Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports Apple could reveal its long-rumored foldable iPhone at its Sept. 9 event but delay its retail launch until later, echoing the iPhone X rollout pattern from 2017. The device, expected to carry the iPhone Ultra name and a price above $2,000, would feature a 7.8-inch internal display and side-by-side multitasking rather than full iPad-style features.
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Minisforum revealed upgraded versions of its flagship NAS and mini-workstation, the AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495 and MS-S1 Max-P495, both powered by AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor paired with a Radeon 8065S GPU. The chip delivers up to 131 TOPS of AI performance and supports up to 192GB of unified memory, with the NAS also offering up to 200TB of local storage for running AI agents like OpenClaw or Hermes directly on-device.
Tesla began operating its driverless, two-seat Cybercab for public rides in Austin, Texas, even as federal regulators launched a probe into whether the vehicle meets safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Audit Query will examine the data and reasoning Tesla used to conclude it doesn't need an exemption from rules requiring items like steering wheels and brake pedals—unlike competitor Zoox, which secured such an exemption for its similarly designed vehicles.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a privacy-focused home security camera and automation device that uses AI to analyze surroundings rather than recording video footage. This hardware will connect to a new subscription-based home security and monitoring service slated to arrive in 2027.
Apple, Xiaomi, HUAWEI, vivo, OPPO, and HONOR have all scheduled September events expected to unveil new top-tier phones rebranded from 'Ultra' to 'Pro Max' naming. Expected models include the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, HUAWEI Mate 90 Pro Max, vivo X500 Pro Max, OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, and HONOR Magic 9 Pro Max, each carrying new flagship chipsets and upgraded camera systems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a formal investigation into Tesla just hours after the company began operating its steering-wheel-free, pedal-free Cybercab on Austin streets. Tesla had self-certified the vehicle as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and regulators now want to examine the data and reasoning behind that certification, including which standards Tesla deemed inapplicable.
Japan's space agency has launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, aiming to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos, one of Mars' two moons. The spacecraft will spend a year traveling to Mars, three years gathering samples in orbit, and another year returning to Earth, with samples expected to arrive in 2031.
Apple will hold its 'Surprise and shine' launch event on September 9th at Apple Park, streamed live via its website, Apple TV, and YouTube. Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 will be delayed until next year alongside an iPhone 18E and refreshed iPhone Air, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut with larger batteries, a smaller Dynamic Island, and possibly a variable aperture camera.
Bluetti has introduced the Pioneer 5000, a portable power station built around a 5.12kWh LFP battery that it markets as an 'e-generator' rather than a solar generator. The unit can deliver up to 18kW of surge power for heavy equipment, is rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, operates in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, and can be expanded to 35kWh capacity. It charges via combined AC and solar input at up to 6.2kW, though pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
Tesla has started deploying its Cybercab, a robotaxi built without a steering wheel or pedals, on public roads in Austin. The rollout marks an early real-world test of the company's fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle design.
OpenAI has rolled out GPT-6 Astra, calling it the most capable model it has ever deployed, with major upgrades in software engineering, computer/browser use, and cybersecurity. Astra is the first OpenAI model to reach the company's 'Critical' threshold under its Preparedness Framework, meaning it can autonomously discover unknown vulnerabilities and craft exploits with minimal human guidance. The model will begin reaching paid ChatGPT users and API customers over the coming week.
UGREEN has launched a set of new smart home devices including three cameras (one indoor, two outdoor), a smart speaker, and a digital photo frame. The cameras—Indoor Cam ID500 Pro, PoE Cam OD600 Pro, and Battery Cam OD800 Pro—all feature 8MP 4K main sensors and are built to integrate with UGREEN's local-AI smart home hubs for video processing and storage. The new SynCare Smart Speaker connects users to UGREEN's own AI assistant, called Uliya.