News
T-Mobile Rolls Out REVVL 8 Pro
T-Mobile has launched sales of its own-brand REVVL 8 Pro phone. Compared to both the standard REVVL 8 (that launched in August), and last year's REVVL 7 Pro that it replaces, the new model upgrades the cameras and adds IP67 water resistance. The new 8 Pro has a 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, whereas the last year's model was 5 megapixel and the standard 8 has none. The 8 Pro also upgrades to a 32 megapixel front camera and faster wired charging at 33W. As usual, the Pro model has wireless charging (15W). Other specs include a 6.8-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage (expandable), and a 50 megapixel main camera. Both T-Mobile and Metro have started selling the phone for $250.
Google Loosens Stance on Side-loading Unverified Apps in Android
Google has announced new details of its plan to restrict side-loaded apps in Android to ones that come from "verified" developers. ("Side-loaded" meaning apps installed via means other than Google's Play app store, or soon, registered third-party app stores.) To address concerns that have been raised in response to the plans, Google has now announced two specific exceptions: First, Google will make an exception for apps that are only made available to a small group and not the general public. Developers of such apps will not have to go through "the full verification requirements". Second, Google will create "a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This process will be designed specifically to thwart scammers that try to convince victims to install malware, the main issue the whole developer-verification system is intended to address. Google says it is still working out the details of these policies and systems, and is still inviting feedback on them.
OnePlus 15 Will Come to US but Date Uncertain
OnePlus has fully revealed its new flagship — the OnePlus 15 — for western markets. Although the company does plan to sell it in the US, its sale date is dependent on FCC approval, which is currently delayed due to the government shutdown. The OnePlus 15 boasts the largest battery on the market at a whopping 7,300 mAh. It also has extremely fast charging at up to 80W wired / 50W wireless. The phone adopts a new design language for OnePlus that is closer to what the leading competition has designed in recent years. Other features are similar to the OnePlus 13, such as triple 50-megapixel rear cameras, IP69 water rating, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi 7, and an infrared emitter. The 15 has a simple shortcut button instead of the slider switch that was a signature feature of many past OnePlus phones. The 15 is powered by the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip from Qualcomm. The phone has good support for the 5G and 4G networks of all top three US carriers. It will come in black with 12 GB RAM / 256 storage for $900. For an extra $100, it will come with 16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage, as well as sand and violet color options.
Apple Joins Google in Offering Passport-Based Digital ID
Apple is launching a new type of digital identification for iPhone (and Apple Watch) that it calls simply "Digital ID". It is based on the user's existing passport and can be used in place of a Real ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. (It does not replace a passport for international travel.) "At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. ... with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future." Not all TSA checkpoints can accept this type of ID yet. Google's Android already supports this unique type of ID — which they call "ID pass" — having announced it over a year ago. On both Android and iOS, the system works the same way: To set it up, you scan your passport with your phone's camera, scan the NFC chip in the passport, and take a moving selfie to verify identity. To use it, just tap the NFC reader at the checkpoint and confirm the requested info to share with TSA. (Your phone stays in your hand.)
Google Cracking Down on Battery-Draining Apps
Google is enhancing Android and its Play app store with a new power-efficiency metric for apps. If and when an app consistently crosses a threshold for "excessive" power usage, the app's public store page may show a warning about battery usage, and Google may limit how often the app is suggested. The new policy is slated to go into effect starting March 2026. More specifically, the metric measures "partial wake locks", which let apps keep the phone "awake" to perform background tasks even while the screen is off and the phone appears idle. Google's threshold for "excessive" is 2 cumulative hours in a 24 hour period. There are exceptions for certain activities such as audio playback and user-initiated data transfers. App developers can view this and other key metrics for their app(s) in Google's "Android vitals" dashboard.
Mophie Updates Juice Packs for new iPhones
Mophie has started selling a new lineup of its Juice Pack — a combo case + extra battery — for select new iPhone models. The new Juice Packs use "up to" 50% post-consumer recycled materials, support USB-C audio passthrough for the first time, and offer longer battery life plus "stronger protection". Models are available for the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max (but not the standard iPhone 17). Each model boosts the phone's existing battery life by additional 50–60%. They are available now from most major retailers and all retail for $100.
