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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim isn’t canceled, firmware development begins
Samsung’s work on Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim is progressing as the company has reportedly started the firmware development for the new foldable smartphone. It indicates that the rumored Ultra or Slim variant is not yet canceled.
According to GalaxyClub, Samsung is developing Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim firmware. Time will tell whether Samsung markets it as Ultra or Slim. However, it bears model number SM-F958N, indicating its exclusivity to the Korean market.
Yes, the Ultra or Slim could not be available internationally. Similar to Chinese vendors, Samsung may launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra or Slim in its own territory. The Korean market is particularly considered a solid base for the utilization of foldable phones.
In addition to South Korea, Samsung’s Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim might launch in China as well. It will be available as an alternative to products from local vendors. The specific model may feature a larger screen and slimmer form factor than the regular Fold 6.
Notably, GalaxyClub only found test firmware for KOO, KTC, SKC, and LUC CSC codes. These codes are CSC of Korean carriers. Firmware development suggests the company hasn’t given up on its plans to launch a different foldable with a larger display and thinner design.
The outlet notes that Samsung may introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim later this year or earlier next year. The company may not produce the device on a high scale, with production being planned for 400,000 to 500,000 units.
Previous reports suggest that the Z Fold 6 Ultra or Slim will have an 8-inch inner and 6.5-inch cover screen. It could be thinner than the regular Fold model launched on July 10 and lacks support for S Pen stylus input.
Samsung is planning to increase the share of high-value FCBGA products to over 50% by 2026. Eyeing AI dominance, the company reportedly focuses on high-value markets such as AI through its next-gen semiconductor substrate, FCBGA.
The South Korean tech giant today revealed plans to boost FCBGA product share to more than 50% by 2026. The target is to focus on high-value semiconductor substrate markets such as AI, servers, networking, and autonomous driving.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ Vietnam plant adopted a smart factory system based on automated logistics and advanced manufacturing environments. It utilizes AI deep learning tech to operate an intelligent manufacturing system.
Earlier, Prismark reported that the semiconductor substrate market could continue to grow. The market size is projected to increase from 4.8 trillion won to 8 trillion won YoY by 2028, reflecting an average annual growth rate of about 14%.
Samsung has been operating new plans in Busan and Vietnam for production. These advanced production bases are supported by a huge $1.43 billion investment. Notably, Samsung started the mass production of server FCBGAs in 2022 in Korea.
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The United States is undergoing Presidential elections later this year. The current US govt led by Joe Biden considering new restrictions on China. Due to fear of upcoming curbs, China is stockpiling AI chips from Samsung and SK Hynix.
A new report from the South China Morning Post suggests a significant increase in its imports of South Korean memory chips in the country. China is heavily stockpiling semiconductors, especially those used for AI from Samsung and SK Hynix.
The article also highlights potential US export restrictions as the reason behind this surge in chip imports from South Korea. Samsung and SK Hynix saw significant revenue growth from China in the first half of 2024.
“The soaring revenue in China echoes with the rumour that the US is reportedly mulling new measures to limit China’s access to AI memory,” Taiwanese research firm TrendForce said in a note on Friday.
Samsung, in particular, reported an 82% increase in revenue from China year on year to $24.1 billion in the first half. Notably, China accounted for about 31% of Samsung’s regional revenue of 104.9 trillion won, which grew 28% YoY.
The fear of additional export restrictions is likely driving the increased buying of overseas chips, especially those used for AI. Buying activity picked up in the second quarter and was “critical in boosting Korean suppliers’ DRAM sales”, TrendForce analyst Tom Hsu said.
Apple will bring a choice screen to alter the Default Apps across the EU. The company known for its restricted ecosystem is gradually surrendering to the European Union. Stock apps could also be uninstalled in the region.
Recently, Apple officially announced iPhone and iPad users in the EU will be able to alter the Default Apps and uninstall pre-loaded native apps. The move comes to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
Apple users will now get a Choice Screen to set the Default Web Browser. Following the upgrade due later this year, iPhone and iPad owners will have the option to change default apps through a pop-up screen during the initial setup.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will include a new Default Apps section in Settings in EU. Users will get new default settings for dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters.
“By the end of this year, we’ll make changes to the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS for users in the EU. These updates come from our ongoing and continuing dialogue with the European Commission about compliance with the Digital Market Act’s requirements in these areas.” – Apple Newsroom.
Not that all but users can also replace the default calling and messaging apps with their third-party alternatives. These default settings can be changed in a new settings section that will be added in the future through an upgrade.
Pre-loaded Apple apps such as Safari, App Store, Photos, Camera, and iMessage can now be uninstalled. Pre-installed apps basically called bloatware come with restrictions on deletion from the manufacturer.
Apple confirmed the arrival of Choice Screen in March this year. Third-party app platforms accused the company of violating DMA provisions. Later, the EU investigated the violations and ordered the modification of the Choice Screen.