Nothing seems determined to keep us on our toes this year, don’t they? It feels like just yesterday we were dissecting the launch of the Phone (3a) series back in March, their strategic play to capture a wider audience with a more budget-friendly offering. It was a smart move, bringing that signature transparent design and Glyph interface magic to a price point many more could stomach, broadening their battlefield significantly.

And the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing. Rumours are swirling thick and fast about their CMF sub-brand dropping its second phone, on the 28th of this month. Talk about expanding the portfolio! But amidst this flurry of activity targeting different market segments, the inevitable whispers about the main event have begun. Fresh speculation points towards the arrival of the flagship Nothing Phone (3) as early as July.

Designer: Konstantin Milenin

This July timing aligns neatly with their previous major phone releases, lending credence to the speculation. While official confirmation is naturally absent – Nothing plays its cards close to its chest – the consistency makes the rumour feel plausible.

What can we expect from the Phone (3)? Details are scarce, naturally. However, looking at the progression from Phone (1) to (2), iterative refinement seems likely. A processor bump feels inevitable, perhaps moving to something like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 to set it apart from last month’s Phone (3a) series. Camera improvements are always on the wishlist, and given the (3a) Pro’s impeccable 3-lens shooter, it’s safe to say the Phone (3) will aim higher. There’s definitely going to also be a big focus on AI features, which Nothing debuted with the (3a) in the form of a dedicated AI button that leads to their homegrown Essential Space app (which rumors suggest will eventually turn into a paid feature.)

This particular Phone (3) concept shown above comes from the mind of Konstantin Milenin, with a few details that really grab the eye. Even though the Glyph Interface has been the Nothing Phone’s crown jewel, it’s always been guided by the shape of the charging coils on the back. Change this shape, and you retain the essence of the Nothing Phone, but introduce an absolutely new flavor to it. Milenin’s concept does just that, opting for a unique closed U-shaped charging coil that allows the glyph interface to take on a different form factor.

Meanwhile, the camera layout stays roughly the same, albeit with the inclusion of the periscope lens from the (3a) series. The glyphs around the other two lenses is slightly different too, with a curved/arc shape that breaks visual monotony.

Of course, the Glyph Interface will be central. Will we see further evolution here? More granular control, perhaps? New integrations? Nothing’s design language is its strongest asset, and iterating thoughtfully on the Glyph system is crucial to maintaining that edge. They need to balance novelty with genuine utility, ensuring the lights remain more than just a party trick.

The market context is also interesting. Nothing operates in a fiercely competitive space, straddling the line between mid-range value and premium aesthetics. With the CMF sub-brand now catering to the budget-conscious segment, the main Nothing line can potentially lean further into its premium aspirations, refining its hardware and software experience without compromising its core identity.

Anticipation will undoubtedly build. Nothing has mastered the art of the hype cycle, leveraging community engagement and carefully curated leaks to maintain buzz. Whether the Phone (3) represents a revolutionary leap or a subtle evolution, its arrival will be significant. It marks another chapter for a young company still defining its long-term place in the tech landscape.

Ultimately, a potential July launch keeps Nothing firmly in the conversation. It signals their continued ambition and commitment to the smartphone arena. We’ll be watching closely, eager to see if the Phone (3) can once again capture that unique blend of design intrigue and accessible innovation that defined its predecessors. The wait, as always, begins.

The post Major Nothing Phone (3) Leak Hints At A July Launch Date first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mobile gaming fans know the struggle: you want the raw power of a gaming phone, but not everyone wants to carry around a chunky device that screams “gamer” from a mile away. It feels like you’re always forced to pick between beastly specs or a phone you wouldn’t be embarrassed to pull out at lunch. The RedMagic 10 Air steps in to say you can have your cake and eat it too.

Standard flagship phones can handle a round of Genshin Impact just fine, but gaming smartphones are designed for people who want every advantage possible. Usually, that means phones so thick and heavy they could double as a paperweight, with flashy designs that leave no doubt about their purpose. The RedMagic 10 Air flips the script by packing serious gaming muscle into a slim, understated body.

