GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple has pushed out the seventh developer beta of iOS 27, available now via Settings for those enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. This build is expected to correspond to public beta 5, with the finished software rolling out to all users next month. The update centers on Siri AI, a rebuilt assistant using new Apple Foundation Models and expanded Apple Intelligence features across the system.
Dutch manufacturer Fairphone is now directly shipping its 6+ smartphone to US consumers, unlocked and compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Priced at $649, the device emphasizes repairability and ethically sourced materials while delivering performance the reviewer describes as above midrange, though short of true flagship levels.
Apple is preparing a wave of over ten new products, including its first foldable iPhone, dubbed iPhone Ultra, a long-rumored smart home hub called HomePad, and a refreshed Apple TV 4K. The HomePad, first detailed by Mark Gurman in late 2024, was delayed by Siri AI setbacks but now appears close to release alongside other Home products.
Walmart has launched early Labor Day sale pricing across tech categories, including discounts on Apple and Samsung products. ZDNET compiled a list of standout deals after comparing retailer listings and pricing data ahead of the holiday shopping period.
ESPN is increasing subscription costs starting September 17, with ESPN Select rising to $14/month and ESPN Unlimited to $32/month. Several Disney+ and Hulu bundles that include ESPN Select are also going up by $2-3 per month, though ESPN Unlimited bundles remain unaffected.
Amazon has lowered the price of Apple's 4-pack AirTag 2 bundle to $79.99, down from $99, marking the lowest per-unit price of $20 tracked since its 2026 release. The retailer had already discounted the bundle to $89.99 and then $85 in recent days before this latest cut. Other deals include Apple's M5 MacBook Pro configurations discounted by $320 and $500, plus a $25 Anker Find My wallet card and a heavily discounted LG 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor.
A roundup highlights inexpensive accessories that improve the CarPlay experience, including the Carlinkit Mini Ultra 3 wireless adapter ($43.99) that converts factory wired CarPlay to wireless, and the Krunia 9.26-inch portable touchscreen ($89.99) that adds wireless CarPlay to older cars without removing the factory stereo. A permanent dash receiver option, the BOSS Audio BVCP9700A, is also mentioned for drivers wanting a built-in installation.
Xiaomi's new Xring O3 processor scored 3,945 in Geekbench single-core and 15,221 in multi-core tests, putting it roughly on par with Apple's silicon on single-threaded work but far ahead on multithreaded tasks. The chip packs 44MB of cache, more than most laptop CPUs, and its top C1-Ultra cores feature 21 execution ports with SME2 and SVE2 support for AI and SIMD workloads.
Journalist Sigmund Judge reports that London-based filming for Ted Lasso season 5 is provisionally scheduled to start in January, with the show potentially returning to Apple TV as soon as summer 2027. Apple has not yet officially renewed the series, though season 4 continues airing new episodes through October 7.
A ZDNET reviewer who has used Apple Watch since its debut in 2015 switched to the revived Pebble Time 2, a stripped-down smartwatch with a 1.5-inch color e-paper display, stainless steel casing, heart rate and sleep tracking, and long battery life. The device lacks advanced features like cellular calling or extra sensors, but the reviewer found its simplicity and lack of constant notifications appealing amid a desire to be less digitally connected.
Multiple leaks have surfaced detailing Apple's upcoming Beats 360 wireless headphones, suggesting the product line is set for a notable overhaul. Reports indicate the new model will feature substantially improved active noise cancellation compared to previous Beats headphones.
Apple has started an early preview of a new AI-powered virtual shopping assistant inside the Apple Store app for iPhone and iPad, replacing the search icon with a chat interface. The assistant can answer questions about products, trade-in values, carrier offers, and monthly payment plans, though only select users currently have access.