Mashable

RAMageddon made the Apple MacBook Air more expensive. Now, it's making it harder to buy.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the global memory chip shortage is affecting supplies of the MacBook Air, Apple's bestselling mid-range laptop. This comes roughly five weeks after Apple raised the MacBook Air's price by $200 because of the same circumstances.

SEE ALSO: Apple price increases arrive: How much MacBooks and iPads will cost you now

"Retail store sources say Apple is struggling to keep the laptop in stock and that shipments of new units are more constrained than they can ever recall," Gurman writes in the Aug. 2 edition of his Power On newsletter. He later adds: "From what I’ve heard, the MacBook Air shortage is indeed tied to the ongoing memory crunch."

Evidence of a possible MacBook Air shortage is emerging in Apple's online storefront. As Gurman points out, all configurations of the current 13- and 15-inch M5 MacBook Air are backordered there to as late as early September — more than a month out. The more RAM, the longer the wait.

Estimated shipping dates for various configurations of the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air as of Aug. 3, 2026. The 32GB variant of the 15-inch model was also delayed until mid-September. Credit: Apple / Mashable composite

At the time of writing, third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy were advertising one- to seven-day shipping for all of their in-stock MacBook Airs (depending on the size, color, storage, and memory options). However, that could change as their inventories dwindle.

Bloomberg's Gurman further reports that Apple is pushing the $1,999 base M5 MacBook Pro in favor of the Air as part of its back-to-school offer, which was delayed this year from June to July. Moreover, some of the company's ads for the promotion reportedly include a "MacBook Air subject to availability" disclaimer. Mashable could not independently verify this, though a screenshot of the ad was posted on X.

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As Mashable previously reported, Apple raised its MacBook and iPad prices in late June due to increased component costs related to the global memory shortage (aka "RAMageddon"). A surge in AI data center construction has made RAM and SSD storage chips scarcer, thus making other laptops and consumer tech devices more expensive. In the company's Q3 earnings call last week, outgoing CEO Tim Cook likened the phenomenon to "a 100-year flood."

In addition to implementing price increases, Apple has removed some configurations of its mac Mini and Mac Studio desktops from its online store amid RAMageddon. The company is reportedly lobbying the Trump administration for approval to buy memory components from a blacklisted Chinese chipmaker as a means of some relief, per the Financial Times.

Yet so far, at least, RAMageddon hasn't decimated Apple's bottom line. On the same earnings call, Cook said Macs had their "best June quarter yet," with revenue for the category jumping 29 percent year-over-year. The new budget MacBook Neo "has been especially popular," Cook noted, though the MacBook Air remains "the world's most popular laptop," he said.

OpenAI’s first brand trip came with private cabins, monogrammed pajamas, gourmet outdoor dinners, and jars of honey stamped with the company’s logo. Online, the luxury getaway became a much less relaxing conversation about AI.

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Over the weekend, the company flew a group of creators to Wildflower Farms, a luxury resort in New York’s Hudson Valley that bills itself as a "meaningful encounter with nature." The creators posted luxurious room tours — rates run roughly $1,500 to $3,100 per night — exploring the picturesque grounds, chatted with fellow content creators and OpenAI execs, and shared awe-struck clips with their tens to hundreds of thousands of followers.

"I'm still processing how insanely EPIC the last 72 hours has been," AI creator Justyn Warner wrote on Instagram. Warner said OpenAI flew him to New York for its "first ever brand trip," where he was surrounded by "some of the best creators on the planet and some of the brightest minds in AI."

The guest list leaned heavily toward people whose content already overlaps with technology, work, and entrepreneurship. Attendees included tech and career creator Megan Lieu; career and business creators Grace McCarrick and Avni Barman; software and fashion creator Sreya Halder (who has partnered with OpenAI before), among many other recognizable faces in the tech sphere.

For some social media users, the combination of artificial intelligence and a luxury wilderness retreat landed strangely. As posts from the weekend spread, attendees’ comment sections filled with questions about the environmental cost of AI, its effect on creative work, and why creators had agreed to help promote it in the first place.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. AI summer camp meets AI's environmental footprint

OpenAI could hardly have chosen a more on-the-nose setting for the weekend. Wildflower Farms sits on 140 acres in Gardiner, New York, surrounded by meadows, woodlands, orchards, and views of the Shawangunk Ridge.

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The resort, as glamorous and serene as it is, is an awkward backdrop for a company facing mounting questions about the physical infrastructure supporting its products.

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AI may feel like something that lives entirely on a screen, but every ChatGPT request must be processed by servers in data centers, many of which are equipped with specialized computer chips. Those chips draw electricity and generate considerable heat. Keeping them from overheating requires additional electricity and, at many facilities, large amounts of water.

