Technology

If, like me, you were turned off by hard modes as a kid and didn’t go back for years, you are likely missing out without ever realizing it. Hard modes don't just pump up the difficulty, they can change a game entirely. Try doing what I did and give the harder modes a shot—you won’t regret it.

USB in general has historically always been hit or miss. Sometimes you can get really good USB support on a computer, or sometimes you get the bare minimum (which might not be amazing). Now, as of new Windows 11 PCs released this year, the "minimum" is actually decent now.

Pickup trucks are getting more expensive every year, making it tough for budget-conscious buyers to find one that offers both utility and affordability. Thankfully, there’s one model that breaks the mold by delivering strong value without the steep price tag.

TL;DR: For a limited time, Koofr’s lifetime cloud storage deal is at an all-time low price with code KOOFR at checkout: A$186 (reg. A$248).

You know that quiet dread when the monthly cloud storage fee hits your card — again? It’s not huge, but it adds up. And for what? A few PDFs, some photos you forgot to organize, and maybe that video project you swear you’ll finish someday. 

If you're tired of renting space in the digital void, here’s your chance to escape. Rather than paying each month, Koofr will give you 1TB of cloud storage for a one-time fee. You also caught this deal at just the right time, because you can use code KOOFR at checkout to take the price from A$248 to A$186 for a limited time.

Here’s why we love this deal

Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr’s cloud storage is how flexible and user-friendly it is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.

And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The duplicate file finder helps you eliminate unnecessary repeats, while advanced renaming options let you customize file links. This way, you can keep your files organized and your digital space clutter-free.

Keep your files safe and sound with a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for A$186 with promo code KOOFR until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) AU$186
AU$248 Save AU$62 Get Deal

If you are looking for a tough, high-speed USB-C charging solution that won’t cost too much, Anker has a great deal for you. Right now, you can get a two-pack of their new 6-foot nylon USB-C to USB-C cables for just $7.80 on the Anker website.

Windows has a lot of software for video editing, both free and paid. But when it comes to Linux, the options are more limited. After spending a considerable amount of time testing various video editors on Linux, Kdenlive quickly became my go-to choice—and for good reason.

If you've seen some spectacular kaleidoscopic images of the Northern Lights in your social media today, you might be feeling some FOMO. 

Due to a solar storm in space over the weekend, some areas of the globe have been treated to auroras — colorful light displays — in the sky. But if you missed catching a glimpse, you might have another chance this evening, depending on where in the world you live. Space weather forecasters say there's a possibility conditions will strengthen tonight.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is tracking the space weather for North America, reports that there is a moderate geomagnetic storm, classified at a level indicative of a significant disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. A geomagnetic storm happens when the sun releases solar flares or coronal mass ejections — plasma spewed from the sun's outer atmosphere — sending charged particles toward Earth. 

That means that though this particular storm isn't extreme, it could make the aurora borealis visible farther south than normal, especially if the storm ramps up. Here's what to know: 

SEE ALSO: NASA rover captures an aurora from Mars surface for the first time This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What causes an aurora?

An aurora's display of colors is the result of electrons shot out of the sun during solar storms. Though the sun is about 93 million miles away, its blasts can affect Earth and other parts of the solar system. 

As the charged particles reach Earth, they travel along the planet's invisible magnetic field lines into the atmosphere, interacting with the air. When those particles strike gases, they heat up and glow, according to NASA. The colors differ depending on the type of gas those particles hit and the altitude. Oxygen glows red or blue, while nitrogen can create green, blue, or pink. 

Why are solar storms happening more often now?

Similar to storm seasons on Earth, the sun experiences a weather pattern that repeats every 11 years. At the beginning and end of the cycle, that activity is at its calmest. But solar activity increases, climaxing in the middle of the cycle and causing the sun to roil with giant eruptions.

Right now that cycle seems to be peaking, reaching its maximum point. That's why reports of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are more abundant in the news.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Are geomagnetic storms dangerous?

Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere protect the planet from solar radiation that could potentially cause harmful health impacts, but that doesn't mean space weather can't affect our world in other ways. These events can have catastrophic consequences on technology, disrupting power grids, telecommunications, and GPS systems.

Though these incidents don’t happen often, a solar flare in March 1989, for example, caused all of Quebec, Canada, to experience a 12-hour power outage. It also jammed radio signals for Radio Free Europe.

The storm occurring now is not extreme, but it could cause power irregularities near the poles or disruptions to satellites orbiting Earth. But those concerns are more relevant to satellite operators and aerospace engineers than the average person. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Where will the aurora be visible on June 2?

The aurora can't be seen during daylight hours, but space weather models are predicting it could be visible in some areas farther south after sunset. The Northern Lights could stretch within view of residents in New York, Wisconsin, and Washington state, according to a NOAA update just before 10 a.m. ET on June 2. 

The aurora doesn't have to be directly overhead for it to be visible, so that means some observers might catch it from as much as 600 miles away if the conditions are right. 

To increase your chances of witnessing it, seek out dark skies, far from city lights, and be patient: Auroras can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the latest viewline forecasts, such as NOAA's Aurora Dashboard, a platform that includes real-time predictions. 

Samsung users might have Perplexity-powered features on future devices.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Samsung is "nearing a wide-ranging deal" to bring Perplexity search capabilities to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. That could include the Perplexity app pre-loaded on Samsung devices, Perplexity search features within Samsung's web browser, and possibly integrating Perplexity with Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant.

Samsung is also reportedly a major investor in Perplexity's latest funding round, which seeks to raise $500 million at a $14 billion valuation, said the outlet.

Samsung was early to bring AI features to its devices, claiming the Galaxy S24 series was the "first AI phone." The company's Galaxy AI has largely relied on Google Gemini for AI-powered features that can do things like connect with Samsung's and third party apps and perform tasks on the user's behalf, and tap into Google Search through Gemini Live. A deal with Perplexity would diversify Samsung's offerings and curtail its dependence on Google.

Similarly, Apple, is looking at Perplexity for AI search in Safari. That's according to Eddy Cue, Apple's senior VP of services, in his recent testimony during the Google antitrust trial. Apple previously struck a $20 billion deal with Google to make their search engine the default for Safari. Apple also has a deal with OpenAI for its Apple Intelligence AI, features and has expressed interest in partnering with other AI companies to give users their choice of AI models on devices.

Google has had a decades-long grip on the search engine market. But the rise of AI-powered search engines from startups like Perplexity and users' increasing shift to chatbots like ChatGPT for search is chipping away at Google's dominance. Then there's the fact that Google might be forced to divest its Chrome browser as part of the remedial phase of the antitrust case, which ruled Google a monopoly.

It's unclear if Samsung's rumored partnership with Perplexity is a protective measure against this still-undetermined outcome. But Samsung's reported investment in Perplexity is certainly an indication that there are other serious contenders out there poised to compete with Google. And that's all thanks to generative AI.

SAVE 25%: The Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the list price of $399.99. That's a savings of $100.99 and you'll receive a free $14.01 credit for a future Amazon purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto-Empty System (BU3521) $299 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal

We all have plenty on our list of daily tasks. If you cringe when you see the need to vacuum, it might be time to upgrade to a cordless stick vacuum that offers the convenience of a quick and painless vacuuming experience. If you don't already have that at home, check out this deal at Amazon on a feature-rich model.

As of June 2, the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system is on sale at Amazon for just $299, marked down from the list price of $399.99. That's a 25% discount that takes $100.99 off the normal price of $399.99. This deal also comes with a free Amazon promotional credit of $14.01. You'll see this automatically appear in your Amazon account 30 days after the vacuum has shipped. Be sure to use this promo credit before it expires on Oct. 1, 2025.

