iFixit's teardown for Samsung's super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge is
No edge for repairability.
out now, and the phone got a provisional repairability score of five out of 10. Also, based on the video, you probably shouldn't twist this phone.
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WIRED
an hour ago
- WIRED
Fairphone Has a New Plan to Get You to Care
Jun 29, 2025 7:00 AM WIRED loves Fairphone and everything it stands for—but people just aren't buying its devices, and the few who have don't need to upgrade. The Fairphone Gen. 6. Courtesy of Fairphone Fairphone has released a new phone, the Fairphone 6. The series began in 2013, and there's still nothing else quite like it, anywhere. These mobile phones are what almost all other tech is not: ethically admirable. Fairphone strives for more sustainably sourced raw materials, for better pay and better conditions for factory workers. And on your side as the end user, the phones are modular, easily repairable. Fairphone promises its new phone will get eight years of software updates, including an eyebrow-raising seven major Android system upgrades. The Fairphone 6 has 12 modular elements you can replace, from the battery and display to the speakers, camera, and USB port. Indeed, you can still buy replacement cameras and screens for the Fairphone 2, which was released in pre-Trump, pre-Brexit 2015. And Fairphones remain the only smartphones—ever—to be rated 10/10 for repairability by iFixit. Every model since the Fairphone 2 has achieved that score. Sounds great, right? But there's a big problem. It looks like hardly anyone gives a damn. People Don't Care Enough Fairphone is stuck in a rut. We know this because Fairphone is not just a pioneer of smartphones you don't feel dirty just for owning. It's unusually transparent, too. Its own reports tell us Fairphone sales have flatlined at around 100,000 a year. Put 100,000 phones in a room and it will seem like a heck of a lot. But, for context, Apple is estimated to have sold 37 million iPhone 16s in the series' first weekend, before the phones were even out. Does no one really care about sustainable tech? The answer from one analyst we talked to is kinda, yeah . 'There's really no one else who does anything kind of close to what Fairphone does from a sustainability point of view. The issue I have with Fairphone is that it's quite niche,' says Jan Stryjak, Counterpoint's European and Sustainability research lead. 'It's still not the kind of primary driver for people when it comes to buying a phone. The number one is still very much price and brand, particularly in Europe.' Fairphone isn't a household name. And while the Fairphone 6 is actually cheaper than the Fairphone 5 was at launch in 2023, at £499/€599, it has masses of price competition from companies where any ethics angle can seem, at most, little more than a marketing tick box. For less cash, you could buy a more powerful and excellent Pixel 9a, for example. The company made a concerted effort to get out of this rut in 2023, investing big in marketing and expansion. It led to a €20 million loss for that year, followed by the departure of CEO Eva Gouwens, and 2024 sales just a smidgen over 100,000, yet again. And Fairphone's much bigger rivals are going to be forced to apply at least a pinch of Fairphone-style seasoning to their phones going forward, thanks to the EU's Ecodesign Directive. This came into force on June 20. It demands five-year software support and applies stronger rules on repairability. 'I can't see any significant growth over the next few years,' says Stryjak. 'Other companies have caught up a little bit in terms of making things more durable and sustainable and repairable, and with consumers a key driver is still pricing and brand. Fairphone will have its loyal fan base, but I can't see that significantly expanding anytime soon.' 'Nobody Wants to Pull on a Dead Horse' We put to Fairphone the idea it may have to make do pootling along with this same niche audience. 'I will say it's nonsense, right?' Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck told WIRED. 'I would never have started at a company … if we feel there is no potential. Nobody wants to, as we say in Dutch, pull on a dead horse to see if it's going to walk.' Fairphone is based in Amsterdam, and van Eck was appointed CEO in August 2024. 'In the next five years, we really have the intention to quadruple our addressable market and to take our fair share of that,' says van Eck. The company has also set a goal of 'double digit growth' just for this year. The obvious question: how? Part of Fairphone's strategy is of course seen in the Fairphone 6 itself. It has some neat ideas such as a slider that puts the phone into an Essentials mode. This pares back the interface to help you get away from the distractions of, for example, social media. There's a breezy lifestyle angle here Fairphones have arguably not had before. And fostering that was a part of the rebrand the company kicked off at the beginning of 2025, which included binning the stiff-looking, all-caps company logo of old for something a bit more friendly. The Fairphone Fix Van Eck says it's about 'changing the order' of priorities, of putting the device itself at pole position rather than the ethics it represents. 'In the end, it also is clarifying Fairphone's vision, because the rebrand gave us a more friendly, more approachable identity," he says. "It's a bit less paternalistic.' The message is that Fairphone isn't just a phone for eco warriors. And chief technology officer Chandler Elizabeth Hatton suggests that image, that classic Fairphone message, may have actually proved off-putting for some. 'When we are marketing the device, we don't lead with that. Not in our advertising campaigns, not in our communication, and also not the way that I would like to convey it to you,' says Hatton. 