Mashable

The best iPhones to buy in 2026: Our top pick might surprise you

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

What's the best iPhone to buy right now? That question just got a lot more interesting.

During its September "Surprise and Shine" event, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max with upgraded cameras, a revamped vapor chamber cooling system, longer battery life, and a fresh, AI-ready chipset. The company also "one more thinged" the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable phone, confirming nearly a decade's worth of rumors. The new Apple phones join (or will soon join) the flagship iPhone 17, the budget iPhone 17e, and the super slim iPhone Air to round out the 2026 iPhone roster, which now runs on iOS 27.

Best iPhones at a glance:

Best iPhone for most people

Apple iPhone 17 (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on select Experience plans at T-Mobile

Budget pick

Apple iPhone 17e (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

Best iPhone Cameras

Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256GB)

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Best Design

Apple iPhone Air (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

Best for gaming and battery

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (256GB)

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Apple's smartphones have never been more powerful, feature-rich, or diverse in their form factors. Alas, they've also never been pricier. Every current iPhone has gotten more expensive due to the ongoing global memory crisis, which has jacked up the cost of electronic components over the past year. (At least the Duo turned out to be slightly less of a splurge than the gossip mill predicted.) Unfortunately, all the best smartphones saw price increases this year, so there's no escaping higher prices unless you hold off on buying a new phone altogether.

So, is it worth splashing out on one of the new Pro models? Or would you be perfectly happy with something less snazzy and more wallet-friendly, relatively speaking? After extensively testing every single iPhone, Mashable's experts have recommendations for all budgets and usage needs.

One more thing: Before you buy your new iPhone, be sure to check out our coverage of the latest carrier deals. If you trade in an older device and sign up for a new line or data plan, you could pay a fraction of the price — or nothing at all. The best iPhone deals are not to be missed.

Best iPhone for most people: iPhone 17

In addition to plain white (pictured), the iPhone 17 also comes in mist blue, sage, lavender, and black finishes. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Read our full review of the iPhone 17
Who it's for: Most people! The iPhone 17 is the phone most iOS users should buy. It's also the most colorful iPhone on the market if you want a handset with a little personality.

If you put the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 18 Pro Max head-to-head, the latter smartphone would win, handily. But last year's iPhone 17 is still the most well-rounded, "just right" phone in Apple's lineup. (We don't expect the new base model iPhone 18 to land until spring 2027.)

The iPhone 17 is a fast-enough, long-lasting-enough, nice-looking-enough smartphone that feels "Pro" where it counts for most people. Namely, it has a 120Hz, always-on display and an ultrawide camera with a dedicated macro mode, but none of the extra photography or thermal fixings intended for superusers. Compared to the budget iPhone 17e, which costs $200 less, it has a brighter, smoother screen, nicer cameras, and 15 percent more battery life.

Was the iPhone 17 an earth-shattering upgrade over the iPhone 16? Not really, but it got better in some crucial yet practical ways without straying over the $1,000 mark. Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder christened it "the most compelling standard iPhone in years."

Apple iPhone 17 (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on select Experience plans at T-Mobile

iPhone 17 specs

Screen size and display: 6.3-inch OLED display with 2,622 x 1,206 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide), 48MP (ultrawide), and 18MP (front)
Battery life (rated): Up to 30 hours of video playback
Processor: Apple A19
Storage: 256GB or 512GB
Colors: Black, white, mist blue, sage, or lavender
Dimensions: 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches
Weight: 6.24 ounces
Software: iOS 27

Best cheap iPhone: iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e is Apple's first budget smartphone with MagSafe support. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Read our full review of the iPhone 17e
Who it's for: We recommend the iPhone 17e for frugal shoppers who just want the core iPhone experience, as well as those who like small, pocket-friendly phones. It would also make a great starter phone for a teenager.

The iPhone 17e delivers your go-to iOS features like FaceTime and Siri AI, plus the classically clean Apple look — now with MagSafe! — for the least amount of money. It's a compact little device with a sharp, if not super-smooth display, and a battery that should last you a day between charges. It runs on the same A19 chip as the regular iPhone 17 and starts with the same amount of storage (256GB), which makes it more future-proof than last year's iPhone 16e (which started with half that).

The cameras on the iPhone 17e aren't as "versatile" as the ones on the iPhone 17, Schroeder said; it lacks an ultrawide lens and has a noticeably inferior front camera. But at least it takes marginally better low-light pictures than its predecessor.

Apple iPhone 17e (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

iPhone 17e specs

Screen size and display: 6.1-inch OLED display with 2,532 x 1,170 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide) and 12MP (front)
Battery life (rated): Up to 26 hours of video playback
Processor: Apple A19
Storage: 256GB or 512GB
Colors: Black, white, or soft pink
Dimensions: 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches
Weight: 5.96 ounces
Software: iOS 27

Best iPhone for photography: iPhone 18 Pro

Good riddance, cosmic orange. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Read our full review of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Who it's for: Get the smaller Pro if you're a mobile photographer or creator looking for the iPhone with the best cameras. We also recommend upgrading if you have an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro, but it's probably not worth the upgrade for those with an iPhone 17 Pro.

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature the latest Apple camera technology, but the Pro model is more compact and less expensive. We also think it's way more attractive in the new burgundy, glacier blue, and black colors, especially compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's controversial cosmic orange finish.

What's new with the cameras? A new physical variable aperture on its main camera lens, for starters. This gives you more control over the exposure and depth of field of photos. It works automatically, but you can also adjust it manually via the Camera app. There, you'll find other new Pro controls for tweaking settings like white balance and shutter speed; new Photographic Styles; new Cinematic effects that can be applied to videos after they're recorded; and a new Focus Tracking tool that locks on moving subjects.

The average user might appreciate its camera upgrades, "but I do bet that the majority of people will try out the manual aperture setting once and then leave it on auto," wrote Mashable's Schroeder in his review. Power users will make the best use of them.

Besides the new camera features, the new A20 Pro chip also provides extra support for AI tasks, including the newer, smarter Siri AI. There's plenty of storage space, too: Unlike older iPhones, the 18 Pro supports up to 2TB of storage.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro specs

Screen size and display: 6.3-inch OLED display with 2,622 x 1,206 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide), 48MP (ultrawide), 48MP (4x telephoto), and 18MP (front)
Battery life (rated): Up to 36 hours of video playback
Processor: Apple A20 Pro
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Colors: Black, silver, glacier, and burgundy
Dimensions: 5.91 x 2.83 x 0.34 inches
Weight: 7.44 ounces
Software: iOS 27

Best iPhone for design snobs: iPhone Air

Left: It's so thin. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Right: Like, REALLY thin. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Read our full review of the iPhone Air
Who it's for: This is the iPhone for minimalists and aesthetes who care more about their phone's looks than its performance. Its camera system, in particular, is pretty mediocre for the money.

People who bought the iPhone Air often say the same thing: Its thin and lightweight form factor ruins you for other phones.

The iPhone Air is the thinnest handset Apple has ever made — and arguably the "sexiest," said Schroeder. If you set it next to one of the iPhone Pros, "it feels like a Ford F-150 parked next to a Porsche," he wrote. "The Porsche may not have the utility that a pick-up has, but it turns heads." The bezels on its smooth, detailed display are virtually invisible, and its rear camera bump blends into the back of its chassis when you look at it straight-on. It's made from titanium, so it's not easy to scratch up, and it's super comfy to hold. It's peak Apple sleekness.

An A19 Pro chip makes the iPhone Air mildly faster than the A19-powered iPhone 17, though it doesn't last as long. (Apple makes a MagSafe battery that you can slap on the back of it, but costs $100 extra and works against the device's "ultra-thin" thing.) Camera-wise, it has better zoom than the iPhone 17, but it misses out on an ultrawide shooter à la the iPhone 17e. While you probably won't win any photography prizes with the Air, it's perfectly fine for selfies and everyday snapshots.

Apple iPhone Air (256GB)

$0 with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

iPhone Air specs

Screen size and display: 6.5-inch OLED display with 2,736 x 1,260 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide) and 18MP (front)
Battery life (rated): Up to 27 hours of video playback
Processor: A19 Pro
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Colors: Space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue
Dimensions: 6.15 x 2.94 x 0.22 inches
Weight: 5.82 ounces
Software: iOS 27

Best iPhone for gaming and battery life: iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro Max (left) is a slightly larger and even longer-lasting version of the iPhone 18 Pro (right). Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Read our full review of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Who it's for: The latest iPhone Pro Max is geared toward battery life maximizers who hate being chained to an outlet, avid mobile gamers, and well-off Apple fans with large hands. That's not a euphemism for anything: This is a big ol' phone.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated for up to 45 hours of video playback per charge, making it the longest-lasting iPhone ever. (Its battery is so big that Apple had to come up with a way to get around shipping restrictions that limit battery sizes, according to MacRumors.) Inside, you'll find the powerful A20 Pro chip and an improved vapor chamber cooling system that helps prevent overheating during extended heavy use. Schroeder tried to push this new hardware to the limit "by playing a few games of PUBG: Battlegrounds on the highest settings for a full hour," he wrote, and "The phone barely got warm." What's more, its battery only fell by nine percent.

The regular iPhone 18 Pro has the same chipset and cooling system as the Max version, but it's shorter-lived and smaller. The iPhone 18 Pro Max's size is an advantage for mobile gamers and movie-watchers who value immersion. Its display is the biggest you can get on any iPhone — that is, until the iPhone Duo arrives.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (256GB)

$2.78/month for 36 months with trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max specs

Screen size and display: 6.9-inch OLED display with 2,868 x 1,320 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide), 48MP (ultrawide), 48MP (4x telephoto), and 18MP (front)
Battery life (rated): Up to 45 hours of video playback
Processor: Apple A20 Pro
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Colors: Black, silver, glacier, and burgundy
Dimensions: 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 inches
Weight: 8.78 ounces
Software: iOS 27

Where's the iPhone Duo?

It's almost here. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The long-awaited iPhone Duo doesn't launch until Friday, Oct. 23. Preorders will open a week prior on Oct. 16.

The Duo will likely be a pick we relegate to loaded early adopters, given its steep price and first-gen status. (Again, this is Apple's very first attempt at a foldable.) That said, it does seem pretty polished right out of the gate. Check out our first hands-on impressions of it while you wait for preorders to go live.

Apple iPhone Duo (256GB)

$1,999 at T-Mobile

iPhone Duo specs

Inner screen size and display: 7.6-inch OLED display with 1,878 x 2,670 resolution, 120Hz variable refresh rate, and nano-texture finish
Outer screen size and display: 5.4-inch OLED display with 1,398 x 2,034 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate
Cameras: 48MP (wide), 48MP (ultrawide), 12MP (front, outer), and an additional inner, under-display FaceTime camera (resolution TBA)
Battery life (rated): Up to 44 hours of video playback when using the outer display; up to 31 hours of video playback when using the inner display
Processor: Apple A20 Pro
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Colors: Night sky and star white
Unfolded dimensions: 4.64 x 6.48 x 0.21 inches
Folded dimensions: 4.64 x 3.31 x 0.44 inches
Weight: 8.96 ounces
Software: iOS 27

iOS 27.2 beta arrives. How to try the new iPhone Health app.

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:11:48 +0000

Apple has a new iOS beta out for anyone who wants to test new iPhone features early.

This time, it's a public beta for iOS 27.2. You might be wondering: Where is iOS 27.1? The answer is a bit odd: Apple is launching the first big iOS 27 update with the iPhone Duo in October, so to keep iPhone Duo-specific features under wraps, the company is beta testing iOS 27.2 first. That means you're unlikely to find any nuggets of info about the iPhone Duo in the iOS 27.2 beta, but fret not, as there is still plenty to chew on.

How to install iOS 27.2 beta

As always, Apple's beta process is pretty simple and requires only a modicum of effort on your part. Before getting started, though, make sure you have a recent device backup saved in the cloud. You never know what could happen with beta software.

Here's a basic rundown of how it works:

Go to Apple's beta software program page, sign up with your Apple account, and register whichever device you want to install the beta on.
On the device, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Choose the iOS 27.2 beta as the software version you want to upgrade to.

After that, just wait for the update to download and install.

iOS 27.2 beta: What's up with the Health app?

There's the new app. Credit: Apple

Earlier in September, Apple announced a revamped Health app coming to iPhones later this year. It's not actually going to launch with iOS 27.2, but you can test it out in the beta now to help Apple get it into shape for an eventual launch later this year.

Apple has redesigned the app so everything is sorted into three tabs: Insights, Longevity, and Browse. Insights will give you a broad overview of all your metrics in one place, updated throughout the day. There's also a For You section that'll recommend articles you might be interested in.

Longevity, meanwhile, includes a metric called Health Age that will analyze your health metrics relative to your actual age. The Longevity tab also tracks your health over long periods of time and provides insights based on that data. Lastly, Browse is most likely a way to find specific things within the app that might not be easy to find in the other tabs.

There are other odds and ends in the iOS 27.2 beta, like individual profiles in the mobile Apple TV app, but the upgraded Health app is the big headliner here.

The 9 best smartphones to buy in 2026, tested by experts

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

What about the new iPhones?

Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and first-ever foldable iPhone Duo at its "Surprise and Shine" hardware event on Sept. 9. We just published our initial review of both Pro models and plan on adding at least one of them to this guide in the near future, once we've wrapped up a couple more performance and battery life tests. Both phones are available for preorder ahead of their release on Sept. 18.

As for the iPhone Duo: It's not out until Oct. 23, but Mashable's Stan Schroeder got to spend a little time with it at Apple Park earlier this month. (Read his hands-on first impressions.) It should give our current favorite foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, a run for its money. Look for preorders starting Oct. 16.

Why are phones so expensive right now?

The new Google Pixel 11 Pro has a $100 higher starting price than last year's Pixel 10 Pro. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

If you're in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it'll cost you more than usual. Smartphone prices have surged in 2026 because we're in the middle of a global RAM shortage caused by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon"). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices that use the same components are also getting more expensive. Along with phones, laptops, and gaming consoles have also been heavily affected by RAMageddon price hikes.

So far, we've seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new releases at launch. Apple also increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100 following its iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Duo announcements. Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly mulling another bump for its current lineup.

With this in mind, it's especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.

iPhone 20 rumors: Apple may skip iPhone 19 for quad-curve anniversary edition

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:39:13 +0000

Apple finally revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at its Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" event, alongside the foldable iPhone Duo.

But believe it or not, there are already credible reports and leaks floating around about a potential 20th anniversary "iPhone 20" arriving in fall 2027. If the rumor mill is correct, Apple will skip the iPhone 19 entirely, and this wouldn't be the first time Apple has gotten creative with numbering. The iPhone 20 would commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original model, which was released on June 29, 2007.

To mark 20 years of the iPhone, Apple has reportedly been prepping a major redesign that uses curved glass elements and potentially even a waterfall display.

If you're on the fence about upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro, then you may want some idea of what next year's iPhone might look like. So, here are the latest iPhone 20 rumors.

iPhone 20: When will it come out?

First things first, the release date. Apple always launches its flagship iPhone models in September, and there's currently no reason to think that will change soon.

In other words, it's widely expected that this phone will be announced in early September 2027, followed a week or two later with an official launch. (For reference, the iPhone 18 Pro was announced on Sept. 9 and launches Sept. 18.) The 20th anniversary iPhone is also the perfect opportunity for Apple to do some weird, fun stuff with its signature device.

iPhone 20: What will it look like?

This is the big point of interest regarding the iPhone 20, and most of what we know dates back to leaks from last year. In 2025, there were multiple credible reports that the iPhone 20 model would undergo a major redesign that uses significantly more glass than the typical phone.

Bloomberg and The Information both reported in May of last year that it would have an all-glass, edge-to-edge display. Specifically, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the source of more Apple scoops than anyone else on the planet, predicted the iPhone 20 would be a "mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display," and feature "curved glass edges all around." That means curved glass wrapping around the edges of the device, and perhaps more importantly, a seeming lack of a notch or Dynamic Island cutout for the selfie camera.

Other reports point to curves around the four corners of the phone. Also in 2025, Korean outlet ETNews reported the 20th anniversary iPhone will have four-sided bending for a bezel-less full-screen experience.

However, other prominent leakers have thrown cold water on rumors of a radical, waterfall-edge display. On X, leaker Ice Universe said that despite the rumors, the iPhone 20 will not have a true curved display.

And in 2026, Ice Universe speculated that "a true quad-curved display is unlikely" due to manufacturing challenges, suggesting Apple will opt for a "visual quad-curved" design.

So, instead of a waterfall display with curved glass on the iPhone, we might get something more like the iPhone Air, with rounder corners and sides, plus a visual effect around the edges similar to what you see on the Apple Watch.

Credit: CNET Group

We've seen wrap-around and waterfall displays on other devices like TVs, but a more sculptural, curved glass iPhone would definitely stand out in the mobile market.

iPhone 20: The latest leaks

Apple hasn't updated the display sizes for its iPhone Pro models since 2024. From the iPhone 16 to now, they've measured in at 6.3 inches for each Pro model and 6.9 inches for each Pro Max model. At least one source is indicating that the iPhone 20 will change that, while further shrinking the dynamic island.

A new report from leaker Digital Chat Station suggested that Apple will bump the display sizes and resolution for the iPhone 20 Pro models. Here are the rumored new display specs for those devices:

iPhone 20 Pro: 6.41-inch display with 2,686 × 1,236 resolution
iPhone 20 Pro Max: 6.96-inch display with 2,912 × 1,340 resolution

Those each represent upgrades of about a tenth of an inch for each device's display size, with higher resolution on each, over the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. That's not a huge change, but when combined with the functionally bezel-less displays that are rumored to grace the iPhone 20 models, there could definitely be a perception of a lot more screen real estate on next year's iPhone.

Do the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo tell us anything about the iPhone 20?

With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple reduced the size of the Dynamic Island, and the iPhone Duo utilizes an under-display FaceTime camera that doesn't waste any pixels. It will be interesting to see which of these elements are carried forward into the iPhone 20. For what it's worth, the latest Digital Chat Station leak regarding display sizes also suggested Apple would maintain the hole-punch front camera from the 18 Pro models rather than using an under-camera selfie camera like the iPhone Duo.

Apple has clearly embraced curved glass and refracting light in its new Liquid Glass design language, so it would make sense if the iPhone evolved to match accordingly.

iPhone 20: New buttons!

Lastly, for now, leaker Instant Digital posted on Weibo late last year that Apple is working on "solid-state" (in other words, non-moving and non-mechanical) buttons for the iPhone 20. The unique feature here would be haptic feedback for power, volume control, and camera control. I could see this being somewhat controversial, like when Apple got rid of the home button, but we'll have to wait and see.

As soon as we learn more about the iPhone 19/iPhone 20, we'll be sure to update this post. If you want to be the first to know about new tech, science, and digital culture news, sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Top smartphone deals of the week

Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

T-Mobile is giving away the Motorola Razr+ for free — how to qualify

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr+ is available for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this deal, activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Credit: Motorola

T-Mobile: Motorola Razr+ for free

Apple literally just launched new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, so why on earth are we talking about Motorola? We know there's a lot of excitement around Apple, but Motorola's foldable phones are quietly impressing. And right now, you can upgrade without spending anything.

The Motorola Razr+ is available for free with T-Mobile, and you don't even need to trade in anything to qualify. The process of claiming is actually pretty straightforward.

To get the new Motorola Razr+ for free with T-Mobile, simply activate a new line on its Experience Beyond plan. The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the three-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge, but that's a small price to pay for a "damn fine phone."

If you really are committed to owning the latest from Apple, you have similar options.

The new Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free when you trade in a qualifying device and activate a new line on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan. New customers who switch to T-Mobile and keep their existing number can also qualify.

iPhone 20 display leak teases massive upgrade over iPhone 18 Pro

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:53:29 +0000

Sure, we just got the iPhone 18 Pro, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about what's next for Apple's flagship smartphone.

Fresh off the launch of the iPhone 18 line, there are new rumors swirling around the internet about the iPhone 20. Despite the name, that's actually the expected moniker of the next iPhone model, meaning there would be no iPhone 19. That's because 2027 would be the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, after all. Anyway, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station posted some display specs for the iPhone 20 Pro devices that caught the internet's eye.

According to Digital Chat Station, here are the display sizes and resolutions of the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max:

iPhone 20 Pro: 6.41-inch display with 2,686 × 1,236 resolution
iPhone 20 Pro Max: 6.96-inch display with 2,912 × 1,340 resolution

By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro's display is 6.27 inches with a 2,622 x 1,206 resolution, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max measures in at 6.86 inches with a 2,868 x 1,320 resolution. In simpler terms, next year's iPhone 20 Pro models will have larger displays with higher resolutions, despite Apple sticking with the same display sizes since 2024 until now.

That change in display size isn't massive in a numerical sense, but it may not be the only change Apple has in store.

According to leaker Ice Universe, "Apple is reportedly testing a bezel-less quad-curved display design, along with a smaller display cutout that could further shrink the Dynamic Island." That lines up with lots of previous reporting, which has suggested that the iPhone 20 will have borderless all-screen glass displays. So, rather than having a hard bezel around the screen, it will curve on all four sides.

In addition, Apple could incorporate the under-display selfie camera seen in the new iPhone Duo for the iPhone 20, which would allow for a smaller dynamic island.

Here’s how much iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max repairs will cost you

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:14:12 +0000

It's iPhone launch day! Did you get a brand new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max? Did you see John Ternus at the Apple store? If so, congratulations! Also, and this is very important, don't drop it.

Apple has shared just how much it's going to cost for the most common iPhone repairs for the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. And, let's put it this way, damaging your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max is going to cost you a pretty penny on top of what you just spent for the device itself.

Just how much? Here's what Apple said about iPhone 18 Pro repair costs

The cost of fixing a damaged iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Damaged the back glass of your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max? That'll cost you $159 to repair.

Dropped the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max and wrecked the rear cameras? Apple will fix that for a whopping $249.

Something wrong with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max battery? Battery issues are usually covered under warranty this early in your smartphone's lifecycle, but if it's an issue caused by you, then Apple's charging $129 for the fix.

Apple can also fix your screen if you break or crack it. However, unlike the previous repairs, the cost of this one will depend on which device you have. Screen damage repair on the iPhone 18 Pro will cost a whopping $329. If the back glass is damaged along with the screen, then it'll cost $419 for the fix. Those same repairs will cost $379 and $469 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, respectively. Obviously, the fix for a much larger screen will cost you more.

Those seem to be the most common repairs, and if you must damage your new iPhone, you'd better hope it's one of those things that need fixing. If you did something unique to wreck your iPhone, those repairs, which Apple deems as "other damage," will set you back a whopping $849 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $899 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

And here's the TL;DR version:

Battery service: $129
Back glass damage: $159
Rear camera damage: $249
Screen damage: $329 ($379 for Pro Max)
Screen and back glass damage: $419 ($469 for Pro Max)
Other damage: Up to $849 ($899 for Pro Max)

iPhone 18 repair price vs. iPhone 17 repair price

If you're wondering how the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max repair prices stack up to the cost of fixing its predecessors, you may be surprised to find out that there's not much of a difference. Of course, the bodies of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are practically the same, so they likely require similar, if not identical, parts and labor costs to repair, so it makes sense. The one difference is the battery service repair, which Apple charges a mere $10 more to fix for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

So, if you're wondering if you should splurge on the new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max or save some money by purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, just know they cost basically the same exact thing to fix!

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

We found the best iPhone 18 Pro grips and cases to protect your new phone

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:08:34 +0000

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went on sale today ahead of their Sept. 18 launch (the foldable iPhone Duo won't be available until next month). And when you buy a new phone, that usually means buying a new phone case. The best iPhone 18 Pro cases will protect your phone when it inevitably slips out of your hands and tumbles to the ground, risking your $1,200 investment.

A lot of case companies started selling burgundy and glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro cases before the phones were even announced, and you can already find a ton of stylish and cute iPhone 18 Pro cases for sale online. Whether you're looking for a cheap $12 clear case, a classic PopSockets Grip, or a more fashion-forward Velvet Caviar case, we've found the top options for iPhone shoppers. We also checked Apple's official collection of iPhone 18 Pro Max cases for you.

If you're upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro, there are two things you need to know. You can save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro thanks to preorder deals, and your iPhone 17 Pro case should fit the 18 Pro just fine. Apple kept the measurements and button layouts exactly the same.

Our favorite iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far

Credit: OtterBox

OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case

$39.99 at Amazon

Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible.

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case

$64 at Amazon

Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap.

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case

$56 at Amazon

Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching.

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Burgundy 1990 Jelly iPhone Case

$40 at Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar's burgundy iPhone case features a semi-transparent jelly base.

Credit: Torras

Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case

$11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97

If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too.

Credit: ESR

ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case

$14.99 at Amazon

Looking for an affordable clear case that works with MagSafe? Try ESR's straightforward clear case, which will still protect your phone against sudden drops. ESR promises military-grade drop protection.

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone

$40 at PopSockets

Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too.

Credit: Pela

Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes

$49.99 at Amazon

Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases.

Credit: Moft

Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50

Here at Mashable, we strongly believe that every new generation of iPhones should come with a pink color option. Until Apple hears our prayers, you can get this pink case, which will look great with the new glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro.

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case

$39.99 at Amazon

It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.)

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe

$49 at Apple

Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe

$59 at Apple

Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet.

Credit: Casely

Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked

$44.95 at Amazon

If you love the look of tortoise shell accessories, which, fortunately, are not made from actual tortoises, then try this Casely case on for size. Click the link to see dozens more styles from the brand.

Credit: Casetify

Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case

$64 at Casetify

Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color.

Credit: Smartish

Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case

$29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00

Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon.

Credit: FireNova

FireNova Silicon iPhone 18 Pro Case

$16.98

Looking for a simple silicon iPhone case? This affordable silicon case comes in over a dozen colors and keeps it simple — in a good way.

Credit: Pitaka

Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$59.99 at Amazon

If you prefer razor-thin cases, then Pitaka makes some of the best iPhone cases around. The brand's Edge line is a good alternative to Apple's FineWoven tech cases, and it's just 0.04 inches thick and weighs 0.81 ounces.

The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

OK, so you've reviewed the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and picked out your favorite, but you're not done yet. Apple rolled out a bunch of new accessories and cases for the iPhone 18, and brands like PopSockets have hundreds of grips, stands, wallets, and accessories.

Here are some of the top phone grips, screen protectors, and other goodies to pair with your new iPhone.

Credit: Spigen

Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro

$19.99 at Amazon

This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right.

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe

$28.99 at Amazon

PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime.

Credit: Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet

$40 at Amazon

This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone.

Credit: Torras

Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro

$49.99 at Amazon

If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver.

Credit: Octobuddy

Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip

$29.99 at Amazon

The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot.

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe

$23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01

Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon.

Credit: Apple

Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone

$29 at Apple

This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max.

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe

$59 at Amazon

Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo.

Credit: Apple

Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible)

$54.95 at Apple

We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish.

Credit: Mkeke

Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack)

$9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00

This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass.

Credit: Anker

Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh

$54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5

Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety.

MOFTs new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo cases bring origami folds to Apple — how to buy

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:57:12 +0000

MOFT iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo accessories:

Snap Fold for iPhone Duo

$49.99

Snap Case MOVAS™ (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Coffee Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo

$69.99

Accessories maker MOFT has spent years turning origami folds into useful tools for your everyday carry — and now it’s bringing that same design style to Apple's newest hardware.

Apple just wrapped its massive "Surprise and Shine" launch event, officially dropping the long-rumored iPhone 18 Pro line and revealing Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Between the Duo's dual-screen hinge design and the iPhone 18 Pro's massive new variable aperture camera module, keeping these high-end devices protected without adding extra weight is key.

Instead of thick, heavy plastic, MOFT uses clever folding shapes to build cases and stands that stay super thin and light. Beyond its updated protection for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the brand built a brand-new setup made specifically for Apple's foldable iPhone Duo.

Putting a card holder on a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo without blocking the camera or hanging off the edges is tricky. The Snap Fold fixes that with a footprint made strictly for the Duo's smaller back panel.

Made from smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather, it holds up to five cards without adding extra bulk. When you want to watch something hands-free on that gloriously unfolded screen, the whole thing flips out into a steady stand with several viewing positions.

MOFT updated its popular vegan leather case for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup by reducing weight and improving button feedback. The Snap Case MOVAS weighs just 0.98 ounces for the Pro and 1.20 ounces for the Pro Max, making it one of the lightest full-coverage MagSafe cases you can buy. It has softer, rounded edges that feel smoother in your hand, clickier silicone buttons, and a matching covered Camera Control button wrapped in textured MOVAS™ material.

Credit: MOFT

If you prefer a more minimalist vibe that does not hide your phone's metal frame, the Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max offers an open, barely-there feel. It leaves the sides exposed so you can hold the phone bare, but uses extra-strong TPU on the corners to absorb drops up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).

For a unique sensory twist on that same open layout, there is the Coffee Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max. It takes the super-thin shape of the regular Frame Case and uses an eco-friendly MOVAS™-E bio-based leather, replacing petroleum plastic parts with plant materials made from industrial corn and real recycled coffee grounds. That gives the case a rich coffee-brown look, a bumpy, textured grip, and a faint, warm, roasted smell when you hold it up close.

Credit: MOFT

Finally, for total coverage on Apple's foldable, the Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo wraps both displays in smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather. At just 0.07 inches thin, its centered fold balances the device for an easy one-handed grip while doubling as a four-position stand for hands-free viewing.

Whether you need origami folds for your Duo or a case that smells like your morning brew, your new iPhone is officially covered. Shop the new collection today.

iPhone 18 Pro orders are officially live: Everything to know before buying

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:45:05 +0000

The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went live from Sept. 18.

Retailers and mobile carriers have gone live with iPhone 18 Pro deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.

If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we're here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder was reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we'll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

How much do the new iPhones cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially launched on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preordered, that's when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

Burgundy
Glacier Blue
Silver
Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

If you're still deciding between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, you have a bit more time to make a decision. The foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves Oct. 23. It will set you back $1,999.

How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

We'll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)

Here are the biggest changes:

The new models introduce a physical aperture variable for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.
The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life
A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools
The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro deals?

All the big carriers are competing to attract new customers by offering big savings on the iPhone 18 Pro — if you meet certain terms and conditions, of course. Over at T-Mobile and AT&T, you can save $1,200 on the new phones, letting you get the new iPhone for free. Apple is also offering major trade-in credits.

T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.
Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.
Apple Upgrade: Apple's new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.
AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.
Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.
Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.
Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you'll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.
Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn't offer any true order deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.
Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

No, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line. However, Amazon is a great place to pick up iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, grips, and accessories, as well as the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12.

Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, and we've gone live with our iPhone 18 Max review. Early first impressions have been positive, and you can learn more in these reports:

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Read what we think about the iPhone 18 Pro Max here. In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.

We will say this for now: If you already have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models don't make a super obvious case for upgrading. And there are good reasons to consider waiting for next year's iPhone 19/20.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Memory pricing suggests iPhones could get even more expensive in 2027

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:30:08 +0000

Earlier this summer, Apple increased prices on lots of existing products and followed up with higher prices for new iPhone models in September. It sounds like that trend might continue into next year and beyond.

According to a lengthy social post by Semiconductor Insider and reporting by Digitimes (via Apple Insider), Apple may have agreed to a deal to pay $2.00 per Gb of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM. That's the stuff that most modern electronics need to function properly, and demand for it from AI data centers is one of the main drivers of the "RAMageddon" price hikes we've all experienced in the past year or so. Apple had previously paid $1.50 per Gb of DRAM.

That means more price increases for Apple products, including iPhones, are possible in 2027 and beyond. The iPhone Duo, which launches at $1,999 later this year, could conceivably cost even more by this time next year.

That's not necessarily a guarantee that it will cost more: Apple might find creative ways to absorb the higher costs. But the possibility could put pressure on consumers to buy now, before already-expensive devices get even pricier. Something is going to have to give at some point.

iPhone 18 Pro hands-on: Whats new with the cameras

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

While the iPhone Duo was the standout product during Apple's September event, the second biggest news was the camera additions to the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

For the first time ever, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a genuine variable aperture. It's paired with a new set of manual controls, upgraded video features, the new A20 Pro chip, and a fresh approach to photo authenticity, making this arguably the most substantial camera overhaul Apple has shipped in years.

It's also a meaningful shift in what Apple wants the iPhone to be. Case in point, Apple's launch event kicked off with different cinematic scenes shot on the iPhone 18 Pro. Between the adjustable aperture, manual shutter speed, manual focus, and a live histogram, the iPhone 18 Pro is basically an entry-level DSLR that can call and text your friends.

That said, it's worth watching how long Apple sticks with the hardware. Variable aperture isn't new to smartphones broadly; Samsung shipped a version of it with the Galaxy S9 and S10, before quietly dropping the feature entirely.

So, whether the feature is here to stay or not, here's a closer look at everything that's new with the iPhone 18 Pro cameras. We should also note that Mashable's Stan Schroeder has been testing the new camera tools for his iPhone 18 Pro Max review, and you can see plenty of test photos in his full review.

