Social media users on Threads have discovered a fun new way to celebrate Apple event week: the web game "Design the next iPhone."

The game was made by Neal Agarwal for his website Neal.fun, where you can play the game for free. Agarwal's site hosts other short and sweet mini-games like "Draw logos from memory" and "Asteroid launcher."

"Design the next iPhone" is exactly what it sounds like: You can create the iPhone of your dreams, selecting all of the ports, cameras, and buttons you desire. You can even add fun little attachments, from googly eyes to steering wheels. So, if you've ever wanted an iPhone with a built-in joystick or rotary dial, this is your chance.

Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Neal.fun

Credit: Neal.fun

I'll admit — design has never been my strong suit. So, while I wasn't trying to create an absolute nightmare of a phone, that's exactly what I ended up with. Something tells me Apple isn't going to be interested in a phone with an antenna and two little feet. (Fun fact: My first cell phone did, in fact, have an antenna, kids.)

My only complaint about the game? I couldn't make a proper flip phone, which is something Apple is rumored to be working on for the future.

Top iPhone preorder deals

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• AT&T: Get up to $1,200 off the new iPhones with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

In early September, Apple held a big event to announce a ton of new stuff, but one product stood out more than any other: The iPhone Duo.

Apple's first foldable device has two displays, a wealth of multitasking features, and a trendy form factor that's sure to be a conversation-starter. But it also begs the question: Why get an iPad when you could get one of these, or vice versa? Has Apple made a "phablet" that makes the iPad redundant?

Let's take a look at what makes these devices different, and explore why you might want one or the other.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Price

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999. It absolutely must be noted, first and foremost, that this is more expensive than the starting price for any iPad model. Even the most premium one, the iPad Pro, starts at $1,199, and all but its most high-end variants come in below the starting price of the iPhone Duo. That's to say nothing of the fact that you can get a standard iPad for as little as $449, an iPad Mini for $599, or an iPad Air for $699.

So, if you want an Apple touchscreen device with a bigger display than the average iPhone, the iPhone Duo is not the most cost-effective way to accomplish that. Not by a long shot.

The only exception, if you were planning to buy a new iPhone and a new iPad Pro, opting for the Duo alone could save some money. But that's a very specific use case

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Specs and design

Even an iPad Air is way, way bigger than an iPhone Duo. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Since there are several different kinds of iPads, it would take way too long to list out all of their specs compared to the iPhone Duo. However, display size is probably the most important factor here, so these are the different display sizes for each device:

• iPhone Duo: 5.4-inch cover display, 7.6-inch inner display

• iPad: 11-inch display

• iPad Mini: 8.3-inch display

• iPad Air: 11-inch or 13-inch display

• iPad Pro: 11-inch or 13-inch display

If display size is what you're after, the iPhone Duo will provide the smallest one of this group by a good margin. It's probably great for reading books, sketching art, or watching movies by the standards of a phone, but any iPad will be better for those things on a pure screen real-estate level.

Storage is going to be another primary concern. The regular iPad and iPad Mini both top out at 512GB, while the Air tops out at 1TB and the Pro at 2TB. You can also get an iPhone Duo with up to 2TB of storage, but that costs a staggering $3,199. By comparison, the 2TB iPad Pro is $2,299, a full $900 cheaper. Again, the iPad provides a stronger value here if storage is the main thing you care about.

It should also be pointed out that at 254g, the iPhone Duo is significantly lighter than any iPad model. It would be weird if it weren't, considering it's a phone and not a tablet. I would also hope it goes without saying that not a single iPad model has a screen that can bend, so if that's really appealing to you, this is a no-brainer.

Oh, one more thing: The iPhone Duo has two 48MP camera lenses on the back for something resembling real photography. Meanwhile, every modern iPad has but a lone 12MP lens. Technically, you can take pictures with an iPad, but that doesn't mean you should. If you care about photography, get an iPhone Duo.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Software features

Split-screen multi-tasking is available on both devices. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In announcing the iPhone Duo, Apple emphasized that the user experience took a lot of cues from iPadOS. But this fact still needs to be shouted from the rooftops: These two devices do not use the same operating system.

The iPhone Duo runs on iOS 27, and the iPad on iPadOS. They are similar because every Apple OS is similar, but they are not the same. There are two separate App Stores, and apps are designed specifically to work in one environment or the other. Some apps will have wildly different interfaces or features depending on the device you're using, and in some cases, apps just will not be supported at all, at least not natively.

Apple has outfitted iOS 27 with multitasking features specifically for the Duo, meaning you can have two apps open at once, side by side on the inner display. That's great and convenient, especially since you can drag and drop elements from one app to another. Unfortunately for the iPhone Duo, this is old hat for iPads; they've had split-screen multitasking for a while, and you can have more than two apps open at a time on an iPad.

That said, the iPhone Duo has some tricks the iPad doesn't, thanks to its form factor. For example, you can photograph someone using the inner display while the outer display shows the subject of the photo that you're seeing. That works with FaceTime calls, too.

As far as I know, there is basic parity between the two devices with AI features. Siri AI should work on both, and apps like Image Playground exist on the iPad, too. One final point here is obvious: if you want something to use as a telephone, get an iPhone Duo. By default, iPads can't even connect to cellular networks unless you pay extra for a model that can. You wouldn't want to use a big tablet as a phone, anyway.

iPhone Duo vs. iPad: Apple Pencil and accessory support

An iPhone Duo can't do this. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There are pros and cons to both devices when it comes to accessory support. Most importantly, you can use an Apple Pencil on the iPhone Duo's displays, which was a nice surprise during the announcement. Beyond that, though, things get a little more tricky.

For instance, iPads don't support MagSafe accessories or wireless charging of any kind right now. They might in the future, but they don't in the present. The iPhone Duo does support those things, but unlike the iPad, it doesn't support external, attachable keyboards. It's much easier to use an iPad like a laptop than an iPhone Duo.

At the end of the day, one of them is a tablet, and the other is a phone. I think they can co-exist.

Preorder the new Apple products

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at AT&T Wireless Pre-order Here at Walmart

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Apple.com

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds

$129 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart

SAVE $9.99: The 2026 Lego City Advent Calendar is on sale at Amazon for $25, down from the normal price of $34.99. That's a 29% discount.

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Credit: Lego

2026 Lego City Advent Calendar

$25 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $9.99

 

Get Deal

December and Black Friday are still several months away, but the year's hottest Advent calendars are already on sale. If you want the best selection, it's time to get shopping. Each year, Lego puts out a handful of fantastic Advent calendars, and if you're in the mood for a classic winter scene, check out this deal.

As of Sept. 11, the 2026 Lego City Advent Calendar is on sale at Amazon for $25, marked down from the normal price of $34.99. That's a 29% discount that saves shoppers $9.99 well before the season begins.

With 252 delightfully cheery pieces, the Lego City Advent Calendar is always a seasonal joy. This year's version has Santa himself, a handful of elves, a Christmas tree, and a snowman holding an irresistible cup of cocoa.

Each daily surprise comes with simple step-by-step instructions, and the entire collection can sit in the included fold-out Santa's workshop area.

As we get closer to December, it's likely this model will begin to come in and out of stock. Since it's in stock and inexplicably on sale, we suggest jumping on this deal as soon as possible. This feels like a hidden deal that could vanish at any moment.

SAVE $250: As of Sept. 11, you can grab an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) or Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) on sale at Amazon for $1,049.99 (reg. $1,299.99) and $1,649.99 (reg. $1,899.99), respectively. That's $250 in savings on either phone.

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked)

$1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $250

 

Get Deal

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB, Unlocked)

$1,649.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $250

 

Get Deal

Not everyone is an iPhone person. While the tech world is fully consumed by news of the iPhone Duo, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max releases, Android folks can quietly snag a new Samsung Galaxy phone for less.

Amazon has an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra base model with 256GB of storage for just $1,049.99 instead of $1,299.99. That's $250 in savings. And if you'd prefer a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256GB is also on sale for only $1,649.99 at Amazon — a savings of $250 as well.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's premium flagship device, which goes to head to head with Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro Max. "If there's ever been a phone to make you ditch Apple, this is it," Mashable's tech editor Timothy Beck Werth cheered in his review. It features a world-class camera array, a brilliant 6.9-inch AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, battery that lasts all day with heavy use, an included stylus, and a Privacy Display. It's expensive, but ultimately worth the investment for the right person. Plus, a nearly 20% discount certainly helps.

The Z Fold 8 is a worthy Duo alternative for Android users. Plus, it's worth mentioning that Samsung has been in the foldable game for years. The Z Fold 8 is our favorite Android foldable to date, and our tech editor says it's "undeniably fun to use and show off." It's incredibly thin and light, features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that can support heavy multitasking, and is a dream machine for editing photos, reading, gaming, and streaming. Its biggest flaw is the dual 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide cameras, which are "fine, but not elite." A $250 price drop might be enough to make up for that, though.

TL;DR: Minecraft Dungeons II releases on Sept. 29, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Pre-ordering either the $29.99 Standard Edition or the $49.99 Deluxe Edition before Sept. 28 unlocks the Twisted Cape, Twisted Chicken pet, and two hero skins.

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Credit: Minecraft

Minecraft Dungeons II — Standard Edition

$29.99 at Minecraft

 

Pre-order Here

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Credit: Minecraft

Minecraft Dungeons II — Deluxe Edition

$49.99 at Minecraft

 

Pre-order Here

Put down the diamond pickaxe and unsheathe your sword — Minecraft Dungeons II drops on Sept. 29, and digital pre-orders are officially open.

The sequel expands on the original in a ton of exciting ways. Mojang Studios and Double Eleven are sending players on a brand-new quest across the Overworld and beyond to stop a mysterious evil threatening two different worlds. You can tackle the campaign entirely solo or grab up to three buddies for local couch co-op or online cross-play.

Along the way, you'll clash with hordes of aggressive mobs, craft legendary builds using upgraded armor and weapons, and master deep combat mechanics designed to test your party.

If you are planning to jump into the action on day one, choosing the right version comes down to how much extra loot you want in your inventory.

Standard Edition: $29.99

The Standard Edition is the simple choice for gamers who just want the core campaign without any extra filler. At $29.99, it gets you full access to the base game on launch day alongside the Minecraft Launcher setup. Even with the base version, anyone who pre-orders before Sept. 28 scores a batch of launch-window cosmetics to customize their character.

Preorder bonuses for both editions include:

• Twisted Cape

• Twisted Chicken Pet

• Two additional hero skins

Deluxe Edition: $49.99

If you know you are going to sink dozens of hours into grinding gear, the Deluxe Edition packs a massive punch for $49.99. For the extra twenty bucks, you get access to two future DLC expansion packs as soon as they drop down the line. On top of post-launch story content, it grants instant access to the Minecraft Launcher, the ethereal Soul Cape cosmetic, an aquatic Blub Pet companion, and four Deluxe hero skins.

Whichever version fits your budget, lock in your order before Sept. 28 so you don't miss out on that mutated chicken pet on day one.

TL;DR: Igloo just launched a brand-new Winnie the Pooh-themed collection. Prices start at $27.99.

Igloo's Winnie the Pooh collection at a glance:

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Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 15 Oz Coffee Mug

$27.99

Shop Now

---

Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 32 Oz Travel Mug

$39.99

Shop Now

---

Disney Winnie the Pooh Plush Tote Cooler Bag

$39.99

Shop Now

---

Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Cooler Bag

$39.99

Shop Now

---

Disney Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate 7 Qt Cooler

$49.99

Shop Now

Igloo (the cooler company) just launched a brand-new Winnie the Pooh-themed collection, and I am living for it. I'm also super happy to see a brand choose a different character than Snoopy for fall — I love Snoopy, but the Peanuts gang just seems to get an unfair amount of publicity during the Ber months. Anyway, I digress.

The limited-edition collection includes five pieces, and prices start at $27.99:

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 15-ounce Coffee Mug ($27.99): The most affordable item in the collection is a 15-ounce travel coffee mug. It has a tinted yellow, leakproof flip 'n' sip lid with a small mouth-opening cover that clips into place. Its double-walled, vacuum-insulated design keeps your drinks cold or hot, depending on what you put in it. You could honestly put soup in this too...don't @ me.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot 32-ounce Travel Mug ($39.99): My favorite piece in the collection is the 32-ounce travel mug. One is on its way to my apartment right now. It's built like the coffee mug, but it comes with a leak-resistant silicone straw with a little honey bee topper.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Plush Tote Cooler Bag ($39.99): This tote bag doubles as a cooler. It would make a super cute lunch box for a preschooler or kindergarten student. (Hell, I'd carry this around in my truck for snacks.) It's insulated, so it'll keep your goodies hot or cold.

• Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Cooler Bag ($39.99): The Hunny Pot Cooler is probably my second favorite item in the lineup. You could literally use this as a kitschy purse if you wanted to. According to the product description, it can hold up to nine cans. (Do with that what you will.)

• Disney Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate 7-quart Cooler ($49.99): If you prefer a more traditional-looking, hard cooler, the seven-quart Winnie the Pooh & Pals Little Playmate Cooler is $49.99. It also holds up to nine cans.

You can't buy these items on the Igloo Amazon storefront just yet, so you'll have to shop direct until it's updated (if it is — remember, this is a limited-edition collection!).

Shop Igloo deals on Amazon

• Igloo Classic Playmate Cooler — $16.99 $22.99 (save $6)

• Igloo Marine Cooler — $34.98 $46.99 (save $12.01)

• Igloo Tag Along Too Cooler — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Igloo Coolers Retro Collection — $49.99 $65.99 (save $16)

The best iPhone 18 preorder deals at a glance:

---

Preorder at T-Mobile

Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching

Get Deal

---

Preorder at AT&T

Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in

Get Deal

---

Preorder at Visible

Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase

Get Deal

---

Preorder at Total Wireless

Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Get Deal

---

Preorder at Apple

Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in

Get Deal

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone preorder deals and lock in new customers.

The annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. This year, the foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver some exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available to preorder until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18. Better yet, preorders open Sept. 12, so you can secure your new phone ASAP.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones are getting very expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 preorder deals

If you're ready to preorder your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save some money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best preorder deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

• Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on existing myPlan.

• Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any preorder deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone preorder deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals do go live in the days ahead. You can preorder the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds

$129 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

 

Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com

TL;DR: Right now, you can get Samsung's newest mid-range phone for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want.

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB)

$799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200

 

Get Deal

While the internet's busy arguing over Apple's new $2,000 foldable phone, Samsung is handing out $200 in digital cash to Android users.

Right now, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (256 GB) for $799.99, plus a $200 Amazon gift card to spend on whatever else you want. All you have to do is add it to your cart, check out, and you should receive the phone and a physical Amazon gift card on your selected shipping date (though the listing mentions the gift card may ship separately, depending on your location).

If you want to spend a little less (and you don't need a ton of storage), you can get the 128 GB version for $699.99. This one comes with an Amazon gift card, too.

The Samsung S26 FE was basically made for anyone who wants to take influencer-level videos without spending a fortune on video equipment. It has an Exynos 2500 chip, a 4,900 mAh battery, a bright 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 50MP camera packed with Galaxy AI features. That includes a feature called "My FanCam" that automatically keeps your subject centered in video.

It won't shock you that there's a superabundance of interview podcasts and internet series out there. You're probably subscribed to a bunch of content creators (perhaps those who made this year's Mashable 101), or maybe you depend on your feed to hand-deliver the most viral clips.

But your time is precious, so we've rounded up the best on the internet this week.

Whether you're into deadpan showdowns, niche hot takes, or simply wholesome interviews between creative minds, here's what we reckon is worth your time (and of course, we'd never leave out Mashable's own Say More, what are you, nuts?).

So True with Caleb Hearon: Trixie Mattel

Settle in, friends. Trixie Mattel's interview with Caleb Hearon is all the glorious chat you need. The drag icon, podcaster, entrepreneur, musician, and DJ joined the So True host for the unfiltered chat of dreams. "Does the devil wear Skechers?" Maybe!

How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

Baby, This Is Keke Palmer: Tommy Davidson

In Living Color legend Tommy Davidson sat down with Keke Palmer for one of the realest chats you'll see this week. In the latest episode of Palmer's podcast, the actor and comedian unpacked his adoptive childhood, growing up in D.C. between Black and white communities, early stand-up shows (including a tragedy that changed his perspective), those iconic impressions, and, of course, In Living Color.

How to watch/listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok

In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele: Lisa

In one of the most delightful interviews of the week, Owen Thiele chatted with none other than global superstar Lisa. It happened! In the latest episode of In Your Dreams, the pair talked a little Blackpink history, how she learned Korean after joining the group, starring on The White Lotus, and more. Grab a blanket and a comforting beverage and enjoy.

How to watch/listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TikTok, Instagram

Royal Court: Brittany Broski x Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock

The Practical Magic 2 press circuit has seen some enchanting interviews this week, with stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock charming the likes of Therapuss with Jake Shane, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and more. But it's Brittany Broski we have to highlight here, as the Hollywood icons enter the realm of the Royal Court. Margaritas and real estate restoration crimes all around.

How to watch: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

Mythical Kitchen: Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson enjoyed her "last meal" on Mythical Kitchen, joining host and chef Josh Scherer for a delicious walk down memory lane. The Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma star feasted on fried chicken with dipping sauce (they had to), as well as family favourites like her mother's tuna noodle casserole, a Thanksgiving green glass jello, and raisin pie. Plus, Scherer throws in the carrot-ginger dressing from Dojo restaurant on St. Mark’s Place, where Anderson worked as a server.

How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

And, of course...

Say More: Belen Edwards x Adults cast

Who better to help us deal with adulthood than the Adults cast? In this week's episode of Mashable's Say More, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards asked stars Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Jack Innanen, Amita Rao, and Owen Thiele pressing questions from the Mashable staff about becoming an adult. It's news you can use!

Where to watch: Mashable, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

And here are a few more the internet loved this week:

• Call Her Daddy: Alanis Morrisette

• Hot Ones Versus: Inde Navarrette vs. Michael Johnston

• Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang: Carly Rae Jepsen

• Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend: Matt Groening

• The Romesh Ranganathan Show: Ray Winstone

• We're Here to Help: Jake Johnson x Zooey Deschanel

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters, or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices. 

Big corporations exist to make money, and T-Mobile is making that very clear with its application of one new iOS 27 feature.

At Apple's big iPhone launch event this week, the company announced a feature called iPhone Handoff, which is coming with the latest iOS update. The feature will allow eSIM users to use the same phone number on two iPhones and choose which device is active at any given time. The active phone can receive calls, texts, and other cellular communications.

It'll only be available to T-Mobile customers in the U.S. at first, and that's where things get interesting: T-Mobile announced on its website that the feature will cost $5 per month.

So, in other words, you can buy an iPhone Duo and an iPhone 18 Pro and switch between them whenever you want without much hassle, aside from adding an extra $5 to your T-Mobile bill every month.

How to set up the iPhone Handoff feature

Activating one phone is seemingly as simple as unlocking it, but you can't use them both for texting, calling, etc., at the same time. To set it up, go to the eSIM section of the Settings app, tap Phone, tap Continue, then tap Transfer. If it works, you'll get a message saying a device has been activated when you unlock it.

It's unfortunate that this feature is only available to T-Mobile customers stateside right now, and that T-Mobile is taking advantage of that fact to charge a small fee to use it. But, at the very least, it does sound reasonably intuitive.

SAVE $50.03: The 32-inch Samsung Class HD H5000F Smart TV is on sale at Amazon for $97.96, down from the normal price of $147.99. That matches the record-low we've seen at Amazon.

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Credit: Samsung

32-inch Samsung Class HD H5000F Smart TV

$97.96 at Amazon
$147.99 Save $50.03

 

Get Deal

It's hard to find anything for under $100 these days, let alone something you could potentially use for several hours every day. But if you're one to shop for deals that are so attractive they make you do a double-take, we've found something special.

As of Sept. 11, Amazon is selling the 32-inch Samsung Class HD H5000F Smart TV for only $97.96, marked down from the normal price of $147.99. That works out to a 34% discount, matching the record low we've seen on Amazon.

You've always considered putting a TV in the garage, the entry way, or making an upgrade to the guest room, and now here's your chance to do so for under $100. While the 32-inch Samsung is fairly petite in display size, it's perfect for a kids' room, rec room, or catching games in the garage. For under $100, the options are endless.

This 2025 Samsung TV has HDR for contrast and detail, as well as object tracking sound for a more real-life experience. In addition, the slim design gives the TV a modern feel.

Since everything is too expensive these days, scoring a Samsung TV for under $100 feels like a heck of a win. Just be sure to check out before this deal vanishes from Amazon.

Shop more TV deals on Amazon.

SAVE UP TO $1,200: Verizon is packed with iPhone 18 deals, including options that save up to $1,200 on a new device.

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Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro preorders at Verizon

Save up to $1,200

Learn More

Welcome to a great week for Apple fans. Earlier this week, we got introduced to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone. If you've made the decision to upgrade, you're probably searching for the best deal on preordering the iPhone 18 Pro. Verizon has some attractive options on offer, which we've broken down into easy-to-digest terms below.

If you're interested in signing up for a Verizon Simplicity Pro plan, you can look forward to a simple $80 monthly bill. Broken down, it works out to a $50 device payment for the iPhone 18 Pro and a $30 bill for the Verizon Unlimited plan. More benefits of this option include the ability to upgrade to the newest iPhone once every 12 months.

Another option at Verizon is to sign up for a myPlan account to save up to $1,200 on a new iPhone 18 model. If you switch to Verizon or open a new line, you're eligible to save the full $1,200 with a qualified trade-in. Those who upgrade an existing myPlan account can save up to $1,200 with an eligible trade-in.

If you're in the mood to buy a new iPhone and sign up for a Verizon Simplicity or myPlan account, you can snag a free Apple Watch and Apple iPad. Over 36 months of bill credit, Verizon will cover the cost of both the Watch and tablet.

Finally, anyone who switches to Verizon Business with an eligible trade-in can get the iPhone 18 Pro (256GB) for free. If you prefer the iPhone 18 Pro Max, switching to Verizon Business will offer a savings of $1,200 on the upgraded model.

Keep in mind preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro at Verizon begin on Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. ET and preorders for the iPhone Duo begin on Oct. 16 at Verizon.

All of the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder and trade-in deals

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan

TL;DR: Apple’s brand-new iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo are officially hitting AT&T. To lure switchers, AT&T is offering up to $1,200 off with an eligible iPhone trade-in in any condition, up to $800 to cover your tab if you switch, and automatic bill credits if you ever hit a network outage.

AT&T iPhone 18 and Duo deals

---

Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB)

$33.34/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $0/mo ($1,200 off)

Learn More

---

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (256 GB)

$36.12/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $2.78/mo ($1,200 off)

Learn More

---

Apple iPhone Duo (512 GB)

$55.56/month | With trade-in deal: As low as $22.22/mo ($1,200 off)

Learn More

Thinking about upgrading your phone or jumping ship from another carrier? Apple just dropped its latest iPhone lineup, and AT&T is rolling out some massive incentives to get you onto its network.

Whether you want Apple’s first-ever foldable or a top-tier camera setup, here is everything you need to know about the new phones and the deals AT&T is offering.

Apple’s big splash this year is its very first foldable, the iPhone Duo. Closed, it feels like a normal pocketable phone with a 5.4-inch outer screen, but it flips open into a huge 7.6-inch inner display for gaming, watching videos, or running apps side-by-side. It runs on the ultra-fast A20 Pro chip, sports an eSIM-only design so Apple could fit a dual-battery system inside, and comes in star white or night sky.

If you prefer a classic, heavy-duty phone, the 18 Pro lineup gives you a choice between a 6.3-inch screen on the standard Pro or a massive 6.9-inch display on the Pro Max. The biggest upgrade here is in the camera: a new 48MP main sensor equipped with an actual physical variable aperture, giving you real hardware control over background blur and low-light shots. Both run on the A20 Pro chip, feature Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x better scratch protection, and come in black, silver, glacier, or an all-new burgundy.

