Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Google Pixel and Smartphone Market Trends

New renders in three distinct colors, hinting at an August 12th announcement for the Pixel 11 family. The upcoming Pixel 11 series is also reportedly set to feature the first 2nm smartphone SoC, Google's Tensor G6, utilizing TSMC's advanced process ahead of competitors. Leaks also suggest the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is nearing its reveal, with FCC filings indicating a significant modem upgrade, potentially ditching Samsung's modems for a Media Tek solution to improve signal reliability and battery life as seen in filings. A separate report indicates that Verizon is offering the Google Pixel 10 Pro for free with the addition of a new mainline Unlimited plan. Meanwhile, the global phone market experienced a drop in Q2 2026, with projections suggesting a continued decline throughout the rest of the year.

Apple Ecosystem and Software Updates

Public betas for iOS, mac OS, and other Apple platforms are now available, offering users a chance to test new features like an updated Siri AI and system-wide performance improvements. In subscription news, a comparison of iCloud+ and Apple One, detailing how each service offers more than just extra storage.

Microsoft and Windows Developments

Microsoft is continuing to refine the Windows 11 experience by making the Windows Search Box more streamlined and useful with each update. In a separate legal development, an Xbox gamer has won a lawsuit against Microsoft, securing the restoration of their account and digital library, with Microsoft also ordered to pay approximately $400 in damages to the user.

One Plus, Samsung, and Other Smartphone Brands

One Plus may be facing a significant global retreat, with potential exits from Europe and the US, though confirmation from OPPO is still pending regarding the brand's future as its future remains up in the air. Samsung is reportedly increasing smartphone repair prices in South Korea due to rising component costs, with these market conditions also impacting repair expenses in several regions. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are expected to launch with new chipsets and larger batteries on July 22nd ahead of the event. Samsung's Galaxy XR headset is also now available in the UK after its initial launch in Korea and the US as it expands availability. The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus has appeared in a leaked live image, showing a familiar design that may not be a positive. Additionally, a leak suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will be lighter than its predecessor, the Z Flip 7 ahead of its unveiling.

Emerging Technologies and AI

Meta has removed its Muse Image AI from Instagram following a significant privacy uproar, responding to user concerns about data collection by removing the tool. A Chinese company, potentially unknown to many, claims to have developed the first "AI Agentic Phone" as it announces its plans. In other AI news, Phoebe Gates' AI shopping app, Phia, is reportedly accused of claiming unearned affiliate sales through the use of fake clicks according to reports. OpenAI's head of safety is reportedly departing as part of a company reorganization, with the role set to be combined with that of the head of research as teams are restructured. Google is now adding AI labels to ads across its Search, YouTube, and Discover platforms, enhancing transparency, though reliance on advertisers' honesty for third-party AI disclosures remains a factor in the disclosure process.

Display and Storage Innovations and Deals

The most important display innovations are reportedly coming from a lesser-known company that showcased impressive eye care solutions at SID Display Week 2026 as it outshone competitors. For those looking to expand their storage, new Amazon deals are available to help mitigate rising costs for external storage devices, timed for the Back to School season.

Mobile Accessories and Other Devices

The TV Time app is functionally relaunching as its parent company pivots to AI, with a new app called Bingers expected by the end of July as a replacement. Big Me's upcoming E Ink hybrid phone is already facing competition, with Hisense teasing its own detachable LCD hybrid E Ink phone. The Insta360 X6 action camera is nearing its official debut, with leaks revealing a smaller design and pricing details ahead of its release. Lenovo has showcased the Legion Y700 Ultimate gaming tablet in a video, ahead of its full announcement in August. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra's India launch date has been announced for July 17th, with the device marketed towards creators and photographers as it prepares for market.

Gaming and Esports News

Games Done Quick abruptly canceled an SNK stream due to ties with Saudi Arabia, stating they would not accept funds from or work with SNK in the future as a decision was made. The Summer Games Done Quick event once again raised over $2 million for Doctors Without Borders during the marathon.

Cybersecurity and Legal Proceedings

A ransomware negotiator who colluded with attackers to defraud victims has been sentenced to 70 months in prison, having helped scam victims out of over $75 million according to officials.

Other Mobile and Tech Tidbits

Users can now easily scan QR codes that are already present on their phones, as both Android and iOS have built-in tools for this purpose from screenshots. The Motorola Edge 2025 is currently available with a significant $150 discount at Best Buy making it a deal. Nothing has officially launched its Phone (4b), a more affordable device retaining core Nothing specifications, including a simplified Glyph Bar and a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Xiaomi phones are legally allowed to be sold in the US but are rarely offered, with reasons for this absence explored in a report. The Moto Buds 2 Plus earbuds can sound significantly better after adjusting just a few settings, even with Sound by Bose audio and ANC features by tweaking settings. The Lava Virat V1's design, colors, and launch date have been revealed by Indian handset maker Lava ahead of its release.