Variable aperture

The new physical variable aperture uses laser-cut components thinner than a human hair. Credit: Apple

The headline feature is a 48MP main camera built around a physically adjustable aperture, something iPhones have never had before. In cameras, an aperture is the opening in a lens through which light passes to hit the camera sensor. A wider opening lets in more light (better for dim rooms or night shots) and blurs the background more; a narrower opening lets in less light but keeps more of the scene in sharp focus, which is useful outdoors or in group photos where you want everyone's face crisp.

The standard for most smartphone cameras has been a fixed aperture of a single size (the iPhone 17 Pro, for example, had a ƒ/1.78 fixed aperture). Apple says the aperture on the 18 Pro and Pro Max uses six hair-thin, laser-cut blades that can be physically adjusted between four aperture settings, automatically widening or narrowing depending on the lighting and depth of field a shot calls for.

Apple says the change improves low-light photos and produces crisper background detail in group shots, while giving photographers a level of manual control that wasn't previously available on the phone. That's definitely true, but as Schroeder noted in his review, these types of "Pro" settings will be overkill for the average user: "That doesn’t mean the regular user won't benefit, but I do bet that the majority of people will try out the manual aperture setting once and then leave it on auto."

As previously stated, variable aperture settings have existed before, but they don't stick around for long. The biggest reason is durability and production. It's a lot of delicate moving hardware to cram into a device that regularly gets dropped, tossed in bags, and generally treated worse than a dedicated camera ever would be. Even current-generation stabilization systems can behave unpredictably after a hard enough drop, so a mechanical aperture introduces a new point of failure.

The Galaxy S27 was rumored to be getting its own variable aperture system as recently as eight months ago. However, reports in August suggest Samsung scrapped those plans because they made the phone bulkier and were expensive to add for what Samsung deemed to be "minor image-quality gains."

Whether Apple's engineering proves more durable than Samsung's, or whether variable aperture quietly disappears from the iPhone lineup a generation or two from now, remains an open question.

Pro manual controls for photographers

For people who like to fine-tune their shots rather than let the phone decide everything, there's a new "Pro controls" panel baked right into the Camera app.

It surfaces the aperture setting mentioned above, plus shutter speed (how long the sensor is exposed to light — faster freezes motion, slower creates blur or lets in more light) and white balance (a color correction that keeps whites looking white instead of tinted orange under indoor lighting or blue in shade).

See that graph in the left corner. Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

There's also a histogram, which is a small graph that plots how exposed an image is. It looks technical, but the practical use is simple: if the graph is bunched up on the left, your photo's probably too dark; bunched on the right, it's probably blown out and too bright.

In his review for Mashable, Schroeder wrote:

Smarter tracking, sharper video

Apple has reworked what it calls the "computational imaging pipeline" to produce cleaner, more detailed images. It's a neat, low-key upgrade, as smartphone photos are normally heavily processed by algorithms (merging multiple exposures, reducing noise, sharpening detail) rather than being raw, untouched captures.

Photographic Styles, the tool that lets you set a consistent color/mood preset across your photos, now also includes texture and grain controls. On the video side, Cinematic effects can now be applied after the fact to footage shot at up to 60 frames per second; time-lapse videos support 4K and Dolby Vision HDR; and Audio Mix's algorithms have been updated to produce cleaner-sounding voices and isolate background music more effectively.

There's also a new AI-powered smart focus system designed to lock onto and track a single moving subject through a frame, which should help with shooting kids, pets, or anything else that won't stay still.

Apple Reference Image

Perhaps the most unusual and frighteningly needed addition is Apple Reference Image, a new authenticity feature built around the Main camera's redesigned sensor.

Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

When a photo is taken in the new "Reference" capture mode, the sensor's data is cryptographically signed and processed through Apple's Private Cloud Compute into an unalterable reference version of the image. In short, it's a digital negative.

That reference photo sits alongside the normal shot in the Photos app, which can be compared with the final image to check whether it's been edited. Combined with image metadata and upcoming support for the SynthID watermarking standard, which flags AI-generated or AI-edited images.

Apple is positioning the feature as a way for photojournalists and everyday users alike to verify that a photo is what it claims to be, at a moment when AI-edited and AI-generated images are becoming harder to distinguish from real ones.

Better low-light photography

In our testing, it's clear that the new iPhone definitely does take better photographs at night and in low-light conditions, but you may have to update your settings to fully appreciate the difference. (Pro tip: Ironically, you may need to manually disable Night Mode to take better photos at night.)

Left: The iPhone 18 Pro Max took a sharper, less noisy image. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Right: The iPhone 17 Pro Max did a oood job, but when you turn off Night Mode, the differences are obvious. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Schroeder wrote, "In my camera testing, I was often getting better results on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. But that’s because its Night Mode automatically fired for 3 seconds, whereas the 18 Pro Max only needed 1 second, precisely because the sensor was getting more light. When I manually disabled Night Mode, the results were clearly better on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with far more details and an overall sharper photo with less noise."

New AI photo editing tools

Credit: Apple

Technically, this isn't a camera update, but rather a software update. Still, it's an important upgrade that can help you create better photos.

In iOS 27, users now have new tools at their disposal when editing in Photos, including new clean-up tools, the ability to extend a photo, and spatial reframing. The latter tool is the most interesting, as it lets you change the angle of a photograph after it's been taken.

Preorder the new Apple products

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Duo, Apple also released new AirPods and Apple Watches. Except for the iPhone Duo, all of these devices are available for preorder now.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Apple AirPods 5 (wireless charging)

$149 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has taken some of my favorite images EVER by an iPhone

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:59:51 +0000

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive with one of Apple's biggest camera overhauls in years. A combination of a variable aperture with actual mechanical blades, focus tracking, pro controls and more makes it an absolute photographic beast. But that doesn't mean it's for everyone.

Read more about the iPhone 18 Pro camera overhaul: iPhone 18 Pro: What's new with the cameras
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max review: It’s what’s on the inside that counts

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
0:16 New features
1:17 Variable aperture
3:19 Focus tracking
4:40 Night mode
5:43 Camera comparison
7:23 Reference image
8:09 Sensors
8:54 Outro

Video credits
Host: Patrick Holland
Scripted by: Patrick Holland
Camera: Celso Bulgati
Video editor: Wes Ott
Thumbnail designer: Cole Kan

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max review: It’s what’s on the inside that counts

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:02:18 +0000

This is an unusual moment for Apple's iPhone Pro. Last year’s model was a big redesign; this year’s is all about refinement. At the same time, the company launched its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo. While it doesn’t have all the top features of the Pro models, the Duo is, by virtue of its massive inner display and the novelty of it all, the more intriguing model.

What can the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max do, then, to grab your attention? They don’t look very different, and the new phones lack the types of flashy upgrades that you can point to as must-haves in 2026. Inside, however, the refinement has been substantial. But whether you need the more expensive iPhone 18 Pro Max very much depends on the type of user you are.

Not everyone should upgrade their phone this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Max review: By the numbers

Here are the key specs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max:

Display: 6.9-inch, Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate / 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro
Design: Aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back
Rear cameras: 48 megapixel triple rear camera array with 8x optical-quality zoom (main camera has variable aperture)
Front camera: 18-megapixel selfie camera
Processor: A20 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Battery life: Up to 45 hours of video playback (36 hours for the iPhone 18 Pro)
Fast charging: Up to 50 percent of charge in 15 minutes with a 60W adapter
Software: iOS 27
Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating
Special features: Improved vapor chamber cooling system, spatial reframing for photos

The new iPhone Pro looks the same, except for the colors

Apple says the colors on the back are a little more uniform than before, but it doesn't make a big visual difference compared to last year's design. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Starting with the design, the new Pro-level iPhones are pretty much the same as the 17 Pro. This year you can choose from four colors — black, silver, glacier blue, and burgundy, with silver being a carry-over from last year — and the colors are slightly more uniform on the back. The Dynamic Island is also smaller than before. Oh, and the new model is quite a bit heavier than the last one; we’ll go into reasons for that later.

In a briefing following the launch, Apple showed us just how much work went into reducing the size of the Dynamic Island. The company hid the infrared sensor underneath the display, roughly halving the number of pixels in that area to let the light in, but arranging them in a different way. The image quality is not as good in that little area, but as Apple’s engineers showed us, the difference is essentially imperceptible to the human eye.

In other words, Apple is still working hard to improve its phones, but those improvements don’t always show up very dramatically in the final product. There are physical limitations on just how much tech you can cram into a device that still fits in your pockets and hands. Incremental progress, folks.

The new colors are nice. Apple sent me the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Burgundy and the 18 Pro in Glacier. Burgundy is beautiful, but not as flashy as last year’s cosmic orange. Glacier, on the other hand, is not as subdued as Apple’s colors typically are; it’s an icy blue that really shines through, even in low light, and it’s my favorite color in this lineup.

Mix and match. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you want to customize your new phone to your liking, there are already plenty of iPhone 18 Pro cases, not to mention accessories like wallets, grips, and wrist straps. Apple itself launched six new TechWoven cases, six new silicone cases, and new straps and MagSafe wallets for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. So, everyone should be able to find something they like.

The iPhone 18 Pro underwent an overhaul internally

For my review, I've focused my testing on the iPhone 18 Pro Max due to time limits (and the fact that the 18 Pro is identical in most respects). Inside, both smartphones have a new heart, Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which makes them blazing fast. Nothing you’ll notice browsing the web or even playing games, mind you, but the 16-core Neural Engine that powers AI tasks has been doubled, and that makes AI tasks a lot faster — in theory.

In practice, it depends on the task. I asked the Playground to create an image of a “futuristic city with a river running through it" and hit the "Go" button at the same time on my iPhone 17 Pro Max and 18 Pro Max. Both phones completed the task in exactly the same time. Visual Intelligence, on the other hand, was a little faster on the newer phone.

The new burgundy color is fairly subdued. But the Glacier iPhone 18 Pro, which I'm holding in my hand here, is a very nice and striking shade of icy blue. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Another big internal change: Thanks to Apple’s new cooling system, which includes a massive vapor chamber that covers nearly the entirety of the phone, the phone is noticeably cooler than before. I tested this out by playing a few games of PUBG: Battlegrounds on the highest settings for a full hour. The phone barely got warm.

What you will notice is the battery life, and it’s the one new thing most users will feel in daily use. My testing confirms that Apple has significantly improved the battery, now offering up to 43 hours of video playback, up from 37 on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple has rearranged the phone’s internals to put in a massive new battery. I suspect this is the main reason the phone now weighs 249 grams, up from 231 on the 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max already delivered a significant leap in battery life compared to its predecessor, making the iPhone 18 Pro Max even more impressive. We’re reaching the point at which battery life doesn’t matter that much; chargers are everywhere, and Apple’s phones have made leaps and bounds in this regard over the past couple of years. But it’s still a big deal, especially for video lovers, photographers/videographers, and creators.

Simply put, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, you don’t have to worry about battery life at all. That one-hour session of PUBG? It only took my battery from 62 percent to 53 percent.

iPhone 18 Pro Max review: This is the camera for pros

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max both get exactly the same camera system. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The camera improvements mostly have to do with the main, wide camera, which has a new sensor and, for the first time on an iPhone, a physical variable aperture. On top of that, iOS 27 brings crucial new photography and videography tools. New software features include the Pro controls in the camera app and new cinematic mode effects for video. These features are geared more toward photographers and video creators, but new AI photo editing tools like spatial reframing and picture clean-up will appeal to everyone, I think.

Your aperture may vary. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The variable aperture has been made possible by adding six hair-thin blades that open and close to let more or less light into the camera sensor. When you’re shooting in the dark, you want more light in the sensor, but when it’s broad daylight, you’ll get a better result with a higher aperture, meaning less light is hitting the sensor.

This happens automatically, but you can also adjust it manually through one of Apple’s new Pro controls, available if you tap the dot grid icon in the lower right portion of the Camera app (you can only use this for the main camera, though). Other new features, such as manual white balance, focus, and shutter speed settings, used to be available only through third-party camera software; now it’s all there in the Camera app.

Even if you're not a pro, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max take excellent photographs:

Fortunately, you don't have to touch any of the Pro settings to take photos like this. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I welcome the ability to set the white balance manually; automatic white balance often gets it wrong (not just on the iPhone; on standalone cameras too), resulting in photos that look too cold or too warm. The aperture setting can be used to create certain cool effects, but it’s not something I’ll use regularly, and the same goes for most of the other new settings.

Playing with the new Pro camera coontrols such as aperture and shutter speed can help you capture sharp photos of fast-moving wildlife. This guy wasn't moving very fast, though. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’s a recurring theme in Apple’s “Pro” devices, be it Macs, iPads or iPhones: They truly are aimed at pros. That doesn’t mean the regular user won't benefit, but I do bet that the majority of people will try out the manual aperture setting once and then leave it on auto. (You can always hold out for the new iPhone 18 base model, which we expect to arrive in early 2027.)

The telephoto camera doesn't seem to have been upgraded since last year, but it's still very good. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The most important part of Apple’s new main iPhone camera is that it is an entirely new system. The sensor is new, and the maximum aperture now goes to f/1.48 (the iPhone 17 Pro models had an f/1.78 aperture), which, in theory, improves low-light performance. The new A20 Pro chip should also help with image and color quality.

The night photos I got with the iPhone 18 Pro Max were gorgeous. But so were the ones taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’s definitely true that the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras take excellent nighttime and low-light photographs, but it’s not immediately apparent unless you dig in. In my camera testing, I was often getting better results on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. But that’s because its Night Mode automatically fired for 3 seconds, whereas the 18 Pro Max only needed 1 second, precisely because the sensor was getting more light. When I manually disabled Night Mode, the results were clearly better on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with far more details and an overall sharper photo with less noise.

Left: The iPhone 17 Pro Max did a oood job, but when you turn off Night Mode, the differences are obvious. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Right: The iPhone 18 Pro Max took a sharper, less noisy image. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

That’s a problem modern smartphone manufacturers are facing; the tricks they’ve been using to improve phone photography can overcome the constraints of the physical lens and sensor. Putting a new lens and sensor in might not mean you’ll get better photos, at least not at first glance. But make no mistake, the iPhone 18 Pro Max does have a better main camera.

The telephoto camera and the ultra-wide camera, as well as the 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, produced very similar photos as the ones I took with last year’s models, however. Apple does say all of the cameras' capabilities have been enhanced through software improvements, but the differences are small.

Selfie camera: Unchanged. Face expression: Unchanged. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple also launched a feature called Apple Reference Image, and it can be used to verify whether a photo is authentic, as it stores only the data that was captured by the camera sensor at the pixel level, at the moment of capture. You have to manually turn it on in the Camera Settings, as it’s off by default; once it’s on, you can decide to share the reference image together with the regular image to prove your work isn't AI-generated.

I presume this will mostly benefit journalists and media outlets, who will be able to verify whether a photo has actually been taken by someone’s camera or if it’s been visually altered. In the era of omnipresent AI slop, it’s the type of feature that could soon become a must-have.

Other new tricks

There are other improvements, though they really are tiny. The Dynamic Island, for example, can now support three live activities at the same time. Have a workout timer on while waiting for Uber Eats and your favorite team is playing? Great, you can get info on all of those at a glance.

Wired charging is a little faster, too. You can now get up to 50 percent charge in 15 minutes (it was 20 minutes on last year’s model) using a 60W-capable adapter.

Finally, iOS 27 brings a whole new Siri AI experience and various Apple Intelligence upgrades. Mashable will have more to say about Siri AI once we've done a bit more testing, and we didn't want to wait to get readers our initial iPhone 18 Pro review.

Should you buy or wait?

It's a tough choice this year. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively, a $100 price hike over last year’s smartphones. They look and feel largely the same, and while they do bring a few big improvements, including better camera, cooling, and battery life, they don't make this phone a necessary upgrade for folks who already have the 17 Pro. If you have an even older model, the 18 Pro will be a massive upgrade, especially when it comes to battery life.

If you’re a photographer, videographer, creator, or simply an advanced user who runs through battery life at twice the speed of mere mortals, then the new iPhones are pretty amazing, and you should get them despite the higher price.

With the iPhone Duo being held until October, a lot of people will wonder whether they should hold out for that model. I’ve only spent a very short time with the Duo (full review pending), but I can already tell you it’s a completely different beast. It’s almost twice the price, has a less powerful camera, but comes with that gorgeous foldable display. It’s a tough call at this point; if you’re not sure, maybe wait until you can actually try the Duo in person.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

This $25 charging cable has no business doing this much

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for $24.99 (reg. $49.99), combining charging, Type-C and Lightning connectors, data transfer, an LED power display, magnetic cable management, and handy travel tools.

Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

$24.99
$49.99 Save $25.00

Most charging cables have one job. GoCable apparently looked at that job description and decided it needed seven more. It’s the kind of practical, tech-forward surprise that makes people say, “Wait … this does that too?”

At first glance, GoCable looks like a sleek little keyring accessory. But once you start using it, it quickly proves it’s more than just a charging cable.

Designed as an everyday carry essential, it combines ultra-fast charging with genuinely useful built-in tools, all wrapped in a compact, tangle-free design that clips neatly onto a bag, belt loop, or keychain.

With 100W charging capabilities (when paired with a compatible power source), GoCable can power everything from phones and tablets to laptops, drones, and cameras.

Universal connectors mean you’re covered whether you’re using USB-C or Apple’s Lightning — no more digging through tangled cords or carrying three different cables just in case.

What makes it especially satisfying, though, are the thoughtful extras. An LED power display shows your real-time charging status. The magnetic wrap keeps things neat and frustration-free. There’s even a built-in bottle opener and a safe-proof cutter for impromptu moments like opening a package on the fly or cracking a drink at a picnic.

The GoCable makes for an unexpected but incredibly useful little gadget — especially for travelers, creators, commuters, and anyone who lives even slightly tethered to their devices.

Priced at $24.99 (reg. $49.99) for a limited time, get the GoCable while you can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

iOS 27 battery drain: What to know

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:14:41 +0000

iOS 27 has started rolling out, bringing Siri AI, expanded Apple Intelligence, AI photo editing, and more customization options for Liquid Glass. Early reactions have been largely positive, but as with every major iOS release, some users are noticing their battery draining faster and their phone running warmer than usual in the days right after updating.

According to Apple's own support documentation, that's expected, not a sign anything's wrong. Immediately after a major software update, a device needs time to finish setting itself up in the background. That usually entails indexing files and data so that system-wide search works properly, downloading additional assets for new features, and updating apps to their latest versions.

All that background activity draws extra power and generates extra heat, which is why "battery life and thermal performance" can dip temporarily right after an update, according to Apple. Battery drain issues should also improve with future updates to iOS 27.

Apple also points out that new features themselves can shift how a phone uses power once setup is finished. Something like Siri AI leaning more heavily on on-device processing, or expanded Apple Intelligence features running more often, can mean the phone is simply doing more computational work day-to-day than it did before the update. Apple says it continues tuning this in follow-up updates to balance new capabilities against battery life.

This is nothing new after an iOS launch. We've covered this for the iOS 26 launch, iOS 18, and even iOS 17.

Given how consistently this happens every year, it's less "new problem with iOS 27" and more "the normal cost of updating," and it's generally not something worth panicking over.

Preorder the new Apple products

Along with iOS 27, Apple also released new AirPods, Apple Watches, and iPhones. Except for the iPhone Duo, all of these devices are available for preorder now.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Apple Watch Series 12

$399 at Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm, Black Titanium)

$779.99 at Amazon

Apple AirPods 5 (wireless charging)

$149 at Amazon

Samsung could fast-track Galaxy Z TriFold 2 to compete with iPhone Duo

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:37:11 +0000

The early buzz and excitement around Apple's foldable iPhone Duo may have sparked something in Samsung.

New rumors reported by 9to5Google suggest that Samsung is moving up its foldable roadmap to compete with the iPhone Duo. Citing credible leaker Lanzuk, 9to5Google reports that Samsung is weighing an earlier-than-planned launch for a follow-up to the Galaxy Z TriFold, along with a separate slideable device that had also been penciled in for a 2027 debut.

The outlet also notes that the timeline remains unclear and that both devices could still land on their originally rumored 2027 schedule regardless.

It's a notable turn given how the first TriFold's story played out. Samsung's original tri-folding phone was, by most accounts, a niche product from the start. At roughly $2,500, it initially launched only in South Korea, where Samsung reportedly lost money on every unit sold. The device made its way to the U.S. in Jan. 2026 at a price of around $2,900, sold out, and was pulled from Samsung's store page just three months later.

Thus, Samsung wanting to accelerate the timeline for its own buzzy foldable is big news.

Per 9to5Google, the rumored Galaxy Z TriFold 2 is said to be thinner, lighter, and more durable than its predecessor, with Samsung reportedly aiming to hold pricing "nearly identical" to the original. Given the costs involved in building the first version — and reports that it allegedly sold at a loss — keeping the price flat on an improved model would be a meaningful engineering and manufacturing feat.

Apple's iPhone Duo reveal appears to have applied real pressure on Samsung's foldable plans, and whether that translates into an actual early launch — or just renewed urgency behind the scenes — should become clearer as 2027 approaches.

For now, the iPhone Duo is set to launch Oct. 23.

PopSockets expands popular Low-Pro line with new 3-in-1 iPhone cases

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

PopSockets just launched the Low-Pro Case, a new line of MagSafe iPhone cases and the first expansion of its Low-Pro line. The three-in-one MagSafe case supports wireless charging and also includes a collapsible Low-Pro Grip and a built-in phone stand.

Earlier this year (June 16, to be exact), PopSockets launched its Low-Pro Grip — a series of ultra-thin magnetic grips designed to lie flush against the back of your phone — exclusively in Apple stores. The Low-Pro Grip is just 2.6 mm when collapsed, and PopSockets says the launch received tons of positive feedback (most likely from people like me who can't stand when things are even a little bit off). PopSockets founder David Barnet told Mashable the Low-Pro is the brand's most popular new launch since the company's earliest days.

So, naturally, the company is taking the concept further by embedding that same disappearing grip directly into a protective phone case. According to PopSockets, the new Low-Pro Case offers:

Integrated Low-Pro Grip
Adjustable stand for both portrait and landscape viewing
10-foot drop and 360-degree phone protection
Optimized for MagSafe cases
Wireless charging (meaning the phone charges wirelessly through the case and grip)

Here's what the new case looks like in practice:

The new PopSockets Low-Pro Case features a built-in grip and integrated kickstand ring. Credit: Mashable | Timothy Beck Werth

A side view of the PopSockets Low-Pro Case. Credit: Mashable | Timothy Beck Werth

And here's how it works: instead of snapping an accessory onto your existing phone case, this is a grip and case in one. It uses a flexible unibody design with a built-in grip that expands when you need to hold your phone, then collapses flat when you slide it into your pocket. It also has a metal ring that functions as a phone stand.

Launching Sept. 15 for $59.99, the new PopSockets Low-Pro Case is available for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as well as the newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (the Low-Pro Grip costs $39.99 on its own). For now, it comes in black and burgundy and is available for sale on Amazon, Best Buy, and the PopSockets website.

Our tech editor demoed the new case in person with Barnett and can confirm that the grip is "extraordinarily thin." While it might feel a bit flimsy due to the ultra-thin, flexible parts, Barnett says they tested the grip and found it could support over 40 pounds. The company discovered this fact in a very scientific "Fanta test," as you can see in this TikTok:

T-Mobile is giving away the Motorola Razr+ for free — how to claim

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:32:55 +0000

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr+ is available for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, simply activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Credit: Motorola

T-Mobile: Motorola Razr+ for free

Everyone needs to breathe. We know that Apple's event was a lot. We got announcements of new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and much more. There was a lot to take in, but now that the dust has settled, we can all get back to normality. And by normality, we mean free deals on foldables (no, not the iPhone Duo).

We're talking Motorola, specifically the new Motorola Razr+. This foldable phone is available for free right now with T-Mobile, and you don't even need to trade in anything to qualify. The process of claiming is actually pretty straightforward.

To get the new Motorola Razr+ for free with T-Mobile, simply activate a new line on its Experience Beyond plan. The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the two-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge, but that's a small price to pay for a "damn fine phone."

If you really do need to get your hands on the latest tech from Apple, you have choices. The new Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free when you trade in a qualifying device and activate a new line on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan. New customers who switch to T-Mobile and keep their existing number can also qualify.

Apple iOS 27 is here: When you can download it (updated)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:37:15 +0000

Updated on Monday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. ET — Apple launched iOS 27 (along with macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27) this morning. Users with a compatible iPhone can download the new OS right away.

Apple's next big iOS update is finally on the launch pad.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9, Apple showed off new wares like the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, the foldable iPhone Duo, new Apple Watches, and the AirPods 5. One of the smaller (but still significant) nuggets of news to come out of the event concerned iOS 27. Specifically, when you can finally download it to your iPhone.

Users with compatible iPhones will be able to install iOS 27 on Monday, Sept. 14.

How to download iOS 27

If you have one of the compatible iPhones (keep scrolling for the full list), then starting on Monday, Sept. 14, you can look for iOS 27. Apple typically releases a new iOS at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET).

Follow these steps to get iOS 27 set up on your iPhone:

Go to the Settings app on your phone
Go to General
Go to Software Update and wait as the system checks for new updates
When iOS 27 appears, you can download and install the new OS

You can also click "Automatic Updates" and turn this feature to "On." That way, iOS 27 should automatically download once it's available (your phone must be locked and charging to download automatic updates).

What's new with iOS 27?

This is a big one! Siri AI, new Apple Intelligence tools, and Liquid Glass updates are all coming soon. Credit: Apple

If you haven't been following along, iOS 27 is the one that finally brings us Siri AI. You can now talk to Siri like you would an AI chatbot, and it's powered by Google Gemini.

Some of the most exciting changes coming to iPhones involve new AI photo-editing features, such as spatial reframing. Users will more easily be able to remove unwanted details, or even describe the edits they'd like to Siri by voice or text. Android smartphones from Google and Samsung have had a full suite of AI editing tools for a couple of years now, and Apple is finally catching up. Smart photo editing will also help users make the most of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new camera features.

Apple also included some new and subtle customization options for Liquid Glass, various small updates for apps like Health, Photos, and Notes, and more.

Every iPhone that supports iOS 27

Of course, you can only go through that whole downloading process if you have a device that supports iOS 27. Here are the devices that work with the new iOS:

iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 17
iPhone 17e
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone Duo

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck. We should also note that Siri AI will not be coming to Europe due to some regulatory issues. Sorry, European friends.

All the phones T-Mobile is giving away for free right now (including the iPhone 18 Pro)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:10:19 +0000

Free phones available at T-Mobile in September 2026:

Apple iPhone 18 Pro

Free (up to $1,200 off) with an eligible trade-in in any condition or when switching on an eligible plan.

Apple iPhone 17

Free with a new line and port-in on an eligible plan (no trade-in needed).

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Free with an eligible trade-in on an eligible plan.

Google Pixel 11

Free when you activate a new line on an eligible plan (no trade-in needed).

Motorola Razr

Free when you activate a new line on an eligible plan.

Right now, T-Mobile is handing out free phones across all the major brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. But before you get too excited, there's some fine print we need to go over:

You'll get a monthly bill credit. "Free" means T-Mobile pays off the phone by giving you a monthly credit on your bill for 36 months. If you decide to switch carriers, cancel your account, or downgrade your plan before those three years are up, all remaining monthly credits disappear and the full remaining cash balance of the phone is due right away.
There are upfront costs. On standard financing (Standard EIP), you still have to pay sales tax on the full retail price of the phone plus a $35 device connection fee upfront at checkout. T-Mobile's new financing tier, "EIP Flex 36," lets well-qualified buyers roll those taxes and fees into the 36-month plan, but you're still paying them over time.
You'll need to have an eligible plan. To get the best deal, you'll have to be on T-Mobile's top-tier, pricier plans (like Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next). Lower plans like Essentials or Magenta still get discounts, but they drop down to $730 or $300 off.

If you're cool with sticking with T-Mobile for three years, this is about as cheap as you can get a flagship phone.

Our favorite deal: Apple iPhone 18 Pro ($0 with eligible trade-in or switch)

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro

Free (up to $1,200 off) with an eligible trade-in in any condition OR when switching on an eligible plan.

Why we like it

Apple's newest flagship just hit the market, and T-Mobile's launch offer is easily the best way to get it without paying $1,200 out of pocket.

Here's how to claim the deal:

Choose your phone. You get the full $1,200 credit (making the 128GB or 256GB iPhone 18 Pro free) by either trading in an eligible phone in any condition OR by porting your line over to T-Mobile from another carrier on Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next.
Check your plan tier. If you're on Experience More or Go5G Plus, the trade-in credit drops to $930 off. If you're on Essentials 2.0, Essentials, Go5G, or Magenta, adding a line and trading in gets you up to $730 off.
Checkout. Pay the local sales tax and $35 connection fee at checkout under standard financing, or opt for EIP Flex 36 to roll those fees into your monthly bill credits if eligible.

iPhone 18 Pro: Whats new with the cameras

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:23:20 +0000

While the iPhone Duo was the standout product during Apple's September event, the second biggest news was the camera additions to the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

For the first time ever, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a genuine variable aperture. It's paired with a new set of manual controls, upgraded video features, and a fresh approach to photo authenticity, making this arguably the most substantial camera overhaul Apple has shipped in years.

It's also a meaningful shift in what Apple wants the iPhone to be. Case in point, the event kicks off with different cinematic scenes shot on the iPhone 18 Pro. Between the adjustable aperture, manual shutter speed, manual focus, and a live histogram, the iPhone 18 Pro is basically an entry-level DSLR that can call and text your friends.

So, whether the feature is here to stay or not, here's a closer look at everything that's new.

Manual controls

For people who like to fine-tune their shots rather than let the phone decide everything, there's a new "Pro controls" panel baked right into the Camera app.

See that graph in the left corner. Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

There's also a histogram, which is a small graph that plots how exposed an image it. It looks technical, but the practical use is simple: if the graph is bunched up on the left, your photo's probably too dark; bunched on the right, it's probably blown out and too bright.

Smarter tracking, sharper video

Variable aperture

Whether Apple's engineering proves more durable than Samsung's, or whether variable aperture quietly disappears from the iPhone lineup a generation or two from now, remains an open question.

Apple Reference Image

Perhaps the most unusual and frighteningly needed addition is Apple Reference Image, a new authenticity feature built around the Main camera's redesigned sensor.

Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

iPhone 18 Pro preorders are officially live: Everything to know before buying

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:26:41 +0000

The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially opened for preorders today, with the new Apple smartphones going on sale promptly at 8 a.m. ET.

Despite rumors that the online Apple Store was down ahead of the launch, the site appears to be working fine. Retailers and mobile carriers have also gone live with iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.

If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we're here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder has been reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we'll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

How much do the new iPhones cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

While preorders opened this morning, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will officially launch on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preorder, that's when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

Burgundy
Glacier Blue
Silver
Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

We'll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)

Here are the biggest changes:

The new models introduce a new physical variable aperture for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.
The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life
A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools
The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals?

T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.
Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.
Apple Upgrade: Apple's new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.
AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.
Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.
Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.
Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you'll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.
Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn't offer any true preorder deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.
Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Nothing yet. Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, but it's too soon for anyone to render a verdict just yet. Early first impressions have been positive, however, and you can learn more in these reports:

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

We'll have a full review of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned! In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

We found the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and grips to protect your new phone

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:29:11 +0000

Our favorite iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far

Credit: OtterBox

OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case

$39.99 at Amazon

Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible.

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case

$64 at Amazon

Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap.

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case

$56 at Amazon

Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching.

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Burgundy 1990 Jelly iPhone Case

$40 at Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar's burgundy iPhone case features a semi-transparent jelly base.

Credit: Torras

Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case

$11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97

If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too.

Credit: ESR

ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case

$14.99 at Amazon

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone

$40 at PopSockets

Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too.

Credit: Pela

Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes

$49.99 at Amazon

Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases.

Credit: Moft

Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case

$39.99 at Amazon

It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.)

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe

$49 at Apple

Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe

$59 at Apple

Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet.

Credit: Casely

Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked

$44.95 at Amazon

Credit: Casetify

Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case

$64 at Casetify

Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color.

Credit: Smartish

Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case

$29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00

Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon.

Credit: FireNova

FireNova Silicon iPhone 18 Pro Case

$16.98

Looking for a simple silicon iPhone case? This affordable silicon case comes in over a dozen colors and keeps it simple — in a good way.

Credit: Pitaka

Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$59.99 at Amazon

The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

Here are some of the top phone grips, screen protectors, and other goodies to pair with your new iPhone.

Credit: Spigen

Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro

$19.99 at Amazon

This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right.

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe

$28.99 at Amazon

PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime.

Credit: Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet

$40 at Amazon

This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone.

Credit: Torras

Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro

$49.99 at Amazon

If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver.

Credit: Octobuddy

Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip

$29.99 at Amazon

The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot.

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe

$23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01

Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon.

Credit: Apple

Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone

$29 at Apple

This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max.

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe

$59 at Amazon

Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo.

Credit: Apple

Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible)

$54.95 at Apple

We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish.

