Mobile News 3 Days

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

Samsung Prepares for Foldable Flagship Launch

Samsung is gearing up for its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, where the company is expected to unveil new folding smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and its Ultra variant, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip8. Leaked camera and battery specifications for the Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 series suggest minimal hardware upgrades for the Flip, which may see a price hike and a cheaper Exynos chip. However, EU ratings indicate the Galaxy Z Fold8 series is set to receive a significant battery life boost. Meanwhile, an extremely high-priced, Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is already available for purchase, costing $13,130. Samsung's mobile division might also face its first quarterly loss despite overall record profits for the company, largely due to its semiconductor business. The company is also adding another preinstalled app to Galaxy phones, though there may be a silver lining for consumers.

Google's Pixel Lineup and Android Updates

Google is teasing its upcoming Pixel 11 series, slated for an August 12 unveiling, with rumors suggesting these devices could be the first to feature TSMC's 2nm fabrication and a new modem. The tech giant has also sent out invites for the Pixel 11 series launch event in New York City on August 12. Leaked specifications for the Pixel 11a hint at it being a strong contender in the "a-series" lineup. Ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, Amazon is offering a substantial $300 discount on the Pixel 10 Pro. Google's Pixel Watch 4 has also returned to its Prime Day price on Amazon. The company is expanding its Connected Apps experience within AI Mode to include AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation via Instacart and YouTube Music. Google's Health app is receiving an update to improve nutrition logging with features like "custom foods". Google is also building anti-tampering protections into Android XR from day one to foster trust in smart glasses. In other Android news, a lockscreen bypass vulnerability has been discovered that allows Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 is now available, addressing several long-standing issues reported by Pixel users.

Xiaomi, One Plus, and Other Smartphone Developments

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 has been spotted running Hyper OS, with speculation pointing towards an August 2026 release timeframe. With One Plus exiting the US market, consumers face a significant smartphone dilemma. Motorola has issued an official statement clarifying its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, following confusion regarding its support. The Motorola Edge 70 Max features a large battery and Qi2.2 support, drawing significant interest. An editorial piece highlights a larger issue with Motorola's increasingly complex software update policies, using the Edge 70 Max as an example. The vanilla Poco X8 might still be released, as suggested by Hyper OS source code, despite earlier speculation of cancellation. Tecno has launched the Camon 50 Ultra in India, priced at INR39,999. The Tecno Pova 8 5G, which mimics Nothing's design, features a large battery and an active matrix display on its rear.

Global Smartphone Releases and Leaks

Global models of the Redmi Note 17 Pro are in development, with memory options already revealed. Renders and specifications for the Redmi 17 4G have also leaked, detailing its design and color options. A teardown video of the Redmi Note 17 Pro is available, offering a look at its internal components. The vivo X300 Pro is currently on sale with a 16% discount and a free charger. vivo is also considering three 200MP sensors for the X500 Ultra's telephoto lens, with a global release anticipated in early 2027. The vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. Oppo is preparing to launch the standard K15, which will feature an 8,000mAh battery and an in-built cooling fan. The iQOO Z11 Lite is set to launch on July 24 in India, priced under INR20,000. Huawei's potential tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT2, is hinted at in a new patent filing that suggests a novel design and folding mechanism.

Wearables, Accessories, and Other Tech

Apple Watches feature a water lock function that automatically activates during swimming. The EU is adding exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, which will go into effect in February 2027. Accessories designed for Apple users, such as Mophie's travel charging kit, are making Google Pixel users envious. The Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its historic low price on Amazon. Vital Signals is developing a ring capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring.

AR/VR, Gaming, and Software Updates

Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are lauded as the best budget option, offering bright visuals and a lightweight design for $299. Redmagic's new gaming tablet, the Astra, offers enhanced features like liquid cooling and an improved OLED panel. For Apple users, Suno's generative AI music tool is now available on iMessage. Netflix has released a "VHS-quality" version of Stranger Things' first season, with potential for more seasons to follow if viewership is high. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions regarding alleged bad-faith bargaining. Bethesda has detailed future plans for Fallout, including a new game from Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas.

Connectivity, Cloud, and Data Security

Verizon Fios has boosted its fastest plan to 5Gbps, more than doubling its previous flagship speed. A bug in AWS caused some customers' bills to spike dramatically, though Amazon stated these estimates did not reflect actual usage. Coca-Cola's dairy company fairlife experienced a ransomware attack, leading to a halt in US operations. OpenAI will notify parents if their teen accounts violate its policies, particularly concerning violence. The US government has officially lifted the ban on TikTok on federal devices. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures.

Other Notable Tech News

France has intensified its restrictions on access to the prediction market Polymarket by ordering ISPs to block its website. The NTSB has confirmed that the Tesla driver involved in a fatal crash overrode the Full Self-Driving system, with the NHTSA also investigating. Zoox issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke. Tesla is now selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. Samsung's Freestyle+ projector, capable of displaying on uneven surfaces, is now available for $1,200. China's LONGi has developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells with a 35.5 percent conversion efficiency. The EU is relaxing a key pillar of its climate policy, potentially allowing for increased pollution EU defangs a key