Mashable

The iPhone Air is here.

"Introducing the newest member of the iPhone family," Apple CEO Tim Cook said before cutting to a video showcasing said device.

Apple made its newest iPhone model official at its big September Apple Event on Tuesday, introducing an ultra-thin smartphone to its iPhone lineup. It's Apple thinnest iPhone ever.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025 live blog: Every 'awe-dropping' announcement, including iPhone 17

How thin? The iPhone Air is only 5.6mm thick at its thinnest point.

Credit: Apple

The iPhone Air comes in four different color options: space black, cloud white, sky blue, and light gold.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone Air Starting at $999 Learn More

Apple's new thinnest smartphone has a 6.5-inch ProMotion display with refresh rates up to 120Hz encased in a durable titanium frame.

Credit: Apple

When it comes to what's inside the device, the iPhone Air is powered by Apple's newest and most powerful Silicon chip, the A19 Pro. This makes the iPhone Air even more powerful with the just-announced iPhone 17. According to Apple, it is the fastest CPU in any smartphone.

"MacBook Pro levels of compute," Apple said.

The iPhone Air also introduces a new Apple chip for wireless connectivity, the N1, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The new device will also have Apple's C1X modem, which, according to Apple, helps make the device its most power-efficient smartphone ever.

Camera-wise, the iPhone Air only has one rear-facing lens, a 48MP fusion camera which includes a 12MP 2x telephoto setup as well. On the front, Apple is introducing a new selfie camera: the iPhone 17 lineup's new 18MP centerstage camera.

Credit: Apple

Apple is also finally bringing dual capture video to the iPhone, which enables use to record using both the front and rear facing cameras in one picture-in-picture style video.

Credit: Apple

During the event, Apple touted the iPhone Air as having "all-day battery life" and introduced a new mag safe battery designed specifically with the iPhone Air in mind, which can push the device to 40 hours of video playback.

Apple also announced two new case types for the iPhone Air: A translucent case that comes in two color options and a bumper case with four color options.

Credit: Apple

It appears that Apple is looking for the iPhone Air to fit in between the base and Pro models of the device, replacing the iPhone Plus model entirely.

And, price-wise, that seems to be the case as well. The iPhone Air is more expensive than the base model, starting at $999 for the 256GB model.

Credit: Apple

Rumors have been running rampant about the iPhone Air, which was being referred to as the iPhone 17 Air, even since news of its existence was discovered by insiders. the device may be the most leaked new Apple product in years.

With so much information (albeit unverified) out there in advanced, anticipation for the iPhone Air has been building all year as 2025 seems to be the year of ultra-thin smartphones. The iPhone Air brings Apple in line with its competition. Samsung, for example, released the ultra thin Galaxy S25 Edge earlier this year, which is measures 5.8mm thick at its thinnest point.

This story will be updated with more information as Apple shares it...

It's new iPhone season, which also means it's new iOS season.

With Apple launching the iPhone 17 lineup, that also heralds the arrival of iOS 26. Originally unveiled back at WWDC over the summer, iOS 26 brings a total UI overhaul, the likes of which iOS hasn't seen in years. With the advent of new iPhones, you'll also be able to install iOS 26 when it launches, as long as you have a compatible device. Here's what you need to know.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025 live blog: Every 'awe-dropping' announcement, including iPhone 17 iOS 26 release date

Apple always times the launch of a new iOS build with the launch of new iPhones, and this year should be no different. Expect to be able to install iOS 26 on Sept. 15, with the new phones coming out a few days after that. When it's available, you should be able to install it the same way you install any software update on your iPhone, in the "General" part of the Settings app.

What's new in iOS 26?

For the past few years, new iOS releases have been a little ho-hum, but iOS 26 promises to be much more substantial thanks to the big makeover it's giving every part of your iPhone's user interface.

I'm referring to Liquid Glass, the new design language Apple introduced with iOS 26. It makes app icons and other UI elements look like glass, but they also animate like liquid. Go figure. There are also much-needed updates to the Photos and Phone apps, with the former getting an especially necessary overhaul to make it easier to sort between your full photo library and any folders you've created.

Other new toys include an expanded feature set for group chats in Messages. You can now set custom backgrounds for group chats and even conduct polls, a feature that will almost certainly be abused to heinous ends as soon as it launches. There's also a new Games app for all your mobile gaming needs, including a place to compare scores to friends and a dedicated tab for Apple Arcade games.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is getting in on the fun, too. Both Messages and phone calls will support live language translation using AI, which is definitely the flagship AI feature on iOS 26. That will certainly be useful to plenty of people in lots of different situations.

