Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Devices & Features

Apple's Hide My Email is reportedly vulnerable, with a flaw allowing real email addresses to be linked to anonymous ones. This undermines a key privacy feature. Meanwhile, iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a dual-modem configuration, according to leaked schematics from a cyberattack on supplier Tata. In a move to integrate rewards, American Express members can now use Membership Rewards points directly with Apple Pay for online purchases, a feature long awaited by cardholders.

Despite rumors of a handheld AI device for accessing xAI models, Elon Musk has stated the reports are "utterly false." Separately, Xbox is testing a method to digitize physical game disc purchases, potentially preserving access to older titles in an increasingly digital market. Fujifilm is also leaning into retro with special waterproof and black-and-white editions of its Quick Snap instant cameras, appealing to analog photography enthusiasts.

Nothing is launching the Phone (4b) on July 7, powered by a Snapdragon chipset, and will offer an RCB Edition. The Tecno Pova 8 has received a review, and Samsung's Galaxy A37 is discounted on Amazon amid forecasts of a tough market for new devices in 2026 due to a memory chip crisis. Samsung is also preparing for its next Unpacked event, with rumors strongly hinting at a July 22 launch date in London for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8, accompanied by a viral marketing campaign that saw the company wipe its Instagram posts. Detailed specifications for a wider Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 variant have also leaked, alongside teasers for the device itself. The Honor Magic V6 is now on sale in Europe, starting at €1,700.

Wearables & Smart Home

Meta is building its own cloud business, potentially competing with giants like Amazon and Google by selling server infrastructure. The company is also expanding the capabilities of its AI glasses, with deep golf integration announced alongside partners 18Birdies and Arccos, offering hands-free functionality. However, Meta is also paywalling a feature for its smart glasses that was previously included, charging $20 for access beyond three free hours per month, a move that limits the utility of the "Conversation Focus" feature to three hours of free use monthly.

Discord is now available on the Meta Quest App Store, bringing a familiar social experience to VR users. In automotive tech, future Hyundai Kia cars may eliminate the need for air fresheners thanks to integrated far-UVC technology designed to neutralize odors. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch9 later this month, with recent leaks offering a glimpse of the smartwatches and their bands. Samsung's first Android XR smart glasses, the Samsung Galaxy Glasses, have been showcased within their management app.

Telecom & Services

T-Mobile customers continue to face issues as the carrier retires the Kick Back program, migrating users to potentially more expensive plans. Mint Mobile is offering a new deal at $15 per month for wireless service, billed as its "best offer ever." Meanwhile, Amazon will pay $2.25 million to settle an FTC case concerning alleged failures to meet Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for identity theft protection.

AI & Software

A UN panel report indicates that policymakers struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for better safeguards despite AI being neither inherently good nor bad. Google's Gemini app for mac OS now includes access to its Spark agentic AI assistant. Anthropic has received government approval to redeploy its Mythos and Fable AI models, with user access resuming on July 1.

Gaming & Media

Sony will cease production of disc-based PlayStation games starting in 2028, signaling a definitive shift towards digital distribution. Xbox is reportedly exploring ways to digitize physical games, potentially offering a solution for players to preserve their disc-based libraries. The complex situation surrounding Subnautica 2 has concluded with the departure of Unknown Worlds CEO. In media servers, Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby are compared for convenience versus user effort.

Hardware & Components

Qualcomm has announced its Snapdragon Summit for September, with anticipation high for the next flagship Snapdragon chip. Microsoft is undergoing another round of layoffs, with plans to cut 2.5% workforce. The Samsung Messages app will cease functioning on most Galaxy phones this month. The Punkt. MC03 "Sovereign Smartphone," designed in Switzerland and manufactured in Germany, is now available. The iQOO Pad 5c tablet has been quietly launched in China.

Financial & Enterprise

Visa, Mastercard, Coinbase have launched a new global stablecoin venture. Getty Images has terminated its $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock due to restrictions from UK regulators. The Commodore Callback 8020 flip phone is now available for pre-order at a reduced price of $399, down from its initial $499 announcement.

Automotive

BMW's X5 lineup now includes an electric option boasting an impressive 435 miles of range.