'It can become preachy in some markets. That message is resonating less right now. There are people that are in panic but also completely exhausted by the climate crisis or questions of ethics.' So … is it time to de-woke Fairphone? That seems too blunt an interpretation, because there's no indication that Fairphone plans to dilute its standards. It's just not going to harp on about them quite as overtly. Turning Down the Volume 'Fairphone was founded 12 years ago, basically to tackle the social and environmental issues embedded in the electronics industry,' says Van Eck. 'What we also saw is that Fairphone was quite situated around telling that story … which meant that the Fairphone was for a lesser addressable market.' This new approach also involves not having too bold a take on things like AI, which owing to its environmental impact could be seen as antithetical to one part of the old Fairphone message. 'I don't think it is pragmatic, if you start more revolutionary thinking saying, 'OK, we're totally against it, and we're going to do nothing with it,'' says Ven Eck. AI is 'part of our industry, right? It's part of the everyday use of customers. So it will be almost naive to say we're not going to do anything with it. It's part of everyday life.' The Fairphone 6 doesn't have its own AI assistant, but does feature Google's Gemini AI. Turning down the volume on the environmental and ethical messaging might be compared to how some vegetarian food brands now consider people cutting down on meat, or meat-eaters looking for a healthy choice, as important a part of their audience. CTO Hatten would rather you tell a friend to think of the Fairphone 6 as 'the last phone that they'll have to buy for a while' rather than dwell on the ethics of the mining operations used to harvest the cobalt for its battery. But there's a big problem here, too. In 1924, the American automobile market began reaching saturation point. To maintain sales, General Motors executive Alfred P. Sloan Jr. suggested annual model-year design changes to cajole car owners into buying replacements each year. This strategy came to be referred to as planned obsolescence. In an ideal world, Fairphone wants their phones to be 'the last phone that you'll have to buy'—and they'll try their darnedest to make sure you've the software and spare parts to make this happen. There's no planned obsolescence here. None at all. Now, that's laudable, but this also means that, once Fairphone has tapped that global market of the relatively tiny number of phone users who really care about our planet above the wonders of Apple's Dynamic Island, very few will need to rebuy or upgrade on their initial ethical purchase. Not for many, many years, anyway. How can you significantly grow a business like that? Will Fairphone's new strategy of diversifying its offering with the 6's breezy lifestyle angle work? Thanks to the company's wonderful transparency we can all find out once Fairphone drops its 2025 Impact Report some time in early 2026.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Trump Organization quietly rescinds ‘built in the U.S.' promise for its T1 phone after analysts' consensus pointed to production in China
Trump Mobile has quietly stopped claiming its forthcoming phone will be made in the U.S. The company now uses more vague language in its marketing. It has also reduced the technical specs for the phone and stopped offering a specific date for the launch of its service. When the Trump Organization announced its cellular brand earlier this month, it touted that the devices would be 'made in the USA,' keeping in line with Trump administration policies. Now, just 10 days later, the company is quietly erasing those claims. The website for the device has removed all language indicating the phone would be manufactured in the U.S. Instead, it opts for language that still leans toward isolationism, but is much more vague now, saying it was 'designed with American values in mind' and it was 'brought to life right here in the USA.' The Verge, meanwhile, noted that the specs for the T1 phone have been dialed down since the phone was introduced. The screen is now smaller (having been reduced from 6.78 inches to 6.25 inches) and all information about RAM has been removed. In addition, while the phones were initially promised to be released in September, the company has since adjusted that language to read 'later this year.' Wannabe subscribers will still have to pay $100 up front for the phone. Skepticism about Trump Mobile's claims was almost immediate when the company was announced. 'As someone who's spent over a decade building a secure, privacy-first smartphone, focusing on manufacturing in the U.S., and I can say this with confidence: Producing a fully U.S.-made phone isn't something you spin up overnight,' Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, the only company currently producing a U.S.-made smartphone, told Fortune. 'If the Trump phone is promising a $499 price tag with domestic manufacturing, this announcement looks to be classic vaporware.' Purism's phone costs $650 to produce and retails for $2,000. Trump has been an avid proponent of reshoring U.S. manufacturing, using tariffs as a leverage to convince companies to build plants in the U.S. and attacking Apple for manufacturing its iPhones in Asia. This story was originally featured on
CNET
21 hours ago
- CNET
Your Phone's a Germ Magnet. How to Disinfect It Properly