Designer: RedMagic (nubia)

Compared to its big sibling, the RedMagic 10 Pro, which boasts an 8.9mm profile, the 10 Air shaves things down to just 7.8mm according to official numbers. For perspective, that’s even slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, a device often praised for its sleekness. It may just be the thinnest gaming phone around right now, making it easy to slip into pockets and blend in on any occasion.

What’s wild is that RedMagic doesn’t sacrifice much to pull off this slim look. Inside is a Snapdragon 8 Gen3, which still delivers top-tier performance for the latest games. The camera setup skips the gimmicky macro lens but keeps a strong dual 50MP wide and ultrawide combo. The battery is slightly smaller at 6,000mAh, but it charges up fast with 80W support, so you’re never sidelined for long.

One feature longtime fans might notice missing is the iconic cooling fan found in previous RedMagic models. With its thinner build, the 10 Air relies on passive cooling to keep temperatures manageable. While there’s no whirring fan sound, the phone’s performance promises to remain steady, even during marathon sessions of your favorite titles.

On the outside, the minimalist design of the RedMagic 10 Air keeps things refreshingly simple. Except for a bold orange version that sports a narrow LED strip for a pop of character, there’s little to tip off its gaming pedigree. For mobile gamers who want powerhouse specs in a phone that looks at home anywhere, the RedMagic 10 Air is shaping up to be a game-changer.

The post RedMagic 10 Air crams top gaming chops in a slim and discreet design first appeared on Yanko Design.

I thought the new iPhone Air was a Bendgate disaster waiting to happen. If the new 17 series’ redesign is true, I could be absolutely wrong.

Ever since the iPhone 6, people have just tried bending iPhones. Something about that relentless pursuit of slimness has resulted in most iPhones being fairly foldable, and Apple’s tried really hard to engineer newer iPhones to resist this ability, trying everything from creating new metal alloys to even infusing titanium into the frame. However, the iPhone 17 series has done something past iPhones have never attempted – changing the design altogether by wrapping the metal frame around the back too.

The latest prototype glimpsed through Unbox Therapy’s hands-on shows an iPhone that’s ditching its glossy vulnerability for something far more rigid. The rear glass panel – once the canvas of fingerprints and micro-fractures – is now demoted to a thin patch at the bottom. That tiny square exists solely to preserve wireless charging. The rest? Pure sculpted aluminum. Not just a frame. A structural, wrapped, contoured slab of metal that curves seamlessly around the back, swallowing the camera island whole like it’s part of the chassis and not a post-hoc bump.

This evolution is far more than cosmetic. It’s a design shift – the likes of which we’ve not seen since the departure of Jony Ive in 2019. The new design transforms the iPhone into a proper unibody construction, adding substantial bend resistance across the mid-section. If that reminds you of the iPhone 6’s infamous “BendGate,” you’re not alone. What’s different here is that Apple seems to be bracing itself – literally – for what could be a generational split between form factors. With the rumored iPhone Air chasing ultrathinness to an almost daring extreme, the 17 Pro Max is positioning itself as the brawnier, more durable sibling.

There’s an elegance in how Apple has engineered the aluminum to flow around the camera cluster. It softens the visual weight of the module while functionally reinforcing it. No more raised islands glued onto glass. Instead, you get a surface where camera lenses look punched out of metal – a precision-crafted effect that’s more Leica than Lenscrafters. Even the flash has migrated, nudged across the triangular array for better spatial balance and perhaps to optimize lighting angles in AR or spatial video.

On the hardware front, the 17 Pro Max is sure to impress too. Under the hood will be Apple’s new silicon, a chip designed to flex across multi-threaded workloads without draining your battery dry. Pair that with what looks like a marginally larger battery and better thermal dissipation, thanks to the metal body, and you’ve got a phone that performs under pressure – whether you’re editing 4K footage on LumaFusion or stitching AR overlays in real time.

Camera upgrades are sure to be significant too. Rumors say that all rear lenses are now 48MP, up from the mix of resolutions in earlier models. The front-facing camera? A sharp 24MP sensor – ideal for sharper video calls or just brutal selfie honesty. Combined with the new layout and sensor improvements, this setup turns the iPhone 17 into a serious imaging device. Apple seems keen to carve out a niche not just for creators, but for those inching closer to immersive media.

