Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Mobile Devices & Software

Samsung is pushing forward with its software development, with One UI 9 testing underway for more devices, built on Android. This follows the stable release of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy A26. Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly negotiating a deal for the Korean tech giant to manufacture custom AI chips for Anthropic. In smartwatches, Samsung will remove the Vascular Load feature from its US models in late July, replacing it with blood pressure trend monitoring. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is seeing a resurgence of its $350 discount deal for the holiday weekend, while the upcoming Galaxy S27 series may feature a Privacy Display across all models, with the Pro and Ultra versions also set to receive a new selfie camera. Leaked videos offer a glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy Glasses, showcasing touch controls and deep integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. The company is also preparing for the Galaxy Z Fold, which is rumored to be more expensive. Elsewhere, the Oppo Reno16 series has debuted in India with Oppo Bubble tags, and the base Oppo Reno16 is available without a Pro model for now. The Oppo Find X10 Ultra's main telephoto camera has been detailed in a new leak. Motorola has launched its Global Connect eSIM app in several South American countries. The Nothing Phone 1 has received its final software update, marking the end of its lifecycle, while the upcoming Phone (4b) will have a special RCB edition design. Redmi is preparing to launch the Redmi 17 5G and has confirmed the Redmi Note 17 series will debut this month. The Xiaomi 18 series is anticipated to be the first to launch with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite. Apple's rumored Air Pods Ultra, which were expected to feature cameras for Siri, have reportedly had their development suspended. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are slated for a fall launch, potentially alongside a foldable iPhone Ultra. For budget-conscious consumers, the Samsung Galaxy A37 is currently discounted Amazon, and the Galaxy A27 is now available for review, with updates including a punch-hole notch display.

AI & Generative Technologies

Midjourney is seeking court orders for Hollywood studios, including Disney and Universal, to disclose their AI usage. Cloudflare is implementing measures to filter web crawlers used by AI companies, aiming to give content creators more control. Meta has released an app for creating generative AI games, though its availability is currently limited. Google's Gemini Omni is demonstrating advanced capabilities, allowing users to generate video from mixed media on Pixel devices. In wearables, Meta's AI Glasses are integrating deeply with golf applications, offering hands-free capabilities with partners like 18Birdies and Arccos for enhanced golf tracking. Separately, Samsung may be taking on the role of manufacturing Anthropic's custom AI chips. HMD is continuing its feature phone strategy with four new Nokia models, including the Nokia 200 4G and others, which come equipped with on-device AI assistance.

Telecommunications & Networking

T-Mobile is preparing to shut down its 2G network in August, requiring customers to upgrade their devices. The carrier has also decided to retire its KickBack program, moving some customers to newer, potentially more expensive plans. AT&T is expanding its Build-A-Plan customization to include home internet services. Amazon is nearing the deployment of its satellite broadband service, Leo, with a constellation that, while small compared to Starlink, is now ready for launch. Motorola's Global Connect eSIM app is now available in several South American countries, offering international connectivity options. Mint Mobile is promoting a new deal advertised as its "best offer ever," with wireless service at just $15 per month. Verizon is offering numerous deals in July, including opportunities for free phones with trade-ins or new line activations.

Gaming & Entertainment

Xbox is reportedly exploring a method to digitize disc-based games, potentially preserving physical media purchases in an increasingly digital market. Sony is repurposing its PlayStation disc factory in Europe, having already invested $34 million to convert it into a plant for optical microlenses. Capcom has moved up the release date for "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" to avoid the pre-GTA 6 rush. A recent attempt to revive the 3DO console has reportedly failed due to intellectual property rights issues. Discord has officially launched on the Meta Quest platform, bringing its familiar chat experience to virtual reality.

Smart Home & Wearables

Google's Home Speaker and other smart home devices are experiencing significantly slow response times. Samsung is removing the Vascular Load feature from its smartwatches in the US market, transitioning to blood pressure "trends" as part of an update expected in late July with One UI 9 Watch. The XGIMI Horizon 20 Max, a bright 4K projector with optical zoom and lens shift, is available at its lowest price following Prime Day. Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet has received an update, including an increase in RAM capacity. Fitbit Air is noted for its sensors, and its capability for automatic activity detection is being examined.

Computing & Laptops

Apple is reportedly planning a the entry-level MacBook Pro for next spring. The company is also said to be considering a new naming scheme for its upcoming products, with leaks pointing to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Bulky laptop chargers are becoming a relic, with advancements in technology making them more portable. Lenovo is teasing a new 5G-enabled gaming tablet, the Y700 Unlimited, with an expected upcoming release.

Industry & Business

Microsoft is planning further workforce reductions, with a new round of layoffs affecting 2.5% of its employees. In a separate development, a mandatory compliance report from Microsoft has revealed its strategies for shifting profits to reduce European tax liabilities. Meta is reportedly developing its own cloud business, which would place it in direct competition with major players like Amazon and Google. X is increasing its focus on live video by introducing a new creator command center and enhanced creator payouts. Fujifilm has launched special waterproof and black-and-white editions of its retro Quick Snap instant cameras, appealing to nostalgia. The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set to go on public display later this year at the California Science Center.

Other Mobile & Tech News

Samsung may be planning to bring its Privacy Display feature to all Galaxy S27 models. The company is also reportedly considering manufacturing custom AI chips for Anthropic as part of early negotiations. Intel has announced its upcoming Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for September 22-24, where the next generation of Snapdragon 8 Elite chips are expected to be unveiled. Pixel users have reported issues with not receiving calls, with the problem potentially linked to Google's phone app. International Google Pixel models differ from their American counterparts in specific ways. The Samsung Messages app will reportedly cease functioning on most Galaxy phones this month due to an upcoming shutdown. Nothing has officially revealed the design for a special RCB Edition of its upcoming Phone (4b) in partnership with the Royal Challengers. Instagram's Edits app has added support for bilingual captions and new templates, enhancing its translation features.

Connectivity & Carriers

T-Mobile is retiring its Kick Back program, impacting some customers with older plans. The carrier is also offering a deal on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE for $99 when adding a qualified tablet line, though the offer has a limited time to redeem. Visa, Mastercard, and Coinbase have launched a new global stablecoin initiative, aiming to facilitate financial transactions. Verizon's July deals include numerous opportunities for free phones, whether through trade-ins or new line activations, representing some of the best offers the carrier has seen.