The International Energy Agency projects that global data-center electricity consumption will more than double between 2024 and 2030, with servers primarily used for AI driving nearly half of that growth. In the United States, data centers directly consumed an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023.

"The concept of attending an AI brand trip surrounded by nature while it actively hurts the environment is an incredible bit," one X user wrote in response to a now-deleted post by tech influencer @meshtimes. In the r/NYCinfluencersnark Reddit thread about the brand trip, another commenter asked whether business influencer Nat Lucy was "gazing at where the new data center is gonna go," in her post. "Did they promise you fresh water when we run out?" another commenter wrote.

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Communities are increasingly pushing back. At least 75 proposed data centers worth approximately $130 billion were delayed or blocked during the first three months of 2026, while a June report identified 430 local Facebook groups with more than 525,000 combined members opposing the projects.

OpenAI's latest proposal appears designed to get ahead of those concerns. On July 22, it announced Project Camellia, a data-center campus planned for rural Georgia. OpenAI promised the facility would use "minimal" water and would not increase residents’ electricity bills.

"We believe showing up early is the right way to build trust," the company said, while acknowledging that significant details about the project remain unresolved.

That emphasis on trust helps explain the value of bringing creators into the room. As psychologist and researcher Dr. Anna Kallschmidt said in a video regarding OpenAI's latest "unsurprising" brand trip, "Without trust, you have nothing. That is why these companies...are bringing these people in because they know people don’t trust them, and they’re hoping by bringing in faces that you trust, that trust will build onto [OpenAI]."

Kallschmidt added she receives an email "every other day" from an AI company interested in a brand deal, suggesting that OpenAI is part of a larger effort to find recognizable people who can make AI products feel more accessible.

That was precisely what bothered some people online: they saw OpenAI borrowing credibility that creators had already established with their audiences.

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One Reddit commenter warned about "AI companies utilizing influencers who are more than willing to be talking heads for a company’s narrative that they probably know so little about." Another added, "Not all money is good money."

Creators are defending themselves

Once the backlash reached attendees’ comment sections, some began explaining why they had accepted OpenAI’s invitation. Career and business creator Grace McCarrick responded directly to people questioning her decision to attend:

"If I have the opportunity to be in the room and hear from people who are at the helm of change, I can do that," McCarrick said in one TikTok response. "It's actually well within my moral system."

McCarrick also called the backlash "shocking AI psychosis" in a longer LinkedIn post, and said she had no idea so many people felt this strongly about the technology. "It didn’t for one second occur to me that it could be controversial," McCarrick wrote.

The backlash also caught the attention of tech journalist Taylor Lorenz. "Influencers are getting cancelled for going on the OpenAI brand summer camp weekend trip, which is very interesting bc I have not seen similar criticism towards influencers who have been attending Anthropic events," she wrote on X.

In a follow-up, Lorenz noted that McCarrick already publicizes consulting work for Amazon, Uber, and DoorDash. Why, she seemed to ask, had this OpenAI retreat suddenly become the partnership that crossed the line?

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. OpenAI is investing in influence

This brand trip did not appear out of nowhere.

In February, OpenAI hired Charles Porch, Instagram's longtime vice president of global partnerships, for the newly created position of vice president of global creative partnerships. Porch spent more than 15 years at Instagram, Facebook, and Meta cultivating relationships with the kinds of people who can introduce a new platform or product to a much larger audience.

His résumé includes helping Beyoncé release her self-titled album exclusively on Instagram in 2013, convincing Pope Francis to join the platform, organizing activations at the Met Gala and Vanity Fair's Oscar Party, and overseeing a program that offered bonuses to creators who began posting on Instagram Reels.

That experience matters to OpenAI. Porch spent years convincing influential people to join a new platform and then turning their participation into moments that attracted everyone else. Now, he is applying that playbook to ChatGPT.

"I’m going to be the person that’s talking to creative communities around the world to figure out how we build the best products to serve them," Porch told Vanity Fair when his hiring was announced.

Porch is only one piece of that effort. On April 2, OpenAI acquired TBPN, a daily technology talk show hosted by Jordi Hays and John Coogan, in a deal worth somewhere in the "low hundreds of millions of dollars."

Often described as "SportsCenter for Silicon Valley," TBPN streams for three hours every weekday, mixing friendly executive interviews, industry gossip, and enthusiastic celebrations of new products and funding rounds. Its audience is relatively small but influential, including founders, investors, and technology executives. Guests have included Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, Mark Cuban, and Altman, who has called it his "favorite tech show."

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University of Washington professor Margaret O'Mara told NPR that the purchase appeared partly intended to influence how people in the industry talk about OpenAI. In the same report, tech scholar Sara Watson described the company as facing a larger "narrative change problem" as the public grows more skeptical of the industry’s promises.

