Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 10, 2026, 10:03 PM ET

Apple's Foldable Era Begins

Apple finally unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, and despite years of build-up and intense scrutiny, the device looks genuinely solid. The company also announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and thanks to EU regulations requiring published specs, we now know their battery capacities — something Apple has historically avoided disclosing. The broader event also introduced the Watch Series 12 and Ultra, making it one of Apple's most product-dense launches in years; our full coverage wrap-up breaks down everything announced. In the aftermath, Apple quietly raised prices on the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, and iPhone 16 across all regions. For those weighing alternatives to the new foldable, there's a growing list of iPhone Duo alternatives now available.

Foldable Market Shifts Into High Gear

Trend Force published a new report projecting that Apple will capture roughly a quarter of the folding phone market in 2026, with an estimated 5 million units shipped. Motorola responded quickly to Apple's entry, teasing its own wide foldable smartphone just days after leaked sketches surfaced showing a device allegedly due "" Meanwhile, foldable deals are surging — Samsung's Z Fold line and Motorola's Razr are seeing major savings across retailers this September.

Samsung's Hardware Rollercoaster

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic have officially reached end-of-life, with the company pulling the plug on software updates for both devices launched in August 2021. The watches were the first Galaxy wearables to run Wear OS, making this a notable milestone in Samsung's software support history. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, meanwhile, earned praise as one of the best Android smartwatches available — though it comes with significant caveats for non-Samsung phone owners. On the tablet front, leaked renders have surfaced again showing the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra alongside the Tab S12+, ahead of an expected H2 2026 unveiling. In the UK, Samsung has begun selling Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra units through its official online store. Budget buyers have another option too: Metro by T-Mobile is giving away the Galaxy A37 for free when adding a line.

Google's Shifting Hardware Strategy

Google has officially discontinued the Pixel Tablet, removing its listing from the company's e-commerce store — a quiet end to its tablet experiment. The move was confirmed across multiple outlets, with the Pixel Tablet now effectively retired from Google's product lineup. On the software side, Google introduced ADB Wi-Fi 2.0, delivering 66% faster speeds and more reliable connections for Android developers and power users. Pixel 11 owners are being urged to try Magic Capture, a Gemini-powered camera feature that some reviewers are calling the best addition to mobile photography in a decade.

AI Expands Across Platforms

A native Gemini app is finally available for Windows PCs, complete with a keyboard shortcut mirroring the Mac version. NASA and IBM collaborated on an open-source AI model of the Moon designed for the Artemis era, aimed at supporting lunar exploration research. Rokid launched AIUI Studio, a platform that lets anyone build AI agents for smart glasses without coding or owning the hardware. Universal Music Group announced a partnership with Eleven Labs on an AI-powered platform built around licensed music from participating UMG artists. Anthropic, however, revealed troubling findings: the company documented case studies showing scientists attempting to use Claude for biological weapon research — an extensive catalog of AI misuse that raises serious safety questions.

Regulation and Platform Policy

California's governor signed what are being called landmark laws governing minors' use of social media and AI chatbots, though the rules face opposition from some industry groups. Meta is testing Community Notes in Latin America, a move that has traditional fact-checkers worried the company may end its partnerships with them. Instagram rolled out a feature letting users add tagged photos directly to their profile grid, giving users more control over their main feed. Snapchat introduced Plans, a tool for organizing real-world gatherings, though it notably lacks one seemingly obvious detail. Android also made it easier to switch password managers securely, allowing users to transfer passkeys in seconds without resorting to unsafe text files.

Audio, Wearables, and Accessories

Yoto announced two new audio devices for kids, with upgrades designed to make them more capable and easier for small hands to use. Apple's Air Pods 5 drew a cautionary note — reviewers suggest skipping the standard model, because the first time you need to adjust volume, you'll wish you'd spent the extra $20. Apple's Watch Series 12 impressed in hands-on testing, with a new sensing system, expanded health features, and audio intelligence delivering more than expected. iOS 27 brings GymKit support to iPhone and Air Pods, finally realizing a feature that previously required an Apple Watch. Samsung may be racing ahead on Android XR, with indications that color display glasses could be in development beyond its existing Intelligent Eyewear concept. Arm's upcoming Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU promises "desktop-class" graphics on Android phones, a claim that could reshape mobile gaming if it holds up.

Cameras and Mobile Imaging

Oppo revealed that the Find X10 will feature dual 200MP cameras, while the top-end Find X10 Pro Max adds Open Gate recording; both phones will pack an 8,000mAh battery. The vivo X500 had its updated design revealed ahead of a September 21 launch in China. Oppo's A7 Pro and A7 Pro Max were spotted on Geekbench, confirming specs ahead of their global rollout. Insta360's Luna Pro earned strong marks in review as a pocket camera tailor-made for Instagram Reels, offering a direct rival to the Osmo Pocket 4 that's readily available in the US.

Gaming and Entertainment

Xbox stepped in to publish Hideo Kojima's Physint after Sony dropped out of the project — a significant partnership shift for the acclaimed developer. Nintendo's Switch 2 received a firmware update adding docked VRR support, syncing refresh rates to TVs for smoother motion during big-screen play. Nintendo also launched a sale that the company says is "made possible" by tariff refunds it has been hoarding — a claim drawing criticism given the company's refund posture. The Flame Fatales 2026 speedrunning marathon runs September 13-19 as a fundraiser for the Malala Fund. A new Avatar: Seven Havens trailer offered a deeper look at characters and story, and it's visually striking.

Security, Services, and Other News

IDScan is offering free credit monitoring and identity protection after leaking driver's licenses; the platform was linked to an FBI investigation into a dark web marketplace last week. Apple Care One introduced a $50 tier per month covering up to six family members and all eligible devices. Trump Mobile's T1 Phone now costs $250 more, pushing the price to $749 after an iFixit teardown revealed it's essentially identical to an HTC handset. Volvo refreshed the 2028 XC40 with new technology but discontinued the all-electric EX40 in the US market.