SpaceX Buys More Spectrum for Direct-to-Cell From EchoStar
EchoStar has agreed to sell its unpaired AWS-3 licenses to SpaceX for approximately $2.6 billion. The spectrum, designated for cellular service in band 70, will apparently be used by SpaceX for "direct-to-cell service offerings". Although SpaceX's Starlink constellation of satellites is already used for T-Mobile's T-Satellite service using T-Mobile-owned spectrum, SpaceX appears to be preparing to offer a similar service using its own spectrum.
Google Makes Maps Smarter, Conversational
Google is rolling out an update to its Google Maps app that integrates Gemini AI and adds several specific new features. Firstly, Google will now give directions using its knowledge of local landmarks, such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" instead of "turn right in 500 feet", and landmarks mentioned this way will be highlighted on the map. Secondly, voice search will be expanded to a full "conversational" AI assistant that can handle multi-step and multi-part questions and commands. For example, you will be able to say "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let’s go there." Finally, if Maps is running, it will now proactively alert you to disruptions on the road ahead, even when you're not actively navigating to a destination. Landmark-based navigation and traffic alerts are rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US. Conversational AI will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks "everywhere Gemini is available", with Android Auto "on the way."
T-Mobile Launches Free Text-to-911 via Satellite for Everyone
T-Mobile is expanding its T-Satellite service to include free texting to 911 emergency services via satellite for all cell phone users in the US, not just T-Mobile customers. Although the service is free, it does require enrollment. T-Mobile customers can log in to their account and add the free add-on to their plan. Non-customers can enroll here. T-Satellite also offers a paid service with non-emergency messaging and data for select apps, for $10/month. T-Satellite is available to both T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers, allowing anyone to stay in touch even in cellular dead zones. Apple and Google phones that have their own satellite SOS feature will default to that service instead of T-Satellite. T-Satellite is powered by over 650 satellites in SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
Google, Epic Reach Settlement That Would Dramatically Reshape Play Store
Google and Epic Games have agreed to a new proposed settlement that would see Google revamp how its app ecosystem works, giving Epic most of what they have been seeking in years of litigation. Google has been on the losing end in a series of judgments throughout the process. Under the new agreement, Google's fee structure would become more complicated, but generally lower fees across the board. Google would allow third-party billing for in-app purchases, but still take a cut of either nine or 20 percent, depending on the purchase type and circumstances. Google would also separate out its cut for using Google Play billing as a separate five percent fee. Google will still require that developers provide Google Play billing as an option. Google also agrees to allow third-party app stores on Android, subject to its approval for security and privacy. The agreement, if approved by the judge in the case, would apply worldwide and stay in effect through June 2032.
The 2026 moto g Lineup Offers Big Batteries, More Affordable 5G
Motorola today announced the moto g 2026 and moto g play 2026. The moto g 2026 is a minor update to the 2025 model, with the headline upgrade being a 5,200 mAh battery, breaking the usual maximum of 5,000 mAh. Oher specs and features are largely the same, as is the $200 retail price point. The moto g play 2026 is a revival of the "play" model in the US, since there was no 2025 g play model. Importantly, this marks Motorola's most affordable 5G phone to date at $180. (The 2024 model was a 4G phone.) The new g play also gets a 5,200 mAh battery, and a larger display plus NFC compared to the 2024 model. Other specs and features are mostly similar. Motorola says almost all US carriers will carry both phones in the coming months, with the moto g play 2026 starting to roll out on November 13, and the moto g 2026 seeing initial launches on December 11.
FCC Flips, Won't Require Carriers to Secure Networks
The FCC is preparing to rescind a ruling that set basic cybersecurity standards for telecom providers, including mobile carriers. Just this January, the FCC passed the new ruling in response to recent attacks by China, including the "Salt Typhoon" attack where Chinese hackers accessed the wire-tap systems of most major US telecom companies, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The ruling was based on language of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the 1994 law that requires wire-tapping systems in the first place. The January ruling found that section 105 of the law "affirmatively requires telecommunications carriers to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications." The FCC was still in the process of crafting more specific rules. Instead, on November 20, the Commission is expected to vote to rescind the January ruling. Carriers have lobbied against the new ruling and rules, and now appear to have been successful.
Google Complies with Court Order on Third-Party Billing
Following a loss earlier this month with the US Supreme Court, Google is now officially allowing apps to direct US users out of Google's ecosystem for third-party in-app payments.
