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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Apple's first foldable iPhone may launch in 2026, production to begin late 2025
Representative image Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market next year. As per the popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo , the iPhone maker may launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026. Kuo has revealed that Apple may start manufacturing the much-awaited foldable iPhone in late Q3 or Q4 of 2025. 'Assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized,' wrote Kuo in a post on X. Apple foldable iPhone: Likely specs and design As per Kuo, the first foldable iPhone is said to feature a "book-style" design, akin to Samsung's Galaxy Fold series, rather than a clamshell form factor. The yet to launch foldable iPhone is tipped to feature a 7.8-inch internal display designed to be "crease-free," a significant engineering feat that would differentiate it from many current foldable offerings. The external display is said to measure 5.5-inches. 'The foldable display is one of the few components with finalized specifications and serves as a good reference for estimating potential shipments. Samsung Display (SDC) plans to build annual production capacity for 7-8 million foldable panels to supply the 2026 foldable iPhone. Given that actual production in 2026 may span only a few months, panel shipments that year are likely to fall short of full capacity.' Added Kuo. Further details emerging from Kuo's analysis suggest the device will boast a titanium alloy chassis, a dual-camera system, and an impressively thin profile, measuring under 5mm when unfolded and between 9-9.5mm when folded. Due to internal space considerations, the foldable iPhone may incorporate Touch ID as a side-mounted sensor instead of Face ID. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bitcoin vs Gold: Which Is the Better Investment for the Next 1–3 Years? Liseer Undo Apple foldable iPhone initial shipments Initial shipments for the foldable iPhone are projected to be between 3 to 5 million units in 2026. Apple has reportedly placed a total order for 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, but this volume is expected to be spread across a two to three-year product lifecycle, suggesting a more gradual market adoption for what is expected to be a premium-priced device. 'Recent market rumors suggest Apple has placed an order for 15–20 million foldable iPhones. Based on checks across multiple components, this volume likely reflects cumulative demand over the product's 2–3 year lifecycle, rather than 2026 alone. This indicates that Apple's foldable iPhone, expected to enter mass production in 2H26, may ship several million units annually in both 2027 and 2028, possibly due to its premium pricing,' said Kuo. Apple foldable iPhone: Likely price Rumors indicate the foldable iPhone could carry a price tag upwards of $2,000 to $2,500 (approximately Rs 1.73 lakh to Rs 2.16 lakh). AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
10 best laptops for working professionals to handle multitasking with ease: Top picks that are light, fast and efficient
Work isn't slowing down, and your laptop shouldn't either. You need something that boots up fast, runs smoother than your morning coffee and doesn't crash when you open 10 apps at once. That's where this list of the 10 best laptops for working professionals comes in handy. You might be juggling video calls, handling spreadsheets, or firing off urgent proposals, these laptops are built to match your pace. Product Rating Price BEST OVERALL Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 chip, 13.3-inch/33.74 cm Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Space Grey View Details HP 14s Core i3 12th Gen (8GB RAM/512GB SSD/FHD/14 (35.6 cm)/ Windows 11/ MS Office 21/Backlit Keyboard/Silver/1.46kg) dq5138TU Laptop View Details Acer [SmartChoice Aspire Lite AMD Ryzen 5-5625U Premium Thin and Light Laptop (16 GB RAM/512 GB SSD/Windows 11 Home) AL15-41, 39.62 cm (15.6") Full HD Display, Metal Body, Steel Gray, 1.59 KG View Details VALUE FOR MONEY Dell Inspiron 3530 13th Gen Laptop, Intel Core i3-1305U, 8GB, 512GB SSD, 15.6" (39.62cm) FHD AG 120Hz 250 nits Display, Windows 11 + MSO'21 & McAfee 15 Month, Platinum Silver, Thin & Light- 1.62kg View Details Dell Vostro 15-3520 Laptop - 15.6" FHD 1920x1080, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB, Standard Keyboard, Win 11 + Office H&S 2021, Carbon Black, 1 Year Onsite Hardware Service, 1.69 Kg View Details View More Some of these best laptops for professionals are super light and easy to carry, perfect for those always on the move. In addition, there are other models that comes with powerful processors. If all the tech terms confuse you, don't worry. We've made things easy. Just scroll down and find the one that fits your work style. The MacBook Air remains one of the best laptops for professionals, offering an outstanding combination of portability, reliability, and longevity for daily computing demands. Its exceptional battery life, often extending beyond a full workday on a single charge, makes it ideal for professionals on the go. The powerful M1 chip delivers consistently snappy performance, effortlessly handling routine tasks like web Browse, email, and even light photo editing. Professionals will appreciate the sharp and vibrant Retina display, which ensures clarity and rich detail for all visual content. Incredible battery life (up to 18 hours) Fast and efficient M1 chip Beautiful 13.3-inch Retina display Limited 256GB of storage What are buyers saying on Amazon? The MacBook Air M1 is loved by buyers for its speed, reliability, and great value. It handles tasks like video editing and coding with ease. The MacBook Air is an ideal pick for users who value easy portability, extended battery performance, and the intuitive, interconnected world of Apple's ecosystem. The HP 14s is a compact, lightweight