A Right Royal Rollercoaster

The headline figures barely do justice to the sheer intraday chaos. The KOSPI actually kicked off proceedings on the front foot, opening up 0.73% at 7,324.52. But that early optimism evaporated in short order. Caught in a perfect storm of domestic labour strife and a nasty spike in global bond yields, the index was dragged kicking and screaming down to an intraday low of 7,053.84. At one point, the psychologically crucial 7,000-point threshold looked genuinely precarious. All told, traders had to stomach a massive 270.68-point swing between the day’s peak and trough.

The undisputed epicentre of this market earthquake was, inevitably, Samsung. As a corporate behemoth accounting for an eye-watering 27% of the KOSPI’s entire market capitalisation, when Samsung catches a cold, the rest of the market gets pneumonia. Early in the day, a bout of wishful thinking regarding labour-management negotiations saw the tech giant’s shares surge to 282,500 won. However, the mood soured spectacularly once news broke that post-mediation talks had collapsed, paving the way for a formal declaration of a general strike.

Predictably, the bottom fell out. Samsung’s stock tanked by 4.36%, hitting a local low of 263,500 won, whilst concurrently dragging the wider KOSPI down to 7,058.42. It took a rather pointed intervention from the Blue House—expressing “deep regret” over the breakdown of the National Labor Relations Commission’s mediation and practically demanding a resolution—to stem the bleeding. Buoyed by the political pressure, the shares managed to claw back their losses, scraping a fractional 0.18% gain to close out the session at 276,000 won.

The Anatomy of the Sell-Off

Lee Kyung-min, an analyst over at Daishin Securities, summed up the whiplash rather neatly. He pointed out that the fleeting hopes sparked by the previous day’s court rulings and the government’s evident desire to play peacemaker quite simply turned to ash. “This pivot from optimism to bitter disappointment was heavily priced in,” Lee noted, adding that the resulting wave of panic selling piled immense downward pressure squarely onto the domestic semiconductor sector.

The capital flight was stark. Overseas investors were in no mood to hang about, offloading a staggering 2.9482 trillion won in what became their tenth consecutive day of net selling. That makes it the second-longest streak of the year, just shy of an eleven-day run back in the spring. On the flip side, domestic retail investors were left trying to catch the falling knife, hoovering up 1.7106 trillion won in net purchases. That’s their own ten-day streak, setting a new record high for the year.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ took a proper pasting, shedding 28.29 points, or 2.61%, to close down at 1,056.07. Over in the currency markets, the won offered a rare glimmer of stability, firming up just a fraction. The won-dollar exchange rate closed out daytime trading at 1,506.8 won, shaving exactly 1.0 won off the previous session’s close of 1,507.8 won.

Global Jitters

It’s hardly surprising that the international press has been scrambling to cover the fallout. Samsung isn’t just a local heavyweight; it’s the absolute linchpin of the global tech supply chain. AFP was quick to highlight that semiconductors account for a massive 35% of all South Korean exports, noting a growing, palpable anxiety within government ranks that a prolonged walkout could utterly hamstring the export-driven economy.

Reuters echoed this gloomy sentiment, pointing out the sheer scale of the disruption: some 48,000 workers downing tools. It’s a scenario that doesn’t just threaten the bedrock of the Korean economy, but risks throwing a massive spanner in the works of the entire global semiconductor supply network. The dust may have tentatively settled on today’s trading, but the underlying anxieties driving the volatility remain entirely unresolved.

Navigating Button Combinations If you have recently picked up a newer Samsung Galaxy handset, such as the S24, Z Fold 5, or the A54 5G, you will need to simultaneously hold the side key and the volume down button until the power menu finally appears on your screen. Curiously, the approach differs entirely if you are using Google’s own hardware or a modern Motorola. To power down the Pixel 8 series or the latest Motorola models, you must press and hold the power button alongside the volume up key. Naturally, if you happen to be using older models like the Pixel 5a or earlier Motorola iterations, the old-fashioned long-press of the power button might still do the trick.

A Universal Software Solution Wrestling with varying button combinations is hardly ideal, but there is a highly reliable workaround tucked away in the operating system. Regardless of whether you use a OnePlus, Samsung, or Pixel, you can bypass the physical keys entirely via the notification shade. Simply swipe down from the very top of your home screen, and then swipe down once more to fully expand your quick settings panel. Lurking somewhere at the bottom or in the centre of the screen will be a dedicated power icon. A quick tap on this instantly brings up the familiar dialogue box, allowing you to select the power off option without any hardware gymnastics.