Natural language searching is also coming to the Messages app, so you can hopefully find old chats and photos more easily than before. AI-generated summaries for voicemails are built into iOS 26, as well. Users can also expect to use ChatGPT to generate images in Image Playground, as well as a new feature that lets you mix multiple emojis together into one custom Genmoji.

Which devices will support iOS 26?

Of course, not every iPhone on the planet will support iOS 26. Here's the full list of compatible devices:

• iPhone SE (second generation and beyond only)

• iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 16e

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck. Sorry.

If you want to take Center Stage on the selfie cam, now you can on the iPhone.

At Tuesday's Apple event, the company announced that Center Stage — the feature that allows you to keep centered in the camera frame — will now be available for the front-facing iPhone camera. Apple's current support page for Center Stage only details the feature on Mac and iPad, so this is a big upgrade to the iPhone camera.

SEE ALSO: iPhone Air: The new ultra-thin iPhone officially announced by Apple

Now, you'll be able to stay centered on the iPhone. Apple also boasted high-resolution selfies in any orientation (portrait or landscape) and stabilized selfies while moving. The company called it an "innovative front camera system" and helpful for recording yourself. Apple promises its phone is the "best choice for content creators."

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

Apple's new iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are here.

The new phones were officially unveiled at the Cupertino-based tech giant's Sept. 9 "Awe Dropping" event.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max announced at Apple event 2025

Apple took its time unveiling the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, instead showcasing the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air first.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces iPhone 17 with ProMotion display and upgraded selfie cam

But worry not; the "Pro" models are still Apple's most powerful phones. They run on Apple's new A19 Pro, which the company calls "the fastest CPU in any smartphone."

They also have a new design, with the first "iPhone Unibody," a rigid aluminum enclosure that allowed Apple to give these phones the biggest battery ever seen in an iPhone. These new iPhones should also be very durable, thanks to Apple using Ceramic Shield on both front and back.

Credit: Apple

Apple barely mentioned it during the presentation, but the size of the Pro models hasn't changed; the iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display.

As is tradition, Apple didn't say how big the batteries in these phones are. The official spec sheet, however, says the iPhone 17 Pro can do up to 33 hours of video playback, while the Pro Max achieves 6 hours more.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: The cameras Credit: Apple

The camera system is new, too, and so is the massive camera bump (or "plateau" as Apple calls it) that hosts the three rear cameras. And yes, just as the rumors predicted, all three now have a 48-megapixel sensor.

Highlights include 12-megapixel "optical-quality" 8x telephoto shots, with digital zoom up to 40x, as well as sharper and more detailed images all around. On the front, there's the 18-megapixel Center Stage camera, apparently the same one seen on the other new iPhones.

The flash is also further away from the cameras, which may present a learning curve.

What else is new? Credit: Apple

There's also the all-new thermal management, with a vapor chamber that dissipates heat away from the key components. This is where the new aluminum frame comes in, as it has far better (20 times better, Apple claims) thermal conductivity than titanium, which is what Apple used for iPhone 16.

Other highlights include an entirely new, Apple-designed wireless chip called N1, which takes care of wireless tech such as WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The new iPhones Pro charge faster than before — you can expect a 50 percent charge in 20 minutes if you use the (optional) high-wattage USB-C power adapter. And yes, as expected, the FineWoven cases have been replaced with TechWoven, a techy new fabric that should be better at resisting scratches and stains.

How to preorder the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Credit: Apple

The new flagship iPhone 17 smartphones are available for pre-order now at the Apple store. As more retailers start opening pre-orders, we'll update this story.

The prices are the same as before: The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. Pre-orders for these models start on Friday, Sept. 12, and availability starts on Sept. 19.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 at Apple Store
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max $1,199 at Apple Store
Learn More

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

Apple Watch Ultra 3 will tell you the time — and a slew of other information — for eight more hours than the Ultra 2, according to Apple.

The Ultra 3 has up to 42 hours of battery life, up from 36 hours that the Ultra 2 was capable of. In Low Power Mode, the Ultra 3 can last up to 72 hours. According to Apple, during Tuesday's event, this is the longest battery life of any Apple Watch.

The 42 hour (and 72 in Low Power Mode) stands when users are training, racing, or going about their day, Apple stated in its Apple Watch Ultra 3 announcement. For those exercising outdoors for long periods of time, Ultra 3 will last for 20 hours of life in Low Power Mode with full GPS and heart rate readings.