choice among the 10 best laptops for working professionals. It runs on an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth multitasking and quick performance. The 14-inch Full HD micro-edge display offers clear visuals, and the backlit keyboard adds convenience in low light. With a 41Wh battery that lasts up to 9 hours and HP Fast Charge boosting it to 50% in just 45 minutes, it's a reliable pick for everyday work. Lightweight and portable design Fast SSD storage for quicker boot-ups Not ideal for heavy gaming or video editing What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like its speed, display, and portability, but share mixed reviews on battery, performance consistency, and overall build quality. The HP 14s is perfect for professionals and frequent travellers who need a compact, efficient, and stylish laptop. The Acer Aspire Lite (AL15-41) stands out as one of the best laptops for working professionals seeking performance and portability. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5-5625U Hexa-Core processor, it pairs 16GB DDR4 RAM with a 512GB SSD for fast multitasking. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with slim bezels delivers crisp visuals, while the sturdy metal body gives it a sleek, premium look. AMD Radeon Graphics handles everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light editing smoothly. With a full-size keyboard, numeric keypad, and multiple ports including USB-C, this laptop is both practical and efficient for work and daily use. AMD Ryzen 5 processor for fast performance Premium metal body for durability Limited high-speed USB ports What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate its speed and 4K editing capability but report inconsistent build, battery, keyboard issues, and poor sound quality. Choose this if you are seeking a laptop with strong performance, ample storage, and a sleek design. The Dell Vostro 15 3520 is designed for professionals, freelancers, and remote workers who need a dependable and lightweight laptop. It runs on a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, delivering fast and efficient performance for daily tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers crisp visuals, and at just 1.69kg, it's easy to carry wherever work takes you. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and 12 months of McAfee LiveSafe, it ensures a secure and seamless working experience. Pre-installed Windows 11 and McAfee security What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the build and overall value, but report issues with heating, slow performance, short battery life, and unreliable long-term functionality. Offering a balance of performance, storage, and portability, this laptop ideal for everyday office tasks, browsing, and video calls on the go. If you're looking for one of the best laptops for working professionals that delivers both performance and practicality, this Dell 15 Thin & Light model is worth considering. It runs on the efficient 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, paired with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD to keep things running smoothly. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen offers a clear and comfortable viewing experience for work or leisure. It also includes Windows 11, Office 2021, and a 15-month McAfee subscription pre-installed. The spill-resistant keyboard adds everyday resilience, making it ideal for professionals who work long hours. 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor Spill-resistant keyboard 15.6-inch FHD display Build quality might not feel as premium as some higher-end laptops What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers say the laptop performs well for daily tasks and is good value, but report heating, weak build, and poor battery life. Choose this Dell 15 Thin & Light Laptop for smooth everyday use, fast performance, and handy extras like a spill-resistant keyboard and great display. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 is built for professionals who value performance and reliability. With its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, this business laptop easily handles multitasking, meetings, and content creation. The 16-inch WUXGA screen offers ample workspace, while 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD ensure smooth, responsive operation. Pre-loaded with Windows 11 and Office 2021, it's ready out of the box. Sturdy and practical, this laptop is ideal for those who want productivity without compromise. Comfortable 16-inch WUXGA display Strong performance with the AMD Ryzen 7 Durable build quality Battery life, while decent, may not be exceptional What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the laptop's vibrant 16-inch display, fast fingerprint sensor, and smooth performance with Ryzen 5. However, some mention low speaker volume and an average camera experience. Go for this laptop if you need a reliable, high-performing machine built for productivity, multitasking, and daily business use. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a smart pick for professionals and students looking for a reliable, everyday laptop. Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, it delivers solid performance for multitasking and daily tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with anti-glare technology makes long hours easier on the eyes. With 8GB RAM (expandable to 16GB) and a fast 512GB SSD, it offers responsive use and ample storage. Pre-installed Office 2021 and a 3-month Xbox Game Pass add more value, making it suitable for both work and play. 12th Gen processor Webcam with privacy shutter Not the best display quality What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers value its smooth performance and quick charging support. However, some feel the TN panel limits the screen's viewing angles and clarity. Choose this for its updated processor, fast charging, and privacy-focused features that make it a smart option for work-from-home use. The HP 15s is an ideal everyday laptop powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. It packs 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering fast boot times and smooth performance. