Technology

VLC will always have a place on any Windows, macOS, or Linux PC I own. It's been the Swiss Army knife of media players for decades at this point, and you'd be forgiven if you simply stopped looking once you found the one media player to rule them all.

A colleague recently went to see The Prodigy live, and it made me nostalgic about my old PlayStation. Wipeout 2097 was one of the first games I owned for the console, and the song Firestarter still makes me think of the futuristic racing game. I really want to play it again, but instead of setting up RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi, I used an old phone.

While the iPhone Duo was the standout product during Apple's September event, the second biggest news was the camera additions to the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

For the first time ever, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a genuine variable aperture. It's paired with a new set of manual controls, upgraded video features, and a fresh approach to photo authenticity, making this arguably the most substantial camera overhaul Apple has shipped in years.

It's also a meaningful shift in what Apple wants the iPhone to be. Case in point, the event kicks off with different cinematic scenes shot on the iPhone 18 Pro. Between the adjustable aperture, manual shutter speed, manual focus, and a live histogram, the iPhone 18 Pro is basically an entry-level DSLR that can call and text your friends.

That said, it's worth watching how long Apple sticks with the hardware. Variable aperture isn't new to smartphones broadly; Samsung shipped a version of it with the Galaxy S9 and S10, before quietly dropping the feature entirely.

So, whether the feature is here to stay or not, here's a closer look at everything that's new.

Manual controls

For people who like to fine-tune their shots rather than let the phone decide everything, there's a new "Pro controls" panel baked right into the Camera app.

It surfaces the aperture setting mentioned above, plus shutter speed (how long the sensor is exposed to light — faster freezes motion, slower creates blur or lets in more light) and white balance (a color correction that keeps whites looking white instead of tinted orange under indoor lighting or blue in shade).

See that graph in the left corner. Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

There's also a histogram, which is a small graph that plots how exposed an image it. It looks technical, but the practical use is simple: if the graph is bunched up on the left, your photo's probably too dark; bunched on the right, it's probably blown out and too bright.

Smarter tracking, sharper video

Apple has reworked what it calls the "computational imaging pipeline" to produce cleaner, more detailed images. It's a neat, low-key upgrade, as smartphone photos are normally heavily processed by algorithms (merging multiple exposures, reducing noise, sharpening detail) rather than being raw, untouched captures.

Photographic Styles, the tool that lets you set a consistent color/mood preset across your photos, now also includes texture and grain controls. On the video side, Cinematic effects can now be applied after the fact to footage shot at up to 60 frames per second; time-lapse videos support 4K and Dolby Vision HDR; and Audio Mix's algorithms have been updated to produce cleaner-sounding voices and isolate background music more effectively.

There's also a new AI-powered smart focus system designed to lock onto and track a single moving subject through a frame, which should help with shooting kids, pets, or anything else that won't stay still.

Variable aperture

The headline feature is a 48MP main camera built around a physically adjustable aperture, something iPhones have never had before. In cameras, an aperture is the opening in a lens through which light passes to hit the camera sensor. A wider opening lets in more light (better for dim rooms or night shots) and blurs the background more; a narrower opening lets in less light but keeps more of the scene in sharp focus, which is useful outdoors or in group photos where you want everyone's face crisp.

The standard for most smartphone cameras has been a fixed aperture of a single size (the iPhone 17 Pro, for example, had a ƒ/1.78 fixed aperture). Apple says the aperture on the 18 Pro and Pro Max uses six hair-thin, laser-cut blades that can be physically adjusted between four aperture settings, automatically widening or narrowing depending on the lighting and depth of field a shot calls for.

Apple says the change improves low-light photos and produces crisper background detail in group shots, while giving photographers a level of manual control that wasn't previously available on the phone.

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As previously stated, variable aperture settings have existed before, but they don't stick around for long. The biggest reason is durability and production. It's a lot of delicate moving hardware to cram into a device that regularly gets dropped, tossed in bags, and generally treated worse than a dedicated camera ever would be. Even current-generation stabilization systems can behave unpredictably after a hard enough drop, so a mechanical aperture introduces a new point of failure.