SEE ALSO: Get the MOVA P10 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price ever

You're in for a world of convenience with the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum. For one, it's a lightweight model which means you'll have no issue zipping over carpet, hardwood, tile, or under the bed. The brushrool is designed to alter its cleaning power depending on the floor type and level of debris, so it'll never leave a mess behind. It can also change into a handheld model which is great for cleaning the car or getting those high bookshelves dusted. Plus, it can get up to 40 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge.

A major benefit of the Shark Clean & Empty is the included auto-empty system. Place the vacuum back on its conveniently slim charging base, and it'll empty the debris into the base. This mean you won't need to manually empty the bust bin after each use.

In addition to the super functional Shark vacuum, Amazon is tossing in a free promo credit of $14.01. You can use this anytime before Oct. 1 to snag an extra discount on your next Amazon order.

Instead of dreading vacuuming, grab the Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty system while it's on sale for $299 at Amazon. Floor cleaning will become a breeze and you'll have an Amazon credit to use in the future as a little treat.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $139.99 (List Price $159.00)

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $449.95

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $499.99 (List Price $699.99)

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is nearly here, and that means you can expect big updates from the tech giant. In 2023, the company pulled back the curtain on the Vision Pro. A year later, Apple Intelligence made its debut. Now, all eyes are on what’s next.

So far, WWDC 2025 rumors point to one clear headline: major iOS updates.

Specifically, iOS is reportedly getting its most significant redesign in years — a bold new look that feels like a calculated answer to Google’s Android 16 revamp. (The tagline for the event is "Sleek peek," if that tells you anything about the focus.) Just don’t expect fireworks on the hardware front. If you're hoping for new devices, this WWDC might not be your year.

SEE ALSO: Fresh iPhone 17 leak gives first close-up look at next-gen Apple smartphones

Here’s a breakdown of all the news and updates to expect from Apple WWDC 2025.

WWDC 2025: Who, what, where, when, and why?

This year's WWDC is scheduled for June 9 to 13, with the keynote scheduled for June 9 at 10 a.m. PT. The company promises to reveal "the latest Apple software and technologies." We expect Apple CEO Tim Cook to be leading the keynote presentation, and you can watch the event live. Mashable will also be reporting on the keynote as it happens, so stay tuned.

Introducing iOS 19, or is it iOS 26?

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, unification is Apple’s north star this year. That doesn’t just mean a redesigned iOS — it means a new naming convention, too. Instead of iOS 19, the next iteration is expected to arrive as iOS 26, aligning version numbers with the year they'll be updated. Think iOS 27 in 2026, iOS 28 in 2027, and so on.

Gurman speculates that Apple may be shifting toward more frequent software updates rather than anchoring everything around a single fall release. Naming the OS after the upcoming year, he adds, is "much more forward-looking" than sticking with 19.

It's a radical shift for Cook and company, but telling, since there's not much else in Apple's kitchen to reveal.

What about MacOS?

The rebrand won’t stop with the iPhone. On June 9, Apple is expected to unveil matching updates across its ecosystem: watchOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26.

Apple released its new M4 MacBook Air models earlier this year, and so we're hoping for some interesting updates to macOS. Details are hard to come by at this point, but we're crossing our fingers for some exciting macOS 26 updates next week.

Apple Intelligence updates

It’s been nearly a year since Apple Intelligence was revealed. It was the company’s somewhat reactive response to the generative AI surge led by OpenAI and Google. Some features, like Priority Notifications, have proven modestly useful. But overall, Apple is definitely playing catch-up in the AI race, not setting the pace. Rumor has it that Apple's AI technology (and a long-awaited Siri makeover) still isn't ready for primetime.

Don’t expect WWDC to change that. According to Gurman, AI won’t be the headliner this year. "Apple needs a comeback," he writes, but cautions against expecting it at this event. Instead, the focus will be on design tweaks and core system updates, a back-to-basics approach that makes this year’s conference feel smaller in scale than previous editions.

The one AI-related development worth watching is Apple’s reportedly opening up of its Foundation Models to third-party developers. This will allow developers to create custom app features. In addition, Gurman says that several other apps on iOS, like Safari and Photos, will quietly get rebranded as "AI-powered."