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen comes with anti-glare technology, making long hours of use easier on the eyes. With Windows 11 and MS Office 2021 pre-installed, it's ready for work or study. Dual speakers and an HD camera round out its practical features. Graphics Intel UHD Graphics Fast 12th Gen processor Good display and build Slightly heavier than other models What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like its multitasking performance and vibrant display, though many wish it included a backlit keyboard for better night-time use. Pick this for its latest-gen i3 chip, fast SSD storage, and reliable performance suitable for work, study, or everyday use. The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is among the best laptops for working professionals who need dependable everyday performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it handles multitasking with ease. Its 15.6-inch FHD anti-glare screen and lightweight design make it great for portability. Pre-installed Windows 11 and Office 2021 add value, making this thin and light laptop a solid pick for work, learning, or casual use. Processor AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Display 15.6" FHD, Anti-glare Great performance for price Lightweight and portable Basic design What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the laptop's performance for everyday office tasks and find the build decent, though many feel the screen quality could be much better. Select this best laptop for everyday efficiency, lightweight comfort, and a complete software package right from the start. Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 is among the sought after laptops for professionals. It's powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, delivering fast, responsive performance. The 16-inch WUXGA display, anti-glare screen, and aluminium body provide durability and clear visuals. Pre-installed with Windows 11 and Office 2021, it's perfect for multitasking, presentations, or hybrid work environments. Processor AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Storage 512GB SSD, expandable Graphics Integrated AMD Radeon Ports USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card Reader Battery Life Up to 9.2 hours Military-grade tested build Large display with good brightness Slightly bulky What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the large display, fast processor, and value pricing, though some mention low audio output and average camera performance. Pick this best laptop for its sturdy build, big display, and reliable performance in office work, study, and everyday multitasking. A laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is ideal. These processors offer a balance of speed and efficiency. For tasks like video editing or software development, an i7 or Ryzen 7 provides better performance without slowing down under heavy workloads. An SSD is highly recommended. It loads files and software much faster than an HDD and improves overall system responsiveness. For working professionals, this translates to better productivity, quicker startups, and less waiting time during multitasking or booting heavy software. Business laptops often offer better build quality, longer warranties, enhanced security (like TPM or fingerprint readers), and professional software support. They're designed for reliability and long hours of use, making them better suited for demanding work environments. Processor : Aim for at least Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or higher. : Aim for at least Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or higher. RAM : 8GB minimum; 16GB recommended for multitaskers. : 8GB minimum; 16GB recommended for multitaskers. Storage : SSD is preferred over HDD for speed and reliability. : SSD is preferred over HDD for speed and reliability. Battery Life : Look for 7+ hours and fast-charging support. : Look for 7+ hours and fast-charging support. Display : A Full HD screen with good brightness and anti-glare is ideal. : A Full HD screen with good brightness and anti-glare is ideal. Portability : Consider weight and thickness if you travel often. : Consider weight and thickness if you travel often. Keyboard & Build : Backlit keyboard and sturdy build improve long-term comfort. : Backlit keyboard and sturdy build improve long-term comfort. Security Features : Fingerprint reader, TPM chip, or webcam shutter for added privacy. : Fingerprint reader, TPM chip, or webcam shutter for added privacy. Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6 support are useful. 10 best laptops for working professionals Memory Screen Size Special Feature HP 15 7320U 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch Anti Glare Screen, Numeric Keypad Dell [Smartchoice] 3520 Laptop 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch FHD Display, 15 Month Mcafee Acer Aspire Lite 5625U 16GB/512GB 15.6 inch HD Audio, Light Weight, Numeric Keypad Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch Anti Glare Coating ASUS Vivobook 15 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch Full HD, Anti Glare Coating HP 14s Intel Core i3 14 inch Portable, Anti Glare Screen, Micro Edge Display Lenovo IdeaPad 3 8GB/512GB 14 inch Built-in Microphone, Full HD HP 15s 1215U 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch FHD, Backlit Keyboard, Micro-Edge Display, Anti-Glare Dell Vostro 15 3520 Laptop 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch Full HD, Thin and Light Acer Aspire Lite, 5300U 8GB/512GB 15.6 inch Full HD Display, Metal Body Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Apple's 15-inch M2 MacBook Air Just Hit an All-Time Low $810, But for How Long?
