Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Devices & Smartphones

Samsung has launched the Galaxy A27 5G in the US, featuring a modest design update and a slight performance boost over its predecessor, with a starting price of $349.99 Galaxy A27 launches. The device boasts thinner bezels and a punch-hole camera, though its price point is higher than the Galaxy A37 Galaxy A27 5G arrives. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 series, including the Ultra model, saw significant discounts during Prime Day, with the S26 Ultra dropping by 29% S26 Ultra discount, making it a more compelling purchase at its new all-time low price S26 phones on sale. Samsung is also reportedly preparing for the Galaxy S27 lineup, with database listings for the S27 Pro, S27+, and S27 Ultra appearing online S27 Pro surfaces.

One Plus is gearing up to launch its N6 smartphone in India, with details emerging about its generous box contents, potentially including a charger and case N6 leak shows contents. The company also revealed further specifications for the N6, confirming an 8,000mAh battery and no headphone jack OnePlus N6 details. The upcoming Nothing Phone 4b has had its design teased, showcasing a "unibody" aesthetic Phone 4b design reveal, with an official launch set for July 7 Nothing Phone 4b teasers. Key specifications for the Phone 4b have also been tipped, suggesting a 5,400mAh battery Nothing Phone 4b specs.

Apple is reportedly planning to skip the M6 Pro and Max chips, moving directly to the M7 generation to accelerate AI development Apple to skip M6 chips. This shift comes as Apple has also implemented global price hikes across its hardware lineup, including Macs, Mac Books, and iPads Apple price hikes, with India experiencing even steeper increases Apple price hikes India. Rumors also suggest Apple is developing a smart ring, potentially named iRing Apple smart ring rumor, and is seeking clearance to purchase chips from a Chinese company linked to the military Apple seeks chip clearance.

Audio & Wearables

Several new wireless earbuds have been unveiled, including the vivo TWS 5 Pro buds, which offer premium features despite their unassuming appearance vivo unveils TWS 5 Pro. Oppo has also launched its Enco Air5 and Enco Air5s, with the latter being its first semi-in-ear model designed for comfort Oppo Enco Air5s. One Plus has introduced the Nord Buds 4 in India, providing ANC and up to 54 hours of battery life at a more affordable price point OnePlus Nord Buds 4. During Prime Day sales, deals were plentiful, with Beats Solo 4 headphones available at half price, offering 50-hour battery life for under $100 Beats Solo 4 deal, and Pixel Buds 2a dropping below $100 Pixel Buds 2a deal.

Smartwatch deals were also prominent, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 seeing a 38% discount, bringing its price down by over $130 Galaxy Watch 8 deal. Fitness-focused smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Garmin Forerunner 570 were also on sale Fitness smartwatch deals. Budget-friendly options included the CMF Watch 3 Pro at $61 CMF Watch 3 Pro deal. While smartwatches can track certain signs, none can currently diagnose sleep apnea Smartwatch sleep apnea detection.

Gaming & Entertainment

Microsoft has increased Xbox prices for the third time in a year, citing rising component costs Xbox prices rising again. This follows a general trend of price hikes on gaming hardware, making it a less opportune time to purchase an Xbox console Bad time for Xbox. In handheld gaming, Ayaneo has released the Pocket Micro, a remake of the Game Boy Micro with an upgraded battery, improved controls, and a headphone jack Ayaneo Pocket Micro 2. Retroid's Pocket Nova, capable of emulating games up to the Game Cube and PS2 era, is available for $229 Retroid Pocket Nova.

YouTube is rolling out significant updates to Shorts, including a full-screen distraction-free viewing mode and the removal of the dislike button YouTube Shorts updates. The platform is also doubling playback speed options Shorts playback speed. Meanwhile, Netflix is reportedly testing profile-specific email logins, raising concerns about stricter controls on shared accounts Netflix testing email logins. Consumers looking to enhance their home theater experience can explore the differences between Dolby Digital, DTS, and Atmos surround sound formats Dolby vs DTS vs Atmos.

Computing & Software

Apple has started selling refurbished MacBook Neos, bringing prices back to their pre-hike levels following a recent $100 increase in the US Refurbished MacBook Neo. The company has also increased prices for most of its hardware, including Macs, Mac Books, and iPads Apple hardware price hikes. In the realm of AI development, OpenAI has launched a limited preview of GPT-5.6 for select partners, offering powerful and affordable model variants OpenAI GPT-5.6 preview. OpenAI is also reportedly looking to hire an Apple executive in charge of Vision Pro to lead a new hardware division Apple Vision Pro chief.

Google is making its Finance service available as a standalone Android app, with an iOS version planned Google Finance app. The company has also announced that developers will be able to offer alternative billing options in the US, UK, and Europe starting June 30, a move stemming from its legal disputes with Epic Games Google Play billing changes. Notion Mail, however, is shutting down Notion Mail shutting down. Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support for another year, acknowledging user preference for the older operating system Windows 10 support extended.

Tech Industry & Trends

The cost of computer components is soaring, prompting a need for a "make do and mend" mindset Tech costs rise. In California, a tracker has been launched to monitor AI-related job losses AI job loss tracker. Tesla has settled a lawsuit concerning a fatal pedestrian crash involving its Full Self-Driving technology in Arizona in 2023 Tesla settles FSD lawsuit. SpaceX is reportedly planning an 8-mile natural gas pipeline in Texas to supply fuel for its Starship program at Starbase SpaceX pipeline plan.

Concerns about digital content ownership have resurfaced as users in Europe may lose access to Studio Canal movies purchased on the PlayStation Store Digital content ownership. Smart bulbs, while offering features like dimming and scheduling, raise questions about whether their energy consumption for connectivity outweighs the benefits compared to standard LEDs Smart bulb energy use. In cybersecurity, Anthropic has received US government permission to redeploy its Mythos AI model for cybersecurity Anthropic Mythos AI. Russia has allegedly used a forensics platform to hack an activist's phone, despite its access being revoked Russia phone hack.

Deals & Discounts

Amazon's Prime Day sale concluded, but many deals on smartphones, tablets, and accessories lingered. Samsung's Galaxy S26 series saw significant price drops, with the S26 Ultra receiving a record-smashing discount of 29% S26 Ultra Prime Day. The Galaxy Tab A11 Plus was available at nearly 50% off, transforming travel experiences Galaxy Tab A11 Plus deal. For e-readers, various Kindle models were available for under $100, including the latest version of Amazon's compact e-reader Kindle Prime Day deal.

Other notable Prime Day deals included the Beats Solo 4 headphones at half price Beats Solo 4 deal, the Pixel Buds 2a below $100 Pixel Buds 2a deal, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 at over $130 off Galaxy Watch 8 deal. Retro gaming handhelds also saw deep discounts, with the R36MAX Retro Handheld dropping to $40 R36MAX deal. Power banks from Anker were heavily discounted, with several travel essentials available under $100 Anker travel deals. Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro routers were available for under $100, offering a 57% discount Nest Wi-Fi Pro deal.