Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Google Prepares for Pixel 11 Launch, Leaks Hint at Specs

Google has begun sending out invites for its Pixel 11 series launch event, with an official announcement set for August 12th in New York City sent invites. Ahead of the launch, alleged specifications for the Pixel 11a have surfaced, suggesting it could be the best "a-series" device yet. Meanwhile, a significant discount is available on the Pixel 10 Pro, with Amazon slashing $300 off the price in anticipation of the new lineup. Google is also focusing on enhancing user experience with updates to its Health app, introducing "custom foods" for nutrition logging, and expanding its AI Mode with Connected Apps like Instacart and YouTube Music. The Pixel Watch 4 has also seen its price drop back to its Prime Day low.

Samsung's Foldable Future and Display Woes

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are reportedly receiving a significant battery life boost, according to EU ratings. However, leaks suggest a brutal price hike for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 with no hardware upgrades, potentially using a cheaper Exynos chip. The availability of a "free" storage upgrade, a popular pre-order perk, is uncertain for the Fold8 series and Flip8. Reports also indicate that Samsung's mobile division may experience its first quarterly loss ever, despite strong performance in its semiconductor business. Internally, Samsung is investigating why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are exhibiting a red discoloration. Pre-orders for a Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra from Caviar are already available for $13,130, preceding Samsung's official reveal.

Apple's Next Steps and Accessory Landscape

New evidence suggests the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture camera, following a ransomware attack on an Apple partner that exposed internal company files. Apple is also quietly integrating a significant change for Car Play with iOS, announced shortly after a similar update for Android Auto. For Google Pixel users, accessories like the Mophie travel charging kit for Apple devices highlight a desire for similar convenience. The Apple TV 4K remains a consideration, though its recent price hike prompts questions about its value compared to alternatives like Fire TV or Roku.

Android Auto, Open-Ear Buds, and Device Tracking

Cutting the cord in the car is made simple with adapters that enable wireless Android Auto. The technology relies on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi working in tandem to provide a seamless experience. For personal audio, open-ear earbuds are currently available at their lowest price ever on Amazon, offering a sleek and comfortable listening experience. Google's Find Hub features are highlighted as an essential tool for keeping track of phones, watches, and earbuds, preventing users from losing their devices. Signal is also testing the ability to add an Android phone or tablet as a secondary device, improving multi-device usability.

New Devices and Market Dynamics

Motorola has clarified its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, following confusion regarding its support for the device. The Edge 70 Max itself boasts a large battery and Qi2.2 support, generating unexpected interest. The global Redmi Note 17 Pro's memory options have been revealed, with the Note 17 series also seeing a teardown video surfacing. Infinix is preparing to launch the Xpad 30 Pro tablet, with its main specifications appearing in a retailer listing. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched in India, priced at INR39,999. The Oppo K15 is set to launch next week featuring an 8,000mAh battery and an in-built cooling fan. The Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max were announced in March, and indications suggest a vanilla Poco X8 model may still be released. The vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. iQOO has confirmed the pricing segment for the Z11 Lite, which will launch under INR20,000 in India on July 24. The Lava Virat V1 has had its launch rescheduled to July 24.

Tablets and Gaming Devices

Renderings of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra have surfaced, but they reportedly do not address many user complaints. The 12.2-inch Asus Pad is confirmed to be launching in India on August 6. Redmagic's Astra 2 gaming tablet has been released, improving upon last year's model with liquid cooling and an enhanced OLED panel. Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit, with no plans to stock replacement OEM batteries.

AI, Data Security, and Tech Policy

OpenAI will begin notifying parents if their teen accounts violate policies around violence and are subsequently removed from ChatGPT. The Oversight Board is suggesting that leading AI models may be restricting free expression and is seeking to extend its influence beyond Meta platforms. A bug in AWS has caused some customer bills to spike dramatically, though Amazon stated that displayed billing estimates do not reflect actual usage. US government devices are now free to use TikTok again, as the ban has been officially lifted. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures to assess its protection protocols. An API is now available for directly accessing posts from Truth Social's highest-ranking accounts. Most smart appliances collect data, and users can investigate what information their devices track. The EU has added exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, with new legislation set to take effect in February 2027.

Gaming and Entertainment Updates

Bethesda has outlined future plans for Fallout and other franchises, including a new Fallout game by Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions, with charges filed concerning alleged bad faith bargaining. The God of War show on Prime Video will reshoot episodes with a new lead actor due to an injury sustained by Ryan Hurst. Netflix has released a VHS-quality version of Stranger Things' first season, with potential for more seasons to follow suit if viewership is high.

Solar Efficiency and Autonomous Vehicles

Chinese solar company LONGi has developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells that achieve a 35.5 percent conversion efficiency. Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis, as they may experience confusion in the presence of smoke. NTSB investigators have confirmed that the driver in a fatal Tesla crash overrode the Full Self-Driving system.

Other Tech News

The Engadget Podcast discusses the potential usefulness of Siri AI in iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, alongside rumors of an OpenAI AI smart speaker. Suno has brought its AI music generation capabilities to iMessage. A hacker accessed Suno's source code, reportedly detailing how the company scraped millions of songs, though Suno stated no sensitive personal information was compromised. Coca-Cola's dairy company, fairlife, has been impacted by a ransomware attack, leading to a halt in US operations. Elon Musk has acquired a gas turbine company, likely to serve as a direct power source for Space XAI's data centers. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers, recognizing their potential as future customers. Verizon Fios has boosted its fastest plan to 5Gbps, more than double its previous flagship offering. Sonos has introduced quality-of-life updates to its mobile app, including tab navigation and speaker sorting. The Muse 300 desktop DAC features a custom OS and a distinctive design, offering sound that belies its price point. Pinwheel's Home series debuts as a modern, screen-free landline phone option for children. Honda is officially discontinuing its only EV in the US, an electric SUV developed in collaboration with GM.