The Galaxy S27 was rumored to be getting its own variable aperture system as recently as eight months ago. However, reports in August suggest Samsung scrapped those plans because they made the phone bulkier and were expensive to add for what Samsung deemed to be "minor image-quality gains."

Whether Apple's engineering proves more durable than Samsung's, or whether variable aperture quietly disappears from the iPhone lineup a generation or two from now, remains an open question.

Apple Reference Image

Perhaps the most unusual and frighteningly needed addition is Apple Reference Image, a new authenticity feature built around the Main camera's redesigned sensor.

Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

When a photo is taken in the new "Reference" capture mode, the sensor's data is cryptographically signed and processed through Apple's Private Cloud Compute into an unalterable reference version of the image. In short, it's a digital negative.

That reference photo sits alongside the normal shot in the Photos app, which can be compared with the final image to check whether it's been edited. Combined with image metadata and upcoming support for the SynthID watermarking standard, which flags AI-generated or AI-edited images.

Apple is positioning the feature as a way for photojournalists and everyday users alike to verify that a photo is what it claims to be, at a moment when AI-edited and AI-generated images are becoming harder to distinguish from real ones.

Microsoft included a number of really helpful features and tools in past versions of Windows that many users came to love. While some of these utilities have survived the transition to Windows 11, others were left by the wayside. Some even made it to Windows 11, only to be retired in one of its subsequent updates. Here are some of my favorite classic Windows tools that are missing from Windows 11, with the latest version of Windows still lacking equivalent features.

The Raspberry Pi was once an easy recommendation for low-cost tinkering projects, running smart home software, and more. Recently, newer models have gotten so expensive that they're no longer low-cost. Here are some reasons why the older Raspberry Pi 3B+ still beats these newer models.

The solar system's smallest planet has suffered significant shrinkage, drawing up 30 percent more than scientists even previously estimated. 

Mercury, which orbits closest to the sun, is a tiny rocky world that has continuously leaked heat into space since its sizzly formation 4.5 billion years ago. As its heavy iron core cools, the entire planet shrinks, like a grape transforming into a raisin in the sun. Its outer crust buckles and cracks around it, but on a planet scale, those surface wrinkles translate into huge cliffs and mountainous ridges. 

A new study reveals Mercury has lost up to 14.5 miles of its diameter since birth. That might not seem like much until you realize that the planet is only 3,000 miles wide overall. For decades, researchers may have underestimated the planet's contraction because the rough terrain was obscuring the true extent of the damage. 

"Thirty percent is a little bit surprising, but the corrected amount of contraction actually makes sense to me," said Gaku Nishiyama, a planetary scientist at the German Aerospace Center Institute of Space Research and lead author on the study, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: Astronomer proposes jaw-dropping reason why we don't have a super-Earth

A barrage of meteors pock Mercury's surface, cratering the land and hurling giant shattered rock across the planet. The rubble seems to create a fresh gravel spread, concealing the planet's wrinkles. 

While testing Nishiyama's hypothesis, a team of researchers discovered a clear pattern: The rugged regions contained the fewest visible wrinkles. Around major impacts, like the massive Rachmaninoff crater, tectonic cracks disappeared almost entirely under thick layers of debris. 

"We compared a global map of Mercury's surface roughness with maps of shortening structures and contraction," Nishiyama said. "Mercury appears to have shrunk considerably more than what the visible tectonic record alone suggested."

After accounting for these hidden features, the researchers recalculated Mercury's total contraction. The results were published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal this week. 

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For scientists, the findings could resolve a long-standing tension. Previous estimates suggested far less shrinking than physics predicted, leaving researchers uncomfortable with their understanding of how planets cool. By correcting the math, astronomers may be able to unlock clues about Mercury's original temperature and how other shrinking rocky worlds, like our own moon, evolve over time. 

