Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 11:48 PM ET

App Store & Digital Payments

Aptoide Games, a specialized gaming app store, has been approved for distribution on Google Play in the US following Google’s antitrust defeat. The same store is now available as a competitor within Google’s own marketplace. Meanwhile, YouTube doubled the watch hours or Shorts views required for new creators to qualify for ad revenue. On the payment side, Google Play now accepts Venmo balance and linked accounts for purchases. In a security alert, Valve warned that data of European Steam hardware customers was “likely compromised.”

Smartphone Launches & Leaks

A leaked image of the iPhone 18 Pro Max reveals a 5,425 mAh battery ahead of next month’s launch. Separately, TrendForce estimates the iPhone 18 Pro’s bill-of-materials cost rose up to 40% due to the memory chip shortage. Google’s Pixel 11 Pro XL leaked in matte black with a larger camera housing and a new “HiLight” flash. The Fairphone 6+ appeared in Cobalt Blue with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Lava announced the Smart 4 with specs reminiscent of 2016. Motorola’s Moto G Max is coming to India on August 14 with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and 7,000mAh battery. Xiaomi launched the Redmi 17 4G and 5G with identical looks. iQOO confirmed the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s for next week in China, revealing their designs. The Minimal Phone 2 swaps its E Ink screen for a 90Hz AMOLED and keeps a tactile QWERTY keyboard.

Foldables & Durability

Samsung increased Galaxy Z Fold8 production by 1 million units this year due to higher-than-expected demand. The Z Fold8 survived Jerry Rig Everything’s durability test involving sand, blades, and a bend.

Wearables & Accessories

The Google Pixel Watch 5 will get a Stephen Curry edition, expected to launch on August 20. T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 when you sign up for a watch plan plus $20. AirTags have an IP67 rating, meaning they survive 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. If you need to pair a Roku remote, the steps involve using the mobile app or manual pairing.

Carriers & Network Outages

Verizon suffered a Southern California outage after vandals cut multiple fiber cables, disrupting mobile and internet service.

Comparisons & Guides

MagSafe and Qi2 share the same magnetic tech but differ in standards. Understanding the difference between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4G helps choose the right wireless device. Before discarding old USB drives, securely wipe or destroy them because simple deletion isn’t safe. For under $100, a decent smartphone in 2026 requires creative hunting. Considering whether to wait for the Pixel 11 or buy the Pixel 10 now depends on budget and features.

Laptops & Tablets

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is impressively thin but most buyers should upgrade to 16GB of RAM. The REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet goes on sale August 26, with early access and a discount available a day earlier.

Policy & Security

New York City Mayor Mamdani announced support for the Delivery Protection Act, which Amazon opposes for restricting contractor use in last-mile delivery.