Credit: Mkeke

Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack)

$9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00

This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass.

Credit: Anker

Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh

$54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5

Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety.

iPhone 20 rumors: Why Apple may skip iPhone 19 for a radical redesign

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:10:00 +0000

Apple finally revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at its Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" event, alongside the foldable iPhone Duo.

To mark 20 years of the iPhone, Apple has reportedly been prepping a major redesign that uses curved glass elements and potentially even a waterfall display.

If you're on the fence about upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro, then you may want some idea of what next year's iPhone might look like. So, here are the latest iPhone 20 rumors.

iPhone 20: When will it come out?

First things first, the release date. Apple always launches its flagship iPhone models in September, and there's currently no reason to think that will change soon.

iPhone 20: What will it look like?

And in 2026, Ice Universe speculated that "a true quad-curved display is unlikely" due to manufacturing challenges, suggesting Apple will opt for a "visual quad-curved" design.

Credit: CNET Group

We've seen wrap-around and waterfall displays on other devices like TVs, but a more sculptural, curved glass iPhone would definitely stand out in the mobile market.

Unfortunately, Apple is keeping a very tight lid on the iPhone 20 so far. The most recent update comes from Gurman at Bloomberg (of course), who reported in June that there will be two iPhone 20 models launched in 2027, likely in the Pro category, and that they will measure in at around 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches.

Do the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo tell us anything about the iPhone 20?

Apple has clearly embraced curved glass and refracting light in its new Liquid Glass design language, so it would make sense if the iPhone evolved to match accordingly.

iPhone 20: New buttons!

Top smartphone deals of the week

Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

Design the next iPhone game: Ive created a true monstrosity of a phone

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:34:30 +0000

Social media users on Threads have discovered a fun new way to celebrate Apple event week: the web game "Design the next iPhone."

The game was made by Neal Agarwal for his website Neal.fun, where you can play the game for free. Agarwal's site hosts other short and sweet mini-games like "Draw logos from memory" and "Asteroid launcher."

"Design the next iPhone" is exactly what it sounds like: You can create the iPhone of your dreams, selecting all of the ports, cameras, and buttons you desire. You can even add fun little attachments, from googly eyes to steering wheels. So, if you've ever wanted an iPhone with a built-in joystick or rotary dial, this is your chance.

Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Neal.fun

Credit: Neal.fun

I'll admit — design has never been my strong suit. So, while I wasn't trying to create an absolute nightmare of a phone, that's exactly what I ended up with. Something tells me Apple isn't going to be interested in a phone with an antenna and two little feet. (Fun fact: My first cell phone did, in fact, have an antenna, kids.)

My only complaint about the game? I couldn't make a proper flip phone, which is something Apple is rumored to be working on for the future.

Top iPhone preorder deals

T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan
AT&T: Get up to $1,200 off the new iPhones with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later
Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan
Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan
Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

iPhone Duo vs iPad: How they differ

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:30:14 +0000

In early September, Apple held a big event to announce a ton of new stuff, but one product stood out more than any other: The iPhone Duo.

Apple's first foldable device has two displays, a wealth of multitasking features, and a trendy form factor that's sure to be a conversation-starter. But it also begs the question: Why get an iPad when you could get one of these, or vice versa? Has Apple made a "phablet" that makes the iPad redundant?

Let's take a look at what makes these devices different, and explore why you might want one or the other.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Price

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999. It absolutely must be noted, first and foremost, that this is more expensive than the starting price for any iPad model. Even the most premium one, the iPad Pro, starts at $1,199, and all but its most high-end variants come in below the starting price of the iPhone Duo. That's to say nothing of the fact that you can get a standard iPad for as little as $449, an iPad Mini for $599, or an iPad Air for $699.

So, if you want an Apple touchscreen device with a bigger display than the average iPhone, the iPhone Duo is not the most cost-effective way to accomplish that. Not by a long shot.

The only exception, if you were planning to buy a new iPhone and a new iPad Pro, opting for the Duo alone could save some money. But that's a very specific use case

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Specs and design

Even an iPad Air is way, way bigger than an iPhone Duo. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Since there are several different kinds of iPads, it would take way too long to list out all of their specs compared to the iPhone Duo. However, display size is probably the most important factor here, so these are the different display sizes for each device:

iPhone Duo: 5.4-inch cover display, 7.6-inch inner display
iPad: 11-inch display
iPad Mini: 8.3-inch display
iPad Air: 11-inch or 13-inch display
iPad Pro: 11-inch or 13-inch display

If display size is what you're after, the iPhone Duo will provide the smallest one of this group by a good margin. It's probably great for reading books, sketching art, or watching movies by the standards of a phone, but any iPad will be better for those things on a pure screen real-estate level.

Storage is going to be another primary concern. The regular iPad and iPad Mini both top out at 512GB, while the Air tops out at 1TB and the Pro at 2TB. You can also get an iPhone Duo with up to 2TB of storage, but that costs a staggering $3,199. By comparison, the 2TB iPad Pro is $2,299, a full $900 cheaper. Again, the iPad provides a stronger value here if storage is the main thing you care about.

It should also be pointed out that at 254g, the iPhone Duo is significantly lighter than any iPad model. It would be weird if it weren't, considering it's a phone and not a tablet. I would also hope it goes without saying that not a single iPad model has a screen that can bend, so if that's really appealing to you, this is a no-brainer.

Oh, one more thing: The iPhone Duo has two 48MP camera lenses on the back for something resembling real photography. Meanwhile, every modern iPad has but a lone 12MP lens. Technically, you can take pictures with an iPad, but that doesn't mean you should. If you care about photography, get an iPhone Duo.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Software features

Split-screen multi-tasking is available on both devices. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In announcing the iPhone Duo, Apple emphasized that the user experience took a lot of cues from iPadOS. But this fact still needs to be shouted from the rooftops: These two devices do not use the same operating system.

The iPhone Duo runs on iOS 27, and the iPad on iPadOS. They are similar because every Apple OS is similar, but they are not the same. There are two separate App Stores, and apps are designed specifically to work in one environment or the other. Some apps will have wildly different interfaces or features depending on the device you're using, and in some cases, apps just will not be supported at all, at least not natively.

Apple has outfitted iOS 27 with multitasking features specifically for the Duo, meaning you can have two apps open at once, side by side on the inner display. That's great and convenient, especially since you can drag and drop elements from one app to another. Unfortunately for the iPhone Duo, this is old hat for iPads; they've had split-screen multitasking for a while, and you can have more than two apps open at a time on an iPad.

That said, the iPhone Duo has some tricks the iPad doesn't, thanks to its form factor. For example, you can photograph someone using the inner display while the outer display shows the subject of the photo that you're seeing. That works with FaceTime calls, too.

As far as I know, there is basic parity between the two devices with AI features. Siri AI should work on both, and apps like Image Playground exist on the iPad, too. One final point here is obvious: if you want something to use as a telephone, get an iPhone Duo. By default, iPads can't even connect to cellular networks unless you pay extra for a model that can. You wouldn't want to use a big tablet as a phone, anyway.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Apple Pencil and accessory support

An iPhone Duo can't do this. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There are pros and cons to both devices when it comes to accessory support. Most importantly, you can use an Apple Pencil on the iPhone Duo's displays, which was a nice surprise during the announcement. Beyond that, though, things get a little more tricky.

For instance, iPads don't support MagSafe accessories or wireless charging of any kind right now. They might in the future, but they don't in the present. The iPhone Duo does support those things, but unlike the iPad, it doesn't support external, attachable keyboards. It's much easier to use an iPad like a laptop than an iPhone Duo.

At the end of the day, one of them is a tablet, and the other is a phone. I think they can co-exist.

Preorder the new Apple products

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds

$124.99 at Amazon

For Android users, Apple Event week is a chance to save $250 on Samsung Galaxy phones

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:39:07 +0000

SAVE $250: As of Sept. 11, you can grab an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) or Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) on sale at Amazon for $1,049.99 (reg. $1,299.99) and $1,649.99 (reg. $1,899.99), respectively. That's $250 in savings on either phone.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked)

$1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $250

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB, Unlocked)

$1,649.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $250

Not everyone is an iPhone person. While the tech world is fully consumed by news of the iPhone Duo, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max releases, Android folks can quietly snag a new Samsung Galaxy phone for less.

Amazon has an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra base model with 256GB of storage for just $1,049.99 instead of $1,299.99. That's $250 in savings. And if you'd prefer a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256GB is also on sale for only $1,649.99 at Amazon — a savings of $250 as well.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's premium flagship device, which goes to head to head with Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro Max. "If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it," Mashable's tech editor Timothy Beck Werth cheered in his review. It features a world-class camera array, a brilliant 6.9-inch AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, battery that lasts all day with heavy use, an included stylus, and a Privacy Display. It's expensive, but ultimately worth the investment for the right person. Plus, a nearly 20% discount certainly helps.

The Z Fold 8 is a worthy Duo alternative for Android users. Plus, it's worth mentioning that Samsung has been in the foldable game for years. The Z Fold 8 is our favorite Android foldable to date, and our tech editor says it's "undeniably fun to use and show off." It's incredibly thin and light, features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that can support heavy multitasking, and is a dream machine for editing photos, reading, gaming, and streaming. Its biggest flaw is the dual 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide cameras, which are "fine, but not elite." A $250 price drop might be enough to make up for that, though.

The new iPhone is here, but you can buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and get a $200 gift card for free

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:04:13 +0000

TL;DR: Right now, you can get Samsung's newest mid-range phone for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB)

$799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200

While the internet's busy arguing over Apple's new $2,000 foldable phone, Samsung is handing out $200 in digital cash to Android users.

Right now, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB) for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want. All you have to do is add it to your cart, check out, and you should receive the phone and a physical Amazon gift card on your selected shipping date (though the listing mentions the gift card may ship separately, depending on your location).

If you want to spend a little less (and you don't need a ton of storage), you can get the 128 GB version for $699.99. This one comes with an Amazon gift card, too.

The Samsung S26 FE was basically made for anyone who wants to take influencer-level videos without spending a fortune on video equipment. It has an Exynos 2500 chip, a 4,900 mAh battery, a bright 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 50MP camera packed with Galaxy AI features. That includes a feature called "My FanCam" that automatically keeps your subject centered in video.

T-Mobile iPhone Handoff fee: What it is, how it works

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:49:48 +0000

Big corporations exist to make money, and T-Mobile is making that very clear with its application of one new iOS 27 feature.

At Apple's big iPhone launch event this week, the company announced a feature called iPhone Handoff, which is coming with the latest iOS update. The feature will allow eSIM users to use the same phone number on two iPhones and choose which device is active at any given time. The active phone can receive calls, texts, and other cellular communications.

It'll only be available to T-Mobile customers in the U.S. at first, and that's where things get interesting: T-Mobile announced on its website that the feature will cost $5 per month.

So, in other words, you can buy an iPhone Duo and an iPhone 18 Pro and switch between them whenever you want without much hassle, aside from adding an extra $5 to your T-Mobile bill every month.

How to set up the iPhone Handoff feature

Activating one phone is seemingly as simple as unlocking it, but you can't use them both for texting, calling, etc., at the same time. To set it up, go to the eSIM section of the Settings app, tap Phone, tap Continue, then tap Transfer. If it works, you'll get a message saying a device has been activated when you unlock it.

It's unfortunate that this feature is only available to T-Mobile customers stateside right now, and that T-Mobile is taking advantage of that fact to charge a small fee to use it. But, at the very least, it does sound reasonably intuitive.

Verizon has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro deals: Heres how to cash in on the savings

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:24:53 +0000

SAVE UP TO $1,200: Verizon is packed with iPhone 18 deals, including options that save up to $1,200 on a new device.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro preorders at Verizon

Save up to $1,200

Welcome to a great week for Apple fans. Earlier this week, we got introduced to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone. If you've made the decision to upgrade, you're probably searching for the best deal on preordering the iPhone 18 Pro. Verizon has some attractive options on offer, which we've broken down into easy-to-digest terms below.

If you're interested in signing up for a Verizon Simplicity Pro plan, you can look forward to a simple $80 monthly bill. Broken down, it works out to a $50 device payment for the iPhone 18 Pro and a $30 bill for the Verizon Unlimited plan. More benefits of this option include the ability to upgrade to the newest iPhone once every 12 months.

Another option at Verizon is to sign up for a myPlan account to save up to $1,200 on a new iPhone 18 model. If you switch to Verizon or open a new line, you're eligible to save the full $1,200 with a qualified trade-in. Those who upgrade an existing myPlan account can save up to $1,200 with an eligible trade-in.

If you're in the mood to buy a new iPhone and sign up for a Verizon Simplicity or myPlan account, you can snag a free Apple Watch and Apple iPad. Over 36 months of bill credit, Verizon will cover the cost of both the Watch and tablet.

Finally, anyone who switches to Verizon Business with an eligible trade-in can get the iPhone 18 Pro (256GB) for free. If you prefer the iPhone 18 Pro Max, switching to Verizon Business will offer a savings of $1,200 on the upgraded model.

Keep in mind preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro at Verizon begin on Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. ET and preorders for the iPhone Duo begin on Oct. 16 at Verizon.

All of the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder and trade-in deals

AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later
T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan
Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan
Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan
Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits
Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan

Upgrading to the new iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, or foldable Duo? Here’s how to score up to $1,200 off at AT&T.

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:41:29 +0000

TL;DR: Apple’s brand-new iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo are officially hitting AT&T. To lure switchers, AT&T is offering up to $1,200 off with an eligible iPhone trade-in in any condition, up to $800 to cover your tab if you switch, and automatic bill credits if you ever hit a network outage.

AT&T iPhone 18 and Duo deals

Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB)

$33.34/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $0/mo ($1,200 off)

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (256 GB)

$36.12/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $2.78/mo ($1,200 off)

Apple iPhone Duo (512 GB)

$55.56/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $22.22/mo ($1,200 off)

Thinking about upgrading your phone or jumping ship from another carrier? Apple just dropped its latest iPhone lineup, and AT&T is rolling out some massive incentives to get you onto its network.

Whether you want Apple’s first-ever foldable or a top-tier camera setup, here is everything you need to know about the new phones and the deals AT&T is offering.

Apple’s big splash this year is its very first foldable, the iPhone Duo. Closed, it feels like a normal pocketable phone with a 5.4-inch outer screen, but it flips open into a huge 7.6-inch inner display for gaming, watching videos, or running apps side-by-side. It runs on the ultra-fast A20 Pro chip, sports an eSIM-only design so Apple could fit a dual-battery system inside, and comes in star white or night sky.

If you prefer a classic, heavy-duty phone, the 18 Pro lineup gives you a choice between a 6.3-inch screen on the standard Pro or a massive 6.9-inch display on the Pro Max. The biggest upgrade here is in the camera: a new 48MP main sensor equipped with an actual physical variable aperture, giving you real hardware control over background blur and low-light shots. Both run on the A20 Pro chip, feature Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x better scratch protection, and come in black, silver, glacier, or an all-new burgundy.

How the AT&T promos work and what to know

AT&T is running a few different stackable offers right now, but there are a few important conditions to keep in mind before you click buy:

Up to $1,200 Off via Trade-In — You can trade in an eligible iPhone in any condition to get up to $1,200 off. The catch? Securing the full $1,200 requires an Unlimited Premium 2.0 plan and a trade-in of an iPhone 14 or newer. Lower tiers like Unlimited Extra 2.0 cap out at $930 off, while older iPhones yield lower credit amounts.
All savings are delivered via monthly bill credits over a 36-month installment plan — if you leave AT&T early, you forfeit remaining credits and owe the balance.
Up to $800 Switcher Credit — Coming from T-Mobile or Verizon? AT&T offers up to $800 to help pay off your remaining device tab on your old carrier.
Save $200 Online — Order on AT&T or through the AT&T app to shave an extra $200 off per line right off the top.
Next Up Anytime ($10/mo) — An optional add-on that lets you swap your phone for a new model up to three times in a 12-month period once a third of the device is paid off.

Checkout costs and fine print

Expect a $35 activation/upgrade fee per line plus sales tax paid upfront on the full retail price of the phone. Also, if you add a line to secure a promo, you must keep all other lines active for at least 90 days, or your credits will stop.

On the upside, your service is backed by the AT&T Guarantee: if a qualifying network outage hits your area, your phone will automatically ping you via iOS 27 and issue a bill credit without making you call customer service.

Release and preorder dates

Preorders for the new devices are split across two dates:

iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max — Preorders begin Sept. 12 at 5:00 a.m. PT.
iPhone Duo — Preorders begin Oct. 16 at 5:00 a.m. PT.

Just make sure to double-check your current plan and trade-in device before preorders go live so you can grab the full discount. Orders can be placed online at AT&T, via the AT&T app, or in AT&T retail stores.

All the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder and trade-in deals

AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later
T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan
Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan
Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan
Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits
Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan

I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most.

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Spending time with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro has Bridget Carey rethinking what’s important in an iPhone upgrade. Following Apple's big September iPhone event, Carey breaks down the standout Duo features, what the crease is really like, and the questions she has for the future of Apple Watch and the next era of Apple.

Top iPhone pre-order deals

AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later
T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan
Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan
Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan
Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Timecode chapters
00:00 Apple’s new iPhone tricks
00:14 Reporting from the iPhone event at Apple Park
00:19 Opening and closing the iPhone duo
00:28 Big changes coming to iPhone
00:38 John Ternus has one more thing
00:46 Bridget Carey’s iPhone duo event experience
01:03 iPhone duo
01:14 Taking video on iPhone duo
01:37 Smart take on iPhone duo
02:04 Snoopy comes to iPhone duo
02:21 iPhone duo crease
02:41 Hidden camera behind iPhone duo screen
02:51 iPhone duo size
03:11 iPhone duo cases
03:28 MagSafe on iPhone duo
03:34 iPhone 18 Pro updates
04:07 Aperture on iPhone 18 Pro
04:42 Apple Watch changes
04:43 Apple Watch audio intelligence, recording, transcribing
05:20 New Apple Watch sensor
05:33 New Apple iPhone and Apple Watch accessories
05:47 One more tip to help cover the cost of your new iPhone
05:56 Get the most money for your iPhone trade-in
06:18 Let us know in the comments what you want to see from one more thing

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Celso Bulgatti, Bridget Carey
Video editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

Our first take on the iPhone 18 Pro: Intelligent photography

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:55:14 +0000

Apple upgrades its 18 Pro line with improved camera aperture and AI capabilities. CNET's Patrick Holland unpacks the main things you need to know about the latest iPhone 18 Pro handsets.

Read more about the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s latest iPhones: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battle of the flagships

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Variable aperture
01:20 Pricing increase
01:56 Other design updates
02:52 iOS 27 goodies
03:30 Battery life
03:55 Conclusion

Video credits
Host: Patrick Holland
Scripted by: Patrick Holland
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Planning to upgrade your iPhone this year? If you're someone looking to get the most feature-packed device, typically the choice would be easy: You'd buy the latest iPhone Pro Max model, and this time around, that's the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, Apple decided to throw a curveball at iOS users this year with the release of its first-ever Apple foldable, the iPhone Duo.

Now, iPhone users looking for a new smartphone have to make a difficult choice. I know. I'm one of those users who assumed I'd just go with the new Pro Max, but the unveiling of the Duo has me second-guessing that choice.

Do I go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Each is powerful in its own right, as they both have Apple's new Apple Silicon chip A20 Pro. But, both are missing features that the other has.

So, instead of just comparing specs, let's look at the use cases for each device.

If you want the biggest screen...

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

At 6.9 inches, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the largest traditional smartphone display. When the iPhone Duo is closed and in its smartphone "form," it's smaller. The Duo's outer display is only 5.4 inches.

However, when the Duo is opened up, the inner display has 50 percent more screen space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, measuring 7.6 inches. Ultimately, the Duo has more screen for you to work with.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

If cameras are of the utmost importance

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system, a 48MP Fusion Main lens, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens, and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens. It also introduces a physical variable aperture feature for the first time. The Duo has the same main lens but without the variable aperture, and the same ultra-wide lens. The iPhone Duo does not have a telephoto lens, but it does have a 12MP Center Stage selfie camera and an under-display FaceTime camera.

Hardware-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the superior smartphone camera when compared with the Duo. It has more rear camera lenses, and that physical variable aperture will provide users with plenty of control of lighting and depth of field.

For serious photographers or filmmakers looking for a smartphone to match your workflow, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new software capabilities with Pro Controls is going to be a big plus too. With Pro Controls, users can adjust shutter speed, lens aperture, white balance, and more.

If you care about photography or videography above all, then the choice is clearly the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro max

If you're a content creator

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I just made the case that when it comes to smartphone cameras, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is superior to the iPhone Duo. And that's true…for the most part.

While filmmakers will want to go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, online content creators may actually want to consider the iPhone Duo.

Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the extra lens and pro control features. Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max even has a better front-facing camera with its 18MP selfie camera compared to the iPhone Duo's 12MP selfie camera.

However, the foldable aspect of iPhone Duo opens up a whole world of creative use cases, especially for those who typically make social media-friendly content.

The iPhone Duo can be folded in numerous ways to act as its own stand or tripod in order to take full-body photos and videos when working solo. The iPhone Duo even has unique features like Smart Take that take advantage of those capabilities and automatically snap photos of users without having to utilize a countdown.

When opened, the iPhone Duo's outer display can be used as a monitor so users can take selfies with the better 48MP without just guessing if they're even in the frame.

If you're a content creator who never manually changes the settings on your camera and barely, if ever, utilizes the telephoto lens, the iPhone Duo may actually be better for you.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

Price matters

Finally, an easy one.

If you're looking for the most powerful but also simultaneously the most affordable device, don't even look at the iPhone Duo. It's the most expensive iPhone ever.

The Duo starts at $2,000. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is $700 cheaper at $1,299. Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: The iPhone 18 Pro Max, duh

You're a mobile gamer

If mobile gaming is your thing, it seems like Apple may have finally created the perfect iPhone for you.

People who've already had a hands-on with the iPhone Duo are saying that the foldable is seemingly made for gamers. The full-sized inner screen provides a perfect balance of display real estate with mobility. In addition, when turned to its side, one screen can be used as a traditional landscape-mode display, while the other can be used as a full-sized game controller.

Now, there is one addendum to add here. It may be a while for most game developers to update their games to use these features or even create games specifically tailored to the iPhone Duo. But, when all is said and done, the iPhone Duo will clearly have the upper hand over the iPhone 18 Pro Max when it comes to gaming.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You're a multitasker

This is a no-brainer choice if you're a multitasker. Go with the iPhone Duo.

The Duo appears to work much like an iPad, with the ability to run multiple apps side by side. The inner screen will also provide an optimal experience when using features like picture-in-picture video.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You have too many iPhone accessories already

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Unless you're upgrading your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is the same size as its predecessor, you're going to have to buy a new iPhone case.

However, most other accessories should still work! Rigs to utilize your iPhone as a professional camera, swappable camera lenses, attachable battery packs, selfie sticks, tripod mounts – all of those should be compatible with your iPhone 18 Pro Max. After all, the traditional iPhone design has been this way for some time.

That may not be so with a completely different-looking iPhone product like the iPhone Duo. While some accessories may still work with your Duo, they certainly weren't designed to fit or align perfectly with its design. Many accessories may just not be compatible at all.

So, if you rely on many essential third-party iPhone accessories, you may want to stick with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

You just really want a foldable device

Yeah, just buy the iPhone Duo.

You think foldables are dumb

Why are you even here? Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Top iPhone pre-order deals

The iPhone 18 Pro Max opens for pre-orders on Sept. 12, and the big carriers are rolling out their best offers:

T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan
AT&T: Get up to $1,200 off the new iPhones with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later
Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan
Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan
Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and AirPods 5

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:05:36 +0000

Apple just wrapped its biggest iPhone launch event in years. Today, on Sept. 9, the tech giant hosted its "Surprise and Shine" event, and Mashable will be reporting live from Apple Park all week. At the event, Apple finally unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone. The event also set the stage for the grand debut of Siri AI. Plus, new CEO John Ternus stepped into the spotlight for the first keynote of the post-Tim Cook era. It's an event that's been years in the making.

Thanks to months of leaks and rumors, we had a fairly good idea of what to expect from the Apple Event, where we learned about the new iPhone 18 Pro lineup, iOS 27, Siri AI, the AirPods 5, the Apple Watch Series 12, and more.

You can re-watch the keynote via the CNET Apple Event livestream. We'll also be sharing real-time updates on all of the day's news, behind-the-scenes videos, and product announcements in this live blog.

Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battle of the flagships

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:33:35 +0000

Apple and Samsung's premium flagship competition for 2026 can finally kick off in earnest.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max, several months after Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These are the two most expensive and feature-packed non-foldable phones that these companies make right now, so we figured we would put together a handy comparison for your sake.

We just started testing the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so there are some necessary limitations to our analysis, but here is our best estimation for how these two flagship smartphones stack up to each other.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Price

This one's easy: Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra have the same starting price of $1,299. Technically, the S26 Ultra costs $1,299.99, but we aren't going to hold 99 cents against Samsung.

In either case, that's a lot of money. But at least there's no clear advantage in this regard between the two devices. You're going to spend a minor fortune to get either of these phones, unless you take advantage of carrier deals from T-Mobile or Verizon.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design and specs

Samsung's phone is lighter and thinner. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's specs are as follows:

Display: 6.9-inch display with 3120x1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, 10MP periscope telephoto
Front camera: 12MP

And the iPhone 18 Pro Max's go a little something like this:

Display: 6.9-inch resolution with 2868x1320 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: A20 Pro
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB/2TB
Battery: 5,391 mAh
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto
Front camera: 18MP

There are some differences to note here, of course. Samsung's phone has a higher-resolution display, but photography isn't all about the megapixels. Apple's A20 Pro processor and the new variable aperture should result in incredible photographs if you know what you're doing, and recently, Apple has also had an edge on video quality.

We'll get to battery and camera differences in a little bit, but as you can see by the numbers, there are some gaps to discuss there, as well. Apple also has a 2TB storage option that Samsung doesn't offer.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's processor delivered virtually flawless performance in our testing earlier this year, whether handling everyday tasks or more advanced AI processing. We haven't gotten significant time with the Pro Max yet, but Apple's history in this regard is very solid. I expect the A20 Pro chip to be just as good or better than the Ultra's Snapdragon processor.

The camera bar hasn't changed at all. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Let's talk design for a second, too. Samsung's phone is substantially lighter, as the S26 Ultra comes in at 214g versus the iPhone 18 Pro Max's weight of 249g. The iPhone is also almost a full millimeter thicker, at 8.75mm against Samsung's 7.9mm of depth. Their other physical dimensions are close enough to be negligible, but there's a real likelihood that the S26 Ultra is a more comfortable phone to hold in the hand for most people.

People also care a lot about colors. Samsung offers six colors for the S26 Ultra: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. In the other corner, Apple's choices are more limited: Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy. You may very well find one iPhone color you like way more than anything else in the Samsung lineup, as this is a matter of personal taste, but Samsung is objectively offering more choices here.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has two things the iPhone 18 Pro doesn't

Privacy Display blacks out a notification on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has one hardware trick you can't find on any other device: Privacy Display. This feature blacks out the screen for anyone trying to peek at it, letting you browse Instagram, or whatever else you find on the internet, in public. It can even black out portions of the screen, such as specific apps or notifications. This feature isn't perfect, but it works pretty well, and you won't find it on any other premium flagship right now.

Finally, don't forget that the S26 Ultra also comes with a built-in stylus. And yet it still weighs less than the iPhone.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: AI features

Privacy Display is neat. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Everyone is going all-in on AI for their software suites these days, so let's discuss that.

On Apple's side, the big Siri AI update for iOS still isn't out at the time of publication. It'll launch alongside the new iPhones, so we'll have more to say on that soon. It will turn Siri into a bona fide chatbot and AI app powered by Google Gemini, with complete access to your calendar, contacts, and emails. It can use all of that personal context to perform time-saving, context-sensitive actions for you, at least in theory.

There's also an enhanced Image Playground update to generate more realistic images, along with additional image-editing features, such as the ability to reframe photos. Conveniently, you'll also be able to use text prompts to generate Shortcuts. That could be nice, assuming it works.

But, let's be clear: Apple is definitely playing catch-up in the AI race, and Samsung has a multi-year head-start. Galaxy phones like the S26 Ultra have had sophisticated AI photo editing tools for awhile. Samsung's phone also comes with Gemini, Circle to Search is omnipresent, and the Now Nudge feature.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery life

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra had an even 5,000mAh battery cell inside of it, which gave it 31 hours of video playback time in our testing. That's pretty damn good! A battery like that will last you an entire day and then some if you're not using it for any funny business.

We haven't properly tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery yet, but it has a bigger cell and Apple rates it for an astounding "up to 45 hours" of video playback. We'll believe it when we see it, but if it's even close to true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might have one of the best smartphone batteries in existence.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Cameras

This is how you test a camera. Credit: Timothy Werth/Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a gigantic 200MP main shooter that, in our testing, produced detailed and vivid photographs. Its zoom capabilities are also impressive, as it doesn't compromise quality very much until you get way up in the 100x zoom range. Nighttime photography is also solid here, if a little too bright and unrealistic-looking at times.

Apple's alternative isn't as impressive in terms of raw megapixel numbers, with a trio of 48MP lenses powering its rear camera array. But iPhone Pro cameras are always some of the best in the business, and Apple has added variable aperture this year for even more versatility in difficult photography conditions. We're looking forward to testing all of that out. At any rate, it would be absolutely shocking if the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras weren't at least very good. On top of that, we expect the iPhone 18 Pro Max to be a killer for videography as well.

The everlasting question: iOS or Android?

So, which phone should you buy? We'll reserve judgment until we've finished testing the new iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the new iPhone doesn't seem to be a huge upgrade compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

So, barring a huge surprise, we expect the phones to compare very favorably. The right phone for you will come down, as it usually does, whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Top smartphone deals of the week

Apple's event is always a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is an iPhone Duo lookalike with one huge advantage

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:24:32 +0000

Apple's foldable iPhone Duo doesn't even come out until Oct. 23, but it already has a lookalike. That's because the iPhone Duo wasn't the only short and wide foldable device announced this week.

Just a couple of days before the big Apple event, in which the Duo was announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices, Xiaomi launched a competitor of its own, per PhoneArena. It's called the Xiaomi 18 Fold and, as you can see from the photos, it looks a lot like the iPhone Duo. It trades the boxy corners of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which came out over the summer, for the rounded edges and D-shape of the Duo.

Reports prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's launch suggested that Samsung picked that form factor because of what Apple was doing, and it's very possible Xiaomi did the same. The phone is unlikely to be released outside of China, but here are some of the specs, in case you're curious:

Display: 7.58-inch main display and 5.38-inch cover display
Processor: XRING O3
RAM: 12/16GB
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB
Battery: 6,000mAh
Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto

The Xiaomi 18 Fold also has one big potential advantage over the iPhone Duo. It has three cameras (including a true telephoto lens and a 200MP main shooter), and they're Leica cameras.

Credit: Xiaomi

Those are pretty decent specs for a phone whose Chinese price converts to roughly $1,600 USD, but again, there's no way you'll ever get one in the States without importing it. That's sure to drive the cost up into iPhone Duo territory, so at that point, you might as well just get one of Apple or Samsung's foldables.

However, the device could offer Apple some competition when the iPhone Duo launches in China.

Clearly, this specific form factor is officially a thing now.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 ~~$1,099~~ (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 ~~$1,899.99~~ (save $250)

The iPhone Duos opening animation is a 10/10 design flex for Apple

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:09:39 +0000

Have you seen the viral videos showing the iPhone Duo's opening animation?

Videos showing stunned tech reporters repeatedly opening and closing the device are racking up tens of millions of views on social media, and it's easy to see why: Apple designers are just showing off with this one.

When you open the iPhone Duo, an optical illusion makes the outer screen appear to blur and blend into the inner display. For a moment, the fluid transition makes it look like you're peering through a pane of glass rather than a phone screen. It's like nothing we've ever seen on a phone before.

Tech creator Marques Brownlee shared a video of the Apple design flex that already has 32 million views and counting:

Apple finally revealed the iPhone Duo, the first-ever folding iPhone with a flexible display, on Sept. 9. You'll have to wait until Oct. 23 to get the device in your hands (and come up with $1,999), but a chosen few have already gotten the chance to demo the device at Apple Park, including Mashable Senior Reporter Stan Schroeder, who went hands-on with the Duo.

In this Mashable video, a crowd gathers to watch the Duo open and close on a folding stand at Apple Park:

The fluid transition effect is already resulting in memes like this:

I was skeptical of the iPhone Duo's design based on the leaks, but after seeing the big reveal, I have to say that I got this one wrong. The foldable phone looks gorgeous, and that opening animation is the kind of 10/10 design flex that shows exactly why Apple does user interfaces better than anyone.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

In addition to the iPhone Duo's blur effect when you unfold the device, Apple also added its premium nano-texture finish to the display. This will reduce glare and make the crease less visible, resulting in a highly polished look. The translucent Liquid Glass elements really shine on this device, too.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

Heres when you can order the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:34:25 +0000

Pricing for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro:

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

Apple iPhone Duo

Preorders start Oct. 16

Rumors of Apple's foldable iPhone have been flying for years, but now we finally have it confirmed: the iPhone Duo is coming this October. At Apple's Sept. 9 event, the tech giant announced the full collection of new iPhones coming, which includes the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Duo.

