Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Mobile Devices & Operating Systems

Apple's development of iOS 27 continues with the release of beta, which introduces Write with Siri and enables inline replies for RCS messages, among other enhancements. While WWDC unveiled the initial feature set, developers are actively refining the operating system, with user sentiment on the latest beta described as "okay, just okay" in a recent poll. In parallel, Google's Android 17 is seeing mixed reception; while it enhances wireless audio with LHDC v5 codec support and offers improved home screen customization and multitasking Bubbles, it has also introduced touchscreen issues on some Pixel phones, prompting caution regarding immediate updates.

Smartphones & Deals

Prime Day has triggered aggressive pricing across a wide range of smartphones. Amazon is offering up to 25% off Google Pixel 10 devices and wearables, with specific deals on the Pixel 10 itself making it an attractive option for back-to-school shopping and general use. Samsung's offerings are also heavily discounted, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra available for $950 on Amazon, and other models like the S25 FE and the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 seeing price drops as newer generations approach. Beyond Amazon, Walmart is competing with its own deals, and Best Buy has launched a major sale to counter Prime Day.

New smartphone models are also on the horizon. Nothing is set to unveil the Phone (4b) on July 7, with design teasers hinting at a single rear camera and the absence of a new CMF phone this year following prior branding confirmation. Simultaneously, Motorola's Edge 70 series is expanding, with leaked renders of the Edge 70 Max and a new storage variant for the Edge 70 Fusion. The Honor X80 Pro Max has officially launched in China, boasting a substantial 11,000 mAh battery, the largest yet on a mainstream device.

Wearables & Smart Glasses

The wearables market is dynamic, with significant discounts appearing during Prime Day. Garmin watches are seeing up to 50% off, including popular lines like Epix and Forerunner. Samsung's smartwatches are also heavily discounted, with its best smartwatch model reduced by $200, and the upcoming Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are rumored to feature new band designs, colors, and an overall redesigned, boxier look for the Ultra 2 potentially replacing a Classic model.

Meta has launched three new AI glasses models, dropping the Ray-Ban branding in favor of "Meta Glasses by Kylie" in partnership with Kylie Jenner, alongside the Meta Adventurer and Meta Fury. These new models are priced at $299 during a promotional period. While the Ray-Ban Meta Optics offer a premium fit and additional features, they come at a higher price point compared to previous iterations. Meta is also donating Ray-Ban AI smart glasses to legally blind veterans as part of a philanthropic effort honoring service members. In other smart glasses news, Ray Neo Air 4 Pro, including special editions, are deeply discounted for Prime Day.

Virtual & Augmented Reality

The Meta Quest 3S is available at a 15% discount from Amazon, bundled with extra accessories, while Walmart is also offering a similar deal kicking off the season. Further enhancing the VR experience, Prime Day discounts are available on highly-rated headstraps for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, aiming to improve comfort. In gaming, Star Wars Galactic Racer is generating positive early impressions, suggesting it will be an enjoyable experience even for those not deeply invested in the franchise.

Gaming Hardware

Handheld gaming PCs are seeing new entries and price adjustments. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is positioned as a powerful option, leveraging Intel's technology. Meanwhile, Valve's Steam Machine is now available for purchase, with the 512GB version priced at $1,049 and the 2TB model at $1,349, though these prices do not include a controller. Red Magic is preparing to launch its next gaming tablet, the Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, which will feature upgraded cooling systems and an official launch date imminently.

AI & Enterprise

OpenAI is expanding its cybersecurity initiatives with the launch of Patch the Planet, part of its Daybreak program, aimed at helping open-source projects combat bugs. The company has also signed a significant enterprise deal with Samsung Electronics, moving beyond their existing partnership in AI chip supply. OpenAI will also be able to use Getty Images' content library in Chat GPT and its AI search features following a new content licensing agreement between the two companies. In other AI-related news, Meta's Oversight Board has urged the company to enhance protections against sexualized deepfakes, suggesting improvements to the reporting process for users dealing with such content. Meta has also paused an employee tracking program after it inadvertently exposed sensitive data across the company raising further concerns about AI training data practices.

Storage & Media

Samsung has announced its next-generation UFS 5.0 storage standard, promising up to double the performance of the current UFS 4.1 solution, which could appear in future smartphones driving faster data transfer. For home media enthusiasts, Prime Day is offering deals on NAS devices, including UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro, described as the ultimate Plex NAS at an all-time low price, and the UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 Plus models recommended for beginners looking to organize digital media.

Other Tech & Industry News

Amazon's Alexa+ AI chatbot is expanding its availability, with plans to launch in India and support for Hindi. The company also faces a ruling that it must bargain with the Teamsters union, a decision that could impact future unionization efforts. In the automotive sector, Tesla's autopilot system was involved in a fatal crash when a vehicle collided with a home in Texas. Elsewhere, China has reclaimed the top spot in supercomputer rankings, achieving this by prioritizing CPUs over GPUs. Oracle's workforce has seen a significant reduction, with 21,000 employees laid off over the past year, with AI cited as one contributing factor.