In short, while we expect Apple to announce new Apple Intelligence and AI features, we don't expect massive updates like we've seen from OpenAI or Google lately.

All quiet on the hardware front

Right now, Apple looks like a company in a recalibration phase. Major bets — like a foldable iPhone or a cheaper Vision Pro —remain deep in development. The "next big thing" still feels a ways off. So, while there could be a big hardware unveiling at WWDC, a fall unveiling seems far more likely.

As of this writing, WWDC is just one week away. Keep checking Mashable, as we'll be bringing you all the latest WWDC 2025 rumors, news, and official updates as we get them.

The end-of-life date for Windows 10 is rapidly approaching, and the new ‘End of 10’ campaign is promoting desktop Linux as an alternative to buying a new Windows 11 computer. It’s organized by some members of the Linux community, including developers and designers from GNOME and KDE.

SAVE $13.06: As of June 2, the Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank is on sale for just $12.93 at Amazon. That's 50% off and matches its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank $12.93 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $12.06 Get Deal

I've raved about the Anker Zolo power bank on numerous occasions and don't plan on stopping anytime soon — especially since it's back on sale for half price.

As of June 2, the 10,000mAh Anker Zolo power bank is down to just $12.93 at Amazon. That's 50% off the list price of $24.99 and on par with its best-ever price, which it first reached during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a few months back. It comes in four different color options (black, white, pink, and blue) and all four are on sale.

The Zolo power bank has a USB-C cable built-in, which makes life a whole lot easier. No need to dig around for a charging cable when you're in a snug airplane seat or while you're waiting for the train. It also has USB-C and USB-A ports if you want to charge multiple devices at once (or if you're sporting an older phone that doesn't support USB-C). Equipped with 30W two-way fast-charging, it also doesn't take a million years to bring your phone back to life, unlike other power banks.

The digital display will show you the battery life of the charger at any given time — just press the button on the side. I'm always surprised at how long it lasts; I can generally get a few full phone charges out of it before needing to recharge the power bank itself.

While there is a little bit of weight to it — it's a battery, after all — it won't add a ton of bulk to your luggage or purse. Whether you need a lifeline when traveling, commuting, or out and about in everyday life, I can't recommend the Anker Zolo power bank enough.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller — $169.00 (List Price $199.99)

The Mac mini is Apple’s most affordable and smallest computer. It’s versatile and suits a range of uses from being a modest desktop workhorse to a media server, smart home hub, or even a media center front-end.

Save $100: Grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB) while it's back down at its record low price of $499 at Amazon as of June 2. The Apple tablet typically goes for $599, making this sale price a 17% discount.

Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100 Get Deal

The new iPad Airs came out just three months ago, but already the tablet is $100 off — and back down to its lowest price ever — for the second time since its release.

That means that as of June 2, you can grab the 11-inch iPad Air with 128GB of storage for just $499, instead of its regular $599, at Amazon. At the time of writing, this price is live on all of the four available iPad colorways. All of the other 11-inch Airs with WiFi are also marked down $100, but opting for the lowest available storage gets you the lowest price possible (and still a decent amount of storage).

The biggest difference between this iPad and previous generations is that it comes with an M3 chip designed for making Apple Intelligence (Apple's AI) do its best and fastest work. It is worth mentioning that 2024's iPad Air will also support Apple Intelligence as well.

Still, we recommend the M3 Air as the best iPad for most people, especially if you don't already own a relatively new model. It's not so overpowered (and overpriced) that it'd be ridiculous to use as a device mainly for streaming and reading, but it's also powerful enough to be used by artists and other creatives.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air M3 review: The smallest of upgrades

The Air can also run for 14 hours on a single charge, has a landscape camera for taking FaceTime calls, and a 12MP front and rear camera. A refresh rate 60Hz and RAM above 8GB would have been nice, but for just $499, this is still a solid value for any tablet, Apple or otherwise.

