Technology

Planning to upgrade your iPhone this year? If you want the most feature-packed device, the choice is usually easy: You'd buy the latest iPhone Pro Max, and this time around, that's the very impressive 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 have to make a difficult choice. I know because I'm one of them. Before the September iPhone event, I assumed I'd go with the new Pro Max, but the unveiling of the Duo had me second-guessing my decision.

So, should you 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 important features that the other has.

Our first-hand experience: iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Mashable has now had plenty of hands-on time with both devices.

Here's what we can say based on our real-world testing:

• If you want the most powerful iPhone on the market, get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

• If you want a whole new iPhone experience, get the iPhone Duo.

As Mashable's Stan Schroeder wrote in his iPhone Duo review, the new foldable is "the most interesting iPhone since the first one." Apple has successfully pulled off its first foldable device, despite a few minor quirks. The user experience is excellent, and Apple really thought through all the ways a larger, foldable screen can benefit iOS. Schroeder scored the iPhone Duo more highly than the iPhone 18; ultimately, the cool factor was decisive.

With that said, the iPhone Duo does have a learning curve that will take some getting used to. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers no such learning curve. In fact, it uses the same exact form factor as its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. On top of that, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has all the bells and whistles, whereas Apple leaves some things out of the iPhone Duo in order to make it work. This is especially noticeable when it comes to the cameras, one of the main areas where the iPhone Duo is lacking.

And, of course, while neither phone is cheap, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is significantly less expensive than the Duo.

Still not sure which Apple phone you should get: the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Instead of just comparing specs and throwing numbers at you, 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 you want the lightest phone... Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Honestly, if your priority is getting a lightweight smartphone, neither the iPhone 18 Pro Max nor the iPhone Duo is for you.

Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo are rather heavy, weighing in at 8.78 ounces (249 grams) and 254 grams (8.96 ounces), respectively. That's right. If you've seen reviews of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, you'll see that one of the quibbles about the device is that its a heavyweight. And the iPhone Duo is even heavier.

I will say this. I upgraded from the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the new iPhone is significantly heavier. But I can attest to the fact that you just get used to it. It no longer feels like a heavy phone. It's just the regular weight of my iPhone now. I'm sure the experience will be the same for the iPhone Duo. In the end, you'll just get used to it.

But if you must get one of the two phones and you must acquire the lightest option, you'll want the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

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.

Apple introduced an 8x zoom with the telephoto lens with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max and has carried that feature over with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Obviously, without a telephoto camera lens, the iPhone Duo does not have this feature. So, keep in mind if you're coming from an older iPhone that you're not only losing a 4x zoom telephoto lens with the iPhone Duo, but a new 8x zoom one too.

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 variable physical 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 are 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 multiple ways to serve as its own stand or tripod, enabling full-body photos and videos when working solo. The iPhone Duo even has unique features like Smart Take, which leverages those capabilities to automatically snap photos of users without 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 want an iPhone right now

Here's another easy one. iPhone Duo pre-orders sold out quickly and the device is currently backordered. Some customers say that Apple has provided them with an estimated December delivery date, although Apple appears to be in the midst of fulfilling those orders sooner.

However, if you want a new iPhone this very minute, you're going to have to wait at least some amount of time for the iPhone Duo to be restocked. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is available right now.

The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max

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 if you're upgrading from an older iPhone.

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.

SAVE OVER $20: As of Oct. 21, Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones have dropped to a new low price of $106.49 at Amazon. That's $23.50 off their full price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Anker Space 2 $106.49 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $23.50   Get Deal at Amazon

Early Black Friday deals on headphones are already popping up at Amazon, and we've spotted our favorite budget noise-canceling headphones, the Soundcore Anker Space 2, among the discounts.

As of Oct. 21, these headphones have hit a brand-new low price at the retailer, making now the perfect time to pick them up before seasonal sales even begin.

Every color of the Soundcore Anker Space 2 has been marked down to $106.49. That's $23.50 off their usual list price, but keep in mind they're all marked as limited-time deals.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

Noise-canceling headphones don't always have to come with a premium price tag. That's what makes the Soundcore Anker Space 2 stand out. As mentioned before, they're our top budget pick in our roundup of the best noise-canceling headphones, with Mashable's Bethany Allard writing that they do "a solid job of blocking out people chatting around you, other music or audio playing, regular sounds of the neighborhood — in most situations, they'll have you covered."

