Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Upcoming Smartphones and Wearables

The iQOO 16T is rumored to arrive in September, with the iQOO 16 also in development, though the 16T might not launch this year. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 18 series is expected to debut in China this September, reportedly launching without an Ultra variant and featuring three models. In the smartwatch arena, leaks suggest that Redmi is working on the Redmi Watch 6 Active and Redmi Watch 6 Lite, with images and pricing surfacing.

Samsung's Latest Announcements and Rumors

Samsung unveiled Galaxy offering up to five percent back on its products ahead of its July 22nd Unpacked event in London. This event is widely anticipated to introduce the new generation of Samsung foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8, alongside new smartwatches. Leaked renders of the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 confirm upgraded specifications, and reports suggest Samsung plans to produce more standard Galaxy Z Fold8 units than the Fold8 Ultra and Flip8 models. J-Hope from BTS has also teased the Galaxy Z Fold8 in anticipation of the event.

Google Pixel and Android Updates

Google's latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 addresses Bluetooth issues, Gemini crashes, and touch bugs on Pixel devices, though Pixel 6 users are nearing the end of their beta support. The Google Pixel 10 Pro is currently available for free from Verizon with any mainline Unlimited plan via promo credits. Leaks of the upcoming Google Pixel 11a suggest it could be a significant upgrade for the "a-series" lineup. Google has also started sending invites for the Pixel 11 series launch event in New York City on August 12th.

Chipset and Performance Leaks

Qualcomm's next budget chipset, rumored to be the Snapdragon 4 Gen, suggests an upgrade in graphics performance, with further leaked details indicating it will carry the model number SM4875.

Display and Accessibility Features

Amazon's Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs today. Separately, users of the Galaxy S26 Ultra have reported a "red screen" issue, which Samsung and is working on a fix for.

Smartphone Battery and Charging Innovations

The Oppo A7 Pro Max is with a substantial 10,000mAh battery. In charging technology, Cuktech's 30 Ultra offers a 300W charging station with 140W output from two USB-C ports, capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously.

Other Mobile and Tech News

Netflix has teamed up with Sign Up Media to provide ASL interpretations for a selection of children's shows and movies. Android Auto is finally receiving a live, color-changing speedometer in Google Maps. A security vulnerability has been discovered where an Android lockscreen bypass allows Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. The US government has officially lifted its ban on TikTok on federal devices.

Energy and Solar Technology

The first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter in the US, aiming to make alternative energy more accessible for renters. Chinese company LONGi has developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells with a reported efficiency of 35.5 percent conversion efficiency.

Home Internet and Pricing

AT&T is reportedly hiking legacy Fiber and Internet Air bills by $5 again.

Gaming and Entertainment

A new collection of indie games, including those with AI-run "utopias" and Moss in 2D.

Data Center Cooling Technology

NVIDIA's latest data center hardware with water at 113 degrees Fahrenheit, described as "hotter than a hot tub."

Consumer Electronics and Accessories

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd is expected to feature new foldables and smartwatches. Meta's glasses, while offering similar functionality to their Ray-Ban counterparts, are described as having less polish and more baggage. Reports suggest the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 running Hyper OS, with a potential August 2026 release. The Kodak EC35 is a new pocketable, beginner-friendly 35mm film camera.

Audio Equipment

Chinese audio maker dd HiFi's new entry-level IEMs, the Iris and Skyfall, are noted for their exceptional quality at a budget price point.

Television and Remote Technology

The enduring use of infrared technology in TV remotes, despite alternatives like Bluetooth, is explored. OLED TVs continue to be evaluated for their value proposition in 2026, with some scenarios where "lesser" technologies still shine.

Deals and Discounts

Best Buy is hosting a "Black Friday in July" sale with significant price reductions on hundreds of items. Discounts are also available for the iPhone Air, with £200 off, and sales on Poco and Nothing Phones. Additionally, Google Pixel, Pro, and 10 Pro XL models, as is the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. The vivo X300 models, with a free charger promotion.

Software and AI Features

OpenAI will begin parents if their teenagers violate its policies around violence on Chat GPT. Claude's Reflect dashboard and its "touch grass" reminders are detailed. An underrated Android feature that enhances typing speed on the phone's keyboard is highlighted.

Wearable Technology

The water lock feature on Apple Watches, which automatically activates during swimming, is explained.

Best Buy Deals

The best open-ear earbuds have seen a 33% price drop, reaching their lowest price ever on Amazon.

Apple Accessories

Accessories like the Mophie travel charging kit, designed for Apple users, spark envy among Google Pixel users who desire similar options.

Google Find Hub

The importance of Google Find Hub's features for tracking devices like phones, watches, and earbuds is emphasized.