Lanyard-clad attendees with branded tote bags and pink-shirted volunteers flowed through London’s Brick Lane on Monday, marking the launch of the inaugural SXSW London festival.

Taking place over multiple stages and venues in Shoreditch and Hoxton, SXSW London has officially kicked off its first full day of panels, keynotes, demonstrations, movie premieres, and music gigs. It's the first European version of SXSW, branching out from its original event in Austin, Texas.

And luckily, Londoners are no strangers to a queue, with SXSW’s penchant for long lines outside Austin venues replicated in the UK capital.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best things we saw at SXSW's Film and TV Festival

Playing to the strengths of fellow conferences, the biggest topics of SXSW London are the impact of AI on essentially anything you could think of, the creator economy and online communities, and self-driving tech — I spied a Wayve autonomous vehicle carefully navigating the pedestrian-filled Brick Lane (with a human driver behind the wheel, just in case).

SXSW London kicked off on Monday. Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

London mayor Sadiq Khan officially launched the festival with a speech Monday morning, championing London as "a global centre for AI investment and innovation," emphasising a focus on ethical and accessible AI development, and playing to the audience with a ChatGPT anecdote.

"Given the major theme of this festival is tech and AI, this morning, I did consult ChatGPT about the significance of SXSW coming to our city," Khan said. "They said, and I quote, 'This is a moment of creative synergy, London's spirit meets Austin's swagger.' It then added, 'It's like Big Ben started wearing cowboy boots and launched a podcast.'"

Featured Video For You The 5 best films I saw at SXSW

Sir Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, took to the main stage to lead the conversation around AI, and former UK prime minister Tony Blair and current secretary of state Peter Kyle unpacked how government can either ignore or optimize AI (the UK government is launching a new app in collaboration with Anthropic).

Meanwhile, comedian Katherine Ryan and Nuchido's Dr. Nichola Conlon appeared on a panel about biohacking and their new podcast What's My Age Again? and Twitch CEO Dan Clancy unpacked why authentic online community building takes time. Plus, Deepak Chopra guided the SXSW audience through a meditation after providing the formula for consciousness, and long lines of attendees stretched outside venue Rich Mix as TikTok star Munya Chawawa drew crowds for his talk “TikTok to Tolstoy” which unpacked longer-form content on social media.

Upcoming panelists and speakers include Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, Wyclef Jean, Regina King, Letitia Wright, Tiwa Savage, Keily Blair, Tina Brown, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Sophie Turner, Stewart Copeland, Mati Staniszewski, Ben Lamm and more. The SXSW London film program, to be held at the Barbican, will feature the world premieres of the Eminem-produced documentary Stans, Olivia Cappuccini's intimate documentary Love & Rage: Munroe Bergdorf, and Tom Kingsley's comedy Deep Cover, as well as the UK premiere of The Life of Chuck. Plus, the music program is being headlined by Mabel, Tems, NAO, Alice Glass, Lila Ike, Sasha Keable, Idris Elba, and more.

SXSW London runs from June 2 to 6 across venues in London. Mashable is on the ground reporting, so we’ll have more where this came from.

It's genuinely the end of Downton Abbey, with the Crawleys moving into the late 1930s and ready for their final bow.

With a trailer out today, Julian Fellowes' Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale takes the series' beloved characters further into the decade, following the early '30s glamour of the second film. The film will not only re-create London's West End, Ascot Racecourse, and other city sites in the '30s, but will also bring the characters back to where it all began, the titular mansion that started it all.

The Grand Finale will notably include a tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, whose longtime performance as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, essentially defined the Downton experience. Violet died at the end in Downton Abbey: A New Era, released two years before Smith's own passing in September 2024. In the trailer, we glimpse a scene of Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) pausing to reflect on a portrait of her grandmother, Violet, within the hallowed halls.

It's tough to say goodbye, on many levels.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is in cinemas Sept. 12.