Obviously, this is all just speculation, as Apple’s still half-a-year away from actually dropping the new iPhone. That being said, they DID ship a couple of tonnes worth of devices from India and China just as the tariff deadline approached. Could these be the new iPhone 17 units? Or will the 17 only ship around August and September, when Apple formally launches the device? Having a product ship that late would also probably affect its baseline price, which some people speculate could easily cross the $2,000 mark. I guess I’m just happier with my old iPhone 15 Pro for another few years…

Image Credits: Unbox Therapy

The post I Was Wrong – The iPhone 17 Will NOT Bend Thanks To Their Genius Redesign first appeared on Yanko Design.

I don’t know who to credit for this but I have to think that someone in China first came up with this design. Available on AliExpress (although I’m not sure how much things would cost with the new tariff regime), this iPhone case gives your smartphone a camera bar at the back, not too different from the one we’re expecting on the upcoming iPhone 17, which should launch in September this year.

The case’s camera bar is purely cosmetic, given that it does absolutely nothing for the phone itself, apart from probably providing a small stash space for money or photographs. I’m not entirely sure why but all the cases come with a MagSafe cutout at the back too, probably to allow the Apple logo on your phone to shine through. Why not just print an Apple logo on the case? Well apart from inviting a bunch of lawsuits, this method works out to be a tad bit easier because the cutout helps save on material costs too.

I was scrolling through Threads and I saw an extremely surprised user saying he spotted an iPhone 17 in the wild, with blurry paparazzi-style photos of a woman rocking a phone with the camera bar. Almost instantly, the comments section was filled with AliExpress links to this case, which can trick most people into thinking you’ve somehow managed to get your hands on a sample of the unreleased phone. It’s a lot like those cases that add an extra faux lens to your camera setup, making it look like you’ve got a 3-lens iPhone Pro when you’ve got just the regular 2-lens iPhone.

This case (available here) is dirt cheap, priced at around $3.3 USD, and available for phones going all the way back to the iPhone 11. If you find yourself around tech journalists or any tech enthusiast, I highly recommend buying one just to watch their jaws drop as you whip your faux iPhone 17 out in the middle of a conversation. Sure, the sheer horror won’t last long since this case isn’t as convincing as I’d like to hope. But then again, for a phone case that’s cheaper than eggs, what more can you expect??

The post Hilarious $3 iPhone Case Tricks People Into Thinking You Have an iPhone 17 first appeared on Yanko Design.

AI Visualization

I’m going to totally plead ignorance here but doesn’t it seem like Nothing’s really spreading themselves thin? They have a flagship range, a mid range, and now a budget range within their smartphone series – but each range has its own Pro variant. They debuted two phones just last month, with the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, and just as sales began picking up, Nothing’s teased its upcoming budget device – the new CMF Phone 2, but here’s the kicker. The CMF Phone 2 gets its own Pro variant with a 3-lens camera setup.

Reddit user PanickCat leaked a photo of the upcoming CMF Phone 2 last month, giving us a taste of what to expect with the phone’s exterior. While the image only showed the reverse side (and not the screen or any of the specs), it revealed one big detail and one small detail. The big detail was the inclusion of the third camera, giving the CMF Phone 2 a triple-lens shooter. The second detail was the carrying-forward of the modular design that the CMF Phone 1 first highlighted, thanks to the removable backplate and the knob on the bottom corner for attaching accessories and modules.

Designer: CMF by Nothing

However, Nothing seems to have tacitly confirmed the presence of this third lens in the form of a product announcement graphic on their website. The graphic shows four circles, presumably 3 lenses and 1 flash not too dissimilar from the layout seen in the Reddit leak (below). While we still wait for any official specs or details, it’s safe to say that this phone will probably be in the sub-$300 category (or maybe slightly higher because of the new US tariffs announced just last week).

Image Credits: PanickCat on Reddit

The most notable change is the updated camera setup. Where the original model offered a straightforward 50MP main shooter paired with a basic depth sensor, the CMF Phone 2 adds a third lens to the mix. Judging by its position and shape, there’s a good chance we’re looking at the inclusion of an ultrawide camera—a decision that would align with the growing expectations in the sub-$300 segment. For a phone targeting value-conscious users, that extra versatility in the camera department can make a daily difference.