NASA's Messenger spacecraft captured the Rachmaninoff crater, a double-ring basin about 180 miles wide, on Mercury in 2009. Credit: NASA / JHUAPL / CIW

A faster shrinkage rate may mean Mercury holds a much larger metal core that contains fewer light elements, such as silicon, than previously thought. That matters because a larger iron core would rewrite what scientists know about Mercury's birth. More metal would strongly suggest the planet survived a catastrophic collision with another body in its ancient history, an event that could have stripped away most of its rocky crust. An oversized core might also explain how such a tiny world kept its interior churning, a necessity for its global magnetic field. 

Scientists won't have to wait long to verify the team's work with fresh data. The BepiColombo spacecraft, a joint mission of the European Space Agency and Japan's JAXA, is on its last leg of its space journey to Mercury. It's expected to enter orbit around the planet in November. 

Equipped with advanced lasers, BepiColombo will scan Mercury's surface to detect fine details in its surface features that earlier space missions missed. Only two missions — NASA's Mariner 10 and Messenger — have visited the planet before, and only Messenger has ever orbited it.

Whether you’re a gamer, work from home, or just spend a lot of time at your PC, you likely sit at your desk for hours each day. That’s why it’s worth making your setup as cozy and convenient as possible.

2026 has been a weird year for me. I'm one of the most "pro DIY PC" people you'll ever meet. I built my first PC around 20 years ago, and I've never touched a prebuilt since then, except for the purpose of reviewing them. And yet, this year, I bought a prebuilt—not for me, but still.

Netflix is still the undisputed king of the streamers, having been doing it since 2007 and making its own shows since 2012. That means that while it has accumulated a vast number of hits, award winners, and record-breakers, it's also had its fair share of originals that once broke new ground and ruled the conversations, but have long since slipped into obscurity.

Anthropic is reportedly in talks with Nvidia to secure funding for its upcoming IPO, according to an exclusive report from Reuters. If the deal goes through, it'd make Anthropic's IPO one of the largest stock market debuts ever.

Reuters report cites two people familiar with the discussions between the Claude maker and Nvidia, although they weren't at liberty to speak publicly. According to Reuters, Anthropic is looking to raise as much as $100 billion in the offering, which would raise the company's valuation to around $2 trillion.

That would put Anthropic in the same financial weight class as some of the world's largest public companies, despite not yet being publicly traded itself. One source told Reuters that Nvidia is considering investing up to $10 billion as part of the deal, though the terms are still being worked out and could change.

Anthropic declined to comment on the discussions, and Nvidia did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Known as anchor investing, lining up a major investor ahead of an IPO has become common practice for companies planning especially large listings. A well-known backer buying in early can reassure the broader market that the offering is a safe bet. Reuters noted that Nvidia and Amazon played similar roles in chip designer Arm's IPO, while Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund did the same for SpaceX.

If it goes forward, Anthropic's IPO would extend a wave of major stock listings this year, following Elon Musk's SpaceX going public in June. Citing Dealogic data, Reuters reported that U.S. IPOs, excluding blank-check companies, had already raised a record $137 billion through the end of August.

Nvidia and Anthropic already have significant financial ties. Reuters reported that Nvidia agreed last November to invest up to $10 billion in Anthropic as part of a broader partnership under which Anthropic committed to spending $30 billion on Microsoft's Azure cloud service, which runs on Nvidia chips.

A new investment tied to the IPO would further deepen that relationship.

Having a second brain is awesome. I've been using Obsidian a lot lately for just that. I built a knowledge base without even touching the Obsidian editor. Instead, I use photos and the Obsidian web clipper plug-in to store information. But I've started expanding my process a bit and came up with a few more ways to keep building that knowledge base using different techniques.

The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially opened for preorders today, with the new Apple smartphones going on sale promptly at 8 a.m. ET.

Despite rumors that the online Apple Store was down ahead of the launch, the site appears to be working fine. Retailers and mobile carriers have also gone live with iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.

If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we're here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder has been reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we'll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.