Ultra 3 also boasts fast charging: 15 minutes will product 12 hours of battery life.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

Apple unveiled its new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 features today, including Apple's first attempt at blood pressure monitoring.

With advanced detection tools powered by machine learning, Apple explained, watches will now track and monitor signs of hypertension over a period of time. If the watch deduces the wearer is experiencing chronic high blood pressure, it will urge users to record their blood pressure using a third-party blood pressure cuff and alert their physician, according to American Heart Association guidelines.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025 live blog: Every 'awe-dropping' announcement, including iPhone 17

The device uses an optical heart sensor to analyze how blood vessels respond to heart beats over a 30-day period. Its algorithm was built using data from 100,000 participants and later validated in a clinical study of over 2,000 participants, said Apple.

Credit: Apple

It won't be able to detect every moment of hypertension, but Apple still anticipates it will help more than a million wearers. "Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, and impacts approximately 1.3 billion adults globally," wrote Apple. "It is frequently undiagnosed because it often has no symptoms, many people do not see a doctor regularly, and even during a clinical visit, it can be easily missed with a single measurement."

Apple says it is expecting FDA clearance of the technology soon.

The company has been exploring blood pressure monitoring for years, first rumored to be in the works in 2021 and later delayed ahead of the Apple Watch 10 announcement.

The feature will be available starting on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and later, as well as watchOS 26.

Finally, there's a new Apple Watch SE — this time with the S10 chip. It has an always-on display, sleep scores, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature sensing, and more features. It starts at $249 and will launch on Sept. 19, but you can preorder it now.

At Apple's spring announcement event on Tuesday, and after three years of waiting, the company dropped all the specs for the new Apple Watch SE 3. While the battery isn't quite as long-lasting as other fitness watches, the SE 3 does charge quickly — 15 minutes on the charger adds eight hours of battery life, and it can charge to 80 percent in under an hour.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Apple
Pre-order Here The new Apple Watch SE: The specs

Here are the basics for the Apple Watch SE 3:

• Battery life up to 18 hours

• S10 chip

• Always on display

• Wrist temperature sensing for ovulation estimates

• Sleep apnea notifications

• Sleep score

• Playing media — like music and podcasts — directly through the speakers

• Gestures like double-tap and wrist flip

• 5G cellular capabilities

• A more durable cover glass

• Liquid Glass

• Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence

"Apple Watch SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey, delivering outstanding health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features at an incredible value," Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing, said in a press release. "With even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging, we’re excited to see the ways Apple Watch SE 3 supports more people around the world to live a healthier and more active life."

Apple Watch SE 3 can play media through the speakers Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 has a new sleep score and sleep apnea notifications Credit: Apple Overnight vitals on the Apple Watch SE 3 Credit: Apple Ovulation estimations on the Apple Watch SE 3 Credit: Apple The new Apple Watch family

Apple also announced the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This is big news since last year, the only new watch model we got was the Apple Watch Series 10 — unless you count the new black titanium option announced in 2024 for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Before this, the most recent Apple Watch SE was released in 2022.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 officially dropped at the tech giant's "Awe Dropping" event on Tuesday.

It came with some interesting upgrades for folks in the market for a premium, rugged smartwatch.

A few of the upgrades:

• The display is bigger, brighter, and easier to read in outdoor, sunny settings.

• Ultra 3 comes with with satellite connectivity, meaning you don't have to worry if your hike takes you off-grid.

• The battery life will also prove a relief to users: It comes in at 42 hours, according to Apple, which is the longest of any Apple Watch. That's up from 36 hours for the Ultra 2.

• The Ultra 3 comes in black and titanium.

Credit: Apple

The iPhone 17, of course, sucked-up a lot of the attention and expectations in the lead-up to the big Apple Event — after all, a new lineup of phones is a big deal. But a new Ultra is also big news, especially for smartwatch enthusiasts because it's the top-of-the-line offering from Apple. But that performance will cost you. The Watch Ultra 3 will start at $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Apple
Pre-order Here

The satellite connectivity will likely be welcomed by folks who partake in activities outside the range of typical cell coverage. Apple promised users would be able to "text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location" all while off-grid. And, of course, the Ultra 3 also gets the major upgrades the Apple Watch Series 11 received, namely hypertension detection and upgraded sleep tracking.

Credit: Apple Credit: Apple

"Apple Watch Ultra is our most advanced Apple Watch, designed to take users from sports and adventure to the rest of their life, and help them stay active, healthy, connected, and safe, wherever they are,” said Eugene Kim, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch hardware engineering, in a statement.