September marks the start of fall, the school year, and, of course, the new iPhone. For years now, Apple has launched its new iPhones in September, and this year is no different. Though, we didn't get the base model iPhone 18 this September — it's rumored to be released in spring 2027. Maybe your old iPhone is finally on its last leg, or perhaps you've just been waiting for the foldable iPhone, but either way, if you're ready to buy an iPhone, it's almost time.

Here's the pricing breakdown:

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (burgundy, glacier, silver, and black) — starting at $1,199
iPhone Duo (star white and night sky) — starting at $1,999

While we know the breakdown of the new iPhones' pricing, neither is available for preorder yet. So, when are you able to secure one of the new models for yourself?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in a stunning new burgundy. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

When are the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max available for preorder?

Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max begin Saturday, Sept. 12. Both devices are set for release on Friday, Sept. 18.

Shoppers will be able to preorder the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max through the Apple Store, Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in four new colors, including burgundy, glacier (a light blue), silver, and black. The iPhone Pro starts at $1,199 while the Pro Max starts at $1,299.

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

$1,199 at Apple

Preorders begin Saturday, Sept. 12.

When is the iPhone Duo available for preorder?

For the iPhone Duo, you'll need to wait a bit longer. The first foldable iPhone from Apple won't be available for preorder until Friday, Oct. 16. The Duo will then hit stores on Friday, Oct. 23.

iPhone Duo preorders will also be available at the Apple Store, Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

The foldable iPhone comes in the colors star white and night sky (navy). Models begin at $1,999 for a 256GB model, while the maxed-out 2TB model comes in at $3,199.

Credit: Apple

iPhone Duo

$1,999

Preorders begin Friday, Oct. 16.

How to buy the new iPhones

Buying an iPhone has historically been straightforward. You can either pay in full for the device through Apple or at your mobile retailer. Apple has also featured payment plans through its Apple Card, and most mobile carriers feature monthly payments rather than an upfront lump sum. While this remains true for the new iPhones, Apple has launched a new way to buy its phones.

With the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, you can now lease both phones. Just like a car lease, you won't technically own the device, instead paying a monthly fee to use it. These leases from Apple span 24 months and let you upgrade your device at any point.

Leasing the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $34.99 a month, and the iPhone Duo begins at $57.99 a month.

Top phone deals this week

Credit: Apple

iPhone 17

$0 at T-Mobile
$899 Save $899

Pay $0 at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

$1,899.99 at T-Mobile

Google Pixel 11 Pro

$1,099 at Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra AI Smartphone

Free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at AT&T With Trade-in and Unlimited Plan at AT&T Wireless

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

The iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which foldable has the edge?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

After so many months of speculation, Apple finally unveiled the foldable iPhone Duo. When the "Surprise and Shine" keynote wrapped, one of Mashable's senior reporters even got to check out the device in a crowded Apple Park demo room.

The iPhone Duo will be officially released on Oct. 23, and you'll have to wait until then for a proper review. However, I have spent a lot of time with the device's biggest competition, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

So, how do these two flagship foldables compare?

iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Cost

Before the Apple iPhone event, rumors pegged the iPhone Duo's price somewhere between $2,000 and $2,300, so the final $1,999 price tag was a pleasant surprise. Of course, that's still a massive investment for most people, as is the Z Fold 8, which has a starting price of $1,899.99. Both phones come with 256GB of storage and can be upgraded with more.

The 2TB version of the iPhone Duo will cost a whopping $3,199, whereas the Z Fold 8 doesn't have a 2TB version.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Design

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a boxier design. Credit: Joe Maldonado / CNET Group

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of the iPhone Duo's design based on the leaks. The rounded corners and D-shaped outer display reminded me of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and not in a good way. However, after its big reveal, I have to admit that I was totally wrong: I think Apple nailed the design.

The iPhone Duo has a sleek, futuristic look, and when unfolded, it takes on a more sculptural shape. By comparison, the Z Fold 8 looks a little boxy and utilitarian.

Both phones are also remarkably thin. Unfolded, the Duo is Apple's thinnest phone ever at just 5.2mm. The Z Fold 8 is even thinner, a mere 4.5 mm when unfolded. The Z Fold 8 is also significantly lighter.

iPhone Duo vs. Z Fold 8: Displays and creases

The folding iPhone Duo on display. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Here's how the displays compare specs-wise:

iPhone Duo: 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display and 5.4-inch outer Super Retina XDR display
Galaxy Z Fold 8: 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display and a 5.5-inch outer AMOLED display

Crucially, the iPhone Duo has Apple's premium nano-texture display. Because this minimizes reflections on the device, the crease should be even less visible on the Duo, and it all but disappears in early photos and videos of the device. The combination of Liquid Glass, Super Retina XDR, and nano texture results in an impressive display that will be very hard to beat.

That being said, the Z Fold 8 also has impressive AMOLED displays and a nearly invisible crease. There's a reason Apple tapped Samsung to manufacture the iPhone Duo's flexible display, after all.

iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: The cameras

The camera array on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Credit: Joe Maldonado / CNET Group

In my review of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, I noted that the device's cameras were its biggest drawback. If you want a Pro-level camera array, you'll need to upgrade to the pricier Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

In comparison, the iPhone Duo appears to make fewer compromises on its cameras. Let's start by breaking down the specs:

iPhone Duo cameras: 48-megapixel main camera, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12MP Center Stage selfie camera, and an under-display FaceTime camera
Galaxy Z Fold 8 cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera

While 50MP might seem to automatically beat 48MP, don't be so sure. Image quality has as much to do with the phone's processor as the cameras themselves, and Apple's new A20 Pro chip sounds like a killer. However, Apple is just now introducing AI photo editing features in iOS 27 that have been standard on Samsung Galaxy phones for a couple of years.

We obviously haven't been able to test the iPhone Duo's selfie cameras yet, but this is another area where Apple has an apparent edge.

I hated the Z Fold 8's 10MP selfie camera, which is so useless I wondered why Samsung included it at all. It merely takes up space on the inner display. The under-display FaceTime camera will probably have quality issues as well, but it won't take up precious pixel space. Apple also has an additional Center Stage selfie camera on the rear of the device. On other iPhones, the Center Stage camera has been great for taking vertical and horizontal selfies without flipping the phone in your hands, among other perks.

Apple StandBy mode

Credit: Apple

During the iPhone Duo introduction, Apple was keen to show the device acting as a smart alarm clock on a nightstand. This is part of the phone's StandBy mode, which allows you to "turn your iPhone Duo into a clock, photo frame, or a display for the weather, calendar or your favorite widgets." (Please don't leave

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 also supports multitasking and side-by-side apps, of course. But while the Z Fold 8 is primarily designed for multitasking, Apple StandBy mode is a fun twist. The prospect of using your iPhone Duo as a smart picture frame while you're at your desk is certainly interesting.

We'll have to wait and see how it works IRL.

iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which is the better foldable?

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

We can't answer this question until we've properly tested the foldable iPhone Duo. But some things to consider as you mull whether to preorder the device:

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is our favorite Android foldable released yet
The iPhone Duo's design and camera features will be very hard to beat
Both phones have impressive displays, though the nano-texture coating may give Apple a slight edge
Apple emphasized that the iPhone Duo was designed for durability in the long-term, and it's IP68 dust and water-resistant; the Z Fold 8 has a slightly less impressive IP48 certification

iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: By the numbers

Want to see the full list of specs side by side?

iPhone Duo specifications:

Inner display: 7.6-inch inner and 5.5-inch outer AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate
Cameras: 48-megapixel main camera, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12MP Center Stage selfie camera, and an under-display FaceTime camera
Processor: Apple A20 Pro chipset
Colors: White, deep blue
Dimensions: 164.6 x 117.8 x 5.2mm unfolded / 84.1 x 117.8 x 11.3mm folded
Weight: 254 grams
RAM: 12GB to 24GB RAM
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
Charging: 60W wired, 30W wireless
Peak brightness: Up to 3,000 nits
Water resistance: IP68 water and dust resistant

Galaxy Z Fold 8 specifications

Display: 7.6-inch inner and 5.5-inch outer AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate
Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset
Colors: Lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio
Dimensions: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm unfolded / 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm unfolded
Weight: 201 grams
RAM: 12GB to 16GB RAM
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage
Battery: 4,800mAh battery
Charging: 45W wired, 20W wireless
Peak brightness: Up to 3,000 nits
Water resistance: IP48 water and dust resistant

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

We tracked down iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Duo cases already available

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:45:10 +0000

The iPhone 18 line and first foldable iPhone are officially here, which means brand new cases are, too.

The first few weeks after a new phone's release can mean more limited case options. The good news? iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max phones are compatible with iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cases. The foldable iPhone Duo, however, is another story. As the iPhone Duo size is completely unique, the case options are limited to just Apple and a few other brands as of launch day.

Still, we gathered up the best cases available for the new iPhones so far, whether you're looking for something cute, something protective, or something that brings the best of both worlds. Check them out below.

Note: Most iPhone Duo cases on this list have live product pages, but aren't available to order just yet. We'll keep this list updated as they become available.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases

Credit: Casetify

Casetify Impact Case in Dark Cherry Jelly

$64 at Casetify

Why we like it

This look won't be for everyone, but Casetify's Dark Cherry case feels kind of perfect for the new burgundy colorway (especially as it was rumored to be called "dark cherry" before its release). If you're not a fan of this design, Casetify already has plenty of others available for the 18 Pro and Pro Max.

More iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases

Smartish Wallet Case — $34.99
Casely Blue Hydrangea Case with MagSafe — $35
Otterbox Figura Series — $39.99
Velvet Caviar Polka Dot case — $40
Apple Silicone Case — $49
CaseMate Jelly Pop Carolina with MagSafe — $50
Casetify Cloud Case — $52
Casetify Ripple Case — $56
Apple TechWoven Case — $59
Nudient Bold Case — $60
Casetify Impact Case — $64
Otterbox Defender Series — $69.99

iPhone Duo cases

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand

$129.99 at Apple

Why we like it

Apple's iPhone Duo Folio case isn't available just yet, but we're intrigued by the design. The kickstand allows for the phone to stay propped up when folded or open, bringing together the best parts of a phone and mini tablet experience. Yeah, $129.99 is steep, but hey, so is $3,199.

More iPhone Duo cases

Casely Shell Shocked (with MagSafe) — $40
Velvet Caviar Midnight Stars — $40
Velvet Caviar Snoopy Moods — $45
dbrand Grip Case — $54.90
CaseMate Floral Gems MagSafe — $60
Otterbox Lumen Series — $69.99
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro S (Mag Fit) — $69.99
Apple iPhone Duo Case — $79
MagBak Elite — $89
Thinborne iPhone Duo case — $89.69
Otterbox Defender Series Pro XT — $89.99
Spigen Slim Armor Pro (Mag Fit) — $89.99

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See what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Where was the regular iPhone 18? The missing product in Apples event.

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:01:23 +0000

At Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event, newly minted CEO John Ternus unveiled the long-anticipated foldable, the iPhone Duo. Before we got to that big announcement though, Ternus and the Apple team showed off the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone announcements ended there with no regular iPhone 18 announced.

Apple CEO, John Ternus, showed off the iPhone Duo. But the regular iPhone 18 wasn't mentioned. Credit: Apple

The tech giant instead focused on three premium iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and the iPhone Duo starting at $1,999. This breaks from Apple's September tradition of releasing the full lineup of iPhones. Apple likely didn't want to overcrowd its announcements, especially with the high-profile launch of the iPhone Duo. But does that mean Apple is skipping the regular iPhone 18?

Going into the event, there were already rumors that Apple wasn't going to release the regular iPhone 18 just yet. Instead, the iPhone 18, along with the 18e and a new iPhone Air, is rumored to be coming March 2027. So if you wanted a more affordable iPhone model, you'll potentially need to wait another six months.

Until then, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available for preorder Sept. 12, while the iPhone Duo will be available for preorder Oct. 16. Plus, Apple still has the iPhone 17 and 17e available for purchase.

Apple iOS 27 release date: When you can download it

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:15:36 +0000

Apple's next big iOS update is finally on the launch pad.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, Apple showed off new wares like the iPhone 18 lineup, new Apple Watches, and more. One of the smaller (but still significant) nuggets of news to come out of the event concerned iOS 27. According to Apple, users with compatible iPhones will be able to install iOS 27 on Monday, Sept. 14.

What's new with iOS 27?

If you haven't been following along, iOS 27 is the one that finally brings us Siri AI. You can now talk to Siri like you would an AI chatbot, and it's powered by Google Gemini.

Some of the most exciting changes coming to iPhones involve new AI photo-editing features, such as spatial reframing. Users will more easily be able to remove unwanted details, or even describe the edits they'd like to Siri by voice or text. Android smartphones from Google and Samsung have had a full suite of AI editing tools for a couple years now, and Apple is finally catching up. Smart photo editing will also help users make the most of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new camera features.

Apple also included some new and subtle customization options for Liquid Glass, various small updates for apps like Health, Photos, and Notes, and more.

You can install iOS 27 by going to the Settings app, then General, then tapping "Software Update."

iOS 27 compatible devices

Of course, you can only go through that whole downloading process if you have a device that supports iOS 27. Here are the devices that work with the new iOS:

iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 17
iPhone 17e
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone Duo

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck.

Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with major camera upgrades

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:47:21 +0000

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are official!

Apple announced its next-generation iPhone lineup at its big September "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, after months of rumors and leaks about the devices.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299. Preorders begin on Sept. 12, and the new iPhones will officially be released on Sept. 18.

Meet the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max specs, which include new A20 Pro

Credit: Apple

As expected, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive with critical upgrades:

The new Apple smartphones will be powered by the company's latest Silicon chipset, the A20 Pro. The A20 Pro was built for AI processing, just as Apple launches the new Siri AI with iOS 27, so it will easily be able to handle Apple's most advanced new AI features. Apple said it had to completely redesign its Silicon chipset in order to create the A20 Pro.

In addition to the chip itself, Apple created a brand-new next-generation vapor chamber to keep the iPhone cool and deliver the highest possible performance.

And Apple really showcased that power during the event by focusing on Apple Intelligence and all-new Siri AI features.

New iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max colors revealed

As leaked by a few third-party case makers last week, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in four colors: black, silver, burgundy, and a light blue, which Apple is calling "glacier.

Credit: Apple

Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, specifically confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro models will be available in an "incredibly deep black," answering users' complaints about the lack of a black colorway in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 battery life

Reports previously claimed that the premium iPhone 18 models would be receiving a big battery upgrade, and Apple delivered. Even though the iPhone 18 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple says it delivers the same battery life. As for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is calling it the "the largest increase of battery life ever on iPhone."

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro provides 36 hours of video playback and 24 hours of battery life per charge. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has 45 hours of video playback and lasts 30 hours per charge. Apple also says that the iPhone 18 Pro can reach 50 percent charge in 15 minutes. Just 5 minutes of charging time result in an additional 6 hours of video playback.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cameras get massive upgrade

This is the big upgrade. Speculation about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera upgrades has been spreading online for years. The new Pro iPhone 18 models introduce a physical variable aperture in their 48MP fusion main camera, providing users with ultimate control over depth of field and low-light photography. Apple says it included laser-cut components thinner than a human hair to pull this off.

In addition to the anticipated variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have new Pro Controls for more professional photo and video outputs.

Credit: Apple

Apple also introduced Apple Reference Image, which signs photo data on each image to confirm what was actually in the shot.

Smaller Dynamic Island: The Dynamic Island has been shrunk, while simultaneously gaining additional functionality with 3-in-1 activity display.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max prices

The iPhone 18 Pro will launch at a starting price of $1,199, while the iPhone Pro Max will start at $1,299.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Starting at $1,199

This is a developing story...

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park

iPhone 18 Pro price report: Apple confirms price hikes

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:47:03 +0000

Last month, we reported that Apple would likely be raising iPhone prices after raising MacBook and iPad prices earlier this summer. And now that the annual September Apple event is here, we can confirm that the iPhone 18 Pro line has fallen victim to price hikes.

We speculated that Apple might raise phone prices by $100 to stay in line with Samsung's and Google's increases — or, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said, that Apple might feel like it could get away with higher price hikes than competitors thanks to the company's new Upgrade program. Apple's "Surprise and Shine" keynote has confirmed a $100 increase for the Pro and Pro Max models.

How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced on Sept. 9. The base model iPhone 18 will be announced at a later date. The new phones have the following MSRPs:

iPhone 18 Pro: Starting at $1,199 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro)
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Starting at $1,299 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max)

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Samsung’s powerhouse Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra just hit a record-low — grab it for under $1,800

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:00:01 +0000

SAVE $300: As of Sept. 9, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (256GB) is down to its lowest price since launch. Snag one on Amazon for $1,799.99 down from its $2,099.99 list price — a 14% savings.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

$1,799.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $300.00

Amazon dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (256GB) to $1,799.99 — a 14% discount off its hefty $2,099.99 retail price. Saving a full $300, this deal marks the lowest price since launch on Samsung's premier folding phone.

The real draw of the Z Fold 8 Ultra is how easily it opens up from a standard phone into a bright, tablet-sized display built for productivity. You can run up to three apps side by side, letting you handle emails, review documents, and engage in video calls all at once without switching windows. Samsung’s built-in AI even learns your daily routines to predict and suggest the exact apps you'll want to open next.

In his hands-on testing, Mashable reviewer Alex Perry gave the Z Fold 8 Ultra a 4.2 out of 5 rating, calling it "the best foldable form factor" on the market. He noted that "the thin chassis, gorgeous displays, and newly improved battery go a long way towards making it a very good phone," highlighting that it also remains "extremely comfortable" in the hands.

His biggest praise went to the new 5,000mAh battery — a welcome bump from the 4,400mAh cell in the Z Fold 7. In Mashable's video test, it churned out 24 hours of continuous playback, fixing what Alex called last year's "biggest downfall".

Unlike earlier foldables that compromised on camera hardware, the Z Fold 8 Ultra packs a flagship 200MP main sensor paired with an upgraded 50MP ultra-wide lens, giving you crisp extreme close-ups and wide landscape shots without sacrificing detail. Performance is powered by Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, handling intensive mobile gaming and AI tasks with zero lag.

Head to Amazon to score the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra for $1,799.99 and get Samsung's top foldable at a far more palatable price point.

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iPhone 18 Pro and Duo colors reportedly revealed

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:38:05 +0000

Apple's iPhone 18 event is almost upon us, and we're still hearing new rumors about the devices just hours before the big show.

Bloomberg reporter and well-connected Apple insider Mark Gurman shared news on X on Wednesday morning about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo devices, specifically, which colors will be available. Gurman's latest report matches months of rumors, and he says the traditional iPhone 18 Pro will be available in light blue, black, burgundy, and silver. The foldable iPhone Duo, on the other hand, will only available in dark blue and white varieties.

Gurman is also responsible for breaking the iPhone Duo's name, which we had been calling the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra in the months leading up to the event on Wednesday. He's usually right about these things, so these colors seem like very safe bets.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Meet the foldable iPhone Duo: The devices name and cost reportedly revealed

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:00:03 +0000

Updated on Sept. 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET — Apple finally unveiled the iPhone Duo, ending months (years, really) of speculation. Read our full story on the launch of the foldable iPhone Duo.

The foldable iPhone Ultra is finally here. Wait. Scratch that. Apple's first folding iPhone is apparently not going by that name anymore. And along with a new name, the foldable will apparently be more affordable than expected, too.

On the eve of the Apple iPhone launch event, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman dropped some big news about Apple's foldable iPhone. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 line, along with the foldable smartphone, at the big "Surprise and Shine" event later today.

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Apple has reportedly decided to call the foldable the "iPhone Duo."

The foldable device has been referred to by Apple insiders, analysts, and leakers for months as the iPhone Ultra, so this is a bit of a surprise. The iPhone Duo does seem to fit a bit better as a name, as it's not technically a premium iPhone 18 experience as "Ultra" tends to convey. It's a whole new product line for Apple.

If you really liked the iPhone Ultra name and are disappointed by the news, Gurman reported some additional updates that may act as a consolation for the name change.

The iPhone Duo is expected to launch with a retail price of $2,000. That's several hundred dollars less than most analysts expected. The launch price was recently pegged at around $2,300 with an average cost of $2,550.

We will know more about the iPhone Duo very shortly when Apple officially announces the foldable device at the event.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park. See what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

6 last-minute Apple event rumors: iPhone price hikes, AirPods with cameras

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:53:40 +0000

In a handful of hours, Apple is holding its big annual September event. You'd think the rumor mill would slow down at some point, but it hasn't.

Everyone expects to see new iPhones and some other fun stuff as well. Those details are more or less set in stone. There are little things in the margins, though, such as device prices, colors, and specs, that are still leaking out ahead of time. Here are some last-minute rumors to catch up on before the show at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

We may have a name and price for the foldable iPhone

In a last-second report for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman revealed that the foldable iPhone will be called the iPhone Duo and will launch at $2,000 for 256GB of storage. That's quite a bit less than expected, and Gurman said that Apple will be eating some of the higher memory costs.

He also says the two colors for the device are white and a dark blue, and that shipments will come "as early as October." It should also have Apple Pencil support, per Gurman.

Leaked iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra cases, with one device notably missing

Last week, a handful of third-party phone accessory makers posted renders of cases for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra phones. While the renders are almost certainly not real photos of the phones, they do give us an idea of what to expect in terms of size and shape, especially for the foldable Ultra. As has been rumored for months, it appears to be a short, wide foldable with two cameras on the rear.

These iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max case leaks included four colors: deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue, all of which have been previously reported as colors for those devices. The only slightly weird thing here is that there are no renders of the base-model iPhone 18. It's becoming more and more expected around the tech world that Apple will wait until next spring to launch the base iPhone 18, giving the Pro and Ultra models more time to shine this fall.

No AirPods with cameras at "Surprise and Shine" event

In the same report where he revealed the foldable iPhone's name and price, Gurman also predicted that the rumored AirPods with cameras will not be released at today's event. Instead, Gurman said the new AirPods 5 will be revealed, with the camera-equipped AirPods Pro Ultra coming soon after.

A video of the new AirPods with cameras leaked back in August, suggesting a release is indeed imminent, even if it doesn't happen today.

Late-coming foldable iPhone specs

An earlier Gurman interview also contained some basic specs for the device, which line up with what we've been hearing for a while now. Gurman said to expect a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display. He also said the phone will have MagSafe support, which had been a big question mark prior to this interview. He compared the hinge to those on recent Samsung foldables, which means it likely won't be completely invisible, but it will be close enough.

Price hikes may not be as big as we thought

Following reports that the iPhone Duo could have an average price of over $2,500, and rumors that the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could see $200 to $300 price increases, the latest report from Gurman predicted softer price increases of around $100.

That would definitely be good news amid the global memory crisis, though Apple has been preparing us for iPhone price increases for months.

No major Apple Watch updates

We already reported that the new Apple Watch Series 12 (not to mention a new SE and Ultra) won't see major changes this year. However, we do have some tidbits, including the existence of a new health app designed to help the Apple Watch compete with trendy screen-free wearables like the Whoop and Oura ring.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 8 just dropped to its lowest price since launch — save $150 now

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:20:01 +0000

SAVE $150: As of Sept. 9, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB) is down to its lowest price since launch. Snag one from Amazon for $1,049.99 down from $1,199.99 — a 13% discount.

As of Sept. 9, Amazon has dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB) down to $1,049.99 — a 13% discount off its $1,199.99 list price. This deal marks the lowest price we've seen on Samsung's latest flip phone since its release.

Samsung refined the design on this generation to make it lighter and thinner than its predecessor, so it easily disappears into a pocket. The expanded, customizable cover screen lets you respond to texts, run app widgets, and access AI shortcuts without opening the phone. You can also prop the phone up hands-free to snap photos at any angle or record video.

It packs a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, giving you fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and quick photo processing. An upgraded 4,300 mAh battery delivers reliable daily runtime and fast-charging support. For iPhone switchers, Samsung has simplified the setup process to bring over your photos, contacts, passwords, and alarms in a few taps.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

$1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $150

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth gave the Galaxy Z Flip 8 a 4.25 out of 5 rating and a Mashable Selects award, calling it "an interesting phone in a time when most phones are aggressively boring." He singled out the lightweight frame, subtle crease, and customizable outer display as major wins, praising the pink colorway as "our favorite phone design in years."

However, he did point out that the 50MP main camera is "just OK" and the 10MP selfie camera could be eliminated in favor of using the cover screen preview. Despite those minor trade-offs, he concluded that "if you don't need a 200MP camera or 8K video recording... then this phone will suit your needs just fine."

Grab the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for $1,049.99 on Amazon and snag Samsung's sleekest flip phone for its best price yet.

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The brand-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 just hit its lowest price ever — save $250 right now

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:41:24 +0000

SAVE $250: As of Sept. 9, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) is down to its lowest price since launch. Snag one from Amazon for $1,649.99 down from $1,899.99 — a 13% discount.

Amazon has dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) down to $1,649.99 — a 13% discount off its original $1,899.99 list price. That lets you save $250 on Samsung’s latest flagship foldable smartphone, bringing it to its lowest price since launch.

Samsung redesigned this generation to feel less like having a heavy brick in your pocket and more like a standard smartphone when closed. Once you open it up, you get a massive, tablet-style main screen that’s bright enough to read in full sunlight. The outer and inner displays are both tuned to a wider aspect ratio, making reading books, streaming video, and typing feel completely natural instead of cramped.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth put the Galaxy Z Fold 8 through its paces and gave it a high 4.5 out of 5 score, along with a Mashable Choice Award. Calling it "the most exciting phone launch of the year," he noted that this stylish passport-style foldable is "undeniably fun to use and show off" and effectively "makes phones interesting again."

The Fold 8 packs a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, easily handling mobile games and multi-app multitasking without skipping a beat.

Powering everything is a 4,800 mAh battery built to last through a full day of heavy use, alongside fast charging to top you up quickly. If you’re currently using an iPhone, Samsung has also simplified the setup process so you can transfer over your contacts, photos, passwords, and alarms without losing anything in the move.

On the back, a 50MP dual-camera system lets you review photos on the large display right after taking them, and the built-in video stabilization locks onto the horizon so your video recordings stay smooth even if you’re moving around.

Timothy did point out that the 50MP cameras are "more mid than elite" and the ultra-thin frame can run "noticeably warm" under heavy workloads. Despite those minor trade-offs, he concluded that the Fold 8 is still "the best foldable I've tested yet," noting that "if you've been sitting on the foldable fence these last few years, the Z Fold 8 is a phone that makes it easy to get down."

Grab the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on Amazon for $1,649.99 today — deals at this price won't stay live long.

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Every rumored name for the foldable iPhone, as the Duo enters the chat

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:18:24 +0000

Apple's big "Surprise and Shine" event is almost upon us. One of the big announcements is almost certainly going to be a foldable iPhone, a first for Apple. But what will the phone actually be called?

No one knows yet at the time of publication, but there have been multiple names used regularly by tech media and rumor-mongers over the years. With mere hours to go until Apple shows off its latest wares, let's go over the most commonly used names for the foldable iPhone, and talk about which one is most likely to be correct.

Foldable iPhone: All the rumored names

On the even of the iPhone launch event, there are three names that most commonly come up in reporting around the unreleased device:

iPhone Fold
iPhone Ultra
iPhone Duo

We asked Mashable readers what they expect the device to be called in our Big Guessing Game, and 27 percent guessed the iPhone Fold, with another five percent guessing The Fold. Another 38 percent predicted the name would be the iPhone Ultra, with the final 30 percent choosing "Something else" as their answer.

For a long time, iPhone Fold was the name we used in articles about the rumored device. Makes sense, right? It's an iPhone that folds, after all. However, there are good reasons to explain why Apple would probably not use that name in practice. For starters, Samsung's foldables are also known as "Fold" devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung certainly doesn't have exclusive rights to use the word "Fold" as a proper noun, but Apple most likely doesn't want to confuse customers or draw direct comparisons to other devices. That's why I'm inclined to believe the phone is not called the iPhone Fold.

For most of the last several months, we've been going with "iPhone Ultra" in our reporting. That didn't come out of nowhere. Well-connected Apple reporter Mark Gurman said on X earlier this year that most Apple employees call it that internally, for example. MacWorld also reported that Apple is working on a new "Ultra" product tier that this phone would theoretically belong to. It really, really seems likely that the device is called iPhone Ultra, without the 18 numbering that the other new iPhones will have. But we'll have to wait and see.

That said, there have been some vague rumblings online that it might be called the iPhone Duo. It doesn't seem like there's a lot of firm reporting suggesting this, but it's definitely in the air as we get closer to the event. I would not be surprised at all if Apple pulled a minor bait-and-switch and went with Duo after months of basically everyone agreeing that it's Ultra.

We've also seen lots of variations on these themes, with possible names such as the iPhone Ultra Fold, or the iPhone 18 Ultra.

In less than 24 hours, we'll know for sure, one way or another.

6 products we expect at Apples event

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:10:38 +0000

Apple's Sept. 9 keynote is almost here, and it's shaping up to be one of the more consequential events on the company's calendar in recent memory.

Beyond the hardware itself, this will be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who has taken over for Tim Cook. While Ternus trained under Cook for months, he's been CEO for only eight days. Still, he has already teased what he called a "phenomenal" show in a memo to Apple staff.

Software-wise, the event could be seen as a sink-or-swim moment for Apple, as the company is continues to play catch-up with other Silicon Valley competitors. Apple has yet to deliver on Siri AI since its announcement way back in 2024, and the preview we got at WWDC 2026 was just that, a preview. All indicators, though, point to Siri AI finally launching alongside iOS 27.

Back to hardware. This year's event appears to be narrowly focused on Apple's premium smartphones. Rather than refreshing its entire product catalog at once, Apple looks set to concentrate September's announcements on the iPhone Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods, while pushing other updates — including new Macs, a revamped Apple TV, and a smarter HomePod — to a separate event later in the year. That, of course, hasn't stopped leaks, supply-chain reports, or beta-code snooping, so we have a fairly detailed preview of what's coming, including Apple's most significant iPhone redesign in years.

Based on that reporting, here's a look at the hardware most likely to take the stage on Sept. 9, along with what's probably being saved for later.

iPhone 18 Pro

Expect Apple's standard Pro model to lead the show, likely featuring a slightly revised Dynamic Island, a more unified back-glass design, and updated internals such as the A20 Pro chip and a new cellular modem. Camera upgrades are also expected to be a focus this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple's largest iPhone should follow the same playbook as the Pro, with reports pointing to a bigger battery and a marginally larger, heavier build to accommodate it. Some camera features, including a rumored variable-aperture system, may be reserved for this model alone.

iPhone Ultra (or iPhone Duo?)

Apple's first foldable phone remains the event's biggest question mark — right down to its name. While "iPhone Ultra" has been the working title in most reporting, recent leaks from case manufacturers have floated "iPhone Duo" as a possible alternative.

That naming rumor hasn't gained much traction elsewhere, though. Whatever it's called, expect a book-style foldable with dual displays, Touch ID, and a premium price tag well above the rest of Apple's iPhone lineup. Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra will cost around $2,000 to $2,500, which is a steep price for what is essentially a more portable tablet.

Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4

Apple's mainline smartwatch is expected to stick close to its current design this year, with bigger changes reportedly saved for a future redesign. Look for new colors and band options, along with incremental health and fitness upgrades. Apple's rugged, adventure-focused Watch Ultra should get its usual refresh alongside the Series 12, likely with similar under-the-hood improvements rather than a dramatic overhaul.

If that sounds like a disappointing update, don't fret. The Apple Watch is set for a major redesign — just not this year.

AirPods 5 (maybe camera AirPods too)

Rounding out the lineup, a new generation of AirPods is also expected to debut. The rumored camera-equipped AirPods might not make an appearance, however, and Mark Gurman reports that AirPods 5 will be another iterative update. The lineup is expected to include a base model and a version with active noise cancellation.

However, the camera-equipped AirPod are reportedly in development, with Apple said to be fast-tracking their release. Whatever the case, if they don't appear at the Sept. 9 event, they could be released in October alongside Apple's lineup of non-iPhone products.

iOS 27 code reveals 5 new potential camera features

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:38:46 +0000

Apple's public iOS 27 betas may not tell the whole story of what's coming to the iPhone's Camera app.

According to developer pdfu, who goes by @itspdfu on X, the current software contains a broader set of camera-related code than what Apple has shown off publicly or made accessible to beta testers so far. Posting ahead of Apple's iPhone event, pdfu detailed five Camera app features found buried in the iOS 27 code that have yet to be enabled for users.

