Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Mobile OS & Software Updates

Android 17 is off to a rough start for some Pixel users, with reports of serious touchscreen problems emerging. This follows previous issues where Pixel widgets were vanishing after the update, though Google is reportedly working on fixes for both. Despite these early stumbles, some users are finding benefits, with Android 17 enhancing multitasking through its floating window Bubbles feature and making the home screen cleaner through new customization tools as detailed by Android Central. Another user found Android 17 to be more social media-friendly, introducing a feature called Screen Reactions to simplify workflows, though Pixel users have also reported losing 5G connectivity after the update. Meanwhile, Apple's latest operating system, watch OS, will drop support for many older Apple Watch models, a decision that has surprised some given the upcoming fall release. Brazil has also joined the EU and Japan in forcing Apple to open iOS to third-party app stores and alternative payment processing.

Smartphone Launches & Deals

The Redmi Turbo 5 is now on sale in India following its earlier launch this week, available through Xiaomi's website and retail stores. In a review recap, Sharp announced the Aquos R11 featuring a new 38.5MP telephoto camera with 2.8x optical zoom. Motorola has also seen updates, with the Edge 70 Fusion receiving a storage bump to 512GB for its 12GB RAM variant, while the Motorola Edge 70 Pro is available for €540 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in various Pantone colors. Samsung's current generation foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, are seeing discounts ahead of next month's expected successor launch, with other Samsung phones also on sale. Early Prime Day deals have begun, with price cuts on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S25 Ultra, alongside deals for the Poco F8 Ultra and X8 Pro Max. Further Samsung news includes the upcoming Galaxy M47 5G, with its design teased, and fresh renders of the Galaxy A27 have surfaced. Samsung is also reportedly testing One UI 9 for several Galaxy series, including the Z Fold7, A56, S23, and S24 lineups.

The Oppo Reno16 series is set for a global launch, with the family expected to include four members in India according to recent reports and teased by K-pop group BABYMONSTER. One Plus is preparing to unveil the OnePlus N6 on June 30, confirming an 8,000 mAh battery and revealing its chipset via Geekbench, though a tipster claims the OnePlus 15s is not happening. Separately, Nothing's budget brand CMF will not release a new phone this year, a decision that co-founder Akis Evangelidis stated was to avoid "ridiculous pricing" due to RAM costs as reported by Android Central, despite a cryptic teaser hinting at new products and a potential new phone. The company has also launched a Community Review program for early access to upcoming devices as detailed by Android Central.

Gaming & Entertainment

The gaming market is facing continued challenges, with consoles, PCs, and smartphones all competing for player attention in a landscape impacted by previous chip shortages and the rise of AI. In anticipation of its release, Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders begin this month, with the official cover art now revealed. Steam Next Fest is offering demos for new indie games, including a Virtual Boy-inspired shooter. On a somber note, Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot has died in a plane crash on June 19th. Separately, Bobby Prince, the composer behind the iconic soundtracks for Doom and other classic shooters, has also passed away.

Space & Exploration

NASA's Perseverance rover has now traveled the distance of a marathon on Mars in just five years. The space agency is also testing a new prototype rover named Ernest, which is designed to drive faster and climb obstacles by lifting its wheels. Later this month, NASA's Swift Boost mission is scheduled to launch with the objective of rescuing a falling space telescope.

Technology & Consumer Electronics

Meta is expanding its in-store presence by taking over sections of 50 Best Buy stores to offer hands-on demonstrations of its VR headsets and AI glasses. Consumers may find themselves reconsidering smartwatches, as some users are opting for simpler devices, moving away from screen-heavy wearables. For those interested in digital reading, personalizing your Kindle screensaver is possible by toggling off lockscreen ads and enabling book covers.

In a move that could impact app distribution, Google has updated its timeline for Android's app sideloading changes, requiring a 24-hour wait for users to install apps from unknown sources. Meanwhile, reports indicate that car manufacturers are planning to ditch Android Auto starting in 2026, despite its popularity with car buyers.

Researchers have uncovered what they describe as an unpatchable security flaw affecting several iPhone generations, reportedly linked to the USB and Apple's silicon. This comes as rumors persist about Apple's potential foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, with new concept videos offering a glimpse of the device. The cost of future iPhones may also rise, with the iPhone 18 Pro potentially seeing higher prices due to a memory shortage driving up component costs.

Samsung is reportedly facing rising costs that could lead to a more conservative Galaxy S27 release, while its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 series is also tipped to be more expensive than previous models. However, a deal is available on Samsung's latest Galaxy Z foldables, with the current Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 receiving discounts ahead of their successors' arrival next month.

In the realm of AI regulation, Norway is reportedly imposing broad restrictions on AI use for elementary school children. Amazon is also facing scrutiny as engineers who spoke out against AI data centers accuse the company of threatening their jobs. Meanwhile, Amazon has dropped its Sam Altman biopic focusing on OpenAI's leadership crisis.

Epic Games is undertaking a 'ground-up rebuild' of its launcher, aiming for a version that is five times faster, with a private beta planned before public release. In the world of hardware, Valve may not ship some Steam Controller orders until next year, pushing delivery dates into 2028 for certain customers.

Other Developments

Polymarket has reportedly been paying creators to post fake betting videos, according to a review of over 1,100 videos and creator guidelines by The Wall Street Journal. At least one UK government department is reportedly ending its use of X, with the attorney general informing staff of the office's departure from the platform. Ultrahuman has launched the M2 Live metabolic health platform for continuous glucose monitoring, expanding its product offerings beyond smart rings. The concept of fitness trackers' effectiveness is questioned, with results varying on whether they still work for individuals with tattoos.