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Dust on the Wind, Drift Beyond the Flame, and End the Pain, are all songs by the hot new band The Velvet Sundown, who are blowing up on Spotify with over 470,000 monthly listeners. There’s only one problem. It doesn’t look like the band actually exists, and the music appears to have been created by AI.

While the band appears as a Verified Artist on Spotify, the bio says an incredible amount of nondescript things about the band, like “There’s something quite spellbinding about The Velvet Sundown. You don’t just listen to them, you drift into them”.

The bio lists the band members as singer and mellotron player Gabe Farrow, guitarist Lennie West, Milo Raines, who "crafts the band's textured synth sounds," and "free-spirited" percussionist Orion “Rio” Del Mar. No amount of digging that I (or the music press) have been able to do has persuaded me that any of these people are real.

The music itself sounds to me like a kind of mash-up of various mellow, country-influenced, rock bands like The Eagles, JJ Cale, and The Allman Brothers. I can also detect an element of another Texas band, Khruangbin, in their sound.

(Image credit: The Velvet Sundown)Dust and Silence

The Velvet Sundown already has one album out, Dust and Silence, which you can listen to right now, and another, Paper Sun Rebellion, is set for release in 13 days on July 14, but the signs of AI are all over everything to do with them.

For instance, both album covers look like two versions of the same AI-generated design. Both are surrealism scenes of a floating eye and a staircase in a desert landscape with mountains in the background. It looks like what happens when AI generates two or more versions of an image for you to choose between.

Then take a look at pictures of the band - they look like they’ve been created by ChatGPT to me. If you look at the band’s Instagram account, you’ll see what obviously looks like AI-generated photos of the band.

With powerful AI music creation tools like Suno available online, it’s quite possible that the particular blend of easy-listening, middle-of-the-road, rock that The Velvet Sundown specializes in is AI-created too. Another giveaway for me is that the singer’s voice sounds slightly different on each track the band plays, and the music has a soulless, generic quality to it, even if it makes for pleasant and inoffensive background listening. There’s nothing cohesive between the tracks that makes me think they’re played by the same people.

Hard times

As we reported in February, since 2024, Spotify has demonetized songs that don't get 1,000 streams a year – by some estimates, 86% of music on the platform – making it even harder for musicians to make a living.

In a time when the big streaming services are reaping vast profits and artists who aren't in the top percentage of streamers are struggling, the fact that an AI band is grabbing the ears of listeners away from real human-generated music, while not being labelled as AI, is proving divisive.

Many people are understandably unhappy that what appears to be an entirely AI-generated band is getting plays and being supported by Spotify.

“Just looked them up, and the description on Spotify doesn't make any mention of them being AI. This honestly is making me lean towards cancelling my Spotify subscription”, said Reddit user blyzo.

“Yeah, that's what people are today; all frauds, and all supporters of the fake. Milli Vanilli came out decades too early!”, commented Reddit user Big-Rabbit9119

However, Reddit user AnyPomegranate4981 said, "ngl the songs are fire".

We reached out to Spotify for comment on how this band had achieved Verified status and if it thought The Velvet Sundown was a real band, despite all the obvious evidence, but they haven't responded. We'll update this article if we get a response.

One thing that did occur to me was that if it is a real band, then this could be a very clever marketing campaign. Generating controversy by appearing to be a fake AI band would be a great way to get yourself noticed.

If The Velvet Sunset is indeed an AI band, though, one thing is for sure – we’re unlikely to ever see them play live.

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• Hawaiian Airlines files 8-K form with the SEC
• It claims to have observed an attack, but it didn't affect flights or their safety
• Security researchers believe the attack was done by Scattered Spider

Hawaiian Airlines has said it recently suffered a cyberattack, but stressed the incident didn’t affect any flights.

In a new 8-K form filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the airline said it identified a “security incident affecting certain information technology systems”, on June 23, 2025.

The company responded by “taking steps to safeguard the operations and systems”, bringing in external third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack, and notifying relevant authorities about the incident.

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Scattered Spider's fingerprints

Other details are unknown at the time, but security experts and the media are speculating this might have been the work of Scattered Spider, a hacking collective that’s been targeting US-based retailers lately.

In fact, Charles Carmakal, the CTO of Google's Mandiant Consulting security research arm, told The Register this attack “bears the hallmarks” of that particular threat actor.

"Mandiant is aware of multiple incidents in the airline and transportation sector which resemble the operations of UNC3944 or Scattered Spider. We are still working on attribution and analysis, but given the habit of this actor to focus on a single sector we suggest that the industry take steps immediately to harden systems," said Carmakal.

"The actor's core tactics, techniques, and procedures have remained consistent. This means that organizations can take proactive steps like training their help desk staff to enforce robust identity verification processes and deploying phishing-resistant MFA to defend against these intrusions. Additional advice can be found in our previous hardening guide."

Hawaiian adds its flights are operating safely and as per schedule.

“The company has not yet determined whether the incident is reasonably likely to materially impact the company’s financial condition or results of operations,” the filing concluded.

Since the company did not take down its IT network, it’s safe to assume that this wasn’t a ransomware attack, but these details could be known in the coming weeks.

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The Trump administration is developing a searchable national citizenship data system, worrying some officials. And, the Senate focuses on the sweeping Republican tax and spending bill.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

• A range of new security features arrived with One UI 7
• Samsung is recommending users turn them on
• They'll help to protect your data if someone swipes your phone

Samsung is rather proud of some of the anti-theft features it's recently rolled out with One UI 7 (based on Android 15), so much so that the company has issued a press release strongly advising users to turn on these new features.

"Samsung is calling on Galaxy users to activate the latest anti-theft features now available on their devices," reads the directive (via Android Authority). "These updates reflect Samsung's commitment to delivering smarter, stronger protection – helping users safeguard their data and stay in control, even in high-risk situations."

There are five features mentioned, though they're not all brand new. First up is Theft Detection Lock, which uses the sensors on your phone to detect when it might have been snatched, and automatically locks the screen.

There's also Offline Device Lock, which locks the phone after it's been offline for an extended period, and Remote Lock – the ability for users to lock a phone remotely from a different device if its been lost or stolen.

Where to find these features

You can find these features in the Security and privacy section of Settings (Image credit: Future)

Samsung One UI 7 also offers Identity Check, which means biometric authentication is needed for changing security settings, and Security Delay: a one-hour waiting period that's enforced if the biometric data is reset on a phone.

If you have had your phone taken from you, that waiting period should give you time to remotely lock it and take whatever other steps are needed, before the person who's trying to reset it can gain full access.

