Latest Mobile & Gadgets News
Apple reportedly prepping Vision Pro 2 with lighter design and updated chips
Apple is developing a Vision Pro 2 featuring a lighter headset, improved micro-OLED displays, and next‑generation Apple silicon for longer battery life and on‑device AI. Leaks suggest a mid‑2026 release window and a focus on comfort and content ecosystem expansion [1], [2].
Google Pixel 9 series rumored to add dedicated AI coprocessor
Leaks indicate the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will include a new on‑device AI coprocessor to accelerate generative AI tasks, along with camera refinements and a faster Tensor G4 chip. Reports point to a late‑2025 announcement and improved battery efficiency tied to the new silicon [3], [4].
Samsung unveils One UI 6.1.2 beta with foldable optimizations
Samsung launched a One UI 6.1.2 beta for Galaxy Z Fold and Flip devices introducing improved multitasking gestures, optimized app continuity, and battery improvements tailored to foldables. The company aims to roll the stable update early next year for broader rollout [5], [6].
Xiaomi introduces 3nm flagship SoC in concept device, boosting performance-per-watt
Xiaomi showcased a prototype smartphone powered by a 3nm-class SoC promising major gains in power efficiency and AI compute. The company says commercial devices using the new chip could arrive in 2026 pending foundry ramp‑up [7], [8].
EU opens formal probe into app store payment rules impacting app markets
The European Commission launched a formal investigation into major smartphone app stores' payment and commissioning policies, focusing on competition and developer access. The move could force changes to in‑app billing and app distribution across Android and iOS in Europe [9], [10].
Global smartphone shipments decline slows as foldables and premium phones grow
Market analysts report that overall smartphone shipments continue a mild year‑over‑year decline but the premium and foldable segments grew, buoyed by holiday upgrades and 5G refresh cycles. Supply adjustments and inventory corrections are moderating shipment volatility [11], [12].
Meta expands Quest Pro replacement program and developer tools for XR apps
Meta launched an expanded replacement and trade‑in initiative for Quest Pro owners alongside new SDKs to help developers port PC VR titles and build mixed‑reality experiences. The moves aim to accelerate enterprise and creative adoption of Meta's XR platform [13], [14].
Apple fined in South Korea over repair restrictions for iPhone and Macs
South Korean regulators fined Apple for limiting access to genuine parts and repair manuals, reinforcing right‑to‑repair enforcement. The ruling requires Apple to improve third‑party repair access and transparency in Korea [15], [16].
Qualcomm announces new AI mobile platform focused on generative models
Qualcomm revealed a next‑generation mobile AI platform designed to run large multimodal models on‑device with improved power efficiency and privacy. The platform targets flagship phones in 2026 and promises accelerated inference for conversational and image tasks [17], [18].
Wearables market heats up as smart ring and AR glasses startups secure funding
Several startups building smart rings, lightweight AR glasses, and health‑focused wearables closed funding rounds, signaling investor interest in non‑wrist form factors and wearable AR. Analysts expect more consumer trials in 2026 as component costs fall [19], [20].
Samsung and Google clarify Android privacy labels and ad‑tracking changes
Samsung and Google updated developer guidance on Android privacy labels and ad‑tracking disclosures to align with stricter regulations and user expectations. The clarification helps app makers prepare for upcoming OS policy changes and transparency requirements [21], [22].
Supply chain: Taiwanese foundries expand capacity amid automotive and mobile demand
Foundries in Taiwan announced capacity expansions to meet rising demand from automotive AI chips and next‑gen mobile SoCs, highlighting potential constraints easing in 2026. Manufacturers cited wafer backlog reductions and long‑term contracts with major phone OEMs [23], [24].