Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 27, 2026, 3:07 AM ET

Operating Systems & Software

The global mobile OS landscape saw a notable shift in Q2, with Counterpoint Research revealing that a flagship Samsung device became the best-selling Android phone for the first time. Despite this milestone, Apple still leads overall with multiple iPhone models dominating the top slots. The report also detailed how Harmony OS continues to grow its global footprint, especially in China, where it's becoming a viable third ecosystem. Meanwhile, Nothing OS 5.0 has entered its first open beta phase, based on Android. The company unveiled the update yesterday with a detailed rollout schedule, and today the beta build is available. Our hands-on with the Nothing OS 5 beta shows it's a "glow-up" with a nip and tuck, introducing a new visual language and improved customization options that make it feel considerably more polished than previous iterations. Motorola has also detailed its Android 17 update, revealing every feature coming to its phones, including a refreshed notification shade, improved theming options, and enhanced privacy controls.

Phones

A new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has arrived for review, and the most prominent upgrade is the Tensor G6 chip. The Pixel 11 lineup made a negative first impression by keeping things mostly unchanged design-wise. Getting the device, it also made it through a teardown video where its deflection resistance was tested with scratches, open flames, and manual bending. For those considering the Pro model, there's a hidden feature to boost charging. The Pixel 11 review suggests the standard model doesn't have many new features, so it doesn't make sense for recent phone owners. After, you can still claim up to a $200 gift card when you buy a Pixel 11 unlocked from Amazon before the offer expires. One more Samsung Galaxy S27 renders have leaked, showing a consistent design with the Ultra. Samsung is also hosting a Galaxy Event tomorrow where it's expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 FE live as it kicks off at 12 PM UTC.

Chips and Hardware

Xiaomi's upcoming Xring O3 processor appears to be a major leap in power efficiency, with the company claiming it is "at least two generations ahead". The chip is slated for the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which appears in new images that showcase its trendy, short and wide design. The folding device is confirmed to launch in September with the Xring chip, which skips over the O2 entirely because it's so good. Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Y700 AI tablet with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a total AnTuTu score of 4,585,844. The G700, with dual USB-C ports, is a strong gaming pick. Also spotted for Lenovo, the Cloud Gaming Handheld G700 is now official with a unique feature: offline PC streaming. The Realme P4s has a 6.77-inch 144Hz display, dual chip, and an 8,000 mAh battery, making it an massive battery cell for extended use.

Mobile Accessories and Peripherals

Lexar's new 2TB Silver Plus MicroSD is an official best for cameras and accessories. JBL's new colorful Pulse 6 speaker will be available next month for $330, with a hybrid speaker/light design. Soundcore is coming out with the Nebula X1S projector, which is Dazzlingly bright with 6,000 lumens, enough for daylight viewing. For on-the-go creators, the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS supports interchangeable lenses and is a GoPro like no other, with a learning curve.

The High-Stakes World of Gaming

Microsoft will let Xbox Insiders create digital versions of their physical games, with the disc-to-digital feature working with thousands of Xbox One and Series X titles. The Xbox 25th anniversary in-bundle pre-orders are now open at $900 and include a translucent green Series X, a matching controller, and a digital download of Halo. Devolver Digital is releasing a mascot platformer on the same day as GTA, called "Volvy's Adventure: Re-slimed". Rockstar says the game is nearly finished and are calling the leaks "heartbreaking", with a a statement from the developer designed on their own terms. You can watch the "Extended Look" on Netflix for six hours. IKEA and Xbox have fully unveiled new furniture at Gamescom, including a green stool shaped like a thumbstick.

Gaming and Bluetooth

Bluesky now supports 10-minute videos, with the upgrade to videos also increasing file sizes and making uploads faster. Sound Cloud is now letting you buy music directly from artists, with a new direct music-sales feature to change how artists monetize, opening new income streams.

Smart Home and Audio

Ring is improving its default encryption to respond to privacy concerns. The new standards, under Ring's latest posted data, still go to the cloud but will be deleted after powering smart home controls. Asus has introduced new Ace esports gaming monitors with 24.5-inch panels and a 720Hz OLED refresh rate, making them some of the fastest on the market.

Deep Dive: Apple Naming and Product

With the Mac mini, Apple's newest is the "M5 Pro" vs "M6" pricing. The M5 Pro is more expensive, but it doesn't mean it's a better chip. The M6 uses a different process node. The Mac mini and Mac Studio decision. Should Apple make a Mac Neo to fill the void left by the more expensive Mac mini? A lower-cost model might be a great way to expand the Mac brand.

Brief and Picks

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra was the best-selling Android in Q2 2026, but Apple still leads overall. Australia's recording association has banned AI-made music from charts, though songs that use gen-AI as a support tool are allowed as long as they're "substantially human". Panic is taking a progressive step to refund tariff fees paid by Playdate owners. WhatsApp's two-step verification has been strengthened with a full password and enhanced call information.