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 How much do the new iPhones cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

While preorders opened this morning, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will officially launch on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preorder, that's when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

• Burgundy

• Glacier Blue

• Silver

• Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

If you're still deciding between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, you have a bit more time to make a decision. The foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves Oct. 23. It will set you back $1,999.

How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

We'll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)

Here are the biggest changes:

• The new models introduce a new physical variable aperture for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life

• A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools

• The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals?

All the big carriers are competing to attract new customers by offering big savings on the iPhone 18 Pro — if you meet certain terms and conditions, of course. Over at T-Mobile and AT&T, you can save $1,200 on the new phones, letting you get the new iPhone for free. Apple is also offering major trade-in credits.

• T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.

• Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.

• Apple Upgrade: Apple's new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.

• AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.

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

• Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.

• Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you'll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn't offer any true preorder deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

No, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line. However, Amazon is a great place to pick up iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, grips, and accessories, as well as the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12.

Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Nothing yet. Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, but it's too soon for anyone to render a verdict just yet. Early first impressions have been positive, however, and you can learn more in these reports:

• Video: I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most.

• Video: Our first take on the iPhone 18 Pro: Intelligent photography

• iPhone Duo hands-on: I barely noticed the crease

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

We'll have a full review of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned! In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.

We will say this for now: If you already have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models don't make a super obvious case for upgrading. And there are good reasons to consider waiting for next year's iPhone 19/20.

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

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

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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.

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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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Arizona sports

• Green: Midwest cities

• Blue: Football dynasty

• Purple: Pro volleyball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Arizona Pro Teams

• Green: Big Ten School Locations

• Blue: Manning Family Members

• Purple: Major League Volleyball Teams

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 #719 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Arizona Pro Teams: CARDINALS, DIAMONDBACKS, MERCURY, SUNS

• Big Ten School Locations: CHAMPAIGN, COLUMBUS, LINCOLN, PISCATAWAY

• Manning Family Members: ARCH, ARCHIE, ELI, PEYTON

• Major League Volleyball Teams: PULSE, SUPERNOVAS, VALKYRIES, VIBE

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 yesterday's 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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 12, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 12, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 12 Pips

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 12 Pips

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

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 12 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 6-6, 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.

Finding novel uses for your 3D printer is one of the best ways to burn through a few rolls of filament, so I’m always on the lookout. Though these household hacks definitely fall into the “nice to have” category, anything that makes the boring jobs easier is worth a look.

I'm approaching the limit of my free Google storage, and Gmail has started prompting me to pay for additional storage to keep using my account. While paying for more storage is a simple solution, it's not the only option.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went on sale today ahead of their Sept. 18 launch (the foldable iPhone Duo won't be available until next month). And when you buy a new phone, that usually means buying a new phone case. The best iPhone 18 Pro cases will protect your phone when it inevitably slips out of your hands and tumbles to the ground, risking your $1,200 investment.

A lot of case companies started selling burgundy and glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro cases before the phones were even announced, and you can already find a ton of stylish and cute iPhone 18 Pro cases for sale online. Whether you're looking for a cheap $12 clear case, a classic PopSockets Grip, or a more fashion-forward Velvet Caviar case, we've found the top options for iPhone shoppers. We also checked Apple's official collection of iPhone 18 Pro Max cases for you.

If you're upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro, there are two things you need to know. You can save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro thanks to preorder deals, and your iPhone 17 Pro case should fit the 18 Pro just fine. Apple kept the measurements and button layouts exactly the same.

