Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Smartphone Launches and Rumors

Motorola is set to unveil the Edge 70 Max on July 15, having already revealed its design and processor. Flipkart, an Indian online retailer, has also provided further information on the device. In other Motorola news, the Moto Buds 2 Plus earbuds can be significantly improved by adjusting a few settings, enhancing their Sound by Bose audio and active noise cancellation features sound improved. Meanwhile, Lava has partnered with Flipkart for its new Virat smartphone series, with the first model's design, colors, and launch date now revealed design revealed. Tecno's Camon 50 Ultra, first unveiled in March, will launch in India on July 17. The device is advertised as being for creators, storytellers, and photographers. The vivo T5 Lite, featuring a 6,500mAh battery, is scheduled to debut next week in India. Realme has announced the Narzo 100x for July 15, a smartphone that highlights an 8,000 mAh battery, marketed as the "second-largest battery ever in a smartphone".

Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is currently on sale, with the Ultra model priced under $1,000. This comes as the company prepares for its next foldable device launches later this month. It’s possible that anticipation for a potentially pricier Galaxy S27 has driven the surge in S26 sales in South Korea sales surge. Samsung's Galaxy A27 has been reviewed, and it launched after its sibling, the Galaxy A37, which was released in April review completed. Leaked images of the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus suggest a familiar design, with the tablet expected to launch alongside the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and possibly the Galaxy S26 FE in early September familiar design. Samsung is reportedly developing an AI accelerator chip for PCs, codenamed Gaia, utilizing a 4nm process.

Apple's rumored iPhone Ultra, also referred to as the iPhone Fold, has had its battery capacity leak, with two batteries certified together, suggesting a foldable design. The company is reportedly working on this highly anticipated iPhone, with rumors and leaks compiled regarding its potential price and release date rumors compiled.

Other smartphone news includes the upcoming Redmi Note, which will feature a 7-inch OLED display and a large battery. The Redmi Note 17 Pro boasts a 9,000mAh battery and a five-year replacement guarantee. The HMD Skyline 2 is still in development, though it may not offer significant upgrades over its predecessor successor in development. The HMD Arc 2 has been announced with an updated chipset, but few other noticeable upgrades, still running Android 14 Go. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is expected to launch in September with significant upgrades and is likely to be among the first devices to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip. The iQOO Z11 Lite 5G will launch in India soon.

Foldables and New Form Factors

Samsung's attention is shifting towards its new Galaxy Z foldables, with pre-reservations already open pre-reservations open. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to receive a significant silicon upgrade, featuring a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. A teaser image from Samsung suggests the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 will arrive with a "brand new shape". Leaks also indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra may adopt camera features from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. There is speculation that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be the last iteration of Samsung's small foldable line end of an era.

Huawei is working on a successor to its Mate Book Fold, which is expected to be a mild refresh arriving in the latter half of the year successor expected.

Wearables and Accessories

The Honor Watch 6 Plus, initially released in May, now includes a Motorcycle Edition aimed at biking enthusiasts. DuRoBo has introduced the Moodi, a wireless page-turner for e-readers that offers a tactile clicking experience for extended reading sessions, competing with Boox's accessories.

Gaming and Entertainment Tech

Lenovo has showcased the Legion Y700 Ultimate gaming tablet in a video, with a full announcement scheduled for August. Steam is making it easier to determine game compatibility with the Steam Machine. Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 handhelds are receiving spec bumps and will increase in price by $10 after July 14.

AI, Software, and Services

Phoebe Gates' AI shopping app, Phia, reportedly claimed unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks. OpenAI's head of safety is reportedly departing as part of a company reorganization, with the role to be combined with research leadership. OpenAI's browser strategy is shifting, with its browser functionality now integrated into the ChatGPT app. Meta has disabled its Muse Image feature, which allowed for the creation of AI deepfakes of any public Instagram account by mentioning it. Users can now opt out of Meta using their Instagram pictures for AI training. Samsung Health users are being asked to consent to the use of their health data for AI training, or their data will be deleted consent requested. Google Health is updating its Android app to display key health stats more prominently, including sleep tracking. Gemini's reliability in Google Home has improved, with fewer interruptions and better assistance for events like the FIFA World Cup Gemini improved. Google is working towards disclosing AI-generated ads, which will be automatically noted in its My Ad Center.

Netflix is once again offering free trials, with durations varying from 7 to 30 days depending on the user and potentially location. Disney may be planning a free tier for Disney+, in addition to its existing ad-supported plan.

Displays and Visual Technology

Eclipsa Video is emerging as a new format that compares to Dolby Vision and HDR10. The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, a budget-friendly phone focused on reducing eye strain, has returned to a Prime Day price.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

Verizon will provide 5G connectivity services for new BMW vehicles in the US through a partnership with KDDI 5G for BMW. New York has become the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses. NHTSA has identified a pattern of driverless autonomous vehicles interfering with first responders and is demanding solutions from AV manufacturers.

Other Tech News

Sony has launched new $120 in-ear monitors, the IER-M500, designed for professional use and comfort during stage performances. The X by Xreal and Xreal's a01+ AR glasses are now available, offering affordable smart display and AR experiences for consumers and gamers. Meta's smart glasses are facing backlash, which is influencing how or if people use them. A new report suggests Microsoft Teams may begin tracking employee locations through its "Workspace Check-in" feature. Microsoft's AI initiatives have contributed to a 25 percent increase in its carbon emissions in 2025, impacting its goal to be carbon negative by 2030. NVIDIA has announced "GeForce Trading Cards" featuring moments from GeForce PC gaming history. The FCC has approved a controversial sun-reflecting space mirror project proposed by Reflect Orbital. Metal balls from space have been found on Australian beaches, though aliens are not suspected. Game Stop is reportedly marking up Pokémon cards by over 300 percent. Stub Hub's CEO is reportedly investing millions in the ticket-scalping market on his own platform. The Playdate is being used to help synchronize Big Ben's chimes. The Lego Hubble Telescope set, consisting of 1,252 pieces, will go on sale August 1.