Tech & Mobile 3 Hours

Tech & Hardware

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 1:02 PM ET

Consoles

Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Series X25 in early June, a limited edition celebrating 25 years of Xbox. The $899 console features a translucent green design for the chassis and controller alike.

Audio

Kiwi Ears announced the Stardust, tuned for balance between musicality and neutrality. Its sub-bass sits at a controlled 8dB level, delivering tactile impact and engaging presence.

Mobile News

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 2:48 PM ET

Deals & Promotions

Mint Mobile will effectively hand buyers of the Google Pixel 11 a free year of wireless service, now that the carrier's Pixel 11 stock has finally arrived. Meanwhile, TCL launched a Back to School sale with up to 35% off NXTPAPER tablets and smartphones at Amazon.

Vehicle Recalls

Tesla is leading a recall of more than 4 million vehicles in China, where hidden flush door handles may fail to open from the outside. Several other automakers are joining the same regulatory action.

Smart Glasses

RayNeo, which held a 23.7% share of the AR smart glasses market in Q1 2026 according to Counterpoint data, unveiled two new product lines: the productivity-focused iO series and the multimedia-focused GT series.

Platform Regulation

Epic Games insists that Apple's new EU app store rules still violate the Digital Markets Act, even though the European Commission appears satisfied with the changes. The Fortnite maker argues the revised terms remain anti-competitive toward rival app stores.

Audio Hardware

Fresh leaks about Apple's camera-equipped AirPods reveal an unusual design in which each earbud captures its own image, with the shots synchronized for use by Visual Intelligence.

Apple News

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 10:43 AM ET

Payments Shift

After more than a decade of resistance despite persistent shopper pressure, Walmart will finally begin rolling out Apple Pay support at its stores next week, ending one of retail's longest holdouts against contactless payment.

Taxes & Traction

Apple paid $17 billion in taxes to Ireland last year, representing 40% of its $43 billion worldwide tax total. Meanwhile, new Counterpoint Research data shows global smartphone sales contracting, yet Apple gained ground in India, Latin America, and Europe even as all three markets shrank.

Deal Watch

Amazon has slashed LG's 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitor to $467.97, marking the lowest price ever recorded for the display while supplies last.

Leak Season

The latest Apple Insider Podcast details how Apple accidentally leaked identifying numbers for much of its upcoming product line, weighs rumors of AirPods with cameras that have ignited a fresh privacy debate, and covers Siri AI partnered articles alongside ads arriving in Apple Maps.

AI Overreach

A new plugin lets Mac users hand ChatGPT their entire Messages history so the assistant can write texts on their behalf, a move Apple Insider compares to giving OpenAI your house keys.

Pocket Studio

Echoing the old photography adage that the best camera is the one you have with you, 9to5Mac argues the iPhone remains the ideal always-present rig for video and B-roll work, one that "keeps paying dividends."