Aside from the tweak in hardware, the overall build and identity of the phone appear to remain intact. The matte plastic back, exposed screws, and signature CMF dial all carry over, suggesting that Nothing’s modular ecosystem of accessories will likely stay compatible with this version too. The plastic rear obviously hints at the lack of wireless charging, although maybe Nothing will surprise with the release of new modules/accessories that are backward-compatible with the Phone 1. We’re also yet to see what color options launch with the Phone 2 Pro.

AI Visualization

While the leaked image doesn’t shed light on the internal specs, previous rumors hinted at a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip possibly making its way into the CMF Phone 2. It’s worth noting that Nothing’s recently launched Phone 3a and 3a Pro models already use this processor. So while a step up from the Dimensity 7300 used in the original CMF Phone 1 is possible, it’s not yet confirmed. Historically, Nothing has treated its CMF line as the entry-level offering, keeping it a notch below the mainline Phone series in terms of raw performance.

AI Visualization

April 28th isn’t too far away, and it’s entirely possible that the Phone 2 Pro will be fairly reasonable, since it’s targeted more at the Indian market than US or other western markets. Nothing’s carved its niche out in India, relying on actors to be their brand ambassadors. The CMF Phone 2 Pro marks the second set product releases from Nothing this year, with many more in the pipeline. Nothing’s Phone 3 (their flagship series) is still in the works, with a tentative July or August launch date, coinciding with the launch of other flagship phones from Google and Apple.

The post Nothing Confirms CMF Phone 2 Pro Launch On 28th April With Flagship-Meets-Budget Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Design enthusiasts, rejoice! A remarkable discovery has sent ripples through the collectible design world as 500 pristine Enorme telephones, created by legendary designer Ettore Sottsass, have emerged from a time capsule in Stanford, California. These vibrant relics of 1980s postmodernism, untouched since their creation in 1985, represent a fascinating intersection of art, technology, and cultural history. For those who appreciate design artifacts with genuine provenance, this unexpected find offers a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of design history.

The story behind these phones is as colorful as their appearance. The Enorme telephone was born from a collaboration between Italian architect Ettore Sottsass (founder of the influential Memphis Group), IDEO founder David Kelley, and entrepreneur Jean Pigozzi. Together, they formed the aptly named Enorme Corporation with a revolutionary vision: to transform the mundane telephone, at that time a purely functional object, into something that celebrated both utility and beauty. The result was a bold statement piece that challenged conventional thinking about everyday technology.

Designers: Ettore Sottsass, David Kelley (Jean Pigozzi, investor)

What makes these phones instantly recognizable is their distinctive postmodern aesthetic. The rectangular silhouette features a playful polychrome palette with a red speaker and yellow base, embodying the Memphis Group’s signature style. This design language, characterized by bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and playful proportions, became the visual shorthand for 1980s design innovation. Sottsass and his Memphis colleagues deliberately rejected the austere functionalism that dominated design thinking, instead embracing emotional connection and visual joy as legitimate design considerations.

The timing of this discovery couldn’t be more perfect, as contemporary design continues to experience a renewed appreciation for postmodern aesthetics. Today’s designers regularly cite Sottsass and the Memphis Group as influences, with their work appearing in major museum retrospectives worldwide. The Enorme telephone stands as a perfect encapsulation of this influential movement, a physical manifestation of the group’s philosophy that everyday objects should bring delight rather than merely perform functions. Its design remains surprisingly fresh despite being nearly four decades old.

What’s particularly remarkable about this find is the pristine condition of these telephones. Each comes complete with its original 1985 packaging and instruction booklet, including the controversial sumo wrestler logo. These aren’t reproductions or reissues; they’re authentic pieces preserved exactly as they were intended to be experienced. For collectors and design historians, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to acquire what is essentially a museum-quality piece of design history directly from its original production run.

The cultural significance of these phones extends beyond their visual appeal. They represent a pivotal moment when technology began to be viewed through a more humanistic lens. Before Apple made technological beauty mainstream, Sottsass and his collaborators were pioneering the idea that functional objects deserved thoughtful design consideration.