Expectations coming into the event were that the Ultra 3 would provide incremental upgrades on the Ultra 2. Rumors suggested, among other features, that a bigger display, modest gains in processing power, and satellite messaging were likely. That's pretty much what we got on Tuesday — impressive, if not world-changing upgrades.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 can be preordered on Tuesday, with availability beginning Friday, Sept. 19.

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

Is the Apple Watch Series 11 worth the money it'll take to strap one on your wrist? Short answer: It depends how important battery life is to you.

Apple unveiled the new version of its signature smartwatch at its Apple event Tuesday. While most viewers were waiting to catch their first glimpse of iPhone 17, a significant chunk of the audience was hoping to find out if the Series 11 was a minor upgrade like the Series 10. The rumor mill said Apple was waiting until Series 12 in 2026 to introduce major changes like a more energy-efficient screen or Apple Intelligence-powered camera for FaceTime calls. Turns out the rumor mill was right.

So now we know. The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in three colors — jet black, rose gold, and a new space grey. The release date is Sept. 19. Here are the specs:

• 24 hours of battery life, a significant improvement

• S11 chip, with minor tweaks to the design of the previous Apple Watch chips, the S9 and S10.

• 5G support

• Blood pressure hypertension detection, pending FDA clearance in the U.S.

• A "sleep score" similar to the one found on the Oura ring.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Apple
Pre-order Here

Apple announced the Series 11 alongside its smaller, cheaper Apple Watch SE 3 and larger, pricier Apple Watch Ultra. That's three new Watches — making this launch a big deal compared to 2024, when Apple unveiled only one smartwatch, the Series 10. But if you're on the hunt for a more exciting, groundbreaking list of features, you might want to wait until the Series 12.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

SAVE $500.01: As of Sept. 9, get the EcoFlow Delta 3 for $898.99, down from its usual price of $1,399 at Amazon as part of a Lightning Deal. That's a discount of 36% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon EcoFlow Delta 3 $898.99 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $500.01 Get Deal

If you find yourself in situations where you might lost power, a portable power station is always a good idea. You never know when you might need to charge your phone, electronics, or other important appliances, and when bad weather strikes, you can go straight to your emergency power station for some peace of mind. If you don't have one yet, now's a good time to grab it thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of Sept. 9, get the EcoFlow Delta 3 for $898.99, down from its usual price of $1,399 at Amazon as part of a Lightning Deal. That's a discount of 36% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Forget dead batteries — these Bluetti power stations are game-changers for the outdoors and power outages

This power station offers 1,024Wh of power thanks to its LiFePO4 battery. It should last up to 10 years, so you've got longevity in case you end up needing it over and over again. Plus, when fully charged, it allows you to recharge something like your phone for nearly 90 cycles, or even keep your fan or other devices o for about 17 hours. It can even power a refrigerator so your food doesn't go bad for nearly 60 hours.

It has six AC ports, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. It also charges from 0 to 100% in under an hour, with a weight of just 30 pounds. That makes it easy to maneuver and take around your home if needed.

Now's the time to snap yours up, so act fast while it's still up for grabs. You'll feel much better having it around in an emergency.

PRE-OREDER THE NEW E-READER: The Kobo Clara Colour now comes in a white colorway and is available for pre-order from Rakuten Kobo for $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rakuten Kobo Kobo Clara Colour (white) $159.99 at Rakuten Kobo
Pre-order Here

Although it might not feel like it outside today, eventually fall and winter weather will come around. Once that happens, we'll be resuming indoor hobbies and that includes major reading sessions. Plenty of people prefer to do so with an e-reader. These make traveling with several books a cinch and it also affords you free and immediate access to your library's e-book collection, thanks to the wonderful Libby app. If you don't yet own an e-reader, check out this fun news.

Mashable's favorite e-reader, the Kobo Clara Colour, now comes in a white colorway. Previously, the e-reader was only available in black, so this could appeal if you prefer a brighter option that comes with all the same features we love about the Kobo Clara Colour.

In the official press release, Michael Tamblyn, the CEO of Rakuten Kobo, said, "Since we launched our colour eReaders, Kobo Libra Colour and Kobo Clara Colour, in 2024, we have been overwhelmed with how positively they have been received by booklovers around the world. Our most popular feature request since launch has been ‘Clara Colour, but make it white!' and we are happy to be able to meet that demand."

