Google announces Pixel 10, Pixel 4 Watch, and Buds 2a; iPhone 17 leaks as launch approaches; iPhone 17 Pro aluminum body leak; iPhone 17 Pro may retain SIM tray in some countries; Liquid Glass design could mean bezel-less iPhone; iPhone 18 may ditch camera button; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
iPhone 17 faces stiff competition: Google launches new Pixel 10 phones
Google today announced the launch of its new Pixel 10 series of smartphones, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold. These phones are powered by the advanced Tensor G5 chip, designed by Google itself and comparable to Apple's chips in terms of performance. This chip uses advanced technology that makes the phones 34% faster and more power-efficient, and supports advanced artificial intelligence technologies that help enhance the phone experience, such as enhancing photos and videos.
The most expensive phone in this series is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, starting at $1799. It's made of aluminum and water and dust resistant, with a large screen measuring 8 inches when unfolded and 6.4 inches when folded. It also boasts high brightness, making it comfortable to use in sunlight.
The Pixel 10 phones feature a sleek glass-and-metal design, with improved cameras that offer up to 10x optical zoom on the Pixel 10, and up to 100x on the Pro models, all powered by AI.
These phones also support AI technologies like Magic Cue, which provides useful, timely information, and Camera Coach, which helps you take better photos by suggesting ideas for improving lighting or the shooting angle. Additionally, Google has launched a range of accessories, including chargers and stands similar to Apple's MagSafe accessories.
These phones are available for pre-order now, and sales will begin on August 28, with prices starting at $799 for the Pixel 10 and going up to $1799 for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. These phones will compete with Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series, while Apple is expected to launch a foldable phone in 2026.
Google beats Apple by offering satellite connectivity in the Pixel 4 Watch.
Google also announced the launch of the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a. The Pixel Watch 4 features a major update, with Google redesigning it with a curved display that offers a 10% larger display area and a 16% smaller bezel, making it more visible in sunlight. The watch is equipped with a Snapdragon W5 chip and an additional AI-powered processor, improving performance. The battery lasts up to 30 hours in the 41mm model and 40 hours in the 45mm model, and both the display and battery are replaceable for easy repair. The watch is made of aluminum with strong Gorilla Glass and supports emergency satellite calling, allowing communication even without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. This feature outperforms the Apple Watch, which is expected to add this feature later. The watch also offers more accurate sleep tracking, skin temperature measurement, and an AI health assistant that offers sleep and exercise tips. The watch starts at $349.
The Pixel Buds 2a, priced at $129, are cheaper than Apple's AirPods, but offer advanced features like active noise cancellation and improved sound quality thanks to a custom-designed speaker. The earbuds are lighter and more comfortable, with an in-ear design without a protruding stem, and are water and sweat resistant. They also support AI features when paired with a Pixel phone. Google also added updates to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $229, including AirPods-inspired features like Adaptive Sound, which adjusts the volume to the environment and hearing protection from sudden loud noises. The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a are available for pre-order from Google's website.
Apple explains how Motion mode helps Parkinson's patients.
Apple released a touching video demonstrating how the iPhone's Motion mode camera helps people with Parkinson's disease record steady, clear videos. These people suffer from shaky hands, which can make recorded videos appear shaky, but Motion mode automatically stabilizes the image to make them appear smooth. "After 30 years of using cameras, this feature has made photography possible again and changed my life," says Brett, a user. Available on all iPhone models from the 14th to the 16th, except the iPhone 16e, the feature is supported by features like voice control to make using the camera easier.
The new Apple Watch for 2026 will feature fingerprint technology and major updates.
Leaked Apple code reveals plans for a major update to the Apple Watch in 2026. The update will include Touch ID, a fingerprint recognition feature that will make the watch more secure and reduce the need for short digital passwords, especially when using services like Apple Pay. The feature is currently available in experimental models and may be integrated into the display or side button. The Series 12 and Series 4 Ultra will also feature a new, more powerful processor, the T8320, compared to the current processors. The leaks also point to a new design and significant improvements to the watches, setting them apart from previous versions.
WhatsApp is testing an AI-powered writing assistant for iPhone.
WhatsApp is testing a new AI-powered feature for iPhone users to improve writing in messages, called "Writing Assistant." This feature appears when typing a sentence in the chat field, replacing the sticker icon with a pen icon. When tapped, the feature suggests improvements to the message's style or clarity. Users can choose from three suggestions for message wording based on five options: Reword, Professional, Funny, Supportive, or Grammar Correction. The feature operates on a private, privacy-preserving processing system, where messages are encrypted and data is not stored. The feature is currently available in beta via TestFlight and is expected to be available to everyone soon.
Rumor: iPhone 18 may ditch the camera button
An unconfirmed rumor suggests that the iPhone 17 could be the last model to feature a camera button, as few iPhone users use it. According to a Weibo account, Apple has informed its suppliers that it will no longer order this part due to its low usage and a desire to reduce costs. However, this rumor is questionable, as its source is unreliable and there is no evidence to support it. The button, which debuted on the iPhone 16, has sparked mixed reviews; some users like it for making zooming and quick adjustments easier, while others find it unnecessary due to the presence of on-screen controls. Apple's decision to keep or remove the button on the iPhone 18 will depend on how useful it is to users, but talk of its removal now seems premature.
Liquid glass design could pave the way for a bezel-less iPhone
Veteran developer Craig Hockenberry believes that the new “liquid glass” design in iOS 26 could signal major design changes for future iPhones. In a blog post, he explained that Apple focused heavily on showcasing this design during WWDC, but without explaining why it was needed. Hockenberry believes this design prepares developers for new devices with “wraparound” displays that extend to the edges of the device using flexible OLED technology, creating a bezel-less design. Recent reports support this idea, indicating that Apple is working on a fully curved glass phone for the 2027th anniversary iPhone in XNUMX, which could be the biggest redesign yet.