The Wildflower Farms retreat brought that effort outside the Silicon Valley bubble. OpenAI is clearly aiming to surround its products with people who already know how to attract attention, explain new technology, and build loyal audiences.

The trip definitely succeeded in getting people to talk about OpenAI, though the company may have preferred a different conversation.

Microsoft's remote meeting software will lose major functionality on mobile soon if you don't update your app.

In a support note on its website (via TechRadar), Microsoft said that people who use the iOS or Android apps for Microsoft Teams need to update to the latest version of the app by the beginning of October. Users who fail to do that will lose access to the app's Calendar functionality, which would obviously be a big hindrance to anyone trying to keep track of when their meetings are supposed to happen.

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

It should be stated that nothing is changing in the browser or desktop versions of Teams. This only applies to the mobile app.

"This change helps maintain a reliable calendar experience on iOS and Android devices and ensures compatibility with ongoing Teams service updates," the note said.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft will straight up give you a free pair of Sony XM6 headphones right now

No reason was given for why this feature would be shut off for those who fail to update, but TechRadar speculated that it had to do with the upcoming end-of-life for Microsoft's Exchange Web Services system. Updating the mobile Teams app will presumably get around that, allowing for continued use of the Calendar feature.

Don't miss any meetings, folks.

Save 14%: As of Aug. 3, you can pick up the Sony LinkBuds Clip on sale for $198 at Amazon and Sony, saving you $31.99 off their $229.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal

Open earbuds options have never been more abundant, but if you're in the market for a cuff-style pair, you've probably seen the Bose Ultra Open earbuds recommended over and over again.

Don't get me wrong, they're great earbuds. They're also a hefty investment, a couple of years old, and far from your only worthwhile pair to look at. One of my other favorite options, the Sony LinkBuds Clip, are on sale for $198 at Amazon and Sony, down from their usual price of $229.99.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best open earbuds stay put, sound great, and keep us aware of the world

Like the Bose buds, they wrap in a cuff around the ear, providing a comfortable all-day wear. In my direct comparison of the two earbuds, I found that while the Sony's tended to run a bit quieter, they excelled at offering more clarity and detail in the audio — a feat which isn't easy for open earbuds. The battery life is also great, offering nine hours of playback per charge and 37 hours with the case overall. The LinkBuds Clip are also IPX4 rated, meaning you're in the clear to take them to the gym without much worry.

At $229.99, they're a solid value. At $198, however, they're even more approachable. It's not quite the $178 low we saw over Prime Day, but if you've been looking for a reliable pair of earbuds to keep you aware of the world around you while providing a great audio experience, you don't need to look any further.

What do Olivia Rodrigo, Munchlax, classical art, and the X-Files have in common?

That's right, they're all inspirations behind the newest Lego sets, once again proving that if you're a fan of something, there's probably a Lego set to match.

SEE ALSO: Our 15 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

The result is that Lego has quite the extensive catalog, even if you're just looking at the new releases, and even if you're just looking at Legos for adults. With the start of the new month, I did my due diligence to round up the best new Lego sets available. All told, I found 10 of the best new Lego sets for August, from a Botanicals pothos build and Pokémon you can actually battle with to Olivia Rodrigo flowers and a Jaguar E-Type. Check them out below.

Lego Minecraft Chicken Jockey

It's not just a phrase yelled by hordes of children during screenings of A Minecraft Movie — it's a Lego set, too. Most child fans of Minecraft are likely to appreciate this set, but I'm betting adult fans of the sandbox game will be at least a little tickled by what Lego has concocted.

Pieces: 344 Recommended age: 9+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft Chicken Jockey $29.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Creator 3-in-1 Floral Decor Perfume Bottle Nothing hits like a little perfume bottle decor. Credit: Lego

The fragrance industry is having a bit of a moment, so naturally, Lego needs to get in on the fun. This set dropped in June, so while it's not brand new, it's certainly worth a mention due to its popularity — at the time of writing, the set is currently on backorder, but will ship out by Aug. 15.

Pieces: 286 Recommended age: 8+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Floral Decor Perfume Bottle $29.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hanging Golden Pothos I promise you: this is a plant you can keep alive. Credit: Lego

Even for the least green of thumbs, a golden pothos is a near-unkillable plant, but if you really want a test run or the certainty that it will actually never die, this Lego is a good alternative. It's one of several recent Botanicals additions, and while it's hard to pick favorites, the hanging vines of this set are quite unique and impressively accurate in their appearance.

Pieces: 372 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hanging Golden Pothos $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Olivia Rodrigo Flower Bouquet This set + you = <3 Credit: Lego

Can't get enough of crying listening to Olivia Rodrigo's latest album? Same! To keep the good times going, you can now listen and re-listen to Rodrigo's musical articulation of the blossoming and dissolution of a relationship while building a Lego bouquet inspired by her. The recommended age for this set is nine years plus, while the recommended age for experiencing the gut punch of familiarity on the song "Less" is never. If the flowers aren't your jam (or you need more bricks to put together while you go through her discography), there are four more Rodrigo-themed sets to check out.