How the AT&T promos work and what to know

AT&T is running a few different stackable offers right now, but there are a few important conditions to keep in mind before you click buy:

• Up to $1,200 Off via Trade-In — You can trade in an eligible iPhone in any condition to get up to $1,200 off. The catch? Securing the full $1,200 requires an Unlimited Premium 2.0 plan and a trade-in of an iPhone 14 or newer. Lower tiers like Unlimited Extra 2.0 cap out at $930 off, while older iPhones yield lower credit amounts.

  All savings are delivered via monthly bill credits over a 36-month installment plan — if you leave AT&T early, you forfeit remaining credits and owe the balance.

• Up to $800 Switcher Credit — Coming from T-Mobile or Verizon? AT&T offers up to $800 to help pay off your remaining device tab on your old carrier.

• Save $200 Online — Order on AT&T or through the AT&T app to shave an extra $200 off per line right off the top.

• Next Up Anytime ($10/mo) — An optional add-on that lets you swap your phone for a new model up to three times in a 12-month period once a third of the device is paid off.

Checkout costs and fine print

Expect a $35 activation/upgrade fee per line plus sales tax paid upfront on the full retail price of the phone. Also, if you add a line to secure a promo, you must keep all other lines active for at least 90 days, or your credits will stop.

On the upside, your service is backed by the AT&T Guarantee: if a qualifying network outage hits your area, your phone will automatically ping you via iOS 27 and issue a bill credit without making you call customer service.

Release and preorder dates

Preorders for the new devices are split across two dates:

• iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max — Preorders begin Sept. 12 at 5:00 a.m. PT.

• iPhone Duo — Preorders begin Oct. 16 at 5:00 a.m. PT.

Just make sure to double-check your current plan and trade-in device before preorders go live so you can grab the full discount. Orders can be placed online at AT&T, via the AT&T app, or in AT&T retail stores.

All the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder and trade-in deals

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan

Apple's next big iOS update is finally on the launch pad.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9, Apple showed off new wares like the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, the foldable iPhone Duo, new Apple Watches, and the AirPods 5. One of the smaller (but still significant) nuggets of news to come out of the event concerned iOS 27. Specifically, when you can finally download it to your iPhone.

Users with compatible iPhones will be able to install iOS 27 on Monday, Sept. 14.

How to download iOS 27

If you have one of the compatible iPhones (keep scrolling for the full list), then starting on Monday, Sept. 14, you can look for iOS 27. Apple typically releases a new iOS at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET).

Follow these steps to get iOS 27 set up on your iPhone:

• Go to the Settings app on your phone

• Go to General

• Go to Software Update and wait as the system checks for new updates

• When iOS 27 appears, you can download and install the new OS

You can also click "Automatic Updates" and turn this feature to "On." That way, iOS 27 should automatically download once it's available (your phone must be locked and charging to download automatic updates).

What's new with iOS 27?

This is a big one! Siri AI, new Apple Intelligence tools, and Liquid Glass updates are all coming soon. Credit: Apple

If you haven't been following along, iOS 27 is the one that finally brings us Siri AI. You can now talk to Siri like you would an AI chatbot, and it's powered by Google Gemini.

Some of the most exciting changes coming to iPhones involve new AI photo-editing features, such as spatial reframing. Users will more easily be able to remove unwanted details, or even describe the edits they'd like to Siri by voice or text. Android smartphones from Google and Samsung have had a full suite of AI editing tools for a couple of years now, and Apple is finally catching up. Smart photo editing will also help users make the most of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new camera features.

Apple also included some new and subtle customization options for Liquid Glass, various small updates for apps like Health, Photos, and Notes, and more.

Every iPhone that supports iOS 27

Of course, you can only go through that whole downloading process if you have a device that supports iOS 27. Here are the devices that work with the new iOS:

• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12

• iPhone 12 Mini

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 13 Mini

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16e

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17e

• iPhone Air

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max

• iPhone 18 Pro

• iPhone 18 Pro Max

• iPhone Duo

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck. We should also note that Siri AI will not be coming to Europe due to some regulatory issues. Sorry, European friends.

TL;DR: Braun Household officially launched the OptiBrew Pro in the U.S. for $199.95. The pod-free drip machine is designed to replace both your standard morning pot and single-serve pod systems.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Braun

Braun OptiBrew Pro

$199.95 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Braun wants to upgrade your basic morning coffee pot. Instead of buying a separate pod machine, a cold-brew pitcher, and a stand-alone milk frother, the new OptiBrew line puts everything into one super-slim, 6.75-inch-wide machine.

The whole setup runs on regular ground coffee — meaning zero plastic pods to throw away — and uses smart temperature tech to make sure your coffee tastes good, not burnt. You can brew a single 8-oz cup before heading out the door, or brew a full 12-cup pot in under 8 minutes when people come over.

While the base OptiBrew handles standard drip and iced coffee, the U.S.-bound OptiBrew Pro goes a step further for latte lovers. It adds a "Coffee Shot" button that makes super-strong, espresso-style coffee, plus a built-in whisk on the side to froth hot or cold milk for fancy drinks.

You can dial in seven precise sizes, ranging from a single 8-oz travel mug to a full 12-cup glass carafe (which brews in under eight minutes flat). The OptiBrew Pro gives you five distinct brew styles to match whatever you're craving:

• Regular — Classic hot drip calibrated for smooth, balanced morning sipping.

• Bold — A stronger, richer hot brew for an extra punchy kick.

• Over Ice — Brews concentrated hot coffee directly over ice without watering down your drink.

• Rapid Cold Brew — Cuts out the traditional overnight wait, using specialized pressure and flow extraction to deliver low-acid, refreshing cold brew in minutes instead of 24 hours.

• Concentrated Coffee Shot — The Pro’s secret weapon — a fifth brew mode that creates a rich, intense coffee concentrate built specifically as a base for lattes and cappuccinos.

To complete your café orders at home, the OptiBrew Pro features an integrated whisk frother mounted on the side of the machine. It whips up dairy milk or plant-based alternatives into thick, creamy foam for hot drinks, or silky cold foam for iced drinks, saving you from spending extra cash on an external frothing wand.

It’s also packed with thoughtful daily features, like an intuitive control panel, a 24-hour programmable timer so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee, and an adjustable warming plate that keeps your carafe warm for up to four hours.

Score a full coffeehouse setup at home — grab the OptiBrew Pro for under $200 at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The ASUS TUF Gaming 32-inch curved monitor (VG32VQM5AZ) is on sale for $189 at Amazon for a limited time, knocking $60 off its $249 price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: ASUS

The ASUS TUF Gaming 32-Inch 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor

$189 at Amazon
$249 Save $60

Get Deal

A high-speed curved gaming monitor for under $200 is already a pretty sight for your gaming budget, but the fact that it’s a deal on a model from a top-tier brand like ASUS is even better. 

As of Sept. 11, the 32-inch ASUS TUF Gaming monitor (VG32VQM5AZ SKU) is $189 at Amazon as a limited-time deal, knocking $60 off its $249 list price for a 24% discount. The new monitor is sold and shipped by Amazon, and free 30-day returns are included as well. 

For what’s now this TUF Gaming monitor’s lowest price with the retailer (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel), you get a 31.5-inch Full HD panel with a 1500R curve — giving the display a more enveloping shape than ASUS' flatter TUF alternatives. The top spec here is its top overclocked speed of 240hz alongside a minimum 0.5ms GTG response time.

That’ll not only keep your rounds of Fortnite or whatever single-player game you’re playing feel more fluid, but the added AMD FreeSync Premium for variable refresh rates — and ELMB Sync — will altogether reduce ghosting and tearing to make your display feel far less choppy. 

To keep anything you play or watch extra eye-popping in terms of pure visuals, this monitor covers 120% of the sRGB color gamut and supports HDR, with Shadow Boost available to lift detail in darker parts of a scene or level. 

To round out the package, the DisplayWidget Center even lets you tweak settings with a mouse instead of repeatedly digging through the monitor's physical controls.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Spending time with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro has Bridget Carey rethinking what’s important in an iPhone upgrade. Following Apple's big September iPhone event, Carey breaks down the standout Duo features, what the crease is really like, and the questions she has for the future of Apple Watch and the next era of Apple.

Top iPhone pre-order deals

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Read more about the iPhone Duo and foldable phones: Apple's iPhone Duo: The foldable phone of the future
Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is an iPhone Duo lookalike with one huge advantage

Timecode chapters
00:00 Apple’s new iPhone tricks
00:14 Reporting from the iPhone event at Apple Park
00:19 Opening and closing the iPhone duo
00:28 Big changes coming to iPhone
00:38 John Ternus has one more thing
00:46 Bridget Carey’s iPhone duo event experience
01:03 iPhone duo
01:14 Taking video on iPhone duo
01:37 Smart take on iPhone duo
02:04 Snoopy comes to iPhone duo
02:21 iPhone duo crease
02:41 Hidden camera behind iPhone duo screen
02:51 iPhone duo size
03:11 iPhone duo cases
03:28 MagSafe on iPhone duo
03:34 iPhone 18 Pro updates
04:07 Aperture on iPhone 18 Pro
04:42 Apple Watch changes
04:43 Apple Watch audio intelligence, recording, transcribing
05:20 New Apple Watch sensor
05:33 New Apple iPhone and Apple Watch accessories
05:47 One more tip to help cover the cost of your new iPhone
05:56 Get the most money for your iPhone trade-in
06:18 Let us know in the comments what you want to see from one more thing

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Celso Bulgatti, Bridget Carey
Video editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

"No kings."

What the phrase means in 2026 America might be different to what it meant to England during the 1381 Peasants' Revolt, but it's a powerful declaration in either context.

Connecting these words across time, Paul Greengrass' The Uprising tracks one of the defining moments of radicalism in British history. We meet Andrew Garfield as John Ploughman, a farmer who plays a key role in the resistance. In the 14th century, farmers, artisans, priests, and more common folk took on the tyranny of King Richard III, as the impact of the Black Death hung heavy, the Poll Tax ruined lives, and the Hundred Years’ War between England and France raged.

And in the film, Ploughman indeed says aloud, "No kings."

"It was a line that Paul thought he should cut because he had written it before all of the "No Kings" protests that were happening in the United States against Trump," said Garfield. "He was worried that it would feel like we are trying to say something specific in response to something that's just happening. But in fact, it predated any of that stuff happening in real time.

"It felt the right thing just to go, no, this is something universal. This is something that is unfortunately timeless. And it's a beautiful sentiment. The idea of hierarchy that is preordained being deconstructed feels very important."

Mashable Senior Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with Garfield, in the historic Charterhouse in London, a medieval monastery built before the revolt, just around the corner from St Johns Priory and Smithfield, where major events in the uprising happened (you'll see them in the film).

Watch the interview above, in which Garfield unpacks The Uprising, including working with co-stars Cosmo Jarvis and Jamie Bell, the choreography involved with Greengrass' handheld, documentary-style action, and wielding farm tools against steel and armour.

The Uprising opens in theaters in the U.S. on Sept. 10; a UK release will follow on Oct. 9.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

TL;DR: Narwal unveiled three new floor cleaners across three categories: the Freo 20 Edge robot vacuum ($799 for 31,000 Pa suction), the 3.1-lb V50 Cube self-emptying stick vac, and a next-gen wet & dry vacuum powered by 752°F steam cleaning.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Narwal

Narwal Freo 20 Edge robot vacuum

$799 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Narwal just expanded its home-cleaning lineup with three new devices across three core categories: a feature-packed robot vacuum, an ultralight self-emptying stick vacuum, and a heavy-duty steam wet-and-dry vacuum.

Credit: Narwal

Built to deliver premium floor care without high-end compromises, the Freo 20 Edge packs flagship-grade 31,000 Pa suction for deep carpet cleaning. It features real-time self-cleaning mopping at room temperature, so it never drags dirt back across your floors, alongside 150+ object recognition powered by hidden dToF LiDAR navigation and structured light sensors to avoid household obstacles.

It automatically empties the robot's dustbin into a 2.5L self-sealing dust bag (good for up to 120 days) and uses 45°C (113°F) hot air to dry the mop track after every run. The Freo 20 Edge is available on Amazon for $799.

Credit: Narwal

Credit: Narwal

The V50 Cube is Narwal’s first stick vacuum in the US, also its most compact model yet, with a handheld body weighing just 3.1 lbs. It combines AI-optimized suction technology and carpet-focused vacuuming with a compact 5-in-1 dock that handles automatic dust emptying, brush self-cleaning, and tool storage.

The base station takes up less floor space than an iPad Air while doing all the heavy lifting. Slide the vacuum in, and the dock takes over — emptying the dustbin into a 100-day UV-sterilized bag, scraping the cyclone mesh, detangling the brush roll, charging the battery, and hiding all your attachments inside.

The vacuum uses a certified ZeroWrap 4-stage detangling brush roll with a wide-angle aqua LED light that exposes micro-dust and pet hair hiding in dark corners. Rollouts for the V50 Cube begin in Europe in September 2026. Official U.S. pricing and launch dates will be announced soon.

Credit: Narwal

Credit: Narwal

Designed to conquer greasy kitchen messes and sticky, dried-on spills, the next-gen wet & dry vacuum turns up the heat with extreme sanitization. It combines a high-temp 752°F steam function at the source with 203°F hot-water floor mopping to instantly dissolve stubborn grime and kill floor bacteria without harsh chemical sprays.

It features 25,000 Pa of suction power paired with 33N of downward mopping pressure to force dirty water into the recovery tank in a single pass. When docked, the base station flushes the internal pipes and roller with hot water and steam, followed by a quiet hot-air drying cycle to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

Narwal has this high-temp steam series slated for an official European rollout in 2027, with U.S. availability and exact price tags to follow closer to launch.

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SAVE OVER $50: As of Sept. 11, the Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium set is on sale at its lowest price yet, $423.99, on Amazon. Compared to its full price of $479.99, that saves you $56.

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Credit: Lego

LEGO Icons Tropical Aquarium Building Set (10366)

$423.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $56

 

Get Deal

Lego's massive 4,154-piece Tropical Aquarium set has received a huge $56 discount on Amazon, hitting its lowest price yet at the retailer. If you've been on the lookout for a big new build to put together this fall, or over the cooler months to come when you're spending more time inside, this set is well worth a look.

While this Lego set is usually priced at $479.99, Amazon's knocked it down to $423.99. This marks its lowest price yet there, so it's a perfect time to grab it if its delightfully vibrant underwater display has caught your eye.

While the Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium set's colors are certainly eye-catching, its 4,154-piece build is quite detailed as well. Within the aquarium, you'll find four fish, an oyster shell with a pearl, plants and coral, sea worms, sea snails, and more. It even features dials and cranks you can rotate to make the fish swim or coral sway, which is an incredibly cool way to breathe a bit of life into it.

You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of space available for it, as the store page says it measures over 14 inches high, 20.5 inches wide, and 11 inches deep. It's also worth noting that this set is recommended for adults to assemble, likely due to its high piece count and more complex functional elements.

There's no telling how long this deal will be live for, so act fast to save on the Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium at Amazon.

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TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is on sale for $147.98 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box

$147.98 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $61.72

Get Deal

As a Magic: The Gathering expansion, Marvel Super Heroes has been one of the biggest examples of major price fluctuations in trading card products since its release in June. While stocks last, though, you can score over $60 off the 30-pack Play Booster Box.

As of Sept. 11, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is $147.98 at Amazon through third-party seller Industrial Resolution. Altogether, that cuts $61.72 from the $209.70 list price — bringing the cost of each Play Booster down to approximately $4.93.

Delivery is set for Sept. 18 on this one in particular at the time of writing, but also a $148.88 Amazon listing sold by The Game Capital and fulfilled by Amazon itself, with delivery estimated for Sept. 16, if you don’t mind spending slightly more. 

That said, you can save even more by shopping elsewhere. Walmart has the same Play Booster Box for $119.95 via ForgeAndFireGaming.com, with Walmart handling fulfillment and free shipping; meanwhile, TCGplayer has listings going for as low as $116.73 (including shipping) — only 91 cents above its estimated $115.82 market price. 

Whichever retailer you choose, the box contains 30 Play Boosters, each with 14 cards from the Marvel hero-themed collection. Every pack has one Traditional Foil, alongside one to four cards of rare or higher rarity, three to five uncommons, six to nine commons, and one land. There’s also a sub-1% chance of finding a Foil Borderless Mythic Rare.

Apple upgrades its 18 Pro line with improved camera aperture and AI capabilities. CNET's Patrick Holland unpacks the main things you need to know about the latest iPhone 18 Pro handsets.

Read more about the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s latest iPhones: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battle of the flagships

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Variable aperture
01:20 Pricing increase
01:56 Other design updates
02:52 iOS 27 goodies
03:30 Battery life
03:55 Conclusion

Video credits
Host: Patrick Holland
Scripted by: Patrick Holland
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

Didn't manage watch Trump's midterm convention? You weren't the only one.

The good news is Daily Show host Michael Kosta has recapped the whole thing. In the clip above Kosta goes through the lowlights, from Senate hopeful Ken Paxton's jokes falling a little flat ("Oh no he didn't...make anyone laugh," says Kosta after a clip of Paxton's jokes getting a tumbleweed response) to Trump offering Americans $5,000 if the Republicans win both the House and the Senate.

"$5,000? That's two trips to the grocery store!" says Kosta. "Or one if you buy raspberries. I like how Trump calls this a dividend. Do you know when businesses hand out dividends, when they're raking in money? The last time I checked, we, as a country, have negative $40 trillion of money."

Kosta wasn't the only one to poke fun at the convention. Elsewhere, Jimmy Kimmel also had some thoughts about the empty seats.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 11, select colors of the Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh) are on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. That's $10 off their list price of $59.99.

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Credit: Anker

Anker Nano Power Bank, 45W 10,000mAh Portable Charger

$49.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10

 

Get Deal

For those who are frequently on the go, or if you have big travel plans this fall, a portable charger is a very helpful tech item to have on hand. The Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh) is one option to consider, especially since Amazon's knocked $10 off its list price. The deal won't last for much longer, though.

As of Sept. 11, select colors of this power bank (black, green, and white) have dropped from $59.99 to $49.99 at the retailer. However, each of these has a percentage bar on its store page indicating how much of the sale inventory has already been claimed, and some colors are selling fast. If you're hoping to grab it, be quick to pick up your favorite before the offer runs out.

This Anker Nano Power Bank is a very compact charger, with the store page noting that it's 16% smaller than standard models (measuring 3.21 × 1.99 × 1.42 inches and weighing 8.2oz) and featuring a retractable charging cable that makes it easy to carry around. That built-in cable is quite durable as well, with the store page noting it can withstand over 20,000 bends. The power bank is also flight-approved, which is great for travelers.

In terms of power, it boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and 45W max fast charging, alongside pass-through technology and a smart display so you can keep an eye on your charging devices. If you need an extra battery boost when you're out and about, this power bank seems well worth picking up.

The deals are being claimed quickly, though, so be quick to score this discount on select colors of the Anker Nano Power Bank at Amazon.

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It's the New Moon tonight, which means the side we see is completely dark. This is because the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, with the sunlit side facing away from us.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Sept. 11, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the New Moon phase, with 0% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance gradually changes as it travels around Earth, completing a full lunar cycle in approximately 29.5 days, NASA tells us. What we see from Earth depends on the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, which affects how much of its illuminated side is visible. As the cycle progresses, the Moon passes through a series of phases, from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon, before starting over.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL; DR: At IFA 2026 in Berlin, TCL officially unveiled a massive hardware showcase spanning smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Highlights include the TCL P80 Ultra and P80 Pro, the versatile TAB A1 tablet series, and the absurdly bright X11L SQD-Mini LED TV, which packs up to 10,000 nits of peak brightness.

TCL took the stage at IFA 2026 to reveal a massive wave of upcoming gear. Instead of just throwing tech specs at us, they focused on solving two real-world problems: stopping screen glare from frying your eyeballs, and building TVs so ridiculously bright your living room feels like a movie theater. Here is a quick breakdown of what’s coming down the pipe.

Smartphones: Vibrant colors that don't blind you

Leading the phone pack are the TCL P80 Ultra and P80 Pro. They're the first phones ever to mix AMOLED screen colors with TCL's matte, paper-like display tech. So you get rich, vivid colors without feeling like you're staring into a mirror under sunlight.

Both pack huge 6.83-inch screens, big batteries meant to last all day, and a physical button on the side that flips the screen into a muted reading mode or monochrome e-ink style. If you want serious zoom, the Ultra adds a periscope lens for long-range shots, while the base-model P80 keeps things simple with a super-thin profile.

Pricing and availability

European rollouts kick off Sept. 11, while US carrier and retail launches are still pending, so stateside buyers will have to hold tight a bit longer.

Tablets: One for your bag, one for your couch

TCL also dropped four new tablets in its TAB A1 Series, split into two sizes. The 11-inch models (TAB A1 and TAB A1 NXTPAPER) are super light and easy to throw in a backpack for quick browsing or reading on a flight.

If you want something bigger to binge TV shows or doodle with a stylus, the 12.2-inch "Plus" models give you way more screen space, smoother scrolling, and a massive 10,000mAh battery so you aren't hunting for an outlet every five minutes.

Pricing and availability

The TAB A1 series is already rolling out globally, with prices hovering around $190 to $299 depending on screen size and configuration.

TVs: Absurdly bright screens and framed art

On the TV front, TCL is pushing Mini LED tech to its absolute limits. The standout TCL X11L comes in massive 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes and hits 110,000-nit peak brightness. That is tech-speak for "this TV is bright enough to cut through direct sunlight in your living room while keeping dark scenes ink-black." It even has high-end Bang & Olufsen sound built right in.

For living rooms where a giant black mirror ruins the aesthetic, TCL also introduced the A400 Pro NXTVISION TV. It uses a matte, anti-reflective display wrapped in a light walnut woodgrain frame, allowing it to seamlessly blend into your wall as a digital art display when you aren't binge-watching your favorite shows.

Pricing and availability

The flagship is already rolling out in Europe, and US listings for the X11L are already live, priced between $3,499 (discounted) for the 75-inch screen and $9,999 for the 98-inch model. Meanwhile, TCL has yet to confirm the exact release dates for the art-focused A400 Pro.

If your wallet can handle the hit, your eyes — and your living room setup — are definitely in for an upgrade. Learn more at TCL.

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is on sale for $21.88 at Amazon, down from its $29.99 list price.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister

$21.88 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $8.11

 

Get Deal

Buying single Pokémon TCG: Pitch Black Boosters can still run you a good amount above MSRP, but Amazon’s new Blister price drop makes it so you soften the blow to your trading card budget. 

As of Sept. 11, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is $21.88 at Amazon through third-party seller reVend. Against the $29.99 list price, you’re saving $8.11, or 27%. 

Spread across the three included boosters, that works out to roughly $7.29 per pack. Compared to buying Pitch Black boosters a la carte for $8.95, this three-pack blister is saving you $1.66 per pack for a total of $4.98 — with the Binacle promo card essentially acting as a free bonus. 

That said, TCGplayer is still slightly cheaper, with listings as low as $19.99, including shipping. Whichever way you go, though, you’re still getting a rare chance to grab this under market price — with the trading card selling platform currently valuing this one at $22.25. 

Grabbing packs for less money doesn’t mean there still aren’t valuable chase cards to pull, though. Amongst Pitch Blacks' most pricey cards, the biggest hits still include SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and SIR Morpeko ex — worth up to just under $195. 

If you’re after one card in particular, you can buy any single Pokémon card from Pitch Black right now on TCGplayer.

SAVE $60: As of Sept. 11, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is on sale for $439 at Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

$439 at Amazon
$499 Save $60

 

Get Deal

Want to make your videos look a little more polished without lugging around a full-size camera? The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the perfect product for exactly that, packing a proper camera and built-in gimbal into a tiny, pocket-sized frame. And as of Sept. 11, you can get it for less at Amazon. Normally priced at $499, there's now $60 off the list price, bringing the cost down to $439.

This vlogging camera from DJI has a 1-inch CMOS sensor that records in 4K at up to 120 fps, making it a great option for shooting everything from travel footage to sunsets and night scenes.

It has a rotating 2-inch touchscreen that lets you switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, and the 3-axis mechanical stabilization keeps footage steady as you move. Another bonus is the ActiveTrack 6. This can keep you centered in the frame as you film.

