Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 2:32 AM ET

Network Infrastructure & Carrier Updates

T-Mobile finally shutting down its 2G network on August 3, marking the end of an era for the carrier as it seeks to consolidate its network resources. This move makes T-Mobile the last major U.S. carrier to phase out its 2G service. In related customer-facing changes, T-Mobile is also retiring its KickBack program, forcing customers onto newer, potentially more expensive plans as it phases out older offerings. Many loyal customers are being pushed onto pricier plans, a move that has drawn criticism.

Smartphone & Tablet Launches

Honor's Magic V6 foldable has expanded its availability to the UK, following its European debut. The device, initially unveiled at MWC, is now on sale in Germany starting at €1,700 for the 16GB/512GB configuration. Meanwhile, OnePlus continues its integration with Oppo, with the One Plus website in Germany now advertising Oppo products, signaling a further consolidation of the brands. In a more budget-friendly segment, Samsung's Galaxy A27 has launched in the US, Europe, and India, featuring a punch-hole display notch. The device also launched India with multiple memory configurations and color options. Samsung also officially launched the Galaxy M47 in India, powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and a 6,000mAh battery. Nothing's Phone (4b) is set to launch on July 7, confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon chipset, and will feature an RCB Edition. Live images of the device have surfaced, confirming its design and key specifications. OnePlus N6 has arrived in India, boasting a massive 8,000mAh battery and supporting 45W Super VOOC charging.

Foldable Innovations & Leaks

Samsung is strongly hinting at the unveiling of its next-generation foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z expected around July 22 in London. Leaks continue to emerge, including case designs for the Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8, and detailed specifications for a wider Galaxy Z Fold8 variant. Key features for the Galaxy Z Fold8 have also been revealed, suggesting a significant upgrade. Samsung officially started teasing its wide-screen foldable, expected to be called the Galaxy Z Fold8, and has initiated a viral marketing campaign by wiping previous posts from its social media accounts. The vivo X Fold6, unveiled in China, is reportedly set for a global launch.

Wearables & Smart Devices

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 have seen their bands leak ahead of an expected Unpacked event. Leaks suggest the Watch Ultra 2 could feature a 5,000-nit display, an 800mAh battery, and IP69K durability. Samsung has confirmed the Galaxy Ring 2, with its successor expected in early 2027 with improved battery life. Meta's AI glasses are integrating with golf apps like 18Birdies and Arccos, offering hands-free capabilities. However, Meta is also paywalling an offline feature for its smart glasses, limiting the free usage of its Conversation Focus feature to three hours per month and charging $20 for additional access. beta testing notification forwarding for iOS devices to its wearables.

Gaming & Entertainment

Sony is planning to permanently cease physical disc for PlayStation games starting in 2028, a move that follows Rockstar's announcement of a digital-only release for Grand Theft Auto VI. Xbox is reportedly testing a system to digitize disc-based games, potentially preserving physical media in an increasingly digital future. The animated Super Mario Galaxy Movie will launch on Peacock on July 30. In other gaming news, Xbox layoff plans reportedly include closing Arkane and canceling the Blade game, with cuts expected to begin next week. Union members at Xbox are arguing for transparency amidst these layoff rumors. A California bill aimed at preserving online games has failed to pass a committee vote.

AI & Software Developments

A UN report indicates that policymakers struggling keep pace with AI development, stressing the need for better safeguards. Anthropic's new Sonnet 5 is designed to excel at agentic tasks, which have been a significant cost driver for enterprise customers. The US government has authorized Anthropic to Mythos and Fable AI, with user access resuming on July 1. Google's Gemini app mac OS now includes access to its Spark agentic AI assistant. Google is also expanding personalized intelligence to its Gemini app for image creation. Proton's Lumo chatbot has received a major upgrade, adding image generation and editing capabilities. Netflix utilized AI to incorporate Gene Wilder's voice into a new reality show.

Hardware & Product Updates

Apple is reportedly planning a the entry-level MacBook Pro sometime next spring. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro will utilize two modems, stemming from a cyberattack on Apple supplier Tata. Schematics and documents stolen from Tata also revealed details about the iPhone, iPhone 18e. A dummy model of a foldable iPhone Ultra has appeared in a black finish, with its release rumored to coincide with the iPhone 18 Pro series in September. Apple's Hide My Email feature may have a vulnerability that connects real email addresses to anonymous ones.

BMW's X5 lineup now includes an electric option with an estimated range of 435 miles. Fujifilm has launched special editions of its retro Quick Snap instant cameras, including waterproof and black-and-white versions. Commodore's Callback 8020 flip phone is now available for pre-order at a reduced price of $399, following initial pricing concerns. Motorola's next phone might feature a charging capability that currently only Apple and Google offer. Motorola is also giving its earbuds a luxury makeover and has quietly upgraded its Moto Tag 2 tracker.

Tech Industry & Business

Meta is reportedly building, which would place it in direct competition with Amazon and Google. Comcast is spinning off into a new entity, exiting the entertainment business entirely. Getty Images has terminated its $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock due to restrictions from UK regulators. Microsoft plans to cut in another round of layoffs. Amazon has agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle an FTC identity theft case, related to alleged failures under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Verizon and BT Group plan to combine their international enterprise into a new joint venture, expected to close in 2027.

Miscellaneous

American Express members can now use their Membership Rewards points with Apple Pay for online purchases. Visa, Mastercard, Coinbase have launched a new global stablecoin venture. WhatsApp usernames are now available for reservation, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers, with full rollout expected later this year. YouTube Shorts is borrowing further features from TikTok, including 2x playback and a clear screen mode. The LG StanbyME 2 Max is a standalone 32-inch touchscreen display priced at $1,300. Tidal will not ban AI music but will not pay creators of 100% AI-generated content.