Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Device & Software Updates

T-Mobile is ending its 2G network in August, a move that will require customers with older devices to transition to newer hardware. This shutdown follows a trend of carriers phasing out legacy networks to reallocate spectrum for 4G and 5G services. Meanwhile, Nothing has officially concluded support for its first smartphone, the Phone (1), marking the end of its software update lifecycle. This signals a shift for the company as it focuses on newer models.

OnePlus devices are facing stock issues in various markets due to ongoing restructuring. This situation suggests potential challenges for the brand as it integrates more closely with Oppo. In a related development, insiders claim OxygenOS and Realme UI will merge into Color OS, further consolidating software development under Oppo.

Redmi's upcoming 17 5G has received certifications revealing its RAM, storage, and battery specifications, indicating a successor to the 15 5G model. Separately, HMD announced four new that incorporate on-device AI assistance, signaling an effort to bring intelligent features to basic mobile devices.

Samsung's Galaxy A18 is reportedly skipping Samsung's Exynos chips for both its 4G and 5G variants, opting for Media Tek and potentially other unnamed processors, a departure from previous models. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy A37 is currently discounted on Amazon, offering a budget-friendly option amidst global chip supply concerns. The Samsung Galaxy A27 has also begun sales in key markets with notable design changes from its predecessor.

Motorola has launched its Global Connect eSIM app for select South American markets, aiming to simplify international connectivity for travelers. The company is also preparing to unveil the Motorola Moto G77 Power on July 8, with a promo page already live on Flipkart.

Smartphone & Tablet Hardware & Rumors

Samsung's next generation of foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip, are strongly hinted to be unveiled on July 22 in London. This follows a viral marketing campaign where Samsung wiped its Instagram posts to build anticipation. Leaks detail a wider variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and suggest that the entire Galaxy S27 family may feature Samsung's Privacy Display technology Privacy Display may come. The Galaxy S27 Pro Ultra are also rumored to receive a new selfie camera.

The Oppo Reno16 series has debuted in India, with a focus on a more budget-friendly model replacing the Pro variant. Details have also surfaced for the Oppo Find X10 Ultra, detailing its main telephoto camera. The Oppo Reno16 review offers insights into the device.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit is scheduled for September 22-24, where the next generation of Snapdragon 8 Elite chips are expected. The Xiaomi 18 series is reportedly set to be the first to launch with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen.

Samsung has detailed its roadmap for future semiconductor nodes, including 2nm processes and a target of 1.4nm by 2029. This advancement aims to power the next wave of mobile and computing devices.

Amazon's Fire HD 10 has received a refresh, notably including a RAM upgrade. In a contrasting deal, T-Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE for $99 with a qualified tablet line, a promotion ending soon. Lenovo is teasing a new Legion gaming tablet with 5G connectivity, expected to be called the Y700 Unlimited.

iQOO has launched the Z11i in China, featuring a 6,500mAh battery and a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. The company also quietly introduced the iQOO Pad 5c, a new tablet in its Pad 5 lineup with a 12.1-inch display and a 10,000mAh battery.

Wearables & Smart Home

Samsung's Galaxy Watch users in the U.S. will lose the Vascular Load feature in favor of blood pressure "trends." Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra bands have leaked ahead of their expected launch. Samsung's Galaxy Glasses were shown in a leaked video, highlighting touch controls and integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. The Xreal ROG R1 smart glasses are noted for their high price but impressive performance as a wearable monitor.

Google's Home Speaker and other smart home products are reportedly experiencing significantly slow response times, potentially impacting user experience.

Gaming & Entertainment

Xbox reportedly testing a feature to digitize disc-based games, offering a way to preserve physical media in an increasingly digital market. Sony has invested $34 million to repurpose its EU PlayStation disc factory into a plant for optical microlenses, signaling a shift away from physical media production. The Engadget Podcast discussed the relevance of Valve's Steam Machine and Sony's potential move away from PlayStation discs by 2028. Onimusha: Way Sword has had its release date moved up to avoid the crowded fall gaming calendar.

Connectivity & Services

Amazon's satellite broadband competitor to Starlink, known as Amazon Leo, is nearing deployment. While enough satellites are ready for service launch, the constellation remains small compared to SpaceX's offerings. AT&T is expanding its Build-A-Plan program to include home internet services, following its success with customizable wireless plans.

Visa, Mastercard, Coinbase have launched a new global stablecoin venture, backed by major financial institutions. Meanwhile, Threads is experiencing a significant spam issue involving fake Mr. Beast promotions, which are part of a larger crypto scam network. WhatsApp is responding to an order from the Indian government to pause the rollout of its username feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers.

Enterprise & AI

Microsoft is planning another round of layoffs, cutting approximately 2.5% of its workforce. The company's financial practices in Europe, involving profit shifting to reduce tax bills, have been detailed in a new report Microsoft shifts profits. Cloudflare will filter web crawlers serving AI companies, giving websites more control over how their content is used for AI training. A United Nations report indicates that policymakers are struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of AI, highlighting the need for better safeguards.

Meta released an app for creating generative AI games, though its availability in the U.S. is uncertain. The company is also reportedly building its own cloud business, which would place it in direct competition with cloud giants like Amazon and Google. Meta's AI Glasses are integrating deeply with golf applications, offering hands-free capabilities.

Other Notable News

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set for public display later this year at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Donald Trump's financial disclosures reveal significant investments in tech stocks around the time he announced his AI Action Plan. X is pushing for more live video content by introducing new creator payouts and a streaming command center. Fujifilm has launched special waterproof and black-and-white editions of its retro Quick Snap instant cameras.