Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 24, 2026, 6:06 AM ET

Xiaomi’s Flagship Double Act

Xiaomi took the wraps off its next-generation flagships in China, with the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max arriving as the first handsets to pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset. The devices feature privacy-focused displays and more useful secondary rear screens, while a new “Special Edition” variant adds a distinctive finish. The launch also introduced the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro and Pad 9, expanding the company’s ecosystem play beyond phones. The 18 Pro series notably debuts a privacy screen that limits viewing angles, alongside the rear displays that can show notifications, widgets, and even always-on info. The Pro Max variant pushes the display size and battery capacity further, positioning it as a direct competitor to the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing strategy in China is expected to put pressure on rivals, though global availability remains unconfirmed. The company’s move to dual-flagship strategy mirrors Samsung’s and Apple’s tiered approach, giving power users more choice between a compact and an ultra-premium build.

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Woes

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup is facing fresh scrutiny after testing revealed that the pricey 1TB and 2TB models use slower QLC NAND flash memory compared to the 256GB and 512GB variants. Benchmark results show noticeably reduced write speeds, which could impact 4K Pro Res video recording and large file transfers — a significant concern for professional users paying a premium for storage. The finding echoes last year’s iPhone 17 Pro controversy, where Apple faced backlash for using slower storage in base models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max review describes the device as a series of incremental upgrades rather than a generational leap, with improved battery life and a brighter display being the standout changes. The review notes that the camera system, while refined, doesn’t offer the dramatic low-light improvements some hoped for. Apple’s decision to stick with the same design language for a third year is starting to show its age, especially as Android rivals introduce more radical form factors.

Samsung’s One UI 9 and Foldable Optimism

Samsung’s One UI 9 rollout has hit a snag in the US, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra update arriving exclusively on T-Mobile units for now. The carrier-exclusive rollout means other US users will have to wait, though Samsung says the broader release is “imminent.” The update brings Android 17-based features, including a redesigned quick settings panel and improved AI-powered translation tools. In a separate development, Google reportedly believes that Apple’s upcoming iPhone Duo foldable could actually benefit Android foldables by legitimizing the category and driving more app developers to optimize for large-screen devices. Google’s Android team has been pushing for better foldable app support, and Apple’s entry into the space could accelerate that effort. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra specs have leaked, revealing significant upgrades including a new Media Tek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, improved AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, and a larger 11,500mAh battery for the Ultra. The leak also suggests a price hike for the Indian market, with the Ultra potentially crossing the ₹1,00,000 (~$1,200) mark.

Meta Connect 2026: The Big Reveal

Meta used its Connect 2026 keynote to unveil a host of new hardware and AI features, headlined by the company’s first-ever camera-free smart glasses. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses ditch the camera entirely, instead focusing on open-ear audio and AI assistant integration. The company also announced that its Muse AI agent is coming to the entire AI glasses lineup, enabling hands-free tasks like booking flights and sending messages from the glasses themselves. In a quirky move, Meta unveiled the Muse Charm, a Tamagotchi-like wearable that houses the Muse AI in a compact, interactive form factor. The Charm features a small e-ink display and haptic feedback, allowing users to interact with the AI through taps and gestures. On the VR front, Meta showcased its new VR glasses with significantly improved hand and eye tracking, eliminating the need for controllers in many scenarios. The company claims the new tracking is 40% more accurate than the Quest, with latency reduced to under 20ms. The holographic avatars also received a major upgrade, now capable of rendering realistic facial expressions and eye contact in real-time.

The $1,300 VR Glasses That Could Take On Apple

Meta’s new VR glasses, priced at $1,300, are being positioned as the lightweight alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro. The device weighs just 100 grams — an astonishing 83% lighter and 60% smaller than the Vision Pro — making it comfortable enough for extended wear. The glasses feature a micro-OLED display with 4K per eye resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by a custom Snapdragon XR chipset. Meta says the glasses will launch in spring 2027, giving developers time to build experiences. The company also announced a partnership with Blackpink’s Lisa for a special edition of its smart glasses, following in the footsteps of previous celebrity collaborations. Lisa will appear in marketing campaigns and help design exclusive AR lenses and filters. Meta’s smart glasses lineup now spans over 100 different styles, including models that ditch the camera entirely. The company also introduced FDA-cleared hearing enhancement features, available as a $150 add-on or included with Meta One subscription. This move positions Meta’s glasses as a health device, not just a tech accessory. Privacy-wise, Meta will now allow users to opt out of AI training on visual data captured by the glasses, addressing long-standing concerns about surreptitious recording and data collection.