The Enorme telephone challenged users to reconsider their relationship with everyday technology, suggesting that even the most utilitarian objects in our lives could and should bring visual and tactile pleasure. At a surprisingly accessible $495, these phones offer a unique opportunity to own a piece created by one of the 20th century’s most influential designers at a fraction of what his other works typically cost.

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The post Postmodern Treasure: Rare Ettore Sottsass Enorme Telephones Emerge After Decades first appeared on Yanko Design.

When it comes to durability and reliability, rugged smartphones used to be the go-to solution in the mobile market. But with many phones today now boasting high resistance to accidents and the elements, the territory of these tank-like devices gets increasingly smaller every year. Sure, they’re still built like tanks and can survive a beating much longer than the most durable premium smartphone, but the trade-offs sometimes become too much for their cost.

That’s why we’re now seeing these chunky smartphones bearing features that are not always related to their original purpose. Whether it’s a built-in projector or a detachable wireless earbud, rugged smartphones are starting to experiment with designs that, truth be told, sometimes look and sound bizarre. This latest addition to that roster, for example, sounds like a playground for a variety of disparate features, some of which have been tried before and ultimately faded into the background.

Designer: Ulefone

While the cameras on the back of our smartphones are evolving by leaps and bounds, the ones on the front continue to be shackled by a lack of space. Once upon a time, some designers had the bright idea to put a second but smaller screen on the back of the phone, allowing you to use any of the more powerful rear cameras for selfies, live streams, video calls, and more. That feature proved to be an unnecessary added expense that didn’t gain much traction, and it quietly disappeared from the scene.

The Ulefone Armor 30 Pro is trying to revive that with a 3.4-inch 960×412 screen on its back, providing those same benefits but with an added layer of Gorilla Glass protection. It can mirror the main screen so that you can use it for those aforementioned purposes, though it seems you can only operate one screen at a time even if both screens are displaying the same thing. Still, it’s pretty unexpected for a rugged phone to put a potentially breakable component on what would normally be a “safe” side.

Another odd feature is the 4W 118dB loudspeaker in the middle of the hexagonal camera bump, a feature that only makes sense if you’re playing music or watching videos for a lot of people. Not exactly the primary use case of traditional rugged smartphones that were primarily targeted at industrial or field workers. Then again, these smartphones are also starting to break away from that image and aim for more “normal” applications.

To that end, the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro is really a smorgasbord of features, making it feel more like a mosaic than a well-composed painting. It has a triple camera system with 50MP main and ultra-wide cameras joined by a 64MP “Night Vision” camera that’s assisted by four IR LED blasters. The 12,800mAh battery easily excuses the bulkiness of the phone, especially when you consider that it can be used as a rather slow 10W power bank. There’s a dedicated camera shutter button, as well as pogo pin contacts for attaching Ulefone endoscopes and microscopes.

Considering all these features, plus actually decent mid-range hardware, at least on paper, it’s rather shocking that the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro costs only $379.99. Then again, you are paying not only for features you might not use but also for a phone that will not comfortably fit in your pocket. It does seem that the rugged smartphone market has turned a bit into a Wild West of the mobile industry, throwing any and all features on a wall to see which ones stick.

The post Rugged smartphone puts a second screen and a 4W loudspeaker on its back first appeared on Yanko Design.

Representational image

Samsung has filed a patent for what could be the most ambitious foldable design to date—a quad-fold smartphone featuring four interconnected panels and three hinges. The documentation, labeled under the title “ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING BENDABLE DISPLAY,” signals Samsung’s continued dominance in foldable display innovation, staking a claim beyond the current tri-fold concepts from competitors such as Huawei and TCL.

As reported by SamMobile, the patent reveals a device structured with four panels connected horizontally via three hinges, each supporting a continuous flexible display. Unlike outward-folding designs seen in some of Huawei’s prototypes, Samsung opts for an inward-folding configuration. This format shields the display when folded, which could mitigate issues related to screen durability—still one of the major concerns for foldable devices. Such a design would likely make use of Samsung’s proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), which has progressively improved since its debut on the Galaxy Z Fold series, offering enhanced scratch resistance and reduced crease visibility.