Allard also wrote the review for these headphones and found the audio quality to be "balanced, clear, and generally pretty damn great." Plus, their battery life can last up to 50 hours with ANC on, or up to 70 hours with ANC off.

Act fast to save on the Soundcore Anker Space 2 at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $60: As of Oct. 21, the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is on sale for $368.99 at Amazon. That's $60.01 off its full price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: EF EcoFlow EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro $368.99 at Amazon
$429 Save $60.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Deals on portable power stations have been popping up quite frequently ahead of Black Friday, but some offers are only live for a limited time. The EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro is currently in that position, with less than 24 hours left to take advantage of its discounted price of $368.99 at Amazon.

With this deal, you'll save just over $60 on this power station. If its lightweight build of 17.2 pounds and 1,600W output has caught your eye, whether to have as home backup in case of a power outage or to use on your next camping trip, now is the time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Titan 5000 home backup system just launched and preorders get a discount

With that 1,600W output, the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro can power up a variety of different appliances without overloading. It also features 11 outlets — ranging from 800W AC outlets to USB-C ports — for giving various devices a boost. It charges via an AC outlet, and devices can reach a full charge in 70 minutes thanks to EcoFlow’s X-Stream fast-charging technology.

On top of that, its battery can last up to 10 years even with regular use. To assist with that, it includes advanced BMS protection which monitors voltage, current, and temperature to keep it running safely.

If the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro sounds like a perfect fit for you, don't miss out on this chance to save at Amazon.

You exactly what to expect when Martin Short and Conan O'Brien get together, and that's a lot of roasting.

The Only Murders in the Building star appeared on the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast recently, and he didn't waste any time blasting O'Brien with zinger after zinger, starting with his recollection of a dinner the two shared recently in London.

"It's almost like I was seeing you in a new light, because that night I thought, 'He looks like the love-child between Lurch and Kathy Griffin', and I don't often feel that about people. Because you're very, you know, you're pale. You're very pale. You look like a cue tip with ketchup on it," says Short, while O'Brien cracks up laughing. "I mean, you're white. You look like a human surrender."

"Which I kind of am," O'Brien responds.

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 today.

The last place a 15-year-old wants to find himself is in a young offenders institution, where Animol shines its light.

In his feature directorial debut, acclaimed Top Boy star, recording artist, director, writer, and producer Ashley Walters explores the constant tension, threat, and camaraderie of boys whose lives have taken a serious turn. Co-written by Walters and Nick Love (Marching Powder) based on their experiences with such institutions, Animol boasts a talented young cast buoyed by an outstanding Tut Nyuot (The Long Walk), and supported by a characteristically brilliant Stephen Graham (Adolescence).

SEE ALSO: 'La Bola Negra' review: A magnificent gay epic that transcends time

With superb cinematography and production design, commendably interior performances from an impeccable young cast, and unflinching authenticity in its detail, Animol presents an experience of young offenders, where being real feels impossible and redemption's just a glimmer.

Animol takes you inside a young offenders institution with grit and humanity Stephen Graham as Claypole in "Animol." Credit: SLNDA

Awaiting incarceration in a young offenders institution, British teenager Troy prepares himself for the worst. Cast into a seriously adult situation, the 15-year-old instantly bonds with Polish boy Krystiyan (Ukrainian actor Vladyslav Baliuk). In the same breath, he's extorted into smuggling a burner phone by power player Dion (Boarders star Sekou Diaby). "You're stepping into my world now," Dion declares, and Troy soon finds out he's dead right. As soon as he moves in with mercurial cellmate Mason (The Jetty's Ryan Dean), Troy finds himself in a dangerous position between Dion and Mason, two very different ticking time bombs.

Trying to find his place while watching his back, Troy walks a knife's edge between security and exposure, with open assaults in the mess hall a regular occurrence and the idea of being his authentic self a laughable idea. However, in the midst of this constant suspicion, violence, and insomnia, Troy's tender bond with Krystiyan becomes a place of solace, of peace, of a yearning he's suppressed in himself.