FCC Takes Next Step Toward Auctioning Upper C Band for 5G
The FCC today released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comment on a range of options for auctioning off the Upper C Band, valuable mid-band spectrum similar to the Lower C Band (band 77) spectrum that was auctioned off in 2020 – 2022. The Lower C Band is already crucial to the performance of today's US 5G networks. The options include auctioning off bandwidth of anywhere from 100 MHz (the minimum required by legislation) to 180 MHz (spanning 3.98 – 4.16 GHz), a valuable slice that should boost 5G and 6G networks. The FCC is required by that same legislation to hold the auction by July 2027. As with the Lower C Band, there is potential for interference with radio altimeters on airplanes, and the FCC is seeking comment on that as well.
Cricket, AT&T Update Entry-Level 5G Phones
AT&T and Cricket (which is owned by AT&T) have updated their own-brand entry-level 5G phones with minor changes and a somewhat new branding strategy for Cricket. The new Cricket Icon 2026 and Cricket Icon Pro 2026 join the Cricket Icon Plus 2026 that was launched a few weeks ago. This unifies most of Cricket's own-brand entry-level 5G phones under the "Icon" brand, similar to how T-Mobile has its REVVL series. All of the new Icon models are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, but running at 2.4 GHz instead of 2.2 GHz on the models they replace. The new models also gain dual-SIM support via eSIM, Android 15, and support for 5G SA, ensuring the best network experience. Most other specs and features are similar to the models they replace, with the Icon 2026 replacing the Magic 2 5G and the Icon Pro 2026 replacing the Outlast 5G. The Icon 2026 does replace a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera with a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Icon has modest specs such as 4/64 GB memory and a 13 megapixel main camera. The Icon Pro steps up to 6/128 GB memory and a 50 megapixel main camera. All models have an HD-resolution display with 90 Hz refresh, as well as fingerprint reader, NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. Cricket is selling the Icon 2026 for $50 and the Icon Pro 2026 for $70 (promos for new lines can make the phone free.) The Cricket Icon Pro 2026 is also sold by AT&T as the Motivate Pro 2 5G, while the Cricket Icon 2026 is sold in select channels as the AT&T Propel 3 5G. The Icon / Propel 3 is manufactured by Tinno, while the Icon Pro / Motivate Pro 2 is manufactured by Coosea, just like the Icon Plus. Both companies have a long history of making white-label phones like this for AT&T / Cricket.
Apple Prepping "Transfer to Android" Feature, Including 3rd-Party Apps and eSIM
Apple is preparing to launch a new feature in iOS called "Transfer to Android" that will make it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone. The feature will be able to wirelessly transfer an eSIM, as well as photos, messages, notes, and more. Third-party app data will also be included where app developers have enabled the feature, which is made possible by the brand-new "AppMigrationKit" API. This API can used for cross-platform transfers in either direction: "AppMigrationKit ... supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android."
Apple Will Let Users Dial Back Liquid Glass Even More
Apple is continuing to refine its controversial Liquid Glass software design, introduced in iOS 26 and Apple's other new software this year. The design was initially introduced with a very clear "glass" look, but was tweaked based on user feedback by the time of final release. Now, the newest beta version of iOS 26.1 adds a new "tinted" option that makes Liquid Glass interface elements look even less transparent. In iOS 26.1 public beta 4, this new "Liquid Glass" setting can be found under "Display & Brightness" in the Settings app.
Google Fi Updates Web Messaging, SD Calling, and Wi-Fi Calling
Google today announced several various improvements to its Google Fi mobile service. First, Google Fi is updating its existing web-based calling and messaging option to support RCS, making it easier to share hi-res photos and videos from a computer or tablet. Second, when placing a voice call that is not enhanced with HD quality, such as a call to a land line, Google Fi will now apply AI-based audio processing to improve sound quality. This will both filter out background noise and "clarify voices" on both sides of the conversation. Finally, Google is expanding the "premium" Wi-Fi networks that a Pixel phone on Google Fi will automatically connect to, for features like Wi-Fi Calling. Google calls this feature Wi-Fi Auto Connect+, and newly supported venues include major airports, shopping malls, and stores. In total, this feature should now work at "millions of locations".