Designer: Samsung

Representational image

It’s all in the layout. Three hinges divide four distinct panels, meaning the device could morph through multiple configurations—pocket-friendly phone, dual-fold for notifications, tri-fold for tablet duties, and finally, a full unfold for productivity overkill. Technically, however, this quad-fold concept introduces substantial complexity. Managing the mechanical strain across three hinges, while preserving uniform display tension and longevity, will be challenging. However, Samsung Display’s experience with flexible OLEDs and hinge durability testing could make this feasible. If each panel measures approximately 6 inches diagonally, the fully unfolded device could reach 12 inches or more, eclipsing even tablets like the iPad Pro and approaching the size of compact laptops while retaining the portability of a smartphone when folded.

This device is sort of a potential shift in the usability paradigm. A quad-fold would allow a variety of usage modes. Users could adopt a single-panel phone mode, a dual-panel intermediate, a tri-panel for tablet-like applications, and the full quad-panel layout for productivity scenarios, multitasking, or immersive media consumption. Such versatility could address the current limitations of foldables, where most devices primarily offer two modes—phone and tablet—without much nuance in between. And let’s not pretend Samsung isn’t strategically nudging Apple here. Cupertino hasn’t even officially admitted it wants to fold anything, and Samsung’s already diagramming folding sandwiches. Huawei’s tri-fold prototype might hit the market first, but Samsung seems to be saying, “Why stop at three?”

Image Credits: World Intellectual Property Organization

But before you start planning your next upgrade, a sobering note: this might be little more than strategic patenting. Samsung has a history of filing forward-thinking designs to build a defensive moat, not necessarily to ship every concept. Still, the fact that these schematics exist, complete with hinge mechanics and potential use-case scenarios, tells us the company is at least exploring the limits of foldable tech far beyond its existing Z Fold lineup.

Samsung’s quad-fold also subtly outmaneuvers Huawei and TCL by focusing on inward folding. Why does this matter? Huawei’s outward-folding designs, while flashy, expose the flexible display to the wild—scratches, dust, and the occasional existential dread of dropping it. Samsung’s inward-fold protects the fragile display like a medieval knight shielding its heart. With Samsung Display likely at the helm of this engineering feat, expect Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) iterations to reinforce this massive canvas, possibly with even better scratch resistance and less visible crease lines than the current Z Fold 5.

Representational image

The real question is whether Samsung will commercialize this in the Galaxy Z Fold family or launch it as a new series entirely. A “Galaxy Z Flex Ultra,” perhaps? There was a news-nugget in the past that Samsung would call this the Galaxy W because of the letter’s 4-line shape, but it seems like Samsung’s ditched that nomenclature. However, considering Samsung’s playbook, we might see a tri-fold device emerge first—since the same patent also showcases a triple-panel, dual-hinge design with USB-C and triple cameras. This could be Samsung’s immediate answer to Huawei and TCL while the quad-fold remains in the lab, terrifying hinge designers worldwide.

At the end of the day, Samsung’s quad-fold is just a concept, although the highly detailed patent leads me to believe they’ve got a working prototype somewhere in their R&D division that’s just waiting to *ahem* get left behind in a cab the way Google’s engineers tend to do with their phones. The design, at least on paper, is complex and probably hideously expensive (think Galaxy Z Fold Ultra pricing, $2,000+ easy), poised to frustrate and delight tech enthusiasts in equal measure. Whether it dethrones anyone or simply creates a new throne entirely, Samsung’s ready to bend the rules, literally.

Representational image

The post Samsung Is Working On World’s First “Quad-Fold” Smartphone To Directly Challenge Huawei and TCL first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphone cinematography has evolved dramatically, but one barrier has remained: achieving true cinema-quality visuals without expensive, bulky equipment. The groundbreaking CINEMA//Mobile shatters this limitation, bringing Hollywood-caliber optics and professional filters directly to your iPhone. This revolutionary mobile lens and filter system represents a watershed moment for DOPs, independent filmmakers, and visual storytellers who refuse to let budget constraints dictate their creative vision.