Cracking Down on Malicious Software Whilst manufacturers continually tweak how we physically handle our phones, Google is fundamentally altering how software operates under the bonnet. The tech giant has announced a sweeping security overhaul specifically designed to combat the growing threat of malware distributed via sideloading. According to their official Android developer blog, an entirely new developer registration programme is launching immediately. This initiative targets programmers who distribute their applications outside the tightly controlled confines of the Google Play Store, whereas those already operating within the official ecosystem generally will not need to take any further action.

The Introduction of Advanced Flow Everyday users will begin to notice these security shifts starting in April 2026, when the new Android Developer Verifier silently arrives on handsets to actively check if installed apps originate from a vetted source. The restrictions will then tighten dramatically a few months later. By August 2026, Google plans to activate its heavily anticipated Advanced Flow protocol. Installing an unverified application will no longer merely require dismissing a quick on-screen warning. Instead, Android will force users through a deliberately cumbersome, multi-stage process that includes a mandatory device reboot and an enforced 24-hour waiting period.

Accommodating Hobbyists and the Global Rollout Google is not entirely shutting out the grassroots development community amidst this security crackdown. Come June 2026, students and hobbyist coders will be able to register their own accounts without handing over extensive personal data. An email address will suffice to get started, though these basic accounts are strictly limited to distributing apps to a maximum of 20 individual users. This aggressive security stance is primarily aimed at tackling rampant sideloading fraud in highly targeted regions. Consequently, apps installed outside the Advanced Flow system must be officially verified in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand by September 2026. A comprehensive worldwide rollout of the entire verification framework is firmly scheduled to take effect in 2027.

Driving this massive restructuring was former Chief Executive Antony Jenkins. Having notably waived his bonus during the turbulent period, he spearheaded a strategic review aiming to slash overall costs by £1.7 billion by 2015. A key part of this corporate cleanup involved shutting down the bank’s highly lucrative but deeply controversial Structured Capital Markets tax advisory unit. This was a direct attempt to salvage a reputation battered by an industry-wide culture that Jenkins himself described as too aggressive and entirely disconnected from the needs of society. Job losses hit hard globally, with roughly 1,800 roles slashed in corporate and investment banking, predominantly in Asia, while another 1,900 positions were cut across the European retail and business sectors. The impact on UK operations, however, was kept to a minimum.

Weathering Scandals and Regulatory Scrutiny The backdrop to these severe cuts was a litany of incredibly costly scandals. Barclays found itself deeply entangled in the widespread mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI) – a fiasco costing the bank £2.6 billion – alongside controversies over interest rate swaps sold to small businesses. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic clamped down hard. The bank swallowed a £290 million fine for its part in rigging the LIBOR rate, a crucial benchmark affecting trillions of dollars in global loans and mortgages. Further compounding the misery, the Serious Fraud Office investigated payments made to Qatar Holding during the 2008 financial crash, while US regulators pursued a $470 million penalty over the alleged manipulation of Californian energy markets.

Making Bold Calls in Today’s Market Fast forward to the present day, and Barclays is making headlines not for internal turmoil, but for its heavy-hitting market analysis. The bank’s analysts recently sent shockwaves through the pharmaceutical sector by brutally slashing their sales forecast for Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug, CagriSema. Novo Nordisk had banked heavily on this treatment to fend off fierce competition from US rival Eli Lilly.

Following heavily disappointing Phase 3 clinical trial data, Barclays downgraded the drug’s revenue potential by a massive 80 per cent, dropping it from an initial $12 billion to a mere $2 billion. The market reaction was swift and unforgiving. Shares in the Danish pharma giant went into freefall on the Copenhagen stock exchange, plunging nearly 20 per cent on Monday before shedding a further 2.6 per cent by Tuesday. This weak pipeline data has severely deepened the ongoing crisis for the manufacturer.

The Great Sector Rotation Beyond individual stock downgrades, Barclays’ analysts are navigating a fundamental shift in broader market sentiment. Investors are growing increasingly weary of the volatility and high valuation risks currently associated with technology and artificial intelligence equities. Classic utility companies are instead enjoying a rather unexpected renaissance.