Overseen by well-meaning welfare officer Claypole (Graham), Troy takes it day-by-day inside. Animol presents Troy's experience as one of constant self-doubt, isolation, hopelessness, and survival. His lifeline beyond the walls is his mother Joy (an impeccable Sharon Duncan Brewster), with their relationship strained under her struggle with addiction and sobriety. Over the course of the film, Troy and his fellow inmates grapple with a sense of identity behind bars, struggling to discern between friendship and manipulation, toxic masculine bravado and vulnerability, and the inability to communicate.

Animol uses unflinching cinematography to showcase a talented young cast Vladyslav Baliuk as Krystiyan and Tut Nyuot as Troy in "Animol." Credit: SLNDA

With Walters an actor's director, his connection with the cast is clear, allowing each to flourish in long close-up takes. Each scene of Animol, particularly Nyuot's intensely interior performance, is intimately shot by director of photography Tasha Back (In Camera) and edited by Danielle Palmer (Steve). The film allows silences to sit, unspoken words between characters to be amplified — a scene in which Diaby's Dion silently scrutinises Troy is an unsettling example. Nyuot finds balance between moments of adult survival and adolescent vulnerability, making tender scenes with Krystiyan a precious rarity, and scenes in which he's forced into brutality an anguish to watch. Troy holds so much, with no outlet safe.

As the two kings of the yard in Animol, Diaby and Dean bring contrasting approaches to Dion and Mason, hardened boys leaning into adult criminality and extreme violence to survive and dominate. Diaby's chilling veneer of composure and Dean's serpentine calculation make for formidable opposing forces, each a unique tinderbox for Troy.

Though seldom onscreen, it's a delight to see Graham reconnected with Walters, having worked together on A Thousand Blows and Adolescence. Drawing from his mother's experience as a social worker, Graham presents Claypole as a man not beaten by the system but finding humanity within it. An Animol highlight sees the empathetic welfare officer encouraging the boys to ditch their inhibitions and be themselves through unconventional action, a radically vulnerable scene in an institution where masks are key.

Notably, Animol doesn't sensationalise Troy's experience in the young offenders institute, with Swindle's sparing, impactful score and production designer Gini Godwin (Queenie, Champion) creating a world of state-run despair within dilapidated walls. Marks of previously incarcerated boys adorn the walls, reading "You are not animol," and giving the film its title. Sound designer Roland Heap builds a haunting, unsettling world around Troy, as Back's cinematography holds fast on his face night after night in his cell, enduring the taunts and rattles of the institution in his spartan bunk.

Ultimately, Walters crafts a compelling, harrowing, complex picture of life for young offenders, thrust into extreme survival mode in a place where toxic masculinity and homophobia run rife alongside loyalty and rare glimmers of friendship. What goes unsaid in Animol is its true power, with Walters allowing his talented cast to thrive in interior emotion and subtle action.

Animol was reviewed out of BFI London Film Festival and will be released in UK cinemas Oct. 30

TL;DR: Domino’s and Minecraft Dungeons II are launching a block-shaped pizza collab with free game giveaways.

Do your weekend plans involve grinding through local co-op dungeons with a slice of pizza in hand? Domino’s and Minecraft just dropped the ultimate collab for you.

Starting Oct. 26, Domino’s is teaming up with Minecraft Dungeons II for a limited-time nationwide partnership. Order a new block-shaped pizza to unlock collectible character boxes, digital in-game cosmetics, and a chance at claiming a free digital copy of Minecraft Dungeons II.

How to score a free game code and digital loot

We showcase a lot of these free giveaways from major brands, and it's always a little disappointing when you have to jump through a million hoops to qualify for the promotion. That's not the case here. It's refreshingly straightforward.

Customers who purchase a Domino's block-shaped pizza will receive one of six boxes, each featuring a different Minecraft Dungeons II character: Corrupted Creeper, Prime Enchanter, Valorie, Zombie, Pig, and Creeper.

Domino's Rewards members who purchase a Domino's online can also unlock one of three exclusive, randomly awarded in-game items to use in Minecraft Dungeons II. The order automatically generates a promo code in your "My Rewards" tab redeemable for one of the random items: the Domino’s Skin, the Slice Slayer Cape, or the Cheesy Cube Pet.

Credit: Domino's / Minecraft

That's exciting, but the real draw of this collab is the free game giveaway. Between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4, purchase a pizza and submit your receipt at dominos.com/minecraft-dungeons-ii for a chance to win one of 20,000 free Minecraft Dungeons II game codes (2,000 codes awarded daily for PC and Xbox).