All of these features can be found and enabled through the Settings panel in One UI 7: Tap Security and privacy > Lost device protection, and you'll find options for registering your device with the Find My Mobile service (for locking it remotely), and for managing the other security features flagged up by Samsung.

it's also worth mentioning that these aren't Samsung exclusives: you can find these features, such as Theft Detection Lock, on other phones running Google's Android 15 software (including the best Pixel phones).

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• Microsoft has confirmed Windows 11 25H2 is the update for this year
• The upgrade is now officially in testing
• It'll be a more minor update delivered as an 'enablement package' and that's a good thing as we're likely to see fewer bugs than with 24H2

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 25H2 is the next update for its desktop operating system, arriving later this year.

That ends whispers that we might just see the release of Windows 12 - or whatever the next incarnation of the OS will be called - later this year. However, hope of that had already dwindled to pretty much dying embers in all honesty.

The announcement came in an IT Pro blog post from Microsoft that Tom's Hardware flagged.

Microsoft told us: "Today, Windows 11, version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025."

The Windows Insider community is the formal name for those who are testing Windows 11, running preview versions of the OS (in various channels, from the earliest builds in the Canary channel to the Release Preview channel, which, as the name suggests, is one step away from release).

So, some of those testers are now officially using Windows 11 25H2, and Microsoft further confirmed another suspicion that's been previously aired about the next big update for the operating system - that it's what's known as an 'enablement package' or 'eKB' for short.

This means that the move to 25H2 will be a swift upgrade for those who are on Windows 11 24H2, and as Microsoft puts it, the update will be "as easy as a quick restart".

The 25H2 update would typically be expected to arrive in September or October, and I wouldn't expect it any sooner - neither would I rule out the possibility of a November release. As ever, it'll be an ongoing rollout, so it could take some time to reach your PC.

Analysis: Fewer features, but fewer problems?

(Image credit: MAYA LAB / Shutterstock)

How does the enablement package delivery method Microsoft is employing here help to ensure a speedy and simple update? It's because 25H2 is built on the same 'servicing branch' as 24H2, meaning that they use the same code. They are, for all intents and purposes, the same, except 25H2 has some extra features added on top - and because these versions of Windows 11 are the same codebase, those features can effectively be preloaded to devices running 24H2.

What this means is that when it comes to applying the update, it's already in place, and it just has to be enabled. Hence the phrase 'enablement package', and with just a simple switch being flicked to turn on 25H2's features when the update is sent live, it's basically just a quick reboot, and you're done. At least in theory, anyway, barring any issues.

However, what this also means is that there'll be no major changes with Windows 11 25H2. An enablement package release is a fast and quick deployment, but doesn't change anything major with Windows 11's code, as noted, and so we will likely get a fairly limited dollop of new features with 25H2.

In short, don't get your hopes up for anything earthshaking this year regarding Microsoft's changes to Windows 11. However, the flipside is that without any major moves, there's far less chance of any nasty bugs popping up.

Windows 11 24H2 brought in a new underlying platform - Germanium - which was a huge shift, and my theory has long been that this is why we've seen more than the usual helping of critters skittering about in the works of the OS (and some very strange glitches, too). In 2025, that shouldn't happen, and hopefully, Microsoft will get back on course with ensuring Windows 11 runs more smoothly (knock on wood, fingers crossed, etc.).

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• Kansas man hacked health club, nonprofit and former employer to promote his services
• He claimed responsibility and offered remedial support
• He could face up to five years in prison and more

A Kansas man has plead guilty to hacking multiple organizations only to promote his own cybersecurity services.

Nicholas Michael Kloster, a 32-year-old from Kansas City, was indicted in 2024 for breaching three organizations, including a health club and a Missouri nonprofit organization.

During the incident, Kloster emailed business owners claiming responsibility for the attacks, and offering consulting services to prevent future cyberattacks, and his fate will soon be determined.

Cyberattacker admits to pushing his own consulting services

In one case, Kloster accessed a gym's systems by breaching a restricted area. He manipulated the system to remove his own photo from the member database before reducing his monthly membership fee to $1. He then explained to the business owner that he had bypassed login credentials for security cameras and accessed router settings.

In a separate incident, Kloster used a boot disk to bypass authentication into a nonprofit's systems, stealing sensitive data, installing a VPN and changing user passwords.

A press release from the US Attorney's Office of Western District of Missouri explains that "the company has sustained significant losses in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion."

Furthermore, Kloster is said to have stolen credit card data from a former employer to buy hacking tools (including a thumb drive advertised as a tool for hacking into vulnerable computers) after being fired from the company in April 2024.

The Attorney's Office explained that Kloster's actions deserve him up to five years' imprisonment in federal prison without parole, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and an order of restitution. A jury will decide the exact consequences he will face, but the involvement of the FBI suggests Kloster could face some pretty serious punishments.

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• US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says every American should own a wearable
• The plan could bring major benefits, but also comes with risks
• We don't have much information about what the plan entails

The best smartwatches and other fitness wearables offer huge potential when it comes to helping us manage and improve our health – and now US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he'd like to see every American wearing some form of health or fitness device.

“My vision is that every American is wearing a wearable within four years,” he said at a congressional hearing last week. To that end, his department will soon begin one of “the biggest campaigns in HHS history” that it says will help Americans “take control over their own health.”

Right now, the plan is short on specifics. We don’t know, for example, if it will involve the government promoting the benefits of wearables, federal bodies partnering with or subsidizing existing devices, or even the release of a Trump-branded health tracker (akin to the recent Trump Phone). A major campaign to promote the use of wearables, however, seems likely.

During the congressional hearing, Kennedy Jr. – who's helped to inspire the 'Make America Healthy Again', or MAHA, movement, said that while blood glucose monitors can cost $100 to $300 a month, his agency is “exploring ways of making sure that those costs can be paid for.”

He also suggested that an $80 wearable might be a better solution to the weight-loss drug Ozempic – which can cost over $1,000 a month – for controlling diabetes and weight.

More info is needed

(Image credit: Future)

On the surface, a campaign promoting the use of health wearables sounds like a good idea. These devices are tuned to nudge you towards healthier habits, such as exercising regularly and understanding your sleep patterns.

But questions are likely to be raised over Kennedy Jr.’s role in this, given his past promotion of some medical practices that are considered dubious by experts, and his skepticism over some vaccines.

Wearables also come with potential issues, regardless of who's promoting them. Your medical data is some of the most sensitive information about you, and if it were to be stolen, sold to advertisers without your knowledge, or otherwise fall into the wrong hands, it could have serious implications for you. That makes it a juicy target for hackers and identity thieves.