Picking the best laptop for your needs often means choosing between performance and portability, but not today. The 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is fast and incredibly thin and light, and right now you can slide one into your laptop bag for just $810, the lowest price we've seen yet. Amazon hasn't said how long this deal will last, but we do know that stocks are already limited. Thankfully, Best Buy is matching the same $810 price, but again, we don't know how many laptops are available. We suggest ordering your new MacBook Air soon if you want to lock this price in. While this isn't Apple's latest model these days, it's still a great option for a whole lot of people. The M2 chip is blazing fast and can still play games and run the latest apps with aplomb. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The model on offer today has a gorgeous 15-inch display as well as 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for storage. The keyboard comes with a built-in Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication, and you can look forward to around 18 hours of use per charge. That's plenty, whether you're hot-desking at work or just want to get out of the office for a while. If you do decide that you want to go for one of the newer models, our list of the best MacBook deals available today is your friend. But with this M2 model at its lowest-ever price, we don't think you can go wrong here. Why this deal matters The MacBook Air is an iconic laptop and the M2 version still has more than enough performance for most people. It'd be a great option for school and work alike, and this is your chance to snag one at a price that we don't expect to last for much longer.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Consequences Of Bringing Your Phone To A Protest
This past weekend, Hina Sabatine protested President Donald Trump 's administration in Los Angeles, and they didn't bring their usual phone. 'We're protesting the administration, which is a lot scarier [than previous protests I've attended], because we've seen how Trump can lash out,' Sabatine said. For this past protest, 'I [brought] a burner phone which doesn't have my Touch ID or my face scan.' Sabatine is one of many who rallied against Trump at thousands of 'No Kings' protests across the nation this past weekend to reject authoritarianism and to counter Trump's military birthday parade celebration Saturday, according to the movement's website. These marches followed ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting immigrants. Sabatine, who has marched for a free Palestine and Black Lives Matter over the last decade, said they are now adding additional layers of phone security in response to Trump deploying the National Guard to Southern California. In addition to using an old Android phone with just a memory card for taking videos, Sabatine also put that phone in a special pouch, known as a Faraday bag, that can block cell and Wi-Fi signals. 'Given that I am an immigrant, I'm just going to just do all the extra steps,' they said. Should you do the same? Many of us rely on our phones to travel and find our friends in crowds, but they can also reveal more about us than we would want ― especially to authorities. That's why one of the big questions you need to ask yourself is whether you should bring your phone to a protest. 'We get this question a lot, and I think it really depends,' said Anu Joshi, an American Civil Liberties Union staffer who has led multiple 'Know Your Rights' trainings for the 'No Kings' marches. 'What we encourage people to do is just to consider the potential risks.' Your phone can track your real-time location, and you might not want federal authorities or law enforcement to be able to look up that you were at a protest through a potential subpoena. 'Even if it's in airplane mode, there's a chance that your movements can be tracked,' Joshi said. 'The only way to ensure that you aren't being tracked through your phone is not bringing it at all." That's because 'when you move, your phone is connecting to various cell phone towers. The most surefire way of preventing that from happening is turning your phone off,' said Alejandro Ruizesparza, one of the co-directors at Lucy Parsons Labs, a Chicago-based group of technologists and activists that runs digital security training classes. Ruizesparza said when they protest, they turn their phone off before they even leave their home, so it's less easy for cellular data to help determine where they were going that day. The other downside to bringing your phone is if it gets confiscated by officers, the data within it may get used against you. 'If you are detained or arrested, then your phone could be taken from you. And law enforcement has wide use of a number of forensic extraction devices,' said Bill Budington, an Electronic Frontier Foundation senior staff technologist. Forensic extraction devices can reveal private information, such as whether you attended a protest, your communications with sources, and social media posts on sensitive topics, for example. 'And so those devices, especially if they're being used on an older device or a device that hasn't had operating system security updates in a while, will be able to more readily extract all sorts of information,' Budington said. If you don't want to leave your phone at home, you can leave it in your car, so that it 'becomes harder to pinpoint your whereabouts at any point,' Joshi suggested. Or leave it off during the protest. 