A new update for iOS 18 is coming soon.
A reliable source revealed via the X platform that Apple is preparing to release a new minor update to iOS 18 for the iPhone. The source, who wishes to remain anonymous, indicated that he has seen indications of the iOS 18.6.2 update with build number 22G100, but explained that it may simply be a modified version of iOS 18.6.1. A similar situation occurred last year when the source predicted the iOS 17.5.2 update, but Apple released a modified version of iOS 17.5.1 for the iPad 10. The latest update, iOS 18.6.1, restored the blood oxygen measurement feature on Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 in the US, with calculations performed via the paired iPhone. The new update is expected to include bug fixes, security improvements, or minor tweaks to the blood oxygen feature.
iPhone 17e will get a new design and a dynamic island
Leaks from a reliable source on Weibo, known as “Digital Chat Station,” indicate that the iPhone 17e will feature improvements such as a new design, a dynamic island, and an A19 processor. The phone will maintain a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a 12MP front camera with Face ID support, and a 48MP rear camera. The iPhone 16e was based on the design of the 14 iPhone 2022, so the iPhone 17e could adopt the design of the 15 iPhone 2023, which features more rounded edges and a dynamic island. The phone’s most notable feature is its low price, making it an affordable option. It is expected to launch in early 2026, according to reliable sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman.
Leak: iPhone 17 Pro may retain SIM tray in some countries
Leaks from a source on Naver and leaker Majin Buu indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro models may continue to include a SIM tray in some countries. Previous reports indicated that Apple plans to remove the SIM tray from the iPhone in more countries this year, but no specific countries were specified, and China may not be included. In the US, the iPhone 14 through 16 models do not have a SIM tray, relying entirely on digital eSIM technology. The new iPhone 17 Air is expected to be without a SIM tray in most countries due to its ultra-thin design. Apple says eSIM technology is more secure because it is not removed if the phone is lost or stolen, and up to eight eSIM cards can be managed on the iPhone, making it easier to travel without having to carry physical SIM cards.
The US government may buy a stake in Intel.
The Trump administration is in preliminary talks to acquire a stake in Intel, a former Apple processor supplier, with the aim of accelerating Intel's delayed Ohio chip manufacturing project. The idea emerged after a meeting between President Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bo Tan, but a deal has yet to be finalized. The Ohio project, which was supposed to be the world's largest chip factory, is significantly delayed and will not begin production in the next decade. Intel has also announced significant cuts, including a 15% reduction in its workforce and the elimination of factories in Germany and Poland. Intel supplied processors to Mac computers from 2006 until 2020, when Apple began using its own chips. Intel is now seeking to regain its position in advanced chip manufacturing, while Apple relies on TSMC for its chips.
Miscellaneous news
◉ Apple is planning to introduce new iPhone 17 cases as an alternative to leather, following the discontinuation of its controversial Fine Woven cases. The new cases are made of a synthetic fabric with a more practical, rather than luxurious, design, with a rubberized texture that's easy to grip and more resistant to scratches and damage than Fine Woven. The cases will be available in green, orange, blue, and purple. Leaks also indicate the possibility of introducing "liquid glass"-style cases and silicone cases with a carrying loop.
◉ Apple is increasing iPhone production in India across five factories, reducing its reliance on China for devices destined for the United States. For the first time, all 17 iPhone models will be manufactured in India ahead of their launch next month. Tata's factories are expected to handle half of India's iPhone production over the next two years. iPhone exports from India have surged, reaching $7.5 billion between April and July, compared to $17 billion for the entire previous fiscal year. A report stated that India has become the leading smartphone manufacturer exporting to the US, overtaking China. This move comes amid tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, but Apple maintains exemptions for iPhones made in India, replacing Chinese engineers with those from Taiwan and Japan.
◉ Apple is preparing to launch a "visually redesigned" version of Siri on iPhone and iPad early next year, but details of the new design have not been revealed. Apple redesigned Siri last year on devices that support Apple's AI technology, with a colorful light effect appearing around the edges of the screen when Siri is called, while a circular icon appears on older devices. Reports indicate that Siri will become even more advanced in 2026 with the iOS 26.4 update, allowing users to control apps using voice commands alone, such as editing a photo, commenting on Instagram posts, or adding products to a shopping cart without touching the screen. Apple is also planning to launch a desktop robot in 2027, and Siri may appear on it as a Finder icon or Memoji.
◉ Apple announced the return of the blood oxygen measurement feature to Apple Watches (Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2) in the United States through a software update that transfers measurement data from the watch to the iPhone for display in the Health app. The update will be available on iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, while watches sold outside the US or those that included the original feature will remain unchanged. This move comes after a legal dispute with Masimo, which led to the feature being temporarily discontinued in the US since January 2024.
◉ Leaks have revealed the iPhone 17 Pro's all-aluminum body, featuring a large rectangular camera module spanning the width of the phone, along with a glass back panel housing the Apple logo that supports wireless charging, replacing the previous glass design. Aluminum is 40% lighter than titanium and offers better heat dissipation, enhancing the phone's performance with the A19 Pro chip. New colors are expected, including black, white, gray, navy, and orange.
◉ Apple code reveals that the next generation of Vision Pro glasses will feature the M5 chip, replacing the M4 found in MacBook Air and iPad Pro. The Vision Pro 2 won't feature major design or hardware changes other than the new chip, but it may feature a new strap that makes wearing it more comfortable for extended periods. The device is expected to launch by the end of 2025.
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