It’s also worth adding that wearables are not a cure-all solution. While they can provide important health information, including, for example, warnings about irregular heart rhythm, they can also fuel health anxiety and lead to unsafe self-medication.

Ultimately, they’re only one piece of the puzzle, and should be accompanied by other healthy actions and habits, as well as input from health professionals.

It sounds like a worthy endeavor, and one that could both improve American's health and save billions of dollars on healthcare costs over the long term – but right now we have more questions about RFK Jr.’s wearables plan than we do answers.

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Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: one-minute review

Founded in 2020, Casabrews hasn’t been around for very long, and so, it really hasn’t had its chance to shine among some of the best espresso machines. That said, it has cultivated some buzz on platforms like TikTok, thanks to the brand’s mix of affordability and aesthetics.

The Casabrews Ultra takes things one step further and provides additional options for refining your espresso. I appreciate the approach of Casabrews developing a low-cost semi-automatic espresso machine that’s a kind of gateway into making great coffee at home. However, the espresso it yielded quite literally left a bad taste in my mouth.

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(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

It’s true that a bad workman blames their tools, but ultimately, when I found myself about five hours deep in searching through subreddits and forums for a solution to my awful coffee, I realised that I was likely at the point where any actual customer would’ve sought out a new machine.

All in all, the Casabrews Ultra sits in a bit of an odd no-man’s-land, given that it asks for far too much of a casual, beginner user but delivers far too little customization and control for a hardcore coffee hobbyist. With some upgrades and a good deal of experimentation, the Casabrews Ultra could be someone’s espresso machine of choice, but I encountered far too many insurmountable problems during my testing period to be able to recommend the machine wholeheartedly. After the unfortunate loss of my old espresso machine, I’ve been on the hunt for a worthy replacement. But I can’t say the Casabrews Ultra will be inducted into my daily coffee routine anytime soon.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: price and availability

• List price: $249.99 / £199.99
• Available in the US and UK
• Discounts available at the Casabrews website

Like the rest of Casabrews’ product lineup, the Casabrews Ultra is a pretty budget-friendly option. The machine will set you back less than $250, which is definitely on the low end of things for a semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand attachment.

You can purchase the Casabrews Ultra directly from the Casabrews website, often with a welcome discount to make it an even more affordable option. For example, at the moment, you can pick it up for $215. Third-party retailers like Walmart and Target are worth checking out for deals, too.

If you’re based in the UK, you can take advantage of the savings on Casabrews’ website too. In terms of third-party retailers, your main option is Amazon.

• Value score: 4/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: specificationsCasabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Drink options

2 (single and double espresso)

Pump pressure

20 bar

Water tank capacity

2.3 quarts / 2.2 liters

Steam wand

Yes, manual

Size (H x W x D)

12.99 x 12.2 10.31 inches / 330 x 310 x 262mm

Weight

13.55lbs / 6.15kg

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: design

• Large, but attractive machine
• Stiff steam wand articulation and portafilter
• Useful floater in drip tray to indicate water level

When compared to other models from the brand, the Casabrew Ultra has a wider footprint, which is not great for tiny kitchens, but it certainly helps it look the part of a fancy espresso machine. Atop the machine is a little cup warming setup. Despite being a handy addition in theory, the cup warmer doesn’t actually transfer enough heat to achieve its one and only function. I found it much more effective to just use the machine’s hot water dispenser to prepare my cups.

The articulation on the steam wand is stiff, but it was nothing compared to the portafilter. I found it unusually difficult to twist it into place on the group head, even without any grounds in the basket. In fact, during my first few uses, I started to think that there may have been some debris on the shower screen or a warped O-ring gasket, causing the level of resistance I was getting.

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(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

After doing some investigating and disproving this theory, I just kind of resigned myself to accepting that the whole thing was just threaded really bloody tight, and so, making my coffee in the morning would be an unwitting workout for the rest of my test period. All that said, as long as I planted my non-dominant hand on the machine for leverage and let out a little grunt (yes, I’m almost certain that makes me stronger), I could mostly overcome that problem.

Outside of these stiff components, I have very few complaints about the build quality of the machine. Included with the Casabrews Ultra are baskets for one-cup and two-cup espresso: two pressurized and two unpressurized. The light plastic tamp/scoop tool serves far better as a scooper than it does as a tamper, so thankfully, a sturdier tamper is included as well.

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(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Another feature I appreciate is the floater in the drip tray. This buoyant little nugget of red plastic provides a clear indicator of when to empty liquid in the tray. Admittedly, it’s pretty bad form not to give the machine a cleanout daily, but who hasn’t forgotten to empty their drip tray for a week and discovered what looks like the contents of a petri dish? Just me?

• Design score: 3/5

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: performance

• Recommended coffee dosage is much too high
• Strange metallic taste (even when just used to heat water)
• Steam wand works well once you're used to it

I was willing to accept that a $250 machine wouldn’t produce the kind of coffee worth swishing around your mouth and plotting on one of those coffee taster flavor wheels. What I wasn’t prepared for were quite so many shots that were ‘spit-it-in-the-sink’ bad.

My very first shot with the Casabrews Ultra was under-extracted, with minimal crema and a taste that wasn’t at all what I had come to expect from my chosen beans. Knowing that these tell-tale signs might mean that my water was travelling through the grounds too quickly, my first instinct was to up the dose of coffee loaded in the basket.

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(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

The problem with that was – despite my leaning on the lower end of what the manual recommended for a double espresso – my basket was already basically overflowing. With each shot I had pulled so far, the puck touched right up against the shower screen and, in most cases, even stuck to it. Thankfully, the Casabrew Ultra allows for reprogramming shot volume and temperature, so I could play around with those variables in the hopes of achieving something drinkable (or even tasty, if I’m lucky).

Unfortunately, while the quality of my extraction improved, shot after shot, I was presented with a pretty foul battery-like taste that I couldn’t totally camouflage with milk or by diluting into an americano. Light roasts are notoriously difficult to dial in, so I started to think that maybe I was presenting the Casabrews Ultra with too steep a challenge.

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(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

However, with payday too far off on the horizon, I couldn’t quite justify another bag of specialty coffee that I likely wouldn’t actually drink. As a compromise, I picked myself up a bag of Lavazza Rossa, a cheap but reliable medium roast that I used to chuck in my espresso machine as a teen prior to having adult money. It’s a sort of rich, chocolatey, everyman’s coffee that doesn't require too delicate a touch.