There's also built-in stereo recording, and DJI OsmoAudio lets you connect a DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini transmitter directly to the camera for better sound.

Head to Amazon now to get this deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

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SAVE OVER $800: As of Sept. 11, the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV is on sale for $2,498 at Amazon. That's $801.99 off its full price of $3,299.99.

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Credit: Sony

Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV

$2,498 at Amazon
$3,299.99 Save $801.99

 

Get Deal

With Labor Day in the rearview, there's a little bit of time to kill before the next wave of sale events hits. But if you're still hoping to save on high-quality tech in the time in between, Amazon has plenty to check out. This includes some great discounts on TVs. If you're in the market for a fall upgrade, the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV has had over $800 slashed from its price tag there.

As of Sept. 11, this Sony TV's price has dropped from $3,299.99 to $2,498 at the retailer, for a total savings of $801.99. Though it's worth mentioning that it is marked as a 'limited time deal', so time is of the essence to snag it at the price while it's still on sale.

Sony's OLED display brings out vibrant colors and deep contrast in what you're watching, making the picture quality of movies and shows a rich treat for the eyes. Plus, 4K resolution helps sharpen that picture so you can see every detail as it unfolds. According to the store page, this TV's XR Processor with AI technology also boosts color, contrast, and clarity, so images can really shine on screen.

For those who are signed up to multiple streaming services, it's also a Google TV, so that you can jump into all of your favorite apps right from the home screen. And considering how much there is to look forward to this fall for streaming, that's a big positive. Its 65-inch screen size is also a great fit for those looking to buy a mid-range TV for their home, not stretching too big or squished too small.

The clock is ticking on this limited-time deal, though. So act fast to save on the Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K TV at Amazon.

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SAVE $57: As of Sept. 11, the Holy Stone HS600 is on sale for $242.99 at Amazon. That's an 19% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Holy Stone

Holy Stone HS600

$249.99 at Amazon
$279.98 Save $29.99

 

Get Deal

Getting into drones doesn't have to mean spending hundreds on a high-end model. Models like the Holy Stone HS600 offer 4K video, a gimbal, and a great set of flight features without the hefty price tag. And as of Sept. 11, it's even cheaper at Amazon, with the drone now on sale for $242.99. This saves you $57 off the list price and is the lowest-ever price for this model.

For the price, the HS600 packs in plenty of useful kit. Its 4K camera uses a dual-axis gimbal and electronic image stabilization to help keep footage steady, and the Sony sensor can record at up to 30fps. It also has brushless motors designed to provide a more stable flight.

It has integrated FAA-compliant Remote ID, so there's no need to buy a separate module, and at 541g, it's relatively easy to take with you. It also comes with a carrying case, making it useful for travel and on-the-go use.

It's a great option for beginners, too. Follow Mode can automatically track a subject, and Waypoint Mode lets you map out a flight path rather than controlling every movement manually.

Head to Amazon to grab this Holy Stone drone deal while it's on sale.

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Trump held a midterm convention in Texas on Wednesday, and attendance levels were already looking a bit shaky based on the number of Republicans making excuses about why they wouldn't be able to go.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel gleefully analyses the number of empty seats in the room, first playing a clip of Trump maintaining that the room was packed despite video footage to the contrary

"Could there be a better metaphor for this presidency than him bragging about the size of his crowd to a bunch of empty seats? I don't think so. When does the kid come out and inform the emperor that he has no clothes? That arena was as empty as a Waymo," Kimmel says. "This is what happens in North Korea. It is really terrifying that this is the news that some people are getting exclusively."

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SAVE $78: As of Sept. 11, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $76.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

$76.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $78.00

 

Get Deal

If you're in the market for an affordable tablet, Amazon currently has a great deal on the Amazon Fire HD 10. As of Sept. 11, it has dropped in price to just $76.99, saving you $78 off the list price. That's half off, and according to camelcamelcamel, the lowest-ever price for this device.

This tablet comes with a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display, so it's a great buy if you want a tablet for watching shows, playing games, or settling down with an e-book. It also promises up to 13 hours of battery life, meaning you shouldn't need to keep reaching for the charger during the day. It also comes with 32GB of storage, so there's plenty of room for streaming apps, games, and whatever else you need.

It's designed to be lightweight yet durable, with strengthened aluminosilicate glass, and it has a 5MP front-facing camera for video calls. You also get handy tools for drafting emails, summarizing webpages, and creating wallpapers, plus Alexa support and parental controls through Amazon Kids.

This tablet deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time, so don't miss out.

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Planning to upgrade your iPhone this year? If you're someone looking to get the most feature-packed device, typically the choice would be easy: You'd buy the latest iPhone Pro Max model, and this time around, that's the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, Apple decided to throw a curveball at iOS users this year with the release of its first-ever Apple foldable, the iPhone Duo.

Now, iPhone users looking for a new smartphone have to make a difficult choice. I know. I'm one of those users who assumed I'd just go with the new Pro Max, but the unveiling of the Duo has me second-guessing that choice.

Do I go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Each is powerful in its own right, as they both have Apple's new Apple Silicon chip A20 Pro. But, both are missing features that the other has.

So, instead of just comparing specs, let's look at the use cases for each device.

If you want the biggest screen...

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

At 6.9 inches, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the largest traditional smartphone display. When the iPhone Duo is closed and in its smartphone "form," it's smaller. The Duo's outer display is only 5.4 inches.

However, when the Duo is opened up, the inner display has 50 percent more screen space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, measuring 7.6 inches. Ultimately, the Duo has more screen for you to work with.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

If cameras are of the utmost importance

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system, a 48MP Fusion Main lens, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens, and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens. It also introduces a physical variable aperture feature for the first time. The Duo has the same main lens but without the variable aperture, and the same ultra-wide lens. The iPhone Duo does not have a telephoto lens, but it does have a 12MP Center Stage selfie camera and an under-display FaceTime camera.

Hardware-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the superior smartphone camera when compared with the Duo. It has more rear camera lenses, and that physical variable aperture will provide users with plenty of control of lighting and depth of field.

For serious photographers or filmmakers looking for a smartphone to match your workflow, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new software capabilities with Pro Controls is going to be a big plus too. With Pro Controls, users can adjust shutter speed, lens aperture, white balance, and more.

If you care about photography or videography above all, then the choice is clearly the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro max

If you're a content creator

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I just made the case that when it comes to smartphone cameras, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is superior to the iPhone Duo. And that's true…for the most part.

While filmmakers will want to go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, online content creators may actually want to consider the iPhone Duo.

Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the extra lens and pro control features. Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max even has a better front-facing camera with its 18MP selfie camera compared to the iPhone Duo's 12MP selfie camera.

However, the foldable aspect of iPhone Duo opens up a whole world of creative use cases, especially for those who typically make social media-friendly content. 

The iPhone Duo can be folded in numerous ways to act as its own stand or tripod in order to take full-body photos and videos when working solo. The iPhone Duo even has unique features like Smart Take that take advantage of those capabilities and automatically snap photos of users without having to utilize a countdown.

When opened, the iPhone Duo's outer display can be used as a monitor so users can take selfies with the better 48MP without just guessing if they're even in the frame.

If you're a content creator who never manually changes the settings on your camera and barely, if ever, utilizes the telephoto lens, the iPhone Duo may actually be better for you.

The winner: The iPhone Duo

Price matters

Finally, an easy one. 

If you're looking for the most powerful but also simultaneously the most affordable device, don't even look at the iPhone Duo. It's the most expensive iPhone ever.

The Duo starts at $2,000. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is $700 cheaper at $1,299. Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: The iPhone 18 Pro Max, duh

You're a mobile gamer

If mobile gaming is your thing, it seems like Apple may have finally created the perfect iPhone for you.

People who've already had a hands-on with the iPhone Duo are saying that the foldable is seemingly made for gamers. The full-sized inner screen provides a perfect balance of display real estate with mobility. In addition, when turned to its side, one screen can be used as a traditional landscape-mode display, while the other can be used as a full-sized game controller.

Now, there is one addendum to add here. It may be a while for most game developers to update their games to use these features or even create games specifically tailored to the iPhone Duo. But, when all is said and done, the iPhone Duo will clearly have the upper hand over the iPhone 18 Pro Max when it comes to gaming.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You're a multitasker

This is a no-brainer choice if you're a multitasker. Go with the iPhone Duo.

The Duo appears to work much like an iPad, with the ability to run multiple apps side by side. The inner screen will also provide an optimal experience when using features like picture-in-picture video.

The winner: iPhone Duo

You have too many iPhone accessories already

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Unless you're upgrading your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is the same size as its predecessor, you're going to have to buy a new iPhone case.

However, most other accessories should still work! Rigs to utilize your iPhone as a professional camera, swappable camera lenses, attachable battery packs, selfie sticks, tripod mounts – all of those should be compatible with your iPhone 18 Pro Max. After all, the traditional iPhone design has been this way for some time.

That may not be so with a completely different-looking iPhone product like the iPhone Duo. While some accessories may still work with your Duo, they certainly weren't designed to fit or align perfectly with its design. Many accessories may just not be compatible at all.

So, if you rely on many essential third-party iPhone accessories, you may want to stick with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

You just really want a foldable device

Yeah, just buy the iPhone Duo.

You think foldables are dumb

Why are you even here? Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Top iPhone pre-order deals

The iPhone 18 Pro Max opens for pre-orders on Sept. 12, and the big carriers are rolling out their best offers:

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• AT&T: Get up to $1,200 off the new iPhones with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Astronomers have taken a patch of distant sky and turned it into a 3D map, revealing a colossal system with about 5,000 times more mass than the Milky Way in the early universe.

In previous space pictures, this area looked like a flat painted ceiling. Galaxies appeared close together simply because they lined up from our point of view, even if some were separated by billions of light‑years in depth.

Because of that optical illusion, astronomers couldn't say for sure whether they were looking at one gigantic galaxy cluster under construction or a corridor where many clusters were in development. 

The 3D map answered that. By measuring how far away the galaxies are, scientists watched that view transform into a chain of clumps. That new way of looking at the data showed this was not a construction zone for a regular galaxy cluster but a supercluster — a cluster of clusters. Rather than one heap of galaxies, they were looking at cities of clusters.

"I think the distance and sheer scale of the structures we are studying is really extraordinary. These are structures containing hundreds to thousands of galaxies," said Vandana Ramakrishnan, a graduate student at Purdue University in Indiana and lead author of the study, in a statement. "It brings home the vastness of the cosmos."

The main system mapped is called COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A, and it's the earliest supercluster ever found. A second, smaller one, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑C, sits nearby in the same field. Both are so distant that we see them as they were when the universe was only about 2 or 3 billion years old, less than a quarter of its current age. 

Early surveys could only conclude that these were crowded locations for young galaxies. The clues came from a project called ODIN, which used the Dark Energy Camera on the U.S. National Science Foundation's Blanco 4‑meter telescope in Chile. In those images, the combined region stood out as a place where far‑off galaxies seemed tightly packed together.

The team turned to large telescopes in Chile, Hawaii, and Arizona, using instruments that spread each galaxy's light into a detailed rainbow. Because the universe is expanding, light from distant galaxies is stretched toward redder colors. Measuring that stretch reveals how long the light has traveled and how far away a galaxy lies.

In three dimensions, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A broke down into 10 dense clumps of galaxies. COSMOS‑Z3.1‑C showed a similar pattern on a smaller scale, with about four. Each clump is massive and crowded enough to grow into its own galaxy cluster. 

Scientists say the new 3D view makes it easier to test the basic story of how the universe built its largest architecture. In computer models, groups of galaxies form first. They slide along highways, or filaments, under gravity, piling into chains of clumps. Over time, they merge into rounder, more settled clusters and superclusters. The results of the study were published in The Astrophysical Journal. 

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The 3D map also shows where these growing giants fit into the universe's larger cosmic web. Matter gathers into long highways that meet at intersections. Those hubs are where the clusters and superclusters tend to collect.

The Dark Energy Camera on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope in Chile helped astronomers find two unusually dense superclusters in the early universe. Credit: Nicole Firestone

"When we look at galaxy clusters in the nearby universe, we are seeing the finished product," said Eric Gawiser, a Rutgers University physics and astronomy professor, in a statement. But "This distant structure takes us back to a much earlier stage when the individual pieces were still coming together. It allows us to study how the universe built structures on its largest scales."

Once the galaxies were arranged in 3D, the researchers could estimate how much mass they have. They found both systems should eventually become more massive than the Coma Cluster, one of the largest known clusters in our area. In particular, COSMOS‑Z3.1‑A is head and shoulders above other heavyweights.

"We think there should be fewer than one such object for every 10,000 galaxy clusters," Ramakrishnan said.

The new Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile should make it possible to study more superclusters like this. Eventually, researchers hope to have enough data to compare how these systems look at different ages and track how galaxies evolve into dense cluster cores.

At the Google I/O event in May, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the company's newest frontier model, Gemini 3.5 Pro, would launch in June.

"We are also excited for 3.5 Pro," Pichai said at a pre-Google I/O media briefing. "We are using it internally. It's showing great improvements. We are still testing and refining it, and it will roll out to everyone next month."

That never happened.

June eventually turned into July, and then August, and as of Sept. 10, there's still no sign of the model. The Google DeepMind website states, "3.5 Pro coming soon," as it has for months. Meanwhile, the long-time leader of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, has been shuffled into a new position.

As Google stalls on Gemini 3.5 Pro, its chief AI rivals are releasing boundary-breaking new models. OpenAI recently released GPT-6 Astra, kicking off a new generation of GPT models, and Anthropic recently released Fable 5.1. Both models have made critical advances in cyber coding capabilities. They've also been used to resolve famous open questions in research-level mathematics, such as the Jacobian Conjecture and the Navier-Stokes problem (the latter was resolved with quite a bit of controversy, however). Chinese AI lab Moonshot also released Kimi K3, a massive open-source model with 2.8 trillion parameters.

Meanwhile, Google has rolled out a Gemini app for Windows and lighter-weight models such as Gemini 3.6 Flash.

It's been quite the turnaround for Google, which had raced forward in the AI arms race thanks to its massive user base and unprecedented access to training data.

So, where is Gemini 3.5 Pro?

At the Alphabet Q2 earnings call in July, Pichai said that "Gemini 3.5 Pro is currently in testing, and our team is already building the next generation of models."

Earlier that month, Bloomberg published a report on the delayed Gemini 3.5 Pro launch, with reporters Julia Love and Davey Alba writing that "The delay has caused frustration among Google engineers, AI researchers, and managers, who are concerned the company risks losing its edge in the market to rivals Anthropic and OpenAI."

At the time, Mashable reached out to Google with questions about the Gemini 3.5 Pro launch timeline, and the company provided the same statement it shared with Bloomberg: "We’re shipping quickly across a wide range of models while keeping them highly cost-effective for customers. We’re currently testing 3.5 Pro, an upgraded Flash model, and other models with partners, and we’re productively engaged with the U.S. government on model testing and broader frameworks."

The company did not respond to Mashable's most recent questions about the delay, and we will update this story if we receive more information.

Since the Bloomberg report, Google DeepMind has undergone a seismic leadership shakeup. In August, Pichai announced that Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind's co-founder, will henceforth serve as the chairman of Google DeepMind and chief scientist of Alphabet, with AI researcher and longtime Googler Koray Kavukcuoglu leading the lab as the new senior vice president. The announcement also revealed that legendary AI researcher Jeff Dean would be leaving Google to start a new venture, along with several other researchers.

Crucially, Kavukcuoglu is based in Google's HQ in Mountain View, California, whereas Hassabis was based in London. An in-depth Fortune report said Google employees were "shocked" by the news, which raised concerns that Pichai was consolidating power in Mountain View.

So, is Hassabis's new role a promotion or a demotion? That's the billion-dollar question analysts have been asking ever since, though Google characterized the move as a promotion.

Fortune’s report on the “difficult year” at Google DeepMind also cited “delayed models, high-profile exits of talent, and a very public fight" among employees over military defense contracts. 

Bloomberg's July report suggested there were two other reasons driving the delay of Gemini 3.5 Pro. The first is bureaucratic. Given Google's organizational size and the number of products integrated with Gemini, delays are inevitable compared with leaner AI startups. Second, Bloomberg found that Google leaders were worried that Gemini 3.5 Pro may not be competitive with their rivals' recent releases.

Google continues to fall on AI leaderboards

Without a new frontier model, Google has tumbled down AI leaderboards. On the Arena leaderboard, Google is in 14th place as of this writing, behind models from Chinese labs such as DeepSeek and Moonshot. In Arena's coding leaderboard, the area where Anthropic and OpenAI have reported such rapid advancements, Google is currently ranked 25th.

Of course, the AI industry can and does change rapidly, and a new, highly advanced model could reverse Google's momentum overnight. The company still has some key advantages over other AI companies. Google not only has unprecedented access to the world's data, but it can also put its AI tools directly into the hands of billions of Android and Google Search users worldwide.

And even though Gemini 3.5 Pro is delayed, the company is already talking about Gemini 4.

"We are now training Gemini 4, and we're being very ambitious with it," Pichai said at the Q2 earnings call. "I am very excited by the progress I'm seeing internally on Gemini 4, and I'm confident that people will be pleased when we are putting it outside."

In response to a question about whether Google could still compete at the frontier level, Pichai sounded very optimistic.

"We are really focused, putting a lot of effort into Gemini 4. It's a very ambitious effort. We want to compete at the frontier level of where the frontier will be when Gemini 4 comes out, and so we are applying a lot of our compute and effort in that direction...And so, picking up pace and releasing models almost at a monthly cadence is part of our roadmap as we are building Gemini 4 as well."

But the longer Google waits to release Gemini 3.5 Pro, the higher the performance bar it will have to clear to maintain equal footing with its rivals.

There are a few things you expect to see when a crowd of college students takes over a fraternity lawn in broad daylight. People stretching on yoga mats before a group run probably aren't among them. Neither is a lineup of cold plunges.

But that’s the setup at a "wellness darty," a gathering that combines the social side of a college day party with activities you might otherwise associate with a fitness studio. A traditional "darty" — literally, a daytime party — usually revolves around drinking, music, and hanging out. At the wellness version, the agenda might include Pilates, a run, an ice bath, and a coffee or matcha afterward.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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These events have drawn students at the University of Miami, University of Florida, Florida State University, Syracuse University, and the University of Alabama, with local wellness groups organizing the gatherings. There’s still music and a crowd of people meeting up, but alcohol isn't the main event.

When I was in a sorority in 2017, our darties definitely didn't involve yoga mats...and I’m not the only one doing a double take. The trend has prompted TikTok users to share their own college party memories, with former students posting footage of nights out that looked very different from a group run.

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For the students attending, though, the idea may feel less surprising. As more young people look for ways to socialize that don’t revolve around drinking, a workout followed by coffee with friends fits into a broader idea of what a fun college weekend can look like.

The events gained widespread attention after Aydan Child, founder of Florida wellness community Peak Pulse, shared a TikTok of students gathering outside a University of Florida fraternity house to stretch and work out. "Imagine explaining a wellness darty to someone who went to college in 2012," the text over the video read. As White Claw commented on the post, "I just broke out in hives."

That gathering (with reportedly "hundreds" of attendees) was one of 20 wellness darties the club has hosted across Gainesville and Tallahassee, and they aren't alone: The charity and wellness group Sweat & Soak has organized events for University of Alabama students featuring workouts, cold plunges, and saunas, while The Wellness Society hosted an outdoor mat Pilates class at Syracuse University's fraternity DKE (yes, on their front lawn). The "global wellness community" now has chapters in high schools and on college campuses around the world, hosting similar events this month.

According to data from Eventbrite, seeing this type of event on campus may not surprise Gen Z much: morning raves have grown 20 percent. Coffee clubbing — along with sauna and ice bath events, which are also part of the "soft clubbing" movement — are up 478 percent and 256 percent, respectively.

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Why are students showing up?

Pilates, run clubs, elaborate morning routines, and post-workout matcha are familiar parts of the wellness content young people encounter online. It only makes sense to put these digital trends together into a social event that would attract Gen Z-ers.

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Research hints at why. McKinsey's 2024 wellness report found that 56 percent of surveyed U.S. Gen Z consumers considered fitness a "very high priority," compared with 40 percent of U.S. consumers overall. And, its 2025 research also found that Gen Z and millennials accounted for more than 41 percent of annual U.S. wellness spending, despite making up 36 percent of the adult population.

That interest in wellness also overlaps with beauty and fashion trends among young women, with labels like "Pilates princess" turning a workout routine into an aspirational lifestyle online. I mean, ever heard of the "clean girl" aesthetic? Popularized by figures like Hailey Bieber, the look is associated with slicked-back hair, dewy skin, and minimal-looking makeup.

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In the broader lifestyle content surrounding it, you’ll also find matching workout sets, under-eye patches, Pilates classes, and matcha runs — all presented as parts of the same daily routine for looking and feeling good.

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Alongside the interest in wellness, younger people’s relationship with alcohol has been changing for years. A 2023 Gallup survey showed that the share of adults under 35 who reported drinking fell from 72 percent in 2001–2003 to 62 percent in 2021–2023. Plus, 52 percent of Gen Z-ers considered moderate drinking unhealthy in 2023, up from 34 percent five years earlier. Researchers have also documented declining youth drinking in countries including England, Sweden, Australia, and Iceland, suggesting the shift extends well beyond the U.S.

A growing number of young adults in the US are choosing to abstain from alcohol Credit: Statista

There isn’t one explanation for that change. Cost is one possible factor: In a 2023 study of young people in England, participants pointed to alcohol’s affordability as a reason their generation might be drinking less. A University of Michigan study found that young adults sometimes skipped drinking because of a recent hangover, alongside concerns about money and school or work commitments. The possibility of an embarrassing moment ending up online may also play a role.

As Northeastern University historian Malcolm Purinton told the Times Union, "People don’t want to go viral for intoxication, whether in high school or college." Another reason? According to a survey in 2021, 51.7 percent of young adults abstained from alcohol because they disliked the taste/smell.

Apparently, "you’ll acquire a taste for it" wasn’t a convincing sales pitch. Credit: Statista

Drinking less may also be connected to young people spending less time socializing in person. Wellness darties offer a reason to get together, with the turnout suggesting there’s still an appetite for shared plans — even when drinking isn’t the focus.

And for students who find socializing difficult, these events offer a way to ease into it through a shared love of fitness. University of Alabama sophomore Riley Meyer, who helped facilitate a Sweat & Soak event, told USA Today, "I think my generation… does have a problem with socialization, especially without the context of alcohol at a party, and I think that when you have an activity built in, it gives you something to do."

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The internet has questions

Online, the combination of college partying and wellness has prompted everything from amusement to disbelief.

One widely viewed X post described the footage as "truly bone chilling." Another asked why college students were "cosplaying as 30-something matcha/pilates/corporate warriors."

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The responses also reveal different expectations of what college is supposed to look like. In the r/GenZ discussion, one commenter identifying as a millennial explained that memories of partying were "strongly tied to the feelings of youth, self-discovery, and newfound freedom." One parent expressed nostalgia for her college experience: "There was a LOT of heavy laughter and dancing and hooking up, and it was fun."

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Others online questioned why a different kind of social event was attracting criticism at all. As the original poster asked, "Isn’t trying to be more health-conscious a generally GOOD thing?"

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For some, though, the concern centered on the pressure to make every experience an opportunity for self-improvement. "I think it’s generally because our generation is too fixated on optimizing everything," one commenter wrote. "There is beauty in imperfection."

There’s still a Saturday night

Students attending these events made the point to reporters that they are still partying.

Meyer, for example, said that she and her friends went home after their wellness darty, took a break, and went out later. "It’s not like it prohibited us from going out, it just gave us something else to do," she told USA Today.

Child, who is sober, told the publication that Peak Pulse’s events are open to everyone. Some end at a bar, where coffee and matcha are encouraged, but alcohol is also available. He told People that students can go out on Friday night and still make room for a run on Saturday. There is data that suggests Gen Z is in an alcohol resurgence — 74 percent of Gen Zers report having had a drink over the past six months, up from 66 percent three years ago, according to a July 2026 report.