None of the five features has been confirmed by Apple, and code found in beta software doesn't guarantee a feature will ship, or ship soon. Still, several of these tools — particularly the aperture-blending system — align with earlier reporting about variable-aperture camera hardware expected in this year's iPhone lineup and could offer an early hint of what Apple's Camera app has in store as more of iOS 27 becomes public.

Exposure scopes

The first find is a more advanced set of exposure tools built directly into the Camera app: waveform and histogram views. Per pdfu's breakdown, these are meant to help users judge exposure more precisely across different shooting formats. Normally, these tools are generally seen with prosumer video and photo editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom rather than a phone's native camera app.

The feature doesn't appear to be user-facing yet, but pdfu demonstrated it running against sample images, showing both waveform and histogram readouts updating alongside an exposure slider.

Focus peaking and highlight-clipping overlays

The second feature pairs two overlays aimed at more precise manual shooting. Focus peaking highlights edges with strong contrast to show what's actually in focus, while a highlight-clipping overlay flags areas of an image that are becoming overexposed.

Once enabled, the two overlays can be displayed either separately or simultaneously in the camera preview, and demo images shared in the thread show the difference between a normal preview and one with each overlay active.

Burst-style timed captures

The third feature expands the Camera app's self-timer capabilities. Rather than triggering a single delayed photo, the code allows users to set a specific number of repeat captures, each preceded by its own countdown at a chosen duration.

Pdfu noted that the timer resets automatically between captures, effectively turning the self-timer into a mini burst-capture tool — though this functionality currently appears to be disabled.

Manual focus

A fourth feature revives manual focus controls for the Camera app, letting users directly adjust lens position rather than relying on autofocus. According to pdfu, Apple has been testing this capability on iOS 26 and iOS 27, but accessing it currently requires a compatible iPhone that originally shipped with iOS 27, meaning it will be a feature exclusive to the iPhone 18 lineup.

Aperture-dependent optical processing

The final, and perhaps most notable, discovery concerns how iOS 27 handles lens correction data. According to pdfu, the code allows the system to select and blend calibration data based on aperture value, pulling correction data from neighboring aperture settings and combining it in varying ratios depending on where the lens is set.

In plainer terms, because camera lenses aren't perfectly precise, camera software will keep a "correction map" to digitally straighten out a photo depending on the aperture setting used. Normally, most phones have one correction map cause the aperture doesn't change. However, if pdfu's deep dive into the code is accurate, the implication is that the new iPhone has a variable physical aperture that can be opened or closed to varying degrees.

It's a feature that's been the subject of separate rumors about this year's iPhone camera hardware, but nothing is confirmed until tomorrow's event.

Apples first foldable: What 3 years with a Fold taught me

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:56:11 +0000

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone could be here very soon, and there's a playbook already written for it. I've used a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold as my daily phone for three years, so I know exactly what makes a foldable worth it. Here's what Apple needs to nail: multitasking, screen software, desktop mode, durability, cameras and the price.

Read more about Apple's upcoming iPhones: What would really 'surprise' at Apple’s iPhone event
3 last-minute Apple iPhone 18 event rumors

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
1:00 Apple busts
2:00 My foldable
3:00 Samsung DEX
4:00 Apple upgrade
5:00 Durability
6:00 The foldable phone crease

Video credits
Hosted and scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer and camera: Carly Marsh
Video editor: Wes Ott
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

Review: Google Pixel 11 Pro HiLight is a dud, but the cameras make up for it

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 09:30:00 +0000

Google didn't really bring the heat with most of the Pixel 11 lineup this year. The base Pixel model and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold are both totally fine, but they don't stand out among the competition thanks to minor and unremarkable changes.

That's mostly true for the flagship Pixel 11 Pro as well, but what it lacks in incredible innovations, it makes up for in being a very good, very easy-to-use Android device with excellent cameras. Photography is fun on the Pixel 11 Pro, which is not something I feel about many handsets these days. A combination of hardware and software makes your images consistently look nice, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Between that and acceptable levels of performance and battery life, the new Pro is the smartphone I recommend getting in the Pixel 11 lineup. Just don't buy it for HiLight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: The inevitable price increase

Nice display. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Despite filling the lede for review with a bunch of praise for the phone, I'm going to pivot right away into something I dislike about it: the starting price. At $1,099, it's $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro was at launch. There are some caveats to that, as I'll cover momentarily, but the fact of the matter is that you can't get a Pixel 11 Pro for (technically) less than $1,000 anymore. That stinks.

But at least the colors this year are nice: Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian. I reviewed the Canyon model and I found it pretty easy on the eyes. Here are the basic specs for the Pixel 11 Pro:

Display: 6.3 inches with 1280x2586 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness
Processor: Google Tensor G6
RAM: 12/16GB
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB
Battery: 4,850mAh
Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto
Front camera: 42MP

Alright, so, there are a few things to clarify here. The display's size and resolution haven't changed at all since the Pixel 10 Pro, but the peak brightness has, with an extra 300 nits on this year's device to boost daytime performance. In outdoor usage, I had no problem clearly seeing what was on the screen, so I'd say that little boost did its job. The base Pixel 11 didn't get the same upgrade, so that's one of the things you get for the extra money.

Camera bar is a little thick. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

One major drawback, though, is that Google has cut the RAM on the lowest-end model to 12GB. Last year, you could get a Pixel 10 Pro with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. This year, the 256GB model is tied to 12GB of RAM, while the 512GB and 1TB models get those four extra gigs of memory. I totally get that we live in the world of RAMageddon, but it still blows to see a phone downgrade year-over-year like that. I guess I should get used to it.

HiLight doesn't impress me much

HiLight is a little light module built into the camera bar on Pixel 11 Pro devices. This is supposed to be the one major hardware innovation this year, but I just don't see it. It only lights up when Gemini is in use or when someone calls you on the phone, two use cases that almost never happen in my life (aside from spam calls). It's theoretically a decent way to notify the user that something is up when the phone is turned over, but as it is right now, HiLight is a dud.

Lastly, I'll mention that the camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro is much bulkier than on the base model. That's not a huge deal, especially if you put a case on the phone, but it is noticeable if you happen to have used both phones.

HiLight stinks. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Performance

I would describe the Pixel 11 Pro as "performant." Everything loads quickly and smoothly, and on-device AI tasks process in just a few seconds. It's not outstanding among other flagship smartphones, but these days, it's almost impossible for everyday performance to do that. Every phone is fast now. It's great.

Weirdly, the Geekbench 7 benchmarking software didn't agree with my IRL assessment. The Pixel 11 Pro got stunningly low scores on the test I ran: 1,448 for single-core CPU testing and 4,642 for multi-core testing. That's multiple thousands of points worse than the base Pixel 11, but I swear there is not a meaningful difference in practical use. Google's Tensor chips have always underperformed in Geekbench tests, so I'm guessing there's just something odd happening here that isn't really reflective of reality.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: AI features

One nice thing Google does is provide AI feature parity across its entire device lineup each year, and the Pixel 11 series is no different. As with the base Pixel 11 and the Pro Fold, the Pixel 11 Pro will use contextual on-screen prompts, such as a text message someone sent about a restaurant reservation, to surface relevant information or create calendar entries for you. These aren't exactly life-changing features, but they might save you a little bit of time.

The real AI juice this year is in Magic Capture and Rambler. Magic Capture is a new capture mode built into the Camera app that works the same as recording video, but once you're done recording, the phone will slice up the video into several clear, pristine still images for you, complete with automatic cropping and unblurring. I have found this great for getting good photos of pigeons around New York City, as they're fidgety and quick to scatter if you move too suddenly or get too close.

This guy really didn't want to be my friend. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'm as big an AI skeptic as there is, but Magic Capture works for me because it's genuinely useful and isn't really trying to replace any of your cognitive functions. It's not creating new information; it's just giving you usable still images from videos.

Rambler, meanwhile, is a new function built into Gboard that's able to clean up your speech-to-text recordings. If you're prone to "umms" and changing direction mid-sentence, Rambler does a nice job of turning whatever nonsense you give it into a readable sentence. I imagine this will be a godsend for people who like to dictate their text messages.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Battery life

Who among us doesn't like lying flat on our faces? Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google rates each Pixel 11 device for 30 hours of battery life, and in my testing, that's about what I got out of them. The Pixel 11 Pro is no different.

Our testing method involves playing an HD video in full-screen on the device until it dies. Using that rubric, I got about 29.5 hours of juice out of the Pixel 11 Pro. As always, there are plenty of ways to squeeze even more life out of a phone, such as turning off 120Hz support and using battery-saving modes. I am confident you can go more than a full day without charging this phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: The camera test

The real reason to get a Pixel 11 Pro (and this is true most years of the Pixel Pro phones) is the camera array. The rear cameras may not wow you with giant megapixel counts, but between the hardware and Google's patented software magic, it's so easy for even someone like me who knows nothing about photography to get great photos on a Pixel 11 Pro.

Every photo I took came out looking roughly like this, with clarity, vividness, and great color accuracy.

These won't be in bloom for long. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Fall is almost here. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Night Sight is excellent, too. These plants are nigh-invisible at night, but with Night Sight, it looks like I photographed them during the day.

Left: No Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Right: Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'm always a fan of macro photography, and the Pixel 11 Pro takes pristine shots of things like plants up close and personal.

Macro rocks. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'd also like to shout out the digital zoom, which Google upped to 120x this year after it topped out at 100x on Pixel 10 Pro. This has been my favorite parlor trick on Pixel phones for a few years now. It's really amazing how good photos taken from super far away can look on this device. In the image on the left, you can't even see the church steeple that's the subject of the image on the right, but I was standing in the same place, looking in the same direction for both shots.

Nothing to see here, right? Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

It's not perfect, but for 120x zoom, that's really good. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Between all of that and the addition of Magic Capture, this is a great phone for photography.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: The verdict

In case it wasn't clear, if you absolutely must have a phone from the Pixel 11 series and the extra money is not a hurdle for you, I'd recommend the Pixel 11 Pro. It's just a rock-solid Android phone with a really great photography suite. Sure, HiLight is a bust, and the camera bar is a little bulky relative to the base Pixel 11, but those are compromises that are worth living with if you want the best Pixel 11 phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro

$1,099 at Best Buy

5 Siri AI and iOS 27 features we’re looking forward to

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 09:15:00 +0000

We are just days away from Apple's big September iPhone event. That means that along with new iPhones, the official launch of iOS 27 is just around the corner.

Even if you're not planning to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro or Apple's first foldable device, the new iOS 27 is packed with new features that will make your current smartphone feel brand new, including the long-awaited debut of Siri AI.

If you've installed the iOS 27 beta, then you might already have these features on your iPhone. But, if you're waiting for the official release, here are some of the top iOS 27 features you should be looking forward to.

Siri AI

This is the big one. Apple announced plans for a completely rebuilt Siri assistant years ago. Now, they're finally going to launch Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, with iOS 27.

For the first time, Siri now has its own app where users can type or speak to interact with the AI assistant. Users can still interact with Siri AI from anywhere on the device by just saying "Hey Siri," holding the iPhone's side button, or swiping down on the Dynamic Island. However, Siri AI will now live within its app too, where users can pull up past interactions and conversations with Siri.

Once a user accesses Siri AI, they can ask well beyond just general questions like how the weather is outside. They can even dive deeper than asking for real-time updates from online sources. Siri can now pull contextual information from the user themself to answer questions. Siri can pull answers from a user's emails, calendars, documents, notes, photos, and more.

There are even new tools within Siri AI as well, such as Write with Siri, in which a user can speak to Siri AI, and the assistant will generate text based on what the user asked for.

Visual Intelligence

Speaking of Siri AI tools, this one deserves a callout of its own.

Visual Intelligence is a new iOS 27 feature that gives Siri AI the ability to answer questions based on what's right in front of the user. Simply point your iPhone camera at a movie on TV or a meal on the table, and Siri AI will be able to answer whatever questions you may have about it.

Users can also use Visual Intelligence to ask questions about photos, videos, or whatever else is on their iPhone screen as well.

Three new major AI photo editing tools (finally)

Apple Photos is getting a big upgrade with three new editing tools that will honestly make it feel like you've just upgraded to a new camera.

The biggest of the new features is Spatial Reframing. Using AI and the spatial data captured when snapping a photo, you can now change the angle and perspective of a picture after you've already taken it.

Extend is another new photo editing feature that uses AI to basically zoom out on a photo and generate more of the surroundings than what was captured in the original picture.

Finally, Clean Up is an improvement on a similar functionality that was already available on iOS devices. Just circle an object in a photo with your finger and Clean Up will remove the object.

Image Playground

Image Playground is getting real.

Previously, the AI photo generation tool was mostly seen as a toy where users could generate cartoonish images. Now, Image Playground will be able to generate much more realistic photos as well.

Users will also be able to combine multiple different image elements and make additional edits via prompts to generate images.

New customization options

iOS 27 will introduce a new Liquid Glass slider, making it easier to adapt the transparency settings to your liking. In addition, if you have a relatively new iPhone, you'll also be able to customize Siri's voice.

Credit: Apple / Mashable Photo Composite

Shortcuts update

There are quite a few updates to existing apps and features in iOS 27. If you want to read more about those, you can check them out in Mashable's previous iOS 27 and Siri AI coverage (here and here).

However, one upgrade to an existing feature feels like a whole new experience, so we think it deserves a standalone mention.

Apple has reimagined Shortcuts, perhaps one of the iPhone's lesser-used features, to make it much more welcoming to the average iPhone user. Shortcuts allow the user to set up a chain of commands or automated actions. It's supposed to make complicated processes easier; however, the initial manual setup is fairly intimidating to non-technical people.

With iOS 27, users will now be able to describe exactly what automation they want to setup with Shortcuts, and then Shortcuts will handle the entire setup process.

Bonus: Multitasking on the iPhone Ultra

If you're planning to get the first-ever Apple foldable, then you'll be able to use your iPhone more like a tablet. The larger inner screen will allow you to run multiple apps side-by-side, enabling new ways to multitask on your phone. While we haven't been able to preview these features in the iOS 27 beta yet, we know they're coming thanks to hints in the code and other leaks.

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3 last-minute Apple iPhone 18 event rumors

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:41:23 +0000

In less than a week, Apple is holding its big annual September event. You'd think the rumor mill would slow down at some point, but it hasn't.

Everyone expects to see four new iPhones and some other fun stuff as well. Those details are more or less set in stone. There are little things in the margins, though, such as device prices, colors, and specs, that are still leaking out ahead of time. Here are three last-minute rumors to catch up on before the show on Sept. 9.

Leaked iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra cases, with one device notably missing

Earlier this week, a handful of third-party phone accessory makers posted renders of cases for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra phones. While the renders are almost certainly not real photos of the phones, they do give us an idea of what to expect in terms of size and shape, especially for the foldable Ultra. As has been rumored for months, it appears to be a short, wide foldable with two cameras on the rear.

Some possible info on iPhone Ultra prices

Everyone wants to know how much these phones will cost, especially the iPhone Ultra, as it's the only one without a 2025 model to compare it to directly. Thanks to RAMageddon, it's easy to assume that the Pro and Pro Max models will cost a little bit more than their iPhone 17 counterparts.

We have some new information about the Ultra’s price, courtesy of various retail listings and market research reports. EVDownunder on X (via PhoneArena) got pricing information from Vodafone Australia suggesting that the iPhone Ultra will retail for about $2,600 USD, accounting for currency conversion. That roughly lines up with a new report from the market research firm International Data Corporation, which pegged the phone's price at around $2,550.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg's Apple guru Mark Gurman said in an interview this week that he expects the phone to retail for at least $2,000. At any rate, it would be shocking if the phone's price didn't start with the number 2.

Last-minute iPhone Ultra specs

That Gurman interview also contained some basic specs for the device, which line up with what we've been hearing for a while now. Gurman said to expect a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display. He also said the phone will have MagSafe support, which had been a big question mark prior to this interview. He compared the hinge to those found on recent Samsung foldables, which means it likely won't be completely invisible, but close enough to it.

Perhaps most interestingly, Gurman claims the iPhone Ultra won't suffer a major delay. He expects it to be available within weeks of the Sept. 9 event, around the same time the Pro and Pro Max devices launch. There had been some expectation of a delay around the tech world, perhaps due to manufacturing costs, but Gurman says that isn't happening.

The latest iPhone Ultra rumors and leaks: Everything we know about Apples first foldable

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:30:00 +0000

Updated on Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. ET – At its fall iPhone event, Apple officially revealed the foldable iPhone Duo, which will be available for $1,999 in October. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were also announced, and those phones will be released Sept. 18. Read our guide to the latest rumors about the iPhone 20.

At this point, the foldable iPhone is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley. Apple kept a tight lid on its first-ever foldable phone right up until dropping the iOS 27 developer beta, which includes some direct and indirect references to the iPhone Ultra (also rumored to be called the iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra Fold, or something else entirely).

Early adopters already love foldables — and they have plenty of options — but Apple's been notably absent from the genre. However, don't count Apple out. The company has a history of showing up late to the party and then absolutely cornering the market, as it did with AirPods and iPhones.

As we await official details, here's everything we know about the first foldable iPhone, including the latest rumors, specifications, release date, and pricing.

When will the iPhone Ultra be released?

Apple has officially confirmed an event for Sept. 9, where we're almost certain the iPhone 18 lineup will be unveiled. It's at this event where most expect the iPhone Ultra to make its real debut.

We think the iPhone Ultra will arrive on store shelves in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Numerous rumors pointed to this over the last year. Our best guess? We expect the iPhone Ultra to be released around Sept. 19; that's when the iPhone 17 launched last year.

Previous rumors suggested a delayed release schedule. Tech analyst named Tim Long claimed that shipments of the iPhone Ultra wouldn't begin until December, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman threw cold water on this rumor. And Gurman seems to have a crystal ball looking right into Apple headquarters these days.

A recent report out of Australia (via the Chinese supply chain) also claimed that the iPhone Ultra will be available right after launch in the U.S., though it might get rolled out to other markets a bit later.

What will the iPhone Ultra look like?

We've seen a lot of iPhone Ultra leaks over the past year, but the most recent leak comes courtesy of YouTuber Unbox Therapy, which claims to have received dummy units from China. These leaks line up perfectly with the latest iPhone Ultra rumors and previous leaks.

The iPhone Ultra will have an aspect ratio and shape very similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but with more rounded corners. The rear of the device looks more like a Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, however. We believe the passport-shaped phone will have an external 5.5-inch OLED display and an internal 7.8-inch display. Leaks show two cameras on the rear of the device.

In addition to the Unboxed Therapy leak, the casemaker Benks has already posted product listings for iPhone Ultra phone cases.

Credit: Benks

Finally, leaker Instant Digital reported earlier this year that the Ultra will have volume buttons on the top of the device rather than the side. "The volume buttons are not on the left side," reads a translation of the post. "Instead, they are placed directly on the top of the right-side frame (similar to the volume button layout on the top of the iPad mini). This may take some getting used to for users’ typical phone habits."

How much will the iPhone Ultra cost, and will people buy it?

The iPhone Ultra is likely to be expensive. An early estimate from research analyst Arthur Liao suggested the price tag for the Ultra — gulp — could come in around $2,399. Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone Ultra is likely to retail between $2,000 and $2,500; recently, Kuo narrowed that down to $2,300 — $2,500. Finally, the International Data Corporation recently reported that the iPhone Ultra will have an average price of $2,550.

Despite the sizable cost (the flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced at $1,899.99), sales expectations remain high. The IDC report estimated Apple would siphon 40 percent of the spending in the foldable market in 2026 and ship 17 million Ultras by the end of 2027.

"Apple’s entry into the foldable market has done more than reignite growth in a category that was losing momentum," wrote Nabila Popal, an IDC Senior Research Director, in a recent report. "With an average selling price exceeding $2,550, Apple is expected to generate more than $45.7 billion in value and account for over half of the category’s total value. Perhaps most notably, Apple is positioned to challenge Huawei and Samsung for leadership in markets where they have long dominated, an extraordinary outcome for a product expected to be less than two years into its lifecycle."

As of early September, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is predicting a price tag of at least $2,000.

The iPhone Ultra's potential specs

What would you want to see in a foldable iPhone design? Let us know in the comments. Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

Based on all the available leaks, the iPhone Ultra specs could look something like this:

Displays: 7.8-inch inner OLED display, 5.5-inch outer OLED display
Thickness: 9.5mm unfolded, 4.5mm when folded
Security: Touch ID
Processor: A20 processor
Cameras: Dual rear cameras (48MP), dual inner/outer front cameras
Price: $2,399
Battery: At least 5,088 mAh

The foldable iPhone will be a book-style foldable with four cameras — two on the back, one on the inside, and one front selfie camera. Gurman also predicted it would use Touch ID like the iPad Air and Pro, even though iPhones typically use Face ID. All the recent leaks back up Gurman's reporting.

The smartphone market is already adapting to the expected size of the iPhone Ultra. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which launched in July, is exactly that: A wider-than-usual foldable that looks like a proper tablet when unfolded. Huawei was the first to market with a wide foldable, though the Pura X Max is only available overseas.

We've seen several reports claiming that Apple has invested heavily in the iPhone Ultra's display and hinge. It should be very durable, thin, and with a barely visible crease, similar to the recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold devices. Samsung Display is reportedly producing the OLED displays for the iPhone Ultra, as Samsung's got the best flexible display tech in the game. There's a reason Samsung released the Galaxy TriFold while the world is still waiting on the first foldable iPhone.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this year that the iPhone Ultra would have a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, and measure in at just 9 to 9.5mm of thickness. Mark Gurman backed up these exact specs in September, just days before the big event. Rumors also indicate that Apple is using liquid metal for the phone's hinge, which should improve durability.

In a recent update, Gurman claimed that some early testers were pleased with how the Ultra performed, in particular with its look and feel, as well as the quality of its hinge. The camera, which doesn't have a telephoto unit, left something to be desired, the report said. Gurman's report confirms a lot of these rumored specs, and he reports that early testers also liked the more iPad-like UX and homescreen layout on the Ultra.

What about the cameras and battery?

Leaker Instant Digital has made some interesting claims. Most notably, Instant Digital has said the iPhone Ultra will have the largest-ever iPhone battery. (For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is estimated to have a roughly 5,088 mAh battery.)

Instant Digital's also stated, "The rear dual camera + right-side microphone + flash are arranged horizontally. The camera module appears to be fully black and does not match the body color. Currently, the only confirmed color is white, but it is expected that Apple will launch two color options."

Other sources have confirmed the iPhone Ultra's dual-camera configuration, consisting of a regular and an ultra-wide camera.

What does the iOS 27 beta tell us about the iPhone Ultra?

The iPhone Ultra isn't (yet) an official device. We do know a lot about it, but mostly via rumors, whispers, and reports coming out of Apple's supply chain.

But with the first iOS 27 developer beta, we finally learned some actual clues about the iPhone Ultra's existence. Software researcher M1Astra dug through the code (via Bloomberg) and found code that determines whether a device is folded or unfolded. Strings like “mechanicalAngleDegrees” and “angleDegrees" point to Apple fine-tuning the experience depending on how widely a foldable device is open. Researcher Sam Henri Gold found similar clues in the code.

That's not all. Certain widgets, such as Music, News, and Weather, can now be configured to take up the majority of the iPhone's display. That split-view doesn't make a ton of sense on a regular iPhone (you'd probably just want to have one app open instead), but on an iPhone Ultra, such a widget could occupy one side of the display while you do something else on the other.

Apple seems to be preparing developers to handle a larger variety of form factors. Credit: Apple

Then, at WWDC 2026, Apple's Senior VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, pointed out a developer-specific feature called the Device Hub, which allows developers to simulate their apps in different screen configurations.

Finally, Macworld found references in the code suggesting a device that has both the Dynamic Island and a Touch ID; such a device does not exist today, but the iPhone Ultra is rumored to have both.

What will the foldable iPhone be called?

Up until recently, most of the tech world has simply called the unannounced device the "iPhone Fold" or "iPhone Ultra." However, since it's not a confirmed product yet, it's very possible that the phone will have a different name at launch.

Most tech reporters have settled on the name iPhone Ultra, and that's what we're using until Apple tells us different.

All the iPhone Ultra leaks we've seen so far

In December 2025, we saw lots of alleged iPhone Ultra renders circulating on social media, which all share a similar design.

In February, a leaker known as Instant Digital posted some alleged renders of the iPhone to the Chinese social media site Weibo. Like most leaks, especially the ones pertaining to Apple, we can't confirm their authenticity. However, they align with earlier reports of the phone's overall look.

Apple leaker Sonny Dickson also shared another potential iPhone Ultra render in March 2026.

Dickson shared more purported dummy units of the iPhone Ultra in April, giving those renders a bit more physicality than they had before.

April was fairly bounteous in terms of iPhone Ultra leaks. Aside from Dickson's dummy units, YouTuber Vincent Zhong got his hands on the newly released (in Asia) Huawei Pura X Max Wide. This Chinese phone was one of the first real "wide foldables" to hit the market. It matches the overall design of iPhone Ultra leaks, and its screen dimensions are almost exactly the same as the alleged dimensions of the Ultra.

While the iPhone Ultra will almost certainly look different from Huawei's device, Zhong's hands-on video gives us a decent idea of what to expect from the iPhone Ultra as a physical object in your hands.

We've also gotten some interesting dummy photos from tech leaker Majin Bu on X. In these photos, the dummy units look very similar to what we've seen in other recent leaks. In other words, it looks like a shorter, more book-style foldable than previous foldables. It looks like it'll also support MagSafe cases.

In June, a leaker on Weibo known as Ice Universe claimed to have the ultimate prize, a photo of the actual iPhone Ultra in white, though we believe the device in the photo is merely another dummy unit.

What else do we know about the iPhone Ultra?

Beyond physical design, another recent report suggested you'll be able to run multiple apps side-by-side when the phone is unfolded, sort of like multitasking on iPadOS 26. However, by all accounts, this device will run iOS, not iPadOS, so you won't exactly get a full iPad experience from the iPhone Ultra. (Apps that are designed to run natively in iPadOS, for example, would not be compatible.)

Finally, even though the iPhone Ultra is still in the realm of fantasy, there are already rumors about a follow-up, clamshell-style foldable from Apple, potentially called the iPhone Flip. That one probably isn't coming until next year at the earliest, though.

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Foldable iPhone Ultra projected to have an average cost of $2,550

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:40:13 +0000

Just how much will the foldable iPhone Ultra cost? That's the biggest lingering question ahead of Apple's big iPhone launch event on Sept. 9.

Leaks point to a price of $2,000 or more, and now, a new report from the analysts at the market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC) projects an average selling price of $2,550. The IDC has a solid reputation and is well known for its mobile market research in particular.

The foldable iPhone Ultra is a brand new product category for Apple, so there's no baseline to say how much it could cost. However, the latest IDC report backs reports that the iPhone Ultra will launch at above $2,000.

We should note that the iPhone Ultra won't necessarily set you back $2,550. The average selling price could be quite a bit higher than the starting price, as many consumers will pay more for configurations with more storage. Despite the high price, the IDC projects that Apple will sell more than 17 million iPhone Ultras by the end of 2027 and bring in more than $45.7 billion from the foldable.

"Apple’s entry into the foldable market has done more than reignite growth in a category that was losing momentum," said Nabila Popal, Senior Research Director of IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker in a statement. "It has fundamentally altered the market’s trajectory. Without Apple, foldable shipments would have declined at a double-digit rate year over year."

The $2,550 estimate gives us a clearer idea of what to expect from the iPhone Ultra. Some Apple analysts have projected a $2,399 launch price for the iPhone Ultra, and it could cost up to $3,000 with more storage.

IDC projects that Apple will capture around 40 percent of the global foldable market and account for more than half of the total value of foldables.

According to the IDC, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be such a hit that it will propel the foldable market forward as the only mobile category that experiences growth in 2026. The firm expects the rest of the global smartphone market to decline this year due to higher prices driven by ongoing global memory shortages.

"Perhaps most notably, Apple is positioned to challenge Huawei and Samsung for leadership in markets where they have long dominated, an extraordinary outcome for a product expected to be less than two years into its lifecycle," Popal said.

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The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, new colors

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:52:02 +0000

Updated on Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. ET – The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were announced on Sept. 9, and the phones will be released Sept. 18. Apple also announced the October launch of the foldable iPhone Duo. You can also read our guide to the latest rumors about the iPhone 20.

Apple's flagship smartphone hasn't taken a year off from its updates since 2007, and barring a massive surprise, 2026 won't be different — but according to the latest iPhone 18 rumors, there will be a twist this year.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is widely expected to launch a new lineup of iPhones later this year, including the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone Ultra, the company's first-ever foldable. We're also preparing for the updated operating system, iOS 27, and Siri AI. However, the regular iPhone 18, the 18e, and the new iPhone Air may not arrive until March 2027.

We should know for sure next week, as Apple recently confirmed its fall iPhone launch event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9. One of Mashable's reporters received an invite to the big show, and we'll be reporting live from Apple Park. This year's event has the tagline, "Surprise and Shine."

As we await the Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" launch event, even more iPhone 18 rumors continue to trickle out. Ahead of the big reveal, here's everything we know so far about the upcoming Apple smartphones.

iPhone 18 lineup pricing

On Sept. 9, expect to see new Apple CEO John Ternus take the stage for the keynote. The devices he introduces, alas, may put more of a dent in your wallet.

Thanks to the ongoing RAM shortage caused by the AI industry (aka RAMageddon), tons of smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are seeing huge price hikes. Experts who've spoken to Mashable say that trend isn't going to stop anytime soon.

As the world's number-one smartphone maker, Apple has advantages over its rivals, but a price increase is extremely likely. Apple recently raised prices on a variety of its products, and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook even took the unusual step of preparing us for a pricier iPhone.

"Price increases are unavoidable," Cook told the Wall Street Journal in a June interview. The Journal quoted an analysis showing that the memory chip components in the iPhone 18 Pro will cost Apple $150 more than those in the iPhone 17 Pro. For context, the market intelligence firm International Data Corporation just reported that Apple's memory costs for the iPhone have spiked by 400 percent.

Expect the phones to cost at least $100 to $150 more than their predecessors (check the iPhone 17 prices for reference). The Journal estimated the iPhone 18 Pro could cost $1,399, or $300 more than last year. Apple analysts are coming to similar conclusions; one research note seen by 9to5Mac predicted $250 to $300 price increases.

iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Ultra launch dates

The iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones at last year's iPhone launch event. Credit: CNET

Barring a huge turn under Ternus, we believe Apple will announce the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra on Sept. 9, followed by a release in mid-September. Last year, the iPhone 17 Pro Max was available in stores Sept. 19, for reference.

The iPhone 18, however, alongside the cheaper iPhone 18e, and the next-gen iPhone Air, are rumored to come next year, likely in March 2027. This possible delayed release is backed up a recent spanner-in-the-works report, which found several third-party companies have gone live with smartphone cases for iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra devices but not the base iPhone 18.

iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro design

The pace of iPhone 18 leaks has definitely increased after a massive hack exposed thousands of Apple's internal documents, reportedly including iPhone 18 Pro suppliers and tests.

Apple itself hasn't released any official teasers or imagery for the iPhone 18 lineup yet, so anything reported to date could be wrong. Still, from the sum total of all reports, it sounds like Apple isn't really reinventing the wheel, design-wise. But Ternus, a hardware guy, is reportedly bringing the company's industrial design group into the center of the Apple fold.

Looking further into the future, the iPhone 20 is said to bring bigger changes, including a curved waterfall display.

Per our friends at CNET (Mashable and CNET are both owned by Ziff Davis), the display sizes will be roughly the same as last year:

iPhone 18: 6.3 inches
iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3 inches
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

In August, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (the source of most iPhone 18 news) shared on X that popular phone case maker Otterbox is already selling iPhone 18 Pro cases, even though the phone hasn't been announced yet. This was noteworthy because the case's packaging indicates that both the 17 Pro and 18 Pro fit in the same case, suggesting the two phones are exactly the same size, as CNET suggested.

However, the display quality might be a little different this year. Prominent leaker Instant Digital shared on Chinese social media that Apple's brightness demands are unusually high this year, so it would be reasonable to expect much brighter displays than in previous years.

Some iPhone 18 models could also have a smaller camera bump compared to previous models. There are reports of a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island on the screen itself, with the pill-shaped notification hub potentially being made smaller in the iPhone 18 Pro models. One alleged leaked image purports to show an iPhone 18 Pro with a downsized Dynamic Island cutout.

iPhone 18: The rumored hardware features

So we know the software the iPhone 18 will run: iOS 27, introduced at WWDC 2026. Time to start talking about some of the internal hardware changes Apple is reportedly making to the iPhone 18 lineup.

For starters, it sounds like the lineup will have a standardized 12GB RAM count across the board. In previous years, the Pro models had 12GB of RAM, while the base model had only 8GB. According to Korean outlet The Bell, Apple will be upgrading the base model to the Pro models in that regard. It's also widely expected that Apple will adopt new A20 and A20 Pro chips for the base and Pro models, respectively. Apple's latest silicon releases have better supported AI, and we expect that to be a major focus of the A20.

