Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:32 AM ET

Mobile Devices & Smartphones

Samsung is reportedly in early discussions with Anthropic to manufacture the AI company's custom chips, signaling a deepening push into AI hardware. This follows news that Samsung may bring its built-in Privacy Display to every Galaxy S27 model, a feature that debuted on the S26 Ultra, with the Pro and Ultra variants also rumored to receive a new selfie camera. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch are set to lose the Vascular Load feature in the U.S. with the upcoming Samsung Health version 7.0 and One UI 9 Watch rollout in late July, transitioning to blood pressure "trends" instead Samsung removes Vascular Load. Samsung is also offering a significant discount on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, providing $350 off the unlocked model.

Apple's next-generation iPhone lineup, expected in fall 2026, is rumored to include the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, alongside a foldable iPhone Ultra. Development of the rumored AirPods Ultra, which were expected to feature cameras for Siri, has reportedly been suspended. In other Apple news, the entry-level MacBook Pro may receive a visual refresh next spring.

T-Mobile is preparing to shut down its 2G network in August, requiring customers to upgrade their devices. The carrier is also offering a deal on a Samsung tablet for $99 with a qualified line. Separately, T-Mobile's Kick Back program is being phased out, impacting customers on older, potentially more expensive plans T-Mobile customers' woes.

One Plus continues its integration with Oppo, with German One Plus websites now advertising Oppo products. This follows earlier reports of a merger between Oxygen OS and Realme UI into Color OS OxygenOS and Realme UI merged. The brand is also experiencing stock issues in some markets OnePlus devices out of stock.

Redmi is set to launch the Redmi Note 17 series this month in China, and the Redmi 17 5G has received SIRI certification in Malaysia, detailing its RAM, storage, and battery capacity. The Redmi K90 Ultra has also arrived. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (1) has reached its end-of-life with its final software update end Phone 1. Nothing has also revealed the design for a special RCB Edition of the Phone (4b).

HMD is bolstering its feature phone lineup with four new Nokia models, including the Nokia 200 4G, 210 4G, 215 4G 2nd Edition, and 235 4G 2nd Edition, all featuring on-device AI assistance. Motorola has launched a new Global Connect eSIM app for select South American markets and is preparing to unveil the Moto G77 Power on July 8.

In other device news, the Oppo Reno16 and Reno16c have debuted in India Oppo Reno16 Reno16c, and details have emerged about the Oppo Find X10 Ultra's. The Honor Magic V6 has expanded its availability to the UK Honor Magic V6 comes to UK. The iQOO Z11i has launched in China with a 6,500mAh battery and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC iQOO Z11i debuts.

Wearables & Audio

Samsung is removing the Vascular Load feature from its smartwatches in the U.S. as part of the upcoming Samsung Health version 7.0 and One UI 9 Watch rollout Samsung removes Vascular Load. The feature will be replaced by blood pressure "trends" Galaxy Watch will lose. New leaks have also provided a glimpse of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 ahead of their expected unveiling.

Apple has reportedly suspended development of its rumored AirPods Ultra, which were slated to include cameras for Siri.

Home & Entertainment

Amazon has refreshed its Fire HD 10 tablet with an increase in RAM. The XGIMI Horizon 20 Max, a bright long-throw 4K projector, is currently available at its lowest price point following Prime Day best-selling 4K projector.

Google's Home Speaker and other smart home devices are experiencing incredibly slow response times. Separately, Google rolled out Beta 6 for Android 17 QPR1 for Pixel users, indicating platform stability.

Gaming & Computing

Xbox is reportedly testing a method to digitize disc-based games, potentially preserving physical purchases in an increasingly digital market. Valve's Steam Machine is under discussion on the Engadget Podcast, alongside rumors of Sony ceasing PlayStation disc production in 2028 Sony dumping PlayStation discs. Sony is also repurposing its EU PlayStation disc factory into a plant for optical microlenses, having already invested $34 million.

Lenovo is teasing a new Legion gaming tablet 5G, expected to be called the Y700 Unlimited.

AI & Software

Samsung is in early discussions with Anthropic to manufacture custom AI chips. Separately, the company may bring its Privacy Display feature to all Galaxy S27 models, with the Pro and Ultra variants also rumored to receive a new selfie camera Galaxy S27 Pro selfie.

Meta has released an app called Pocket for creating generative AI games, though it appears unavailable in the U.S. The company's AI Glasses are integrating deeply with golf applications like 18Birdies and Arccos, offering hands-free capabilities. Meta is also reportedly building its own cloud business, which would position it against Amazon and Google. Discord has also landed on the Meta Quest App Store, bringing a familiar chat experience to VR.

Cloudflare will begin filtering out web crawlers that serve AI companies, aiming to give website owners more control over their content Cloudflare will filter crawlers. A UN report indicates that policymakers are struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of AI, stating that safeguards are needed.

Instagram has updated its Edits app with support for bilingual captions and new templates. WhatsApp is navigating a pause on its planned rollout of a username feature following an order from the Indian government WhatsApp pauses username feature. X is increasing its focus on live video with a new creator payout system and streaming command center X pushes for live video.

Connectivity & Services

T-Mobile is set to end its 2G network in August, requiring users to transition to newer devices. The carrier also recently announced the discontinuation of its KickBack program. AT&T is expanding its Build-A-Plan offering to include home internet services. Verizon is promoting various July deals that include free phones with trade-ins or new line activations. Mint Mobile is offering a limited-time promotion at 15 per month for any plan.

Amazon is nearing the deployment of its Leo satellite broadband service, with enough satellites now ready to launch Amazon ready deploy. This service is intended to compete with SpaceX's Starlink.

Automotive

Tesla has begun taking orders in the U.S. for the Model Y Long Wheelbase, which features six seats and is priced at $62,000. Future Hyundai and Kia vehicles may benefit from UV technology to eliminate odors, potentially negating the need for air fresheners.

Other News

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set to go on public display at the California Science Center later this year, after being in Los Angeles since 2012. A strange attempt to revive the 3DO gaming console has already failed. Fujifilm has released special waterproof and black-and-white editions of its retro QuickSnap instant cameras.

Microsoft is reportedly planning another round of layoffs, aiming to cut 2.5% workforce. Financial disclosures reveal that Donald Trump purchased significant tech stock on the same day he announced his AI Action Plan. Fake Mr Beast promotions on Threads are part of a larger crypto scam network.