Rumors and renders of a foldable iPhone are starting to feel more serious, but does that mean it’s something worth buying? In this episode of Tek With Josh, I break down why Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold could be a major moment for the company, and why I personally wouldn’t buy one at launch.

Drawing from experience using both Apple devices and foldable phones, I talk through Apple’s history with first-generation products, the real-world tradeoffs of foldables, and why price, battery life, durability, and software maturity matter more than form factor hype.

This isn’t an anti-Apple take. It’s an honest look at what a first-gen iPhone Fold would likely offer, who it might actually be for, and why waiting could be the smarter move.

In this episode:

Why Apple entering the foldable market is a big statement

Apple’s track record with first-generation hardware

Foldable phone tradeoffs: battery, cameras, durability, and software

Why price could be the biggest barrier to adoption

Why I won’t be buying the first iPhone Fold

Who a foldable iPhone might actually make sense for

If you enjoy thoughtful, real-world tech discussions without the hype, make sure to follow Tek With Josh for weekly episodes.

Last-Minute Tech Gifts

Real Tech Gifts Without the Gimmicks

In this episode of Tek With Josh, Josh breaks down last-minute tech gift ideas that actually make sense. No sponsored picks, no gimmicks, and no throwaway tech that ends up forgotten in a drawer.

This episode is designed to stay evergreen, focusing on categories of tech that are genuinely useful — whether you’re shopping for someone else or just upgrading your own setup.

What’s covered in this episode:

Everyday productivity tech that improves work and creative workflows

Portable charging solutions for home, travel, and daily carry

Wireless charging options that reduce cable clutter

Headphones and earbuds across multiple budgets and ecosystems

Smartphone picks for both Android and iOS users

Desk and workstation upgrades that simplify connections

Small, affordable tech accessories that make great stocking stuffers

Entry-level audio gear for gaming, streaming, and podcasting

Why this episode works year-round:

MSRP pricing is discussed in USD instead of sale prices

Recommendations are based on personal use and real-world experience

Categories stay relevant beyond the holiday season

Ideal for last-minute shoppers and thoughtful tech buyers

If this episode helped you out, make sure to follow or subscribe to Tek With Josh so you don’t miss future episodes.

You can find Josh’s other podcasts, writing, and projects at booksbyjosh.com.

Overview

In this nostalgic episode of Tek with Josh, Josh takes you back to the golden age of smartphones and breaks down the four devices that defined their eras: BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, iOS, and Android. These weren’t just popular phones — they were the ones that hit different and truly shaped what we know as modern mobile tech.

Drawing from firsthand experience working in the wireless industry during these launches, Josh shares stories, specs, and moments that you probably forgot about… or never knew happened. From BBM and push email to Palm’s gesture-based interface and early cloud backup, plus the iPhone 4’s game-changing design and Samsung’s feature-packed Galaxy S4, this episode is a full tour through smartphone history.

📌 Key Topics & Highlights

📱 BlackBerry OS Era

• Why BlackBerry was the business phone

• The beauty of the physical keyboard

• BBM: The original iMessage

• Push email and the iconic BlackBerry data plan

• The BlackBerry Pearl vs. Curve vs. 8300 Series

• Early smartphone limitations: no Wi-Fi, cameras, or touchscreens

📱 Palm OS & The Palm Pre

• Palm OS roots from the 90s

• Beaming contacts and apps through infrared

• HotSync vs. ActiveSync vs. BlackBerry Device Manager

• The Palm Pre launch story: lines, hype, and being part of the event

• Palm inventing:

– Wireless updates

– Built-in cloud backup

– Card multitasking

– Gesture navigation

• Why WebOS died, and how it lives on through LG TVs

📱 iPhone 4 — The Modern Smartphone Blueprint

• Why the iPhone 4 was such a massive leap over the 3GS

• Retina display and the shift to premium materials

• The leak that exposed the entire phone before launch

• Antennagate explained

• Front-facing camera + the birth of FaceTime

• The moment Apple changed the smartphone design language forever

📱 Samsung Galaxy S4

• Samsung’s rise from “number two” to Android king

• Why the S3 was good… but the S4 was legendary

• 1080p AMOLED screen in 2013

• Expandable storage, removable battery, and feature-packed TouchWiz

• Group Share: Samsung’s pre-SharePlay era innovation

• Why the S4 was the peak “fun era” of Android

🎙️ Personal Stories

• Josh’s time working for Sprint during major phone launches

• Being part of the Palm Pre media preview

• Using BlackBerry as a young rep and experiencing push email

• Carrying spare batteries before power banks existed

• That unforgettable moment when Apple reinvented the smartphone

💬 Why These Phones Still Matter

• Each device introduced a feature we now take for granted

• They pushed the industry forward in completely different ways

• They represent a time when smartphones were exciting, unique, and experimental

🔗 Josh’s Other Content

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Josh’s other podcasts:
Books by Josh Audio Immersion & Manga with Josh

Read more tech posts and writing at booksbyjosh.com
Support Josh on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/booksbyjosh