Whether "wellness darties" become a campus tradition or eventually take on a new name, their appeal offers a glimpse of what students may want from their social lives beyond college: more ways to spend time together that fit their interests and routines, with drinking optional. For the clubs, bars, and event organizers hoping to attract them, a fraternity lawn full of yoga mats is a useful place to start paying attention.

TL;DR: Pay $49.99 (reg. $499) once for MusicMagic’s Starter Plan and get 100 lifetime AI music generations, unlimited distribution, commercial rights, and 100% royalty retention.

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Credit: MusicMagic

MusicMagic Starter Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$49.99
$499 Save $449.01

 

Get Deal

Your shower-song career can finally leave the bathroom. MusicMagic turns a mood, topic, story, or your own lyrics into a fully produced track, with eight genres to choose from and tools for distributing your hard work to major streaming platforms. For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime subscription to its Starter Plan for only $49.99 (reg. $499).

You don’t necessarily need a recording studio, a band, or production experience to turn the song rattling around in your head into something you can actually release. MusicMagic Starter uses AI to handle much of the process, from writing lyrics and generating the track to creating cover art and distributing the finished song.

Give MusicMagic a mood, topic, or story, then choose from eight genres and let the AI turn that prompt into lyrics and a fully produced track. If you’ve already written lyrics of your own, you can bring those instead and have the AI build the music around them.

The available genres include pop, rock, electronic, lo-fi, classical, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, giving you ample room to experiment with different sounds and styles. Finished songs can run up to 120 seconds and be downloaded as WAV or MP3 files, with previous creations saved to your MusicMagic library.

The platform also handles music distribution, letting you release tracks to major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music without paying a per-release distribution fee. AI-generated cover art is included, too, knocking another item off the release checklist.

And if your experiment with AI music somehow turns into actual listeners, you keep 100% of your streaming royalties. The plan includes full commercial rights to the tracks you create, so they can also be monetized or used commercially without an additional MusicMagic licensing fee.

There is a limit to how prolific your imaginary record label can become. The Starter Plan includes 100 AI music generations for the lifetime of the account, rather than 100 new credits every month. But distribution itself is unlimited, so you aren’t restricted to a set number of releases from the music you’ve created.

Normally $499, you can grab the MusicMagic Starter Plan on sale for only $49.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a MagellanTV lifetime subscription for $149.97 (reg. $999), with access to more than 4,000 documentaries.

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Credit: MagellanTV

MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: Lifetime Subscription

$149.97
$999 Save $849.03

 

Get Deal

If your streaming queue could use fewer scripted dramas and more engaging and educational content, MagellanTV is built around documentaries. The service offers over 4,000 movies and series across categories including history, science and technology, nature, space, true crime, travel and art and culture. You can get the MagellanTV lifetime subscription while it’s on sale for $149.97 (reg. $999).

MagellanTV is designed for viewers who want to learn about their favorite subject rather than watch whatever happens to be trending. Its library includes curated collections and playlists focused on people, places and events, with new documentaries added each week. Available titles can stream in 4K when that quality is offered, and there are no ads interrupting the programming.

The catalog covers a broad range of interests, from ancient history and biographies to space, science, Earth, nature and technology. There are also collections covering travel and adventure, historical drama, current history and social issues. This way, you can move from a documentary about the cosmos to one about an archaeological discovery without switching to a different streaming app.

MagellanTV works across TVs, laptops and mobile devices, and you can cast programs from a phone or tablet to compatible devices including Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and smart TVs. Multiple-device streaming also makes it possible to watch from wherever you happen to be.

MagellanTV is ideal for anyone who regularly turns to documentaries for entertainment or wants a deeper library than the documentary selection offered by general-purpose streaming platforms. It’s also a straightforward option for households with people who have interests, given the range of categories available. Some titles have geographic restrictions, so the available library can vary depending on where you live.

For documentary programming and not just another general entertainment service, MagellanTV offers plenty to explore. Get your MagellanTV lifetime subscription for $149.97 (reg. $999).

StackSocial prices subject to change

Watching the showcase of impulsive and absolutely illegal decisions made in the film Bad Apples, I couldn't get the words of a doomed galactic senator out of my head: "If you lead your thoughts through to conclusion, it will lead you to a place we cannot go."

It's exactly this place of no return that the Saiorse Ronan-led dark comedy thriller relentlessly cannonballs into, with director Jonatan Etzler putting his protagonist down a dubious, desperate path. With Ronan's always-impeccable talents supported by a sublime young cast, Bad Apples leans into unethical impulses, all the while exposing home truths about the under-resourced education system and social disdain toward children with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties. Plus, it's really funny.

Teachers, parents, you're going to want to watch this film (and I want to know what you think of it).

Bad Apples sees Saiorse Ronan as a teacher who meets her edge

Written by Jess O'Kane as an adaptation of Rasmus Andersson's novel De Oönskade, Bad Apples enrols you with Somerset-based primary school teacher Maria (Ronan), who has thought of nothing but a teaching career since childhood. Alas, the reality of an underfunded education system wears down her Miss Honey-drenched dreams and raises the stakes with a "difficult" student.

Beyond overwhelmed, Maria's all-too-real lack of institutional support comes to a head accommodating the needs of disruptive student Danny (excellent newcomer Eddie Waller). A boy with the shortest of fuses, he swears at his classmates, destroys their belongings, ruins excursions, and generally gives Maria hell. Here, young Waller delivers in spades, with O'Kane's script heaped with unapologetic expletives and violent threats. Despite her frazzled attempts to control the situation and the attempted assistance of teacher's pet Pauline (an outstanding Nia Brown), Maria is held accountable by concerned parents, denied professional support by the equally stressed principal (Rakie Ayola), and facing the school's dreaded regular Ofsted inspection. Suddenly, a moment of violence occurs.

With her job genuinely on the line, Maria takes action. How do you solve a problem like Danny? Reader, she locks this kid in her own basement. 

Saiorse Ronan gives a masterclass in unreliable protagonist

With full knowledge of the kidnapped child playing video games in her home, Maria keeps the ruse up — and Ronan plays the audience entirely with her inner insistence on her actions being justified. Practicing such deadpan statements aloud as "I've got your son in my basement" and lazily searching "how to control a large pet" online land with comedic finesse, as Maria digs herself deeper and deeper into a proverbial hole.

Notably, a large part of Bad Apples gives us an insight into Maria's real sense of loneliness. She retreats into her nightly sense of control in her cosy farming simulator game and never socialises outside of school. Adding stress to an already tempestuous working environment, Maria works with her ex, the man she moved to Somerset for, who then left her for another woman — an especially brutal move in a small town. So, with Danny kept in the basement, Maria not only controls a newfound peace in her classroom, but enjoys a warped sense of company in her primary-aged prisoner.

This sense of messed up perspective extends to Danny, who screams to go home to his absent father (Robert Emms) as much as he enjoys a Stockholm Syndrome-like existence learning his ABCs from Maria and being actually cared for (albeit while being incarcerated in a basement and shitting in a bucket). Over the course of the film, Maria and Danny develop a deeply strange, playful, and volatile bond. But is this genuine camaraderie, or is Danny merely trying to get the hell out of here? It's a dark dance of ethics, and one that draws wonderful moments of pure comedy from both Ronan and Waller. 

Bad Apples plays out a micro decision with macro implications

Maria's actions in Bad Apples aren't just unhinged, they're criminal. However, the film plays out the scenario anyway, just to see what might happen if you, say, shut a disruptive student in a basement the day of your school's Ofsted inspection, the day after he attacked a fellow student.

Beginning as a trope of a Difficult Student, Waller's Danny finds superb moments of vulnerability and humanity, especially through moving scenes with Ronan's Maria. In contrast, Brown's Pauline, the straight-A student, the ultimate teacher's sycophant, becomes the film's real power player.

Through the film's diabolical set-up, Etzler and O'Kane are able to pose ethical questions about overworked teachers and the lack of resources educators have to work with children with behavioural difficulties, as well as assumptions we make of "difficult" kids. Here, communities would rather sweep troubled kids like Danny under the rug (or into a basement) than begin to try to understand him. I honestly want to know what teachers and parents think of this film, as I'm neither myself.

Ultimately, who in this situation is actually the bad apple?

Bad Apples was reviewed out of BFI London Film Festival 2025. The film is showing in UK cinemas from Sept. 11, with international dates TBC.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 11, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

$249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50

 

Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are back on sale at Amazon, so if you're looking for a premium pair of earbuds at a great price, look no further. As of Sept. 11, they have dropped to $249, knocking $50 off their usual price. The deal is available on all five colors: white smoke, deep plum, desert gold, midnight violet, and black.

Noise cancellation is a major selling point with these earbuds. Bose says these earbuds offer its most effective noise cancellation, as well as an ActiveSense feature that helps soften sudden changes in background noise when you switch to Aware Mode. There's also CustomTune, which uses the shape of your ears to personalize both the sound and noise cancellation.

They also come with nine combinations of eartips and stability bands, so getting a comfortable, secure fit should be easier. And for calls and voice notes, SpeechClarity uses noise-rejecting microphones to help reduce background noise and wind. Plus, you'll get up to six hours of battery life in Quiet or Aware Mode, or up to four hours with Immersive Audio.

Get this earbuds deal from Amazon now.

A new national study has revealed that women face a troubling double when it comes to carrying a key component of sexual health: condoms. 

When Australian women were asked about other women carrying condoms, the two most common answers were both about her sexual conduct: that she is planning to have sex (45.4%), and that she sleeps around (38.6%). Yet, the most common answer about men carrying condoms? “Is prepared” – at 43.9%. 

Credit: Moments Sexual Health Study 2026

Key findings from the 2026 Moments Sexual Wellness Study:

• Buying condoms has gotten easier for women, but being judged for carrying them has gotten worse

• Three in four Australian women have hidden, disguised or abandoned a condom purchase

• Two-thirds of Australian women have gone without a condom because neither person had one

More here.

Additionally, the study found that Australian women aged 18-45 are still uncomfortable buying or carrying condoms. And, while more women felt comfortable buying condoms than 10 years ago, feelings of judgement for carrying condoms has actually gotten worse. 

“The stigma [around condoms] didn’t dissolve. It relocated,” said sex educator Eleanor Hadley about the findings. “We’ve spent a decade making the public part of this easier – better shelf placement, self-checkouts, more open conversation – and by our own tracking, buying condoms has genuinely got easier. But nobody was working on the private part. That’s where it has settled, and that’s where women are now paying for it.”

With an overwhelming feeling of judgement running rampant across women even throwing a pack of condoms in their regular groceries, three in four Australian women are usually either hiding them via self-checkout or disguising them within other items. 

The study also found that “Other respondents had waited until a shop was quiet, bought online to avoid buying in person, asked somebody else to buy, or gone somewhere they were less likely to be known.” Some Australian women have simply abandoned their condom purchases altogether. This has prompted condom brands like Moments Wellness to offer services like discreet condom deliveries (and even subscriptions).

With public perception working against them, women are struggling to get to a place where, as Moments puts it, “A condom should be able to sit beside coffee, deodorant or lip balm without recruiting the rest of the basket as cover.” Though we’re yet to break the stigma completely, here’s hoping conversations created by projects like Moments Sexual Health Study can help normalise being assertive with one’s own sexual health, for women, as much as men. 

About the study: Moments Sexual Health Study 2026. 1,111 Australian women aged 18–45, weighted by age, state and region. Carrying behaviour, partner response and responsibility were measured for the first time in 2026 and have no prior comparison. The 2026 wave was fielded by a different provider to the 2017 and 2021 waves. More here.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Spiteful.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CATTY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To dawdle.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DILLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To change.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

AMEND

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A composition.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ETUDE

Final Hurdle hint

A Christmas plant.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

HOLLY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who watch the WNBA.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: IR

• Green: How to get on base

• Blue: Aces

• Purple: Types of dunks

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: NFL Injury Report Designations

• Green: Ways to Reach First Base

• Blue: Las Vegas Aces

• Purple: ____Dunk

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #718 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• NFL Injury Report Designations: DOUBTFUL, OUT, PROBABLE, QUESTIONABLE

• Ways to Reach First Base: ERROR, HIT BY PITCH, SINGLE, WALK

• Las Vegas Aces: GRAY, LOYD, WILSON, YOUNG

• ____Dunk: NIKE, REVERSE, SLAM, WINDMILL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 11 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 11 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 11 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

Absorb meaning

To take in or soak up a substance or information.

Digest meaning

To break down food or process information.

Process meaning

A series of steps taken to get a specific result.

Take in meaning

To understand or absorb information.

Band meaning

A group of musicians.

Florist meaning

A person or business that sells or arranges flowers.

Photographer meaning

A person who takes professional photos.

Planner meaning

A person who creates strategies or organizes details.

Exercise meaning

A planned physical activity to improve mental and physical health.

Journal meaning

A written record of daily events or thoughts.

Meditate meaning

To focus the mind on silence or concentration.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Unplug meaning

To disconnect an electronic device from a power source.

Agenda meaning

A plan of action for a meeting or event.

Envelope meaning

A flat paper container used to contain mail or a letter.

Limits meaning

A boundary that's the highest amount allowed.

Luck meaning

Success or failure that happens by chance.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love your me time.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Wedding helpers

• Green: To soak up

• Blue: Relax and unwind

• Purple: Shove it

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: People hired for an event

• Green: Internalize

• Blue: Ways to practice self-care

• Purple: Things that are pushed metaphorically

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1186 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• People hired for an event: BAND, FLORIST, PHOTOGRAPHER, PLANNER

• Internalize: ABSORB, DIGEST, PROCESS, TAKE IN

• Ways to practice self-care: EXERCISE, JOURNAL, MEDITATE, UNPLUG

• Things that are pushed metaphorically: AGENDA, ENVELOPE, LIMITS, LUCK

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints describe waterways.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Harbor view

The words are related to natural.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe being near the coast.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is On the Waterfront.

NYT Strands word list for September 11

• Bridge

• Ship

• Barge

• On the Waterfront

• Dock

• Pier

• Lighthouse

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a history buff.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Star.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ASTER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Wordle.

California governor Gavin Newsom's signature is now on a slew of new tech laws, including a dozen new state bills that target social media and AI giants.

In addition to strengthening existing child safety laws, the state's latest efforts to regulate products from players like Meta and OpenAI include provisions that could effectively ban social media for children under 16.

The policy move would place California on par with national governments like Australia, which was the first to bar young users from accessing social media. In practice, the law has proven to be difficult to enforce.

The highly anticipated child online safety legislation comes as the industry faces mounting pressure to curb Big Tech's influence on young minds, including social media algorithms, AI chatbots, and educational technologies found in the classrooms.

"Our children’s safety deserves to be at the center of every conversation about technology. As innovation moves faster our protections must keep pace," Newsom said in a press release.

California cracks down on "addictive" social media

The headlining bills, AB 1709 and AB 2, place stronger restrictions on the ways teens can interact with social media. Under AB 1709, social media platforms cannot permit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media with harmful features. The bill specifically singles out "addictive" elements like personalized feeds and video autoplay.

Platforms must confirm users' ages before offering such features, a move that could galvanize calls for stronger age-assurance tools.

With AB 2 on the books, platforms can also be held financially liable for child harm, ranging from $5,000 to $1 million per child.

Child safety nonprofit and bill sponsors Common Sense Media applauded Newsom's decision in a statement to the press. "Today is a huge victory for kids and parents across California," the organization wrote. "The momentum in this fight has shifted, and it shifted here, in the tech companies' home state."

Parents of children who died by suicide following extensive social media and chatbot use have rallied behind the legislation, including Julianna Arnold, executive director of Parents RISE. "We are grateful to Assemblymember Lowenthal not only for listening, but for taking our lived experience seriously and letting it shape the legislation," said Arnold in a statement to the press.

Platforms may lean more heavily on age-gated teen accounts in light of the new regulation. Studies have shown, however, that teens often find ways to defy age restrictions.

"For years, the tech industry has told parents that the answer is to monitor more closely, set more parental controls, and somehow keep up with products that are constantly changing," said Shelby Knox, Director of Online Safety Campaigns at ParentsTogether Action. "But parents cannot parental-control their way out of platform designs engineered to keep kids engaged."

Newsom takes aim at AI companies, backed by AI companies?

AI developers have lobbied California leadership over the last several years in an effort to tamp down its proposed regulation efforts. They have had some success, including Newsom's veto of a similar child online safety bill last year.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appealed directly to Newsom about the new legislation package last week, according to insiders, after industry leaders pushed for an increasingly narrower scope.

But in recent months, more companies have signaled they're less adamantly opposed to child safety laws than they once were, especially as most now face increasingly arduous court battles and steep financial penalties. A Meta official recently alluded to passing the Kids Online Safety Act to avert ongoing litigation. And OpenAI later came out in favor of California's proposed AI legislation.

Amid this debate, Newsom signed into law SB 1179, also known as Adam's Law, which attempts to enforce stronger safety requirements for AI companies. The legislation was named for Adam Raine, a young teen who died by suicide after consulting with ChatGPT. Raine's parents filed the first wrongful death lawsuit against an AI company for alleged harmful chatbot behavior.

Adam's Law requires developers of companion chatbots to conduct and publish annual child safety risk assessments and to submit their products to independent audits. Developers must create crisis response processes for chatbots, as well. Many companies already have safety measures in place, but guardrails have consistently failed to fully prevent chatbot behavior harmful to teens.

"We still have not adjusted to life without Adam, but we are pleased that an element of his legacy is to help make AI chatbots safer for minors," said Raine's parents, Matt and Maria Raine, in a press statement. "We believe the risks of unregulated AI companionship rank right up there with other more discussed AI risks, and we are confident Adam’s Law will save lives and prevent other harms."

Another bill expands the state's definition of "child sexual exploitation" to include "any digitally altered or AI-generated matter that depicts a person under 18 engaged in an act of sexual conduct."

Children's toys with built-in companion chatbots, which have prompted concern from safety advocates, are now prohibited in California under SB 867.

New privacy regulations will add greater restrictions on the use of student data in AI systems deployed in K-12 schools. Some cities are moving to ban AI in K-12 classrooms outright.

Privacy groups are still concerned about downstream effects

While child safety organizations celebrate a victory in a years-long effort to enact bills like AB 1709, civil society groups remain concerned about their implication on free speech.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation called AB 1709 a "well-intentioned, but deeply flawed piece of legislation," and a "massive privacy and free speech nightmare." Last month, the organization urged Newsom to veto the measure until concerns about censorship were properly addressed.

Instead of focusing on bans, the organization wrote in a Sept. 10 press release, "we should redouble our efforts to get technology laws right — and support the passage of new robust privacy laws that target surveillance business models. That’s how we protect everyone in the AI age."

California's new laws are set to go into effect next year.

Apple has a new flagship smartwatch. The tech giant announced the Apple Watch Series 12 during its Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" iPhone event, along with the new Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and the first-ever foldable iPhone Duo.

In a press release, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing Kaiann Drance called the Series 12 "the most advanced health and fitness companion we’ve ever created." You might not know that at a glance because it looks the same as last year's Series 11. To find out what's actually new about the Series 12, you have to peek inside its case.

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

 

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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120

 

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Here's a full breakdown of the main differences between the Apple Watch Series 12 and Series 11, including one notable upgrade that Apple didn't mention in its keynote presentation. (Spoiler: it has something to do with memory.)

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Pricing

The Series 12 has the same $399 base price as the Series 11 (pictured here). Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Now available for preorder, the Series 12 starts at $399 with a 42mm aluminum case — the same price as the base Series 11. However, the 46mm Series 12 starts at $449, which is a $20 bump from the previous generation. There's now a $50 difference separating the two sizes, no matter the case material.

The 42mm and 46mm titanium variants of the Series 12 start at $699 and $749, respectively, just like their Series 11 counterparts.

The Series 12 comes in a third "new" ceramic variant that starts at $899 for the 42mm size and $949 for the 46mm model. (The Series 11 wasn't available with a ceramic case, but the much older Series 2, 3, and 5 all came in that scratch-resistant material.)

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Design

The Series 12 has the same external design as the Series 11 — and the Series 10, for that matter. Apple hasn't changed the look of its flagship wearable since that 2024 release, when it got a thinner, lighter case and a more rounded display. (The rumor mill says a proper redesign is coming next year.) Additionally, it's still IP6X dust-resistant and water-resistant for up to 50 meters.

That said, the aluminum Series 12 variants got one small tweak. Their Ceramic Shield 2 glass is more durable than the Ion-X glass on their Series 11 counterparts. Apple said it's "60 percent tougher," to be exact.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Display

This is a picture of the Apple Watch Series 11, but it's also kind of a picture of the Series 12. They're virtually identical. Credit: Apple

Both Apple Watches have the same always-on, wide-angle OLED display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness. That's very, very bright.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Colors

The Apple Watch Series 12 comes in eight different case material/color combinations. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Series 12's case comes in the following case colors:

• Aluminum: Dark bronze, light gold, black, space gray

• Titanium: Radiant gold and natural

• Ceramic: Pearl white and night blue

The Series 11's case came in fewer colorways:

• Aluminum: Rose gold, silver, space gray, and jet black

• Titanium: Natural, gold, and slate

Apple introduced a bunch of new band colors and materials for the Series 12 that would also fit the Series 11, if you want to freshen up one you already own. You can buy them separately starting at $49.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Specs

The Series 12's S11 chip has more muscle than the Series 11's S10 chip. Credit: Apple

The Series 11 ran on the S10 chip, while the Series 12 is powered by the newer S11 chip — "Apple’s most powerful wearable chip," the company said. It enables several new features that I'll elaborate on shortly.

Notably, MacRumors reports that the Series 12 has twice as much memory as the Series 11 (4GB versus 2GB). Apple didn't mention that during its iPhone event this week, but the company's Xcode 27 developer tool reportedly shows evidence of it, the tech site said. If true, the Series 12's mostly unchanged prices are quite the feat: RAM costs have skyrocketed in the past year. (That's the reason why Apple raised its MacBook and iPad prices this summer, and probably its logic behind recent iPhone price hikes, too.)

The Series 12 maintains the same storage capacity as the Series 11: 64GB.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Cellular connectivity

Like the Series 11, the Series 12 is available with 5G cellular connectivity. It's still a $100 upgrade on the aluminum variants and a standard feature on the titanium (and now ceramic) versions.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Battery life

The Series 12 and 11 are both rated for up to 24 hours of battery life per charge, which you can extend to 38 hours by putting them in Low Power Mode. However, the Series 12's charging speed got a boost. A quick 15-minute power-up provides up to 12 hours of normal usage, up from eight hours in the Series 11.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Sensors

The Series 12's Health Sensing System is only available on one other Apple Watch, that being the new Ultra 4. Credit: Apple

Here's where things start to get more interesting. The Series 12 has a new Health Sensing System with upgraded optical and electrical sensors that measure the user's heart rate continuously and more accurately. You can see the glowing green lights of the optical sensor on the underside of its case.

Apple said this system measures heart rate every five seconds all day long. It also captures heart rate variability (HRV) data, a stress and recovery metric, up to 24 times more often.

Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Features

Should you skip leg day or power through? Your Series 12 can tell you. Credit: Apple

The Series 12 and 11 both run on watchOS and share the same core health, wellness, and safety features, including Sleep Score, Hypertension and Sleep Apnea Notifications, Cycle Tracking, Fall and Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and the AI-powered Workout Buddy. They'll also both support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, which arrives with the release of watchOS 27 on Sept. 14.

However, the Series 12 brings a few exclusive new features to the table courtesy of its upgraded chip and sensors:

• Readiness, a feature that tells the user how prepared they are (or not) for future fitness activities based on their recent workouts, vitals, and sleep patterns

• Audio Intelligence tools that use its built-in microphone, including Sound Recognition alerts, Live Rewind conversation transcriptions, and Siri Recap conversation summaries

• More accurate step tracking powered by a revamped pedometer model, including a Steps complication (finally!)

Do these small hardware tweaks and new features make the Series 12 worth the upgrade? Stay tuned for Mashable's full review to find out — we just got our hands on a review unit for testing. In the meantime, you can revisit our take on the Series 11.

Top iPhone 18 pre-order deals

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan

• Visible: Buy the iPhone with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly credits

Apple just wrapped its biggest iPhone launch event in years. Today, on Sept. 9, the tech giant hosted its "Surprise and Shine" event, and Mashable will be reporting live from Apple Park all week. At the event, Apple finally unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone. The event also set the stage for the grand debut of Siri AI. Plus, new CEO John Ternus stepped into the spotlight for the first keynote of the post-Tim Cook era. It's an event that's been years in the making.