The Lavazza beans were pre-ground, which didn’t bode well for me achieving anything professional barista level, but at this point, I just wanted some coffee I could get through a full cup of without wincing. Besides, thanks to the pressurised basket, I could produce a shot with a nice faux crema even with beans that were technically a little stale.

The results were a familiar taste marred by an awful chemical, metallic note. I swapped in bottled water just in case the problem was Bath’s hard tap water, but it did very little to resolve the issue. Cleaning the shower screen, flushing, descaling – nothing seemed to do the job.

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

At one point, I served my partner cooled water that had run through the Casabrews Ultra to gauge his reaction (yes, I did this without warning; I never said my test process was ethical.). Lo and behold, he wanted to know why it tasted so metallic. It’s funny you’d ask, James. I was wondering about that exact thing.

Finding myself over 220g of beans down and yearning for a good coffee, I have to admit I was feeling pretty bitter. Given the 75% five-star reviews on Amazon, I can only assume this was an issue specific to the unit I tested or that the majority of customers use enough sugar and milk to hide any strange aftertastes. Obviously, the espresso-making part of the Casabrews Ultra is the main event, but it’s not all doom and gloom; the steam wand performed a whole lot better.

(Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

I first learned to make microfoam using a knob-operated steam wand, and honestly, I had no experience using one that was controlled via a button until I tested the Casabrews Ultra. Its steam wand has a couple of seconds of delay after you activate it, and given you aren’t in control of how quickly the steam output ramps up, it can be a real learning curve getting used to the rhythm of the machine. What’s more, the delay makes purging the steam wand just that bit more of a pain.

After some experimentation (and a refrigerated pitcher to make it harder to scald my milk), I managed to adapt my technique to create a microfoam I was reasonably happy with, which sported a silky mouthfeel and a pleasant sheen. A few visible bubbles lingered, but I’d say a lot of that was down to me being out of practice. Besides, there’s always the option to go full rip and make some dry foam when I’m in the mood for a cappuccino …I just needed to make sure I got my espresso elsewhere.

• Performance score: 2/5

Should you buy the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

A low-cost machine with discounts available.

4/5

Design

A sturdy setup for the most part, but has some flaws.

3/5

Performance

For the most part, the Casabrews Ultra underperformed. Its espresso is a particular low point.

3/5

Buy it if

You’re big on milky coffees

Once you get the hang of it, the Casabrews Ultra’s steam wand is a solid performer that produces good microfoam.

You’re happy to give it a shot

Casabrew’s 30-day return window means that you’re not stuck using the Ultra if it just isn’t for you. View Deal

Don't buy it if

You want a machine from a legacy brand

Casabrews is something of a new kid on the block, and so there’s less information out there on troubleshooting, upgrades, or servicing.

You’d like a high-performing espresso machine

If you want a coffee that’ll get you out of bed in the morning, treat yourself to a machine that performs consistently and helps you get the most out of your beans.

You want a bean-to-cup machine

If you don’t fancy the hassle of seeking out a separate grinder, you’ll want to buy a machine that performs all those functions in one.

Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: also consider

Not sure if the Casabrews Ultra is the right espresso machine for you? Here are two others to consider.

De'Longhi Linea Classic

Despite setting you back $50 less, the De’Longhi Linea Classic delivered far better results than the Casabrews Ultra. Its reviewer even said it might be the “one of the best espresso machines for new and experienced baristas”-- that’s some high praise.

Read out full De'Longhi Linea Classic review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

The Delonghi Dedica Style is another great option for an espresso machine under $200. What’s more, if you want to save yourself the mess and trouble of puck prep, the Dedica Style also takes ESE pods.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine

My testing period for the Casabrews Ultra lasted three weeks, and during that time, I regularly made espresso and steamed milk to create drinks. Throughout this process, I alternated between using freshly-ground light roast beans from a local specialty coffee shop, and pre-ground medium roast commercial coffee. While operating the steam wand, I used chilled whole dairy milk, semi-skimmed dairy milk, or almond milk.

The main points of reference I had to compare the Casabrews Ultra to were the De'Longhi Scultura and the Breville Bambino.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

First reviewed June 2025.

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 5, 2025

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games of all time, so I fully expected the sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to capture my heart too.

Unfortunately, I never clicked with Tears of the Kingdom when it launched in 2023, despite loving the concepts at play that gave players an endless sandbox to experiment with and an incredible physics engine.

Why, you might ask? Well, unlike when its predecessor, launched in 2017 on magical new hybrid hardware, Tears of the Kingdom not only chugged along at 30 frames per second (fps) with a lower resolution than the games I had become accustomed to playing on other consoles, but I also felt it lacked the feeling of new that made Breath of the Wild so magical.

Fast forward to 2025 and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition has completely revitalized my love for open-world games, and thanks to a huge performance boost, it’s now poised to sit on my Mount Rushmore of this decade’s video game releases. Read on to find out why it's one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, but let it be known: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is one of the best video games ever made.

A breath of fresh air

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched to rave reviews, cementing it as one of the best sequels of all time when it launched two years ago. There’s nothing else I can say about the game’s mechanics and story that haven’t already been said, so I want to specifically focus on the upgrades the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to Hyrule.

Back when I first played Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d played the game before. And despite running impressively on an underpowered handheld console, the experience was jarring, and it just never clicked for me.

As a massive fan of the series, I was incredibly disappointed; it almost felt like I had outgrown my childhood, and the magic had disappeared. Thankfully, I can confidently say today that’s not the case; I just needed a boost from 2025 hardware to make Tears of the Kingdom look and feel like it should’ve back in 2023.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is a paid upgrade to the original, available for free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers, a paid upgrade if you already own the game, or by buying the full Nintendo Switch 2 version.

The game itself has no new content, per se; instead, it brings buttery smooth 60fps, a beautifully sharp resolution, and HDR, which makes the colors absolutely pop. I can’t emphasize enough just how much this version of the game feels like a total facelift compared to the outdated original version.

(Image credit: Future)

My biggest gripes with the game when it originally came out were all related to the magic of Hyrule’s expansive world feeling limited due to performance bottlenecks, and now on Switch 2, it plays like the definitive version of this absolutely incredible game.

Think of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition like wearing glasses for the first time, it’s as if the blurriness is gone and you can finally experience what you’d dreamt of as a kid exploring Hyrule for the first time, whether that was playing Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess.

Throughout my 70-hour playthrough, I haven’t encountered one performance hiccup, and on many occasions, I’ve had to pause to just stare in awe at the beautiful contrasting colors of the sky - I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful sunset in any game, ever.