Global electricity demand is structurally surging. According to bodies like the IEA and EIA, this isn’t solely driven by the transition to electric vehicles and heat pumps. The sheer energy appetite of sprawling AI data centres is turning power generation into the foundational infrastructure of the digital age. During uncertain market phases, the spotlight naturally returns to stable cash flows, robust balance sheets, and regulated yields. Utilities are perfectly positioned to deliver on these fronts, offering predictable earnings and solid dividends that high-growth tech stocks simply cannot guarantee right now. After languishing in the shadow of the tech rally for years, companies that blend sheer stability with long-term growth trends like grid expansion and decarbonisation are highly sought after. Highlighting this dramatic shift, our latest special report details three utility stocks that perfectly marry this defensive strength with highly attractive upside potential.

According to recently analysed log files and leaked data sheets, the focus for the upcoming generation rests heavily on software capability and Artificial Intelligence, specifically within the new One UI 8.5 environment.

Unleashing the Linux Terminal

Perhaps the most intriguing development for power users concerns a feature that was notably absent from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. When Google introduced the Linux Terminal feature last year—a tool allowing Android devices to run a full Linux environment—it felt like a watershed moment for mobile computing. However, Samsung’s previous flagships were left on the sidelines. Despite possessing adequate hardware, the S25 Ultra lacked the necessary system-level support.

It appears Samsung is rectifying this oversight. Log files obtained from a pre-release Galaxy S26 Ultra indicate that the device explicitly declares support for the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). This framework is the prerequisite for Google’s Linux Terminal, enabling the device to handle tasks previously reserved for laptops, such as running proper development tools, scripting utilities, and Linux-based applications.

If this feature survives the final software polish for the launch of One UI 8.5 (reportedly based on Android 16’s second quarterly release), it would fundamentally transform the utility of the S26 Ultra for developers and enthusiasts. While these details are derived from pre-release logs and subject to change, the mere presence of AVF support suggests Samsung is finally ready to let its hardware stretch its legs.

Processing Power: A Tale of Two Chips

Under the bonnet, the division of labour between processors continues, though the gap is narrowing. In European markets, the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ are set to utilise Samsung’s own Exynos 2600. This high-end SoC is manufactured using a cutting-edge two-nanometre process and features a deca-core architecture. Performance metrics suggest the Exynos 2600 has nearly caught up to its rival, offering speeds comparable to the Qualcomm silicon found in the top-tier model.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, meanwhile, will reportedly utilise the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This chip is a beast in its own right, clocking in at up to 4.74 GHz—slightly higher than the standard variants of the same chip used by competitors.

Memory and Storage Overhaul

Samsung appears to be streamlining its memory configurations, effectively raising the floor for entry-level specs. The 128GB storage option has been scrapped entirely for the base models. Consequently, all versions of the Galaxy S26 series will start with either 256GB or 512GB of internal flash storage.

In terms of RAM, 12GB is now the standard across the board. However, for those eyeing the absolute peak of the range, the Galaxy S26 Ultra with 1TB of storage will come equipped with a massive 16GB of RAM, likely to support the more intensive on-device AI tasks Samsung is prioritising.

Displays and Durability

Visually, the new devices will feel familiar. The screen sizes remain unchanged at 6.3, 6.7, and 6.9 inches respectively. Samsung is deploying its new Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2, with variable refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz.

Resolution-wise, the standard S26 offers a “Full HD+” experience (2340×1080 pixels), whilst the S26+ and S26 Ultra step up to a crisp 3K level resolution of 3120×1440 pixels.

A Static Camera Setup?

For photography enthusiasts hoping for a major hardware overhaul on the standard models, the news is somewhat tempered. The camera arrays on the S26 and S26+ rely on proven, if slightly stagnant, hardware. The main shooter is a 50-megapixel sensor (1/1.56″ format) with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilisation (OIS), and a 24mm equivalent focal length.

The telephoto duties are handled by a 10-megapixel sensor offering 3x optical zoom (67mm equivalent) with an f/2.4 aperture. The ultra-wide camera utilises a 12-megapixel sensor. Keen-eyed observers might note that Samsung appears to have reduced the maximum aperture size on the auxiliary cameras compared to previous iterations, with the ultra-wide now sitting at f/2.55 and lacking autofocus or OIS.