Pre-orders are now open and the brand says the new devices will be available on Sept. 23. Kobo Rakuten mentions they aim for delivery on the "available" date, but it's not guaranteed.

Why does Mashable love the Kobo Clara Colour? For starters, it has a color display that's rivaled by Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft which comes in at $249.99 for the same 16GB storage capacity that comes with the Clara Colour. The color-capable display on the Clara Colour is ideal when reading manga, graphic novels, and browsing diagrams and maps in books. There's also a super handy highlighter function.

Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "Having tried my hand at nearly a dozen e-readers in all shapes, sizes, and brands, I wasn't expecting to be so deeply impressed by the Kobo Clara Colour, but it is the ideal e-reader. With a 6-inch screen, it's slightly smaller than the Kindle Paperwhite, but it makes it the perfect size, able to be held comfortably for multiple hours at a time without any wrist or arm fatigue."

That six-inch screen makes it awesome to pack along for your next vacation or to keep you entertained (distracted) during the daily train commute. Unlike the Kindle, the Kobo Clara Colour is ad-free. Certain versions of the Kindle can claim the same, but they come with a higher price tag.

If you've always wanted an e-reader but haven't been thrilled with a black housing, it's your lucky day now that the Kobo Clara Colour comes in a white option. Pre-order it now and you'll be reading in color with a white e-reader in just a few weeks.

GET A FREE YEAR OF ESPN DTC: As of Sept. 9, flagship Samsung TVs including OLED models, Neo QLEDs, and The Frame Pro are still on sale form Labor Day — and Samsung will throw in 12 months of ESPN's new streaming service (a $299.99 value) if you buy one.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Free ESPN for a year ($299.99 value) When you buy select Samsung QLED or OLED TVs Get Deal

Football season inspires some of the best TV deals of the year. If you're tempted to bring home your new TV at the start of the season (rather than waiting until Black Friday or playoffs), consider buying a Samsung — with your purchase, you'll also get a free way to watch a ton of NFL games. As of Sept. 9, Samsung is throwing in a free year of ESPN's new streaming service (a $299.99 value) with the purchase of a glare-free TV. These include The Frame Pro, S95F OLED, and several 4K and 8K Neo QLED models, most of which are also on sale themselves. You could save upwards of $1,000 with these combined savings.

SEE ALSO: My Best Buy Plus and Total members: Get NFL Sunday Ticket for up to $222 off

Finding a way to watch NFL games for cheap is an art form these days — especially now that StreamEast met its demise. The ESPN DTC streaming service is one new strategy to add to your playbook this year. A subscription gets you access to all ESPN networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, and the ACC Network, plus ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. It's one way to watch any live game on ESPN or ABC. The Samsung promo covers the ESPN Unlimited Plus plan, which is set to show 47,000 live events total throughout the year.

In terms of the TVs you'll be choosing from, Samsung didn't hold back on offering its best models. Here's a full breakdown of all the Samsung TV deals eligible for the ESPN promo:

• Samsung QN1EF Samsung Vision AI Neo QLED 4K TV (55 to 85 inches) — between $849.99 and $1,949.99 (save up to $950)

• Samsung The Frame Pro Samsung Vision AI Neo QLED 4K TV (65 to 85 inches) — between $2,099.99 and $3,999.99 (save up to $300)

• Samsung S95F Samsung Vision AI OLED 4K TV (55 to 83 inches) — between $2,199.99 and $5,999.99 (save up to $500)

• Samsung QN900F Samsung Vision AI Neo QLED 8K TV (65 to 85 inches) — between $3,099.99 and $5,299.99 (save up to $200)

• Samsung QN990F Samsung Vision AI Neo QLED 8K TV (65 to 85 inches) — between $5,299.99 and $7,999.99 (save up to $500)

While dark scenes and nighttime watching are typically an OLED TV's wheelhouse, Samsung's S95F OLED is often referred to as one of the brightest OLEDs on the market — crucial for watching sports in daylight. There's a serious price slash on every size of the Samsung QN1EF, which is already a budget-friendly QLED option even at full price. Plus, we think Samsung's The Frame Pro is one of the best TVs of the year. All QLED models listed here are Neo QLED, which combines the classic layer of quantum dots we're used to with QLED technology, paired with mini LEDs.

A massive banner was unfurled outside Apple's Cupertino headquarters on Tuesday morning, with the smiling face of CEO Tim Cook welcoming visitors to the company's California campus. But the message of the starkly monochromatic decoration wasn't a boast about the new iPhone upgrades about to be announced, instead reading: "New iPhone Still Spreading Child Sexual Abuse."