RedMagic Puts Liquid Cooling in its New Gaming Phone
RedMagic has announced its newest high-performance gaming phone, the RedMagic 11 Pro. It's the first mass-produced phone with true liquid cooling, circulated by a 0.85mm ceramic micro-pump, in addition to active air cooling with an integrated 24,000 RPM fan. This dual cooling system enables sustained performance even during long and intense gaming sessions. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and an 8,000 mAh battery. It supports wired fast charging up to 120W and wireless fast charging up to 80W. The display has a resolution of 2,688 x 1,216 pixels and 144 Hz refresh. The phone also has an IPx8 water resistance rating and an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. It launches today in China with options for 12 – 24 GB of storage and 256 GB – 1 TB of storage. Global launch details will be announced on November 3.
Google Turned Down by Supreme Court, Must Open up App Payments
Google has lost its final effort to delay new, court-ordered app store rules. The US Supreme Court has turned down Google's request to temporarily freeze parts of a key injunction. As as result, starting later this month, Google must allow developers to include external links in apps, enabling users to bypass Google's billing system. Google must comply even as it continues to appeal the case, which was started by Fortnite maker Epic Games. Additional provisions of the upheld injunction come into effect next year, including a requirement that Google allow users to download rival app stores within its Play Store.
AT&T Launches More Capable 5G Nationwide
AT&T has officially launched 5G SA (Stand-Alone) network technology nationwide. Like most US carriers, AT&T initially launched 5G using the NSA (Non-Stand-Alone) version of the technology, which relied on the existing 4G LTE network for some functions. Aside from not needing the 4G network, 5G SA unlocks several advanced capabilities of 5G, including faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and edge functions. T-Mobile made the same announcement in 2020. Verizon has yet to formally announce nationwide 5G SA, although observers have spotted Verizon 5G SA running in several parts of the country. The launch of 5G SA is related to the launch of 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), a simpler version of 5G designed for less powerful (and less demanding) devices, including smartwatches. AT&T confirmed that Apple's newest smartwatches use 5G RedCap, which is likely spurring the current rollouts of 5G RedCap and 5G SA by AT&T and Verizon.
Verizon Appoints New CEO
Hot on the heels of T-Mobile announcing a change in leadership, Verizon has just announced that Dan Schulman will replace Hans Vestberg as CEO, effective immediately. Schulman was previously CEO of PayPal, and has held senior leadership roles at AT&T, Priceline, Virgin Mobile, and American Express. Schulman has served on the Verizon Board of directors since 2018 and was elected Lead Independent Director in December 2024. Vestberg will stay on as Special Advisor through this year and most of 2026, during which time he will be focused on ensuring a smooth transition, including the integration with Frontier Communications.
Apple, Google Remove ICE Tracking Apps
Apple and Google have both removed apps from their app stores that let people report and see the locations of ICE agents. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that "ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs" and "we reached out to Apple [Thursday] demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so". Apple says "We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps. ... Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store". Separately but just one day later, Google says it "removed similar apps for violations of our policies". Google says it was not contacted by the Justice Department about the apps. Joshua Aaron, the developer of ICEBlock, says he designed the app to help immigrants who are afraid of being deported. ICEBlock was downloaded more than 1 million times before it was banned.
T-Mobile Launches Limited Data Service Over Satellite
As promised in June, T-Mobile today launched a set of data services on its T-Satellite service (that offers coverage in cellular dead zones using over 650 SpaceX Starlink satellites in orbit). The data services are limited to specific apps, and those apps have been customized to offer "core experiences and critical services" when using satellite coverage. Supported apps include a selection of both device-native and third-party apps, with parity across iOS and Android platforms. Device-native apps supported include Google Messages and Find Hub, Pixel Weather, Apple Music, Weather, and Fitness, and Samsung's Weather app. Third-party apps supported include AccuWeather, X, and WhatsApp, as well as outdoor-focused AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX. WhatsApp supports voice chat, video chat, group chat, and voice memos over satellite. For businesses, newly supported apps include Dialpad, Florian, MultiLine, and T-Mobile Direct Connect.
Qualcomm Scores Another Win in Legal Battle with Arm
A US District Court judge has ruled in favor of Qualcomm in its ongoing licensing dispute with Arm. The ruling brings to a close the original 2022 case where Arm accused Qualcomm of improperly transferring chip-design licenses when it acquired Nuvia. A jury found mostly in favor of Qualcomm in December. Arm has already promised to appeal the case. Separately, Arm has tried to cancel its chip-design licenses to Qualcomm, and Qualcomm has sued Arm for breach of contract. That case is scheduled to go to trial in March 2026.