Making the Switch: The Official Route

For those trading their Android handset for an iPhone, the primary concern is invariably data retention. Apple has recognised this friction and offers a bespoke utility, ‘Move to iOS’, available on the Google Play Store. Although the application has garnered a mixed reception regarding its user interface, it remains the most direct method for a comprehensive transfer, capable of migrating contacts, message history, photographs, and even mail accounts.

The procedure is designed to be relatively automated. Upon initialising the new iPhone, users must select the ‘Move Data from Android’ option during the Quick Start phase. This generates a unique pairing code. On the Android device, once the ‘Move to iOS’ app is launched and terms accepted, entering this code establishes a temporary, private Wi-Fi network between the two devices. From this juncture, one can select specific categories—crucially, contacts—to migrate. The system will even attempt to locate and download iOS equivalents of the free applications previously installed on the Android device.

Cloud Synchronisation and Manual Alternatives

Whilst the proprietary app is serviceable, many veteran users find leveraging Google’s own cloud infrastructure to be a more robust solution. This method relies on the existing synchronisation frameworks within the Android settings.

To ensure a seamless transition, one must verify that Google Sync is active. Within the ‘Settings’ menu under ‘Google services’, the ‘Backup’ and ‘Google Account data’ sections allow users to toggle ‘Contacts’ synchronisation. It is prudent to double-check the Contacts application itself, ensuring that ‘device and SIM contacts’ are also set to synchronise automatically. Once the data is secured in the cloud, the process on the iPhone is straightforward: navigate to the ‘Mail’ or ‘Contacts’ settings, add the Gmail account, and enable the contacts toggle. The entries should populate almost instantly.

For those who prefer to avoid cloud services entirely, the manual VCF method remains a reliable, if slightly archaic, option. By accessing the ‘Organise’ tab within the Android Contacts application, users can export their entire address book to a single .vcf file. This file can then be emailed to oneself or saved to a storage drive. Opening this file on the iPhone prompts the device to ‘Add All Contacts’, merging the data locally without third-party mediation.

Google’s Desktop Ambitions

While users wrestle with migration, Google appears to be silently opening a new front in the hardware war. A curious new application titled ‘Desktop Camera’ has recently surfaced in the Play Store. Its arrival suggests that the company is preparing to support a new class of device: the Android PC.

The application’s functionality, gleaned from the limited information and screenshots available, seems tailored for a desktop interface rather than a mobile one. The interface is notably sparse, lacking a traditional application window. Instead, it features a floating control overlay on the desktop, equipped with a shutter button for static images, a video toggle, and a stop button.

The ambiguity of the name ‘Desktop Camera’ has sparked debate regarding its precise utility. It is unclear whether this software is intended to control a physical webcam attached to a desktop unit or if it functions as a screen recording tool. The nomenclature is a departure from Google’s standard branding; notably, the mobile equivalent is simply styled ‘Pixel Camera’, not ‘Smartphone Camera’.

Currently, the application is incompatible with existing smartphones, tablets, or Chromebooks, reinforcing the theory that it is intended for a specific, yet-to-be-released hardware category. Industry observers expect this to debut on the first wave of Android PCs later this year. It is important to distinguish this project from ‘Aluminium OS’, the rumoured replacement for ChromeOS; the visual evidence suggests these are distinct initiatives. As Google refines this desktop experience, the line between mobile and desktop computing is set to blur further.

A bold vision for the Switch 2

Details regarding Project M have been kept strictly under wraps since its initial confirmation in the summer of 2025, but Babieno suggests that the wait for more concrete information is nearly over. The project is being developed in collaboration with some of the world’s most proficient Nintendo-platform specialists, and despite having a notably smaller budget than some of the studio’s recent high-profile releases, its creative ambitions remain high. The studio head has spoken warmly of the “incredible” support and trust provided by Nintendo, which has been instrumental in bringing this specific vision to life.

Babieno has teased a “bold twist” for the game—a concept he claims has never been explored in the horror genre before. Whilst he admitted it is difficult to keep the secret any longer, he noted that the timing isn’t quite right for a full reveal. Interestingly, fans of classic atmosphere-heavy titles like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and even the cult-hit Eternal Darkness are expected to find the new project familiar, yet entirely distinct. This specific creative direction is apparently so tied to Nintendo’s unique hardware capabilities that it remains the only viable home for the title.