We love the characters, and the in-game items are cool, but giving away 20,000 full-game downloads turns a brand collab into a genuinely high-value opportunity. With 2,000 game tokens up for grabs daily across the 10-day sweepstakes window, your odds of scoring a free PC or Xbox copy are surprisingly solid if you submit proof of purchase early in the day.

Just note that game codes are only valid on PC and Xbox, so PlayStation or Nintendo Switch players can only redeem cosmetic item codes.

If you could get an acting lesson from anyone in the world, you'd be hard-pushed to do better than Emmy-winning Adolescence star Stephen Graham.

In the clip, he gives Seth Meyers a brief bit of tuition mid-way through their interview, showing him a few of the different walks you can use to get into character.

Does Meyers struggle to know what to do with his arms? Absolutely. But you can't fault his effort.

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Everyone knows the obvious apps that you'll miss without Google: Gmail, Maps, Photos, etc. However, it's the Android features that rely on Google Play Services that are sneakier. One such feature is Android Auto, but it's easier than you might think to use on a de-Googled Android phone.

SAVE $300.09: As of Oct. 21, the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB is on sale for $799.90 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB $799.90 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $300.09   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're running out of storage space or want to speed up your PC or gaming setup, the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB is a seriously impressive upgrade option. It offers plenty of room for games, files, and other heavy workloads, and it's on sale at Amazon.

As of Oct. 21, this SSD is down from $1,099.99 to $799.90, saving you $300.

The Samsung 990 PRO SSD is built for fast loading and smooth performance, whether you're gaming, editing videos, or working with large files. It offers read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s.

Compared with the 980 PRO, this SSD delivers more than 55% better random performance, helping speed up transfers and demanding tasks. It's also up to 50% more efficient in performance per watt, so you can get more out of your system while using less power.

And there are capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, so there's plenty of space for all of your games and files, as well as different price options. The 1TB and 2TB devices are also on sale at Amazon, down from $319.99 to $259.84 and $639.99 to $409.99, respectively.

Find this deal at Amazon now.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 21, 2026 Duck Duck Goose meaning

A traditional children's circle game.

Hot Potato meaning

A controversial, difficult or problematic issue that no one wants to deal with..

Leapfrog meaning

A traditional children's game in which one player crouches or bends over at the waist, and others take turns hopping over their back.

Musical Chairs meaning

A party game where players walk or march around a row or circle of chairs while music plays.

Alpha dog meaning

The dominant leader or highest-ranking animal in a dog or wolf pack.

Big cheese meaning

An important, influential person who holds power, authority,or a top leadership position in an organization or company.

Heavyweight meaning

Someone or something of above-average weight.

Top banana meaning

The most important, powerful or leading person in a group, organization or activity

American Gothic meaning

A 1930s oil painting of a Midwestern farmer holding a pitchfork and his unmarried grown daughter.

Campbell's Soup Can meaning

A series of 32 paintings produced by American artist Andy Warhol.

Sunflowers meaning

A tall, annual flowering plant in the daisy family, famous for its large, bright yellow flower heads and edible seeds.

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.

The Scream meaning

An iconic 1893 proto-expressionist painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.

English horn meaning

A double-reed woodwind musical instrument in the oboe family.

Grape-nuts meaning

A classic American breakfast cereal made from whole grain wheat.

Mantis shrimp meaning

Carnivorous marine crustaceans.

Sweetbread meaning

A culinary name for the thymus or pancreas.

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 today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're obedient.

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.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 21, 2026 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: Cease

• Green: Servant

• Blue: Facial hair

• Purple: Animated roles

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: Classic children's games

• Green: Important person

• Blue: Famous paintings

• Purple: Double misnomers (neither word is an accurate description)

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 #1227 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Classic children's games: DUCK DUCK GOOSE, HOT POTATO, LEAPFROG, MUSICAL CHAIRS

• Important person: ALPHA DOG, BIG CHEESE, HEAVYWEIGHT, TOP BANANA

• Famous paintings: AMERICAN GOTHIC, CAMPBELL'S SOUP CAN, SUNFLOWERS, THE SCREAM

• Double misnomers (neither word is an accurate description): ENGLISH HORN, GRAPE-NUTS, MANTIS SHRIMP, SWEETBREAD

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're a hoarder.