SAVE 79%: As of June 2, you can get the Ryobi ONE+ 18-volt lithium-ion cordless mister for $14.99, down from $69.99, at Woot. That's a 79% discount and a $55 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Ryobi ONE+ 18-volt lithium-ion cordless mister $14.99 at Woot
$69.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal

Summer is right around the corner, and that means tons of yard work and dealing with insects for anyone who has a lawn or even a small garden to maintain.

As of June 2, you can get the Ryobi ONE+ 18-volt lithium-ion cordless mister for $14.99, down from $69.99, at Woot. That's a 79% discount and a $55 savings. This price is for the tool only; you’ll need to purchase the battery and charger separately. (Any 18V ONE+ battery will work!) You’ll also get a free, three-year warranty, and shipping is free for Prime members.

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ with 18V ONE+ Fogger is designed to spray out to 15 ft. and cover up to 1,000 sq. ft. per minute, and sprays up to 10,000 sq. ft. per charge. All you have to do is pull a trigger, and you're good to go!

The half-gallon tank is compatible with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and most other outdoor chemicals.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller — $169.00 (List Price $199.99)

We're exactly one week out from Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 — and we expect the event to bring major changes to the iPhone's iOS software.

So far, we have more rumors than facts about the updates to iOS, but these rumors are all but confirmed. Last week, we learned that Apple would be leaping from iOS 18.5 to iOS 26, switching to a new year-based naming convention for iOS (and macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS), as first reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has a rock-solid history of major Apple scoops.

What changes can we expect from iOS 26 and WWDC 2025? Apple is teasing the June 9 event with a banner and "Sleek peek" tagline but is otherwise quiet. So, let's break down what we know so far.

Credit: Apple When is WWDC 2025?

This year WWDC is scheduled for June 9 to 13, with the keynote scheduled for June 9 at 10 a.m. PT. Apple describes the event as "A week of technology and creativity." You'll be able to watch the event live, and Mashable will be reporting on the keynote as it happens.

The iOS 26 name change

First and foremost, what we long thought would be iOS 19 may actually be called iOS 26. Gurman, a prominent Apple news-breaker, reported last week that Apple would rebrand its software at WWDC, naming it to correspond to the year. That means all the software at this year's WWDC would be called, respectively, iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

So, yes, WWDC will almost certainly deliver a new iOS, but it might not be called what you expected.

An iOS design overhaul

It's long been rumored that Apple's new iOS would debut a totally new look. The source of that report was, once again, Bloomberg's Gurman back in March. His report noted that WWDC would debut "one of the most dramatic software overhauls in the company’s history" with changes to the icons, menus, system buttons, and how apps will work. The new look apparently took cues from the Apple Vision Pro, in order to make design appear similar across Apple devices.

SEE ALSO: 5 new iOS 18.5 features I recommend trying ASAP (plus 3 bonus features you may have missed) A desktop mode for iPhone

A rumor suggested iOS 26 — or iOS 19, or whatever you want to call it — could bring a desktop mode to iPhone users. Tech leaker Majin Bu suggested that Apple was working on a feature where users could connect USB-C iPhones to an external display. The feature would apparently work like Apple's Stage Manager, which would effectively add screen space for iPhone users. It's worth noting, however, that this is just a rumor — so don't count on it.

Better battery life

As Forbes noted in a recent report, it's expected the new iOS will feature an AI-powered battery management system that'll help your phone last longer between charges. That's certainly handy for folks who always seem to find themselves chasing a charge.

Live translation for AirPods

Gurman reported in March that Apple was planning to drop a new live-translation feature with its new iOS. The idea would be that your phone could listen, then play a translation directly in your AirPods. It'd be like having a translator in your ear. That would be similar to systems used by products like Google’s Pixel Buds or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. At Google I/O 2025, a live demonstration of Google's real-time translation didn't exactly go as planned, however.

Apple Intelligence

As previously reported by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, Apple is losing the AI race. Apple Intelligence, the company's AI tool for iPhones and other devices, lags far behind rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini, and a long-awaited AI makeover for Siri still hasn't landed. Once upon a time, Apple was expected to show off a new and improved Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025, but rumor has it the company's AI tech isn't ready for primetime.