Xbox Game Pass offers competitive value for subscribers

As the industry looks forward to these bespoke Nintendo experiences, Microsoft continues to bolster its own ecosystem with enticing offers for its subscription service. Currently, players can pick up a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for €34.49. This provides access to a massive library of over 100 games, ranging from major AAA blockbusters to critically acclaimed indie gems across every conceivable genre.

One of the primary draws of the service remains the ability to play new Xbox exclusive titles from the very day of their release. Beyond the immediate library, subscribers also benefit from a 20% discount when purchasing Xbox One games featured in the current catalogue, alongside a 10% reduction on all associated game add-ons. For those looking to maximise their gaming hours without a heavy upfront investment, it remains a robust option in the current market.

The Magic of PSSR and Enhanced Raytracing

At the heart of this shift is Sony’s proprietary AI-driven upscaling technology, known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This bit of kit allows the console to take a lower-resolution image and intelligently upscale it to 4K, maintaining pin-sharp detail while freeing up resources to keep frame rates stable. Developers behind heavy hitters like The Last of Us Part II Remastered and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are already reporting a noticeable difference, with games holding a steady 60 FPS even in demanding rendering modes.

The visual finesse doesn’t stop at resolution. Raytracing—the holy grail of realistic lighting—has been given a massive boost. In titles like Gran Turismo 7, the reflections on the cars’ bodywork are now more authentic than ever, reflecting not just the track but the other vehicles in the race. It’s a level of technical sophistication that was previously the sole domain of expensive gaming rigs.

Chasing the 120fps Dream

While 60 FPS is the new baseline, the real excitement lies in the 120fps frontier. Frames-per-second is essentially the heartbeat of a game; the higher it goes, the smoother and more responsive the experience feels. On a standard PS5, achieving 120fps often meant a significant hit to visual quality, but the Pro is changing that narrative, offering better stability and sharper graphics even at these blistering speeds.

However, there is a catch that prospective buyers need to keep in mind. To actually see these frames, your television needs to be up to the task. You’ll need a panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and, crucially, features HDMI 2.1 ports capable of a 48Gbps data bandwidth. Without that specific hardware, the extra power of the console remains largely untapped. It’s worth checking your TV’s manual before diving in, as not all 4K screens are built to handle the sheer volume of data required for 4K HDR at 120fps.

A Massive Library Ready for Higher Performance

The list of games supporting 120fps is expanding rapidly, covering everything from competitive shooters to indie gems. Whether you are playing on a standard PS5 or the new Pro, the following titles offer a high-frame-rate mode:

• 3on3 FreeStyle

• Agent Intercept

• Apex Legends

• Asphalt Legends Unite

• Atomic Heart

• Borderlands 3

• Bright Memory: Infinite

• Call of Duty (Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare 2 & 3, Vanguard, Warzone)

• Destiny 2

• Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition

• DIRT 5

• DOOM Eternal

• EA Sports F1 series (23, 24, 25)

• Fortnite

• Ghostrunner 1 & 2

• God of War Ragnarok

• Gran Turismo 7

• Hogwarts Legacy

• Monster Hunter Rise

• Overwatch 2

• Rainbow Six Siege

• Resident Evil Village

• The Last of Us Part I

• Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

In some instances, the 120fps toggle is exclusive to the Pro version of the game, or performs significantly better on the newer hardware. For example, Stellar Blade features a high-framerate mode that can push up to 80 FPS, making the action feel incredibly fluid on 120Hz displays.

More Than Just Raw Speed

Beyond the headline-grabbing frame rates, the PS5 Pro addresses several “quality of life” issues for the modern gamer. The internal storage has been bumped up to a 2TB SSD, providing much-needed breathing room for those massive 100GB+ blockbusters. There’s also the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, which should mean lower latency for online matches and more reliable download speeds.

Sony has also been careful not to alienate its existing fanbase. The Pro remains fully compatible with over 8,500 PS4 games and works seamlessly with all existing PS5 accessories, including the DualSense controller and various headsets. This means you can upgrade your console without having to replace your entire setup.

The Sound of Next-Gen

Audio hasn’t been forgotten in this pursuit of performance. The “Tempest 3D AudioTech” continues to evolve, creating a soundscape where players can pinpoint the exact direction of a footstep or the subtle clink of a spent shell casing. When paired with the visual clarity of the Pro, the result is an incredibly immersive environment. For the power-user who refuses to compromise on either looks or feel, this console represents the most compelling package currently on the market, effectively ushering in a new era for the PlayStation ecosystem.