Thanks to months of leaks and rumors, we had a fairly good idea of what to expect from the Apple Event, where we learned about the new iPhone 18 Pro lineup, iOS 27, Siri AI, the AirPods 5, the Apple Watch Series 12, and more.

You can re-watch the keynote via the CNET Apple Event livestream. We'll also be sharing real-time updates on all of the day's news, behind-the-scenes videos, and product announcements in this live blog.

Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.

Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday brought the announcement of a new iPhone lineup as expected, plus the first-ever foldable iPhone, but true to the name of the event, Apple had another release ready to go: the AirPods 5.

Apple AirPods 5

$129 at Amazon

 

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Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

$149 at Amazon

 

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The new earbuds will officially be available on Friday, Sept. 18, but preorders are live as of Sept. 9 at Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, and beyond. The earbuds are available in two models: the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Both feature active noise cancellation (a deviation from the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC), and lower price points than the AirPods 4 at $129 and $149, respectively.

What's new with the AirPods 5

The AirPods 5 come with several upgrades, including:

• 50 percent more active noise cancellation power than the AirPods 4 with ANC

• Lower price points, with the AirPods 5 starting at $129 (the same price as the non-ANC AirPods 4) and the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case starting at $149 ($30 less than the AirPods 4 with ANC)

• New multiport acoustic architecture for improved sound quality

• Battery life of up to five hours with ANC and an on-ear volume stem control on the more expensive AirPods 5

What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?

Pricing:

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

Both pairs of earbuds come with a new acoustic architecture, better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4, and an improved transparency mode. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case also offer one more hour of battery life with ANC over the previous generation (for a total of five hours), on-ear volume controls, and, of course, wireless charging with the case.

Though not new features over the previous generation, both of these earbuds also come with live translation features and Conversation Awareness (which automatically adjusts the volume of your audio for easy awareness).

In comparison, the AirPods 4 retail for $129 and $179 for models with and without noise cancellation, meaning the AirPods 5 have notably reduced pricing — a trend that isn't common in the broader tech world, or even within Apple's event.

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 remain Apple's most premium pair of earbuds, priced at $249. The in-ear design, compared to Apple's open-ear design, also means that the Pro 3 will have more effective ANC and more robust sound quality. That said, the new multiport acoustic architecture on the AirPods 5 was inspired by the design of the AirPods Pro 3.

While both earbuds offer Live Translation, the Pro 3 also have a built-in heart rate monitor which can connect to Apple's Fitness app.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is available as a one-time $49.97 lifetime license for one Windows PC (reg. $249.99) — no monthly or annual payments involved.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License

$49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02

 

Get Deal

Not every piece of software needs a subscription. If you use the same Windows PC day in and day out and just want Word, Excel, and the rest of the suite installed and working, a one-time purchase covers that without asking you to keep paying for Office 365. Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is $$49.97 (reg. $249.99) and gets you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access on one machine, for good.

The apps themselves cover the basics people actually rely on: spreadsheets, written reports, presentations, and email, built for long-term stability rather than the newest features first. It includes Dark Mode and runs well across a range of Windows hardware, old and new.

What you should know before you buy

Microsoft 365 Personal subscription currently costs $99.99 per year, so a lifetime license pays for itself in about 7 months and keeps paying off each year after that, with no renewal. Ideal for students working on the same laptop through a degree, freelancers dealing with Word or Excel-heavy work, or anyone who’s tired of subscription creep on their monthly statement.

It’s worth noting what you’re not getting: cloud-based extras like 1TB of OneDrive storage, and the license is tied to a single Windows PC rather than floating across devices tied to a Microsoft account. For anyone who mainly works from one desktop or laptop and just wants the core apps installed and stable, that’s a fairly small tradeoff for skipping the subscription altogether.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus as a one-time $49.97 purchase (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple and Samsung's premium flagship competition for 2026 can finally kick off in earnest.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max, several months after Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These are the two most expensive and feature-packed non-foldable phones that these companies make right now, so we figured we would put together a handy comparison for your sake.

We just started testing the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so there are some necessary limitations to our analysis, but here is our best estimation for how these two flagship smartphones stack up to each other.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Price

This one's easy: Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra have the same starting price of $1,299. Technically, the S26 Ultra costs $1,299.99, but we aren't going to hold 99 cents against Samsung.

In either case, that's a lot of money. But at least there's no clear advantage in this regard between the two devices. You're going to spend a minor fortune to get either of these phones, unless you take advantage of carrier deals from T-Mobile or Verizon.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design and specs

Samsung's phone is lighter and thinner. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's specs are as follows:

• Display: 6.9-inch display with 3120x1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 5,000mAh

• Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, 10MP periscope telephoto

• Front camera: 12MP

And the iPhone 18 Pro Max's go a little something like this:

• Display: 6.9-inch resolution with 2868x1320 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: A20 Pro

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB/2TB

• Battery: 5,391 mAh

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto

• Front camera: 18MP

There are some differences to note here, of course. Samsung's phone has a higher-resolution display, but photography isn't all about the megapixels. Apple's A20 Pro processor and the new variable aperture should result in incredible photographs if you know what you're doing, and recently, Apple has also had an edge on video quality.

We'll get to battery and camera differences in a little bit, but as you can see by the numbers, there are some gaps to discuss there, as well. Apple also has a 2TB storage option that Samsung doesn't offer.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's processor delivered virtually flawless performance in our testing earlier this year, whether handling everyday tasks or more advanced AI processing. We haven't gotten significant time with the Pro Max yet, but Apple's history in this regard is very solid. I expect the A20 Pro chip to be just as good or better than the Ultra's Snapdragon processor.

The camera bar hasn't changed at all. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Let's talk design for a second, too. Samsung's phone is substantially lighter, as the S26 Ultra comes in at 214g versus the iPhone 18 Pro Max's weight of 249g. The iPhone is also almost a full millimeter thicker, at 8.75mm against Samsung's 7.9mm of depth. Their other physical dimensions are close enough to be negligible, but there's a real likelihood that the S26 Ultra is a more comfortable phone to hold in the hand for most people.

People also care a lot about colors. Samsung offers six colors for the S26 Ultra: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. In the other corner, Apple's choices are more limited: Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy. You may very well find one iPhone color you like way more than anything else in the Samsung lineup, as this is a matter of personal taste, but Samsung is objectively offering more choices here.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has two things the iPhone 18 Pro doesn't

Privacy Display blacks out a notification on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has one hardware trick you can't find on any other device: Privacy Display. This feature blacks out the screen for anyone trying to peek at it, letting you browse Instagram, or whatever else you find on the internet, in public. It can even black out portions of the screen, such as specific apps or notifications. This feature isn't perfect, but it works pretty well, and you won't find it on any other premium flagship right now.

Finally, don't forget that the S26 Ultra also comes with a built-in stylus. And yet it still weighs less than the iPhone.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: AI features

Privacy Display is neat. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Everyone is going all-in on AI for their software suites these days, so let's discuss that.

On Apple's side, the big Siri AI update for iOS still isn't out at the time of publication. It'll launch alongside the new iPhones, so we'll have more to say on that soon. It will turn Siri into a bona fide chatbot and AI app powered by Google Gemini, with complete access to your calendar, contacts, and emails. It can use all of that personal context to perform time-saving, context-sensitive actions for you, at least in theory.

There's also an enhanced Image Playground update to generate more realistic images, along with additional image-editing features, such as the ability to reframe photos. Conveniently, you'll also be able to use text prompts to generate Shortcuts. That could be nice, assuming it works.

But, let's be clear: Apple is definitely playing catch-up in the AI race, and Samsung has a multi-year head-start. Galaxy phones like the S26 Ultra have had sophisticated AI photo editing tools for awhile. Samsung's phone also comes with Gemini, Circle to Search is omnipresent, and the Now Nudge feature.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery life

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra had an even 5,000mAh battery cell inside of it, which gave it 31 hours of video playback time in our testing. That's pretty damn good! A battery like that will last you an entire day and then some if you're not using it for any funny business.

We haven't properly tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery yet, but it has a bigger cell and Apple rates it for an astounding "up to 45 hours" of video playback. We'll believe it when we see it, but if it's even close to true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might have one of the best smartphone batteries in existence.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Cameras

This is how you test a camera. Credit: Timothy Werth/Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a gigantic 200MP main shooter that, in our testing, produced detailed and vivid photographs. Its zoom capabilities are also impressive, as it doesn't compromise quality very much until you get way up in the 100x zoom range. Nighttime photography is also solid here, if a little too bright and unrealistic-looking at times.

Apple's alternative isn't as impressive in terms of raw megapixel numbers, with a trio of 48MP lenses powering its rear camera array. But iPhone Pro cameras are always some of the best in the business, and Apple has added variable aperture this year for even more versatility in difficult photography conditions. We're looking forward to testing all of that out. At any rate, it would be absolutely shocking if the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras weren't at least very good. On top of that, we expect the iPhone 18 Pro Max to be a killer for videography as well.

The everlasting question: iOS or Android?

So, which phone should you buy? We'll reserve judgment until we've finished testing the new iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the new iPhone doesn't seem to be a huge upgrade compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

So, barring a huge surprise, we expect the phones to compare very favorably. The right phone for you will come down, as it usually does, whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Top smartphone deals of the week

Apple's event is always a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

What do your favorite actors and creators have in common? They both have IMDB credits, despite the latter group likely having no film or TV credits.

On Sept. 9, the Amazon-owned entertainment database introduced "Digital Creator" as a professional category on IMDb and IMDbPro, covering streamers, vloggers, video essayists, gaming creators, and influencers. According to a Variety report, no existing film or television credits are required to establish a digital creator profile.

For creators whose résumés live mostly on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, this means they can now showcase their work in the same database used by actors, producers, and casting directors — without having a traditional entertainment role get them there. Creators have appeared on IMDb for years through eligible projects. MrBeast, for example, has credits that include Prime Video’s Beast Games. The difference now is that creators can establish a profile based on their online careers alone.

IMDb’s updated guidance says Premium members can select up to three professions for their pages. Someone who creates online videos, acts, and produces can represent those roles together.

So, what does that actually do for a creator?

IMDb’s pitch is about making professional connections. "IMDbPro empowers entertainment professionals with tools that help them get discovered, build their reputation, and advance their careers," CEO Nikki Santoro said in a statement.

"Digital creators and their representatives need that same infrastructure, and producers, casting directors, studio executives and brand partners need a reliable way to find them," she said.

For creators, that could mean making it easier for a potential collaborator to understand what they do more quickly. "We’re excited to add a category that bridges that gap and gives creators a discoverable industry profile," Santoro added.

Whether that visibility translates into jobs remains to be seen, but the move fits a much longer conversation about where creators belong in entertainment in the first place.

Creators making the jump to Hollywood is hardly new. Issa Rae built an audience with her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl before co-creating HBO’s Insecure. Quinta Brunson went from viral internet sketches to creating and starring in Abbott Elementary, while Bo Burnham started posting musical comedy on YouTube before writing and directing Eighth Grade.

"In just over a decade, content creators have gone from digital outliers to industry power brokers," Mashable’s Crystal Bell wrote in a May 2025 roundup of creators who moved into film and television. Their influence extends beyond landing roles: Creators are also writing, directing and developing their own productions.

That crossover has drawn skepticism, of course. Writing in The Ithacan, columnist Sydney Brumfield argued that influencers’ built-in audiences can give them an advantage over experienced performers. "However fiscally reasonable casting influencers is, it results in fewer, well-deserving actors from being discovered," she wrote.

The catch? You’ll have to pay. Selecting the category requires IMDbPro Premium. Standard individual membership costs $19.99 per month or $149.99 annually in the U.S., before applicable taxes. Opening the category to creators gives IMDb a whole new group of paying subscribers. (Very smart.)

Should you pay for an IMDbPro profile?

Not every creator needs it. Someone actively pursuing representation or production partnerships may have a clearer reason to use the profile. For a creator focused on sponsorships and direct relationships with brands, the value will really depend on whether those partners actually turn to IMDb to find talent.

Under "Digital Creator," users can choose from six sub-professions:

• Streamer

• Vlogger

• Video Essayist

• Video Creator

• Gaming Creator

• Influencer

As creators take on a bigger role in entertainment, it's clear the industry is listening, and trying to find new ways to bring them into the fold. IMDb’s new category is another step in that direction, recognizing careers built online and giving potential collaborators another way to find them. What comes next will determine its value.

If humanity was to end at the hands of AI, as viral posts from former Anthropic employees allege, what would it look like?

Would the robots hack our nuclear arsenals and send them flying through the sky? Would the sophisticated algorithms design a whole new virus to unleash on the populace? Would it be as simple as slowly degrading our trust in our fellow man, until chaos reigns?

We don't really know, but a new safety report from Anthropic, which details several ways AI can already go haywire, is alarming enough.

Individuals tried to use Anthropic AI to develop bioweapons

Anthropic's report — part of the company's ongoing transparency and monitoring efforts — is a sweeping survey of the last eight months of attempts by threat actors to use its generative AI chatbot Claude for "malicious" activities. Covering what the company calls "atypical" use cases, many of the examples implicate state-sponsored groups, spyware vendors, and government propagandists.

Anthropic categorized such activity into seven "harm areas": cyber operations, influence operations, surveillance, scams and fraud, biological misuse, conventional weapons development, and distillation. Anthropic did not include details on how long the activity had been occurring in most cases.

In the report, the company's Threat Intelligence team described five known case studies involving the potential use of Claude for biological weapons development.

The company alleges that researchers, including state-supported users, prompted Claude to write separate grant applications to experiment with the mosquito-born chikungunya virus and orthopoxvirus. The latter is a family of viruses that cause human illness, including smallpox.  

Anthropic said the users "circumvented controls" designed to prevent individuals in countries without access to Claude from using the product. The users also attempted to hide the purpose of their research, apparently in order to evade safeguards. 

Anthropic described the individuals in each case study as working scientists, but the company did not name them. 

"We do not assert that they intended harm, and identifying them or their labs could expose them to harm," the company wrote in its report. Anthropic said it banned the users' accounts upon discovering their activity and incorporated its findings into its ongoing safety work. 

Claude built software for armed drones, missiles, guns

Anthropic's bot has been harnessed to build and refine software used for weapons development, the report explained, including tech that enabled the design, construction, and testing of real-world munitions.

"Historically, this kind of work has been uncovered by governments, United Nations panels, and outside investigators, who piece it together from recovered hardware and public sources," the company explained.

One account, which Anthropic attributes to a Russia-based freelance agent working an operation titled "operation “DronDoc” or “Serafim," used Claude Code to engineer a "full-stack autonomous first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drone swarm."

The company also claims a China-based account, potentially a military-industrial researcher, used Claude work tools to create electronic warfare modules intended to circumvent enemy radar and communications and suppress air defenses. The user's simulation included 12 targets located in Taiwan.

Claude used to monitor foreign dissidents and build mass surveillance systems

Anthropic described nine instances of Claude being used to "build, run, and otherwise facilitate" state-sponsored surveillance efforts in foreign countries (including China, Iran, and nations in west Africa) as well as for-hire surveillance networks.

In one case, Claude was used by an operation with suspected ties to the People's Republic of China to track, profile, and recruit politically-connected Uyghur populations — and journalists — with ties to the Syrian Army. Claude used bulk data from monitored WhatsApp and Telegram chats to profile individuals.

In another, at least 16 accounts associated with Iranian paramilitary and domestic security agencies were linked to surveillance and malicious browser extensions built by Claude, which were then used to harvest data from 6,388 Iranians. An "Iran-nexus threat actor" also used Claude to pinpoint U.S. naval targets.

Across the gamut of cases, generative AI was used to replace human surveillance operations, expedite the creation of target profiles using personal data, and facilitate the daily work of government monitors. The company noted that users are barred from using its AI systems for "non-consensual surveillance" and profiling under its current Usage Policy.

Claude helped automate cyber spying ops

Anthropic claims in the report that AI has allowed "threat actors" to automate their cyber operations. In the case studies shared by Anthropic, these individuals relied on multi-agent "frameworks" for reconnaissance and exploitation in an attempt to steal sensitive information. 

One actor, identified as GTG-20006 in the report, has become faster by using AI. Anthropic claims this individual attacked military intelligence targets in the Ukrainian and European governments, in addition to organizations and individuals connected to U.S. foreign policy. 

GTG-20006, whom Anthropic characterizes as a Russian espionage agent, used AI to conduct phishing, ClickFix, and domain name system (DNS) hijacking schemes. 

Anthropic also claims the user targeted military drone makers and manufacturers and infiltrated at least three hospitality vendors in order to target the devices of hotel guests who were Ukrainian government officials and drone manufacturers.

Anthropic's additional examples of AI-enabled cyber operations offered a look at campaigns conducted by both smaller criminal groups and state-sponsored organizations. 

"The diffusion of AI has leveled the playing field giving both classes of actors access to the same set of advanced capabilities," Anthropic said. 

Claude assisted disinformation campaigns ahead of national elections

Bad actors are trying to use AI agents like Claude to turbocharge mass disinformation campaigns, many timed to national elections, Anthropic's report explains. 

In the last year, the company pinpointed and disrupted at least nine disinformation efforts involving increasingly anonymized actors in Russia, China, Iran, Bangladesh, and Kenya. At least one operation, selling its disinformation services at large, spanned at least six continents. 

According to the report, actors used Claude to design influence operations as well as produce the erroneous content itself. For example, Claude was used to clone real accounts by activists, conceal state propaganda in "independent" news sources, and launch what one group called an international "cognitive warfare" program. In one case, an actor impersonated a Sudanese human rights organization and ghost-wrote testimony proposed for the UN Human Rights Council.

Anthropic tracks disinformation efforts by monitoring Claude prompts and then verifies them with open source data, the company explained. "Most of the content we discovered drew little or no authentic engagement, and in several cases we disrupted the operation before it could build an audience," the company wrote. "The widest authentic reach occurred where state media outlets were the distribution mechanism (including FM radio, satellite and shortwave radio, and global television)."

Scammers used Claude to run fake dating profiles

Anthropic's report has a warning of sorts for dating app users. The company said in April 2026 it detected a fraudulent network of 20 dating apps advertised as "fully human." 

Instead, the China-based app studio behind the network used Claude to power the majority of its personas and mixed in gig workers hired to pose as potential love interests. Those individuals also relied on another AI model to generate messages for responses. 

During a two-week period in April, Anthropic identified nearly 5,000 AI personas that chatted with at least 25,000 unique users. The company said it banned the accounts and organizations involved in the operation.

AI safety concerns prompt fervor over regulation

"We’re publishing this work because we believe we have a responsibility to disclose malicious misuse of our services. As models become increasingly capable, their risks will increase, unless AI developers and society’s defenders act to make them safer," wrote the company.

A wave of rogue AI activity across the industry has prompted an energetic charge toward regulation. Anthropic recently co-signed industry-leading AI oversight bills for the state of California.

One of the bills will establish a first-of-its-kind independent audit registry made up of vetted third-party evaluators. The second bill creates a framework for evaluating AI systems and companies in accordance with existing state law.

The bills were also backed by competitor OpenAI, with the company signaling its support for the legislation days before Governor Gavin Newsom signed them into law. Earlier this week, OpenAI announced it was exploring a new framework for alerting the public to AI agents on the loose.

UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2026, 1:16 p.m. This story was updated with additional findings from Anthropic's report, including Claude's role in dating profile scams and international disinformation campaigns.

Google may not have any news to share about the missing Gemini 3.5 Pro (the next-gen AI model originally scheduled to be released in June), but the company does have a consolation prize for Windows users.

In a Thursday blog post, the company announced the launch of a Gemini app for Windows, a long-requested tool in the AI world. Redditors have been complaining about the lack of a Windows app and sharing workarounds for months, and now Google has answered the call.

Users working on a Windows laptop or PC will now be able to call up Gemini with a keyboard shortcut.

"Press Alt + Space on your PC at any time to open Gemini over your active work," the blog post states. "Whether you need a quick fact-check on a document or a few catchy title ideas for a presentation, you can get the help you need and jump right back into your workflow."

Google says users will be able to use the Gemini Windows app to run Gemini Spark, connect other Google apps such as Gmail and Drive, and create AI-generated images and videos.

How to download the Gemini Windows app

This one's easy. Just head to gemini.google/desktop and click "Download for Windows." You can follow the prompts and install the program like any other.

Google says the app will be available for all Windows 10 and 11 users, and will be updated with additional capabilities in the future.

Few events lure people away from Pornhub. The World Cup was one, and yesterday's Apple Event was another.

Apple fans typically close their Pornhub tabs at the start of these annual September product launches. Android users, however, don't seem to care. That was the case in 2025, and this year, Pornhub told Mashable that Android traffic remained close to average throughout the event.

But for Apple users, it's a different story. In fact, Pornhub saw the biggest decline in pageviews during an Apple Event in the past five years — and you can probably guess what for.

Two minutes before the event started, Pornhub pageviews on Apple devices were down 19.1 percent compared to an average day. Anticipation was high, as rumors of the foldable iPhone had mounted for weeks.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

Apple did lose some people to porn as the new iPhone 18 Pro was revealed. It can't even fold! And even fewer people focused on the AirPods 5 and new Apple Watches. Traffic on non-Apple devices even went slightly above average (+3 percent) during this time. What, they don't they care about the new ceramic watch material!?

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

But, as you can imagine, what really got people away from the salaciousness of Pornhub was the announcement of the foldable iPhone Duo. On Apple devices, pageviews were nearly 22 percent lower than on an average day during the reveal, which the site confirmed with Mashable was the biggest drop in traffic during a September Apple event in the last five years.

Viewers on non-Apple devices weren't as enthralled, but pageviews were around five percent lower than average.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

The distraction away from Pornhub was short-lived, though. By the event's end, pageviews on Apple devices were only around seven percent lower than average. Not even the Duo can hold off Pornhub fans for too long.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

See the minute-by-minute breakdown of traffic on Pornhub's insights blog. And if you missed the Apple Event, here's everything that was announced.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

GTA 6 is just a few months away, and if you haven't already dropped $80 on a pre-order, then what are you waiting for?

If you're hoping to play GTA 6 as part of your Xbox Game Pass subscription, then I have some bad news for you: Grand Theft Auto VI will not be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch. Unfortunately, the same goes for PC gamers. So, if you're a casual player who was hoping to avoid buying a $600 gaming console just to play GTA 6, Xbox Game Pass isn't the solution.

Will GTA 6 be added to the Xbox Game Pass library at a later date? Probably! In fact, previous GTA games have been included in the subscription. However, even if GTA 6 is eventually added to the Xbox Game Pass, it could be awhile. And don't forget that Xbox Game Pass is going to impose strict monthly limits on cloud gaming in November, the same month GTA 6 is released.

Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription service that provides gamers with online console multiplayer access along with a library of titles. Xbox Game Pass actually includes quite a selection of games, depending on your plan. For example, the $22.99 per month Game Pass Ultimate plan includes more than 500 titles, including a selection of launch-day games, and doesn't require an Xbox console.

Not all games are added to Xbox Game Pass. Many popular titles do eventually get added, but usually not from day one.

Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of GTA developer Rockstar Games' parent company Take-Two, addressed the organization's view of game subscription services during a GamesIndustry.biz live event in 2022.

"We've supported various subscription services and we're happy to do so," Zelnick said at the time. "Our scepticism has been around making frontline console products available day and date with subscription. That doesn't make any sense to us, because economically speaking, we don't think consumers are prepared to pay for that. And we can't afford to turn our business upside down in a way that doesn't make sense economically. There always has to be an intersection between what the consumer wants and what the publisher is able to do. And you know, it doesn't make sense to do that for our properties."

Rockstar Games' GTA 6 predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has been included in the Xbox Game Pass numerous times over the years. GTA 5 was available on Game Pass in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025, and usually stayed on the service for a few months before being removed.

GTA 5's most recent stint on Xbox Game Pass ended on April 15, 2026.

With that said, GTA 5 was released all the way back in 2013, and its first inclusion in Xbox Game Pass was more than six and a half years later.

