The Information reports that Apple is working on its first foldable phone. It's not expected to be released anytime soon, if at all. There are no clear details about what form this device will take, other than that Apple was initially considering developing a foldable iPad. Despite that uncertainty, it was something of an open secret that Apple was working on some sort of foldable device. The company has a knack for reinvigorating product categories when releasing versions of existing devices. (We'll see if the new Vision Pro headset can continue that recording, though.)
In more anticipated foldable news, leaks about Google's next foldable phone are starting to trickle out. First reported by Android Authority, and then picked up by every other news outlet that consumes gadget news (yes, including us, hello), these leaks have never been confirmed. Still, there's room for some educated guesses as to what the Pixel Fold 2 will include. The main points are the updated form factor, which could be a narrower and squarer structure, as well as a possible redesign of the rear camera bar. There are also rumors that Google will replace the Tensor G3 chip with an unannounced G4 processor and start with 16GB of RAM.
Again, this is all hearsay, at least until the next inevitable leak. In the meantime, here's some of this week's consumer tech news.
Porsche supercharges EVs
German luxury carmaker Porsche has announced updates to its first electric vehicle. The 2025 Taycan has been significantly enhanced over its predecessor, boasting a charging capacity of 320 kW. This is an increase from 270 kW and significantly increases the amount of juice it can hold.
Photo: Porsche
The Taycan also has an increased range, allowing it to travel up to 678 kilometers (421 miles) on a single charge. She has three variations on the design, all of which are more angular and sophisticated than her previous Taycans. All Taycan models also feature improved fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 18 minutes. Porsche says the more expensive Taycan Turbo S can accelerate from a standstill to 102 mph in 2.4 seconds.
Porsche is on a roll with the announcement of its EV. In January, the company announced its second EV model, the slightly more affordable $78,800 Macan. Pricing for the new Taycan model starts at $99,400, he says, and Porsche says it's available to order now.
Toyota wants to go to various places
In other EV news, Toyota has its own electric vehicle plans. The auto giant this week announced a $1.3 billion investment in a battery facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. The company hasn't said which vehicles these batteries will be connected to, but at least one will be a three-row electric SUV scheduled for sale in the United States.
This is a major boost for the company, which has been highly resistant to electric vehicle production and even actively opposed environmental legislation that would not directly benefit Toyota's hybrid-oriented business model. Toyota has long championed the benefits of a hybrid Prius over a full EV. But the electric vehicle market continues to grow, and it's clear Toyota wants to get in on the action now.
Sure, switching all cars to electric won't be enough to stop the climate crisis, but perhaps company leaders recognize that the tide is turning. In fact, it's actually going up. And rise. And rising…
slacking off
There's nothing more enjoyable than lying in bed at night and hearing the little brush click that lets you know you've received a DM from a colleague. Or seven.
Other coworking communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams have revolutionized the way people work today. The ease with which Slack users can interact with each other in virtual workspaces means it's harder than ever to separate and separate work life from personal life.