Pieces: 400 Recommended age: 9+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Olivia Rodrigo Flower Bouquet $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Pokémon Munchlax A king upon his throne. Credit: Lego

We'll get to the Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets shortly, but Munchlax deserves a moment. Look at him! There is no, and will never be, a Pokémon more suited to a Lego makeover than Munchlax. Perfect execution, no notes.

Pieces: 757 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Munchlax $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial E.T. phone home? More like E.T. in your home. Credit: Lego

Maybe Elliot didn't get to keep E.T. close, but you certainly can. (Btw, does anyone else habitually watch Henry Thomas's E.T. audition at least a couple times a year?) The Lego E.T. isn't exactly true to size — he stands at nine-and-a-half inches tall, but Lego nailed the shape, the point, and made it so you can rotate his head 360 degrees. So the important bases are covered.

Pieces: 1,226 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Jaguar E-Type That's class, baby. Credit: Lego

I used to drive a green Mini Cooper, so I will admit to some bias regarding green British cars. That said, this model is stunning, and a good deal cheaper than buying a real Jaguar E-Type. While (shockingly) you can't drive it around, like a real car, you can look under the hood, fold back the roof, and store an included five-piece building kit in the trunk.

Pieces: 1,673 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Jaguar E-Type $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas 'The X-Files' The real Gillian Anderson is not included (unfortunately). Credit: Lego

Lego's site already features the copy, "The bricks are out there," so there's not much I can add to this conversation. What I will say is that this set features an alien, Scully, Mulder, a UFO, a spooky forest, and if you order between Aug. 1 and 10, a free mini set of Scully's lab. What more could an X-Files fan need?

Pieces: 1,478 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas 'The X-Files' $199.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade A no brainer buy for DK fans. Credit: Lego

Nostalgia peaks on this Donkey Kong arcade set. From the iconic red lettering to the barrels found in the original arcade game, this is Lego and Donkey Kong working together in beautiful tandem. And yes, you can actually release barrels and use the joystick to move Jumpman.

Pieces: 1,371 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade $199.99 at Lego
  Get Deal Lego Art Gustav Klimt 'The Kiss' Oil on canvas? No. Brick on brick. Credit: Lego

Will they hang Lego Art pieces in museums one day? Maybe they should, because the more releases from this brand, the more they make the case that the sets themselves are legitimate works of art. The latest addition, Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, is no departure. At $299.99, it's certainly an investment, but for a 4,000-piece set you can hang on the wall, you're getting a legitimate piece of decor. Unlike the rest of the August-release sets on this list, this one isn't available until Aug. 4, but man, does it look worth the wait.

Pieces: 4,000 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Gustav Klimt The Kiss $299.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Smart Play Pokémon And with this we are one step closer to society's dream of Pokémon IRL. Credit: Lego

The Smart Play series has found its footing with the Pokémon sets. Though the Star Wars sets were interesting, Pokémon has breathed new life into the interactive design. There are plenty of sets to choose from: the Training House with Pikachu and Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle sets are complete kits with Smart Bricks. There are six additional sets that are Smart Play compatible: Mewtwo's Lab Break, Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt, Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof, Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle, Charmander and Geodude's Cavern Clash, and Cubone and Gengar's Spooky Showdown. Mashable's Timothy Werth broke down all the new tech and got in some hands-on experience with the sets, but in short, the Smart Brick tech means the Pokémon make their signature noises (adorable), train, and battle your Pokémon.

Pieces: 88 to 831 Recommended age: 6+ to 10+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Smart Play Pokémon sets From $14.99 to $119.99 Shop Now

TL;DR: Now through Aug. 9, Best Buy is bundling free Best Buy e-gift cards with select Apple Gift Cards.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Gift Card   Shop Now

If you regularly spend money in the Apple ecosystem (e.g., App Store purchases, Apple Music subscriptions, or hardware), Best Buy has a deal to get extra value out of that spending.

SEE ALSO: Apple said to delay smart glasses launch after Meta backlash

From Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, Best Buy is bundling free e-gift cards with select Apple Gift Cards. If you buy a $50 Apple Gift Card, you'll get a free $5 Best Buy e-gift card, and buying a $100 Apple Gift Card gets you a $10 bonus card. All you have to do is add the card to your cart and check out — the promo will auto-apply.

Best Buy will email you the e-gift card after your order is processed or picked up. As with most of these promos, it requires a valid email address, applies to in-stock items only, and excludes Marketplace products. If you already plan on paying for Apple services or saved-up app purchases, it's an easy way to pocket free store credit for your next tech purchase.