Smart Glasses: The Full Picture

Beyond the headline announcements, Meta revealed that its entire smart glasses lineup will receive the Muse AI agent, which can now handle more complex tasks like booking flights and making restaurant reservations. The company also confirmed that Ace Attorney is coming to VR, with the full trilogy playable in virtual reality. For those wondering how to catch the next big reveal, Meta has already scheduled its next Connect event for early 2027. The event will likely focus on the upcoming VR glasses launch and the wider rollout of holographic avatars. Meta’s aggressive push into wearables comes as Apple reportedly struggles to find a compelling use case for the Vision Pro’s spatial computing paradigm. In an interesting counterpoint, Meta’s VR glasses are being compared favorably to Apple’s Vision Pro, with one reviewer noting they look like the Vision Pro sequel Apple should be making. The lighter form factor and lower price point could give Meta a significant advantage in the race to mainstream AR/VR adoption. However, the launch isn’t until 2027, giving Apple time to respond with a second-generation Vision Pro.

Android and Accessories Roundup

In the Android world, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has received a rare discount on Amazon, dropping to $449 — making it the best Android phone under $500. The phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. Meanwhile, Motorola’s Signature 27 has been teased with a 200MP telephoto camera and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, set to launch at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. Logitech’s new Pro gaming accessories include a $60 mouse pad with wireless charging built-in, alongside updated Pro X keyboard and mouse variants. The company claims the new gear offers 20% lower latency than previous generations. Amazfit’s T-Rex Ultra adventure watch brings solar charging to AMOLED displays, addressing one of the biggest complaints about solar smartwatches — the grayscale displays. The $650 watch can theoretically achieve unlimited battery life in sunny conditions, though real-world testing shows about 30 days with regular use. Stuffcool’s Omni Pro power bank supports Qi 2.2 wireless charging at 25W and includes a dedicated Apple Watch charging puck, making it a versatile travel companion.

Samsung Ecosystem and Software

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is expected to see a price hike in India, with leaks suggesting the base model could cost ₹85,000 (~$1,020) — a 10% increase over the S11 Ultra. The Tab S12+ is also expected to see a similar increase. The tablets will feature the Dimensity 9400+ chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 12.4-inch AMOLED display. The Huawei Watch D3 has launched in Europe with a free smart bathroom scale, offering blood pressure monitoring and a new 24-hour heart rate tracking feature. The watch retails for €449 and includes the scale as a launch promotion. Volkswagen is bringing Tetris and other games to its 2027 infotainment systems via Air Console, allowing passengers to play games while parked or at charging stations. The games can be controlled via smartphone, and the system will support up to four players. YouTube is rolling out custom feeds and GIF comments, giving users more control over their content consumption. The custom feeds allow users to create topic-based channels, while GIF comments add a new layer of expression to the comment section.

Deals, Tips, and Odds and Ends

Mint Mobile’s best deal of the year ends next week, offering up to 12 months of unlimited wireless for just $15 per month. The deal requires a new line and upfront payment, but it’s the cheapest unlimited plan available in the US. For those concerned about privacy, you should never use ChatGPT for these five tasks, including entering sensitive personal information, generating passwords, or asking for medical advice. The article highlights that chatbots should be treated as a convenience tool, not a trusted advisor. Apple Maps now links landmarks to Hidden Histories podcast episodes, allowing users to learn about the history of specific locations while navigating. The feature is currently available for select US landmarks, with more expected to be added. Samsung’s triangle symbol on Galaxy phones indicates various statuses, including data transfer, notification, and battery optimization. The article breaks down the different triangle variants and what they mean for users. Finally, GSMArena’s 3D foldable phone models can now be opened and closed interactively, giving users a better sense of the devices before they buy. The feature is available for all foldable phones in the database, including the Galaxy Z Fold, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and One Plus Open.