The image was an act of civil disobedience by the Heat Initiative, a tech accountability network of experts, parents, and youth advocates who have made it their mission to pressure Big Tech into taking more aggressive action against predatory behavior and threats to youth safety across their platforms.

Mashable reached out to Apple for comment about the Heat Initiative action, but hasn't yet received a response. Apple previously responded to accusations that its products enable child sexual abuse material (CSAM); the company was targeted in a related class action lawsuit filed late last year. Apple stated at the time that it takes CSAM seriously and has instituted additional guardrails to prevent its spread.

SEE ALSO: Which jobs are AI-proof?

"Cook and Apple’s top executives know child sexual abuse is hosted and traded from iCloud, but they refuse to implement common sense detection and removal practices that are standard across the tech industry," said Heat Initiative CEO Sarah Gardner in a press statement.

"That means survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst crimes imaginable over and over because of Apple’s negligence and inaction. Since Apple won’t act, today we did — and our message to Tim Cook is that we will not rest until he stops putting profits over the lives and safety of children and survivors."

The timing aligns with Apple's annual product-centered September event, which will see the company debuting its new lineup of devices and iOS26 upgrades on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT.

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The Heat Initiative has spent the last two years pressuring Apple to enforce stronger protections against the alleged storage and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) through the company's iCloud storage platform, with the belief that device manufacturers should also be held accountable for the youth mental health crisis and other safety failures. In late 2021, Apple announced it was pausing then axing plans to launch an iCloud scanning tool that would automatically detect and source CSAM stored in users' private drives. At the time, privacy experts warned that the tool could be the entry point into a wave of surveillance. The company initially claimed that its new NeuralHash technology would still preserve user privacy, but later reversed course.

"Child sexual abuse material is abhorrent and we are committed to breaking the chain of coercion and influence that makes children susceptible to it,” said Erik Neuenschwander, Apple's director of user privacy and child safety, in response to Heat Initiative in 2021 (statement originally published by Wired). "Scanning every user’s privately stored iCloud data would create new threat vectors for data thieves to find and exploit. It would also inject the potential for a slippery slope of unintended consequences."

Apple has faced more intense legal scrutiny over the last year, including a billion dollar class action lawsuit filed in December that alleged the company reneged on mandatory reporting duties and thus sold "defective products" that were incorrectly advertised as safe for young people.

"Child sexual abuse material is abhorrent and we are committed to fighting the ways predators put children at risk," wrote Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz in response to the lawsuit. "We are urgently and actively innovating to combat these crimes without compromising the security and privacy of all our users. Features like Communication Safety, for example, warn children when they receive or attempt to send content that contains nudity to help break the chain of coercion that leads to child sexual abuse. We remain deeply focused on building protections that help prevent the spread of CSAM before it starts."

The Heat Initiative has also organized around Meta's alleged youth safety failures, in an effort to push more companies into the spotlight.

GET A FREE APPLE TV 4K: As of Sept. 9, Fubo is giving out free Apple TV 4K streaming devices to new subscribers who commit to a 12-month Elite plan with Sports Plus. That's a $129 value included for zero dollars.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Free Apple TV 4K with 12-month Fubo Elite with Sports Plus Get Deal

If you're shopping around for a live TV streaming service, you have a few different options. It all depends on what your priorities are. If live sports — in particular, sports that require regional sports networks to watch — are your main priority, Fubo is likely your best bet. And for a limited time, it comes with an incentive to sign up: free stuff.

As of Sept. 9, new Fubo subscribers who commit to a 12-month Elite plan with Sports Plus ($104.99 per month when all is said and done) will receive a free Apple TV 4K ($129 value). Since there is technically no annual plan available, this promotion is based purely on your word alone that you'll keep your Fubo plan for an entire year. The Apple TV 4K will ship once your first payment is received (after the free trial). So long as you stick around the full year, it's yours to keep for free. If you cancel before the 12-month promotional period is up, you'll be charged the cost of the Apple TV 4K.

Eligible new customers will be presented with the offer upon signing up for the Elite plan. You can choose to opt in or opt out of the promotion. Just note that if you opt in, you're essentially giving Fubo your word that you'll keep your subscription for at least 12 months.

Fubo's Elite plan with Sports Plus is pretty epic. It features 318 live channels, as well as ESPN Unlimited, local NBA, NHL and MLB games (thanks to the most RSNs on the market), and NFL RedZone — all available in 4K resolution. Is it expensive? Yes, but it's the most well-rounded option for live sports streaming. You'll get a free five-day trial, then your first month for just $74.99. After that, you'll be charged the full $104.99 per month.