Other possible hardware upgrades include:

A new C2 modem for improved cellular connectivity
An improved LTPO+ display
Improved N2 chip for wireless connectivity
Hotspot and AirDrop reliability improvements
5G satellite support

As for the battery, leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo reported that the batteries will finally be upgraded to 5,000mAh, which would be a big improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro. This year, 5,000mAh has become the new standard for flagship phones, including in Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

What will the iPhone 18 colors be?

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to come in four colors: silver, black/dark gray, burgundy, and light blue. Credit: ESR Tech

Courtesy of leakers, we may already know the iPhone 18 Pro colors. If that's the case, the must-see equivalent of the iPhone 17's unforgettable "cosmic orange" shade is said to be a wine-like "dark cherry."

Based on numerous leaks, the most likely color lineup for the iPhone 18 Pro will be:

Silver
Dark gray (or black)
Light blue
Burgundy

Third-party smartphone case makers might have also revealed too much ahead of the launch, with case makers such as ESR, Benks, and Torras listing cases for Apple's upcoming line. ESR has gone live with four case color options for the "iPhone 2026 Pro Max": deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue, while product photos on the website show what the phones might look like in these colors.

Fans of black iPhones are still holding out hope. The rumored dark gray color looks black in supposed dummy units shared by leakers like Sonny Dickson.

What about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Several reports out of China say that because the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a bigger battery, it may be a bit of a chunky boy.

We're not talking about a huge increase in weight and width: a quarter of a millimeter in thickness and 7 grams more, respectively. Still, every gram counts on the heftiest iPhone model you can get — so iPhone 17 Pro Max upgraders may want to check that their pocket linings can bear the bulk of a larger iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro has helped Apple break sales records in 2026. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

iPhone 18 camera rumors

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a source of many spot-on iPhone reports, says the iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, will have "some of the biggest camera hardware upgrades in the lineup's history."

Why? First, the telephoto camera has a larger aperture. But more important is the variable aperture.

First reported by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, variable aperture is a huge deal. It would let the iPhone 18 Pro camera capture varying amounts of light in different situations — potentially leading to a huge leap in photo quality if you know what you're doing.

For instance, the bokeh effect famously associated with portrait mode on iPhones would be possible in-camera rather than through software processing, resulting in more natural and generally better-looking shots.

While all of that sounds great, leaker Ice Universe poured some water on the fire by claiming that variable aperture would be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This is the first indication, as far as we can tell, that the regular Pro won't have a variable aperture. That would certainly be disappointing to people who want the feature but don't want a gigantic phone, but perhaps the Pro Max's size gives it an advantage in terms of including the technology.

For video makers, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to capture more cinematic videos as well, with features such as stabilization and AI editing tools.

What about Siri AI?

Of course, one of the first things many users will want to know about the iPhone 18 when they get their hands on one: what is the new, revamped, AI-upgraded Siri experience like?

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try it yourself by installing the iOS 27 beta.

The new features include Siri becoming an actual chatbot with its own app. It can also understand what's on your screen and help you write, create images, and edit photos.

For an overview, check out our guides to iOS 27 and Siri AI's top features.

Mashable will be reporting live from Apple Park during the Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" keynote event, so check back as we report in real-time on the latest announcements.

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Apple AirTag 2 (4-Pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $20)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $649 $749 (save $100)
Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)
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iPhone 18 Pro Max colors: Case company shows rumored shades in product photos

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:41:32 +0000

Smartphone case makers appear to have dropped a sneak peek at Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra devices.

Several third-party manufacturers have already published product listings for cases designed for Apple's upcoming line of smartphones. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra are all expected to be announced at Apple's big September event next week.

Case makers ESR, Benks, and Torras have all listed cases for the next generation of iPhones before Apple's official announcement. Each company's listings feature renders of the devices outfitted in their respective case products.

The ESR listings show four potential case color options for the "iPhone 2026 Pro Max": deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue. Additional product photos for a clear case on ESR's website fully showcase the latter iPhone color option.

These are the exact four long-rumored colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max phones.

ESR clear iPhone 18 Pro Max case Credit: ESR

The four listed color options for the 'iPhone 2026 Pro Max" are deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue. Credit: ESR

While the cases are notable, it's also worth noting that the base iPhone 18 is conspicuously missing from these companies' early product listings. This seemingly backs up reports that Apple isn't planning to release the new base-model iPhone alongside the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra models next week. Rumor has it the regular iPhone 18 may not arrive until as late as March 2027.

Torras listed their iPhone 18 Pro cases on Amazon but have since removed them. ESR and Benks both showcase product photos of their upcoming iPhone Pro and Pro Max cases on their websites, and as of publishing, the case listings are still live. ESR lists its iPhone cases under an "iPhone 2026" category on its website.

Benks, on the other hand, specifically mentions the devices by name. Their color options are listed as black mist, blue mist, and purple mist. A clear case appears to show a silver iPhone as well. In its deleted Amazon listings, Torras called the colors "island blue" and "plum purple."

Benks Blue and Purple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases Credit: Benks

In addition to their iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases, Benks also features renders of its iPhone Ultra cases.

Benks' iPhone Ultra case product listing doesn't give away the device's potential color choices, but it does seem to showcase what the front and rear of the device look like when opened. The product renders show the overall shape of the foldable device and two camera lenses on the back of the iPhone Ultra.

Benks iPhone Ultra cases Credit: Benks

We don't believe these are official photos of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, or iPhone Ultra, however. The ESR photos show a portion of the display featuring the same artwork Apple used in official photography for the iPhone 17 Pro. However, some phone case companies do receive information, specifications, or dummy units of unreleased phones in advance, usually under strict embargoes that forbid them from revealing this info until the devices are announced.

The artwork on the phone screen matches the artwork Apple used in images of the iPhone 17 Pro. Credit: ESR

While these renders could be accurate representations of the unreleased phones, they don't appear to be official Apple photos. But they do give Apple fans who are counting down the days until the September 9 "Surprise and Shine" event something to hold them over.

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Apple AirTag 2 (4-Pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $20)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
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iPhone Ultra specs revealed in new leak

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:59:03 +0000

While the internet is salivating in wait for Apple's big iPhone 18 launch event later this month, one prominent Apple reporter just gave us some hard info about the rumored iPhone Ultra.

In a video interview published on the Tom's Guide YouTube channel, Bloomberg reporter and Apple prognosticator Mark Gurman shared some of what he's heard about the foldable iPhone Ultra. Apple has not yet officially announced the device, but it's been part of the rumor mill for years, and it's widely expected to make its debut at Apple's big "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9.

First, the most important details: Gurman said he expects the phone to launch at the same time as or a little bit later than the iPhone 18 Pro. In other words, it'll come out within a few weeks of the event, possibly as soon as Sept. 19. He also said the phone will cost at least $2,000, which is not terribly surprising.

Gurman also laid out some specs and software details for the device. It will reportedly have a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner display, which matches up with previous reporting . Gurman also said it will have MagSafe support, which was a major question about the device leading up to its announcement. On top of that, the phone will contain, per Gurman, the "latest Apple Pro chip and latest Apple modem."

Beyond those basic details, Gurman spoke of the crease, saying it's not entirely invisible but is comparable to the one found on recent Samsung foldables. (That makes sense, as Apple tapped Samsung to make the flexible display for the device.) He also claimed the phone is meant to be as durable as any other iPhone. So far, only Google and Honor have offered foldables with an IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, so it will be interesting to see if Apple can match or exceed that protection.

Lastly, Gurman said that iOS 27 will have support for multi-tasking and split-screen app views. You'll be able to drag and drop elements from one app to another, similar to how other foldables have worked for years.

It's only a matter of days before all of this is proven right or wrong.

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Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $849.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 ~~$1,999~~ (save $150)
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Another tri-folding phone is coming soon, with a catch

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:41:51 +0000

Huawei is gearing up to unveil its next triple-folding smartphone, the Mate XT 2, at an event in China on September 7. The company will also debut HarmonyOS 7. Huawei hasn't published a full spec sheet yet, but a video teaser has given the clearest look so far at the device, according to GSMArena.

The teaser confirms earlier rumors that the Mate XT 2 will switch to an inward-folding, U-shaped design, a departure from the Z-shaped fold used on the original Mate XT and the Mate XTs. Other rumored specs include a 6,000 mAh battery and either a Kirin 9050 Pro or Kirin 9030S chip, while the camera setup is expected to closely resemble that of the Mate X7.

This is your last chance to guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!

Can I buy Huawei in the U.S.?

Huawei devices, including its foldables, have effectively been locked out of the American market for years — the result of a national security dispute between the company and the U.S. government that stretches back nearly two decades.

The roots of that dispute go back to the mid-2000s, when networking giant Cisco accused Huawei of stealing its intellectual property, an early sign of the friction that would eventually escalate into formal government action.

Things came to a head in 2019, when the Trump administration signed an executive order effectively banning Huawei from U.S. communications networks and added the company to the Commerce Department's Entity List, restricting American firms from exporting technology to Huawei without a license.

SEE ALSO: The U.S. DJI drone ban, explained

That same year, the Justice Department charged Huawei with financial fraud and sanctions violations. In 2020, prosecutors added allegations of racketeering and trade secret theft. The U.S. also tightened restrictions on Huawei's access to foreign-made semiconductors built with American technology, while Congress provided $1.9 billion to help remove and replace Huawei and ZTE equipment in domestic networks.

The fallout extended well beyond politics and into Huawei's actual device lineup. As CNET has chronicled extensively, Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou, was detained in Canada for nearly three years before striking a deal with the Justice Department in 2021 that allowed her to return to China. Around the same time, Huawei lost its license to use Google's Android services on new phones, and countries including the U.K. and Sweden banned Huawei equipment from their 5G networks entirely.

The Biden administration largely kept those restrictions in place and, in some cases, tightened them further. They remain in force today. The result is a company that remains one of the world's largest telecom equipment and smartphone makers, with a presence in more than 170 countries, but without an official smartphone retail presence in the U.S.

So while the Mate XT 2 may generate plenty of buzz when it launches next week, don't expect to find it at your local carrier store. For now, seeing Huawei's latest tri-fold in person will likely require a trip to a market where it is officially sold.

The Galaxy S27 Ultra might look like an Apple iPhone

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:59:27 +0000

LAST CHANCE: Guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!

New renders claim to show the Galaxy S27 Ultra's redesigned camera bump, and it looks a lot like Apple's iPhone Pro Camera Plateau. That's a big old camera bump. We break down the leaked design, expected pricing and a self-healing screen feature, which could be groundbreaking!

Is Samsungs Galaxy S26 FE still a good value at $700?

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:24:04 +0000

Samsung's $700 Galaxy S26 FE gets nearly all of the camera features we've seen on the company's more expensive phones, including My FanCam, Super Steady video with Horizontal Lock and other Android 17 perks.

Samsung announces a mid-range Galaxy S26 FE for $699

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Samsung's mid-range Galaxy phone is back.

The Korean tech giant announced on Thursday that the Galaxy S26 FE will launch on Sept. 3 for a starting price of $699. That's $50 more than the Galaxy S25 FE was priced at a year ago, but such is the way of things these days. More importantly, it costs a lot less than the $1,099 base-model Galaxy S26 that launched earlier this year, despite coming with many of the same AI features.

I got to demo the new phone at a recent impressions, and my first impression is this: it's fine! The new phone feels solid in the hands and not like a cheap, budget phone. The display seems equally solid, but a lower peak brightness could be a problem, especially in sunlight. Finally, the colors are pretty boring to me.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: By the numbers

Here are the basic specs for the Galaxy S26 FE:

Display: 6.7-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1,900 nits peak brightness
Processor: Exynos 2500
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/256GB
Battery: 4,900mAh
Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto
Front camera: 12MP

Three cameras. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Samsung obviously had to make a lot of compromises on the hardware front compared to the regular S26 to get the price down as low as it is. Peak brightness is one of them, as the S26's is 2,600 nits and the S26 FE's is only 1,900 nits. The S26 also had 12GB of RAM, compared to 8GB on the FE. Similarly, Samsung isn't offering a 512GB storage variant for the FE, even though it did on the regular S26.

The telephoto lens on the back has also been downgraded from 10MP to 8MP, though interestingly, the 4,900mAh battery cell in the FE is bigger than the 4,300mAh cell in the S26. The inferior Exynos 2500 chip in the FE might give it worse battery efficiency, though. We'll have to wait until it's in our hands to find that out for sure.

Despite all of the hardware downgrades, Samsung tells me that you can expect parity in terms of AI features, like Samsung's AI photo editing software or its suite of AI time-saving features. (The jury is out on whether the Exynos can handle these processes on device as well as the S26's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. If you can live without the brightest display, the most storage, or the best cameras, the S26 FE might be a good option for anyone in need of a new Android phone.

Review: Google Pixel 11 is sleek, but you might be happier with a cheap Pixel 10

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In 2025, Google packed the Pixel 10 full of upgrades over its predecessor. New features like a telephoto lens, a brighter display, and improved battery life made it feel like a real upgrade over the previous base-model Pixel. That is, unfortunately, not really the case with Pixel 11.

That's not to say the Pixel 11 is bad in any way, really. This is a perfect respectable Android phone, but a lack of standout new features (aside from a slimmer camera bar) make it feel significantly more incremental than the Pixel 10 did. It doesn't even have HiLight, the lone hardware "improvement" that graces the Pixel 11 Pro devices. Between that and specs that mostly line up with last year's model, the Pixel 11 sorta feels like a phone that only exists because Google makes a new base model every year and skipping a year would cause business problems.

It also doesn't help that 2026 is a great year to not buy a phone, thanks to RAMageddon price increases.

Google Pixel 11: Design, specs, and price

It really is a much smaller camera bar. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

With an $899 starting price, the Pixel 11 does unfortunately separate itself from the Pixel 10 by being $100 more expensive than its predecessor. There is some important context to note with that, though: Google has excised the 128GB storage option this year. That means this isn't technically a price increase because the 256GB Pixel 11 costs the same as the 256GB Pixel 10 did. However, not giving consumers a 128GB option (even if that's a pretty small amount of storage in 2026) means the starting price is higher than last year's model, and that's not great!

The new Pixel 11 comes in four colors: Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio, and Obsidian. I'm pretty partial to the Frost variant, but the rest of them are pretty plain, as far as I'm concerned.

Here are the rest of the basic specs for Pixel 11:

Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution, 60-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,000 nits peak brightness
Processor: Google Tensor G6
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256/512GB
Battery: 4,985mAh
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Selfie camera: 10.5MP

As far as tech specs are concerned, the Pixel 11 is barely any different from a Pixel 10. I could've copied and pasted most of those specs from last year's review. The Tensor G6 processor is new, but basically everything else is the same. Display size, resolution, and brightness are all identical, which is a mild bummer because the Pro devices this year all got their peak brightness numbered bump up to 3,600 nits. Perhaps Google didn't see fit to improve the base model's brightness two years in a row, but that is one area where the Pro is more enticing, as it should be, I suppose.

Another color for you. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

One thing Google did change is that the camera bar is now a good deal thinner than it was on the Pixel 10. The phone is almost able to lie completely flat on a table, and would definitely do that if you put the right case on it. It's also 0.3 oz lighter than the Pixel 10, so overall, this is a more comfortable phone to hold, and one that will be slightly less awkward in taking up space in general. That's probably the best aspect of the Pixel 11, and the main reason why I would recommend it over the 10.

Speaking of the camera bar, it's worth mentioning that the regular Pixel 11 does not have HiLight, which is the only substantial hardware change made on the Pro-level Pixel 11 phones. It's a little light that lives in the camera bar and illuminates in different colors to do things like notify you of an incoming phone call, but for whatever reason, Google did not see fit to include it in the base model Pixel 11.

That's disappointing considering the starting price increase, but for what it's worth, HiLight is not exactly a show-stopping feature on the phones that do have it. Frankly, you're not missing much if you opt for a Pixel 11 over a Pro, at least in that regard.

Google Pixel 11: Performance

On the Geekbench 7 benchmarking app, the Pixel 11 recorded a single-core CPU score of 2,337 and a multi-core CPU score of 7,085. For reference, that's a few thousand points below something like a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Google's Tensor-powered phones have always come up short in these benchmarking apps, but luckily, that doesn't affect the user experience that much.

I can personally vouch for the Pixel 11's performance profile being totally fine. Apps load quickly and smoothly, on-device AI processing happens in a fairly snappy fashion, and the phone doesn't run all that hot, even without a case. The only minor (and I mean minor) qualm I have is that Google is promising faster Night Sight processing on Pixel 11, but in my testing, it didn't feel noticeably faster than in previous years. It's also not slower, though, so it's no big deal.

Google Pixel 11: AI features

Absent any major hardware upgrades, Google did include some new AI trickery in the Pixel 11's software.

First and foremost is Magic Capture, a new image capture method available in the Camera app. Magic Capture works the same as recording a video, except when you're done recording, the device takes a few seconds to select a few choice stills from the video, complete with optional auto-cropping and unblurring. The idea is to get multiple usable stills of something that's moving or otherwise dynamic and difficult to photograph, like a subway train, small children, or animals.

I used Magic Capture to get these stills of a train and some relatively fast-moving street traffic. The vehicles in these photos are, indeed, moving, but it's hard to tell thanks to whatever software magic is powering Magic Capture. It's honestly a pretty neat and useful feature.

Zooming by. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

This truck was moving pretty fast. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Google has also built on its contextual AI suggestions feature from previous years, so you'll get proactive suggestions about what's happening on-screen. If someone texts you asking about a flight reservation, you'll get flight info right in the text chat. Similarly, visual cards with information about a recommended restaurant can also show up if someone asks about the restaurant. You can also make Google Calendar entries straight from texts using this feature, too.

Again, that's all building upon things Google was already doing, but those features might still be nice for saving a little bit of time here and there. I'm more partial to Rambler, a new speech-to-text feature built right into Gboard. If you want to dictate a text or email to someone, Rambler will remove "ums" and "ahs" and other speech errors to produce a more sterile, normal-sounding sentence. I'd argue this strips some personality out of what you're saying, but it does work as advertised. It was able to turn a mush-mouthed sentence I made up on the spot into something readable.

Of all of these, I would say Rambler and Magic Capture are the real highlights. Magic Capture, in particular, is one of the only reasons I would say someone looking to upgrade from an older Pixel should opt for the 11 rather than try to find a deal on the Pixel 10.

Google Pixel 11: Battery life

Nice profile. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google rates the Pixel 11's battery for 30 hours of life on a single charge, which is the same as what the Pixel 10 was rated for. The battery cell in this device is a little larger than the Pixel 10's, but not enough for Google to alter its official prognostication.

At any rate, using our testing method of playing an HD video on the display until the phone dies, I was able to get a little less than 30 hours of use out of the Pixel 11. For a base-model flagship, that's totally fine, even if it's not all that different from last year.

Google Pixel 11: Cameras

Speaking of things that aren't all that different from last year, the Pixel 11's rear camera array has the exact same megapixel count as the Pixel 10's. One great thing about the Pixel 10 was that it added a telephoto lens to the proceedings, something you don't normally get on base-level phones. The Pixel 11 kept that, which is nice, but nothing here feels as innovative as that did.

Still, the cameras get the job done, thanks in part to Google's classic software processing that makes everything look super nice.

Your friendly neighborhood such-and-such. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

While Night Sight is not quite as instant as Google's marketing would have you believe, the effect is still pretty great. This plant on our windowsill has literally almost no light exposure at night, but the photo came out crystal clear.

No Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Yes Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

The telephoto lens is only good for 5x optical zoom, but the 30x digital zoom is really no slouch here. I was able to get a clear photo of some graffiti on the top of a building that was pretty far away, and it didn't have that typical smeary look that you get when using digital zoom on other devices.

You can barely see the graffiti here. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Pretty good for digital zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

And, as always, I'm a fan of using the macro lens to get in real close on things like flowers.

Macro photography rocks. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Between the quality of the cameras themselves and the addition of Magic Capture, this is a pretty good phone for taking photos, even if it's not going to give you the same kind of output as a Pro device.

Google Pixel 11: The final verdict

I'm a little torn because the biggest problem with the Pixel 11 is that it's just not a very interesting year-over-year upgrade. Aside from slimming down the camera bar and adding a couple of (admittedly neat) AI doohickeys, you could spend less money to get a Pixel 10 and still largely have the same experience if you're upgrading from something significantly older.

As I said, the Pixel 11 feels like it exists out of an obligation to always provide a base-level phone in every annual upgrade cycle. But that doesn't make it a bad device at all. It's comfortable in the hands, the battery lasts a pretty long time, and it takes nice photos. If you get a good enough trade-in deal or something, you'll probably be happy with what you get. But make sure to do your research and check on deals for a Pixel 10, too, because you won't really miss that much if you opt for that route.

Pixel 11, 256 GB, Unlocked

$899 at T-Mobile

Do we really need a foldable iPhone? Heck yes we do.

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000

In January 2007, Steve Jobs took the stage at the Macworld convention at the Moscone Center in San Francisco to announce a new product category in Apple’s lineup: A phone.

Back then, PCs were a bigger deal than phones (hence the big Apple event of the year being the Macworld convention, which kept running until 2014). This would change soon. At that stage, Jobs announced a lofty goal. He’d be happy, he said, if Apple would capture 1 percent of the mobile phone market by the end of 2008, which would mean selling roughly 10 million iPhones in a year. Fast forward to today, and Apple sells that many iPhones, on average, roughly every two weeks.

Guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!

The iPhone that Jobs held in front of the audience at Moscone was a lot smaller and a lot less powerful than modern smartphones, but its form factor has remained pretty much the same. It’s still a rectangular slab of glass, plastic, metal, and silicon with a large display on one side and almost no moving parts.

Remember this guy? Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007. Credit: David Paul Morris / Getty Images

This is about to change. In September, according to numerous rumors and reports, Apple will launch the first-ever iPhone that’s not candy bar-shaped. Instead, the iPhone Ultra (or iPhone Fold, or whatever the name turns out to be) will be a foldable phone; a fairly regular-looking smartphone when folded, but with a large inner display that’s almost tablet-like when the phone is unfolded.

We’ve seen foldable phones before; Samsung has several in its lineup, which goes back six years, and so does Google, Motorola, and the major Chinese phone manufacturers. For Apple, however, it’s a pretty big leap forward that begs the question: Is this really something the world needs?

I think the answer is yes, but I also think Apple made the right move by waiting until the technology behind foldable phones matures. No one wants a phone with an ugly crease in the middle of the display, or a phone that creaks and cracks when you fold it shut. Often criticized for copying other phone makers, Apple plays the long game and waits until the tech matures. When you sell millions of phones every week, you want to get it perfect the first time around.

Still, many will shun the entire idea. By all accounts, the iPhone Ultra will be a pricy, hard-to-get, heavy phone that unfolds into an iPad mini. We don't know Apple's sales breakdown for tablets, but given the update frequency and the company's marketing efforts, the iPad mini appears to be one of the least popular iPads. It also costs $599, while the iPhone Ultra is rumored to be nearly four times that price. So, who will pay north of two thousand dollars to have a beefier iPhone/iPad mini combo when you can buy a regular iPhone and a separate iPad mini for less money?

I don't know how well the iPhone Ultra will sell. Perhaps it'll end up being a side character in Apple's lineup, just like the iPhone Air. But it will, I'm sure of it, be a lot sexier and cooler than having an iPhone in one hand and an iPad in the other.

The obvious benefit is having a regular-sized phone that expands into something that makes reading, watching movies, and even light work enjoyable on the go. If Apple gets the software part right, and there's little reason to believe it won't, the iPhone Ultra will be exactly this.

There's also the (rumored) twist in Apple's take on the foldable phone. It will be slightly wider than a regular phone, and thus open into an even wider device that actually makes more sense than most foldables on the market today. Samsung took the idea for a spin with its Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and most reviewers seem to like it.

Then there's the software. The apps and games made for the iPhone have always had a very similar format. With the iPhone Ultra, app makers will finally be able to do something new and cool with their software. Besides the obvious, such as giving your favorite game more than twice the screen real estate, we'll also see a bunch of productivity apps (finally, a big calendar!) and entertainment apps (a video side-by-side with your playlist in Music!) take advantage of the larger display.

Yes, Android foldables do have this to some extent, but there's a lot of iPhone-only software out there that never got to do it. And given Apple's massive footprint in the smartphone space, the iPhone Ultra might soon become the most popular foldable model out there, thus prompting app creators to try extra hard to accommodate the new form factor in their app.

Details aside, when was the last time you were truly excited about a new iPhone? The iPhone Air was a thin iPhone; while nice, it wasn't exactly groundbreaking. But the iPhone Ultra should be the first truly different new iPhone Apple has ever made. That alone makes this one worth the wait.

This keychain can charge your phone and open a bottle

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The GoCable is a tiny 8-in-1 keychain cable that can connect via USB-C or Lightning, and it’s only $25.

Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

$24.99
$49.99 Save $25.00

Carrying the right charging cable everywhere you go is a hassle, and the cheap ones fray or tangle before long anyway. If you want a better option, try combining all your cables into a single cable. The GoCable is a keychain cable with eight functions packed into a very small container. It’s also on sale now for $24.99 (reg. $49.99).

The GoCable charges at up to 100 watts. That’s fast enough for a phone or tablet, and strong enough for most laptops too, so you can leave your other cables at home and still charge everything you carry. You’ll want a power bank or a wall adapter to plug it into because one doesn’t come in the box. Everything else it needs is already on the cable.

Most cables only fit one type of device, so you end up carrying two or three. This one has a Type-C connector and a Lightning connector, so the same cable charges an iPhone, an iPad, AirPods, or an Android phone. A small light comes on while it charges, so you know it’s working. When you plug it into a computer, it moves files, not just power.

The GoCable stays out of your way when you’re not using it. A magnet holds it coiled so it won’t tangle in your pocket, and a carabiner clips it to your keys, your bag, or a belt loop. It weighs 40 grams and measures under six inches long, so you’ll barely notice it on your keychain.

This little charger also has a few things most cables do not. There’s a bottle opener for drinks and a safe cutter for opening boxes and packages without cutting your hand. It’s like a more modern multitool.

Don’t get caught without a charger. Get a GoCable 8-in-1 100W Cable on sale for $24.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Everything we expect at Apples September iPhone launch event

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:24:53 +0000

Apple has finally sent out invitations for its next hardware event, titled "Surprise and shine," set for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park.

This year's keynote carries extra weight beyond the usual hardware reveal as it will be John Ternus' first Apple product event as CEO, following Tim Cook's planned exit from the top job. Ternus is set to take over on Sept. 1, and given his background in running hardware engineering, some reports suggest Apple's industrial design group is being pulled closer to the center of decision-making under his leadership.

For the hardware itself, all signs point to a narrower lineup than usual, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max all expected to headline, alongside Apple's first foldable phone, widely rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. Missing the event, however, will likely be the standard iPhone 18, 18e, and next-gen iPhone Air, which are reportedly being pushed to a spring 2027 event instead. New Apple Watches are also expected to make an appearance.

Here's everything we know heading into the keynote.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Per Mashable's ongoing iPhone 18 coverage, Apple is expected to keep this launch focused on its Pro model iPhones.

In terms of design, the Pro models aren't expected to stray far from last year's look. In Mashable's rumors thread, leaks suggest a couple of tweaks rather than a full overhaul, including a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and a more unified, single-tone back glass in place of last year's two-tone finish.

Color-wise, Apple will mix up this year's finishes to include a silver, dark gray, light blue, and a new shade called "dark cherry."

Under the hood, the Pro models are expected to move to Apple's A20 and A20 Pro chips, paired with a new C2 modem that could bring 5G satellite support and an N2 chip aimed at improving WiFi and AirDrop reliability. Korean outlet The Bell has also reported that Apple plans to standardize RAM across the Pro lineup at 12GB, doing away with the base-versus-Pro memory split that's defined recent generations. Battery life should get a boost too, with capacity expected to land around 5,000mAh, which will appear the norm for the lineup.

The "biggest" change is within the camera. Several rumors have called the changes among the most significant camera hardware upgrades in the iPhone's history, due in part to a larger telephoto aperture and the introduction of variable aperture. That said, leaker Ice Universe has suggested the variable-aperture system might be exclusive to the Pro Max, leaving the standard Pro without it.

The Pro Max is also rumored to be very slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, a tradeoff tied to fitting in a bigger battery.

iPhone Ultra

A hypothetical rendering of the iPhone Ultra. Credit: Mashable / Zain bin Awais

The event's biggest wildcard is Apple's first foldable phone, widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra (previously referred to in our reporting as the iPhone Fold). In our rumors guide on the Ultra, we noted that while Apple hasn't confirmed the device, code references in the iOS 27 beta, including strings tied to fold angles and screen states, plus macOS 27 features for resizing iPhone-mirroring windows, have made its existence something of an open secret.

Early testers cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reportedly liked the device's hinge quality and more iPad-like interface, though they were less impressed by the missing telephoto camera.

Expected specs, based on analyst and supply-chain reporting:

A book-style design with a roughly 7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.5-inch outer display
Touch ID rather than Face ID
Four cameras total — two rear, one inner, one front-facing — though without a telephoto lens
A liquid-metal hinge intended to improve durability
A price above $2,000, with some estimates around $2,399
A battery of at least 5,088mAh

Analysts, leakers, and even Gurman have been going back and forth for weeks about when the Ultra will actually release. Some reports say that the Ultra will be announced but won't hit shelves later, similar to the iPhone X. Others, like Gurman, have pushed back on this.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

Rounding out the hardware slate are reports that the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are also expected in September, likely with new health and fitness features and fresh color and band options rather than a major redesign this cycle.

It'll be a more substantial overhaul that may include a return to ceramic cases. Apple is also exploring a screen-free model for the minimalist wearable market, targeting late 2026 or 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

How to watch the iPhone 18 event

Apple's event kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, with a livestream on Apple's website and YouTube channel for those not attending in person.

Mashable will be there on the ground, so look out for our coverage and hands-on impressions once the keynote wraps.

The latest iPhone Ultra rumors and leaks: Everything we know about Apples first foldable

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:42:33 +0000

So, as we await official details, here's everything we know about the first foldable iPhone, including the latest rumors, specifications, release date, and pricing.

When will the iPhone Ultra be released?

Apple holds an annual September iPhone launch event, and we fully expect the iPhone Ultra to be announced at this upcoming event.

We think the iPhone Ultra will arrive on store shelves in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Numerous rumors pointed to this over the last year. However, while Apple traditionally releases all of its new iPhones in September, the Ultra might not be ready right away.

A tech analyst named Tim Long recently claimed that shipments of the iPhone Ultra will begin in December of this year, not September, though Bloomberg's Mark Gurman threw cold water on this rumor. And Gurman seems to have a crystal ball looking right into Apple headquarters these days.

Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone Ultra might follow the trajectory of the iPhone X, which was announced in September 2017 but took about a month and a half to actually hit the market.

And most recently, a report out of Australia (via the Chinese supply chain) claimed that the iPhone Ultra will be available right after launch in the U.S., but might get rolled out to other markets a bit later.

Given the ongoing global memory shortage, last-minute delays are always possible, so we'll have to wait and see.

What's the iOS 27 beta telling us about the iPhone Ultra?

The iPhone Ultra isn't (yet) an official device. We do know a lot about it, but mostly via rumors, whispers, and reports coming out of Apple's supply chain.

But now, with the first iOS 27 developer beta, we have some actual clues about the iPhone Ultra's existence. Software researcher M1Astra dug through the code (via Bloomberg) and found code that determines whether a device is folded or unfolded. Strings like “mechanicalAngleDegrees” and “angleDegrees" point to Apple fine-tuning the experience depending on how widely a foldable device is open. Researcher Sam Henri Gold found similar clues in the code.

Apple seems to be preparing developers to handle a larger variety of form factors. Credit: Apple

Finally, Macworld found references in the code suggesting a device that has both the Dynamic Island and a Touch ID; such a device does not exist today, but the iPhone Ultra is rumored to have both.

What will the iPhone Ultra specs look like?

What would you want to see in a foldable iPhone design? Let us know in the comments. Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

The iPhone Ultra remains a mystery to some extent, of course, but we do have a very rough idea of what it could offer. Based on all the rumors and leaks, the iPhone Ultra will have a wider design than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the impressive Motorola Fold.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts that the foldable iPhone will be a book-style foldable with four cameras — two on the back, one on the inside, and one front selfie camera. Gurman also predicted it would use Touch ID like the iPad Air and Pro, even though iPhones typically use Face ID. All the recent leaks back up Gurman's reporting.

In fact, the smartphone market is already adapting to the expected size of the iPhone Ultra. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which launched in July, is exactly that: A wider-than-usual foldable that looks like a proper tablet when unfolded. Huawei was the first to market with a wide foldable, though the Pura X Max is only available overseas.

