Mobile News 8 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 10:31 PM ET

Apple's Big Reveal

Apple has finally unveiled its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, featuring a wider-style design with two panels and pricing that starts at $1,999 ahead of an October release. The device makes a strong first impression, though reviewers wish it had three rear cameras. Apple is also launching two official first-party cases for the foldable, including the iPhone Duo Folio, available in multiple finishes. The company's new device has already drawn cheeky responses from Samsung and even Duolingo on social media. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max arrive with the A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, and variable aperture main cameras, available in three new colors. Pre-orders open September 12 with general release on September 18, and both run iOS, which Apple has confirmed for release alongside the new hardware. The iPhone 18 Pro's camera innovations go beyond megapixels and AI, with variable aperture and enhanced pro controls taking center stage in hands-on impressions. Pricing for the entire lineup has been detailed across markets, with the Pro models seeing modest increases in some regions. Apple has also raised prices on older iPhones by $100, a move that may push more buyers toward the new models.

Foldable Competition heats Up

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already being positioned as a direct rival, with a spec-by-spec comparison showing Apple's first foldable competes well on paper. For those unwilling to wait, T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free with eligible trade-in and a new line. Motorola, meanwhile, has teased a new compact foldable Razr to compete with both the Galaxy Fold 8 and iPhone Duo. The company followed up with a bold Instagram tease of its short, wide Razr Fold, turning heads away from Apple's launch. Notably, the iPhone Duo lacks variable aperture and a dedicated telephoto camera — features that are conspicuously absent from Apple's flagship foldable. Android fans are quick to point out that several iPhone Duo features were already available on devices from Samsung, Motorola, and Google.

Wearables and Audio

Apple's new watch lineup includes the Series 12 and Watch Ultra, all featuring the S11 chip with improved optical and electrical heart rate sensors. The Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, while the Ultra 4 targets outdoor enthusiasts. A standout feature is Audio Intelligence, which enables a real-life conversation rewind — though Apple says it's taking privacy concerns seriously with the new capability. On the audio front, the new Air Pods 5 deliver better sound and stronger noise cancellation at a lower price than the previous generation, making them an easier recommendation for most buyers. MP3 players are not affected. — WRONG, REMOVE

Gaming and Entertainment

Playdate Season 3 kicks off October 8, featuring new titles including Gloom Gate, Houm, and Soggy Froggy. The handheld's quirky crank-based gameplay continues to attract a dedicated following. In the podcast world, the Engadget team has dived deep into the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, discussing whether Apple's foldable lives up to the hype and how the new hardware compares to expectations.

Industry and Labor News

Blizzard employees have ratified their union contracts, with the Communications Workers of America representing approximately 1,900 workers at the game company. The contracts establish new workplace protections and compensation structures. Separately, Microsoft has struck a deal with the national teachers union to ensure school data won't be used to train AI models — a significant step in the absence of federal protections around AI and student privacy.

AI and Software

Google has turned its AI Mode into a fantasy football coach just as the NFL season kicks off, offering lineup advice and waiver wire suggestions through the company's AI-powered search experience. Meanwhile, the band Muse has lost its social media handles to Meta's new AI agent of the same name, with Meta executives accidentally tag the band instead of their AI assistant in recent posts.

Sony's Next Flagship

Rumors are already circulating about Sony's next flagship, with the Xperia 1 IX reportedly getting an exciting camera upgrade. Sony launched the Xperia 1 VIII in May with a June release, and early reports suggest the successor could feature significant imaging improvements, though details remain scarce at this stage.