So, will gamers have to wait nearly seven years for GTA 6 to be added to Xbox Game Pass or other cloud gaming subscriptions? We just don't know. But one thing is certain: if you want to play GTA 6 when it launches later this year, you're going to have to buy it outright and play on either an Xbox or PlayStation console.

Disclosure Day, which hit theaters in early June, marks a return to sci-fi for legendary director Steven Spielberg. Not just sci-fi, but specifically alien-themed sci-fi. It also reunites him with many of his longtime collaborators, including screenwriter David Koepp, who also wrote Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds. In other words, if you're a Spielberg fan, it's a must-watch.

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"With Disclosure Day, I experienced the distinctive thrill of watching a master filmmaker do what he does best," Mashable's Kristy Puchko cheered. In her review of the film, she called it "a dizzying mix of action, humor, adventure, sci-fi, and wonder."

Unfortunately, it underperformed at theaters, despite an 80 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating. Universal Pictures is hoping to find a wider audience in October, as the alien thriller is officially making its streaming debut. Here are all the streaming details you need to know to watch Disclosure Day.

What is Disclosure Day about?

Disclosure Day follows cybersecurity administrator Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor), who is on the run from a military-industrial corporation called Wardex after he steals sensitive files that he seeks to reveal to the world. I'm not saying it's aliens, but it's definitely aliens. He teams up with TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), and they fight "not just for the future of humanity, but also humanity's understanding of the universe," as Mashable's entertainment editor puts it in her review.

Check out the official trailer below.

How to watch Disclosure Day at home

Credit: Universal Pictures

Disclosure Day will be available to watch at home three different ways as of Oct. 9: buy it or rent it via digital-on-demand retailers or stream it. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

A little over a month after its theatrical release, Disclosure Day made its digital debut on July 21, 2026. Now that it's been on digital-on-demand retailers for a couple of months, the price has gone down from $24.99 to $19.99 to purchase it and $19.99 to $9.99 to rent it.

If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep and watch as many times as you want.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film.

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Fandango — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

Stream it on Peacock

We originally estimated that Disclosure Day would hit streaming in September, but you'll have to wait just a little longer. The Universal Pictures sci-fi thriller is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock on October 9, 2026.

While the cheapest Peacock subscription costs just $8.99 per month, it unfortunately won't grant you access to theatrical releases. You'll need at least Peacock Premium, which costs $12.99 per month, to stream Disclosure Day. Before you sign up, be sure to check out some of the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming deals

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Peacock Premium (with ads) costs $12.99 monthly, which adds up to $155.88 for 12 months. If you pay for the annual plan, however, it'll only cost you $129.99 — a savings of $25.89. Likewise, the Premium Plus plan costs $19.99 per month, which adds up to $239.88. The annual plan, on the other hand, costs just $169.99 — a savings of $39.89. You'll essentially be getting two months of streaming for free by opting for an annual subscription.

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Both students and young adults (ages 18 to 24) can take $7 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Verify your student status or age through SheerID and generate a unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $12.99. Just a heads up that once the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price unless you cancel.

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An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($129.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. You'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Pro tip: Sign up for your trial of Instacart+ when Disclosure Day debuts on Peacock so you can watch it for free. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount. We recommend setting a calendar alert to remind you.

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UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the official streaming date for "Disclosure Day," as well as the latest pricing information at digital on-demand retailers and Peacock.

Apple's foldable iPhone Duo doesn't even come out until Oct. 23, but it already has a lookalike. That's because the iPhone Duo wasn't the only short and wide foldable device announced this week.

Just a couple of days before the big Apple event, in which the Duo was announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices, Xiaomi launched a competitor of its own, per PhoneArena. It's called the Xiaomi 18 Fold and, as you can see from the photos, it looks a lot like the iPhone Duo. It trades the boxy corners of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which came out over the summer, for the rounded edges and D-shape of the Duo.

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Reports prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's launch suggested that Samsung picked that form factor because of what Apple was doing, and it's very possible Xiaomi did the same. The phone is unlikely to be released outside of China, but here are some of the specs, in case you're curious:

• Display: 7.58-inch main display and 5.38-inch cover display

• Processor: XRING O3

• RAM: 12/16GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 6,000mAh

• Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto

The Xiaomi 18 Fold also has one big potential advantage over the iPhone Duo. It has three cameras (including a true telephoto lens and a 200MP main shooter), and they're Leica cameras.

Credit: Xiaomi

Those are pretty decent specs for a phone whose Chinese price converts to roughly $1,600 USD, but again, there's no way you'll ever get one in the States without importing it. That's sure to drive the cost up into iPhone Duo territory, so at that point, you might as well just get one of Apple or Samsung's foldables.

However, the device could offer Apple some competition when the iPhone Duo launches in China.

Clearly, this specific form factor is officially a thing now.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

As someone who worked at Hallmark for years of my early adult life, I can say with certainty that it's basically already Christmas in the retail world. So that means it's time to start thinking about gifts. Amazon's on top of it, as the mega retailer just released its list of the Top 100+ Toys of 2026.

For those who want to get their shopping started extra early, several of these top toys are already on sale. Others, while not discounted, are likely to be in high demand this holiday season. So we'd recommend snagging those sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get your hands on them. It may seem dramatic to start holiday shopping in early September, but with the state of the economy in 2026, spreading out your spending can help you stay within your budget. You know, rather than splurging all at once come Dec. 1.

We've looked through Amazon's list of the best toys of 2026 and selected a few we think are worth grabbing early, whether they're on sale or likely to sell out. Be sure to check out the full shoppable list if you need some more gift ideas for kids in your life.

Amazon Top 100 Toys of 2026 in high-demand

Trading cards and collectibles

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Credit: Pokémon

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$89.99 at Amazon

 

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Credit: Ravensburger

Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: Illumineer's Quest

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Trading cards and collectibles are popular gifts for 2026. In honor of three decades of Pokémon, the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is particularly in high demand. It requires an invitation to purchase, so secure your chance now to grab it.

DIY building kits that double as decor

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Credit: Play-Doh

Play-Doh Blooms Blush Flower Bouquet Making Kit

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Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals Woodland Mushrooms Building Set

$79.95 at Amazon

 

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Lego Botanicals building sets make excellent gifts for just about anyone, young or old, but Play-Doh's new building kit is giving them a run for their money. Both serve as hands-on ways to flex those creative muscles.

Amazon Top Toys of 2026 already on sale

• Skillmatics Peelies reusable stickers — $9.47 $14.97 (save $5.50)

• Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan Edition — $12.96 $16.99 (save $4.03)

• Crazy Aaron's Better Butter Thinking Putty — $14.99 $21.97 (save $6.98)

• Giant Tower Stack — $34.86 $69.99 (save $35.13)

• Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Interactive Figure — $39.99 $44.99 (save $5)

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Mutant Monster Takedown Playset — $49.99 $53.99 (save $4)

• PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy — $49.99 $64.99 (save $15)

TL;DR: Physical preorders for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are already $10.11 off at Amazon and Walmart. Both retailers have them listed for just $59.88 (normally $69.99) as of Sept. 10.

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Credit: Nintendo

"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2

$59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11

 

Pre-order Here

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Credit: Nintendo

"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2

$59.88 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $10.11

Sign in to see the price in your cart.

Pre-order Here

One of this week's Nintendo Direct livestreams brought us some long-awaited details about the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo Switch 2. That includes an official release date of Nov. 5 and a first look at gameplay footage, complete with modernized visuals, free camera controls, and a dedicated jump button. Hyah!

Digital and physical copies of the Ocarina of Time remake are now available for preorder. The digital version costs $59.99, while the physical version goes for for $69.99 — unless you buy it from Amazon or Walmart. As of Sept. 10, both retailers are selling physical copies for just $59.88, or a little over $10 off. (That offer wasn't being matched by Best Buy, Target, GameStop, or the Nintendo Store at the time of writing.)

Try to get your preorder in soon. In a press release, Nintendo said the first print run of the game's physical version will have "special packaging that features textured foil cover art."

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Nintendo is also releasing some Legend of Zelda-themed hardware this fall, in honor of the franchise's 40th anniversary. That includes a special-edition Switch 2 console, Pro Controller, and carrying case, all out Oct. 29. Mashable contributor Lauren Allain has all the details.

Long ago, the Four Nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when... the Avatar attacked?

That's the gist of the trailer for Avatar: Seven Havens, which takes place around 225 years after the end of Avatar: The Legend of Korra. In that time, a mysterious cataclysm has reshaped the world. The boundaries between the physical world and spirit world are as good as gone, humanity has retreated to secure Havens, and everyone apparently hates the Avatar. Why? Because according to the trailer, Korra is responsible for the world's destruction.

Now, her young successor Pavi (voiced by Saheli Khan) must navigate a world that despises her, one that looks like the Avatar universe mixed with Mad Max. From threatening desert storms to post-apocalyptic vehicles meant to withstand post-apocalyptic disaster, it's a vastly different Avatar world than we're used to.

The changes carry over to the Havens, which have replaced the Four Nations. Unlike in prior Avatar shows, the Havens are not based around one bending culture. Instead, they're a big melting pot of surviving benders. The trailer introduces the vast Haven of Ellora, whose architecture and inhabitants reflect the blend of nations.

Thankfully, Pavi won't have to carry the burden of being the Avatar alone. She'll have help from her airbending friend and mentor Jae (Major Curda), as well as her long-lost twin sister Nisha (Aishu Devan). And who can forget her loyal companion, cat-monkey Geet (Dee Bradley Baker)?

With Jae and Nisha's help, Pavi will attempt to unravel her and her sister's mysterious pasts and restore balance to the world. While she's at it, hopefully she can clear Korra's name, right? Right?

Avatar: Seven Havens premieres Oct. 9 on Paramount+.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

SAVE $15: Our top-rated budget air purifier, the Levoit Core 300-P, is down to $84.99 on Amazon. That's a 15% discount off its regular $99.99 list price.

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Credit: Levoit

Levoit Core 300-P air purifier

$84.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15

 

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If you're dealing with seasonal allergies, constantly wiping dust off your furniture, or trying to keep up with pet hair, a solid air purifier makes a huge difference. Our go-to budget pick — the Levoit Core 300-P — is currently marked down to $84.99 on Amazon, saving you $15 off its usual $99.99 list price.

Inside, it packs a 3-stage defense: a washable pre-filter for floating fur and lint, an H13 true HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of micro-particles (pollen, dust mites, smoke), and an activated carbon layer to neutralize cooking smells and litter box odors.

Named the best budget air purifier in Mashable's testing by Leah Stodart and Lauren Allain, the Levoit Core 300P earns its spot by delivering total bang for your buck as a simple, unbox-and-go option for under $100.

Its biggest win is how little space it takes up. Standing just 14.2 inches tall and under nine inches wide, it works easily on a tabletop, nightstand, or floor, making it super portable to carry from room to room. Mashable’s Digital Culture Editor Crystal Bell relies on it for her home to manage cat hair and dander, noting how much smaller and compact it is compared to bulkier units like her Coway Airmega.

It circulates clean air in spaces up to 1,073 square feet in just an hour. In dedicated Sleep Mode, the fan drops to a whisper-quiet 24dB and turns off all top panel lights so you aren't stuck sleeping next to a glowing nightlight. Touch controls let you toggle three fan speeds, set 2-to-8-hour off timers, and check filter life indicators. It’s cheap to run, easy to maintain, and does the heavy lifting so your lungs don't have to.

Grab our favorite budget HEPA air purifier on Amazon while it's still 15% off.

Warning: This story contains bloody video game images that some readers may find disturbing.

Developer Insomniac Games found massive success with Marvel’s Spider-Man, as well as its Miles Morales spin-off and direct sequel. Now, the PlayStation studio has taken another stab at another Marvel hero, the angry and animalistic Wolverine.

Insomniac Games attempts to inject Marvel’s Wolverine with what made its web-slinging previous adventures so resonant with audiences, namely its powerful storytelling, to resounding results. While the combat initially starts off one-dimensional, it eventually opens up with more options and sinks its claws into you.

Team X vs X-Men

Credit: Marvel / Insomniac Games

Marvel’s Wolverine follows the titular character’s journey with Team X as they fight for a better future where mutants can live without being feared or discriminated against. What the story and setup do well is feel familiar yet distinct from other Wolverine-related media.

Team X consists of some lesser-known characters, such as Wolverine’s mentor figure, Nathaniel Essex (Mister Sinister), and the brilliant scientist Walter Langkowski (Sasquatch). They feel like stand-ins for Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Hank McCoy (Beast), who are often used for those equivalent roles. This approach to cast selection for Team X gives Marvel’s Wolverine its own unique sense of identity since audiences have become so accustomed to seeing X-Men.

Of course, there are also recognizable names, including Jean Grey, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Bolivar Trask. They’re more or less similar to their comic book counterparts, which helps fans, whether hardcore or casual, get acquainted with them more easily. My main exposure to Marvel is through the MCU. Even though I don’t read comics at all, I knew enough about Marvel lore and its characters to stay absorbed with Insomniac’s world here.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The story in Marvel’s Wolverine is rather poignant as well. It deals with heavy themes such as genocide, betrayal, and trauma, which are the ingredients of any competent X-Men story. Each of our heroes has their own personal demons to deal with, and the story allows us to authentically and emotionally connect with their inner turmoil.

It’s all couched in a cinematic globetrotting journey. Unlike Spider-Man and New York, Wolverine isn’t tied down to any specific city. As a result, Team X’s expedition takes them to places like Canada, Japan, and the fictional Southeast Asian country Madripoor. The art design and environments shine, delivering a fresh change of scenery every few hours.

'Wolverine' lets you go feral

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The combat in Marvel’s Wolverine is straightforward and fast-paced. It’s heavily melee-focused with Wolverine gauging his claws into every orifice of his enemies. When I say it’s bloody, it’s bloody. The amount of red liquid that comes spewing out and the flying dismembered limbs really gives the moment-to-moment gameplay a real visceral and satisfying feeling.

You’ll often be fighting multiple enemies at once, balancing between parrying and unleashing relentless assaults on them. You have to rein in your own bloodthirstiness and know when to momentarily take a breather to fend off an incoming attack from the side. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get overwhelmed when you’re surrounded. This prevents you from endlessly spamming attacks.

Wolverine also has a Rage meter that builds up by playing aggressively. Starting at Rage Tier 2, he can come back from death once by depleting the remaining meter. And at Rage Tier 3, Wolverine’s attacks deal significantly more damage. The combat might come off as button-mashy, but the Rage meter provides structure, flow, and a goal to aim for when trying to clear a room full of enemies.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

At first, the combat feels a bit too simplistic and repetitive. But that’s alleviated by the excellent progression systems. As Wolverine levels up, he can learn a variety of skills such as counters, jump attacks, and tackles. Furthermore, the collectibles scattered throughout the stages are vital. Material Chests let you unlock more suits from Wolverine’s extensive media history, which in turn increases his maximum HP. Finding Whisky Bottles and completing timed trials in Nightmare Doors expand his Adaptations, which grant him passive abilities, like automatic health regeneration at a certain threshold or extending the timing window of parries. So even though Marvel’s Wolverine isn’t an open-world game like Marvel’s Spider-Man, it’s always worth exploring every nook and cranny on each stage.

However, the biggest oversight is the poorly implemented stealth mechanics. Like many other action-adventure games, Wolverine can sneak around in grass and if he gets close enough, kill them in one strike without alerting nearby enemies. Unfortunately, his range is very limited, and the targeting feels off. Larger stages leave more wiggle room for him to pounce around, but in smaller arenas, it’s just a nonstarter. It feels like many of the stages just aren’t built adequately for stealth. It’s really only helpful for picking off a few enemies before you inevitably get spotted. At the start of every encounter, you might as well just jump in guns blazing…or claws out.

Again, again, again!

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

After completing the story, the game allows you to replay levels to pick up any collectibles you may have missed the first time around. Additionally, New Game Plus increases Wolverine’s level cap to make him stronger and unlocks new Adaptations. While a linear action-adventure game like Marvel’s Wolverine doesn’t have as much replayability as an open-world game would, there’s enough warranted here for repeated playthroughs, especially on higher difficulties.

As with many other PlayStation first-party games, Marvel’s Wolverine boasts a large suite of accessibility options. These include motion sensitivity sliders, colorblind options, and audio cues. Also, if the gore proves too much, you can toggle the dismemberment and blood off in the gameplay settings. They’re boons for all sorts of players, even if you don’t have any disabilities. For example, the High Contrast Background setting makes your surroundings grey while keeping interactable objects bright. This makes it easier to hunt down collectibles.

My final verdict: I didn't want to put this game down, and it's a bloody good time.

Marvel's Wolverine

$69 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

TL;DR: Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free from T-Mobile when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is up to $1,900 off with an eligible trade-in and the Motorola Razr Fold is up to $1,100 off with an eligible trade-in.

The best iPhone Duo alternative deals at T-Mobile:

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

free with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan (save up to $1,900)

Get Deal

---

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Up to $1,900 off with eligible trade-in

Get Deal

---

Motorola Razr Fold

Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in

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Everyone's talking about the iPhone Duo right now, but Samsung and Motorola have been nailing the foldable phones for years. The iPhone Duo, revealed this week at the "Surprise and shine" keynote after years of rumors, starts at $1,999 for 256GB of storage and will be available on Oct. 23. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, as well as Motorola's Razr Fold are available now for much less at T-Mobile. Here's how to score a new foldable phone for less.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals at T-Mobile

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Credit: Samsung

T-Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free

 

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Our favorite Android foldable to date could be yours for literally $0 if you trade-in an eligible phone on a specific plan, but if you don't fit neatly into that box, there are still other ways to save. Here are the best deals on the Z Fold 8 at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free (up to $1,900 off) with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals at T-Mobile

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Credit: Samsung

T-Mobile: Get up to $1,900 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

 

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The Z Fold 8 Ultra didn't update much for 2026 (beyond its price), but that's not a bad thing. "The thin chassis, gorgeous displays, and newly improved battery go a long way towards making it a very good phone," Mashable's reviewer writes. If money weren't an object, he says it's his foldable of choice. Fortunately, T-Mobile has made this very expensive phone, which starts at $2,099.99, more approachable. Here are the best Z Fold 8 Ultra deals at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get up to $1,900 off with eligible trade-in on an Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

Motorola Razr Fold deals at T-Mobile

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Credit: Motorola

T-Mobile: Get up to $1,100 off the Motorola Razr Fold

 

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Motorola's Razr Fold "feels great in the hand, is easy to use, has killer displays, and boasts strong performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset," according to Mashable's tech reporter Alex Perry. Though it's not our favorite, there's no denying it's an excellent phone. It starts at $1,899.99 like the Z Fold 8, but here are some ways to get it cheaper at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $800 off with trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 10, the base-model Apple AirPods 4 are currently marked down to $99.00 on Amazon — a clean $30 drop (23% off) from their $129.00 retail price.

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Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 4

$99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30

 

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If you’re still clinging to an ancient pair of original AirPods that lose their charge after 20 minutes, consider this your sign to finally upgrade. Apple’s base-model AirPods 4 just dropped to $99.00 on Amazon — saving you $30 on a pair of wireless earbuds that were redesigned from the ground up.

Let’s start by addressing the biggest issue with older open-ear AirPods: they loved to slide right out of your ears the second you started jogging or tilted your head back. To fix that annoying slip, Apple completely overhauled the shape, shortened the stem, and tweaked the contours based on thousands of ear-scan data points so they lock in place comfortably without shoving silicone tips deep into your ear canal.

They’re also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, so heavy gym sessions or sudden rainstorms won't fry them. These buds run on Apple’s flagship H2 chip (the same silicon powering their higher-end Pro model). As a result, you get noticeably punchier sound quality, 3D Spatial Audio with head tracking for movies and gaming, plus Voice Isolation that scrubs out ambient noise so people actually hear you on phone calls.

Hands-free control gets an upgrade, too, thanks to Siri Interactions. Powered by internal accelerometers, you can answer an incoming call by simply nodding your head "yes" or decline a call by shaking your head "no" when your hands are full, or you're on a crowded train.

The charging case also received quite a shrink, coming in over 10% smaller in total volume compared to the older AirPods 3 case. Apple also officially retired the legacy Lightning connector here in favor of universal USB-C charging, so you can juice them up using the exact same cable as your laptop, iPad, or newer iPhone.

Head over to Amazon to grab the redesigned Apple AirPods 4 for $99 before the two-digit discount disappears.

So, you missed out on tickets to see BTS's long-awaited return. There's still a way to see it!

The ARIRANG world tour, the Bangtan Boys' first tour together in four years, is well underway. Hitting 34 cities across the world, the tour kicked off in Goyang, South Korea on April 9 — and at this point, almost every one of the 82 shows has been sold out. But there's an alternative, ARMY.

ICYMI, BTS has been livestreaming their concerts in cinemas. The filmed concert series is a collab between HYBE, BigHit Music, and Trafalgar Releasing, who did the same thing with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. All seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — will perform songs from BTS's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, as well as that colossal BTS catalogue.

Here's everything you need to know about the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing.

When is the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing?

BTS has already brought their ARIRANG world tour concerts to movie theaters, and as someone who watched it in a London cinema, I can say it's an absolute treat. Fans already attended the April 11 screening, streamed live from Goyang Stadium, the April 18 concert from the Tokyo Dome in Japan, and the June 13 concert at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea.

Now, four more streaming dates have been added for shows in South America:

● Buenos Aires, Argentina: Oct. 24 (Americas only) / Sunday, October 25 (rest of world).

● São Paulo, Brazil: Oct. 30 (Americas only) / Saturday, October 31 (rest of world).

Times will vary across time zones, so check the website for your session times.

How to watch the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing

Tickets for the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing are available from the official website. The streamed Buenos Aires and São Paulo shows go on sale Sept. 17 at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST.

Just find your nearest cinemas by filtering locations and pick your time slot. Prices will vary across countries.

Wait, didn't BTS do a livestreamed concert before the tour?

They sure did, but that was a special event for Netflix marking the band's first performance together in four years. That was also when poor RM injured his ankle during rehearsal and performed seated or behind the slickest mic I've ever seen.

BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang is now streaming on Netflix, so if you've got a Netflix account, you can watch the set from Gwanghwamun, outside Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, which includes BTS's first-ever live performances of songs from Arirang. While you're there, check out the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return — you won't regret it.

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Credit: BTS

Attend BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing

 

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Everywhere you can preorder the new Apple Watches:

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Amazon

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Pre-Order Here

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Apple Store

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Pre-Order Here

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Best Buy

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Pre-Order Here

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Walmart

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Pre-Order Here

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Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Pre-Order Here

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Apple Store

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Pre-Order Here

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Best Buy

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Pre-Order Here

New iPhones weren't the only devices Apple announced during its "Surprise and Shine" event Wednesday. The company also revealed two upgraded smartwatches, and they're both available for preorder already.

The lineup includes the new flagship Apple Watch Series 12 and the premium rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4. (Apple didn't revisit its budget Apple Watch SE 3 this time around.) Shoppers can preorder both watches through the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy ahead of their joint release on Friday, Sept. 18. The Series 12 is also available at Walmart.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 pricing

The Apple Watch Series 12 is available with rubber, textile, and stainless steel band styles. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Notably, neither Apple Watch received a price hike from the previous generation:

• Apple Watch Series 12 — starting from $399 in two sizes (42mm or 46mm)

• Apple Watch Ultra 4 — starting from $799 in one size (49mm)

Like always, the Ultra model comes standard with cellular connectivity. It's an optional $100 upgrade on certain Series 12 variants, depending on the case style.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 features

Apple calls the Ultra 4 "the ultimate sports and adventure watch." Credit: Apple

Both new Apple Watches run on the new S11 chip and include a new Health Sensing System with improved sensors. Apple said this system captures more accurate, continuous heart rate data and enables a "Readiness" score that tells the user how intensely they should exercise based on recent activities.

The S11 chip also enables "Audio Intelligence" features that utilize the watches' built-in microphones. Coming later this year, these include Sound Recognition alerts and Live Rewind conversation transcriptions. (To address privacy concerns, Apple said the watches don't record or store audio.)

