Mobile News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 18, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Apple and iPhone
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro introduces a variable aperture camera, the first iPhone to adjust its lens opening, and a side-by-side comparison against the iPhone 17 Pro shows how much has changed. On the software side, iOS 27 brings new CarPlay features, but only newer iPhone models can use them. Apple's Image Playground image generator also received noteworthy updates this fall.
Foldables and Samsung
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is discounted as Apple's rumored iPhone Duo arrives, and users troubleshooting app scaling problems on the device have a fix to try. Engadget traces the evolution of foldable phones from the Royole Flex Pai onward, arguing the iPhone Duo signals a broader market shift toward foldables. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra drew reader comments that its pricing makes laptops look reasonably priced.
One Plus
The OnePlus 16 launched in China with a 9,000mAh battery, and GSMArena asked readers in a weekly poll whether they would buy one if they could.
Privacy and Connected Devices
Engadget reports that Alexa devices rely on always-on microphones, and that smart TVs track viewing habits through automatic content recognition. TikTok reportedly banned ads for an Elon Musk documentary ahead of its wider US release, citing political content rules.
Home Networking and Hardware
Engadget's guides cover router light meanings, the difference between routers, modems and gateways, and why upload speeds lag behind downloads. The site also advises against flat Ethernet cables and joining two Ethernet cables with a coupler.
Gaming and Entertainment
An Xbox Series X can now run PlayStation 5 games through an emulator, with caveats, and Inscryption is finally coming to mobile after five years. Engadget also highlights six sites for replaying 2000s Flash games.
Tips and Explainers
Engadget explains what the orange dot on a Galaxy Watch means, when capping FPS makes sense in games, and why your drive shows less storage than advertised. Other guides cover Google's SynthID detector, Windows phone calling, and damaged external drives. Engadget also warns that laser pointers can damage security cameras.
Automotive
Slate's electric truck receives software updates without built-in infotainment, relying on the owner's smartphone to deliver them.
Coming Up
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and the iPhone Duo are both part of the foldable and tablet launch cycle now underway.