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Android Authority surveyed over 2,000 readers asking whether they would pay to unlock newer AI features on their older Pixel phones. More than 82% called such a purchase a waste of money, while roughly 10% said they'd rather buy a new phone outright, and just 6.8% would pay a subscription to extend their current device's life.
Google's 2026 Pixel phones ship with an upgraded Gboard voice-typing tool powered by the Tensor chip and a new Rambler input system that cleans up filler words for more natural dictation. The lineup also includes the Pixel-exclusive Recorder app with real-time transcription and speaker labels, plus a Dual Screen Interpreter Mode for Pixel Fold devices that shows translated speech on each person's respective screen.
Leaks ahead of Apple's confirmed September 9 event point to a foldable iPhone Ultra launching seven years after Samsung's first foldable phone. Reports describe a nearly crease-free inner display, an ultra-thin body powered by the A20 Pro chip and a vapor chamber for cooling, and a liquid-metal hinge built on technology Apple licensed more than 15 years ago.
Meta has agreed to pay $17 billion and implement new child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram to resolve a major legal fight over teen social media addiction. The deal, announced by state attorneys general, settles claims brought by 47 states and averts a continuation of the trial.
Ring is switching its default video encryption to a new scheme called TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), which temporarily decrypts footage in the cloud to power AI features like Smart Alerts before deleting the keys within 24 hours. The standard, built on the IETF's Messaging Layer Security protocol, will roll out globally starting in September, though users can still opt for full end-to-end encryption instead.
A new beta of iOS 27 quietly adds an 'Apple Intelligence Report' toggle inside the Home app for Apple TV and HomePod devices, according to a post from Apple Home Authority on X. The option only appears when the TV or speaker is running the paired tvOS 27 or HomePod 27 beta, suggesting Apple is laying groundwork for AI features on these products rather than just iPhones. Apple notably left tvOS and HomePod out of its WWDC messaging about a unified Siri experience, fueling speculation about unreleased hardware.
Motorola has started pushing its stable Android 17 update, beginning with its flagship Signature series lineup, following the earlier beta testing phase. The update introduces a refreshed system UI, an upgraded Quick Settings menu, expanded cross-platform file sharing, device diagnostics tools, and new AI-driven anti-scam security features, alongside standard Android 17 additions like stackable widgets, themed icons, and notification summaries.
WhatsApp is rolling out stronger account-security options, letting users replace their six-digit PIN with a full password containing letters, numbers and symbols, and allowing multiple passkeys across Android and iOS devices. The Meta-owned app is also giving users more context on unknown callers, such as whether a number originates from another country.
Apple has released a new Mac mini lineup powered by its M6 chip and M5 Pro chip, replacing the previous M4 and M4 Pro models. The M6, built on a 2nm process, brings a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine, while the M5 Pro offers up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. Both versions also gain higher memory bandwidth and increased maximum RAM configurations.
Apple used its 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference to unveil iOS 27, which will bring new Siri-powered AI capabilities to compatible iPhones this fall, likely around mid-September based on past release patterns. The announcement comes as Apple continues rolling out updates to iOS 26, released in September 2025, which introduced the Liquid Glass redesign and call screening tools.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple plans to release two new smartwatches this fall: the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, both expected to feature faster processors and upgraded health and fitness tracking without a major design change. Rumors also suggest a possible return of ceramic casing options and hint that Touch ID fingerprint sensing could finally arrive on the wrist, based on leaked Apple code.
New leaks about Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, expected to launch under the Ultra branding at over $2,000, suggest several notable omissions. The device reportedly skips a telephoto lens in favor of dual 48MP Main and Ultra Wide cameras, ditches the Action button and mute switch entirely, replaces Face ID with a Touch ID sensor built into the side button, and appears to lack MagSafe charging support based on dummy units without the familiar magnetic ring.