First steps for a US OnePlus ban

Quick Overview

US lawmakers are investigating a potential ban on OnePlus phones due to alleged data collection concerns, while Linux desktop market share has surpassed 5% in the US for the first time, partly driven by Microsoft's struggling Windows 10 end-of-life campaign. Samsung's tri-fold phone, likely named Galaxy Z Fold 7, was extensively leaked, revealing a unique design with an outer display on the middle panel, and is expected to launch in Q4 2025 for around $3,000, possibly limited to Korea and China. Other tech news includes Microsoft's latest layoffs, a lawsuit against Apple over App Store rules, Spotify's new playlist personalization, Cloudflare's 'pay per crawl' for AI, and Nintendo's efforts to block third-party Switch 2 accessories.

Key Points: US lawmakers are investigating Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus for potential security concerns related to user data collection and transmission to Chinese servers. Linux desktop operating system market share has surpassed 5% in the US for the first time, reaching 5.03% in June 2025. Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-life campaign is struggling, with Windows 10 still holding nearly 49% of the market share worldwide as of June 2025, despite support ending on October 14, 2025. Samsung's tri-fold phone, likely the Galaxy Z Fold 7, was leaked showing a design with an outer display on the middle panel and is expected to launch in Q4 2025 for approximately $3,000. Microsoft is laying off around 9,000 employees, including staff from Xbox and Blizzard, and is discontinuing its mobile game Warcraft Rumble. Cloudflare introduced 'pay per crawl,' allowing content owners to charge AI crawlers for access and blocking them by default, potentially changing how AI models access web content. Nintendo deliberately locked down the Switch 2's USB-C port to prevent third-party docks and VR headsets, but a workaround has already been developed.

Context: The tech industry is currently navigating complex geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, impacting major manufacturers like OnePlus. Simultaneously, the desktop operating system landscape is shifting as Microsoft's long-supported Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, prompting users to consider alternatives. Innovation in smartphone form factors continues with foldable and tri-fold designs emerging, while broader tech trends include industry-wide layoffs, ongoing antitrust scrutiny of major app stores, and new approaches to content monetization in the age of AI.