The definitive way to experience Hyrule

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If, like me, you couldn’t click with the original game, not to any fault of it own, but rather a fault of the hardware limitations it was confined to, then not only should you run out and buy this game, but it’s enough to justify a Nintendo Switch 2 console in itself.

While I haven’t played Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, reading the review of that game on Switch 2 hardware tells a similar story to my experience with its successor. These Zelda games are just so good that an improvement to the experience by bringing them up to date for 2025’s standards makes them must-play, even if you experienced the land of Hyrule on Switch before.

Not only have I loved exploring Hyrule on my OLED TV in 1440p upscaled to 4K, but the performance upgrades here make the game a delight on Switch 2’s handheld mode. Running at 1080p with HDR enabled, it’s just the perfect experience to take your adventure on the go and not feel like you’re compromising.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Gliding through the world of Hyrule on Switch 2 feels like you're experiencing freedom for the first time. Now with a crisp resolution and steady framerate, exploration has never felt so good.

Eight years ago, when I first experienced that feeling of continuing my adventure on my commute to work, in the park, or on vacation, it was the best gaming experience I had ever had in my life. Now, thanks to the Switch 2’s hardware, that experience is amplified to a whole new level, and all I want to do is finish writing this article so I can delve back into the land of Hyrule.

While some fans of the series will be disappointed at the lack of new content in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, I think the game can already feel a little overwhelming with just how much it offers.

At no point in my playthrough did I wish for new experiences; I was just happy to relive one of the best games of all time, but better. And, truth be told, while there’s not really any new content, despite an option for a second save file (Thank you, Nintendo!) on the Switch 2 itself, do not underestimate just how good the Zelda Notes companion app is.

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(Image credit: Nintendo)

Zelda Notes, an exclusive feature to the Switch 2 Edition of this game, can be found in the iOS or Android Nintendo Switch app. It’s almost an app within an app, bringing a whole new extra element to your adventure.

Not only can you navigate the map in real-time on your smartphone or tablet, but the app also unlocks dozens upon dozens of Voice Memories, which makes Hyrule feel even more alive. While I would’ve preferred Voice Memories, audio clips you can stumble upon in different locations in the world, to be included in the game, rather than in the app, the added lore has made me want to explore every nook and cranny to try and uncover the hidden details of the adventure.

The Zelda Notes app also gives you access to your full playthrough data, which is a lovely addition considering Nintendo still doesn’t give you detailed playing stats on the Switch 2 console, as well as the ability to share items and building concepts for Autobuild via QR codes.

One of my favorite additions to the game via Zelda Notes, however, is the Daily Bonus, which lets you spin a wheel every 24 hours to unlock a nutritious meal or other stat boost that might help you explore the deepest depths or highest skies of Hyrule. I found myself playing the game more regularly just to experience my Daily Bonus, and it was just the incentive I needed to keep venturing on with my journey.

Should you buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?Buy it if...

You’ve never played Tears of the Kingdom before, or are looking to replay it
This version of the game is the definitive way to play one of the best video games of all time. If you've never played Tears of the Kingdom, couldn't vibe with the less-than-stellar performance when it launched, or love the game and want to delve back in, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is worth picking up.

You’re looking for a reason to buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Mario Kart World is awesome, but after a while, it becomes your go-to party game rather than a reason to pick up your Nintendo Switch 2 after work. If you're looking for a reason to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, this upgraded version of one of the best games of all time might be the perfect opportunity to do so. I don't say this lightly: Tears of the Kingdom in full 60fps is a system seller.

Don't buy it if...

You didn't enjoy the game the first time around
While I've just written over a thousand words on why this version of Tears of the Kingdom makes me love the game despite not enjoying it the first time around, my reasons for not clicking with the game were never related to the gameplay itself. If you don't enjoy open-world adventure and didn't click with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom in the past, this new version of the game won't change your mind.

Accessibility

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t have much going on with it, accessibility wise. While you still have access to gyro aiming and the ability to rebind your controls from the Switch 2 menu (which won’t translate to the correct button prompts in-game), there’s nothing much to write home about.

You can't increase the text size, turn off motion blur, or make any other adjustments to help with playing the game. There's also no difficulty setting, so if you find the nature of an open world with breakable weapons too difficult, tough luck.

How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played over 70 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 2, venturing throughout the main story as well as completing a variety of side quests dotted around Hyrule.

I had previously played the game on Nintendo Switch 1, but was never able to complete it. Combined, I must have over 150 hours of gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom, and I've also played and completed every other mainline Zelda game.

I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

First reviewed June 2025

• A former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer has released a video discussing the future of Xbox
• She discussed the reveal of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, and recent focus on the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative
• She suggested that "Xbox has no desire or literally can't ship hardware anymore"

Former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer Laura Fryer has discussed the future of the Xbox brand on her YouTube channel and argued that Xbox hardware is effectively "dead".

She described the recent reveal of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X as unsurprising, saying that it's "much easier to slap an Xbox sticker on an existing piece of hardware and call it a day."

Fryer predicted that the upcoming handheld will be hampered by some of the wider issues currently facing the Xbox brand, including a lack of compelling exclusive experiences: "Xbox doesn't do exclusives anymore. Even if Xbox delivers a crazy great game 'Xbox Anywhere' means that I can play that game on any platform."

Many Xbox first-party titles also seem to suffer from protracted development cycles. There were several notable absences from the recent Xbox Games Showcase, such as State of Decay 3, which was originally announced five years ago, Fable, and the Perfect Dark remake.

In her eyes, the lack of exclusive experiences and years between major releases leaves consumers without a compelling reason to consider the Asus ROG Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X over alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED or building your own PC.

She went on to suggest that the handheld and current focus on the 'Xbox Play Anywhere' initiative is part of "a slow exit from the hardware business completely" and that the end goal appears to be driving players towards Xbox Game Pass.

"As one of the founding members of the Xbox team, I'm not pleased with where things are today," she concluded. "From my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally can't ship hardware anymore."

Looking at the current trajectory of Xbox, it's hard not to disagree. Sales of the Xbox Series X and Series S have been trailing behind the Xbox One for some time, so it's clear that Microsoft will need to drastically shift its strategy in order to continue growing its gaming division.

In my eyes, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard suggests a shift towards generating revenue through multi-platform software sales rather than truly competing in the console space. This lines up with Xbox boss Phil Spencer's professed desire to release more Xbox games on other platforms.

This will likely mean less of a focus on dedicated hardware from Microsoft itself, with third-party manufacturers like Asus (and recently Meta with the Limited Edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition) catering to the remaining demand for Xbox products with licensed hardware instead.