'This should ideally prevent some level of tracking and the creation of data linking you to these protests,' Ruizesparza said. If you do bring a phone, at least turn off Touch ID and Face ID. Although not bringing a phone at all makes it harder for surveillance, 'realistically, most of us want to have some form of communication and find it difficult to leave a phone behind,' Ruizesparza said. In these cases, privacy experts strongly recommend disabling biometrics like fingerprint recognition and Face ID if you bring your phone to a protest. That's because, in general, a memorized passcode has stronger legal protections against a court order compelling you to unlock or decrypt your phone. But when you enable biometrics logins, you may compromise your Fifth Amendment privilege against being compelled to incriminate yourself. 'As a practical matter, the protection is better too,' added Budington. 'Because if you are in a situation where you're detained, then regardless of a situation legally, an officer might be able to unlock your device without your consent just by taking your fingerprint and pressing it against the Touch ID or showing it to your face.' Disabling biometrics can vary by device, but for Android 12 and later devices, you can enable Lockdown mode to temporarily disable fingerprint and facial recognition. For iPhones, you can go to Settings, find 'Face ID & Passcode,' and turn 'iPhone Unlock' off. 'We really encourage people to disable those [biometrics] and instead to use a strong numeric or alphanumeric password to unlock your phone, to ensure that no one can unlock your phone without your consent,' Joshi said. As for tracking concerns, airplane mode is 'pretty good,' and can mitigate dangers of having your real-time location tracked by ads, Budington said. You can also buy additional tech to help you block your location signal, but there are pros and cons. Faraday bags can help block signals 'a little bit more than airplane mode,' Budington said, especially if you forget to turn off certain settings. But he cautioned that by bringing one, 'you will reduce your ability to plausibly deny that you're part of the protest.' These are basic phone security considerations, but there are longer primers that can help you strategize how to secure your phone before and after protests. For example, 'if you take pictures at protests, you should take some extra time to blur out faces and possibly remove metadata. Signal actually has a blurring feature built in,' Ruizesparza noted. Above all, don't wing it. Creating a gameplan before a protest takes time and sometimes difficult conversations but 'ultimately, secure practices don't just keep the individual safe, but also keep the collective network around the individual secure as well,' Ruizesparza said. 'Practical safety and security is a simple act of solidarity.' And it gives you and your friends the reassurance that if 'it hits the fan, there's something we can do,' Ruizesparza said. So before you ask the question of whether or not you should bring your phone, ask, 'Am I going with someone? And will people know what to do if something happens?' Ruizesparza said. Take it from Sabatine. They planned to be the only one in their protest group who would have a burner phone, so that their friends could go phone-less. Beyond writing phone numbers of each other and of lawyers on their arms, Sabatine also told their parents and friends about their location for the protest, so someone knew where they would be. If it wasn't for the increased military presence in Los Angeles, 'I don't know if I would have gone the extra mile for security or safety,' Sabatine said. 'But because the forces are now different, I think that's what's making people pivot their action plans a little bit more and erring on the side of safety.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Taking Your Phone To A Trump Protest Could Have Alarming Consequences
This weekend, Hina Sabatine will protest President Donald Trump's administration in Los Angeles and they won't bring their usual phone. 'We're protesting the administration, which is a lot scarier [than previous protests I've attended], because we've seen how Trump can lash out,' Sabatine said. For this upcoming protest, 'I'm bringing a burner phone which doesn't have my Touch ID or my face scan.'Sabatine is one of many who are rallying against Trump at thousands of expected 'No Kings' protests scheduled across the nation this weekend to reject authoritarianism and to counter Trump's military birthday parade celebration Saturday, according to the movement's website. These marches follow ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting who has marched for a free Palestine and Black Lives Matter over the last decade, said they are now adding additional layers of phone security in response to Trump deploying the National Guard to Southern California. In addition to using an old Android phone with just a memory card for taking videos, Sabatine will also be putting that phone in a special pouch, known as a Faraday bag, that can block cell and Wi-Fi signals. 'Given that I am an immigrant, I'm just going to just do all the extra steps,' they said. Should you do the same? Many of us rely on our phones to travel and find our friends in crowds, but they can also reveal more about us than we would want ― especially to authorities. That's why one of the big questions you need to ask yourself is whether you should bring your phone to a protest. 'We get this question a lot, and I think it really depends,' said Anu Joshi, an American Civil Liberties Union's staffer who has led multiple 'Know Your Rights' trainings for the 'No Kings' marches. 'What we encourage people to do is just to consider the potential risks.' Your phone can track your real-time location, and you might not want federal authorities or law enforcement to be able to look up that you were at a protest through a potential subpoena.'Even if it's in airplane mode, there's a chance that your movements can be tracked,' Joshi said. 