Is OpenAI planning to leave California?

According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, the AI giant headed by Sam Altman has discussed the possibility of having to relocate out of The Golden State due to the laws surrounding nonprofit organizations and OpenAI's plan to restructure as a for-profit.

Roughly one year ago, OpenAI announced its plans to overhaul how the company is structured. OpenAI began as a nonprofit, but the organization's mission clearly changed as its AI chatbot ChatGPT took off. In September 2024, OpenAI said that it intended to restructure the nonprofit into a traditional for-profit company.

However, the blowback amongst its users and the tech community at large derailed parts of those plans. Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Altman announced that OpenAI will instead structure itself into a for-profit company with the nonprofit organization retaining control over it.

OpenAI's attempt to appease everyone while still getting what it wanted has now been called into question. Other nonprofits, philanthropies, labor groups, and even OpenAI rivals like Meta and Elon Musk (who, until 2018, was on the nonprofit's board of directors) have pushed back against OpenAI's new arrangement, the WSJ noted, saying that OpenAI is violating the nonprofit's founding mission which in turn may be breaking California's charitable trust law. 

Attorneys general in California and in Delaware are now investigating OpenAI’s plan to restructure to see if the AI giant is indeed breaking the law that regulates nonprofits, according to the WSJ. As a result of these investigations, OpenAI could be sued by the states or be required to pay a settlement as terms for a restructure.

OpenAI's conundrum

Depending on what the Attorneys general do, OpenAI may be left with a tough decision, according to the WSJ.

OpenAI's investors could pull $19 billion from the company, under the condition that the financing would only be given if these backers received equity in the for-profit company. The way OpenAI is currently set up, the nonprofit group controls the company as a subsidiary and equity cannot be distributed in the same manner as if it was strictly run as a for-profit.

So, in order to receive those billions, which is roughly half of its total funding in the past year, OpenAI has discussed the possibility of leaving California. But, there is a problem there too for OpenAI. AI companies are throwing big salaries around in order to lure AI talent to their companies. Many AI researchers are based in San Francisco. AI companies like Anthropic seem to have no plans to leave California. The allure of not having to pack up and move their families out-of-state may be another way for OpenAI's rivals to convince their talent to make the jump.

OpenAI doesn't seem to really want to move out of California. The WSJ reports that the company has hired a team of lobbyists with close ties to Governor Gavin Newsom in hopes of avoiding any issues with its restructuring. But, depending on what these investigations turn up, they may not have much of a choice.

Brace yourselves, Veo 3 just became mobile-friendly.

Google's AI video model now supports the vertical video format in the Gemini API. Now, developers can create Veo 3 videos with the 9:16 aspect ratio, which is the vertical frame size for TikTok and Reels.

SEE ALSO: I tested Grok Imagine, and it's no match for Google Veo 3 or Sora

The update is for developers working with Veo 3 directly within the API. But Google has steadily introduced more Veo 3 features throughout various apps and products. Users can now turn images into videos with Veo 3 on the Gemini app and in Google Photos. Unlike other AI video generators, Veo 3 also generates audio, which has made it a popular choice for sharing hyperrealistic AI-generated street interviews and videos of AI creators.

All of these videos have been generated in a horizontal video format, or edited into vertical format with some other tool or extension. It's unclear whether vertical video support is coming to consumer-friendly tools like Gemini. If Veo 3-generated videos can be optimized for social by just about anyone, our feeds might explode with AI slop.

Mashable has contacted Google and will update this story with a response. For developers at least, they'll now be able to generate vertical videos directly within the prompt. In addition to vertical video support, Google also announced 1080p HD output and lower price per second on Veo 3 (now $0.40 per second) and Veo 3 Fast (now $0.15 per second) models.

SAVE $150: On Sept. 9, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is down to just $399.99 (reg. $549.99) as one of Best Buy's deals of the day. That means you have to act quick, as the savings will disappear at the day's end.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $399.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal

The Dyson Supersonic is the crown jewel of hair dryers — and its price tag certainly reflects that. While we do think the iconic hair dryer lives up to the hype, we often recommend dupes that can offer a similar experience without the steep price tag. Not everyone has $500+ to drop on a hair tool, after all. When it goes on sale, though, the dupes go out the window.