The new Apple Watches' Readiness score tries to predict your bandwidth for future workouts. Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will both work with Apple's newly redesigned Health app for iPhones, which also launches later this year.

The Series 12 is rated for up to 24 hours of battery life, while the Ultra 4 can last up to 50 hours per charge. That jumps to a whopping 84 hours in low power mode.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 colors

Here's a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 12's new ceramic finish. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Series 12's case will be available in three finishes and multiple colors:

• Aluminum (dark bronze, light gold, black, or space gray) starting from $399 with optional cellular connectivity

• Titanium (radiant gold or natural) starting from $699 with cellular connectivity

• Ceramic (pearl white or night blue) starting from $899 with cellular connectivity

Rubber, textile, and stainless steel bands are available for the Series 12.

The Ultra 4's case just comes in black titanium or natural titanium. It can be paired with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, or Titanium Milanese Loop.

The Apple Store is also selling special-edition Hermès variants of both smartwatches, starting at $1,399 for the Series 12 and $1,499 for the Ultra 4. The latter is available with a new extendable Grand H titanium band for $3,149.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Have you seen the viral videos showing the iPhone Duo's opening animation?

Videos showing stunned tech reporters repeatedly opening and closing the device are racking up tens of millions of views on social media, and it's easy to see why: Apple designers are just showing off with this one.

When you open the iPhone Duo, an optical illusion makes the outer screen appear to blur and blend into the inner display. For a moment, the fluid transition makes it look like you're peering through a pane of glass rather than a phone screen. It's like nothing we've ever seen on a phone before.

Tech creator Marques Brownlee shared a video of the Apple design flex that already has 32 million views and counting:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Apple finally revealed the iPhone Duo, the first-ever folding iPhone with a flexible display, on Sept. 9. You'll have to wait until Oct. 23 to get the device in your hands (and come up with $1,999), but a chosen few have already gotten the chance to demo the device at Apple Park, including Mashable Senior Reporter Stan Schroeder, who went hands-on with the Duo.

In this Mashable video, a crowd gathers to watch the Duo open and close on a folding stand at Apple Park:

View this post on Instagram

The fluid transition effect is already resulting in memes like this:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

I was skeptical of the iPhone Duo's design based on the leaks, but after seeing the big reveal, I have to say that I got this one wrong. The foldable phone looks gorgeous, and that opening animation is the kind of 10/10 design flex that shows exactly why Apple does user interfaces better than anyone.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

In addition to the iPhone Duo's blur effect when you unfold the device, Apple also added its premium nano-texture finish to the display. This will reduce glare and make the crease less visible, resulting in a highly polished look. The translucent Liquid Glass elements really shine on this device, too.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

Pricing for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro:

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Preorders begin 9/12

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Starts at $1,199

Learn More

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Preorders begin 10/16

Apple iPhone Duo

Starts at $1,999

Learn More

Rumors of Apple's foldable iPhone have been flying for years, but now we finally have it confirmed: the iPhone Duo is coming this October. At Apple's Sept. 9 event, the tech giant announced the full collection of new iPhones coming, which includes the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Duo.

September marks the start of fall, the school year, and, of course, the new iPhone. For years now, Apple has launched its new iPhones in September, and this year is no different. Though, we didn't get the base model iPhone 18 this September — it's rumored to be released in spring 2027. Maybe your old iPhone is finally on its last leg, or perhaps you've just been waiting for the foldable iPhone, but either way, if you're ready to buy an iPhone, it's almost time.

Here's the pricing breakdown:

• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (burgundy, glacier, silver, and black) — starting at $1,199

• iPhone Duo (star white and night sky) — starting at $1,999

While we know the breakdown of the new iPhones' pricing, neither is available for preorder yet. So, when are you able to secure one of the new models for yourself?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in a stunning new burgundy. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

When are the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max available for preorder?

Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max begin Saturday, Sept. 12. Both devices are set for release on Friday, Sept. 18.

Shoppers will be able to preorder the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max through the Apple Store, Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in four new colors, including burgundy, glacier (a light blue), silver, and black. The iPhone Pro starts at $1,199 while the Pro Max starts at $1,299.

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Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

$1,199 at Apple

Preorders begin Saturday, Sept. 12.

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When is the iPhone Duo available for preorder?

For the iPhone Duo, you'll need to wait a bit longer. The first foldable iPhone from Apple won't be available for preorder until Friday, Oct. 16. The Duo will then hit stores on Friday, Oct. 23.

iPhone Duo preorders will also be available at the Apple Store, Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

The foldable iPhone comes in the colors star white and night sky (navy). Models begin at $1,999 for a 256GB model, while the maxed-out 2TB model comes in at $3,199.

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Credit: Apple

iPhone Duo

$1,999

Preorders begin Friday, Oct. 16.

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How to buy the new iPhones

Buying an iPhone has historically been straightforward. You can either pay in full for the device through Apple or at your mobile retailer. Apple has also featured payment plans through its Apple Card, and most mobile carriers feature monthly payments rather than an upfront lump sum. While this remains true for the new iPhones, Apple has launched a new way to buy its phones.

With the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, you can now lease both phones. Just like a car lease, you won't technically own the device, instead paying a monthly fee to use it. These leases from Apple span 24 months and let you upgrade your device at any point.

Leasing the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $34.99 a month, and the iPhone Duo begins at $57.99 a month.

Top phone deals this week

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Credit: Apple

iPhone 17

$0 at T-Mobile
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Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

Yoto has redesigned its Yoto Player and Yoto Mini screen-free speakers, adding a new button that lets kids access content without a physical Yoto Card. It looks like a handy upgrade for when you forget to pack their card collection on the family road trip.

Designed to be a more mentally stimulating alternative to screens, Yoto's robust speakers play kid-friendly stories, songs, and other audio when Yoto Cards are inserted. This gives children the freedom to decide what they want to listen to, while still ensuring they don't stumble across inappropriate content. However, you do have to trust your kids not to lose their favourite cards. While adults can still play content from lost cards via the Yoto App, doing so eliminates the element of independence.

Now Yoto has updated its speakers to offer a solution. Announced today, the 4th generation Yoto Player and Yoto Mini introduce a new customisable Green Button on the side of each speaker. Adults simply need to set it up via the Yoto App, programming the button with a child's favourite Yoto content, and the kid can play it back themselves with a simple twist and press — without inserting a Yoto Card.

Yoto states that its cards are still central to its system, and the primary way in which children engage with its speakers. However, the Green Button allows for more flexibility. Up to 20 pieces of content can be programmed to the Green Button at once, selected from Yoto's physical cards, digital-only cards, or any other audio available on the app. 

Credit: Yoto

The Green Button isn't the only change Yoto has made. Its 4th Gen speakers can now automatically transition to different content according to the time of day, offering gentle cues to help keep families on schedule. This not only applies to audio content such as sleep sounds at bedtime, but also includes their digital clock and the Yoto Player's night light. 

Both the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini have increased storage as well, doubling it from 32GB to 64GB. Yoto states that this is enough room for over 1000 hours of audio, which is more than 40 days.

The 4th Gen Yoto Player and Yoto Mini are available for pre-order from Sept. 11.

TL;DR: MyFitnessPal is giving four winners a year's worth of free groceries, about $7,500 each, through its new First Four Challenge. U.S. and Canada residents aged 18+ can enter by logging meals for four consecutive days between Sept. 10 and Oct. 9 and submitting their details at MyFitnessPal First Four starting Sept. 10.

Grocery prices aren't getting any friendlier, so when a free-groceries giveaway shows up, it's worth paying attention.

Starting Sept. 10, MyFitnessPal is giving four people a year's worth of free groceries, about $7,500 each, through a new promotion called the First Four Challenge. Here's everything you need to know to enter.

What is the First Four Challenge?

MyFitnessPal is giving away a total of $30,000 in groceries, split between four winners who'll each receive about $7,500 worth.

The challenge is built around a specific idea from the app's own user data: people who log their meals for at least four days in their first week are seven times more likely to make progress toward their weight loss goals. The company is essentially betting that four days is the tipping point for building a habit that sticks, and rewarding people willing to test that out.

How to enter

To be eligible, you need to be a U.S. or Canada resident, 18 or older. Between Sept. 10 and Oct. 9, log your meals in MyFitnessPal for four consecutive days, then submit your details at MyFitnessPal First Four, which goes live Sept. 10.

A year of free groceries is a real dent in anyone's budget, and four days of logging is a low bar to clear for a shot at it. Worst case, you walk away with a few days of tracked meals. Best case, you won't be paying for groceries next year.

TL; DR: Dreame officially launched its new Pocket Cake Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer on Amazon today for $129.99. Weighing just 0.73 lbs and folding down to the footprint of a smartphone, this travel-ready styling tool packs a high-speed motor at 110,000 RPM and dual-voltage support.

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Credit: Dreame

Dreame Pocket Cake Hair Dryer

$129.99 at Amazon

 

Get Deal

If you’ve ever relied on a hotel wall dryer that takes 20 minutes just to leave your hair a frizzy mess, Dreame’s newest styling tool wants to solve that travel nightmare. Officially launching today on Amazon for $129.99, the Dreame Pocket Cake is designed specifically to bring high-speed blowout power to gym bags, carry-ons, and tight bathroom counters without taking up precious luggage space.

Despite weighing only 0.73 pounds and folding into a compact form factor roughly the size of a smartphone, the Pocket Cake doesn't skimp on specs. A high-speed 110,000 RPM motor pushes airflow up to 70 m/s — fast enough to dry long hair in just about three minutes. It also features dual-voltage (120V/240V) support, so you won't blow a fuse or melt your styling tool when plugging it in overseas.

If you're worried about heat damage during quick daily touch-ups, Dreame built in smart sensors that check the air temperature 300 times per second. It caps the heat at a safe 134.6°F, so you get a fast dry without scorching your scalp. It also pumps out 350 million negative ions while you dry, which is the secret for smoothing out static and keeping flyaways under control.

You also get two magnetic snap-on attachments in the box: a concentrated styling nozzle for sleek, straight looks and a diffuser to pop out your natural waves and curls. It comes with a matching travel pouch in three dessert-inspired pastel shades: Peach Mochi, Lemon Parfait, and Mint Puff.

Upgrade your carry-on game and snag the new Dreame Pocket Cake on Amazon now.

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Remember those VH1 shows I Love the '80s and I Love the '90s, where talking heads would opine about defining pop culture moments like Pac-Man, General Hospital’s wedding of Luke and Laura, or the OJ Simpson car chase? There was no shortage of easily recognizable subjects to explore.

A version of I Love the 2020s seems less likely — and not just because of unlovable events like a pandemic and climate change. The monoculture that permeated the 20th century, in which a few TV networks, movie studios, record labels, and magazine editors decided what everyone saw, read, and obsessed over, has receded, largely because the internet has fractured audiences and altered viewing habits.

A mainstream culture still exists, though, at least according to a new culture and trends report commissioned by YouTube and released today. The trends report, titled "In Search of Mainstream" and created in partnership with the National Research Group, queried approximately 1,000 respondents aged 14-44 who described themselves as "active online." The participants were asked what they considered "mainstream" and how they encountered media that appealed to them.

It may not surprise many that YouTube’s findings reflect a fracturing of culture, with respondents’ familiarity with the top 10 most powerful entertainment brands sliding in the last six years. Similarly, young people are less aware of movies and TV shows and more knowledgeable about content creators they find on sites like TikTok and, yes, YouTube.

But while knowledge of Hollywood movies continues to slip among young people, fandom among those who are aware of them is growing, according to YouTube's research. In other words, while people may be gravitating to different options in this age of unlimited content, their attachment to their favorites is intensifying.

And that fandom is increasingly personal, according to YouTube, with 63 percent of online 14- to 44-year-olds who identify as fans agreeing with this statement: "I feel successful when the person or thing I'm a fan of experiences success."

The desire to be part of a monoculture remains

A striking aspect of the findings was that many respondents expressed a desire to be part of something bigger or more universal. “...63% agree that being into the same things as other people makes them feel part of something bigger," according to YouTube.

In that vein, many people are seeking out more personalized experiences online, with creators and communities that align with their interests, according to YouTube. So, while a teenager might not be aware that The Odyssey was coming to their local multiplex, they are actively seeking content (videos, podcasts, social media posts) about films they already know and love.

"Social connection is an important dynamic evolutionarily," Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture & Trends at YouTube, tells Mashable. "If you look at the hierarchy of needs, it’s really important. Fandom has always existed; we always found ways to feel connected to things, but we would never have to say it before because we weren’t living in an environment where it was possible to actually have so many individualized experiences. That's part of the time that we're in."

How do you define mainstream?

For YouTube and NRG, mainstream is the sweet spot of visibility, comprehension, and understanding — when something is "seen everywhere, actively engaged with, and understood across audiences."

Participation is a key factor in breaking through to the mainstream, according to YouTube. When people share memes, record podcasts, or film videos about subjects — everything from sports events like the World Cup to content creators like Mr. Beast — it gives them more credence. According to the trends survey, 65 percent of 14- to 44-year-olds agree that something feels more real or legitimate when they see it show up on YouTube.

Backrooms to the front

In its release on the study, YouTube highlights the case of Backrooms, one of the year’s biggest blockbusters. What started as an eerie photograph turned into an urban legend of abandoned, liminal spaces thanks to online forums, fan art, and YouTube videos that generated 15 billion YouTube views.

Backrooms moved towards critical mass when online creator Kane Parsons adapted the mythology into a series of found-footage films, which then became a full-length movie Parsons himself directed. At 19 years old, Parsons became the youngest director to top the global box office. Talk about mainstream.

TL;DR: The Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 ultra-wide gaming monitor is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon, down from its $399.99 list price.

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5

$279.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120

Get Deal

If you want more room for games without setting up two separate monitors, Samsung’s 34-inch take on the Odyssey G5 is back under $300 at Amazon. The ultra-wide variant gives you a much broader 21:9 display than a regular gaming monitor, along with a deep curve and a refresh rate that still reaches well beyond 144Hz. 

As of Sept. 10, this specific 34-inch model of the Samsung Odyssey G5 (G55T) is $279.99 at Amazon, down by $120 from its $399.99 list price as part of a limited-time deal. That comes to a 30% saving, with Amazon selling and shipping the monitor directly — free 30-day returns also being included.

The extra width is probably the main reason to pick this version over the smaller Odyssey G5 models like the 27-inch G5.  

The 34-inch VA panel with a 3440x1440 Ultra-WQHD resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio grants you more horizontal space for racing games like Forza Horizon 5, RPGs in the realm of Baldurs Gate 3, or just having other windows open alongside whatever you’re playing.

Samsung also uses a 1,000R curve for this particular version, which bends the screen much further around your viewing position than a flatter display. Despite the larger size, the G5 still offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time, so fast-moving games shouldn’t feel sluggish. 

A favorite usual feature of ours that we’ve seen more among Samsung monitors, too — AMD FreeSync Premium is supported for reducing tearing and stutter, with low frame-rate compensation also included. That’s along with HDR10 adding a little more range to brighter and darker areas of the picture, while HDMI and DisplayPort cover all the main connections you’re likely to need.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Apple has announced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, bringing upgraded health sensors, continuous heart-rate sampling and new AI-powered features. CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana gives a first look at the new S11 chip, readiness tracking, ceramic models and battery life updates.

Read more about Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Apple Watch Series 12 announced: What we know about release date, price, and features
Apple Watch Ultra 4 announced with no price increase, new features

Timecode chapters
00:00 Intro: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 hands-on
00:22 Price breakdown and comparison
00:45 Upgraded performance: S11 chip and AI features
01:05 Audio intelligence and live rewind feature
02:12 Redesigned health sensors and continuous heart rate tracking
02:58 New readiness score and health app overhaul
04:42 New ceramic and bronze finish options
05:00 Battery life and ultra extended workout mode
05:33 Final Thoughts: Are they worth the upgrade?

Video credits
Host: Vanessa Orellana
Scripted by: Vanessa Orellana
Producer: Numi Prasarn
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Dillon Payne
Thumbnail designer: Cole Kan

Apple announces its latest masterpiece — the iPhone Duo — and man, is it something else. CNET's Abrar Al-Heeti walks us through all the major features and things to know about this futuristic phone phenomenon.

Read more about the iPhone Duo: Here’s what the iPhone Duo actually looks like in people’s hands
The iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which foldable has the edge?

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction to the foldable iPhone duo
00:11 Display specifications and matte screen finish
00:38 Camera setup and telephoto trade-offs
00:57 Dimensions and folding body
01:16 Apple Pencil support vs. Galaxy Z Fold
01:28 Touch ID authentication
01:36 Color options and titanium frame
01:44 Battery life expectations
02:05 Performance and A20 Pro chip
02:10 Dual-screen camera features
02:31 Pricing, preorders and availability

Video credits
Host: Abrar Al-Heeti
Scripted by: Abrar Al-Heeti
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Wes Ott
Thumbnail designer: Viva Tung

While singles might be staring down a bleak dating scene, they still believe in love, according to Match's latest Singles in America survey. From tradwives to AI, here's what singles said about the state of finding a lasting connection.

Singles have hope for love

Seventy-six percent of the 5,000 U.S. singles surveyed by Match between March and April 2026 believe romantic love can last forever. Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) believe some relationships are meant to be, and 61 percent believe there's a perfect match or soulmate for everyone.

Despite this, though, 45 percent aren't actively looking for a committed relationship — but would welcome one if the right person came along. Only 16 percent are actively seeking this type of partnership, while 72 percent are interested or open to dating or a relationship.

It does seem that singles are willing to branch out of their usual "types." Nearly half (49 percent) have fallen for someone they didn't initially find attractive. Among singles who've made a list of qualities they want in a partner, 46 percent fell for someone who didn't fit it.

"There's an interesting tension in the data: singles today have clear expectations for a partner, but love still has the ability to surprise them," said Dr. Justin Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Kinsey partnered with Match for the survey. "Knowing what matters to you doesn't mean knowing exactly who you'll fall for."

When do you know it's serious?

Match and Kinsey asked participants what signals that a potential partner is serious about them — no games, no ghosting, no playing hard-to-get. The biggest answer, which over half selected (56 percent), is that they make time for you. Next up was clearly paying attention to what you've said or engaging in active listening, which 52 percent selected. Still high on the list are being willing to talk about their feelings towards you at 47 percent, and giving physical affection, like holding hands, at 41 percent.

What about removing social media from one's phone? Twenty-seven percent. Paying for a date, which is a "non-negotiable" for some TikTokkers? Just 19 percent. It seems like a physical and emotional connection and quality time matter more to daters when it comes to finding a "real" relationship.

The impact of tradwife content

Around a third (37 percent) of participants stated they've seen an increased in content about "traditional" dating trends and lifestyles, such as tradwife content. But 41 percent said no, and 22 percent were unsure.

And only 21 percent stated that social media has influenced their preferences around gender roles in romantic relationships. A participant's age and experience in past relationships had bigger impacts (41 percent and 38 percent selected these, respectively).

The dominant answer when it comes to "traditional gender roles" in relationships (the survey uses the example of men handling finances and women managing household tasks) is a preference for more modern, flexible roles (44 percent). Around the same number of people either prefer traditional roles (28 percent) or have no strong preference either way (27 percent).

Money moves are important

At a time when inflation is outpacing salaries, money matters. Eighty-nine percent of participants agree that both partners should share financial decisions equally. Seventy-one percent say being open about money builds trust in a relationship, too, leading Match to conclude that "compatibility extends to money." Around the same number of people, 70 percent, are open to signing a prenup or similar agreement.

And just over half (56 percent) believe they can still fall in love with someone who views finances and spending differently than they do, so it's not a total dealbreaker.

AI is less of a dealbreaker

Last year's Singles in America survey was focused on AI, with the number of singles using AI to date up 300 percent.

This year, half of singles said they wouldn't use AI for dating in the future, and 37 percent said they didn't think AI could be helpful for early dating at all. At the same time, 37 percent said they wouldn't consider the use of AI to be a dealbreaker.

But, compared to last year, fewer people consider using AI to alter their image or profile photo to be a dealbreaker: 34 percent this year compared to 44 percent last year. In 2025, 36 percent considered it a dealbreaker to use AI to generate conversations. Now, around 30 percent said it's a dealbreaker to use AI to help with all their dating app conversations.

Around two-thirds (66 percent) believe that AI can't replace human connection (in a way that people would stop needing or wanting connection with other humans in favor of connections with AI). And nearly half (47 percent) don't believe AI could help improve human connection.

So, it seems singles are torn about using AI in dating and AI companions. But when it comes to finding love overall, it's more unanimous that some things are just meant to be.

Apple announces the AirPods 5 in two distinct versions, both featuring 50% more effective active noise canceling and lower prices than previous models. In this video, we break down the key differences between the base and step-up models, including battery life, swipe controls and acoustic upgrades.

Read more about Apple’s new AirPods 5: Apple announces two new AirPods 5 models at iPhone launch event
How to preorder the 2 new AirPods 5 models

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction and pricing overview
00:14 Step-up vs. base model differences
00:21 Battery life breakdown
00:27 Design, sound quality and ANC improvements
00:43 H2 chip and conclusion

Video credits
Host: David Carnoy
Scripted by: David Carnoy
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Jon Gomez
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 10, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. Compared to their full price of $169.99, that's a $20 discount.

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Credit: Soundcore

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro by Anker Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

$149.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal

Amazon has dropped a sweet deal on the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, which were released just a few months ago, back in May. For a limited time, as of Sept. 10, shoppers can scoop up these noise-canceling buds for $20 off.

While these earbuds are normally priced at $169.99, Amazon's knocked them down to $149.99, though not for long. Each color, all on sale, has a 'limited time deal' tag, so you can choose between the standard black, pearl blue, pearl white, or rose gold models. So, if one pair catches your eye, you'll want to make a move on it fast before the deal is gone.

In our first impressions piece on these earbuds, Mashable's Bethany Allard wrote that "the mic performance is no joke" thanks to the new THUS AI chip, and that noise cancellation worked very well. Allard added that, "these earbuds have eight microphones that work together with the THUS chip to provide the best possible noise cancellation. The result is impressive, especially considering their $169.99 price point."

It comes with a cool charging case as well, which features a smart display that lets you control various earbud functions and check their battery life. Allard noted that "Despite the small screen, this was a surprisingly convenient way to use the earbuds — especially when pairing them to new devices."

Since they're listed as limited-time deals, they may not be on sale for long. Act fast to save on the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds at Amazon while they're still discounted.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Top tech editors share their thoughts and questions about the new iPhone Duo foldable phone. Watch PCMag's Iyaz Akhtar, CNET's Scott Stein and Bridget Carey, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth and ZDNET's Nina Raemont as they break down all the news and devices announced at Apple's September iPhone 18 event.

Read more about Apple’s iPhone 18 event and its new devices: Apple Event 2026 recap: Everything announced, including foldable iPhone Duo
Here’s what the iPhone Duo actually looks like in people’s hands
The iPhone 18 Pro costs more — and your old iPhone is worth less

Timecode chapters
00:00 Apple event opening and event expectations
02:15 iPhone duo keynote reveal and initial impressions
05:10 iPhone duo design: foldable display and hinge mechanics
08:45 Inner vs. outer screens: passport size and aspect ratios
11:30 Under-display camera tech and crease test breakdown
14:20 Apple Pencil support and new dock UI
17:05 Performance: A20 Pro chip, RAM and eSIM battery gains
20:40 Touch ID return and biometric security options
23:15 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Variable aperture camera system
26:50 iPhone 18 Pro battery life and 15-minute fast charging
29:30 Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Longevity and health metrics
32:10 AirPods 5 updates and live translation features
35:40 Pricing breakdown, preorders and value analysis
38:15 Final verdict and which device you should buy

Video credits
Hosts: Bridget Carey and Iyaz Akhtar
Panelists: Patrick Holland, Abrar Al-Heeti, Nina Raemont and Timothy Beck Werth
Producer: Stephen Beacham
Co-producer: Vidisha Yadav
Camera: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

TL;DR: At IFA 2026, TCL expanded its lineup with two flush-mounted Designer Series TV lines running Google TV: the A300L 4K QLED and the A400U 4K QD-Mini LED (both starting at $799.99). Both models sit just 1.1 inches off the wall and include a flush wall mount in the box, and double as digital art galleries.

