The Vergecast The 6G, modular, robot phones of the future
170 snips
Mar 3, 2026 
Allison Johnson, mobile reporter at MWC, shares glimpses of modular robot phones, foldables, and 6G hype. Jess Weatherbed, gadget trends reporter, explains why phone straps are resurging as practical, stylish access for pocketless lives. Jay Peters, reporter on virtual worlds, weighs in on whether immersive social platforms will ever become people’s everyday hangouts.
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Foldables Are Nearly Mature But Still Pricey
- Foldables are closing key gaps (IP ratings, battery tech, OIS) but rarely bundle every improvement in one device yet.
- Johnson expects them to reach 'recommendable' quality (a 4), though price will likely remain a barrier.
Silicon Carbon Batteries Could Change Phone Design
- Silicon carbon batteries promise much higher capacity in thinner packs, solving battery limits for thin or foldable phones.
- Johnson highlights Motorola's Razr Fold using silicon carbon to target 6,000+ mAh but notes longevity and cycle-stress questions remain.
Miniaturization Is Back As A Design Priority
- There's a renewed push for thinner, lighter devices driven by experiments like 'iPhone Air' copies and ultra-slim tablets and power banks.
- Johnson says these projects give companies permission to try thin designs, but battery trade-offs currently limit practicality.