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.

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 21, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On a higher level

The words are related to storage.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe storing things at home.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is In the Attic.

NYT Strands word list for October 21

• In the Attic

• Luggage

• Boxes

• Decoration

• Trunks

• Yearbooks

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you carry spare change.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 21, 2026 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:

One cent.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter N appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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...

PENNY

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 today's Wordle.

Zigbee is still the only mesh network protocol I use in my smart home. Though I know a switch to Matter over Thread is inevitable when I run out of IKEA’s color-changing bulbs, I’m still very much of the opinion that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

SAVE $11: As of Oct. 21, the Crest Whitening Strips are on sale for $34.99 at Amazon. That's a 24% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest Whitening Strips $34.99 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $11   Get Deal at Amazon

Coffee lovers, tea drinkers, and red wine fans know that keeping teeth stain-free isn't always easy. At some point, even the strongest whitening toothpaste is no longer up to the job, and help from teeth whitening strips is needed. But not all strips are the same, and some are much more effective than others.

Crest's whitening strips are among the most popular brands, beloved for their at-home whitening that doesn't require booking a professional treatment.

And right now (as of Oct. 21), a box of Crest Whitening Strips costs just $34.99 at Amazon, down from $45.99. That's the same price the strips hit during Prime Day. Each box contains 22 treatments, so there are plenty of applications included.

Crest says its whitening strips can brighten teeth by up to 19 shades in 22 days. They use a whitening ingredient also used by dentists and are designed to be enamel-safe when used as directed. There's also Advanced Seal Technology to help the strips stay put during treatment, meaning you won't have to spend the entire application time worrying about them slipping out of place.

You can find this Crest deal on Amazon right now.

SAVE $112: As of Oct. 21, the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $637 at Amazon. That's a 15% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $637 at Amazon
$749 Save $112   Get Deal at Amazon

Looking for a premium fitness tracker but without the premium price? You're in luck, because the Apple Watch Series 10 is currently discounted at Amazon, dropping from $749 to $637. The deal applies to the 46mm model with GPS and cellular connectivity, but only the slate titanium case with black sport band is at this price.

For race training or for staying active in general, the Series 10 is a great fitness tracker for monitoring your progress. It monitors everything from running sessions to swims, with advanced workout metrics and training load insights to help you better understand your performance. Not to mention the classic Apple activity rings. This watch also comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ for free, so you'll have access to a library of guided workouts and fitness programs.

It's also equally useful as a smartwatch. Built-in safety features include Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and Check In notifications. For everyday health monitoring, you'll also get ECG readings, blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate alerts, sleep tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking.

This Amazon discount on the Apple Watch Series 10 is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Oct. 21, the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $249.98 at Amazon. That's $110.01 off its full price of $359.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $249.98 at Amazon
$359.99 Save $110.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Vacuuming is an important chore on a home cleaning to-do list, but carrying an upright vacuum from room to room can make it feel like a hassle. That's where a robot vacuum comes in handy. These devices take care of the cleanup for you, with some even able to mop the floor. The Roborock Q7 M5+ falls into that category, and it's even on sale right now on Amazon.

As of Oct. 21, Amazon has slashed $110.01 off the full cost of the Roborock Q7 M5+, bringing it down to $249.98. That's not far from its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

The Roborock Q7 M5+ offers 10,000Pa of suction that lifts fur, dirt, debris, and more from carpets and hard floors. It even comes with dual anti-tangle brushes that help keep hair from wrapping up inside and slowing it down. Plus, its mopping system features three adjustable water flow settings for scrubbing.

When it comes to navigating your home, it uses PreciSense LiDAR technology to map each room, helping the robot vacuum find the best cleaning path. And on top of that, its 2.7-liter sealed dust bag can last 7-9 weeks before it needs to be emptied.

If you're in need of extra clean-up help ahead of the holidays, don't miss out on this deal on the Roborock Q7 M5+ at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon, down from its $2,099.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal at Amazon

Having two 4K monitors on your desk is great for gaming and multitasking, but it's better when you’ve got the same amount of screen space across one enormous display. And you can have just that for less with a massive price drop on Samsung’s beast of a gaming monitor upgrade. 