SAVE $70: The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $649, down from the list price of $719. That's a 10% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo $649 at Amazon
$719 Save $70   Get Deal

You don't always have to board an airplane to fly. With two feet firmly planted on the ground, you can take off with a drone to explore the skies. If you've been considering buying a DJI drone but have been waiting for the right deal, today might be your day.

As of Aug. 3, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $649, marked down from the normal price of $719. That's a 10% discount that shaves $70 off the price.

Before the summer is over, take to the skies with a new DJI Mini 3. It comes packed with DJI drone features that are great for all skill levels, even complete beginners. In no time, you'll be capturing pro-level footage in 4K HDR, taking true vertical shots, and doing boomerang maneuvers with one touch.

In terms of functionality, the DJI Mini 3 can transmit video from almost 33,000 feet away, and it has level 5 wind resistance which can handle a bit over 23-mile-per-hour winds. The auto-take off and auto-land function allow you to do both with just one single tap.

SEE ALSO: Beat the next blackout: Save on Anker’s fast-charging Solix C1000 power station at Amazon

The Fly More Combo puts you in line for tons of accessories to enhance the flying experience. For starters, there are three DJI Intelligent Flight batteries for a total of 114 minutes of flight time. There's also the DJI RC for easy navigation, spare propellers, a two-way charging hub, gimbal protector, shoulder bag, and more.

DJI makes some of the most reliable creator gadgets, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the DJI Mic Mini. The DJI Mini 3 drone comes with the same top-tier specs for creators, and it's on sale for $70 off.

Apple's newly launched leasing program, Apple Upgrade, is drawing attention from tech commentators like Max Tech YouTuber Vadim Yuryev, who says the plan can leave consumers better off financially than paying full price up front, provided they understand the fine print.

Apple introduced the program on July 28, allowing customers to lease an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch for a low monthly fee instead of paying the full retail price. The service is administered through Klarna and requires a soft credit check for approval. It should also be noted that once a lease ends, customers can upgrade, pay a one-time fee to keep the device, or return it. So far, Apple has not disclosed how the buyout fee will be calculated.

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

In a post on X in response to Bloomberg's Apple expert Mark Gurman, Yuryev walked through the math, using a $2,999 MacBook Pro as an example.

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He said a 36-month lease would run $58 per month, leaving a $911 balance due at the end — though Apple gives lessees six additional months to decide, during which payments drop to $53 per month. Yuryev argued that paying off that final balance makes sense because the device could then be resold for "$1,500+ on eBay or Facebook marketplace," rather than the customer simply losing the amount paid in over the life of the lease.

Yuryev emphasized that "you never pay more" than the device's MSRP, since Apple Upgrade carries no interest or lease fees. He added that the primary risk is failing to keep up with payments or falling short on the final balance, and noted that once a device is paid off, users can start a new lease while keeping the original one.

Gurman, whose original post Yuryev was replying to, had cautioned that comparing outright purchases, financing, and resale value requires shoppers to run their own numbers — something he suggested most buyers are unlikely to do.

Of course, potential buyers (or, in this case, renters) should have a healthy skepticism of any kind of leasing arrangement, even Apple Upgrade.

The math only favors the consumer under fairly specific conditions. As discussed, the program doesn't lower the actual price of a device — it simply spreads the cost into smaller, easier-to-swallow payments, and the best-case scenario Yuryev outlined requires a lessee to save up several hundred dollars for a lump-sum payoff at the end of the term, then successfully resell the device for its full resale value. And that's assuming the used market isn't overrun with other used lease devices, which would further lower the potential resale price.

So, maybe the real strategy here is to pull a patient gamer and wait a couple of years to get an M5 MacBook for half the price. Then, you'll actually own the device outright, with no extra math required.

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Rumor has it that Apple has been hard at work on AirPods with built-in cameras for a while now. But, apparently, they might come out even sooner than expected.

This information comes courtesy of Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter over at Bloomberg. According to Gurman, Apple has been internally testing two versions of AirPods with cameras, one codenamed B798 and another codenamed B790. The former is the one we've known about for a while, but the latter was spotted more recently and is reportedly coming along more quickly, Gurman reported.

SEE ALSO: Survey says: Here are the Apple products readers still expect this year

Gurman said references to the B790 model are already appearing in iOS 27 beta code, and Apple could launch the product as soon as this year. Given that there isn't all that much of "this year" left, we could see these new AirPods sooner rather than later. If Apple sticks to its usual schedule, new AirPods could arrive at the September iPhone launch event alongside the iPhone 18; the Apple AirPods Pro 3 were unveiled on Sept. 9, at last year's iPhone 17 launch event.