As of Sept. 9, the Dyson Supersonic Nural — the brand's newest and most superior dryer — is on sale for just $399.99 as one of Best Buy's deals of the day. That's $150 off its current list price of $549.99 and $100 cheaper than it is currently listed at Amazon. FWIW, it's also just $10 away from its best price ever.

There's a few essential things to note about this promotion. First, the $150 savings is only available on the strawberry bronze and blush pink model. All other color options are either sitting at full price or have a lesser discount. Second, as a deal of the day, this discount is here today, gone tomorrow. If you're interested in the Dyson Supersonic Nural, now's the time to grab it.

Dyson launched the Supersonic Nural in early 2024 with even more premium features than the original Supersonic. It comes with a scalp protect mode, upgraded attachments (including an excellent and unique diffuser), memory for preferred settings with said attachments, and pause detection. Mashable's Bethany Allard tested it out and said, "It certainly feels more intelligent, but not quite like a smart hair dryer."

At $399.99, the Supersonic Nural is in the same price bracket as some of the dupes we recommend. In other words, at this price, you can actually opt for the real thing. But hurry — the deal will expire at 1 a.m. ET.

Apple is set to release a substantial new iOS version soon, but like always, some iPhones will be unable to run the operating system and will be functionally left behind by the Apple ecosystem.

Tim Cook and friends are expected to reveal the iOS 26 release date during the September Apple Event on Tuesday. The new version of iOS brings a host of new features, such as the new "Liquid Glass" design language, improved live translation, and a sorely needed reorganization of the Camera and Photos apps. As you may have noticed, we also jumped from iOS 18 to iOS 26, as Apple has adopted a new OS naming scheme that focuses on years rather than version numbers.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025 live blog: Every 'awe-dropping' announcement, including iPhone 17

However, this news comes with a bit of disappointment for some iPhone owners. Each new version of iOS represents a new group of older iPhones that will be effectively cut off from major software updates, thus incentivizing their owners to spend money on a newer iPhone instead. Here is the list of iPhones that support iOS 26, for those who are curious about the status of their older iPhones.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 arrives today: See rumored specs, cameras, colors, and release date Every iPhone that supports iOS 26

The list of iOS 26-compatible iPhones is as follows:

• iPhone SE (second generation and beyond only)

• iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

• iPhone 16e

You can go ahead and pencil in the as-yet-unannounced iPhone 17, too. That means every iPhone model older than iPhone 11 is out of luck here. iPhone X line owners who got iOS 18 last year will have to upgrade at some point if they want to take advantage of the new features iOS 26 brings to the table. It's also worth noting that any Apple Intelligence features will be limited even further to iPhone 15 and 16 models (until the 17 is inevitably announced, too).

SEE ALSO: How to watch the Apple Event 2025: Don't miss the iPhone 17 launch

The release date for iOS 26 is fast approaching. Get ready for Liquid Glass.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers for free on FIFA+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of really important World Cup qualifiers taking place this week, but South Africa vs. Nigeria might be the biggest matchup on the schedule. Only the top team in each qualification group will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and South Africa are currently sitting pretty at the top of the standings with a five-point cushion over Benin in second. Nigeria desperately need a win here.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. Nigeria?

South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 9. This fixture takes place at the Free State Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. Nigeria for free

South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on FIFA+.

FIFA+ is geo-restricted to these locations, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams on FIFA+ from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream South Africa vs. Nigeria for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in another location

4. Visit FIFA+

5. Stream South Africa vs. Nigeria for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for FIFA+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on FIFA+, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream South Africa vs. Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

For Apple lovers, the biggest date on the tech calendar has arrived. On Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET), you can watch the Apple Event 2025 live, where Apple is all but certain to reveal the new iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple watches, and plenty more.

Every year, Apple has two huge events. First, there's the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in the summer, which shows off all the software and artificial intelligence upgrades the company has to offer. Then, the fall iPhone launch is the big event for consumer tech lovers.

For the 2024 Apple event, the company announced the Apple Watch Series 10, updated AirPods, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, among other announcements. This year, in addition to the new iPhone 17, we're also anticipating an ultra-thin iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and a release date for iOS 26 and Liquid Glass.

How to watch the Apple Event 2025

You can find the Apple Event at all the usual spots — on Apple's YouTube channel, the Apple website, or the Apple TV app. Through the company's website, you can set up a calendar reminder, and on YouTube, you can be reminded when the event actually gets started. Again, it's slated to kick off at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday.

For more coverage before and after the livestream, you can also check out the CNET and Mashable Apple event live show on YouTube, where our tech experts will break down all the announcements.

For more Apple event updates, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time insights on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.