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be one of the best-selling foldable phones of 2025 going by past form, as Samsung’s foldable flip phones combine a compact form factor with a more reasonable price than its Z Fold line, making them a popular choice. So will this trend continue into 2025?

Well, nothing about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has been confirmed just yet, but it sure is starting to leak. So below, you’ll find all the news, leaks, and rumors we’ve heard about this foldable contender so far.

We’ll also update this article whenever any new rumors emerge, so make sure to check back soon if you want to stay informed. And if you want to know what we're hoping for from the Z Flip 7 too, check out five things we want from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Latest news

A massive specs leak suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could have some serious upgrades.View Deal

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next clamshell foldable from Samsung
• When is it out? Probably July 9
• How much will it cost? Likely upwards of $1,099.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,799

Look out for it in July

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Expected to launch on July 9
• Could cost the same as last year

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 release date will probably be July 9, as the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is then.

Samsung hasn't specifically said that we'll see the Z Flip 7 there, but it seems very likely, as the previous two models had July announcements, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 also shipped in July.

That said, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 shipped in August of its release year, and the Z Flip 4 wasn’t even announced until August. Still, if not July then we’ll probably see the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 in August.

As far as release date rumors go, @PandaFlashPro has claimed that mass production of Samsung’s upcoming foldables started in May, which probably works for a July or August announcement. We've also heard the same mass production claim from another source, so this is looking likely.

Plus, July 9 has also been rumored for the Galaxy Z Flip 7's launch.

And sources have also spotted both a Galaxy Z Flip 7 codename (specifically ‘B7’) and a Galaxy Z Flip 7 model number (SM-F751), as well as a certification, which at the very least suggests that this phone is in the works.

However, a leak suggests the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 won't actually ship until August.

As for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 price, we’ve heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 might have the same starting price as the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and this is a claim we've now heard multiple times. That would mean a starting price of $1,099.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,799.

That said, leaker Roland Quandt claims the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will actually cost around 100 euros (roughly $115 / £85 / AU$180) less than its predecessor.

It might also come with a free Google AI Pro subscription, so you could get more than just the phone for your money.

Can you trust these rumors?

It seems almost certain that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be announced on July 9, since Samsung's next big phone event is then.

And since multiple sources have pointed to no change in price, that much is looking fairly likely.

Bigger screens and a better hinge

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

• The Galaxy Z Flip 7 might have bigger screens than its predecessor
• It could also have a better hinge mechanism
• And it might be slimmer and lighter

We don’t have to rely purely on rumors when it comes to the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, as Samsung itself has said during an earnings call (via @Jukanlosreve) that this year “we will release new foldable products with improved form factors, durability,” so while the Z Flip 7 wasn’t named, it’s likely one of the devices the company is referring to.

Since then, Samsung has said that its upcoming Galaxy Z models will be thinner, lighter, and more durable then their predecessors. Samsung's post is primarily talking about the Galaxy Z Fold line, so there's slight uncertainty over whether it refers to the Z Flip series too, but the wording suggests it probably is.

Beyond that, we’ve heard that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 might have bigger screens than its predecessor, with a source claiming the foldable display will be 6.85 inches (up from 6.7 inches), and the cover screen will be around 4 inches (up from 3.4 inches). We've heard that 4-inch claim a second time now too, and animation files spotted by Android Authority also point to a bigger secondary screen, as does a leaked photo of Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover screen glass.

Elsewhere, we've similarly heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 might have a 6.9-inch foldable screen and a 4.1-inch cover screen, with both having a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

They also claim that it will be 13.7mm thick when folded and 6.5mm thick when unfolded, making it slimmer than its predecessor, and that it will weigh 188g.

Also on the design front, leaker @PandaFlashPro claims that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7’s hinge mechanism will be more smooth and durable, that the button placement will be the same as last year, and that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have a smaller display crease than its predecessor.

(Image credit: Android Headlines / OnLeaks)

And perhaps most excitingly of all, we've seen renders (one of which you can see above) showing a full-width cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Additional Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 renders have since leaked, and these line up with other leaks, as well as showing the phone in Blue Shadow and Jet Black colors.

Speaking of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 colors, Samsung itself has accidentally listed four shades, specifically Jet Black, Blue Shadow, Coral Red, and Green Mint, with the last of those being exclusive to Samsung's online store.

That matches earlier leaks which stated that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 might be sold in a Coral Red shade, while another Galaxy Z Flip 7 colors leak had pointed to black, blue, and Coral Red shades.

Can you trust these rumors?

So far, the design leaks all only come from one source each, so we’d take them with a dose of skepticism. Though the claims of larger screens come from a source with a good track record, so that much may well be true.

If nothing else though, Samsung’s own comments strongly suggest we’ll see some changes to the design.

Copying the cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• The cameras might not get an upgrade
• That would mean a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP selfie camera

According to one Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 camera leak this phone will have exactly the same cameras as the Z Flip 6. That would mean a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide one, and a 10MP front-facing one. Sadly, we've heard the same Z Flip 7 camera specs leaked by a second source now too.

These specs would be rather disappointing, so we hope that subsequent camera leaks will disagree with this.

Still, if nothing else the software will probably be improved, and we’d expect to see new AI photography tools too. Indeed, one more recent leak points to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 having a new version of Samsung's ProVisual Engine, which will use AI to improve photos and videos.

Can you trust these rumors?

As we’ve only heard camera claims from a couple of sources so far, we’d take them with a pinch of salt. That said, it’s believable that Samsung wouldn’t improve the cameras, especially as the Samsung Galaxy S25’s cameras weren’t upgraded from the Samsung Galaxy S24’s.

An Exynos chipset and no change to RAM

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Likely to use an Exynos 2500 chipset
• May match its predecessor's RAM and storage

There’s potentially bad news when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7’s specs, as according to multiple rumors, it will have an Exynos 2500 chipset, with SamMobile even claiming to have 'confirmed' as much.

That’s set to be Samsung’s most powerful in-house smartphone chipset of 2025, and is almost certainly going to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. But based on past form it probably won’t quite be a match for the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is used by the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, and is what we were hoping would power the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Indeed, an early Galaxy Z Flip 7 benchmark with the Exynos 2500 shows worryingly low scores.

There's still some hope for the Snapdragon 8 Elite though, as another source claims there are prototypes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 with both chipsets.

This rumor is given more weight as Korean-language website The Bell reported there's been lower than expected yields of Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chip, which is why we saw the Galaxy S25 range get a Snapdragon chipset across all the phones and regions. And this situation is expected to continue for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, meaning it'll likely get Snapdragon 8 Elite tuned for Galaxy use.

Indeed, most recently we've heard from one source that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will use a Snapdragon 8 Elite.

