Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 8, 2026, 10:14 PM ET

Apple Announcements & Ecosystem

Apple's big September 9 launch event is almost here, and the rumors are reaching a fever pitch. A new report suggests Apple originally wanted the iPhone Ultra to cost $1,999, positioning it as a premium foldable. However, the Chinese launch of the Ultra might be delayed over eSIM issues, a problem that also plagues the iPhone Air. With Apple's secrets seemingly out, case maker Dbrand decided to get a jump on the worst-kept secret in tech by already making iPhone Ultra cases available. Beyond the hardware, Apple is finalizing iOS, and code peeks reveal the camera app will get some pro add-ons, hinting at variable aperture support. Apple has also updated its mobile operating system, giving the AI Clean Up tool a major upgrade for erasing unwanted photo objects.

Android & Samsung

Samsung is having a busy week with several software and hardware updates. The company has officially ended software support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip, delivering their final software update and cutting off future OS upgrades. However, the newer Galaxy Z8 series is performing well, with foldable sales up 30% over the Fold 7, though the Flip 8 captivates new users. Samsung also clarified that the Galaxy Z Fold 8's screen bend is intentional to avoid damage from debris or pressure. On the software front, the Galaxy Watch6 series is receiving the One UI 9 Watch beta, and there’s also a guide for rebooting your Galaxy tablet.

Smartphone Launches & Leaks

A wave of new and upcoming devices hit the news today. Motorola started teasing the Signature 27, its next designer smartphone with Swarovski crystals and a premium price. Videos leaked for the Poco C95 Pro show it in three colors, and the pricing is out too alongside the full specs. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 Pro series' India launch is confirmed for September 15, packing a massive 10,000mAh battery to last days on a single charge. One Plus officially has its N6 Lite on the way to India, and Oppo has confirmed the F35 series is launching in the region imminently.

Foldables & Flagships

The foldable market is heating up, with the new Xiaomi 18 Fold making waves. It’s a mid-size foldable with impressive specs that some are calling the best you can't buy, and it features a lightweight chassis with triple cameras that’ll satisfy any shooter. The device arrives days before Apple's big foldable iPhone event, and BGR’s hands-on described it as an attractive mid-size powerhouse. On the more extreme end, Huawei's Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design shows Samsung how a tri-fold should be done, featuring a new inward-folding hinge for a seamless display. For the camera-obsessed, Oppo's Find X10 Pro Max is shaping up to be a monster with three 200MP sensors that also supports 8K Log video. The Find X10 series is also detailed in a separate deep dive on its camera setup. vivo has confirmed its X500 series will launch on September 21, and the new iQOO 16 and iQOO Pad Ultra will debut in China this month with pre-orders live already underway.

Gaming & Entertainment

The past 24 hours feels like a new day for gaming and streaming fans. A new Nintendo Direct is guaranteed, with the second one of the week set to air for around 45 minutes focusing on games other than Zelda. Speaking of Zelda, the 40th anniversary is coming with a special Switch 2 console releasing on October 29, and the Ocarina of Time remake arrives on November 5. Riot, after 17 years, finally adds team voice chat to League of Legends, allowing players to coordinate or throw insults in real time. On the AI front, Meta revealed its new agent, Muse, which can shop, send emails, and plan trips on your behalf. The White House removed its border-wall Tetris clone, a game that had gained attention for its political symbolism. And for those looking for a good scare, the first trailer for the Sam Altman biopic is damn creepy—perfect for a Christmas Day release.

Software & AI

OpenAI and the Navier-Stokes controversy continue to stir up discussions about AI and math credit, as the story remains unclear. For those looking to offload email tasks, there's a guide on how to let Claude send emails for you via Gmail. Threads is overhauling its in-app analytics, with more details and AI summaries now available in the insights section. Google's search changes in Europe, aimed at avoiding EU fines, are now a reality, described by some as a move to degrade Search for users in that region. Chrome will start releasing updates every two weeks to better tackle security threats, moving to a faster cycle for its stable channel.

Hardware & Deals

The Garmin Fenix 8 is still selling at a record low price after Labor Day, with a fierce 25% discount available on Amazon. For audio lovers, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are some of the best wireless headphones we've ever used, and they're currently 50% off of Microsoft's list price. Anker's new smart display charger is small, but it actually does a lot more than just indicate how fast it's charging—it provides useful notifications and media controls. Lenovo's Think Pad X1 Carbon Gen 14 review is out, and it combines a classic design with an incredibly light 2.2-pound chassis that’s perfect for travel. Infinix’s Xpad 30 Pro has launched with an 11-inch display and an 8,200mAh battery, providing extended usage between charges. Space’s 18 Fold’s arrival overshadowed the news that Samsung and TSMC are adopting ASML’s new machines to address the chip shortage, while the US regulator approved a $1.9 billion loan to spin up Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear reactor for Google’s AI data centers.