As for the name, rumors suggest AI-powered AirPods could be launched under a name like AirPods Pro Ultra.

Gurman didn't share any specifics about what makes the B790 different from the other previously reported model, but older news reports about the camera-equipped AirPods suggested Apple is aiming more for a wearable AI assistant than a surveillance or content-creation device. The cameras will not capture photos or videos; rather, they will analyze what they see to support an onboard assistant like, say, the new Siri AI. There would also be a small onboard LED privacy indicator to let other people know the cameras are at work, similar to smart glasses.

Speaking of smart glasses and privacy, Gurman recently reported that Apple may delay the launch of its rumored smart glasses after a backlash to Meta Ray-Ban glasses and inappropriate and harassing behavior by some users.

Presumably, Apple will also keep selling AirPods that are only useful for listening to podcasts and music, too.

Furious has introduced Catherine (Lola Petticrew) through her kills and the manipulative strategies she's undertaken to achieve them. But in episode 4 of Elizabeth Meriwether's new crime drama, FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum) uncovers the past of this mysterious killer, including her name, the meaning of her memory box, and her motive.

In "Flash Flood," a trip to a group home for children reveals the that Catherine was besotted with Isabel, who died under mysterious circumstances years ago. Catherine is on a murder-fueled quest to find out what happened, and make anyone involved with Isabel's death pay.

SEE ALSO: How 'Furious' delves into a world of sex and violence without being exploitative

In an interview with Petticrew, they said of Catherine's relationship with Isabel, "She's absolutely head over heels in love with Isabel. I mean, that's her total motivation... She was totally and utterly in love with her, and she was her best friend."

Petticrew also spoke to the meaning of the memory box, which a social worker tells Alice was encouraged to give the foster kids hope for their futures.

"That box of memories and those couple of bags are all that she has," Petticrew said. "She has difficulty remembering a lot of things, and so I think it's her attempt to try to map things out, in a way. And she's a magpie; she's attracted to shiny things. That's just kind of who she is. She likes the garish and the big."

They also reflected on the dance scene, where Catherine dances in Alden's mother's bedroom to Rihanna's "We Found Love."

"When she dances to that Rihanna song, for me, that felt like," Pettigrew mused, "she was constantly forced from being a child to use her body in a way that is for the eyes of men. And in the performance of that dance, I wanted it to be animalistic in the sense that this is her moving her body in the way that she wants it to move, in the way that she feels comfortable with. It is an exercise to let go and feel like herself. And so that sequence was actually really important."

Furious is now streaming on Hulu, with a new episode each Monday.

Save 35%: Woot's offering a hefty discount on the international version of the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro as of Aug. 3, putting them at just $161.99. Usually, the earbuds go for $249.99, meaning you'll save $88.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (international version) $161.99 at Woot
$249.99 Save $88   Get Deal

While it's not impossible to see noise cancelling earbuds drop down to impressively low prices, it is much more rare to see those price drops happen outside of a major sale.

That's why I perked up when I saw the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro on sale at Woot for $161.99. Typically, their list price is $249.99, so this deal saves you 35% (or $88). It should be noted that this deal is on the international version of the earbuds, which feature the exact same design and functionality as the U.S. version. Unlike the U.S. version, Samsung will not accept any warranty claims on these earbuds, so you'll want to make sure you're okay with a 90-day limited warranty from Woot instead.

The Buds4 Pro released just this past spring, bringing with them upgrades in the form of a a wider woofer for improved audio performance, the ability to use AI features like Bixby and Gemini hands-free, and a smaller earbud head than its predecessor for improved comfort.

You'll also get six hours of listening time per charge (with ANC on), and 26 hours total in the charging case. They also feature spatial audio, an equalizer for adjusting your sound, and an IP57 dust and sweat-resistance rating. At $161.99, they're at a pretty unbeatable price, especially if you're an Android user in the market for a new pair of earbuds.

SAVE 11%: As of Aug. 3, you can get Sony's 480Hz Inzone M10S gaming monitor for $798 at Amazon, down from $899.99. That's an 11% discount or $101.99 in savings.

Sony Inzone M10S gaming monitor $798 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $101.99   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy

The Sony Inzone M10S is a 27-inch 1440p OLED monitor built specifically for competitive players, and right now you can get it for under $800.

As of Aug. 3, Sony's 480Hz Inzone M10S gaming monitor is $798 at Amazon, down from $899.99. That's an 11% discount or $101.99 in savings. High-refresh OLED monitors are usually pretty expensive, so bringing a 480Hz QHD panel under the $800 mark makes this a much more competitive price point compared to standard 240Hz OLED options.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming chair for dedicated players

Co-developed with the esports team Fnatic, it combines a 480Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms response time to deliver exceptional motion clarity in fast-paced shooters. One Amazon reviewer says it's "a complete game changer; the input lag is literally non-existent, and the colors and brightness are truly beautiful."

