NEWS
Apple vs. Xiaomi: The Mid-Fold Wars Begin as iPhone Duo Challenges 18 Fold
Apple and Xiaomi have opened a new chapter in the premium foldable smartphone market, with the tech giants unveiling competing wide-screen devices aimed at redefining how consumers use foldable phones.
Apple introduced the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026, with a starting price of $1,999, while Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China with a starting price of $1,540.
Both devices adopt a short, wide “mid-fold” design that opens into a large display similar in proportions to a sheet of paper.
SEE MORE: iPhone XR vs iPhone 17 Pro: The Truth Behind Nigeria’s ‘Upgraded iPhone’ Scandal
However, the companies have taken markedly different approaches to hardware, cameras, battery life and software.
Xiaomi pushes hardware advantage
The Xiaomi 18 Fold comes with a 7.58-inch LTPO AMOLED inner display, supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates and a claimed peak brightness of 4,000 nits.
It is also slightly thinner and considerably lighter than Apple’s offering, weighing 219 grammes compared with the iPhone Duo’s 254 grammes.
Photography is another major strength of the Xiaomi device. It features a 200-megapixel Leica-branded main camera, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.
The device is powered by Xiaomi’s 3nm XRING O3 processor and packs a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. It supports 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, with a charger included in the box.
Apple focuses on software and design
Apple’s iPhone Duo features a slightly larger 7.6-inch inner OLED display with a resolution of 2670 × 1878 pixels and up to 120Hz ProMotion.
One of Apple’s major design decisions is the use of an under-display camera on the inner screen, allowing the large folding display to remain free of a camera cut-out.
The device uses a Grade 5 titanium frame and a complex hinge system containing more than 100 components.
Rather than matching Xiaomi’s camera megapixel count, Apple has focused on computational photography and features that make use of the two-screen design.
These include Duo Preview, which allows subjects to see themselves on the outer display while being photographed, as well as Smart Take, Dual Capture and Duo FaceTime.
Different approaches to multitasking
The biggest distinction between the two devices may be their software.
The iPhone Duo runs iOS 27 and introduces a fold-specific interface with side navigation, a redesigned Dynamic Island and Split View, allowing users to run two apps or two windows side by side.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 4, based on Android 17, takes a more aggressive multitasking approach. The company says users can run up to six apps in split-screen configurations alongside a floating window.
Xiaomi has also adapted more than 200 applications for the phone’s wide display.
However, the 18 Fold is currently a China-only model and ships with the Chinese version of HyperOS, meaning Google Play, Google Maps and Gmail are not included by default.
Price and availability
Price could become one of Xiaomi’s strongest advantages.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, while the Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at CNY 10,999, making Xiaomi’s entry model substantially cheaper based on the quoted prices.
Apple plans to begin selling the iPhone Duo in more than 70 countries from October 23, 2026, while Xiaomi’s 18 Fold is currently limited to China.
For international buyers, however, the two devices present different challenges. The iPhone Duo uses eSIM only, while the Xiaomi 18 Fold supports two physical nano-SIM cards but lacks eSIM support.
Two different visions for foldables
The comparison highlights two competing philosophies in the premium foldable market.
Xiaomi is putting its weight behind camera hardware, battery capacity, charging speed, display brightness and price, while Apple is relying on iOS, industrial design and software built specifically around the two-screen experience.
For consumers, the choice may ultimately come down to priorities: Xiaomi offers more aggressive hardware specifications for the money, while Apple is betting that a tightly integrated software experience will make its foldable more useful every time it is opened.
NEWS
Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.
The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima
Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.
During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.
The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.
He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.
NEWS
Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
SEE MORE: Lagos Police Nab Educational Consultancy Staff Over Fake Visa Fraud
The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.
Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.
According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.
Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.
He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy
Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.
Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.
Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
NEWS
Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo
He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.
“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.
“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”
The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.
According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.
“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.
Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case
Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.
He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.
According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.
“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.
He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.
“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.
Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.
“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.





