Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Foldable Phones and Leaks

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are expected to feature a significant battery life boost, according to EU ratings. However, a leak for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 suggests a substantial price hike with no hardware upgrades, instead opting for a cheaper Exynos chip. Samsung's best pre-order perk, a free storage upgrade, may not be available for the Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8 models. Leaked renders also seem to show Samsung's entire Galaxy Unpacked lineup ahead of the event.

AI and Smart Devices

OpenAI is launching a physical keypad designed to control its AI agents, available for order today. Smart speakers, however, may not be the salvation for OpenAI's financial woes. In a separate development, xAI has filed a lawsuit against a user for generating nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes using Grok. The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures. Meta will now alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm in AI interactions, while former employees are suing Meta over alleged use of biased AI systems during layoffs. The Oversight Board is concerned that leading AI models might be restricting free expression.

Smartphone Releases and Updates

The vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India, powered by a Media Tek Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. Realme's C100x has debuted in India with an 8,000 mAh battery, and the Realme Narzo 100x is also arriving with a 144Hz screen and an 8,000 mAh battery. Realme India has confirmed that future devices will launch with Color OS, merging Realme UI with Oppo's Color OS to reduce R&D costs. The Infinix Hot 70 Pro is now official, featuring unique finishes like Thermo Orange which changes color with heat and cold. Motorola's software update policy for the Edge 70 Max has become difficult to track. Xiaomi has reportedly rolled out a stable Android 17 update ahead of rivals, though it's based on Hyper OS 3.0 rolls out. Redmi Note 17 4G renders and specifications have leaked online, and the Redmi 17 4G is expected to be a rebranded Redmi Note 17. A teardown video for the Redmi Note 17 Pro has surfaced, showing the phone's internals. The Redmi Note 17 series has been unveiled in China with larger batteries, including an 8,000mAh battery for the Redmi Note 17 and a 9,000mAh battery for the Note 17 Pro. The iQOO Z11 Lite's battery details have been revealed ahead of its launch, confirming a 6,500 mAh battery with 44W charging. The iQOO 16 is rumored to launch in September, with new details about its camera and battery surfacing.

Google and Apple Ecosystems

The EU has ordered Google to grant rivals more access to key Android handset features for AI voice assistants. Google Images is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary with a 'dynamic gallery' and the appearance of a Nano Banana in AI Overviews turns 25. Google may be preparing a redesign for the Android Auto media player to shrink album art. Wireless Android Auto utilizes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to function. Apple has released the first public beta of iOS, along with betas for iPad OS 27 and watch OS. iOS 27 is previewing a practical but plain Siri AI. Apple also quietly hid a significant change coming for Car Play with iOS 27.

One Plus Exits Markets, Deals and Leaks

One Plus has officially announced its exit from the European and North American markets, though operations in India will continue. Existing phones in these regions will receive Color OS, and Oxygen OS will be closed down. A new One Plus N6 series model, the One Plus N6x, has been teased, indicating an expansion of the N6 lineup. Google Pixel 10 deals are available in July 2026, including free phones and straight discounts. Verizon is offering a free Google Pixel 10 Pro with a new unlimited plan. Mint Mobile is also offering a limited-time deal on the Google Pixel 10. Google has opened Pixel Care Plus enrollment for the Pixel 10 and, but with a limited time frame. Leaked renders of the Google Pixel 11 show the device in three colors, with a potential hot pink option. A massive Pixel 11 leak has revealed almost everything about Google's next phones, including pricing, specs, and colors. Google's Pixel 11 family will be unveiled on August 12, with a teaser video confirming the Pixel Glow feature and pre-order date.

Wearables and Audio

Vital Signals is introducing a ring that promises continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to reshape how people manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions. Skullcandy's new Crusher 1080 headphones combine haptic bass with quiet active noise cancellation. The Wii M Sound is presented as a superior smart speaker option with better sound and connectivity than offerings from Google, Amazon, and Sonos. Sony has launched its Link Buds Clip model in India for INR 18,990. Withings' new ultra-premium scale, priced at $600, is now available for purchase, promising clinical-grade monitoring.

Other Tech News

Suno has brought its AI music generation to iMessage. A hacker reportedly accessed Suno's source code, detailing how the company scraped millions of songs, though Suno stated no sensitive personal information was compromised in a November breach. Lenovo's Idea Pad Flex 3i Chromebook is available at a 40% discount on Amazon, offering durability and versatility as a tablet or laptop. Hyundai is reportedly looking to take full control of robotics giant Boston Dynamics. Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit, with no plans to stock replacement OEM batteries. Netflix has released a 'VHS' special edition of Stranger Things season, with more seasons potentially following based on viewership. The FCC plans to revise local TV station ownership rules. X's algorithm will now prioritize replies from people you already follow. Google has purchased the entire electrical output of a major solar farm to offset its data center emissions. Starlink's new V5 home dish is smaller and more energy-efficient, though it doesn't boost data speeds. The Muse 300 is a desktop DAC with a custom OS and a distinctive design. A ransomware negotiator who colluded with attackers to scam victims has been sentenced to 70 months in prison. Publishers are challenging Google over AI copyright infringement, seeking compensation for training materials. The next wave of emoji could help users express a range of emotions, from beauty to existential dread. PlayStation's Flex Strike wireless fight stick has been delayed without a firm release date. Samsung's slower version of the 990 Pro SSD is more expensive than the original. Roku TVs can still offer functionality without internet access. The WGA is suing to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.