Yeah man, I think the article I initially read about PP Mobian situation was this one here just for reference if I am even remembering right – https://blog.mobian-project.org/posts/2023/09/30/paperweight-dilemma/
Someone stepped up (see https://blog.mobian.org/posts/2024/01/08/highlights-of-2023/ and afaik a-wai also mentioned this at fosdem (https://fosdem.org/2024/schedule/event/fosdem-2024-3290-towards-a-bright-future-with-mobian-/), also long standing issues like the out-of-tree-WiFi/BT driver are being worked on currently.
I've been told that PinePhone 2 is not happening this year. (If AllWinner will continue to supply A64 SoCs, it might take even longer.)
Regarding SoC, the likely/obvious candidate is RK3566 - but we'll have to wait and see for the when and how. (I, personally, would love to see a PinePhone V - think PineTab V, but as a phone).
PineTime: It has nice companion apps on Mobile Linux, but I went back to my Pebble Time Steel - the always on display matters to me.