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Credit: TCL

TCL A300L 4K QLED Designer Series

Starting from $799.99

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: TCL

TCL A400U 4K QD-Mini LED Designer Series

Starting from $799.99

Shop Now

TCL is aiming straight at Samsung's home decor dominance with a fresh double-barrel expansion to its flush-mounted lineup. Running Google TV, the new A300L 4K QLED and A400U 4K QD-Mini LED both sit flat against your drywall at just 1.1 inches deep.

They feature an ultra-matte, anti-glare screen engineered to minimize reflections, so that displayed digital art resembles printed canvas. The TVs include a dedicated flush wall mount right in the box, alongside a curated Art Library, AI art generation, and personal photo modes to keep your living room looking sharp when you're not streaming.

Built for viewers who want a display that handles gaming and fast motion just as well as decor, the A300L 4K QLED delivers a native 144Hz refresh rate, Motion Rate 480 processing, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and four HDMI ports with eARC.

Audio is powered by a built-in 20W Onkyo system supporting Dolby Atmos. It comes out of the box with an off-white bezel plus a light-wood magnetic frame that snaps on in seconds to match your furniture.

It is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch sizes, with the 85-inch option landing soon.

For those who refuse to compromise on picture depth, the A400U 4K QD-Mini LED steps up to TCL's Halo Control System and Local Dimming Pro+. It combines a high-contrast HVA panel with a 23-bit backlight controller to eliminate haloing around bright objects.

Besides its ultra-thin art profile and reflection-cutting matte finish, you get a 144Hz native panel, Game Accelerator 288 for low-lag gaming, and dedicated 4K/144Hz inputs on HDMI 1 and 2. Audio also gains DTS:X passthrough alongside Dolby Atmos, making it a true flagship display disguised as living room decor.

It is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch configurations.

Head over to TCL or Amazon to check out the new A300L and A400U Designer Series as they land at US retailers.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Apple's September event unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max specifically designed for Apple Intelligence with new camera features, the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with advanced health tracking features and the hotly anticipated folding iPhone, officially called the iPhone Duo. Get all the highlights from Apple's event in less than 14 minutes.

Read more about Apple’s September event: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on folding iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and new AirPods
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Everything Apple changed

Timecode chapters
00:00 Apple Intelligence overview
00:56 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max announcement
02:20 A20 Pro chip and thermal management
02:52 Battery life and faster charging
03:29 Camera system and variable aperture
04:35 iPhone 18 Pro pricing and availability
04:51 AirPods 5 launch
05:52 Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
07:13 Audio Intelligence and Siri recap
08:08 Apple Watch finishes and battery stats
08:54 iPhone duo reveal
09:58 iPhone duo displays and Apple Pencil support
11:06 iPhone duo multitasking and nano-texture display
12:25 iPhone duo camera and smart take
13:13 iPhone duo pricing and release date

Video credits
Producer: Owen Poole
Video Editor: Owen Poole
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $77.98 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box

$77.98 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $42.01

 

Get Deal

Prices have been hopping up and down when it comes to the Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black expansion, but it looks like the sub-$80 range is becoming the norm for its ETB while stocks last. 

As of Sept. 10, the Pokémon TCG: Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is ready to buy for as low as $77.98 at Amazon. 

That knocks $42.01 off the $119.99 list price, translating to a 35% saving. The default listing, sold and shipped directly by Amazon (free delivery currently estimated for Sept. 15, or Sept. 13 for Prime members), currently has 10 units left at the time of writing; however, third-party seller ‘shopnav’ has dropped its own to the same price.

Amazon isn’t quite at TCGplayer pricing, although there’s now less than $6 separating its deal from the trading card marketplace’s $72.30 estimated market value. That said, buying from TCGplayer listings can save you even more money, with the lowest now at $72.99, including shipping, putting it $4.99 below Amazon.

No matter who you buy this Pitch Black box from, you’re getting nine Pitch Black booster packs of trading cards inside the ETB, alongside a full-art foil Zarude promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, and a player’s guide. That’s along with six damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, dividers, a collector’s box, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

At $77.98, the boosters alone average roughly $8.66 apiece — saving you 29 cents per pack compared to buying single Pitch Black boosters for $8.95, before accounting for the accessories or promo. 

Belkin IFA 2026 accessories

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SureFind Spot Tracker

$14.99

Shop Now

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SureFind Loop Cable Tag

$24.99 USD

Learn More

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Compact Magnetic Ring Stand

$24.99

Learn More

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SureFind Bluetooth Tracker Card

$26.99

Shop Now

---

BoostCharge Compact USB-C 30W Charger

$26.99

Shop Now

---

SureFind Wallet Stand

$39.99

Learn More

---

UltraCharge 11K Power Bank

$59.99

Shop Now

---

UltraCharge 22K Power Bank

$99.99

Shop Now

At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Belkin rolled out a massive suite of connected accessories aimed at fixing the annoying parts of living with everyday tech. Instead of just churning out boring charging bricks, the brand put serious thought into usability.

That means retractable cables built right into high-power portable batteries, item trackers that work on both iPhone and Android networks, and fast chargers styled to match Apple's newest laptops. Best of all, prices start at just $14.99.

UltraCharge Power Banks

Built for anyone tired of fishing loose cords out of their backpack, the UltraCharge Smart Display line features a 70cm retractable USB-C cable that snaps clean into the housing. You also get a digital screen that shows battery percentage, wattage, and heat levels in real-time.

The UltraCharge 11K gives you 11,000mAh with 60W fast charging — enough to boost an iPhone 17 halfway in 24 minutes — while the UltraCharge 22K steps up to a huge 22,000mAh battery with 120W combined output to keep laptops running anywhere.

SureFind Trackers

If you constantly lose your keys or wallet, Belkin has also dropped its new SureFind tracking tag collection. Unlike standard AirTags, these work on both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub, making them perfect for split-tech households.

You can grab the coin-style SureFind Spot for everyday items, or step up to the waterproof, ultra-slim SureFind Card for your wallet. There's even a SureFind Loop Cable Tag that doubles as a charging cord, arriving this month, and a SureFind Wallet Stand packed with RFID blocking and a built-in kickstand, arriving in October.

Ring Stands & Wall Plugs

Belkin didn't forget about quick phone setups on the go, either. The Compact Magnetic Ring Stand uses strong magnets and a clever vacuum base to hold your iPhone, Pixel, or Galaxy phone to airplane tray tables or bathroom mirrors for easy viewing — and officially lands this November.

To top it off, Belkin refreshed its popular BoostCharge 30W Wall Charger with a matching 2m braided cable in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver finishes designed specifically to pair with the latest MacBook Neo shades.

Not everything is hitting shelves at the same time, but you can head over to Belkin or Amazon to browse the lineup and grab the first wave as it rolls out this fall.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon, down from its $109.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot

$79.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $30

 

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Buying Pokémon TCG boosters one at a time can quickly get expensive, especially for slightly older expansions as newer ones come out. So, this surprise Amazon discount makes Mega Evolution a great collection of cards to stock up on if you’ve been missing out.

As of Sept. 10, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot is $79.99 at Amazon, taking exactly $30 off its $109.99 list price for a 27% saving. The offer comes from third-party seller USTOYS, with free delivery currently estimated for Sept. 18. Amazon also marks this as the lowest price in the past 30 days. However, only 15 were shown as remaining when we checked. 

There is another $79.99 Amazon listing through BTran Collectables if you want it a little sooner, with delivery slated for Sept. 15 to 17. Alternatively, J & M Collectibles has an $89.95 option that ships directly from Amazon and is scheduled to arrive Sept. 15 — a solid backup if both of the cheaper $80 deals sell out.

Across all eight boosters, you’re getting 80 Pokémon trading cards in total, bringing the discounted bundle to essentially $9.99 per pack. With that, you’ll save a whole $5.21 per pack compared to buying Mega Evolution packs individually, which are currently $15.20 each (including delivery).

As for what you could pull, the Mega Evolution expansion includes 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, 22 illustration rare Pokémon, 22 ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Trainer cards, plus 10 special illustration rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Supporter cards. 

Among the most valuable chase cards you can still pull right now, Mega Evolution boasts some big hits — including MHR Mega Lucario ex, MHR Mega Gardevoir ex, and SIR Mega Gardevoir ex — worth up to $250. Each Pokémon TCG card from the Mega Evolution expansion is available to buy individually at TCGplayer. 

Trump held a big midterm convention on Wednesday, but many Republicans apparently had to miss out.

In the Daily Show clip above Michael Kosta gleefully recaps the various excuses given, from Rep. Mike Flood saying his son has a high school football game ("Oh yeah, classic mid-week high school football game," says Kosta, "That's why they call it Wednesday night lights") to Rep. Rich McCormick's son getting married in Greece ("Look son, I need you to get married in Greece this week," Kosta says. "I know you don't love her, but this is important.").

The highlight? House Appropriations chair Tom Cole apparently not being able to go due to a "can't-miss dove hunting event."

"Well yeah!" says Kosta. "You can't miss dove hunting. Eat lead, symbol of peace!"

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 10, every color of the Ninja FrostVault Go soft backpack coolers at Amazon has dipped below $180, making for $20 in overall savings compared to their $199.99 list price.

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Credit: Ninja

Ninja FrostVault Go Soft Backpack Cooler, Charcoal Gray

$179.49 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20.50

 

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If you're looking forward to camping trips or outdoor excursions this fall but don't want to drag around a wheeled cooler for your drinks and food, the Ninja FrostVault Go soft backpack cooler is worth considering. As of Sept. 10, every color is on sale at Amazon as well (even after Labor Day!), so it's a perfect time to look into it.

The cheapest of the colors, though not by a massive amount, is the charcoal gray backpack cooler, discounted to $179.49. The lakeshore blue variant closely follows it at $179.95, while the remaining colors are all priced at $179.99. Compared to their full price of $199.99, this is roughly $20 in savings on each, which isn't too bad at all.

The main appeal of this cooler is that it's a backpack. It features a padded back panel and backpack straps that make carrying it around nice and easy as you move from place to place. It can hold quite a lot as well: up to 24 cans without ice, or up to 16 with ice. Plus, it has a very helpful built-in Cold Dry Zone for your food, so it stays dry and separate from the drinks you've packed.

Another cool feature is a built-in bottle-opener attachment. So if you accidentally forgot to bring one, this backpack has you covered.

As we get further away from Labor Day, these deals may not be live for very long. Be quick to scoop up your preferred color of Ninja FrostVault Go soft backpack cooler while it's still on sale.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Belkin revealed its UltraCharge Pro series using semi-solid-state battery tech for slimmer, longer-lasting portable power. The lineup includes the 8.8mm-thin UltraCharge Pro Slim Magnetic Power Bank ($69.99) and the UltraCharge Pro Power Bank with Display ($89.99).

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Credit: Belkin

Belkin UltraCharge Pro Slim 5000mAh Semi-Solid-State Power Bank

$69.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

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Credit: Belkin

Belkin UltraCharge Pro 10000mah Power Bank

$89.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Carrying a portable charger usually means dealing with a heavy brick in your pocket or bag. Belkin is trying to fix that with its latest drop from IFA 2026. The tech accessory company revealed its UltraCharge Pro series, which uses semi-solid-state battery tech for slimmer, longer-lasting portable power. The lineup includes the UltraCharge Pro Slim Magnetic Power Bank ($69.99) and the UltraCharge Pro Power Bank with Display ($89.99).

Instead of standard liquid-cell batteries, Belkin added a gel-like layer to the battery setup. That simple tweak allows the chargers to stay lightweight, last up to three times longer, and handle heat much better — so you do not have to worry about overheating or battery swelling down the road.

UltraCharge Pro Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K

If you want a power bank that snaps onto your phone without turning it into a brick, this is the one. The UltraCharge Pro Slim Magnetic Power Bank packs a 5,000mAh battery into an 8.8mm body — which is roughly 40% thinner than standard 5K chargers.

Credit: Belkin

Credit: Belkin

• Fast wireless charging — Delivers up to 15W of cable-free power using Qi2 magnetic tech.

• Wired option — Has a USB-C port that puts out up to 22.5W if you want a faster, plugged-in charge.

• Dual device support — You can charge two things at once — one wirelessly and one through the USB-C port.

• Pass-through charging — Plug it into the wall, and it will charge your phone wirelessly at up to 7.5W while topping itself up.

• Built to last — Uses Belkin’s semi-solid BoostSolid Cell tech, which gives it 3x longer lifespan and better heat management, so it does not degrade quickly.

UltraCharge Pro Power Bank 10K

This one is built for heavier power needs or multiple phone charges. Despite packing a 10,000mAh capacity, it is 27% smaller than the average 10K power banks.

Credit: Belkin

Credit: Belkin

• Serious speed — The main USB-C port delivers up to 60W, enough to fast-charge laptops, tablets, and phones.

• Three-port setup — Features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, letting you charge up to three devices at the same time.

• Smart display — Shows real-time battery status, charging output, and wattage so you always know what is happening.

• Fast recharge — Supports 40W USB-C input, so the power bank recharges quickly when plugged into a wall outlet.

• Advanced protection — Monitors internal temperatures every 20 milliseconds to keep things running cool and safe.

Both models are now available at Belkin and Amazon, so you can pick whichever best fits your charging setup.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 10, the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $699.99.

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Credit: Dreame

Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop

$499.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $200

 

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Robot vacuums saw some great discounts during Labor Day, and while those sales have mostly ended, there are still a few deals on these helpful cleaners lingering. The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop is holding on at Amazon with a $200 price cut, though not for long.

As of Sept. 10, the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 is on sale for $499.99 at the retailer, which is a nice drop from its full price of $699.99. However, there's a countdown on the store page indicating this offer is only available through the end of today. So, if it's caught your attention, time is running out to grab it at this lower price.

Now that fall weather has arrived, and people are keeping warm indoors more often, this Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 combo cleaner can help keep your floors clean and tidy. When vacuuming, its 25,000Pa suction can lift dust, hair, and dirt from carpets or off hard surfaces. And when mopping for the latter, the DuoScrub Mopping System uses two high-speed rotary mops to scrub out stains.

This combo cleaner can even extend a brush and mop to reach tricky corners or underneath furniture. Plus, it maps out your home and avoids obstacles using Smart Pathfinder and 3DAdapt technology.

If you've been hoping to grab a robot vacuum to have for your fall cleaning, don't miss out on this last-chance deal on the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

AI-related news has shifted from depressing to deeply disturbing recently, with an Anthropic researcher quitting the company and stating that he believes artificial intelligence "could kill us all by the end of the decade" — a statement that seemed to be reinforced (unintentionally) by an Anthropic spokesperson.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel is shocked that the news isn't bigger.

"You know I always thought these big companies were willing to destroy the planet for profit because it didn't affect them personally," the host says. "The end of all human life, that's pretty personal. That's about as personal as it gets. And I will say in times like these, that's when I'm very grateful we have a president who is on top of this stuff."

Cue a clip of Trump waving off a question from a reporter about a AI potentially turning on humanity, casually saying "It's gonna be fine, we'll always have something to stop them."

"Meh, no problem," says Kimmel. "Maybe that's why he doesn't care about the future of the country: He knows we don't have one."

SAVE $100: As of Sept. 10, the Amazon eero Pro 7 is on sale at Amazon for $699.99. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon eero Pro 7

$699.99 at Amazn
$799.99 Save $100

 

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Struggling with patchy WiFi around your home? The Amazon eero Pro 7 is designed to keep your connection fast and reliable across multiple rooms, with a mesh setup that can help eliminate dead zones. And as of Sept. 10, it's on sale at Amazon for $100 off the list price. Normally $799.99, you can now upgrade your WiFi setup for $699.99.

If you're not familiar with a mesh WiFi setup, it's essentially a main router paired with extra boosters placed around your home to extend WiFi coverage. This is the three-pack, so you get the main router plus two additional devices to help keep your connection strong in different rooms.

The eero Pro 7 supports internet plans up to 5 Gbps, with two auto-sensing 5 GbE ports and wireless speeds of up to 3.9 Gbps. The three-pack model can cover up to 6,000 sq ft and support more than 600 devices. Plus, it has WiFi 7 features such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which will help give you all-around faster speeds.

It's also backward compatible with previous generations of eero and with some Amazon Echo devices with eero built in.

Get this router deal at Amazon now.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Yoto is getting a makeover.

Available for preorder as of Sept. 10, the popular kids’ audio players have received an upgrade in the form of enhanced tech specs, new chipsets, a bigger nightlight, and an overall design evolution that includes some cool new features that both kids and parents will love.

“We've re-engineered the entire product from the ground up,” Yoto co-founder and CEO Ben Drury told Mashable. “It's actually finally the product that we wanted to create in the first place.”

Credit: Yoto

The 4th generation of the Yoto Player and the Yoto Mini include the introduction of the brand new Green Button. Located on the side of each device, this button will allow kids to access a host of downloaded audio stored locally on the player — no WiFi or Yoto Card necessary.

Once their grown-up puts it onto the player, they can rifle through tracks on their own. Devices will contain two playlists of up to 20 titles, putting even more power into their sticky little fingers.

Part of the retooling also includes faster download times, better connectivity, and up to 1,000 hours of storage (64GB) for each device.

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Credit: Yoto

Yoto Player (4th Generation)

$149.99 at Yoto

 

Pre-order Here

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Credit: Yoto

Yoto Mini (4th Generation)

$109.99 at Yoto

 

Pre-order Here

While any parent will tell you that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, each Yoto is getting a spiffed-up look on the outside too. The audio players have softened their edges, with a more rounded, friendlier aesthetic that is sure to appeal to kids while still looking great on the shelf.

With these design shifts, the Yoto will outgrow the previous generation of silicone Adventure Jackets, though we're told these will get an overhaul in the near future as well. Wireless docks and travel cases will remain compatible.

The new Yoto Mini will retail for $109.99 and is expected to start shipping as of Sept. 30, while the Yoto Player will retail for $149.99 and is expected as of Oct. 15.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

14. Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool

Do you actually know the story of Mr. T? The A-Team legend otherwise known as Laurence Tureaud gets his own Netflix documentary, tracking his career through professional wrestling, his iconic roles on screen including Clubber Lang in Rocky III and instantly recognisable A-Teamer B.A. Baracus, as well as his Chicago childhood, with plenty of interviews with special guests and Mr. T himself.

However, it seems Mr. T doesn't love the result. "The documentary pissed me off, because they didn't cover a lot of stuff. When I saw it, I was like: 'What the heck?' It's garbage. You build me up, then you try to punk me out. I said: 'Wow man, I'm more than that,'" he told the Guardian. "That’s what we call, in the Black community, a white man wanting to change the story and control the narrative. If you don't know me, you’re gonna think I’m some monster." — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

How to watch: Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool is now streaming on Netflix.

13. A Killer Story

From One Night in Idaho: The College Murders director Matthew Galkin comes HBO's latest true crime series, which takes on the decades-long case of Dana Chandler, convicted for a 2002 double homicide in Topeka, Kansas. Notably, it's a case that preceded social media storms around true crime and armchair detectives posting online, with citizen sleuth Eileen Umbehr and her husband Keen devoting their lives to investigating the crime Chandler was charged for. Filmed over six years, A Killer Story sees former New York Times and ProPublica journalist Joe Sexton drawn into the case by Umbehr, as the series examines the trials, evidence, and finer details associated with the case. — S.C.

How to watch: A Killer Story is streaming on HBO Max Sept. 10.

12. Moana

Disney continues to make live-action movies based on their beloved animated films with Moana. And this is certainly one of Disney's cash-grabbing remakes.

In my review, I wrote, "Aside from my general grievance about the lack of innovation in Disney's menagerie of live-action remakes, Moana has a strangely false quality to it. The cast — led by 19-year-old Catherine Laga'aia — gives performances that feel straight out of a Disney Channel show. They're bouncy and broad in a way that made me expect the cheer of a pre-recorded studio audience to break in."

While director Thomas Kail and his ensemble aim to recreate the original film with care, the artifice of CGI backdrops and Dwayne Johnson's eyesore of a Maui costume is ruinous. "The result is a film that misses the point of its protagonist's journey. Rather than going somewhere new, Kail and company avoid discovery, opting instead to approximate popular IP. And in that way, it feels like AI. It does not feel like an earnest, human expression, but rather a shallow approximation that might have the general look but misses the soul of the original work." — K.P.

Starring: Catherine Laga'aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen

How to watch: Moana is now available to rent or buy.

11. Call My Agent! The Movie

After four seasons, beloved French comedy series Call My Agent! wrapped in 2020. Now, directed by Émilie Noblet and written by Call My Agent! creator Fanny Herrero with Lison Daniel, Call My Agent! The Movie reconnects with the illustrious ASK talent agency.

Andréa (Camille Cottin) is directing her first feature. Noémie (Laure Calamy) is kicking goals producing reality TV. When the lead walks off Andréa's set, she'll need new blood — and a new producer. With Noémie and Andréa awkwardly reunited, the drama is high on set. So, they'll need help from the ASK crew — but grudges are hard to shake. — S.C.

Starring: Camille Cottin, Laure Calamy, Thibault de Montalembert, Grégory Montel, Nicolas Maury, Fanny Sidney, Liliane Rovère, Laetitia Casta, Vincent Macaigne, Ophélia Kolb, Anne Marivin and Laurent Lafitte.

How to watch: Call My Agent! The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

10. One Night Only

Will Gluck's One Night Only has started many a conversation, with Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner starring as two people who meet on the world's annual day that unmarried people can have sex. As Mashable's Associate Features Editor Anna Iovine writes, "Rom-com One Night Only comes at a time of increased surveillance and policing of sexual expression on the internet. And in the movie, totalitarianism is played for laughs." See it for yourself, then get reading. — S.C.

Starring: Monica Barbaro, Callum Turner, Molly Ringwald, LeVar Burton, Maya Hawke, Julia Fox, King Princess, Ben Marshall, Ziwe, Ella Loudon

How to watch: One Night Only is now available to rent or buy.

9. Crew Girl

Row, row, row your boat over to Netflix to check out Crew Girl, the streamer's latest YA romance.

Crew Girl introduces talented rower Teagan Tao (Miku Martineau). After a family scandal blows up her life, it's off to a new school for a new beginning. But the prestigious Easton Prep doesn't have a women's rowing team for her to join. Instead, she'll become the coxswain for the men's team, calling the shots from the front of the boat. As she takes on this new challenge, she'll become embroiled in — what else? — a love triangle involving two team members. Promising sporty, soapy romance, Crew Girl seems like the perfect next watch for anyone who devoured Off Campus in one sitting.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Miku Martineau, Kyle Clark, Jessica Paré, Thomas Cadrot, and Sam Braun

How to watch: Crew Girl is now streaming on Netflix.

8. DANG!

Netflix's latest adult animated offering is family comedy Dang!, created by Hacks alum Andrew Law. The series centers on underachieving, unmotivated siblings Andrew and Eunice Dang (voiced by Law and Poppy Liu). When their high-powered lawyer sister Ruthie (voiced by Stephanie Hsu) tries to connect with them in New York, they panic over how much she'll lord her success over them. But turns out, she's screwed up big time. Now, the three siblings have to adjust to a new normal of being in the same city, and perhaps even being there for each other. What follows is an offbeat look at a family that isn't laugh-out-loud funny, but has the bones of being something great. — B.E.

Starring: Stephanie Hsu, Poppy Liu, and Andrew Law

How to watch: DANG! is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Fan Level Midnight: Devoted to the Office

It's a big week for fans of The Office. Not only does The Office spin-off The Paper return for a second season, but Peacock is also releasing Fan Level Midnight: Devoted to the Office. This new docuseries centers on the show's devoted fandom, and how it endures well over a decade after we said goodbye to Dunder Mifflin. On top of featuring interviews from the team behind The Office, Fan Level Midnight also takes it directly to the fans, speaking with everyone from actors in The Office musical parodies to a mechanic who used the show's "Stayin' Alive" CPR scene to save a life. — B.E.

Starring: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, Ed Helms, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Greg Daniels, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Leslie David Baker, Andy Buckley, Kevin Reilly, Will Ferrell, Paul Feig, and more.

How to watch: Fan Level Midnight: Devoted to the Office is now streaming on Peacock.