US, China Agree on Deal for US Version of TikTok
President Trump says that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has given the green light on a deal to create a new, US-controlled version of TikTok for US users. The new company will license the TikTok algorithm from ByteDance, but will retrain the service using US-only data, kept in the US. This should address national security concerns over US personal data flowing to China via TikTok, and China potentially influencing the US public via the TikTok algorithm. The new company will be around 80% US-owned, with a board consisting mostly of US investors. The new company's "owners include many whose business or political interests are tied to Trump, including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Rupert Murdoch, raising questions about whether political influence will be exerted into the platform." A law was passed last year to force the sale of TikTok in the US or face a ban. Tht law was to go into effect in January, but Trump repeatedly used executive orders to delay enforcement of the law.
Nothing Spins Off CMF
Phone maker Nothing is spinning off its CMF sub-brand into an independent subsidiary company. Like Nothing, CMF makes phones and accessories with striking designs, but at more affordable price points. CMF phones sell well in India, and the new CMF will be based in India. (Nothing is based in London.) CMF will partner with Indian ODM (original design manufacturer) Optiemus for manufacturing.
Qualcomm Intros Newest Flagship Chip for Phones
Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen. 5, its newest chip for top-end phones. Qualcomm promises performance and efficiency gains across the board. Compared to last year's chip, (the "Snapdragon 8 Elite",) the new 3rd-generation Oryon CPU design delivers 20% faster CPU performance with a single core and 17% better multi-core performance, with up to 35% power savings. For graphics, the newest Adreno GPU offers 23% better performance and 20% better power efficiency. The new Spectra ISP for camera processing is the first to support 20-bit processing for 4x more dynamic range. It also supports the new APV codec for professional-grade video. Finally, the new Hexagon NPU for AI tasks offers 37% better performance and 16% better power efficiency. The NPU and ISP are also designed to work together to deliver on-device AI processing of images, such as removing reflections when taking photos through windows.
Google Brings Conversational AI Photo Editing to More Phones
Google is rolling out its new AI-powered "conversational editing" feature in Google Photos to more phones, (beyond the Pixel 10 series). When editing a photo, a new "Help me edit" text box at the bottom lets you simply tell it what you want to do, which can be traditional edits, full generative AI, or anything in-between. Google's examples include: "remove the reflections and fix the washed out colors", "restore this old photo", "remove the cars in the background", "make it look like he's in Waikiki and add a tropical drink to the right", or even just "make it better". It can take multiple requests at once, or in series. Google says the new feature is "starting to roll out" to all "eligible" Android users in the US.
Google Revamps Gaming Platform with new Sidekick and Profiles
Google has announced a series of updates to Google Play that focus mainly on gaming. The biggest new feature might be the Play Games Sidekick, an in-game overlay that includes a variety of relevant info, tools, and shortcuts. This includes quick shortcuts for screenshots, screen recording, Do Not Disturb, and going Live on YouTube. It also includes your profile and points, game tips, achievements, streaks, quests, and coupons. For "select" games, a Gemini Live AI assistant can interactively offer verbal game advice, based on what it sees on your screen in real time. Google is also revamping its platform-wide player profiles and points system. Finally, Google is officially launching Google Play Games on PC, expanding its game-platform ambition beyond Android after a beta period.
Verizon Establishes Lab and Group to Work on 6G
Verizon has announced new partnerships and facilities to ramp up work on 6G mobile technology. The new "Verizon 6G Innovation Forum" brings together network vendors Ericsson, Samsung, and Nokia; as well as Meta and Qualcomm. Verizon plans multiple labs for research, prototyping, anf real-world testing of potential 6G technologies, starting with one in Los Angeles. Verizon highlighted some its intended priorities in this effort, including testing new radio spectrum bands and bandwidths. Another stated priority will be working with global standards bodies like the 3GPP to ensure that 6G is a globally-harmonized, interoperable standard.
T-Mobile Gets a New CEO
T-Mobile has announced a change in leadership, with its current COO Srini Gopalan replacing Mike Sievert as CEO this November. Sievert has led the company for five years, and will stay on in a newly-created "Vice Chairman" position to ensure a smooth transition. Gopalan has previously worked at Deutsche Telekom Germany, Vodafone, and Bharti Airtel.
iOS 26 Now Available, with Visual Intelligence
Apple has released the final, public version of iOS 26. It should be available to download now on most recent iPhones. New features include Live Translation of languages, available for in-person conversations as well as in Messages and FaceTime. The feature currently works with English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). By the end of the year, it will also support Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin, simplified), and Chinese (Mandarin, traditional). Also new in iOS 26 is Visual Intelligence, which applies AI to tell you more about anything on your screen at the moment (by taking a screenshot), or anything in front of you in the real world, using the phone's camera. The update also brings new, more granular parental control features, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design language.
