Mobile News 8 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 11:36 PM ET

Mobile Devices & Wearables

Xiaomi unveiled its Band 10 Pro alongside new clip-on earbuds during a launch event in China that also featured the Xiaomi 17 Max smartphone. Meanwhile, Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro is moving into mass production next month with Samsung Display achieving above 90% yield rates for the OLED panels, with some processes reaching 95% yields. In the audio space, Anker introduced Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds powered by its new Thus AI chip, featuring an AI note-taking capability.

AI Integration & Expansion

Microsoft integrated ChatGPT into PowerPoint, allowing most users to start generating slides with AI capabilities today. In contrast, Starbucks abandoned its AI inventory tool after only nine months of use, returning to manual inventory management. Google expanded Gemini for Home access to carriers and hardware makers, opening up the AI platform to more developers and service providers in an effort to broaden its ecosystem.

Telecom Services

Verizon partnered with David Beckham for a "massive ticket drop" offering over 2,500 free tickets to customers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in June and July across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Separately, AT&T launched its Build-A-Plan service, a fully customizable wireless experience allowing customers to control what they pay for, available online only starting May 27 as a 30-day rollout.

Mobile Tech Rumors

Apple is testing iPhone 19 Pro prototypes with quad-curved screens according to a new rumor from Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, suggesting the company may be exploring new display designs for its flagship smartphones.