The system emerges from an extraordinary collaboration between TUSK, a global collective of award-winning filmmakers and cinematographers, and ShiftCam, which is recognized worldwide for pioneering mobile lens technology. Trusted for producing content for brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, Skechers and more, the CINEMA//Mobile combines TUSK’s deep understanding of cinematic requirements with ShiftCam’s optical engineering expertise, resulting in a system that transforms your iPhone into a legitimate filmmaking gear that delivers professional results while maintaining the mobility and flexibility that modern creators demand.

Designers: TUSK x ShiftCam

Click Here to Buy Single Lens Now: $199 $299 ($100 off). Hurry, only 9/40 left! Raised over $128,000.

The system offers 7 distinct professional-grade lenses that cover virtually every shooting scenario: the CINEMA//15 and CINEMA//18 anamorphic lenses for that coveted widescreen cinematic look with horizontal flares; the CINEMA//60 telephoto for compression and reach; the CINEMA//16 wide-angle for expansive scenes; the CINEMA//75 long-range and CINEMA//25 traditional macro lenses for stunning close-up work; and the CINEMA//8 fisheye offering an impressive 200° field of view for dramatic perspective.

The full kit also includes 8 versatile filters that are magnetic, stackable, and easy to swap thanks to the magnetic filter adapter. These filters include a Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter for reducing glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces, a Black Mist 1/2 Filter for softening highlights, a Neutral Density (ND8) filter for reducing light intake by 3 stops to prevent overexposure in bright conditions, a Neutral Density (ND64) filter for reduces light intake by 6 stops, making it ideal for long-exposure effects, a Neutral Density (ND128) filter for extreme daylight conditions, a Neutral Density (ND512) filter for ultra-long exposure photography, a Variable Neutral Density (VND) 6-10 Stops filter to reduces light from 6 to 10 stops, and a Variable Neutral Density (VND) 1-5 Stops filter that provides adjustable light reduction from ND2 to ND32 without altering color balance.

At the heart of the CINEMA//Mobile lies its exceptional glass quality. Unlike typical mobile lenses constructed from standard materials, each CINEMA//Mobile lens incorporates fluorite crystal, the same premium material found in high-end cinema cameras costing tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, every optical element is also made of flourite, not just the crystal. This extraordinary optical material virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, ensuring razor-sharp edges, true-to-life colors, and pristine image quality that stands up to professional scrutiny.

The optical excellence extends beyond the base materials to include sophisticated multi-coating technology. Each lens has up to 7 fluorite elements, and each element has 14 specialized coating layers, 7 on each side, creating a complex optical system with up to 98 total advanced layers per lens. These coatings include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, hydrophobic, and UV/IR protective coatings that work harmoniously to minimize reflections, enhance contrast, and shield against environmental damage, ensuring consistent performance in diverse shooting environments.

Complementing these exceptional optics is the ingenious S-Mount Quick Attach System, which addresses one of the most significant challenges in mobile filmmaking: changing lenses quickly while still tightly securing them in place. The system allows for instant lens swapping without threading or alignment struggles, keeping you in the creative flow without missing crucial moments. The secure lock system also ensures the attachment is never wobbly or loose. This efficiency extends to the 72mm magnetic filter adapter included with each lens, enabling quick attachment of the 8 included cinema filters.

Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, the CINEMA//Mobile achieves remarkable durability while maintaining a lightweight profile essential for mobile shooting. This construction makes the system ideal for challenging shooting environments—from crowded streets to remote wilderness locations—where traditional cinema equipment would be impractical or impossible to deploy. The system’s portability opens new creative possibilities for filmmakers working in tight spaces, extreme conditions, or situations requiring discretion.

The versatility of the CINEMA//Mobile extends to numerous practical applications: capturing discreet footage in public settings, shooting dynamic B-roll sequences, filming in confined spaces, scouting locations, creating professional-quality livestreams, and even capturing footage in extreme weather conditions where traditional equipment would be at risk. This adaptability makes the system an invaluable tool for creators who need to work quickly, efficiently, and with minimal equipment footprint.