If you spend most of your time in games like Valorant or Counter-Strike 2 and want ultra-smooth motion handling without sacrificing 1440p visual sharpness, now's the time to upgrade.

SAVE $452: As of Aug. 3, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini LED Hi-QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for just $547.99 instead of $999.99. That's a savings of 45% and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini LED Hi-QLED 4K TV $547.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $452   Get Deal

Need a new TV, but don't want to spend a fortune? The Hisense E7 Mini LED should get the job done — and then some. While the 65-inch model is typically just shy of $1,000, you can take it home today for only $547.99.

As of Aug. 3, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini LED Hi-QLED 4K TV has reached a record-low price at Amazon. At 45% off, the $547.99 price tag actually surpasses its previous low price by $1.

The E7 is illuminated by Mini LED backlighting, which means it uses thousands of tiny LEDs to deliver a brighter, more accurate picture with cinematic contrast. Paired with quantum-dot color, a native refresh rate of 144Hz, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio, and AI-driven processing, it'll bring more depth and vibrance to your everyday viewing experience. Additional features include AMD Freesync Premium for gaming and Filmmaker mode for cinephiles.

If you're already a Fire TV user, your profile will be personalized how you like it when you sign in. If not, you'll be able to customize your experience, seamlessly access all of your favorite apps, and more. You'll also get access to Alexa+, so you can use your voice to navigate and discover new content instantly.

Hisense is known for its budget-friendly TVs that don't skimp on quality, and the E7 Mini LED is no exception. Grab the 65-inch model for its best price ever.

GET A FREE DUNKIN' REFRESHERS DRINK: For today only, Aug. 3, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away 1 million free Refreshers drinks. Here's how to score your own free drink today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dunkin' Donuts Free Dunkin' Donuts Refresher   Get Deal

It's hot out there. Cool off with a free drink thanks to Dunkin' Donuts. Here's how to cash in on the savings.

On Aug. 3, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away 1 million free Refresher drinks to Dunkin' Rewards members with a yet-to-be-released promo code. To get your free drink, you'll need to sign up for a free Dunkin' Rewards account and download the app. We don't yet know how or when Dunkin' will be dropping the promo code, but keep an eye on the brand's Instagram page.

Refreshers are a non-coffee Dunkin' treat. The current lineup includes mango pineapple and strawberry dragon fruit, both of which contain green tea and B vitamins.

SEE ALSO: The Owala FreeSip water bottle is back down to the lowest price ever

If you're in the mood for a free treat, be sure you're signed up for a Dunkin' Rewards membership and keep an eye on the Dunkin' Instagram account. Get ready for fast fingers once the promo code drops today.

Who says the meet cute is dead? According to Eventbrite, it's facing a revival.

As a platform for facilitating IRL happenings, Eventbrite has a stake in that being the case, but other factors indicate that this is indeed true. Tinder just expanded its Events feature, while Bumble is also investing in its own dating events this summer. For years now, dating app users have been complaining about fatigue and longing to meet someone in-person.

SEE ALSO: Is Myspace coming back? Owners confirm relaunch plans

Now, Eventbrite reports that experiences explicitly using "meet cute" language have grown 117 percent this year compared to last year (in an analysis of its data in the first half of 2026 compared to that of 2025). Hobby-based events using language like "singles," "come solo," and "find your people" are also on the rise.

And the hobbies that Eventbrite is seeing take off are pretty wholesome. Mahjong events are up 235 percent, and attendance is up 272 percent. Trivia night events have skyrocketed 403 percent, with a 388 percent increase in attendance. Bird watching, Pilates socials, plant swaps and workshops, and pottery and craft circles are among the events people are flocking to.

In its blog post about the findings, Eventbrite theorizes that singles are craving spontaneous connections in our algorithmically driven world, and that niche hobbies are what stand out today.

And Eventbrite's recent Social Study found that 58 percent of young adults want socializing to be a secondary part of an experience, not the main draw, hinting that activity-based events are the way to get them in the door. Sixty-nine percent want events that combine different interests.

"For a long time, people kept dating in one box and hobbies in another," Andrea Parodi, Eventbrite General Manager, said in the blog. "What we’re seeing is that line starting to dissolve."

People are starting with what they love — or exploring something new — and staying open for what it could turn into, Parodi continued. "When you remove the pressure of a forced introduction, there's less chance the night feels like a letdown, and more room for an organic spark to happen."

TL;DR: As of Aug. 3, you can get the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black booster bundle for $42.99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black $42.99 at Amazon
$50.65 Save $7.66   Get Deal

If you're looking to rip open packs from the Mega Evolution — Pitch Black expansion, booster bundles are one of the most cost-effective ways to do it. Instead of paying extra for the dice, sleeves, and play accessories stuffed inside an Elite Trainer Box, the booster bundle gives you straight pack value.