So, while we expect Apple to show off some new Apple Intelligence features and AI tools for iOS 26, we don't expect fireworks, like at Google I/O 2025.

Finally, it's worth keeping in mind that we don't know exactly what we'll get from WWDC until Apple unveils those plans next Monday. But it's safe to assume some big changes could be on the way.

After wowing audiences in 2023's horror hit M3GAN, everyone's favorite killer sass machine returns to the big screen in M3GAN 2.0. This time, she's stronger, taller, and rocking some new dance moves.

SEE ALSO: Buy your advanced ticket to see 'M3GAN 2.0' and get another for free

That's right: Blumhouse Productions has brought back M3GAN (Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis). But she's not the only deadly robot in town. M3GAN 2.0's trailer introduces another badass AI in Amelia (Ahsoka's Ivanna Sakhno). Created using the same technology that made M3GAN, Amelia's growing self-awareness has made her dead set on taking out any humans who stand in her way. Right now, that includes M3GAN's creator Gemma (Allison Williams) and her niece — former M3GAN bestie — Cady (Violet McGraw).

Good thing Gemma and Cady happen to have M3GAN's consciousness handy to protect them! The pair resurrect their former tormentor in a new and improved body to give her a better chance at defeating Amelia. Think of it like a twist on Terminator 2: Judgment Day — one where Arnold Schwarzenegger tells foes to "hold onto your vaginas."

M3GAN's makeover is on full display in the M3GAN 2.0 trailer, which shows off her new martial arts prowess and flying skills. Plus her dance moves have upgraded, and Britney Spears and Chappell Roan are obviously inspiration points, if the trailer's soundtrack is anything to go off of. Watch the full trailer above to witness M3GAN doing the robot in all its glory.

Written and directed by M3GAN helmer Gerard Johnstone and produced by James Wan (Saw, Insidious), M3GAN 2.0 also stars Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Aristotle Athari, Timm Sharp, and Jemaine Clement.

M3GAN 2.0 hits theaters June 27.

SAVE 67%: As of June 2, you can get an open box Amazon Fire TV soundbar 2.0 for just $39.99, down from $119.99, at Woot. That's a 67% discount and a $80 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar 2.0 with DTS Virtual: X & Dolby Audio $39.99 at Woot
$119.99 Save $80 Get Deal

Ever feel like your home movie nights could be a little more... epic? A soundbar might be just what you need. The difference between your TV’s built-in speakers and a soundbar isn’t just volume, it’s clarity. With a soundbar, you can actually hear quiet dialogue without having to adjust the volume every time the characters are whispering, only to jump out of your skin when a loud explosion suddenly blasts through. The only catch is that good soundbars can be pretty expensive, which is why it’s always a good idea to shop around for deals.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite portable speaker for bass lovers is still at its best price at Amazon

As of June 2, you can get an open box Amazon Fire TV soundbar 2.0 for just $39.99, down from $119.99, at Woot. That's a 67% discount and a $80 savings. The important keyword here is “open box.” This means the product isn’t brand new, but it’s been inspected and is still in good working condition. And, are you really going to find a soundbar with more than 4K reviews for less than $40 anywhere else?

The Amazon Fire TV soundbar offers three-dimensional virtual surround sound via Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and HDMI eARC passthrough. (You can use it to listen to music, podcasts, and other media, too.) This particular model is 24 inches long and about 2.5 inches tall, which makes it ideal for smaller TVs. It is a Fire TV soundbar, but you can use it for non-Fire TVs. It’s also an audio-only soundbar, so Alexa isn’t built-in, and you’ll need to use the included remote to control the soundbar.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

• Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $19.98 (List Price $39.99)

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $38.00 (List Price $59.99)

• JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $129.95)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $228.00 (List Price $348.00)

• JBL Bar 300 5.0ch Compact Soundbar — $249.95 (List Price $399.95)