The iPhone Ultra specs could look something like this:

Displays: 7.8-inch inner OLED display, 5.5-inch outer OLED display
Thickness: 9.5mm unfolded, 4.5mm when folded
Security: Touch ID
Processor: A20 processor
Cameras: Dual rear cameras (48MP), dual inner/outer front cameras
Price: $2,399
Battery: At least 5,088 mAh

We've seen several reports claiming that Apple has invested heavily in the iPhone Ultra's display and hinge. It should be very durable, thin, and without a visible crease. Samsung Display is reportedly producing the OLED displays for the iPhone Ultra, as Samsung's got the best flexible display tech in the game. There's a reason Samsung released the Galaxy TriFold while the world is still waiting on the first foldable iPhone.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this year that the iPhone Ultra would have a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, and measure in at just 9 to 9.5mm of thickness. We heard another rumor in September 2025, which claimed the iPhone Ultra would look like two iPhone Airs put together, with a similar thickness of 5.6mm. Why the discrepancy between the two reports? It could be the difference between the device's thickness when folded and unfolded.

There's also talk about Apple using innovative tech to make the iPhone Ultra lighter and more durable than most foldables. These rumors include a report that the company is using liquid metal for the phone's hinge, which should improve durability.

What will the foldable iPhone be called?

With reports piling in, and most of them pointing to the "Ultra" name, we're going to use that until Apple officially tells us what the phone is called.

How much will the iPhone Ultra cost, and will people buy it?

The iPhone Ultra is likely to be expensive. An early estimate from research analyst Arthur Liao suggested the price tag for the Ultra — gulp — could come in around $2,399. That's in line with expectations in a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC). Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone Ultra is likely to retail between $2,000 and $2,500; recently, Kuo narrowed that down to $2,300 — $2,500.

Despite the sizable cost (the flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at $1,999.99), sales expectations remain high. The IDC report estimated Apple would siphon one-third of the spending in the foldable market in 2026.

"But the real game-changer for the category comes at year-end when Apple enters the foldable space, projected to capture over 22% unit share and a staggering 34% of the foldables market value in its first year, thanks to an expected average price point of $2,400,” read the report.

In March, Mark Gurman claimed that Apple could classify the iPhone Ultra as an "Ultra" product (no surprise there), putting it in a higher price tier than other devices in its portfolio alongside other high-end machines like the Apple Watch Ultra. If the phone ends up costing at least $2,000 as expected, this would make sense.

The latest iPhone Ultra leaks

In December 2025, we saw lots of alleged iPhone Ultra renders circulating on social media, which all share a similar design. We'd take these with a grain of salt, of course.

In February, a leaker known as Instant Digital posted some alleged renders of the iPhone to the Chinese social media site Weibo. Like most leaks, especially the ones pertaining to Apple, we can't confirm their authenticity. However, they line up with earlier reports of the overall look of the phone.

More recently, Apple leaker Sonny Dickson shared another potential iPhone Ultra render in March 2026.

Dickson shared more purported dummy units of the iPhone Ultra in April, giving those renders a bit more physicality than they had before.

In June, a leaker on Weibo known as Ice Universe claimed to have the ultimate prize, a photo of the actual iPhone Ultra in white, though we believe the device in the photo is merely a dummy unit.

What about the cameras and battery?

Instant Digital makes some interesting claims. Most notably, the report says the iPhone Ultra will have the largest-ever iPhone battery. (For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is estimated to have a roughly 5,088 mAh battery.)

"The volume buttons are not on the left side," reads a translation of the post. "Instead, they are placed directly on the top of the right-side frame (similar to the volume button layout on the top of the iPad mini). This may take some getting used to for users’ typical phone habits."

The post also stated, "The rear dual camera + right-side microphone + flash are arranged horizontally. The camera module appears to be fully black and does not match the body color. Currently, the only confirmed color is white, but it is expected that Apple will launch two color options."

Other sources have confirmed the iPhone Ultra's dual-camera configuration, consisting of a regular and an ultra-wide camera.

What else do we know about the iPhone Ultra?

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All the phones T-Mobile is giving away for free: Shop iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Google Pixel 11

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:30:34 +0000

The full lineup of free phones at T-Mobile:

Apple iPhone 17

Free with a new line and port-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond — no trade-in needed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Free when you trade in an eligible device on an Experience Beyond plan.

Google Pixel 11

Free when you activate a new line on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed.

Google Pixel 11 Pro

Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Motorola Razr

Free when you activate a new line on an Experience More plan — no trade-in needed.

Motorola Razr+

Free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed.

Getting a new phone usually means paying for it, one way or another. But right now, T-Mobile is handing out some of the biggest names in the mobile game — the iPhone 17, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 11, Razr, and more — for free. Tax and a $35 connection fee still apply at signup.

And you don't necessarily need a trade-in to get there — most of these deals just require a new line, or a new line plus porting in your number from another carrier.

The catch is that "free" means the cost is paid off through monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months. As long as you stick around for the whole term, you'll never pay for the device itself. Switch carriers or downgrade early, and the remaining balance becomes due right away.

Our favorite free phone deal at T-Mobile

Credit: Apple

iPhone 17 Pro

Free with a new line and port-in on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in required. Up to 36 monthly bill credits cover the full cost, plus tax and a $35 device connection charge apply at signup.

Why we like it

What makes the iPhone 17 Pro deal stand out is how many paths there are to finding real value:

New line + port-in on Experience Beyond: Free, no trade-in needed, no strings beyond the plan itself
New line + port-in on Experience Beyond w/ 55+, Military, or First Responder Savings: Up to $900 off, no trade-in needed — built for people already on a discounted plan tier
New line + port-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond: Up to $830 off, no trade-in needed — the pick if you're not on a savings plan but still want a big chunk covered
New line + port-in on Experience Beyond or Experience More w/ 55+, Military, First Responder, or Student Perks Savings: Up to $630 off, no trade-in needed
Switching carriers with a port-in and new line on Experience Beyond: An extra $100 back via prepaid Mastercard (allow eight weeks after submission), stackable on top of your device discount

Bottom line: whatever your current T-Mobile setup looks like, there's almost certainly a version of this deal that gets you to $0 or close enough.

It's rare to see this many flagship phones from so many different brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola — all free on the same carrier at the same time. If any of these phones have been on your radar, this is about as good a moment as you're likely to get to make the jump for free.

You can still get an iPhone with a home button, and it’s only $105

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: A refurbished, unlocked 128GB iPhone SE is on sale for $104.99 (reg. $359), giving you Touch ID, wireless charging, and a compact 4.7-inch display.

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone SE 2nd Gen 2020 (Refurbished)

$104.99
$359 Save $254.01

Remember when iPhones fit in your hand and had a button you could actually press? This refurbished 2020 iPhone SE does, while still packing an A13 Bionic chip, wireless charging, and current iOS support. For a limited time, you can grab one for only $104.99 (reg. $359).

This unlocked iPhone SE is an affordable option for anyone who wants a simpler iPhone, a backup device, or a first phone without flagship pricing.

Under the hood, it runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which still handles everyday jobs like messaging, browsing, streaming, social media, and casual gaming. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is noticeably smaller than today’s giant-phone norm, which is a feature, not a flaw, if you miss being able to use your phone comfortably with one hand.

You also get a 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode and 4K video recording, plus a 7MP front camera for selfies and FaceTime. Qi wireless charging is supported, as is fast charging with compatible hardware, and the phone includes both a physical Nano-SIM slot and eSIM support.

Because it’s carrier-unlocked, you’re free to choose from compatible networks. And yes, Touch ID is still here to unlock the phone and approve purchases without pointing the screen at your face.

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This is a Grade B refurbished model from 2020, so light scratches, scuffs, or dents are possible, and you’re getting 4G LTE rather than 5G. It does come with a charging cable, wall adapter, and a third-party 30-day parts-and-labor warranty.

Formerly $359, this refurbished iPhone SE is now only $104.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple is reportedly preparing iPhone price hikes (because of course they are)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:07:11 +0000

When Apple announced price hikes across many of its product lines earlier this summer, there was one product that was noticeably absent: the iPhone.

But, just like it did with the MacBook and iPad, it appears that Apple will soon be raising prices on the iPhone, too. It looks like the tech giant was just waiting to adjust prices until the new iPhone 18 lineup is announced, which will almost certainly happen at the company's annual September event.

According to Bloomberg Apple expert Mark Gurman, the source of virtually all news about unreleased Apple products, the company is currently preparing for iPhone price hikes. Just how high will prices go? That's what Apple is still deciding, Gurman reports.

iPhone prices could increase by $100 or more

An iPhone price hike has seemed inevitable for months. The ongoing global memory shortage has significantly raised manufacturing costs, and the tech world has seen waves of price increases on smartphones and laptops.

As Gurman points out, Apple raised the price of its non-smartphone products by varying amounts. The iPad Air went up by $150. The MacBook Air price was raised by $200. The Mac Studio saw a whopping $500 price increase. Apple may feel that iPhone users are locked into the iOS ecosystem and that it can raise prices a significant amount without losing customers.

However, at the same time, Apple does have to compete with other companies' devices. Samsung and Google only raised the prices of their new Galaxy and Pixel line of smartphones by about $100 each (foldable phones have typically seen much larger price increases). Apple may feel like they need to either match that or stay within that general price range. That would see a base model iPhone 18 Pro priced at around $1,199 at launch.

In addition, Gurman says that Apple may feel like it could compete with higher price hikes than its competitors thanks to the company's new Upgrade program. Apple Upgrade is essentially a leasing model in which Apple users can pay a recurring monthly fee for a device and then easily swap the device in for an upgrade when a new model comes out. If the iPhone gets more expensive, those users who may have previously been priced out after a price hike can instead just opt to lease the device in the Apple Upgrade program.

All of our questions about the foldable iPhone Ultra and price increases will likely be answered in just a few weeks at Apple's big September event.

Unfortunately, iPhone price increases now seem inevitable.

Foldable iPhone Ultra testers love the device except for these two things, report says

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:17:30 +0000

We are now just weeks away from Apple's big September iPhone launch event, where we expect the new iPhone 18 lineup to be announced, along with the company's first foldable iPhone.

Now, the lucky people who acted as early testers for the foldable iPhone, which is rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, have shared their experiences with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. And according to Gurman, it seems like Apple will have a big hit on its hands. However, it does seem like early reviewers have a couple of specific complaints with the device.

The iPhone Ultra is a hit among testers

Over the weekend, Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman shared that he has spoken with individuals who have actually used the iPhone Ultra. After hearing what they had to say, Gurman says he "couldn't be more excited" for the foldable device.

According to Gurman, iPhone Ultra testers love that the device is pocket-sized, something our phone reviewers also love about foldable phones. When the iPhone Ultra is opened, the inner display is reportedly just slightly smaller than an iPad mini, making the small size of the foldable device quite impressive. Gurman says that testers also liked the iPad-esque UX, made possible by that flexible internal display.

It also seems like all that work Apple put into perfecting the foldable device's hinge paid off. Gurman reports that the "feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism" has received high praise.

Gurman specifically mentions the iPhone Ultra excelling as a camera viewfinder as well.

iPhone Ultra is missing two big things

However, according to the testers that Gurman spoke to, there are two major features that are missing with the iPhone Ultra.

Crucially, as we've seen in leaked renders, the iPhone Ultra only has two rear cameras. That means there is no telephoto lens, which has become standard on most premium phones. This has been rumored for a while, but Gurman is now reporting that testers were disappointed with the camera array.

As Gurman points out, the iPhone Ultra will likely cost $2,000 at least, and "the Venn diagram of people willing to spend top dollar on an early-adopter product and those who appreciate advanced camera capabilities — including deeper zoom — is probably pretty close to a circle." Current iPhone Pro users who are looking to upgrade might view the loss of one of their camera lenses as a downgrade and choose to buy the new (and almost certainly less expensive) iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max instead of the iPhone Ultra.

In our recent reviews of Samsung's new foldables, the camera arrays were one of our chief complaints. Both the smaller Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the larger Z Fold 8 (which matches the rumored shape and specs of the iPhone Ultra) had disappointing cameras compared to Pro and Ultra devices from Samsung, Google, and Apple.

The second big omission is that the iPhone Ultra lacks Face ID. Gurman confirms a long-time rumor that the phone uses Touch ID to authenticate users, reportedly disappointing users who have gotten used to Apple's Face ID feature.

These omitted features, along with anything else missing from the iPhone Ultra, will likely be added to future models. After all, this is Apple's first foldable phone, but most likely it won't be the last.

Google’s Gemini app walkthrough: I have a personal assistant in my pocket

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:36:17 +0000

Google's Gemini app for the iPhone can be a powerful partner in your day-to-day life, answering questions quickly and helping with almost anything. It's like having a personal assistant in your pocket. In this video, CNET's Stephen Beacham walks through every feature and setting of Google's Gemini App.

Best family phone plans of 2026 — how to add lines without adding to the bill

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The best family phone plans of 2026:

Best overall phone plan for families

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

$140/month for 3 lines (save $45/month)

Best basic plan for families who don't need extras

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

$27.50/line/month for 4 lines

Best budget family plan

T-Mobile Essentials 2.0

$90/month for 3 lines (save $30/month)

Best no-contract plan for bigger families

Boost Unlimited+

$36.67/month for 3 lines (save $13.33/month)

Every family with more than two phones knows the drill: someone's always maxing out data, somebody forgot to add the new line, and the bill never quite matches what the website promised. Picking the right plan can save real money — but with every carrier claiming to have the "best" deal, it's hard to know which one actually delivers.

We compared plans across carriers to find the ones that are worth your money. T-Mobile's Experience More 2.0 stood out as the strongest all-around pick, with truly unlimited data and a built-in Netflix bundle, while Boost's Unlimited+ is the one to grab if you want no contract and the lowest per-line price as you add more family members.

Here's the full breakdown.

Best overall phone plan for families

Credit: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

Unlimited premium data, Netflix included, and 4K streaming — T-Mobile's step-up family plan starting at $140/month for three lines with AutoPay.

Why we like it

For families that go through data fast, Experience More 2.0 is the sweet spot. At $140 per month for three lines (with the free third-line promo), you get truly unlimited premium data instead of a capped allowance, plus a real entertainment bundle — Netflix Standard with Ads — and Apple TV is just $3 per month. With 4K streaming, a locked-in five-year rate, and 60GB of hotspot data on top, this plan does a lot more than keep everyone connected.

The travel perks push it further: a full year of AAA membership, unlimited data in Canada and Mexico, and coverage in over 215 countries make it a strong pick for families who travel. You're also getting Scam Shield Premium and upgrade eligibility every three years at new-customer pricing. It costs more than Essentials, but if your family's leaning on streaming and hotspot data daily, Experience More earns the upgrade.

Best basic plan for families who don't need extras

Credit: Verizon

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

Unlimited talk, text, and 5G data with no frills — Verizon's most affordable line starting at $27.50/month with AutoPay.

Why we like it

If your family just needs a reliable line, Unlimited Welcome is Verizon's answer to a truly no-frills plan. At $27.50 per month per line for four new lines with Auto Pay, it's the cheapest way onto Verizon's network, with unlimited talk, text, and data plus 5G access — no data caps to worry about, even if speeds can dip during heavy network traffic. For a family stacking up several lines, that starting price adds up to real savings compared to Verizon's pricier tiers.

Just know what you're giving up: no mobile hotspot, no international data or calling perks beyond Mexico and Canada, and streaming tops out at 480p SD, so it's not the plan for a household of binge-watchers.

Best no-contract plan for bigger families

Credit: Boost mobile

Boost Unlimited+

Unlimited talk, text and data with no contract — Boost's family plan drops to $36.67/month per line the more lines you add.

Why we like it

Boost's Unlimited+ plan is the value pick for bigger families. Add three lines and the per-line price drops to $36.67 per month with AutoPay — unlimited talk, text, and 40GB of premium data included, with no contract locking you in. You can cancel anytime as long as you're not financing a device, which isn't something you'll find with most carriers' standard plans.

It also comes with some surprisingly solid extras for the price — mobile hotspot, global talk and text to over 100 countries, and up to $300 in device savings if you need a new phone. Speeds do drop to 512kbps after you burn through 40GB of premium data, so heavy streamers in the family might feel the pinch toward the end of the billing cycle. But for families prioritizing savings and flexibility over top-tier perks, Unlimited+ delivers a lot of value per dollar.

I used an iOS 27 Shortcut to cut my screen time and retrain my brain

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:50:36 +0000

The new iOS 27 Shortcuts make it easy to program your own iPhone tricks with natural language. Bridget Carey explains how she used it to wean her from compulsively opening social media and getting lost in scrolling. You might find it better than other apps that limit screen time (and it’s certainly cheaper than using a Brick).

Google Pixel phones are getting emoji size settings

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:13:28 +0000

Google just launched a bunch of new Pixel phones, coincidentally at the same time that Pixel devices are getting an interesting new keyboard feature.

According to 9to5Google, Gboard beta users are starting to get access to a feature that lets them manually adjust the size of emojis. In case you don't know, Gboard is the default keyboard on Pixel phones and some other Android devices. It's also available as a standalone app you can install on other phones, including iPhones.

Anyway, when the feature rolls out to everyone at an indeterminate point in the future, users will be able to go to Settings, then Preferences, then Appearance to find an emoji size slider underneath the already-existing font size slider. It seems like it does exactly what you'd think: Emojis will scale up and down depending on what you choose, making them easier on the eyes for users who might need that.

And maybe you'll be able to enjoy this feature on your brand new Pixel 11 Pro Fold soon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, and colors

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:24:05 +0000

At a glance:

Release date: We're expecting the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to arrive in fall 2026, but rumor has it the iPhone 18 may not arrive until early 2027.
Colors: Possible leaks point to four main color options for the Pro models this year: light blue, silver, dark gray, and dark cherry.
Key upgrades: Besides iOS 27 and the Siri AI beta, we're expecting bigger batteries, camera improvements (including variable aperture for the main camera), and possibly a smaller Dynamic Island.
Pricing: Most new phones are arriving with price increases, and we think a starting price increase is very likely for the new iPhone 18 lineup, sadly.

Apple's flagship smartphone hasn't taken a year off from its updates since 2007, and barring a massive surprise, 2026 won't be different — but there will be a twist.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is widely expected to launch a new lineup of iPhones later this year, including the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the rumored iPhone Ultra, the company's first-ever foldable. The regular iPhone 18, the 18e, and the new iPhone Air are likely to arrive early next year.

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

As we await the iPhone 18 — and its updated operating system, iOS 27 — rumors continue to trickle out. The pace of leaks on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, in particular, is likely to increase after a massive hack exposed thousands of Apple's internal documents, reportedly including iPhone 18 Pro suppliers and tests.

We won't see any of the new Apple phones in the wild for a couple more months, but we can bring you all of the latest iPhone 18 rumors and the most likely updates in one place.

iPhone 18 lineup pricing

If you're in the market for a new iPhone, you should circle September in your calendar. That's when Apple typically holds its big iPhone launch event, and there's no reason to believe Apple will change that for the iPhone 18. The first week of September is most likely, probably Wednesday, Sept. 9, to give attendees enough time to travel after Labor Day (Sept. 7).

Expect to see new Apple CEO John Ternus take the stage, as his term of office officially begins Sept. 1. What he'll be introducing, alas, may put more of a dent in your wallet.

Thanks to the ongoing RAM shortage caused by the AI industry (also known as RAMageddon), tons of smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are seeing huge price hikes. Experts who've spoken to Mashable say that trend isn't going to stop anytime soon.

As the world's number-one smartphone maker, Apple has advantages over its rivals, but a price increase is very likely. Apple recently raised prices on a variety of its products, and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook even took the unusual step of preparing us for a pricier iPhone.

So should you expect the phones to cost just $150 more than their predecessors (check the iPhone 17 prices for reference)? You wish. There's the pesky fact that Apple is a for-profit company, and the iPhone is the #1 smartphone in the world for a reason, even though it's already pricier than Samsung's.

How much of an increase will Apple fans bear? We may be about to find out, but the Journal estimated the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,399 ($300 more than last year). Apple analysts are coming to similar conclusions; one research note seen by 9to5Mac predicted $250 to $300 price increases.

iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Ultra launch dates

The iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones at last year's iPhone launch event. Credit: CNET

Barring a huge turn under Ternus, Apple will release the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra in early September. Apple's first foldable iPhone is the biggest headline here, but the Pro models will also bring numerous improvements.

The iPhone 18, however, alongside the cheaper iPhone 18e, and the next-gen iPhone Air, are rumored to come next year, likely in March 2027.

iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro design

Again, Apple has not released any official teasers or other imagery for the iPhone 18 lineup yet, so anything reported to date could be wrong. Still, from the sum total of all reports, it sounds like Apple isn't really reinventing the wheel, design-wise. But Ternus, a hardware guy, is reportedly bringing the company's industrial design group into the center of the Apple fold.

Looking further into the future, the iPhone 20 is said to bring big changes, including a curved waterfall display.

Per our friends at CNET (Mashable and CNET are both owned by Ziff Davis), the display sizes will be roughly the same as last year:

iPhone 18: 6.3 inches
iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3 inches
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

In August, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman shared on X that popular phone case maker Otterbox is already selling iPhone 18 Pro cases, even though the phone hasn't been announced yet. This is noteworthy because the case's packaging indicates that both the 17 Pro and 18 Pro fit in the same case, suggesting the two phones are about the same size, as CNET suggested.

Some iPhone 18 models could also have a smaller camera bump compared to previous models. There are reports of a slightly redesigned Dynamic Island on the screen itself, with the pill-shaped notification hub potentially being made smaller in the iPhone 18 Pro models. One alleged leaked image purports to show an iPhone 18 Pro with a downsized Dynamic Island cutout.

iPhone 18: rumored hardware features

So we know the software the iPhone 18 will run: iOS 27, introduced at WWDC 2026. Time to start talking about some of the internal hardware changes Apple is reportedly making to the iPhone 18 lineup.

For starters, it sounds like the lineup will have a standardized 12GB RAM count across the board. In previous years, the Pro models had 12GB of RAM, while the base model had only 8GB. According to Korean outlet The Bell, Apple will be upgrading the base model to the Pro models in that regard. It's also widely expected that Apple will adopt new A20 and A20 Pro chips for the base and Pro models, respectively.

It's also expected that the new iPhones will have a new C2 modem for improved cellular connectivity, and they may also have 5G satellite support. Also reported: a new N2 chip for better WiFi performance.

As for the battery, leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo reported that the batteries will finally be upgraded to 5,000mAh, which would be a big improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro. This year, 5,000mAh has become the new standard for flagship phones, including in Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Instant Digital posted in a separate Weibo leak that the back glass of the iPhone 18 Pro has been altered, resulting in a new unified look, as opposed to the two-tone look of the iPhone 17 Pro. Whether that change will affect durability (or if it's just an aesthetic difference) remains to be seen. Other possible upgrades include an improved LTPO+ display, Apple's new C2 modem, 5G via satellite connectivity, and the improved N2 chip, which should improve hotspot and AirDrop reliability.

The most colorful iPhone 18 Pro rumors

Based on numerous leaks, the most likely color lineup for the iPhone 18 Pro will be silver, dark gray, light blue, and the aforementioned "dark cherry."

Sadly, we think fans of black iPhones are out of luck, though the rumored dark gray color looks black in supposed dummy units shared by leakers like Sonny Dickson.

What about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Several reports out of China say that because the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a much larger battery, it may be a bit of a chunky boy.

The iPhone 17 Pro has helped Apple break sales records in 2026. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

iPhone 18 camera rumors

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a source of many spot-on iPhone reports, says the iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, will have "some of the biggest camera hardware upgrades in the lineup's history."

Why? First, the telephoto camera has a larger aperture. But more important is the variable aperture.

Also, perhaps Ice Universe is wrong. We'll find out soon.

What about Siri AI?

Of course, one of the first things many users will want to know about the iPhone 18 when they get their hands on one: what is the new, revamped, AI-upgraded Siri experience like?

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try it yourself by installing the iOS 27 beta.

The new features include Siri becoming an actual chatbot with its own app. It can also understand what's on your screen and help you write, create images, and edit photos.

For an overview, check out our guides to iOS 27 and Siri AI's top features.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: The perfect phone for cool teens — with generous parents

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is an interesting phone in a time when most phones are aggressively boring.

Flip it open in front of someone for the first time, and they will inevitably ask questions about it or ask if they can hold it.

When the pink colorway first appeared on the Galaxy Unpacked livestream, the Mashable group chat blew up — and we're a bunch of phone snobs with most of our feet firmly planted in Apple-land.

But the Z Flip 8 is more than a pretty face. While the new $1,199.99 price tag is definitely a big pain point, it's an easy recommendation unless you need Ultra or Pro-level cameras for creative or professional reasons. And if you do, you'll be paying a lot more for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra anyway.

Galaxy Z Flip 8: By the numbers

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

This phone has mostly iterative upgrades over last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7, and despite rumors to the contrary, it does have a new Snapdragon chipset.

Inner display: 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Outer display: 4.1-inch HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset
Colors: Pink, cream, graphite, mint
Unfolded dimensions: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1 mm
Folded dimensions: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1 mm
Weight: 180 grams
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB
Battery: 4,300mAh
Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera

Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: Design

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The new Samsung flip phone is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 7. It still has ultra-thin bezels, and while it's not quite as thin as the excellent Galaxy Z Fold 8 (or the Z Fold 8 Ultra), Samsung did shave off 0.6mm.

When unfolded, it feels nice and light in your hand, and even when it's folded, it slips right into your pocket like a flip phone should. I'm one of the few phone reviewers who has hated the trend of bigger and bigger phones, which is why I held onto my iPhone SE as long as I could. I love the way phones like the Z Flip 8 and the Motorola Razr Ultra feel in my pocket compared with iPhone or the oversized Galaxy S26 Ultra.

For the Galaxy Z 8 series, Samsung also added flex titanium hardware, which results in a more durable hinge and less visible crease. The phone certainly feels solid, and the crease on the flexible display really does disappear.

Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The phone also won me over with its charming good looks. This is a smartphone with good vibes. I love the pink color (which is more of a purple-pink than a bubblegum or millennial pink), and I really like the white color as well.

For a lot of reasons, I think this would be the ideal phone for a young person or college student, or as a starter phone for a cool teen, if your parents love you enough to splurge on a $1,199.99 device.

Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: Performance

Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

Last year, we complained about the Z Flip 7's Exynos processor, but this year, Samsung opted for the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset found in the Z Fold 8 Ultra. When we ran the Geekbench 7 benchmarking test, the phone received a single-core score of 2,658 and a multi-core score of 7,157.

That single-core score is actually a little higher than the Z Fold 8, though the Z Fold 8 had a higher multi-core score of 9,919. Its scores are also significantly higher than those of the Motorola Razr Ultra, the flagship entry in the Razr lineup this year.

What this means is that the phone can handle basic AI processes on the device without breaking a sweat, and you can run tons of apps at the same time without slowing it down. The processor is also critical for photo processing, which is one of the few pain points with this phone. I found the color and light balance to be much better on the Z Fold 8, but the Z Flip 8 actually performed better with digital zoom (we'll come back to this in the camera test section).

Samsung also redesigned the outer display experience from the ground up, and it's now easier to access apps and widgets when the phone is closed (though not all apps will work on the front display).

Galaxy Z Flip 8: Setup, migration, and software

Setting up the Z Flip 8 was incredibly easy. Assuming you already have another Galaxy device, you can quickly transfer the contents. You do have to scroll through and accept a lot of terms of service and other screens when you first boot up the phone, which was annoying. Samsung was also keen to stress that it has made it as simple as possible to migrate from iOS to Android, and overall, the phone has better compatibility with Apple devices.

Crucially for me, Samsung has introduced Quick Share, an AirDrop-like feature that lets you quickly and wirelessly send photos, videos, and other files to nearby devices, including Apple devices. I was able to select all of the photos and videos I took for this review and send them to my MacBook Pro work laptop in seconds.

Like last year, the phone is also equipped with a fingerprint sensor.

Setting up the phone Credit: Screenshot by Timothy Werth

Credit: Screenshot by Timothy Werth

Galaxy Z Flip 8: The cameras are just OK

There's a simple reason that the Z Flip 8 couldn't be my everyday phone: the cameras.

The Z Flip 8 has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP selfie camera. By comparison, I got good results with the larger Z Fold 8, which has dual 50MP cameras. The Z Flip 8's cameras suffer in comparison, especially for a phone that costs over $1,000.

Samsung redesigned the outer display experience for the Z Flip 8. Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

If you're a professional who depends on high-quality pictures and videos (like, say, a tech journalist), this phone won't meet your needs. Likewise, even if creators love the design of this phone, it won't suit their video needs the way the iPhone 17 Pro Max would, for example.

However, for the vast majority of people, I think the cameras are good enough. Hence, why I think this phone makes sense for young people, or folks who prefer a small phone that disappears in their pocket.

The results of my camera test

Ultimately, I found that the Z Flip 8 sometimes oversaturated my photos, as you can see in this New York City park scene. The sky wasn't quite so blue that day, I'm afraid.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

I also found that in bright sunlight, some of the photos looked a little overexposed. The highlights were too bright in some cases, giving the photos a glossy sheen.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Strangely, the digital zoom on the Z Flip 8 seemed to work better than on the Z Fold 8, for reasons I don't understand. Both phones lack a telephoto lens for high-quality zoom shots. Still, it worked well enough, and better than expected in some cases.

Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

However, I did get great results with selfies, so long as I didn't rely on the front-facing 10MP selfie camera. One of the coolest features of the Z Flip 8 is that you can see a live video of the camera preview when the phone is folded, letting you line up the perfect selfie. This is so handy that I don't think you ever need to use the inner 10MP selfie camera, and I don't know why it's included at all. The drop-off in photo quality is very apparent.

Left: A selfie taken with the main camera. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Fortunately, Portrait mode works well, so long as you're using the main cameras.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

A full suite of AI features

If you're an AI user, there's a lot to love about the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Thanks to the Snapdragon processor, you can get a lot accomplished on device.

With the Z 8 series, users get access to Gemini LM, which is a great perk. On top of that, you can get free six months of Google AI Pro, unlocking a ton more AI features (just be sure to cancel after six months if you don't want to be charged!).

However, the only AI feature I really find myself using on these devices are the AI photo editing tools, which work very well.

The AI eraser can help you eliminate unwanted pimples, photobombers, or other details from your shots. The tool easily erased a tote bag strap from one of my selfies, and eliminated people in the background of photos I took at a dog park.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

You can also have more fun with your photos, by adding fantastical details. Crucially, when you edit photos with AI, an AI content watermark is added automatically to your photo (in addition to a digital watermark), which I very much appreciate.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Is the Galaxy Z Flip 8 worth it?

While this isn't the right phone for me, I'm a big fan of foldable smartphones, and I had a lot of fun testing this phone. If you don't need a 200MP camera or 8K video recording (and who does, really?), then this phone will suit your needs just fine.

I do resent the $100 price increase for the new generation of Samsung foldables, but the global memory crisis has driven up prices on almost everything this year. If you can take advantage of trade-in offers from your mobile carrier, that should help offset the cost.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

$1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $150

T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 right now — how to qualify for this wild offer

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:11:35 +0000

TL;DR: T-Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 when you trade in an eligible device on a qualifying Experience Beyond plan, with credits paid out over 36 months.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Claim by trading in an eligible device on the Experience Beyond plan.

Samsung's summer Unpacked event didn't hold back. Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the company introduced a wider, more productivity-focused Z Fold 8 Ultra, the pocket-sized Z Flip 8, an updated set of Galaxy Watches, and its first-ever pair of smart glasses built around Gemini AI — a full Unpacked lineup with something for every kind of Samsung fan.

The Z Fold 8 has garnered a lot of attention, and T-Mobile is backing it with one of its best offers of the year: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is yours with an eligible trade-in on the Experience Beyond plan, no matter what condition your old phone is in.

Here's how to qualify for the deal:

Trade in an eligible device and add a line on the Experience Beyond plan, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB, normally $1,899.99) is paid off through up to 36 monthly bill credits. There's also a $35 device connection charge, plus applicable taxes and fees, so it's not entirely cost-free, but the device itself is covered.

If Experience Beyond isn't the plan for you, T-Mobile has scaled-down versions of the same offer:

Experience More, with trade-in: up to $1,100 off
Most other plans, with trade-in: up to $500 off
Simple Choice plans, with trade-in: up to $250 off

All of these pay out the same way, as monthly bill credits over up to 36 months rather than an instant discount, so the savings only fully materialize if you stay on the plan for the full term.

There's also a separate switcher incentive: trade in your phone, activate a new line, and port your number over from another carrier, and T-Mobile will send up to $800 via a prepaid Mastercard — on top of whatever device discount you already qualify for.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available in cream, lavender, and graphite, and you can upgrade from the base 256GB to 512GB for more storage.

Hands-on: Google Pixel 11 series makes small but meaningful improvements

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Google has some new phones coming out, and we've been busy testing them all. Let's talk about them.

As part of its annual Made by Google event earlier this month, Google lifted the veil off the entire Pixel 11 series. While we don't quite have full reviews ready for each phone just yet, we wanted to share our first impressions of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. (You can read our full review of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.)

In general, this is another year of incremental improvements for the Pixel family, but there are some noteworthy changes to talk about. Let's dig in.

