Mobile News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET
Foldables & Flagship Launches
Honor has confirmed the complete design and colors of its Win2 and Win2 RT, with the Win Turbo2 set to follow alongside. Oppo, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing a wide Reno X that leaked specs point to a 200MP camera and a 7,000 mAh battery. One Plus has officially launched the OnePlus 16, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 with a 200MP camera and a 9,000 mAh battery.
Market Share & Demand
Counterpoint Research reports that the global smartphone market fell 20% in the third quarter, with Samsung and Apple emerging as the clear winners. JP Morgan analysts say demand for the iPhone 18 Pro models is stronger than it was for the 17 Pro line last year, though the signals remain mixed. Samsung's next flagship may also cost more, as another report suggests the Galaxy S27 series could be priced 75 to 100 euros higher than the S26. A separate leak indicates a new iPad mini with an OLED display could arrive later this month, with a base iPad following next year.
Software Updates
Nothing has begun rolling out the Nothing OS 5.0 update based on Android 17 to the Nothing Phone (3). Samsung's One UI 9 has also reached the Galaxy S24 series and the Z Fold6 and Flip6 in the US after its rollout began last week.
Apps & Messaging
WhatsApp is testing scheduled messages in beta after months of development, letting users queue texts for later delivery. The feature is expected to reach the wider app, finally bringing a capability that rival platforms have offered for some time.
Google Wearables & Health
Google has begun selling refurbished Pixel 9 phones with discounts of up to $300 on flagship models. The company also introduced Metal Mesh bands for the Fitbit Air in two colors, while Health Guardian arrives on the Fitbit Air and Edge alongside expanded automatic activity tracking. A partnership with Flo Health aims to improve personalized women's wellness on the Fitbit Edge, and new wellness hardware developed with Flo will sync cycle data with the Google Health app.
Privacy & Regulation
Norway has fined a Microsoft subsidiary $9.6 million for allegedly misusing Grindr user data, and the subsidiary Xandr has three weeks to appeal the record penalty. Microsoft's president has also argued that AI is less regulated than a carton of milk.
Gaming
Epic Games has reportedly delayed its Disney video game so that developers can use more AI for both code and asset creation, with staff reportedly ordered to adopt AI-first workflows.
Displays & Hardware Reviews
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 earns a strong verdict as the best Switch 2 controller available, with controls placed within easy reach. Reviewers also praised the 2027 Rivian R2 as a well-balanced electric SUV that is neither too big nor too expensive. CMF's Speaker S and Speaker M bring colorful carton-inspired designs, with one model offering printable 3D designs.
EVs & Automotive
Citroën has revived the 2 CV as an electric concept with a target price of 15,000 euros, while Smart unveiled an ultra-compact EV at the Paris Motor Show. Engineers continue to refine adaptive cruise control, which relies on a combination of camera and radar systems, and drivers looking to extend range can learn what drains an EV battery fastest.
Huawei
Huawei is reportedly preparing a new phone sub-brand, Xingmang, as the company adapts to US trade restrictions.
Practical Guides
Engadget's guides cover a range of everyday tech questions. Buyers shopping for budget handsets should check essential features before purchase. PC owners can boost GPU performance without upgrading hardware, and older drives can be repurposed through a guide to building a RAID array. Google's Gemini Spark can automate tasks on a user's behalf, while blurry iPhone photos can be improved with simple setting changes. Users with location problems can improve Android accuracy by checking a few key settings, and those curious about memory needs can learn how much RAM a Raspberry Pi actually requires. Accessory buyers should confirm which products fit the iPhone Duo given its foldable design. Safety advice warns against leaving an extension cord plugged in permanently, and a guide explains how to remove a stuck Ethernet cable safely.
Battery & Account Basics
Engadget explains the difference between alkaline and lithium-ion batteries, which serve very different purposes. Microsoft's Magnetic Connect shares much with Apple's Mag Safe for Mac Books, though the designs differ. Readers managing digital legacies can review Google and Apple account policies after death, and a guide shows how to find and edit an Amazon "About You" page. Kindle owners can expect Amazon to support their device for a considerable period.