Details of the Potential Alliance

According to a report by the US tech publication The Information, Meta is exploring a multi-billion dollar investment to acquire Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the Facebook parent company could begin installing these processors in its own facilities as early as 2027. Furthermore, the discussions reportedly include Meta leasing computational capacity directly from Google.

Currently, Meta relies heavily on Nvidia’s graphics processors for its AI infrastructure. If this deal were to materialise, it would mark a significant pivot for Google as well. Until now, the search giant has used its TPUs almost exclusively for its own internal workloads or for clients renting space in its cloud. Selling the hardware directly to other tech behemoths would place Alphabet, Google’s parent company, in direct competition with Nvidia.

A Challenge to the Status Quo

The implications of such a partnership are substantial. Industry insiders suggest that Google executives are targeting a slice of the pie equivalent to roughly 10 per cent of Nvidia’s annual revenue. The primary allure for Meta appears to be cost efficiency, as Google’s TPUs are reportedly cheaper than Nvidia’s premium offerings.

The market reaction was swift. Nvidia shares plummeted by more than six per cent at one point during the day, struggling to regain ground before closing nearly three per cent down. In contrast, the potential beneficiaries of this realignment saw gains, with Meta and Alphabet closing the day up by 3.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively. Competitor AMD also suffered collateral damage, dropping around four per cent.

Nvidia Hits Back

Nvidia did not take the speculation lying down. In a somewhat uncharacteristic move, the company issued a response via the social media platform X. While ostensibly congratulating Google on their progress, the statement was laced with defiance, asserting that Nvidia remains “a generation ahead” of the competition. The company claimed it possesses the “only platform capable of running every AI model,” emphasising its superior performance, versatility, and interchangeability compared to rivals.

The War Chest and Future Uncertainties

Despite the brave face, the volatility highlights underlying anxiety regarding a potential “AI bubble”. The Information noted that negotiations between Meta and Google are ongoing and far from finalised. Historically, Nvidia has leveraged its massive capital reserves to neutralise such threats, often investing billions in companies on the condition that they commit to purchasing Nvidia hardware. Given the company’s financial health, they certainly have the means to outmanoeuvre Google if necessary.

Nevertheless, the mere existence of these talks serves as a reminder that the tech industry is actively seeking alternatives to Nvidia’s stranglehold on the market, creating a volatile environment where alliances can shift rapidly.

Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air, marketed as the thinnest handset in the company’s history, has driven significant interest, with customers forming lengthy queues to acquire the device. This enthusiasm has translated into double-digit year-on-year sales growth in key regions. Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang noted that the reception has been “highly positive,” signalling a potential changing of the guard at the top of the global smartphone table.

Economic Shifts and Upgrade Cycles

Several macroeconomic factors are aligning in Apple’s favour. A cooling of trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, coupled with a depreciating US dollar, has spurred purchasing power in emerging markets. Furthermore, the industry is witnessing a critical inflection point in the replacement cycle. Consumers who purchased devices during the pandemic-driven boom are now entering the upgrade phase. This trend is bolstered by a thriving secondary market, where 358 million second-hand iPhones changed hands between 2023 and the second quarter of 2025, effectively creating a funnel for future new device purchases.

Projections suggest the global smartphone market will expand by 3.3 per cent in 2025, with Apple capturing a 19.4 per cent market share. In contrast, whilst Samsung is expected to see shipment growth of 4.6 per cent, Apple’s shipments are forecast to rise by 10 per cent. Looking further ahead, analysts remain optimistic about Apple’s dominance through 2029, fuelled by the anticipated 2026 release of a foldable iPhone and a budget-oriented iPhone 17e, followed by a comprehensive design overhaul in 2027.

Navigating Interface Limitations

As millions of users upgrade to these new devices, many will re-encounter the specific idiosyncrasies of the iOS ecosystem. Despite the advanced hardware of the iPhone 17, the operating system retains certain limitations compared to its Android and Windows counterparts, most notably regarding clipboard management. There is currently no native history feature on the iPhone; the system stores only one copied item at a time, which is immediately overwritten by the next.