As of Oct. 21, the Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NC) is down to $1,499.99 at Amazon, taking $600 off its $2,099.99 list price.

With that 29% price cut, this monitor’s now only $50 from the $1,449.99 price we found in August, and $100 off its lowest-ever Amazon price (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). If you’re after an immediate upgrade so you’re ready for GTA 6 from the get-go — including whenever it’s out on PC — now’s a great time to pull the trigger. 

Samsung’s 57-inch panel for the Neo G9 delivers a whopping 7,680 x 2,160 resolution, equivalent to two 32-inch 4K monitors placed together. You won't have an irritating gap down the middle, whether you're playing an ultrawide-compatible game or juggling multiple applications.

SEE ALSO: This Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor is $1 away from its lowest-ever price on Amazon — save $100

All the while, Samsung's Quantum Mini-LED technology uses 2,392 local dimming zones to improve brightness and contrast, complemented by VESA DisplayHDR 1,000 certification. Plus, the 1,000R curve brings the edges closer to your field of view.

This monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro should make for a responsive experience, provided your PC has enough power to handle the demanding resolution.

TL;DR: Walmart’s official 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is live. Shop top picks from the catalog — ranging from $50 off Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the $499 Nintendo Switch 2.

Walmart’s 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is officially live, giving shoppers an early look at what the retail giant expects to be the season’s biggest hits. Rather than a fast-moving doorbuster event, Walmart’s Gift Guide functions as a complete holiday roadmap — curating top picks across every age group and budget tier.

Whether you want to score major savings on flagship Apple gear, hunt down the new Nintendo Switch 2, or grab budget-friendly blind boxes under $15, the blog maps out the best places to spend your money wisely. You can check out the full ad scan directly over on BlackFriday.com to browse every page.

Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best picks from Walmart's lineup, ranging from budget stocking stuffers to premium, splurge-worthy tech.

The internet’s favorite stocking stuffer hits Walmart

Blind boxes are taking over TikTok for a reason, and the Sad Baby Animals figures are almost illegally cute. Each box holds a surprise palm-sized vinyl creature — featuring capybaras, highland cows, and axolotls — with big, dramatic eyes that beg you to adopt them all. They’re an instant serotonin hit, a perfect stocking stuffer, and a dangerously fun addiction if you end up hunting for that ultra-rare 1-in-128 secret figure.

Opens in a new window Credit: STARBOX Store Sad Baby Animals Series 1 Blind Box Figurine $12.97 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Ditch the Keurig: Fresh coffee for under $25

You don’t need to drop triple digits on a massive, space-hogging countertop appliance just to grab a quick cup of coffee before rushing out the door. The Mainstays Single-Serve Coffee Maker handles both standard K-Cups and loose grounds with its included reusable filter. It brews up to 14 ounces straight into a travel mug, automatically shuts off after every cycle, and takes up minimal counter space — making it an absolute no-brainer gift for college dorms, small apartment kitchens, or home office setups.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mainstays Mainstays Single Serve Coffee Maker $24.68 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Stop 'NeeDoh hunting': The viral fidget cube is right here

If you tried tracking down this squishy cube earlier this year, you know it was practically impossible to find. As we reported during the height of the craze, demand was so intense that Schylling sold through a year's supply in nine weeks — triggering long lines, sold-out shelves, and wild reseller prices. What makes the NeeDoh Squish Toy worth the hype is its unique texture: soft when squeezed slowly, firm when compressed quickly, and always snapping back to its original square shape. Snagging one at regular retail is an instant holiday win for kids and desk-bound adults alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: NeeDoh NeeDoh Nice Cube Squish Toy $29.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Self-care season made easy (and deeply discounted)

Gifting self-care shouldn't require a loan. For $45.99, this 24-day advent calendar gives you 24 individual daily treats packed with natural bath and body essentials that leave your skin feeling soft through the cold winter months. It takes all the guesswork out of holiday gifting for moms, friends, or co-workers — or gives you a perfect excuse for a little daily self-care as Christmas gets closer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Body & Earth store Body & Earth 2026 Beauty & Spa Advent Calendar (24 Days) $45.99 at Walmart
$89.99 Save $44.00   Get Deal at Walmart Physical photos are back (and this kit includes the film)