Our favorite iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far Opens in a new window Credit: OtterBox OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case $39.99 at Amazon
Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case $64 at Amazon
Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case $56 at Amazon
Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Velvet Caviar Velvet Caviar Burgundy 1990 Jelly iPhone Case $40 at Velvet Caviar
Velvet Caviar's burgundy iPhone case features a semi-transparent jelly base. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case $11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97 If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: ESR ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case $14.99 at Amazon
Looking for an affordable clear case that works with MagSafe? Try ESR's straightforward clear case, which will still protect your phone against sudden drops. ESR promises military-grade drop protection. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone $40 at PopSockets
Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pela Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes $49.99 at Amazon
Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Moft Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50 Here at Mashable, we strongly believe that every new generation of iPhones should come with a pink color option. Until Apple hears our prayers, you can get this pink case, which will look great with the new glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Velvet Caviar Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case $39.99 at Amazon
It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.) Shop Now SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe $49 at Apple
Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe $59 at Apple
Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casely Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked $44.95 at Amazon
If you love the look of tortoise shell accessories, which, fortunately, are not made from actual tortoises, then try this Casely case on for size. Click the link to see dozens more styles from the brand. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case $64 at Casetify
Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Smartish Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case $29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00 Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: FireNova FireNova Silicon iPhone 18 Pro Case $16.98
Looking for a simple silicon iPhone case? This affordable silicon case comes in over a dozen colors and keeps it simple — in a good way. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pitaka Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.99 at Amazon
If you prefer razor-thin cases, then Pitaka makes some of the best iPhone cases around. The brand's Edge line is a good alternative to Apple's FineWoven tech cases, and it's just 0.04 inches thick and weighs 0.81 ounces. Shop Now The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

OK, so you've reviewed the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and picked out your favorite, but you're not done yet. Apple rolled out a bunch of new accessories and cases for the iPhone 18, and brands like PopSockets have hundreds of grips, stands, wallets, and accessories.

Here are some of the top phone grips, screen protectors, and other goodies to pair with your new iPhone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spigen Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro $19.99 at Amazon
This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe $28.99 at Amazon
PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kate Spade New York Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet $40 at Amazon
This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro $49.99 at Amazon
If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Octobuddy Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip $29.99 at Amazon
The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe $23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01 Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone $29 at Apple
This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe $59 at Amazon
Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible) $54.95 at Apple
We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Mkeke Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack) $9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00 This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh $54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5 Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety. Get Deal

American comedian Caleb Hearon's made his mark as a content creator, amassing fans across social media and through his podcast So True with Caleb Hearon. Earlier this year, he appeared in three films in supporting turns, ranging from the stoner-comedy Pizza Movie, to the critically heralded The Devil Wears Prada 2, to the Netflix offering Little Brother. But with Trash Mountain, Hearon is penning his next chapter as leading man. 

Written by Hearon and Ruby Caster, Trash Mountain is as funny as you might expect, if not funnier. But the real surprise is how truly touching this comedy with a snarky Hearon as its leading man is. Brace yourself, because Hearon is going to make you cry. 

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2026 preview: 18 films (and shows) you'll want to see (and how) What's Caleb Hearon's Trash Mountain about? Caleb Hearon stars in "Trash Mountain." Credit: TIFF

 Directed by Kris Rey, this comedy begins with Hearon in his comfort zone, performing stand-up at a drag club before kiki-ing with colorful queens backstage. In an efficient and effusive opening sequence, Trash Mountain establishes Gavin (Hearon) as living it up in Chicago with a solid set of squirrel friends. But then he gets a call from his sister Abbi (Zooey Deschanel) that their dad has died. 

Just like that, Gavin is back in the rural Missouri town where he grew up. Sleeping on his young nephew's bed, he wakes up to the sound of LEGOS clattering in play. He's bossed about by his religious grandmother (Jacki Weaver) and grudgingly helps Abbi sort out their father's home, which is stacked floor to ceiling with stuff, stuff, stuff. It's not just a matter of cleaning house, but locating their dead dad's lost Social Security card for some bureaucratic red tape related to his estate. But — as a sage named Trish offers, finding something so small in so much mess is like "looking for a virgin in a whore house." (Trash Mountain exudes small-town color.)

Uninterested in revisiting his past or connecting to his grief, Gavin is constantly cracking jokes and hits up Grindr for some easy fun. But working through his dad's stuff brings up feelings even Gavin can't laugh off. And his one night-stand named Jerome (Jaboukie Young-White) begins to blossom into something more. 

Caleb Hearon is a damn star, but the whole ensemble is sensational.  