The base Pixel 11 camera bar is much thinner

Slimmed down. Credit: Rene Ramos / Mashable

One thing that becomes very apparent right away when putting your hands on the base model Pixel 11 is that its physical profile has been trimmed down to an extent. However, Google didn't do that by changing the phone's dimensions; those are exactly the same as last year.

So, what did Google do to achieve a thinner silhouette (while shaving 0.3 oz off the weight) for its cheapest Pixel 11? It noticeably reduced the size of the camera bar this time around. It's not quite the same as what Google did to the Pixel 10a, which basically doesn't have a camera bar at all, allowing the phone to lie completely flat on a table. But the end result is close enough, as this is, as far as I can tell, the thinnest camera bar Google has put on a Pixel in a long, long time.

It's barely noticeable when viewed from the side, and the phone is close enough to being flat on any given surface that it's functionally pretty similar to the Pixel 10a in design. You can also basically make the phone completely flat on its backside by putting a case on the Pixel 11.

This isn't a monumental change or anything, and it only applies to the base model, but still, it's pretty nice.

HiLight is a swing and a miss so far

It's not much to look at. Credit: Rene Ramos / Mashable

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung introduced a major hardware upgrade: Privacy Display. Unfortunately, Google's big hardware innovation is pretty underwhelming.

We're talking about HiLight, a small, multi-colored light module that lives in the camera bar of the Pro models. Yes, you read that right: Base Pixel 11 phones can't use HiLight.

You might think, based on that fact, that HiLight is some highly advanced technological feat. Based on early impressions, that's not really the case. HiLight can pretty much do two things at the moment: light up when Gemini is active, or light up when someone calls you on the phone. The idea is to notify you that things are happening when you have the phone flipped face down, but I feel pretty strongly that Google should have prioritized text messages instead of phone calls for the initial HiLight rollout.

If HiLight worked with texts (and I expect that it will eventually), it would at least be pretty neat that you can set custom colors for different contacts. But as it is, in a world where I pretty much only get phone calls from people who are trying to drain my bank account, it's not particularly useful.

And again, it really should be available on all four Pixel 11 phones.

Magic Capture is a pleasant surprise

The Google Pixel 11 series. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

In terms of software additions, the most impressive one I've seen in my time with the Pixel 11 series has been Magic Capture. This, fortunately, is available on all four Pixel 11 devices, and it's worth trying once you have your new phone all set up and ready to go.

Magic Capture is available as a new mode in the Camera app; just choose it from the same little section where you'd choose either photo or video mode and you're good to go. The way it works is that you film anything you want, ideally an object or living thing in motion, and Magic Capture will automatically process the video and choose several still frames from it that would work as standalone photos.

Kinda neat! Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Pigeons are cool. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

This processing happens on-device and works without a cellular or internet connection, which is great. There's also an option to let Magic Capture automatically crop and unblur these images. In practice, I found Magic Capture surprisingly capable of picking out neat still frames from videos. I filmed a train speeding by me and it found a frame where I'm clearly visible as a reflection in the train's window, which I thought was pretty cool. I was also able to catch a pigeon mid-take-off.

Magic Capture seems eminently useful for things like filming sports or other dynamic events full of moving subjects. Even as an AI skeptic (to put it mildly), this is one AI feature I actually sort of dig.

Review: The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold finally gives Samsung a real fight

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Last year, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold was technically in competition with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but in reality, it was no contest. Google's phone was just too bulky to really be a true peer of Samsung's excellent foldable.

This year, while one might arrive at the same ultimate conclusion, it is more of a real competition. The $1,899 Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a clear, marked improvement over its predecessor, thanks largely to a remarkably thinner and lighter form factor. While there are some software improvements to chew on, the fact that the new Pixel foldable is so much more comfortable in the hands than the 2025 model is enough to make it feel more on par with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Even so, a noticeable price increase year-over-year and Samsung's continued excellence in the space still mean that you're probably better off with a Z Fold. But the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a very nice phone in its own right, and there are some good reasons to get one if you're in the market for a premium foldable.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: A $400 price increase hits hard

It's a lot thinner this time. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Speaking of price increases, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launched at $1,499, and the 11 Pro Fold is launching at $1,899. There are noteworthy improvements from one device to the next, as I'll cover extensively in the rest of this review, but not to the tune of an extra $400. You can blame RAMageddon and the rapid spread of AI data centers for that.

Still, even with a valid economic justification, a price hike is a price hike. It's not good, and I don't want to normalize that sort of thing, no matter how normal it is in 2026.

Easily the biggest change Google made between the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and this model is in the physical design of the device itself. Last year's Pixel foldable was notably thicker and bulkier than the Z Fold 7, to the point where I couldn't earnestly recommend it to anyone, even though it was a perfectly OK device in its own right. Google trimmed the Pixel 11 Pro Fold down substantially, bringing it down to 10.1mm of thickness when folded and 5.0mm when unfolded.

That's compared to 10.8mm and 5.2mm last year, respectively. Google also pared the weight down from around 258g to 239g. All of that is to say that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is significantly better from an ergonomic and design standpoint than its predecessor. As soon as I picked it up for the first time, I was immediately impressed by how much more svelte it is. The only problem is that the Z Fold 8 Ultra is an even tinier 4.1mm when unfolded, so Samsung still wins in that regard.

Still, Google is closing the gap.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Design, specs, and price

Boring colors this year. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The new Pixel 11 Pro Fold also only comes in two very drab and boring colors: Olive and Obsidian. Blegh. Here are the rest of the basic specs for the device:

Exterior display: 6.5-inches with 1080x2342 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness
Interior display: 8-inches with 2076x2152 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness
Processor: Google Tensor G6
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256/512GB, 1TB
Battery: 4,806mAh
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Selfie cameras: 10MP outer and inner cameras

We'll get to camera and battery changes shortly, but one upgrade worth mentioning here is that both displays have seen their peak brightness rise from 3,000 nits on Pixel 10 Pro Fold to 3,600 nits on this device. When you're using the foldable outdoors on a sunny day, the brightness is definitely noticeable. In general, the displays look great, but to my eyes they don't look all that different from last year's model outside of the brightness change.

I will say, though, that the crease in the inner display is fairly visible. It's not a big deal, but Samsung wins that competition this year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Performance

As usual, Google has included a new in-house Tensor processor with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The Tensor G6 chip makes everyday activities, from web browsing to photography and social media, extremely breezy. I have absolutely zero complaints about the performance profile here, though I should mention that I didn't really have any last year, either. It'd be a big story if a nearly $2,000 phone didn't perform well.

Unfortunately, the Geekbench 7 benchmarking software that we use to put a number on performance does not have Pixel 11 Pro Fold support just yet. Take my word for it, though: Performance is fine on this phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: AI features and HiLight

That little white circle is where HiLight happens. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

As always, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is fully Gemini-powered out of the box. It comes with six months of the Google AI Pro subscription and otherwise has some contextual Gemini-based actions that can occur, usually within the realm of text messages. For example, if someone texts you about a lunch date, Gemini might surface a little visual card with information about the restaurant in question sourced from the internet.

This sort of thing isn't terribly new or exciting (it's also somewhat difficult to test), but I suppose it can help save a little bit of time here and there. The most standout new AI feature actually involves photography. It's called Magic Capture, and the way it works is that you open the Camera app, swipe to a new Magic Capture tab the same way you would swipe between the photo and video modes, and start filming anything that's moving or otherwise dynamic and difficult to capture in still image form.

After you're done filming, the phone will take a few seconds to process a sort of "ideal" photographic still from the video you just took. It can also optionally crop and unblur these photos without your input. Fast-moving animals like New York's lovely pigeons or dogs at a dog park made for decent test subjects; even with the maximum zoom distance of 4x and twitchy, unpredictable subjects, the stills actually came out looking pretty nice.

This came from a video. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

So was this. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

I am broadly speaking not a fan of the AI creep that's been happening with smartphones in recent years. That said, Magic Capture is genuinely pretty neat and I could see it being very useful for people with kids and/or pets.

One other aspect worth talking about is HiLight, the only real new hardware feature in the Pixel 11 Pro series. It's a little multi-colored light that lives in the rear camera bar, and it lights up either when Gemini is active or when someone calls you. Those are the only two use cases right now. It's neat that you can set custom colors for different contacts, but I really don't understand why Google prioritized phone calls over text messages for HiLight at launch.

As it is, HiLight doesn't add much to the experience.. Maybe it'll get better over time.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Battery life

As with all devices that Mashable reviews, I tested the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery life by looping an HD video on its display until the phone died.

Google rates the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as having more than 24 hours of battery life, but using our testing method, I was only able to get about 24 hours of juice out of the phone's battery, which is smaller than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's cell. I'm certain you could wring a bit more life out of it by sticking to normal everyday activities like scrolling social media, so this isn't a big deal. It's also about the same result I got out of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, so even though I like Samsung's device a bit more, it doesn't outright win on battery life.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Cameras

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

I mentioned earlier that there are arguments to be made for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold over the Z Fold 8 Ultra. The biggest one is definitely the cameras.

That's interesting because Samsung's rear camera array wins heavily on megapixel counts. You only get a 48MP main shooter here, versus a 200MP lens on the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Megapixels usually don't tell the full story, though, and whatever Google is doing behind the scenes with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's software produces much better-looking shots in certain conditions.

As an example, both phones can digital zoom up to 30x. On the Z Fold 8 Ultra, everything taken at that zoom level looks terrible. It's a bunch of AI-corrected mush that no one should ever substitute for a real photo. On the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, though, 30x zoom images are fairly clear and nice-looking.

1x zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

30x zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

The ultra-wide lens also produces vibrant, colorful shots.

Only a month or two before the leaves start falling. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Macro photography is always nice to have, as well.

Macro-licious. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

And portrait mode does what you want it to do.

Sorry, I don't like including my own selfies in these reviews. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Between all of that and the usefulness of Magic Capture, I would probably recommend the Pixel 11 Pro Fold over the Z Fold 8 Ultra purely on the merits of its cameras. However, you'd be better off getting a traditional flagship phone like a Pixel 11 Pro if photography is really your passion.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: My final verdict

Google has made great strides towards catching up with Samsung in the tablet-style foldable space in the past 12 months.

Simply put, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a massive improvement over the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, if only because it's a lot more comfortable to hold. It's still not anywhere near as thin as Samsung's Z Fold 8 Ultra, but it's hard to imagine anything on the market topping that soon.

Even so, its performance is rock solid. I actually think it's better at taking photos than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and it's generally a very nice phone to use. Maybe next year Google can win the fight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (Obsidian)

$1,899 at T-Mobile

T-Mobile is giving away the new Motorola Razr+ for free — how to claim

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:25:15 +0000

TL;DR: The new Motorola Razr+ is available for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, simply activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Credit: Motorola

Motorola Razr+

Free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

It has been an exceptionally busy few weeks in the world of mobiles. First, we had Samsung Unpacked, where we got announcements on the latest foldables, smartwatches, and even smart glasses. Then, before we had the chance to catch our breathe, Google dropped its own range of new devices.

It's easy to forget that Motorola launched some of the most impressive foldables on the market just a few months ago. These smartphones aren't outdated. They are still leading the way.

And better yet, you can get the new Motorola Razr+ for free right now with T-Mobile. To claim, simply activate a new line on its Experience Beyond plan. The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the two-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price.

The key point here is that no trade-in is required for this limited-time promotion. You will need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge, but that's a small price to pay for a "damn fine phone."

Score the new Motorola Razr+ for free with T-Mobile.

Samsung Galaxy phones could soon get a popular Apple feature

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:51:12 +0000

Samsung might borrow a good Apple feature soon.

And you might not even need new hardware to use it. Leaker Fahad Ali Javed (via AndroidAuthority) posted screenshots of the upcoming One UI 9.5 update, which included several new features for Samsung devices. Perhaps the most noteworthy one, though, is the seeming addition of app mirroring. This feature allows iPhone users to receive notifications and otherwise control their phones using a linked Mac computer.

Javed's post suggests that this will be possible soon between a Samsung phone and a linked laptop, as long as you're logged into the same Samsung account on both devices. Any iPhone/MacBook owner can tell you this is a great, time-saving feature that people in other device ecosystems should want.

Less significantly, it also looks like One UI 9.5 might bring over the horizontal app bar found on Samsung foldable phones, complete with an always-visible search bar. That works well on phones with bigger displays, but it remains to be seen how it will adapt to regular phones.

Regardless, app mirroring would be a very nice feature for Samsung owners.

Google just rewrote the rules for phone cameras

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:07:17 +0000

Google's Pixel 11 lineup brings Magic Capture, Instant Night Sight, and one genuinely surprising choice: the cheapest and priciest models share a main camera. We tried Magic Capture ourselves and asked Google why the Fold's camera is different.

The best senior phone plans of 2026: Cut your monthly bill in half with T-Mobile, AT&T, and more

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:39:41 +0000

Best phone plans for seniors:

Best overall phone plan for seniors

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

$50/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month)

Best phone and internet combo for seniors

AT&T 55+

$99/month

Best budget phone plan for seniors

T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 2.0

$30/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month)

Best no-contract plan for seniors

Boost Mobile Senior Savings

$10/month for new customers (save $15/month)

Best low-cost unlimited plan for seniors

Mint Mobile 55+ Unlimited Plan

$15/month (save $15/month)

Phone bills shouldn't get more confusing as you get older — but most carriers make it feel that way.

Some carriers offer real, age-restricted pricing built specifically for people aged 55 and up, complete with perks like built-in scam-call protection. T-Mobile, AT&T, and a handful of carriers all run age-restricted phone plans that undercut their standard pricing — sometimes by a lot.

Some of these plans are best if you just want a straightforward, low-cost phone line. Others bundle in-home internet, extra data, or streaming perks for people who need more than the basics.

Here's what's actually worth switching to:

Best overall phone plan for seniors

Credit: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

Unlimited data, 4K streaming, and Scam Shield Premium — starting at $100/month for two lines with AutoPay.

Why we like it

With the T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, two lines run $100 per month with AutoPay, and instead of a 50GB data cap, you get unlimited premium data, with streaming capped at 4K UHD rather than getting stuck at standard definition. You also get 60GB of high-speed hotspot data, Netflix Standard included, and Scam Shield Premium built in for call protection.

So if you watch a lot of video on your phone or don't want to think about data limits, this plan takes that worry off the table. It's T-Mobile's way of giving seniors the "normal" unlimited plan experience, minus the full price tag.

Best phone and internet combo for seniors

Credit: AT&T

AT&T 55+

Two unlimited lines plus home internet for $99/month, with ActiveArmor scam protection built in.

Why we like it

AT&T's 55+ plan earns its spot by doing something none of the other plans on this list do: bundling two unlimited wireless lines with home internet for a flat $99 per month. If you're already paying for both separately, that's easy savings in one bill. It also comes with AT&T ActiveArmor built in to screen out spam and scam calls, and Fiber customers get automatic internet backup, so a home outage doesn't cut you off from the outside world.

It's a great fit for anyone ready to simplify their bills and consolidate services under one carrier. The one extra step is that signup happens over the phone rather than online, since AT&T verifies age and applies the discount directly — a quick call, and you're set.

Best no-contract plan for seniors

Credit: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile Senior Savings

Unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/month — locked in for life, no contract required.

Why we like it

Boost's pitch is refreshingly simple: $25 per month, unlimited talk, text, and data, and that price is locked in for good — no surprise hikes, no fine print about rates jumping after a year. New customers even get a head start at $10/month for the first three months before it settles into the standard rate.

With 30GB of high-speed data included before speeds slow down, it's plenty for most day-to-day use without needing to think too hard about it. It's also flexible — no contract means you can leave anytime, and you're free to add family members of any age to the account. Simple, affordable, and built to stay that way.

Samsung reportedly set to ditch this potential Galaxy S27 camera feature

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:36:16 +0000

Samsung seemed all set to bring back a cool camera feature on the Galaxy S27 line, but it seems like those plans have been scuttled.

Korean outlet ETNews (per 9to5google) reported that Samsung has opted against reintroducing variable aperture to the Galaxy S27 series, set to launch early next year. Rumors and reports had indicated that Samsung wanted to bring the tech back after it had briefly been part of the Galaxy series in the S9 and S10 days, but it sounds like that's not going to happen now because of manufacturing costs and the burden of a thicker camera bump.

For those who aren't into photography, variable aperture would let the phone's camera physically change shape to bring in more or less light depending on the situation at hand, like a real camera. Samsung had included this in its phones for a couple of years starting around 2018, but opted for a software solution in more recent devices. We've been hearing that Apple is planning to add the feature to the upcoming iPhone 18, so Samsung probably wanted to add it to the S27 for competition's sake.

Unfortunately, for the time being, it seems like that won't happen.

Apple adds another iPhone, MacBook Pro to the obsolete list

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:50:53 +0000

The original "notch" iPhone is now officially obsolete.

On Thursday, Apple added the iPhone X to its list of obsolete products. Originally launched in 2017, the iPhone X was the first iPhone to feature a "notch" on top of its display, ushering in the era of modern iPhones that are nearly bezel-less on all sides, aside from a camera/sensor cutout on top.

Being on the obsolete list means that the product is no longer eligible for hardware service at Apple Stores or the company's Authorized Service Providers. Being nearly nine years old, the iPhone X doesn't get the new versions of iOS either, so if you still use one, it's probably (definitely) time to move on and get a new phone.

In addition to the iPhone X, Apple also added the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro to the obsolete list. That machine still rocked an Intel processor; Apple introduced the first MacBook Pro with its own silicon (the M1 chip) in 2020 and hasn't looked back since.

There's some symbolism in the iPhone X going obsolete in 2026, the year when Apple is likely to usher in another radically different phone, the foldable iPhone Ultra. There are also rumors that Apple plans an iPhone 20 Pro with an all-glass, no-notch design for 2027, which could be the beginning of the end of iPhones with camera cutouts in their displays.

The ultimate phone case for art lovers: Casetify drops an exclusive Matisse collection

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Casetify's Henri Matisse x Casetify "Jazz & Cut-Outs" collection launches worldwide on Aug. 13, with prices ranging from £33 to £755.

Henri Matisse's work is instantly recognizable — bold colors and shapes that feel alive.

Late in life, illness left Matisse bed- or wheelchair-bound, unable to paint like before. So he picked up the scissors, cutting shapes from painted paper and arranging them into compositions by hand — what he called "painting with scissors."

Casetify's new collection draws straight from that story. The "Jazz & Cut-Outs" collection draws on Matisse's Jazz series, a body of work centered on rhythm, movement, and improvisation that mirrors the syncopated feel of jazz music itself.

Credit: Casetify

Here's a closer look at the artwork featured across the collection:

Icarus, plate VIII (1947): A falling silhouette against a star-filled sky, blending myth with visual tension.
Nu Bleu II (1952): A single, bold blue shape defining the human figure through negative space.
La Gerbe (1953): A radiating burst of colorful leaves, pure and vibrant.
Les Codomas (1947): Sharp, syncopated shapes inspired by soaring trapeze performers.
Le Cirque (The Circus) (1947): A vivid, movement-heavy nod to the big top.
The Horse, the Rider and the Clown (1947): Overlapping shapes simulating fast-paced spectacle and travel.
The Clown - Plate I (1947): The Jazz series' opening piece, mixing sharp framing with floating abstract elements.
The Heart Smitten by Love (1949): A bold red heart wrapped in blue script, made for the journal Verve.

Credit: Casetify

The lineup covers a wide range of accessories, including Casetify's signature Bounce phone cases, MagSafe cardholders, laptop sleeves, watch bands, and iPad cases, as well as pieces from the Casetify Travel line, such as expandable suitcases.

The Henri Matisse x Casetify collection launches worldwide on Aug. 13, with prices ranging from £33 to £755. It'll be available online, through the Casetify Co-Lab app (already live in the App Store), and at Casetify Studio locations globally.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Camera Walk: Does Generative AI Ruin Real Photos?

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:40:07 +0000

Andrew Lanxon takes Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL on a street photography test walk through Paris to test its new camera features, including customizable Camera Looks, Magic Capture and 120x Super Res Zoom. Watch as he puts the Tensor G6-powered camera to the test and breaks down whether Google's heavy AI image processing enhances or over-edits your photos.

Pixel 11’s Gemini translated my videos and took photos for me

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:33:57 +0000

CNET Senior Technology Reporter, Abrar Al-Heeti, gets a first look at the new Gemini intelligence features coming to the Google Pixel 11. In this video, we test out five upcoming capabilities designed to make finding and sharing information easier.

Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:02:34 +0000

Top Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro preorder offers:

the google store

Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 store credit or $130 Pixel Watch 5 discount

$399 (save up to $500 with a trade-in)

Amazon

Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 gift card

$899

best buy

Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 gift card

$899

T-Mobile

Google Pixel 11 (256GB)

Free with trade-in on select plans (via monthly bill credits)

The google store

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 store credit or $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount

$499 (save up to $600 with a trade-in)

Amazon

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 gift card

$1,099

best buy

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 gift card

$1,099

AT&T

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB)

Free with trade-in and eligible data plan (via monthly bill credits)

t-mobile

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB)

Free with trade-in on select plans (via monthly bill credits)

Smartphone release season is in full swing, and Google's the latest to drop its newest mobile devices. The tech giant announced the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro phones on Aug. 12 ahead of its annual Made By Google event.

The Google Pixel 11 starts at $899. It's set for release on Aug. 20 and available for preorder through the Google Store, where you can save up to $500 with a trade-in. If you purchase it there anytime before Aug. 28, you'll also get a bonus $100 in Google Store credit or $130 off the new Pixel Watch 5 — your choice.

Alternatively, you can preorder the Pixel 11 through Amazon or Best Buy for a free $100 gift card. It's also available through major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile; the latter is giving it away for free (via monthly bill credits) with a trade-in on select plans.

While the Pixel 11 technically costs $100 more than last year's $799 Pixel 10, Google upped the starting storage on the latest generation to 256GB, and the 256GB Pixel 10 costs — you guessed it — $899. So it's not really a price bump.

The Pixel 11 Pro, on the other hand, gets a proper $100 price bump over the Pixel 10 Pro: It starts at $1,099. By preordering it directly through the Google Store ahead of its Aug. 20 launch, you'll save up to $600 with a trade-in and earn a free $200 bonus credit or $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount. At Amazon and Best Buy, the Pixel 11 Pro comes with a free $200 gift card. Meanwhile, you can get it for free through T-Mobile and AT&T with a trade-in and an eligible data plan.

Alongside these phones, Google also announced the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel Watch 5.

Google Pixel 11: Where to preorder

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel 11 isn't a huge upgrade over last year's Pixel 10, which didn't bring much new to the table. Minor upgrades for the Pixel 11 include a thinner camera bar, no 128GB model, and a new 512GB model, as well as AI features like Magic Capture. It's the only new Pixel phone that doesn't come with HiLight (but more on that when we get to the Pixel 11 Pro).

Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor
Storage: 256/512GB
Memory: 12GB
Battery: 4,985mAh
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Front camera: 10.5MP

The Pixel 11 comes in four colorways: Frost, pistachio, hibiscus, and obsidian.

Credit: Google

Google Pixel 11 (256GB)

$899 at the Google Store

Save up to $500 with a trade-in; earn a $100 store credit or a $130 Pixel Watch 5 discount.

Credit: Google / Amazon

Google Pixel 11 (256GB)

$899 at Amazon

Get a free $100 gift card.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Where to preorder

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Google Pixel 11 Pro comes packed with notable changes over the previous gen. Google's done away with the 128GB storage option, starting at 256GB instead. The lowest-storage model now comes with 12GB of RAM (compared to the 16 GB found on older Pros), but the rest of the line features higher memory. Brightness also gets a boost from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits.

Most notable, however, is the addition of HiLight, a feature available only on the Pro and Fold Pixel models. HiLight is a customizable, multi-colored light on the rear camera bar that can visually signify notifications from messages to calls to Gemini activation, with the option to set certain colors for certain actions.

The remaining spec breakdown for the Pixel 11 Pro is as follows:

Display: 6.3-inch display with 1280x2856 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Google Tensor G6
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB
Memory: 12/16GB RAM
Battery: 4,850mAh battery
Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Front camera: 42MP

The smartphone will be available in four colors: Canyon, obsidian, fog, and olive.

Credit: Google

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB)

$1,099 at the Google Store

Save up to $600 with a trade-in; earn a $200 store credit or a $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount.

Credit: Google / Amazon

Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB)

$1,099 at Amazon

Get a free $200 gift card.

Buy a new Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free gift card

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:45:57 +0000

FREE GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE: As of August 12, get a Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free Best Buy gift card with purchase, up to $350.

Credit: Best Buy

Google Pixel 11 + Free Best Buy Gift Card

The Google Pixel 11 smartphone line is coming, and there are multiple choices to pick up if you're ready to lock one in. If you're going to preorder one of the devices anyway, however, you may as well save some extra money while you're at it. Though the phones won't be here officially until next week, you've got some time to lock one in for yourself right now if you're ready. Head to Best Buy and you'll even get a gift card with purchase to sweeten the deal.

As of August 12, get a Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free Best Buy gift card with purchase, up to $350. Choose the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and you'll get a $350 gift card with your purchase, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will net you a $200 gift card. The Pixel 11 will get a $100 gift card with purchase. You can't lose, no matter which phone you go with, as this extra cash to spend at Best Buy can go toward accessories or just another shopping trip when you go back.

The gift card will be delivered digitally via email after you pick up your new phone in-store or have it delivered to your home. You'll need to make sure you confirm your email address to receive it, so be on the lookout for that as you must respond within 60 days to receive the promotional item.

It's a great time to go ahead and choose your new Pixel phone at Best Buy and get a little something back for your time. Several retailers are doing something similar with other Pixel phones and products, so you can choose your own adventure here. All colors and styles are eligible. All you need to do is pick which phone you want to go with and you're good to go. Just be sure to do so before the phones release.

Want the new Pixel 11? The Google Store is loaded with credits and trade-in promos right now

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:24:45 +0000

TL;DR: The Google Store is offering up to $1,000 back on the Pixel 11 series via trade-in, plus bundled discounts on the Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Buds, and Nest devices.

If you're a Google fan (honestly, even if you're not, these phones are gorg and you should def take a look), Google is offering special offers across its entire lineup right now. You can score bundle deals, trade-in offers, store credits, carrier discounts, free subscription perks, and more directly through the Google Store.

There are a ton of promos going on right now, so I broke it down into digestible chunks based on what you need.

Pixel 11 phone deals

Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Get up to $1,000 back with an eligible trade-in. Plus, get a free Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm WiFi) or $350 in Google Store credit.
Pixel 11 Pro / Pro XL: Get up to $600 back with an eligible trade-in. Plus, choose between $250 off the new Pixel Watch 5 or a $200 Google Store credit for your next purchase.
Pixel 11 (standard): Get up to $500 back with an eligible trade-in, plus $130 off the Pixel Watch 5 or a $100 Google Store credit.
Carrier savings (Google Fi Wireless): Switch or join Google Fi to get the Pixel 11 Pro or standard Pixel 11 "on us" (via bill credits), plus $10/month off your phone plan for two years.

Pixel Watch and wearables deals

Pixel Watch 5: Get up to $400 back with an eligible watch trade-in.
Free LTE data: Buy any Pixel Watch 5 (LTE) and get two years of smartwatch data included via Google Fi Wireless without changing your current phone carrier.
Fitbit discounts: Save $50 on the Fitbit Sense 2 ($199.95), $40 on the Fitbit Charge 6 ($119.95), $40 on the Versa 4 ($159.95), or $20 on the Inspire 3 ($79.95).

Pixel Buds and audio savings

Pixel Buds Pro 2: On sale for $189 (down from $229).
Pixel Buds 2a: On sale for $99 (down from $129).

Smart home and streaming perks

Google TV Streamer (4K): Get three months of YouTube Premium on us or save up to $120 over your first six months of YouTube TV.
Nest Wifi Pro (1-pack): On sale for $149.99 (down from $199.99).
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Google Pixel 11 Pros HiLight feature is a good start, but it shouldnt be Pro-exclusive

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:57:24 +0000

In an era of software innovations, Google has one neat hardware trick in the Pixel 11 lineup. It's a shame it's not part of the whole lineup, though.

Google lifted the veil off the Pixel 11 series on Wednesday morning as part of its Made by Google event. Between anxiety around price increases and intrigue surrounding new AI features, one new hardware addition stood out: the HiLight feature. Available on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro Fold devices, this is a new notification system that communicates things to the user when the phone is turned on its face.

I got to briefly try out HiLight at a press event before the announcement, and came away thinking it had potential. Unfortunately, some of that potential is being squandered by device exclusivity, for now.

Google Pixel 11 Pro HiLight hands-on: A cool feature that should be in every Pixel 11 phone

It's on the Fold, too. Credit: Rene Ramos / Mashable

I feel a primer is in order, given that HiLight is a brand-new Pixel 11 feature. In short, it's a small circular light module that sits in the rear camera bar of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. At first, it doesn't look like anything fancy, but it's hiding a neat secret.

Put simply, HiLight will light up in different colors to notify the phone's owner that something is happening on the phone while the device lies face down. If you're locked in at work and don't want to be distracted, but you still want to know if you're getting an important phone call, HiLight will do the trick.

HiLight is, in fact, mostly used for phone calls at this time, as far as I can tell. You can go into your contacts and assign custom light colors to individual people. I don't have a full list of colors in front of me at this time, but there were no more than six or seven options. However, as someone who is mildly color deficient, I very much appreciated it when an on-site Google rep informed me that the colors were chosen to avoid confusion for people like me. The ones I saw all looked pretty distinct, though every color-deficient person's eyes work differently.

If only every Pixel 11 had this. Credit: Rene Ramos / Mashable

Strangely, HiLight does not seem to work with text messages at this point. I was told that new functionality will come in the future, though. The only other use case I was shown for HiLight was that it will light up in a rainbow pattern when Gemini is in use.

Smartphone enthusiasts will immediately recognize this as being inspired by Nothing's hardware design over the years. That company has been making phones with light patterns on the rear side for years, for this same purpose. However, those tend to be bigger, more gaudy, and more feature-rich than HiLight is so far. I appreciate how visually modest HiLight is, though the functionality seems a bit thin at launch.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

All of that is fine and good, but one thing I don't understand at this juncture is why HiLight isn't available on the base Pixel 11 phone. The same circular object is still present in the camera bar (presumably a camera flash module), but it doesn't light up for notifications as it does on Pro devices. I think HiLight is cool, but it would make a much bigger impression if every Pixel 11 owner could use it.

Considering the base Pixel 11 is closer than ever to a Pro experience thanks to the recent addition of a telephoto lens, maybe Google felt the need to distinguish the two models a little bit more this year. That said, I hope the Pixel 12 rectifies this.

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Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:38:07 +0000

The best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals:

the google store

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB) + free Pixel Watch 5

$899 (save up to $1,000 with a trade-in)

amazon

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB) + free Pixel Watch 5 or $350 gift card

$1,899

best buy

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB) + free $350 gift card

$1,899

T-Mobile

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB)

$1,399 (save up to $500 with a trade-in on eligible plans)

The first foldable iPhone is due later this year, but while we all wait for that, Google just announced its latest foldable Android on Wednesday ahead of its annual Made by Google hardware event.

Meet the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, starting at $1,899 and now available for preorder ahead of its Aug. 20 launch. Buying it directly through the Google Store nets you up to $1,000 in trade-in savings and a free 41mm Pixel Watch 5 (through Aug. 27). Preorders placed through Amazon come with your choice of a free Pixel Watch 5 or a free $350 gift card. At Best Buy, it just comes with a free $350 gift card.

Among major carriers, T-Mobile is offering the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold deal with up to $500 off (via monthly bill credits) if you trade in an older device on select plans.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold marks a small price increase from its predecessor. It's $100 more expensive than last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which started at $1,799.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is just one of several Pixel devices announced today, with a lineup including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and 11 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag.

A render of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold leaked in early July, showcasing a possible new colorway (that we can now confirm as olive) and a downsized camera bar. Google's also officially teased out the foldable itself, though we didn't get much info beyond a peek at the design.

With the phone's release, we now know that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with a Google Tensor G6 chip, a more powerful processor than the previous generation, enabling a more seamless AI experience.

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

As for the build itself, Google claims this phone is 10 percent lighter than the Pixel 10 Fold, which is a welcome change — Mashable's Alex Perry found the older foldable to be on the bulkier side in his review. The phone also features a more durable design, with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, a new hinge, and scratch-resistant glass.

Like the Pixel 11 Pro, it'll feature a new multi-colored light on the camera bar called HiLight, designed to offer visual cues for notifications while the phone is placed face down. Unlike the Pixel 11 Pro, it features a rear 10.5 MP ultrawide (compared to the Pro's better 13MP ultrawide camera). A full list of specs can be found below:

Display: 6.1-inch by 3-inch display
Interior display: 6.1 inches by 5.9 inches
Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor
Storage: 256/512GB/1TB
Memory: 16GB RAM
Battery: 4806 mAh
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Front camera: 10MP
Inner camera: 10 MP

Grab the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in obsidian or olive.

Credit: Google / Amazon

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB) + free Pixel Watch 5 or $350 gift card

$1,899 at Amazon