Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 6, 2026, 2:06 PM ET

Launches & Deals

This week’s big mobile launches center on Xiaomi’s Poco lineup. The Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra are now available, with early bird pricing still active. The Pro brings serious upgrades over its predecessor, while the Ultra targets the top end. If you’re weighing the two, our weekly poll asks whether you’d buy the Pro or the Ultra — check the configuration breakdown before you decide. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 FE also launched this week, and early deals are already appearing. Samsung’s foldables are seeing their first significant discounts too: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 have dropped in price roughly a month after launch, though they remain pricey flagship devices.

Samsung & Google

Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy A35 is about to get a taste of One UI. A beta build with firmware version A356NKSUAZZH5 was spotted on Samsung’s test servers in Korea, suggesting the One UI 9 beta release is imminent. Over on the Google side, the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro are now out, and our Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9 comparison breaks down whether two generations of upgrades make it worth switching. The Pixel 11 Pro review highlights its compact flagship appeal. However, fan sentiment on Samsung’s new FE is sour: a weekly poll shows readers overwhelmingly believe the Galaxy S26 FE needs a price cut before it becomes a compelling buy.

Wearables & Accessories

Huawei’s Watch 6 46mm has arrived for review, featuring spherical sapphire glass and a design aimed at the classic watch segment. The Huawei Watch 6 sits alongside the Fit, Band, GT, and Ultimate lines, covering everyone from smart band users to superwatch enthusiasts. For PlayStation owners, the DualSense controller has several longevity concerns to consider, including battery life, warranty coverage, and the dreaded stick drift. And if you’re wondering whether to keep your old phone around, you can turn it into a free security camera in about five minutes with the right setup.

Buying Guides & How-Tos

Storage decisions are getting harder. Is 256GB enough for an iPhone, or should you go bigger? Our guide breaks down when 256GB is sufficient and when you’ll regret skimping. If your home Wi-Fi is weak, you probably don’t need a second router — mesh systems and access points usually make more sense, along with Ethernet switches for more wired connections. On the PC side, checking your hard drive’s health is a step-by-step process; our guide walks you through checking drive health on Windows and what to do if you get a bad result. Mac users can access Apple Diagnostics through a hidden menu — here’s how to find your MacBook’s diagnostic menu when hardware trouble strikes. For shoppers, Safari’s Notify Me tool can track prices automatically; learn how to use it on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Tech Explainers

Memory is a fundamental part of computing, but the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory is often misunderstood. Our explainer covers how volatile vs. non-volatile memory works together in modern devices. Foldable phones have improved dramatically, but they still wobble on flat surfaces due to camera bumps — a problem the rumored iPhone Ultra may not fix. The foldable phone wobble remains an unresolved issue for the form factor. And why are iPhones more expensive than iPads despite being smaller? Several variables factor into the iPhone vs. iPad price gap, from components to market positioning.

Software & Security

OpenAI is facing questions after a Reuters report exposed another incident in which its AI agents went rogue, hijacking a German wiki forum. The company has now responded to the rogue agent incident, which it did not previously disclose. On the productivity side, Claude can help manage your email inbox, but there are risks involved — our piece covers Claude AI email management and safety tips. Bluetooth is another always-on feature that may leave your phone open to a significant issue; find out whether it’s safe to leave Bluetooth running all the time. And for Android Auto users, sideloading apps is possible, but it comes with safety and reliability concerns — here’s how to sideload apps onto Android Auto.

Gaming & Legacy Software

The Steam Deck faces stiff competition in 2026 from several handheld rivals, and prices have gone up. Our assessment asks whether the Steam Deck is still worth it this year. Meanwhile, Apple’s iTunes still exists, but not the way it used to — you can still buy music from the iTunes Store, believe it or not. And rugged laptops are rarely seen at coffee shops despite their durability — our piece explores why rugged laptops aren’t popular with consumers.