Mobile News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 18, 2026, 8:10 PM ET
Foldables & Phones
The One Plus 16 launched in China with a 9,000mAh battery, though the company has yet to confirm a global rollout. Apple's rumored iPhone Duo is drawing attention as a sign that foldables are moving toward the mainstream. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is discounted as the iPhone Duo launches, and Samsung's latest foldables and Galaxy S26 series are also on sale at Amazon and Walmart. For Fold8 owners, app scaling problems on the foldable's larger display have a set of fixes worth trying.
Phone Reviews & Comparisons
The vivo V80 is now in for review, with a 7,200mAh battery and a green design. GSMArena also weighed the iPhone 18 Pro against the iPhone 17 Pro to help buyers decide whether an upgrade is worth it.
Software & Connectivity
iOS 27 brings new CarPlay features, but only newer iPhone models can use them. Slate's electric truck will receive over-the-air software updates through a smartphone, since it lacks built-in infotainment. Windows 11 users can now make and receive phone calls directly from their PC. Google, however, is linking phone numbers to accounts users may have wanted to keep separate, raising privacy concerns.
Privacy & Smart Home
Amazon's Alexa devices are always listening for a wake word, and smart TVs may be tracking viewing habits through automatic content recognition. TikTok has reportedly banned ads for an Elon Musk documentary ahead of its wider US release. To keep devices working during outages, households can prepare their smart home in advance.
Hardware & Troubleshooting
Qualcomm has denied rumors that its upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheats. Nintendo Switch 2 owners whose console won't connect to a TV can follow a set of troubleshooting steps. Storage-conscious buyers should also know why a drive shows less capacity than advertised, and why a damaged external drive should not be plugged in. Networking guides also explain why upload speeds lag behind downloads and why flat Ethernet cables are not a reliable fix.
Coming Up
The One Plus 16 would need a global launch before readers outside China could buy it, a question GSMArena is polling its audience on.