Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Mobile Device Launches & Rumors

Apple's 2025 iPhones are reportedly set to feature a surprising amount of RAM, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, slated for a spring launch, may push the boundaries of mobile memory. Meanwhile, Apple began selling refurbished MacBook Neos, bringing prices back to their pre-hike levels following a recent $100 increase on most of its non-iPhone products. In a contrasting market move, the Samsung Galaxy A27 launched in the US at $349.99, priced $50 higher than the Galaxy A37, despite having a single 6GB/128GB configuration and one color option. The Oppo Reno16 Pro and its global variant, the Oppo Reno16, have been reviewed, with the latter noted for its visual similarity to the Pro model.

Smartphone Deals & Discounts

This week saw significant price drops on several high-end smartphones as Prime Day concludes. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus is available at an all-time low, over $300 off its launch price. For those seeking more compact options, a selection of the best small phones are discounted. Among the top deals, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for Pixel users are available for $160, and the Pixel Buds 2a dropped below $100. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at $180, while the Beats Solo 4 are half off, bringing them under $100 with 50-hour battery life. The OnePlus N6 is preparing for launch in India, with leaks suggesting generous box contents including a charger and case, a rarity for budget phones.

Tablets & E-readers

Samsung tablets are offering a compelling alternative to Apple's recently increased iPad prices, with one model discounted by 46% for Prime Day. The Galaxy Tab A11 Plus is highlighted as a budget-friendly travel companion. For younger readers, Amazon's Kids Kindles are a recommended alternative to tablets, with one model receiving a substantial $90 discount. The brand-new Kindle is also on sale for $85, marking the best deal of the Prime Day event. The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is set to launch with PC emulation capabilities and liquid cooling.

Wearables & Smart Devices

Garmin watches are seeing notable discounts, with the Venu 4 down $50 and the Forerunner 570 offering even greater savings. For marathon training, the Garmin Forerunner 970 is currently on sale. The Oura Ring 4 deal includes up to three years of membership for free. The Fitbit Ace LTE has hit an all-time low price, making it an attractive option for children. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly developing a smart ring, potentially named iRing or Apple Ring.

Audio & Smart Speakers

Nothing CMF earbuds are available for as low as $19.99, and the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 have been unveiled with up to 54 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation. The Amazon Echo Studio smart speaker is 20% off, offering room-filling sound and Alexa features.

AI & Software

Anthropic received US government approval to redeploy its Mythos cybersecurity AI model, restoring access for select organizations. California has launched a tracker for AI-related job losses to monitor the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. In the realm of streaming, Netflix is testing profile-specific email logins, a move that raises concerns about stricter enforcement of shared account policies. Google has reduced Play Store fees for developers to 10% for the first $1 million in earnings and now permits third-party billing.

Home & Networking

Home owners with multiple phone chargers may be paying more for electricity due to standby power consumption. The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro is available at a significant discount, dropping below $100. The Anker MagGo 15W Qi2 Wireless Charger Stand is 20% off. For home entertainment, a TCL QM7K TV is on sale, and numerous Amazon Fire TV deals are available before Prime Day concludes.

Gaming & Computing

Microsoft is increasing Xbox prices for the third time in a year, affecting the 512GB model. This follows a general trend of price hikes on computing devices, including MacBooks, iPads, and more. Apple plans to skip M6 Pro and Max chips, focusing instead on AI enhancements for the M7 generation. The R36MAX Retro Handheld is available for $40.

Industry & Legal

Samsung faces another lawsuit from patent troll Tau Ceti Ventures LLC. Meta is accused of punishing a whistleblower by the author of a tell-all book. The effectiveness of Australia's social media ban is being questioned due to self-declared age verification methods. Qualcomm's future roadmap indicates new 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite series chips. Samsung plans to charge for SmartThings API access.

Other Tech News

YouTube Shorts is rolling out a full-screen viewing mode and other features, including the removal of dislikes and the option to double playback speed as reported elsewhere. NASA's TESS spacecraft has discovered two "cotton candy" planets. The potential impact of solar storms on technology is a growing concern, with certain infrastructure being more vulnerable. Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support for another year, despite efforts to push users to Windows.