Apple's iPhone 17 Series is Nearly Hack-Proof
Apple has revealed that the new A19 chips in the iPhone 17 series (including iPhone Air) are its first chips to support a new security feature in iOS called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE). This new technology is a big leap in addressing memory safety vulnerabilities, an industry-wide problem and the main attack vector used by mercenary spyware that state-backed hackers use to spy on high-profile targets (among other advanced attacks). One key part of MIE is EMTE (Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension), a memory-safety technology that Apple co-developed with Arm, based on Arm's MTE technology. EMTE assigns a type of security key to each set of data in memory, so applications can't access memory not allocated to them. However, checking those keys can hurt performance, and the timing of the checking process can reveal signals that compromise the keys. Therefore, Apple designed its new A19 chips with separate key-checking hardware that accelerates the process and keeps it secure, enabling real-time EMTE for all critical processes. Apple's research indicates that this technology could all but eliminate the problem of memory safety vulnerabilities. iOS on the iPhone 17 series implements MIE in "the kernel and over 70 userland processes", but Apple is also making this technology available to third-party developers via new Enhanced Security settings in Xcode.
Apple Intros Compact new Fast Charger for iPhone 17 Series
Apple has introduced a new compact fast charger that can charge at up to 60 watts. It employs "Dynamic Power" to charge at 40 watts normally, but up to 60 watts for a limited time, at specific points in the charging cycle. This enables the benefits of faster charging in a smaller form factor than other 60W chargers. Because of this, Apple calls it the "40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max". Unlike other 60W chargers, it's optimized for charging phones, not tablets or laptops. Only the new iPhone 17 series (including the iPhone Air) is compatible with Dynamic Power for the fastest charging speeds. Fold-up plug prongs further contribute to its portability. It's available now from Apple for $39.
Samsung Begins Rollout of Android 16 to Rest of Lineup
Samsung is rolling out its One UI 8 software update — based on Android 16 — to its flagship Galaxy S25 series this week. The company recently launched its new foldables (the Flip7 and Fold7) with the new software. One key new feature is the Now Bar, which shows "real-time app activity and media player progress directly on the front screen". Next to receive the update (in October) will be the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, and Galaxy S24 FE. By the end of the year, the company will also provide the update for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A17, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A06 5G, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A16 5G, Galaxy A16, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A06, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A53 5G, and Galaxy A33 5G.
Arm's New Designs Optimize for AI Running on CPU Cores
Arm has introduced its Arm v9.3 compute architecture, including new "C1" CPU core designs and "G1" GPU (graphics) core designs. In high-end configurations, Arm calls the new platform Lumex, which focuses on new ways to accelerate AI. The key new feature is SME2 (Scalable Matrix Extensions), which accelerates AI workloads when run on the CPU cores by up to 4.7x. AI historically runs best on GPU cores or AI-optimized NPU cores, but it's generally easier for developers to write code for CPU cores. With the new Lumex platform, AI tasks (classic and generative) run up to 5x faster on CPU cores, and up to 3x more efficiently. Once major AI frameworks are updated to support SME2, other software developers should not need to do anything for their AI apps to take advantage of this technology. The Lumex platform includes the C1-Ultra CPU core design for flagship chips and C1-Premium for sub-flagship devices. The Arm, v9.3 family also includes the new C1-Pro and C1-Nano CPU cores, which are lower-end and can be used as "efficiency" cores in a complete chip design. The Lumex platform also includes the new Mali G1-Ultra GPU core design, which has 20% better overall performance than the Immortalis-G925 it replaces, and 2x performance for ray-tracing. Similarly, the C1-Ultra has 25% better performance than the Cortex-X925 it replaces, and the C1-Pro has 12% better sustained power efficiency compared to the Cortex-A725 it replaces. A typical flagship chip using this new platform might have two C1-Ultra performance cores, six C1-Pro efficiency cores, and 14 Mali G1-Ultra cores. Arm has reference designs that are nearly production-ready. The new platform is optimized for the cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing processes of multiple chip manufacturers.
