Qualcomm Expands Flagship Phone Chip Series
Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip for high-end phones. Although intended for flagship-level phones, it sits just below the already-announced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the lineup. It keeps many high-end features from the 8 Elite Gen 5, including dual prime CPU cores, 20-bit triple ISP (for camera processing), and Bluetooth Channel Sounding. However the top CPU speed drops from 4.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz, the maximum RAM speed drops from 5,300 MHz to 4,800 MHz, and it lacks some high-end graphics features like Tile Memory Heap and Adreno High Performance Memory (HPM). Since the last non-Elite 8-series chip was the 8 Gen 3 from two years ago, Qualcomm compares performance to that chip: 46% improved NPU (AI) performance, 36% improved CPU (general compute) performance, and 11% improved GPU (graphics) performance. Read on for a table highlighting the differences between recent 8-series chips. Qualcomm says OnePlus and other manufacturers will announce phones using the new chip in the coming weeks. OnePlus is expected to announce specs of the OnePlus 15R soon, so that phone may use this chip.
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Mophie Launches New Fast Wireless Charging Stands
Mophie is launching a new, complete range of wireless charging stands with 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 variants to charge an iPhone plus one or two other wearables (AirPods and/or Apple Watch). All four models have a Qi2-certified 15W magnetic charging stand for an iPhone, with tilt adjustment. Also available is an elevated pad for fast charging an Apple Watch, and/or a 5W wireless charger built into the base for AirPods. All come in white, while the 3-in-1 model is also available in black. The iPhone-only and 3-in-1 models are available now, for $45 and $100, respectively. The 2-in-1 models will ship in early December, with the iPhone+AirPods model going for $60 and the iPhone+Watch model selling for $80. The multi-device models come with a 40W wall adapter with an integrated USB-C cable.
AT&T Rolls Out New Spectrum for Faster 5G
AT&T has quickly deployed 30 MHz of nearly-nationwide radio spectrum that it agreed to buy from EchoStar in August. This significantly adds to the mid-band capacity (3.45 GHz, part of band 77) that is already key to AT&T's 5G network. AT&T says mobile users should see download speeds boosted by "up to 80 percent, coast to coast" (meaning Hawaii and Alaska are not included). AT&T's deal with EchoStar is not expected to officially close until mid-2026, but the companies agreed to an interim lease deal that allows AT&T to use the spectrum now. The $23 billion deal includes another 20 MHz of lower-frequency spectrum, but that will take longer to deploy as AT&T does not currently use that band.
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.