Through the stand-up intro, Trash Mountain smartly starts with a version of Hearon his fans know well, smart, snarky, and gay. But as soon as Gavin hits Missouri, the story turns fish-out-of-water. Hearon's performance becomes more layered as Gavin, on the surface, presents as an unflappable smartass. Deschanel proves a surprisingly terrific partner, dropping her bubbly New Girl persona for an irreverent humor that matches Hearon's. She also proves adorable with her onscreen husband (a charming Kyle Marvin) without getting treacly. But she and Hearon share an easy intimacy and comedic timing that make them terrifically convincing as siblings, especially as they one-up each other with increasingly acerbic jokes as their grandmother looks on in horror. 

Props to Weaver, who expertly takes on the role of the hysterical, pushy matriarch. When the siblings run from their heartache with humor, it's grandma's earnest cries for compassion that shake them out of their irreverent reverie.

In those moments, Deschanel is terrific, trembling on a throbbing vulnerability. But Hearon is the surprise, revealing his range. He strides out of quick-witted reads and into fury, hurt, and ultimately grief. With a beguiling Young-White, he shares an electric chemistry. But watching Hearon's familiar and effective schtick be stripped away for a grounded and earnestly emotional climax was so striking that I cried through the final act, and more afterward.

Trash Mountain is primed to be a queer cinema landmark. 

Executive produced by Lilly Wachowski, Trash Mountain will speak to plenty of folks, particularly American queers who grew up in conservative hometowns. (It's me!) 

Through Gavin's story, Hearon and Caster capture a familiar narrative for LGBTQ people. Growing up in a small town where homophobia thrived, Gavin left for a big city, where he built a life and community. There, he could be himself with the relentless gawking or judgment of a too-small town. But coming home again is like being shoved into a box you were never going to fit into. The Big City Gay coming back home might not be openly harassed, but may be treated as a novelty, subject of awkward conversations with an old classmate at Wal-Mart, or with strangers who aim to be friendly and end up being a bother. 

Gavin chafes at the expectations of a town he gladly left in his rearview, yet yearns to reconnect with his surviving family. But his low-key disdain for his hometown is an obstacle there. Yet Trash Mountain won't dismiss the town in the same way its hero has. Rey recognizes the political context of the place with a pick-up truck driving by with a Confederate flag, a "don't tread on me" flag, and a "Trump 2020" bumper sticker for good measure. However, by contrast, there's Jerome, an openly gay man from Seattle who loves this town. There's Trish, who's gruff, direct, and kind in a combination that feels deeply Americana. And there's loving shots of the scenery, be it a rolling plain or a lively dive bar. This is a place that's wonderful and flawed all at once.

This complex portrait of Gavin's hometown reflects how he feels about his father, who was, by all accounts, an alcoholic, a hoarder, and a loner. All those labels might urge Gavin and Abbi to try to box up their grief like so many forgotten magazines of "floppy disk porn." But ultimately, as they plan a funeral for their dad, they recognize all of the good and the bad to say goodbye. Even now, thinking of the quirk and tenderness of Trash Mountain's final scene, I tear up. 

Finely tuned, Trash Mountain is an uproarously funny comedy about coming home again, and a tender drama about the grief of not just losing a parent, but also the challenge of accepting them as they are. Within all this, Hearon and company made a film that is not just terrifically entertaining and cathartically tear-jerking, but also a showcase for its leading man. 

Cheers to Hearon. I can't wait to see what he headlines next. 

Trash Mountain was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival. 

I used to think Android Auto had only one job: help me get where I’m going. Once I parked, I’d usually forget about it. I’d rather call my friend and start gossiping, recheck my article, or just stare out the window. But lately, I’ve realized I was wasting those little pockets of free time.

Android Auto is great and easy to use, especially in wireless mode. You hop in the car, the phone connects, and you're good to go. However, that doesn't help with all the settings, controls, playlist selection, and other things that distract you on the road or make you sit in the driveway for a few minutes before leaving. That's why I built a one-tap shortcut that changes everything at once.