And for software, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will launch with Android 16. There will likely be improvements to the phone's AI too, as Samsung will reportedly focus on AI features at its launch.

Beyond that, we’ve elsewhere heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could have 12GB of RAM, and a choice of 256GB or 512GB of storage – specs which are identical to the current model.

On the other hand, another source has pointed to 8GB or 12GB of RAM, plus 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage for the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Though we're skeptical that Samsung would offer lower RAM configurations than you can get the Z Flip 6 in.

And leaker @PandaFlashPro has posted on X, saying that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have a bigger vapor chamber than the Z Flip 6, which could help it keep cool and therefore avoid throttling.

That might also aid the battery life, as might the use of a "highly efficient" display, though as yet we haven’t heard anything about the phone’s battery. For reference though, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a 4,000mAh battery, so we’d expect the Z Flip 7’s would be at least that size.

A more recent tip has the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 slated to get a 4,300mAh battery, which is a boost up from 4,000mAh in the Galaxy Z Flip 6. We've heard that 4,300mAh claim multiple times now too, from numerous sources, and even seen 4,300mAh mentioned in a certification. Add in a improved chip and display efficiency and we could be looking at a very solid battery life for the Flip 7.

Can you trust these rumors?

Some of these specs have only been stated by one source, so we’d take them with a pinch of salt for now, though there’s nothing unbelievable here.

Hopefully though Samsung will either equip the phone with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset or give it more than 12GB of RAM – or both. But that’s just our hope, not a prediction.

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With the Samsung Galaxy S25 series now here we’re looking ahead to Samsung’s next big smartphone launch, which in all likelihood will consist of the brand's 2025 foldables.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be the most high-end of these, though there are also reports of a tri-fold model in the works, which might have it beat. Either way though, the Z Fold 7 is likely to be an impressive phone.

We don’t know anything for sure about it yet, but leaks and rumors have revealed some possible specs, features, and other details, so you’ll find all of that below. And we've also written an article focused on the five things we most want from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

We've also got an article covering whether you should wait for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Latest news

A massive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs leak points to some serious upgrades.View Deal

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next big-screen Samsung foldable
• When is it out? Likely landing on July 9
• How much will it cost? Likely upwards of $1,899.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,749

Likely landing in July

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

• Samsung is holding a big event on July 9
• The price is reportedly unchanged from last year

We're almost certainly the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 release date will be July 9, as Samsung has confirmed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event will be then.

But even before that announcement we were leaning towards that date, due to a combination of leaks, educated guesses, and past form.

Samsung hasn't confirmed that the Z Fold 7 will be in attendance, but it looks very likely, and we can confidently say that this phone is in the works at the very least, especially as multiple sources have come across codenames and model numbers for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Plus, leaker @PandaFlashPro claims that mass production of the phone has started as of May, which would likely work for a July launch. A second source had also claimed that the Z Fold 7 would begin mass production in May, so that's promising.

In fact, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has even now been certified, suggesting that it's coming soon.

However, while it will probably be announced on July 9, one source suggests the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't ship until sometime in August.

As for the price, according to one source the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will cost the same amount as its predecessor. That Galaxy Z Fold 7 price claim is something we've now heard multiple times. That would mean a starting price of $1,899.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,749.

However, we've elsewhere heard that the Z Fold 7 could cost €100 (roughly $115 / £85 / AU$180) more. Plus, there might be a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra, and that would almost certainly be more expensive.

Regardless of the price though, you might at least get more than just the phone for your money, with one leak suggesting the Z Fold 7 will come with a Google AI Pro subscription.

But for a deeper dive into possible pricing, give our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 price predictions guide a read.

Can you trust these rumors?

Samsung has now all but confirmed that it will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on July 9.

We’d take the price rumors above with a pinch of salt, since so far each of them only comes from one source. But given that the pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series was for the most part identical to that of the S24, there’s a good chance prices will stay the same here too.

A bigger screen and a slimmer build

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

• Reports suggest the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have bigger screens than the Z Fold 6
• It will be slimmer and lighter
• The crease could be smaller this year too

During an earnings call (via @Jukanlosreve), Samsung itself said that its upcoming foldable phones would have “improved form factors, durability”, so we can probably expect some changes to the design and build of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

At MWC 2025, Samsung Display showed off a ceaseless foldable display, which hits at tech the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could adopt to remove, or at least go someway in removing, the display crease currently seen in the Fold 6.

From other tips and some render images courtesy of tipster OnLeaks, who has a solid track record of accuracy, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks to be a decent bit slimmer than it's predecessor, measuring 4.5mm thick when unfolded compared to the Fold 6's 5.36mm; a millimeter makes a difference with foldable phones.

(Image credit: @OnLeaks / Android Headlines)

The renders also tip a larger display, with the main display hitting 8.2 inches, up from 7.6 inches, with the cover display reaching 6.5 inches, a tad bigger than the 6.3 inches on the Fold 6.

A leaked Galaxy Z Fold 7 dummy unit also points to it being 4.5mm thick when unfolded, while other leaked renders point to the Z Fold 7 having a punch-hole camera in the main screen, rather than an under-display camera.

Another image has also been shared, as you can see below, this time just showing the back of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This is the first actual photo we've seen of the phone, and it lines up with leaked renders.

(Image credit: Setsuna Digital)

We’ve also heard that Samsung is considering not putting a digitizer on the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s screen, which might allow the phone to be around 1.5mm thinner, but would also mean the S Pen would likely be thicker and require a battery (and therefore need charging), as without a digitizer in the display, the stylus would instead have to generate an electric current to interact with the screen.

This claim about a lack of digitizer and a redesigned S Pen is something we've now heard from another source too, so it could well be correct.

Yet another source has now said this too, adding that as a result the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be under 10mm thick when folded, making it the slimmest Z Fold model yet. However, the S Pen could get an unspecified "downgrade" as a result.

More specifically, we've heard that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be as slim as 8.2mm thick when folded.

That said, another claim slightly differs from those above, with one source saying the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be 3.9mm thick when unfolded and 8.9mm thick when folded. That source has since added that the full unfolded dimensions will apparently be 158.4 x 143.1 x 3.9mm, and that the Z Fold 7's bezels will be just 1.0mm thick (down from 1.9mm on the Galaxy Z Fold 6).

And we've heard yet another set of possible Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 dimensions, with another source claiming it will be 8.9mm thick when folded, 4.2mm thick when unfolded, and 215g.

Regardless of exact dimensions though, we know the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be slimmer than its predecessor, as Samsung has confirmed as much, while also saying it will be lighter and more durable.