Your phone goes everywhere with you -- on your commute, your lunch break, even the bathroom (don't lie). But for something that spends so much time in your hands and against your face, it's probably way dirtier than you think. In fact, studies have shown that the average smartphone can carry more germs than a toilet seat. Yeah, really. All that touching, tapping, swiping and setting it down on random surfaces adds up fast. If you're not regularly disinfecting your phone, you're basically carrying a pocket-sized petri dish. The good news? Cleaning it the right way is quick, easy and doesn't require fancy gear. Here's how to sanitize your device safely -- without damaging the screen or frying your electronics.. The Federal Communications Commission suggests disinfecting your phone daily, but not all cleaning methods are safe. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can damage protective coatings and potentially harm your screen. To keep your phone both clean and intact, it's crucial to use the right cleaning techniques. We'll guide you through the best methods and products for keeping your device germ-free, from iPhones to Samsungs, and whatever their level of water resistance may be. For more cleaning tips, here's how to clean wireless earbuds and AirPods. What are the best products for daily cleaning? After touching surfaces that see a lot of action from the public -- such as door handles, seats on public transportation, grocery carts and gas pumps -- you might think you need a heavy-duty cleaning agent to use on your phone. However, you should avoid rubbing alcohol or products made of straight alcohol, since they can damage the protective coatings that prevent oil and water from harming your screen. Some suggest making your own alcohol-water mix, but getting the concentration wrong can damage your phone. The safest option is using disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For daily cleaning, consider a UV light product like PhoneSoap, which kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria. We can also turn to phone manufacturers and cell service companies for guidance, too. Apple now approves using Clorox Wipes and similar disinfectants, which was not recommended before the pandemic since they were thought to be too abrasive on the screen's coating. AT&T advises spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and wiping your device down. Samsung also recommends using a 70% alcohol solution with a microfiber cloth. Always make sure your phone is powered off before cleaning it. What are the best methods for removing fingerprints, sand and makeup? Sometimes your phone needs a more specific treatment when washing up. The recommended process for daily cleaning may not be enough to remove pesky grains of sand after a beach vacation or tough foundation stains. Get rid of fingerprints Fingerprint smudges are inevitable since your skin produces oils. Every time you pick up your phone, your screen will get fingerprints. The safest way to make your screen print-free is with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth with distilled water (never apply water directly to the screen) and wipe down the surface. This works for the back and sides of your phone as well. Alternatively, try a microfiber screen cleaner sticker that sticks to the back of your phone for easy wiping. Remove sand and small particles Grains of sand and lint can easily get stuck in your phone's ports and crevices. To remove it, we recommend you use Scotch tape. Press it along the creases and speaker, then roll it up and gently insert it into the ports. The tape will pull out any debris. You can then just simply throw away the tape for easy cleanup. For smaller speaker holes, use a toothpick gently or a small vacuum crevice tool to suck out the debris. These tools work well for other small appliances or hard-to-reach areas in your car too. Sand and small particles can be tricky to remove. A piece of tape should do the trick. MartenBG/Getty Images Cleanse makeup off your phone screen When you wear makeup and skin care products, such as foundation and moisturizers, you'll leave residue on your phone screen. While makeup remover works for your face, it's not safe for screens due to potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, try a screen-safe makeup remover like Whoosh, which is alcohol-free and gentle on all screens. Alternatively, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone, then wash the cloth afterward. Make sure your cloth is only slightly wet to avoid soaking your phone in water. What if my phone is waterproof? For waterproof phones (IP67 and above), it's best to clean the device with a damp cloth instead of submerging or running it under water -- even if the phone advertises that it can withstand submersion for a certain amount of time. Afterward, dry your phone with a soft cloth, ensuring all ports and speakers are patted dry. While your phone can withstand water, submerging it can lead to water in the ports, delaying charging. Remember, water resistance is meant for accidents, not swimming or regular cleaning. Fingerprint smudges on your phone are inevitable since your skin produces oils that rub off on the to avoid when cleaning your phone We've already covered why you should avoid makeup remover and rubbing alcohol, but those aren't a comprehensive list of harmful cleaning agents. Here are a few other items and products you should never use to clean your phone: Hand sanitizer: Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone. Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone. Window or kitchen cleaners: Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches. Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches. Paper towels: Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen. Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen. Dish and hand soap: Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it's best to stick to a damp cloth. Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it's best to stick to a damp cloth. Vinegar: Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen's coating. Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen's coating. Compressed air: Blowing intense and direct air into your phone's portals can cause damage, especially to your mic. Apple specifically warns iPhone owners not to use compressed air. For more cleaning tips, explore how to clean your Apple Watch.
