Know when to fold ’em: Tech giants advance AI and foldables in latest gear updates

Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its operating system ecosystem, shifting from version numbers to yearly designations while redesigning user interfaces across its product lineup. This move represents one of the most substantial changes to Apple’s software strategy in years and comes alongside major AI developments from Android competitors like OnePlus and Samsung‘s preparation for its next generation of folding devices. These parallel developments highlight how the mobile ecosystem continues to evolve through both interface refinements and emerging AI capabilities.

Apple’s sweeping OS rebrand: Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to announce a comprehensive redesign of all its operating systems at WWDC on June 9, with a new year-based naming convention replacing traditional version numbers.

• The company will skip ahead to 2026 in its naming, so instead of iOS 19 and watchOS 12, Apple will unveil iOS 26 and watchOS 26, mirroring how car manufacturers label their models.
• The overhaul reportedly includes updated icons, apps, buttons, and a fresh design language implemented universally across all Apple operating systems.
• This radical change to Apple’s foundational user interface—long considered central to the company’s identity—will likely generate significant consumer reaction, especially after the mixed reception to the recent Apple Photos redesign.

OnePlus embraces AI features: Following a limited implementation with the OnePlus 13 in January, OnePlus is now fully committing to AI integration in its smartphones with a dedicated hardware control.

• The company is replacing its signature Alert Slider with a new “Plus Key” that resembles Apple’s Action Button and can be customized to trigger specific apps or shortcuts.
• By default, the Plus Key will launch AI Plus Mind, a system that saves screen content for later recall, similar to features previously introduced by Nothing on its Phone (3a) series.
• These AI features will debut on the OnePlus 13s launching in select markets (excluding the US) in June, before rolling out to the OnePlus 13 series and other devices later this year.

Samsung’s next-generation foldables: Samsung has officially confirmed its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 phones will launch this summer, as revealed in a blog post about its One UI 8 beta program.

• The new foldable devices will be the first to run on Android 16, with Samsung’s One UI 8 interface layer built on top of Google’s latest operating system.
• While existing Samsung devices will eventually receive the One UI 8 update through the beta program, the company specifically notes that the new interface will debut first on the summer foldable releases.