrew a similar mandate for a telecom app.
Samsung’s AI development is becoming more feedback-led, with India playing a larger role
Samsung's India R&D teams are significantly contributing to Galaxy AI features and flagship devices like the S26 series, with user feedback from channels like Samsung Members and service centers directly shaping product development. India-specific usage patterns are also influencing global software optimizations
iPhone Fold leak? Dummy model photos surface on X — fans say Apple missed the mark
A leaked dummy model of Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone has surfaced, revealing a book-style design with a wide display. While sparking excitement, the device has drawn criticism for its proportions and potential lack of MagSafe. Expected in September 2026, this glimpse fuels intense online debate about its final form and features.
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Supreme Court of India seeks replies on 28% IGST plea on phone batteries
The Supreme Court is examining a customs department appeal. It seeks higher taxes on imported lithium-ion batteries for mobile phones. Manufacturers like Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo are involved. The department argues for a 28% tax rate. A tribunal had previously set a lower 12% rate. This case could impact mobile phone costs.

Apple's upcoming foldable and iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy images leaked; Check iPhone 18 series hand-on size look
Apple foldable images leaked: Popular Apple tipster Sonny Dickson has shared exclusive dummy units giving the first real-world look at the final sizes of Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The images, showing a distinctive pink/magenta finish, offer a clear idea of the foldable’s book-style design and the Pro models’ dimensions.

Realme 16 5G, Vivo V70 FE, OnePlus Nord 6, OPPO Find X9 Ultra & more smartphones launching in April; Check launch date, price and features here
April 2026 is set to be a busy month for smartphone launches in India with devices from Realme, Vivo, Redmi, OnePlus and OPPO. Key models include Realme 16 5G and Vivo V70 FE on April 2, OnePlus Nord 6 on April 7, and the premium OPPO Find X9 Ultra on April 21.

Smartphone PLI surpasses targets, turns out to be right call for India
The fiscal stimulus under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones is likely to be around Rs 21,000 crore for the FY21-26 period, or less than 1% of the value of production.

Vivo X300 Ultra specifications leaked ahead of March 30 launch
Vivo is set to launch the X300 Ultra and X300s in China on March 30. The X300 Ultra, spotted on Geekbench, is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 16GB RAM, and a 200MP Sony Lytia 901 primary camera with advanced Zeiss optics. The X300s is expected to boast a Dimensity 9500 chipset and a 7100mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series can now AirDrop files to iPhones: Here’s how it works
Samsung Galaxy S26 phones will soon share files directly with iPhones. This feature, similar to Apple's AirDrop, launches March 23 in South Korea. It will expand globally, allowing easy transfer of photos and videos. Users need to enable the setting manually.

‘AI not accurate enough to block calls automatically’: Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala
Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala explains the app's stance on AI spam blocking, emphasizing user consent. He highlights Truecaller's continued relevance against telco solutions with its comprehensive features. The company is also preparing for DPDP compliance and has launched real-time caller ID for iOS. Business APIs are a growing revenue stream.

Handset affordability key for bridging digital divide: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Handset affordability remains the primary obstacle to global digital inclusion. India is actively addressing this through schemes like PLI. The nation has rapidly built the world's second-largest 5G network. India's 5G subscriber base is set to reach one billion by 2031. The country is also focusing on 6G development, aiming for significant patent contributions.

Amazon working on new smartphone years after Fire Phone flop: Report
Amazon is planning a comeback in the smartphone market. The company is reportedly developing a new AI-driven mobile hub. This device aims to integrate with Alexa and enhance Amazon services. It could offer a conventional smartphone or a simpler 'dumbphone'. This move signals Amazon's increased focus on artificial intelligence in consumer devices.

Samsung’s new plan lets users get Galaxy S26 Ultra at 50% price upfront: Here's how
Samsung introduces Galaxy Forever in India. This plan lets you buy the new Galaxy S26 Ultra for half its price upfront. You pay over 12 months with no-cost EMIs. After a year, you can return the phone with a guaranteed 50% buyback. Alternatively, you can keep the device by paying the rest or upgrade to a new Galaxy flagship.