'The only way to ensure that you aren't being tracked through your phone is not bringing it at all.'That's because 'when you move, your phone is connecting to various cell phone towers. The most surefire way of preventing that from happening is turning your phone off,' said Alejandro Ruizesparza, one of the co-directors at Lucy Parsons Labs, a Chicago-based group of technologists and activists that runs digital security training said when they protest, they turn their phone off before they even leave their home, so it's less easy for cellular data to help determine where they were going that day. The other downside to bringing your phone is if it gets confiscated by officers, the data within it may get used against you. 'If you are detained or arrested, then your phone could be taken from you. And law enforcement has wide use of a number of forensic extraction devices,' said Bill Budington, an Electronic Frontier Foundation senior staff extraction devices can reveal private information, such as whether you attended a protest, your communications with sources and social media posts on sensitive topics, for example. 'And so those devices, especially if they're being used on an older device or a device that hasn't had operating system security updates in a while, will be able to more readily extract all sorts of information,' Budington said. If you don't want to leave your phone at home, you can leave it in your car, so that it 'becomes harder to pinpoint your whereabouts at any point,' Joshi suggested. Or leave it off during the protest. 'This should ideally prevent some level of tracking and the creation of data linking you to these protests,' Ruizesparza said. Although not bringing a phone at all makes it harder for surveillance, 'realistically, most of us want to have someform of communication and find it difficult to leave a phone behind,' Ruizesparza said. In these cases, privacy experts strongly recommend disabling biometrics like fingerprint recognition and Face ID if you bring your phone to a protest. That's because, in general, a memorized passcode has stronger legal protections against a court order compelling you to unlock or decrypt your phone. But when you enable biometrics logins, you may compromise your Fifth Amendment privilege against being compelled to incriminate yourself. 'As a practical matter, the protection is better too,' added Budington. 'Because if you are in a situation where you're detained, then regardless of a situation legally, a officer might be able to unlock your device without your consent just by taking your fingerprint and pressing it against the touch ID or showing it to your face.' Disabling biometrics can vary by device, but for Android 12 and later devices, you can enable Lockdown mode to temporarily disable fingerprint and facial recognition. For iPhones, you can go to Settings, find 'Face ID & Passcode' and turn 'iPhone Unlock' off. 'We really encourage people to disable those [biometrics] and instead to use a strong numeric or alphanumeric password to unlock your phone, to ensure that no one can unlock your phone without your consent,' Joshi said. As for tracking concerns, airplane mode is 'pretty good,' and can mitigate dangers of having your real-time location tracked by ads, Budington can also buy additional tech to help you block your location signal, but there are pros and cons. Faraday bags can help block signals 'a little bit more than airplane mode,' Budington said, especially if you forget to turn off certain settings. But he cautioned that by bringing one, 'you will reduce your ability to plausibly deny that you're part of the protest.'These are basic phone security considerations, but there are longer primers that can help you strategize how to secure your phone before and after protests. For example, 'if you take pictures at protests, you should take some extra time to blur out faces and possibly remove metadata. Signal actually has a blurring feature built in,' Ruizesparza noted. Above all, don't wing it. Creating a gameplan before a protest takes time and sometimes difficult conversations but 'ultimately, secure practices don't just keep the individual safe, but also keep the collective network around the individual secure as well,' Ruizesparza said. 'Practical safety and security is a simple act of solidarity.' And it gives you and your friends the reassurance that if 'it hits the fan, there's something we can do,' Ruizesparza said. So before you ask the question of whether or not you should bring your phone, ask, 'Am I going with someone? And will people know what to do ifsomething happens?' Ruizesparza said. Take it from Sabatine. Right now, they are planning to be the only one in their protest group who will have a burner phone, so that their friends can go phone-less. Beyond writing phone numbers of each other and of lawyers on their arms, Sabatine is also telling their parents and friends about their location for the protest, so someone knows where they will be. If it wasn't for the increased military presence in Los Angeles, 'I don't know if I would have gone the extra mile for security or safety,' Sabatine said. 'But because the forces are now different, I think that's what's making people pivot their action plans a little bit more and erring on the side of safety.' Does Border Patrol Have The Right To Go Through Your Phone? Here Are The Alarming Facts. There's 1 Way To Combat Trump's Immigration Crackdown — And It's Getting More Popular Why You Can (And Should) Opt Out Of TSA Facial Recognition Right Now