Instant cameras are a holiday staple for almost anyone, but buying the camera and film separately is annoying. This Walmart-exclusive bundle packages the sleek, pastel-hued Instax Mini SE together with a starter 10-pack of Instax Mini film. It features manual exposure control dials so you can tweak brightness for indoor lighting versus sunny outdoors, making it an easy, ready-to-shoot gift that lets anyone start printing physical memories the second they tear open the box.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm Instax Mini SE Instant Camera Value Pack (Pink) $64 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart The sleekest co-op upgrade for your PS5 setup

Upgrading your console setup doesn't have to mean sticking to basic white. The Sony DualSense Cosmic Red Wireless Controller brings a sleek, vibrant look to your PlayStation 5 or PC setup while delivering the top-tier features that make the DualSense iconic. With precise haptic feedback, dynamic adaptive triggers, built-in motion sensors, and an integrated microphone, it offers incredible immersion whether you're picking up a secondary pad for local co-op or replacing a worn-out main controller.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony DualSense Cosmic Red Wireless Controller for PS5 $74 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Apple’s best earbuds are officially $50 off

Earning a 4.75-star Mashable Choice Award, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our top earbuds of 2025. In his review, Adam Doud found that the upgraded Active Noise Cancellation creates an unmatched "cone of silence" that shuts out background noise. Add in workout heart rate tracking, Live Translation via Apple Intelligence, and 8 hours of battery life, and catching them for $199 makes them an absolute slam-dunk holiday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Walmart
$249 Save $50   Get Deal at Walmart Salon-worthy blowouts without the Dyson price tag

Winning a Mashable Choice Award with a stellar 4.5-star rating, the Shark FlexStyle doesn't just copy the Dyson Airwrap — it actively outperforms it for a fraction of the cost. In our hands-on testing, we loved how the base physically twists to transform from a powerful multi-styler into an ultra-compact hair dryer. Packed with Coanda auto-wrap curlers, smoothing brushes, and heat monitoring that checks temperature 1,000 times per second, it delivers salon-worthy, heat-safe blowouts at home without requiring a huge investment.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System $349.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart The ultimate $99 AI assistant for your living room

Moving past rigid, robotic commands, the Google Home Speaker brings conversational Gemini AI right onto your nightstand or kitchen counter. You can chat naturally with Gemini Live, brainstorm ideas, and control Matter-compatible smart devices in a single breath. Wrapped in room-filling 360-degree sound, a physical privacy mute switch, and a sleek underglow light, it delivers next-gen smart home help for under $100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Home Speaker with Gemini $99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Say hello to 4K Zelda and magnetic Joy-Cons for $499

The Nintendo Switch 2 takes everything we loved about the original hybrid console and gives it a massive hardware upgrade. You get a larger, stunning 7.9-inch 1080p display with HDR support up to 120Hz in handheld mode, crisp 4K TV output through the upgraded dock, and magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with new mouse-like precision controls. With 256GB of internal storage and full backward compatibility for your existing Switch library, it’s the ultimate crown jewel gift for any gamer this holiday season.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Store Nintendo Switch 2 $499 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon, down from its $164.70 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box $129.99 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $34.71 Get Deal at Amazon

It’s been almost six months since MTG’s Secret of Strixhaven came out, but you can now catch up for less money than ever thanks to Amazon knocking the 30-pack Play Booster Box under market price. 

As of Oct. 21, the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box is down to $129.99 at Amazon, taking $34.71 off its $164.70 list price.

This 21% discount means you’re only paying around $4.33 per pack for the 30 included packs. That new price not only beats the $134.99 deal we covered in May, but it’s also the best price this box has ever seen on Amazon (confirmed by camelcamelcamel). 

SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's Marvel Darkhold Destiny Arcanum Bundle is way below market price on Amazon

Unlike some trading card bargains that rely on third-party sellers, this one is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, with free delivery currently set for Oct. 30, or Oct. 23 for Prime members.

This deal is majorly beating Walmart’s price ($161.95), the lowest-priced TCGplayer listing ($139.58), and even the trading card selling platform’s estimated market price of $139.25. Now that's a good deal.

Each Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster has 14 cards, including one to five rares or higher and at least one Traditional Foil. A fifth of packs also contain a Traditional Foil Land, while the set's biggest draw is a Mystical Archive card in every booster, featuring an instant or sorcery spell with special artwork and a showcase frame.