Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:52 AM ET

Apple Updates

Rumors of an all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone may be dead, with one analyst now believing Apple has scrapped the project. Meanwhile, a new Trend Force report estimates that the iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost could jump by up to 40%, driven by the ongoing global memory chip shortage and component price increases.

Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem

Full specs for the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE have leaked via Win Future, detailing key changes and what remains the same. The Galaxy Z Fold8 continues to outperform expectations, with Samsung reportedly increasing its production target by 1 million units. The phone also survived a brutal Jerry Rig Everything durability test involving sand and blades. For wearables, T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 with a qualifying watch plan, even after the preorder period.

Google’s Pixel and Wearables

If you’re debating whether to wait for the Google Pixel 11, a detailed analysis weighs the pros and cons of buying now versus later. A carrier leak has revealed the Pixel 11 Pro XL in matte black with a larger camera housing and a new “HiLight” LED flash, just days before its expected launch. The Google Pixel Watch 5 will also get a special Stephen Curry edition, set to launch later this month. And on the software side, Google Play now accepts Venmo payments, letting users use their Venmo balance or linked accounts for purchases.

Mid-Range and Budget Phones

What does a $100 smartphone get you in 2026? The answer requires creativity, but options exist. The Indian brand Lava has announced the Lava Smart 4 with specs that feel straight out of 2016. Motorola is bringing the Moto G Max to India with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chip and a massive 7,000mAh battery. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has made the Redmi 17 4G and 5G official, both sharing identical looks and key specs.

Emerging Brands and Niche Devices

The Minimal Phone 2 ditches its E Ink display for a 90Hz AMOLED panel while retaining its tactile QWERTY keyboard and gaining 5G support. Leaked images show the Fairphone 6+ in Cobalt Blue, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. For gamers, the REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet will go on sale August 26, with an early-access discount available a day before. iQOO has confirmed the launch of the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s in China next week, revealing their design and key specs.

Carriers, Platforms, and Policy

Verizon’s service in Southern California was disrupted after vandals cut multiple fiber cables, affecting mobile and internet customers. NYC Mayor Mamdani has announced support for the Delivery Protection Act, which Amazon is fighting. YouTube is doubling its monetization requirements for new creators, now needing twice the watch hours or Shorts views to qualify for ad revenue. Valve has warned that data of European Steam hardware customers was “likely compromised” in a breach.

Accessories, Reviews, and How-Tos

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is a solid MacBook Neo alternative, but most users should upgrade to 16GB of RAM. Understanding the difference between MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging helps clarify magnet alignment and standards across iPhone and Android. For Roku users, here’s how to pair your Roku remote and use the mobile app. If you’re cleaning out old drives, simply deleting files isn’t enough — learn how to securely wipe or destroy old USB drives. The differences between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4G wireless devices can be confusing, but each has its ideal use case. Finally, Air Tags carry an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning they can survive splashes and brief submersion, but aren’t fully waterproof.