India's proposal to preload national ID app Aadhaar on phones faced pushback: Report
India's government proposed pre-installing its Aadhaar biometric app on smartphones. Tech giants like Apple and Samsung opposed this move. Industry bodies cited concerns over production costs and potential functional issues. This request is part of a larger trend of government app pre-installation demands. Companies argue such mandates are problematic and not beneficial for public good.

Retailers roll out festival discounts amid inventory pressure, Gulf war concerns
As concerns over the Gulf war loom large, Indian retailers are slashing prices on electronics and home appliances to attract cautious consumers and clear their stock. With a noticeable dip in smartphone and TV sales, many anticipate further hikes in product prices. Shoppers are tightening their belts and re-evaluating their purchasing habits.

Oppo’s crease-free foldable concept hints at the next phase of smartphone design
Oppo has revealed a new foldable phone concept. This device aims to eliminate the visible crease on the screen. This has been a major issue for foldable phones. The company has not confirmed a release date. Such innovations could make foldable phones more appealing. However, affordability remains a challenge for wider adoption in India.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: AI takes the lead in a refined ultra
The new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives with smart AI features and a privacy display. Its design is familiar, but hardware is enhanced for AI. The phone offers a great display, strong performance, and a versatile camera. Samsung promises seven years of updates. This device refines the Ultra experience for users seeking advanced technology.

Smartphone brand Nothing plans to make India an export hub, begins shipments to US
Nothing, a London-based smartphone maker, is now exporting its devices from India to the United States. The company plans to expand India's role as an export hub for its global operations. This move signifies a significant step for Nothing's manufacturing strategy. Their sub-brand CMF will also localize wearable production in India starting in 2025.

Rapido's new backer; Blinkit gets funding boost
Aravind Sanka's Rapido has added a new investor to its ongoing $600 million round. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.

India prepares smartphone export incentives in a boost for Apple
India is preparing a new round of incentives for smartphone manufacturing that will link government subsidies to exports and greater use of locally made components, replacing the current Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme that ends on March 31.

Apple now makes about 25% of iPhones in India after China pivot
Apple significantly boosted its iPhone manufacturing in India last year. Production rose by 53%, with a quarter of all iPhones now assembled in the country. This strategic shift aims to bypass tariffs on China. Apple is deepening local supplier partnerships and expanding its market presence in India, which is becoming a key production hub and a fast-growing consumer market.

Tech sovereignty and AI networks set to dominate mobile meet
Celebrating its 20th year in the Catalan capital, the annual event is expected to draw around 109,000 professionals and visitors as well as major telecoms operators and equipment manufacturers from around the world.

Waiting for Samsung’s next super-thin iPhone Air rival? Its future just got uncertain
Samsung is re-evaluating its super-thin smartphone strategy due to lower-than-expected sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge. The company is also considering the future of its expensive TriFold device, while a wider single-folding Galaxy Fold is confirmed for summer. Additionally, Samsung is developing a next-generation S-Pen stylus and has introduced an innovative privacy display on the S26 Ultra.

The looming Taiwan chip disaster that Silicon Valley has long ignored
In secret briefings held in Washington and Silicon Valley, national security officials warned executives from companies like Apple, Advanced Micro Devices and Qualcomm that China was making plans to retake Taiwan, which Beijing has long considered a breakaway territory.

Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra launched in India with custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and deeper AI integration
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, including the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, with a strong focus on making AI feel seamless rather than feature-driven. The company says this generation embeds AI into everyday tasks like searching, editing, planning and photography, aiming to reduce effort and complexity in daily use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra leads the lineup with a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, delivering notable boosts in CPU, GPU and AI performance, alongside improved cooling for sustained power.

Galaxy S26 pre-orders alert: How to get $900 Off, free accessories, storage upgrades and more
Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order deals today: Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders commence on February 25th at 1 PM ET. Early birds can secure deals through the Reservation program. Expect a free $30 accessory credit and potential trade-in savings up to $900 on the S26 Ultra. Free storage upgrades might also be available. Students and professionals can look forward to additional discounts.
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