This design choice, whilst secure, can be frustrating for productivity. However, seasoned users have developed methods to circumvent these restrictions using Apple’s built-in tools. One effective workaround involves the Notes app. By establishing a dedicated note, users can manually paste copied text or links sequentially. This creates a permanent record that can be reviewed or edited later, effectively mimicking a history log that the operating system otherwise lacks.

Workarounds for Clipboard Management

For those seeking a more technical solution to view current clipboard contents, the Shortcuts app offers a viable alternative. Users can access the gallery within the app and search for the ‘Adjust Clipboard’ shortcut. Once added to the home screen or widget panel, this tool allows for a quick inspection of whatever data is currently held in the temporary storage, preventing the accidental pasting of incorrect information.

Alternatively, third-party applications available on the App Store, such as Paste, provide a more robust experience. These applications run in the background and automatically catalogue copied items, allowing users to organise, view, and share multiple snippets of text and images without fear of losing data when a new item is copied.

Ensuring Data Privacy

While retaining history is useful, there are instances where clearing the clipboard is a necessity for security, particularly after handling sensitive data like passwords or banking details. As iOS does not offer a ‘Clear Clipboard’ button, a simple manual override is required.

To scrub the temporary memory, one can open a text field—such as in the Notes app—type two spaces, select them, and copy the empty selection. This action replaces any sensitive data currently held in the memory with blank text, ensuring that nothing confidential remains accessible. As Apple continues to refine its hardware dominance with the iPhone 17, mastering these software nuances remains an essential skill for the efficient user.

The New V8 Convertible

After the mid-engined coupés from Ferrari predictably spawn convertible versions, the front-engined V8 Roma, launched in 2020, was met with silence. This made some sense; the Roma was positioned as the driver-focused coupé alternative to the Ferrari Portofino. It boasted a sharper suspension tune and a design that favoured subtle elegance over aggressive aesthetics.

That strategy, however, has now changed with the arrival of the Ferrari Roma Spider. This new model effectively makes the Portofino redundant, and it comes as no surprise that the latter is slated to be discontinued.

A Return to the Soft-Top

The most significant change for the Roma Spider is the departure from the bulky, heavy, folding metal hard-top used by the Portofino. Ferrari has instead returned to a traditional canvas hood. This move is possible because modern soft-tops are far removed from the leaky fabric of 1970s sports cars. The Roma’s eight-layer roof includes a glass rear window and operates in a mere 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 37mph.

Despite the lighter roof material, the Spider has gained 84kg over the coupé due to necessary structural strengthening in the sills, rear structure, and A-pillars. Surprisingly, this makes it 11kg heavier than the Portofino M it replaces. Aesthetically, however, the designers have succeeded; the Spider retains the stunning beauty of the coupé, with a roofline that cleverly avoids any visual compromises. While the car remains a superb sports car with minimal turbulence, the flat-plane V8 is noted to lack some charisma, and the updated haptic steering wheel buttons continue to be a point of frustration.

The Maranello Legacy on the Block

While the Roma represents the modern, elegant face of Ferrari, a different aspect of the brand’s identity is about to make headlines. A staggering collection of Ferrari’s most revered supercars is being prepared for auction, offering a rare glimpse at the complete saga.

This collection originates from the garage of Phil Bachman, an American collector. The lineage begins with the car that started it all: the 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO. Conceived for Group B rallying, this 400hp, 2.8-litre biturbo V8-powered car effectively created the Prancing Horse supercar family. The example being sold has covered just over 2,000 km.

The Complete Hypercar Family

Following the 288 GTO is a 1992 Ferrari F40, one of 60 in US specification, which evolved the GTO’s mechanicals under an iconic, lightweight body. The family line continues with the Ferrari F50, a US-spec model with a scarcely believable 403 km on the clock, which swapped turbocharging for an iconic, naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V12.

Next is the Ferrari Enzo, named for the founder, presented in Bachman’s preferred yellow and having covered just over 1,000 km. The Enzo brought F1 technology to the road with its 660hp V12. The list culminates with the LaFerrari, Maranello’s first electrified hypercar. Its V12 engine is paired with two electric motors to produce a combined 963hp. For collectors who prefer open-top driving, the LaFerrari Aperta will also be auctioned. Both have covered less than 1,000 km. Finally, for the ultimate expression of track performance, a Ferrari FXX—the most extreme evolution of the Enzo, with an 800hp V12 and dedicated exclusively to the circuit—is also included in this once-in-a-lifetime sale.