Also on the design front, leaker @PandaFlashPro has claimed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have a smaller display crease than its predecessor, and a more smooth and durable hinge mechanism.

We've also heard from another source that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could have a smaller display crease, and they echo leaks above in saying that it could be just 4.5mm thick too, and have a larger 8-inch main and 6.5-inch cover screen. Interestingly, they also say that it could have better water and dust resistance than the Z Fold 6.

There has been slight disagreement on whether the main screen will be 8 inches or 8.2 inches, but a recent leak suggests the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have the same size 8-inch panel as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, but that thanks to smaller bezels the usable area will be around 8.2 inches, which could explain the disagreements.

And elsewhere we've heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could have a titanium backplate, making it lighter and more durable, and that it might have "all-new" glass for the screen.

For colors, Samsung itself has accidentally listed four Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 colors on its Irish website. Specifically, Jet Black, Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Green Mint, the last of which is listed as an online store exclusive.

Multiple other sources meanwhile have mentioned Coral Red, so perhaps that will be offered too.

Can you trust these rumors?

Until we’ve seen more renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 we’d take any design claims with a pinch of salt. But with Samsung itself saying that at least some of its foldables will be in for a change, there’s a good chance the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be among them.

There’s also a fair chance the claims of larger screens are accurate, since multiple sources have said as much.

A big 200MP upgrade

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• The Galaxy Z Fold 7 could have a new 200MP main camera
• The under-display camera might be improved, or absent
• There's no news yet on the other cameras

So far the main Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera claim we’ve heard is that it will have the same 200MP main camera as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which would be quite an upgrade on the 50MP main camera of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

This rumor was given more heft by another that claims the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will get the 200MP main camera from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Given the high price of the Fold phones, it's arguably high time they got given the same powerful main camera as their S-series Ultra counterparts.

Another source has also said the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 will have a 200MP camera, and added that the under-display camera will be improved too. That said, another leak suggests the Z Fold 7 won't have an under-display camera at all.

More recently we've heard this 200MP claim again, but with the addition that the Galaxy Z Fold 7's other two rear cameras won't be upgraded, meaning a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.

However, there might be behind the scenes improvements to all the cameras, with one leak saying the Z Fold 7 will have a new version of Samsung's ProVisual Engine, improving both photos and videos.

Can you trust these rumors?

Since multiple sources have pointed to a 200MP camera, that much is looking likely, but we'd take the other camera spec leaks with a pinch of salt for now.

An Elite chipset

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• Likely to use a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
• Could have 12GB of RAM, just like the current model

We're heard quite a lot about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs. According to multiple sources, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will use a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is what we’d expect since that’s what the Samsung Galaxy S25 series uses. If it does, then it should be significantly more powerful than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

One of the same sources though says to expect 12GB of RAM and a choice of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage, all of which are the same specs as the current model.

Another source has similarly said to expect a faster chipset than the Z Fold 6, and both they and @PandaFlashPro have pointed to a bigger vapor chamber (which could help with sustained performance) and better speakers.

And another leak agrees with previous leaks that the Z Fold 7 will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a larger vapor chamber.

A Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 benchmark also mentions much of the above, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM.

That said, we've elsewhere heard that there could be both 12GB and 16GB versions of the Z Fold 7, paired with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will also have new software, with the company confirming that it will launch with One UI 8 (Samsung's take on Android 16). It's likely that AI improvements will be a big focus too, with Samsung reportedly set to talk a lot about AI at the Z Fold 7's announcement.

Sadly, what the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might not have is a bigger battery, with multiple sources claiming the Z Fold 7's battery is the same size as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6's, which would make it 4,400mAh.

That's now looking more likely, as a certification also points to a 4,400mAh battery. However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's battery life might still be improved through the use of a highly efficient display. And another source points to new battery and charging tech being used, which could also help, or mean it supports faster charging than the 25W of its predecessor.

We've also heard that much like the Galaxy S25, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might support Qi2 charging, but not offer a magnetic connection.

Can you trust these rumors?

We’d be very surprised if the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 didn’t use a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, since that’s the next model on from the chipset used by the Z Fold 6, and since it’s also used by the Galaxy S25 series.

The storage and vapor chamber claims also sound believable, and sadly so does the claim that it will stick with 12GB of RAM, since even the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra only has that much in most regions.

And Samsung often doesn't increase battery sizes, so the claim that this aspect won't be changing is believable too.

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• A detailed specs leak includes the possible dimensions and weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7
• It also includes screen, battery, camera, and chipset details
• If this is correct, then these phones could be substantial upgrades

Just yesterday we saw some unofficial renders showing how thin the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 might be, and now a leaker has revealed the phone's possible dimensions.

Setsuna Digital (via Phone Arena) claims that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be 8.9mm thick when folded and just 4.2mm thick when unfolded – that would be down from 12.1mm and 5.6mm on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 meanwhile is apparently 13.7mm thick when folded and 6.5mm thick when unfolded, so this could be a chunkier device, but that would still make it slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which is 14.9mm and 6.9mm when folded and unfolded respectively.

This source additionally claims that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will weigh 215g (down from 239g), and that it will have an 8-inch foldable screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen, both of which would be slightly bigger than its predecessor's.

It’s also said to have a 200MP main camera (up from 50MP on the Z Fold 6), a 10MP front camera, an “enhanced armor aluminum frame”, and a glass-ceramic back panel, while the chipset is apparently a “Snapdragon 8”, which presumably means a Snapdragon 8 Elite – the same chipset as you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series.

From the Fold to the Flip

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

As for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, it's said to weigh 188g, which would actually make it marginally heavier than its 187g predecessor. It also apparently has a 6.9-inch foldable screen and a 4.1-inch cover screen, both of which would be bigger than on the current model, with the cover screen in particular growing a lot from the 3.4-inch Z Fold 6 one.

Both screens are said to have a 120Hz refresh rate, which would be an upgrade for the cover screen, and apparently the bezel around the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7’s screen is 1.25mm.

This source also claims that both screens have a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits, which again would be an upgrade for the cover screen but not for the main display, and that the battery is 4,300mAh, up from 4,000mAh on the current model.

If this leak is accurate, both of these phones could be in for some pretty impressive upgrades, and as we’ve heard many of these details before it’s likely that much of this is accurate, especially as this leaker has a good track record.

That said, some details conflict slightly with things we’ve heard before – in particular, there doesn’t seem to be any agreement among leakers on the exact dimensions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

We should find out how accurate this leak is soon though, as the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is on July 9, and we’ll almost certainly see both phones unveiled at the event.

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