iPhone Air Chases Title of Thinnest Phone
Apple has followed Samsung in creating a super-thin flagship-class phone this year with the new iPhone Air. Like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the iPhone Air uses a titanium body to achieve sub-6mm thickness. While the S25 Edge measures 5.8mm, the iPhone Air beats it slightly at just 5.6mm thick. The iPhone Air replaces the iPhone Plus in this year's iPhone lineup. Besides its thin profile, the Air also brings new blend of specs and features that sits between the standard and Pro models. It has nearly all of the features of a standard iPhone, including new features in the iPhone 17 such as the Center Stage front camera, ProMotion display, and Ceramic Shield 2 display glass. It lacks the wide-angle camera but does have the same 48-megapixel "Fusion" main camera that can double as a 2x tele camera (at 12 megapixels). It does have a faster A19 Pro chip like the Pro models, although with five GPU cores instead of six. One change to get the phone this thin is that all versions worldwide will be eSIM-only. All of the radio modems in the iPhone Air are Apple-designed chips. Following Apple's first 5G modem (the C1) in the iPhone 16e, the Air has a new "C1X" chip that's twice as a fast and 30% more power-efficient. An Apple "N1" radio chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The iPhone Air ships Sept. 19 starting at $999.
iPhone 17 Series Shakes up Formula
Apple has announced this year's iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 series. Instead of a "Plus" model, Apple has introduced a new iPhone Air (covered in a separate article) that's extra-thin and more premium than a Plus model. New in the standard and Pro models are: a new 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera with a larger, square sensor that can capture portrait or landscape orientation without turning the phone, and has automatic framing (cropping). Also new is that all rear cameras are 48-megapixel "Fusion" cameras that perform different functions in 12-megapixel (pixel binning) or 48-megapixel mode (which defaults to 24 megapixel output). In the standard iPhone 17, this means a main camera that can double as a (12MP) 2x telephoto camera, plus a wide-angle camera that can double as a (12MP) macro camera. The Pro models add a 4x telephoto camera that can double as a (12MP) 8x telephoto camera. Apple has also introduced Ceramic Shield 2 display glass across the lineup, which it claims offers 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone 17 gains a new display that's larger (6.3 inches vs. 6.1), has ProMotion dynamic refresh (1–120 Hz), and has an always-on feature. It also gains faster wired charging. A new A19 chip in the iPhone 17 offers 20% faster graphics performance and puts neural accelerators in the GPU cores for the first time. The Pro models come with an even-more-powerful A19 Pro chip assisted by a new vapor-chamber thermal management system. The Pro models come with the largest battery ever in an iPhone, which is even slightly larger in regional versions without a physical SIM card slot. The Pro models also gain ProRes RAW video capture and Genlock (with optional hardware accessory.) The Pro models have an all-new look with an aluminum (instead of titanium) unibody design and larger "plateau" camera hump. All models now come with a minimum 256 GB of storage. In the standard iPhone 17, this means double the memory for the same $799 starting price. However the iPhone 17 Pro sees the starting price hike from $999 to $1099. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (with its larger 6.9-inch display) starts as $1199, just like last year's model. Pre-orders start today, with all models shipping Sept. 19.
Apple Brings 5G to its Smartwatches
Apple has introduced a complete new lineup of Apple Watches, from an affordable new Apple Watch SE 3, to the main Apple Watch Series 11, to the top-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. All of the new models now include 5G cellular connectivity. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also adds satellite connectivity for the first time in an Apple Watch. This enables Emergency SOS features like on the iPhone (free for two years) as well as Find My location sharing and messaging via satellite. The Ultra 3 also has a new display that's larger, brighter, and can refresh once a second in always-on mode (compared to once a minute previously). Battery life is also improved, lasting up to 42 hours. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799. The new Apple Watch Series 11 has new Ion-X glass face that's 2x more scratch-resistant. It also has improved battery life at 24 hours, making sleep-tracking features more practical. Those have also been updated with a new "sleep score" feature. Another new health feature is Hypertension Notifications, where the watch analyzes 30 days of heart data to detect potential high blood pressure, providing a screening service that may alert users to undiagnosed hypertension. Apple expects FDA approval of that feature soon. Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399. Finally, the new Apple Watch SE 3 starts at just $249, but also includes the new sleep score feature and more-durable Ion-X cover glass. This new model brings a long list of Apple Watch features to the SE series for the first time, including always-on display, fast charging, temperature sensor, double tap and wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. All three models go on sale Sept. 19.
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