Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Smartphone Updates and Leaks

The Poco M8 Power is slated for release as a rebranded Redmi device, following the unveiling of the Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China. Meanwhile, the iQOO Z11 Lite is set to launch on July 24, featuring a 6,500 mAh battery with support for 44W charging. Samsung is teasing its new Flex Titanium technology, an innovation for upcoming foldable phones, building on the thinner and lighter Armor Flex Hinge seen in the Galaxy Z Fold7. The Honor Robot Phone's specifications have also leaked, offering a glimpse into the device's hardware.

In other smartphone news, the Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max has gone global with a 200MP telephoto camera, accompanied by the Pura 90s Pro. Rumors suggest a chipset downgrade for the upcoming Redmi K100 Pro Max. The iQOO 16 is rumored for a September launch, with new camera and battery details emerging. The Redmi Note 17 series has been unveiled in China, boasting significantly larger batteries than their predecessors, with the Note 17 featuring an 8,000mAh battery and the 17 Pro a 9,000mAh battery.

Foldables and Wearables

Samsung is preparing for its next generation of foldables, teasing its innovative Flex Titanium technology. While details remain scarce for the Galaxy Watch, Samsung has highlighted upgrades intended to address shortcomings of the Watch 8 in pre-Unpacked teasers. In contrast to the Pixel 11 lineup, leaks regarding the Pixel Watch 5 have been less frequent, though pricing and color options have recently surfaced, followed by official press renders.

Software and AI Developments

Apple has released the first public beta for iOS, alongside public betas for iPad OS 27 and watch OS. Samsung has rolled out Beta 4 for its One UI 9 for Galaxy S26 users, aiming to resolve several Android 17 bugs and signaling an impending official launch. Chat GPT is now available again in WhatsApp in Europe, following a European Commission decision mandating Meta to allow third-party AI chatbots in the EEA. Google is expanding Gemini's availability to Chrome users in the UK, transforming the browser into an AI assistant capable of summarizing and handling tasks directly on the page.

Spotify is introducing a new feature allowing users to interact with the app via voice commands to create playlists and learn about songs, available on mobile devices. However, Samsung is requiring users to agree to AI training for their private medical data to enable Samsung Health cloud sync, a move that has drawn criticism. Meanwhile, Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with two major updates for all users, including a 'dynamic gallery' and the appearance of Nano Banana in AI Overviews.

Legal and Industry Challenges

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is reportedly suing to block the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over media consolidation. Former Meta employees have filed lawsuits alleging the company used biased AI systems during recent layoffs, which saw a 10 percent workforce reduction in May. Three publishers are challenging Google over alleged copyright infringement related to AI training materials, adding to a growing number of legal actions seeking compensation from AI companies.

Hardware and Accessories

Samsung's new 990 Pro SSD is reportedly slower and more expensive than the original version. PlayStation's Flex Strike wireless fight stick has been delayed indefinitely, disappointing fans of Marvel Tokon. Marshall's Bromley 450 is highlighted as the best party speaker of 2026, lauded for its all-night battery life and portability.

Consumer Electronics and Deals

California's MyFirst EV program is offering a $3,500 instant rebate to first-time electric vehicle buyers. Deals for the Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, are available this July, featuring discounts and even free phones. Google has accidentally listed the entire Pixel 11 series on Amazon, revealing pricing, specifications, colors, and storage options ahead of the official launch.

Other Tech News

Roku TVs can offer functionality even without internet access, providing options for entertainment during outages. The upcoming wave of emoji could introduce new ways to express emotions, from beauty to existential dread. X has updated its algorithm to prioritize replies from users you already follow, aiming to boost engagement within your social circle. Google has secured a deal to purchase the entire electrical output of a major solar project to offset emissions from its data centers. Opera is gaining popularity as an alternative browser on Android, with more users reportedly trying it over Chrome.