To get the best out of your cinematography experience, you might want to grab the full kit that includes professional-grade optics, featuring 7 precision-engineered lenses and 8 cinematic filters, for just $1,949. You can, however, also opt for individual lenses and filters to fit your needs. For digital storytellers who demand high cinema quality but want the flexibility and budget effectiveness of mobile filmmaking, the CINEMA//Mobile represents a genuine paradigm shift. By bringing true cinema-grade optics to the iPhone, this innovative system democratizes high-end visual storytelling, allowing creators to focus on their vision rather than their equipment budget and flexibility. The result is a powerful cinema gear that delivers professional results without sacrificing the agility and spontaneity that make mobile filmmaking so compelling.

Click Here to Buy Single Lens Now: $199 $299 ($100 off). Hurry, only 9/40 left! Raised over $128,000.

The post CINEMA//Mobile: World’s 1st Cinema-Grade Mobile Lens System Transforms Your iPhone Into a Professional Filmmaking Powerhouse first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember when the ‘smartphone’ just meant that a phone had internet connectivity and an app store? That’s literally how we described the first smartphone – but that criteria is long-gone. Phones today are REALLY smart – almost too smart. They have powerful processors, complex algorithms running the cameras, and are almost all filled with at least one form of an AI assistant that goes above and beyond what voice assistants could do 10 years ago. Phones today are deadly smart – and that might just be scary to some people.

There’s no denying that smartphones are incredibly useful, but there’s a case to be made for phones that just retain the bare basics. After all, you wouldn’t be able to accidentally add a journalist to a group chat discussing national war plans if you had a secure ‘dumb’ phone, right? Well, for people who want a phone that does exactly what it needs to do without being a powerful, data-guzzling, soul-sucking, time-wasting, addictive slab of metal, the Light Phone III is the latest dumb-phone on the block. Building on over a decade-long legacy, the much-awaited third edition of the phone comes back with some design refinements, including a black-and-white OLED screen instead of the e-ink one from previous generations, and now even a camera that gives you more of a phone experience without necessarily feeling like a compromise. TikTok and Instagram not included.

Designer: Light

The e-paper screen is gone, replaced with a 3.92-inch black-and-white OLED display. It’s sharper, faster, and more legible in any lighting, which might sound like a small thing—until you remember how sluggish and washed-out the previous screen could get. Navigation is now snappier, typing is less of a chore, and the interface feels less like a prototype and more like a statement.

Internally, it’s grown up too. The bump to 6GB of RAM (from just 1GB in the II) makes everything smoother. A Qualcomm SM4450 chip powers it, paired with 128GB of storage, which is overkill for a phone that won’t let you install TikTok or stream Netflix. But it’s welcome overkill—enough headroom for basic tasks like messaging, navigation, music, podcasts, and taking the occasional photo without freezing mid-action.

Yeah, there’s a camera now. Just one. And it doesn’t try to be clever. No HDR. No night mode. Just a fixed focal length and a two-stage shutter button like the ones you’d find on an old Canon PowerShot. It’s more about documenting than capturing “content,” which feels radically refreshing in a world obsessed with perfect angles and AI touch-ups.

The form factor itself is a callback to a time when phones fit in your hand and your jeans pocket. It’s about the width of an iPhone but shorter—compact enough to text one-handed, substantial enough to not feel like a toy. It’s also heavier than the Light Phone II, thanks to a larger, user-replaceable battery and a more premium build. That’s right—user-replaceable battery. Try finding that on any mainstream phone these days without grabbing a heat gun and a prayer.

There’s a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, stereo speakers, a USB-C port, and an NFC chip for contactless payments. The GPS uses Here instead of Google Maps, which means it actually honors your privacy instead of mining your location history. That’s a pattern here—every feature feels intentional, stripped down to its most ethical version.

If the budget iPhone 16E’s price made you squirm, the Light Phone III’s $799 price tag should really sting. That’s nearly three times the launch cost of the Light Phone II, and even with the $599 pre-order deal, it’s clearly not for price-conscious buyers. But that’s also kind of the point: the Light Phone III isn’t trying to compete on specs or price. It’s offering a different contract entirely—less screen, fewer distractions, more peace. For a price that a small subset of people will pay just so that they can stay connected without their device collecting bucketloads of data on them for training/marketing purposes.

The post This $799 Phone Won’t Steal Your Time or Your Data – Meet the Light Phone III first appeared on Yanko Design.