Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Smartphone Launches and Leaks

The Google Pixel 11 series launch event in India has been confirmed for August 12th, with invites already sent out. Meanwhile, leaked specs for the Google Pixel 11a suggest it could be the best "a-series" device in years. Amazon is also offering a significant $300 discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro ahead of the Pixel 11 launch. The Tecno Pova 8 5G is drawing comparisons to Nothing phones with its large battery and AI features. In India, the Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched, priced at INR39,999. Motorola has clarified its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, a device that also features a large battery and Qi2.2 support. The vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. The Oppo K15 is set to launch next week with an 8,000mAh battery and an integrated cooling fan.

Foldable and Tablet Market Updates

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 has been spotted running Hyper OS, with rumors pointing to an August 2026 release timeframe. Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra show little change from previous models, failing to address user complaints. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra are expected to receive significant battery life boosts, according to EU ratings. However, leaked camera and battery specs for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 suggest only slim upgrades. A leaked render of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 indicates a substantial price hike with no hardware upgrades, potentially using a cheaper Exynos chip. A special edition $13,130 Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is already available for purchase from Caviar, preceding Samsung's official reveal. There are also reports that Samsung may discontinue its free storage upgrade for future Galaxy foldables. Huawei's Mate XT 2 patent hints at a new design and folding mechanism for its tri-fold smartphone. The 12.2-inch Asus Pad is confirmed to launch in India on August 6th. The Infinix Xpad 30 Pro has surfaced in a retailer listing, revealing its main specifications.

Wearables, Audio, and Accessories

The water lock feature on Apple Watches automatically activates during swimming, designed to prevent accidental input. Open-ear earbuds are currently at their lowest price ever on Amazon, offering a sleek and comfortable listening experience. Mophie's travel charging kit for Apple users is prompting envy from Google Pixel users who wish for similar accessories. Vital Signals is introducing a ring capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to revolutionize cardiac care. The EU is exempting smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds from its new removable battery rule, which takes effect in February 2027.

Software, AI, and Services

OpenAI will notify parents if their teen accounts violate policies related to violence. Google's Find Hub features are highlighted as an essential tool for keeping track of devices. Google's Health app is improving nutrition logging with the addition of "custom foods" and other features in a new Android update. TikTok is no longer banned on US government devices. There is now an API available for accessing posts from top accounts on Trump's Truth Social platform. An API bug in AWS caused some customer bills to spike dramatically, though Amazon stated the estimates did not reflect actual usage. Google is expanding its Connected Apps experience in AI Mode to include AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation. Google is also building anti-tampering protections into Android XR to foster trust in smart glasses. Signal is testing a feature that allows Android phones or tablets to be added as secondary devices. Suno's generative AI music tool is now available on iMessage. Netflix has utilized AI in approximately 300 titles this year and released a VHS-quality version of Stranger Things' first season. The Oversight Board suggests that leading AI models might be restricting free expression. The Engadget Podcast discusses the potential usefulness of Siri AI in iOS 17 and mac OS Golden Gate, as well as OpenAI's rumored AI smart speaker. Smart speakers are unlikely to help OpenAI stem its financial losses.

Gaming and Entertainment

New indie games worth checking out include those with AI-run "utopias" and 2D moss-based gameplay. The Odyssey in IMAX is recommended as a worthwhile cinematic experience. Bethesda has outlined future plans for Fallout, including a new game from Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. The God of War show will reshoot episodes with a new actor playing Kratos due to an injury sustained by the original actor. MLB has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered in-game strategy calls. Microsoft faces accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions, with charges filed regarding bad faith bargaining.

Industry and Tech Trends

US government officials have officially lifted the ban on TikTok on federal devices. Chinese solar company LONGi has developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells with a 35.5 percent conversion efficiency. Verizon Fios has launched a new 5Gbps home internet plan, more than doubling its previous fastest offering. Elon Musk's acquisition of a gas turbine company is likely intended to serve as a direct power source for Space XAI's data centers. Hyundai is reportedly seeking full ownership of the robotics giant Boston Dynamics. The NTSB has confirmed that the Tesla driver involved in a fatal crash overrode the Full Self-Driving system. Zoiss has issued a software recall for its robotaxis, as they may be confused by smoke. SpaceX's deorbiting of 260 Starlink satellites is not a cause for concern, though scientists are examining the environmental impacts. The EU has softened a key pillar of its climate policy, allowing for increased pollution.

Other Notable Tech News

The Pinwheel Home series introduces a modern landline phone experience for children, offering a screen-free communication option. Most smart appliances collect data, and users can discover what information their devices track. Hasselblad's Phocus Mobile app is now available on Android, 16 years after its initial iOS release. Skullcandy's Crusher 1080 headphones combine haptic bass with quiet active noise cancellation. Sonos has implemented tab navigation and speaker sorting in its mobile app, offering quality-of-life improvements. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. Coca-Cola's dairy company fairlife has been impacted by a ransomware attack, leading to a halt in US operations. Honda is officially discontinuing its only EV model in the US, an electric SUV developed in collaboration with GM.