SEE ALSO: New Lego Pokémon sets are about to be released into the wild: Pre-order Arcanine, Munchlax, and more

Right now, you can get the six-pack bundle at Amazon for $42.99. If you're willing to look outside of Amazon to stretch your dollar even further, Galactic Toys currently has it on sale for $34.95 (and TCGplayer listings are sitting around $38.70 shipped). While Amazon offers fast shipping, ordering through Galactic Toys drops your per-pack price from over $7.25 down to under $5.85, putting about $8.60 back in your pocket.

Either way, inside the box you get six sealed booster packs featuring the set's top hits like Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, and Mega Chandelure ex. If you value Prime shipping and easy returns, Amazon is the convenient pick — but if you want the lowest cost per pack, Galactic Toys is the better option.

SAVE $61.99: As of Aug. 3, the Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones are on sale at Amazon for just $398, down from their full list price of $459.99. That's a savings of 13% and just $20 away from their lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal

Had your eye on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones? If I were you, I'd grab them now while they're back under $400.

As of Aug. 3, the wildly impressive Sony XM6 noise-cancelling headphones are down to $398 at Amazon. Yes, that's still expensive, but it sure beats paying the full cost of $459.99. You'll save about $62 or 13% and just $20 more than the all-time low Prime Day price.

For what it's worth, Mashable Tech Editor Tim Beck Werth writes in his review of the headphones that they "mostly justify the $450 price of admission," thanks to their top-tier sound quality, comfortable ft, and "phenomenal active noise cancellation." They're at the top of our list of the best headphones in 2026, as well as the best noise-cancellers. Of course, now that they're even cheaper, they're a much better value.

Other notable features include a 30-hour battery life, ideal for long haul flights, more microphones for improved call quality, support for LDAC high-res audio, a redesigned ANC button, and user-friendly touch controls. While mostly an iterative upgrade over the last-gen 1000XM5 headphones, we think they're worth grabbing for one major design improvement: they fold up for easy portability.

While they're now a year old, we still think the Sony XM6 headphones are some of the best money can buy. And it's kind of chic to grab them on sale.

SAVE $6: The 24-ounce Owala FreeSip is on sale at Amazon for $23.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $29.99. That's a 20% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip (24 ounce) $23.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6   Get Deal

Every day is a new struggle to stay hydrated. We all know we should stay hydrated for health, but for some reason, it's a challenge for most of us. While we can't help you physically chug down the ounces, we can recommend a Mashable-favorite water bottle that might make things a bit easier.

As of Aug. 3, the 24-ounce Owala FreeSip is on sale at Amazon for $23.99 in select colorways, marked down from the original price of $29.99. That's a 20% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino put the Owala FreeSip bottle to the test, and decided it's the best water bottle she's ever used. "The Owala FreeSip lives up to its promise of both a sippable and chuggable water bottle," she wrote in her review of the FreeSip. "The best part to me is that, unlike other bottles with a straw that I've used, the FreeSip has a cover for the spout. That way, when you're out and about in the world, it's safe from germs and bacteria."

SEE ALSO: Owala's Back-to-School Sale is live — 20% off bottles, bags, accessories, and more

Today's $23.99 deal applies to the 24-ounce version of the bottle, and you have a wide range of colorway options sitting at this low price. Mangino says the 24-ounce version is ideal if you're looking for something that'll fit in most cup holders. Owala mentions the FreeSip is capable of keeping drinks cool for up to 24 hours, and Mangino's testing proved this to be true.

The FreeSip is made of materials that don't contain BPA, lead, or phthalates. You're free to wash the lid and straw in the dishwasher, but Owala recommends hand-washing the bottle itself. But full disclosure, Mangino often tosses her bottle in the dishwasher and says the installation has weakened by doing so, but only slightly.

Since hydration is a key part of life, you might as well own a water bottle you love. Go with the Mashable staff favorite, the Owala FreeSip, while it's on sale for under $24.

The MCU's Blade movie is dead. Mahershala Ali told GQ, "If they wanted to do it, we would've done it." But fret not. If you want Ali delivering hard-hitting action as an anti-hero, behold the trailer for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

From writer-director Bassam Tariq, who was attached to helm the Blade movie back in 2021, comes this original film, part crime thriller and part family drama.

Ali stars as a hitman who strives to protect his Muslim community with his sword. But when his wife dies, his priorities shift as he becomes a single father to three children, including an infant in need of mother's milk. He's grappling with grief, struggling with his faith, and seeking to feed his children. And that's when he crosses paths with a Christian militia leader, played by John Cho.

Abubakr Ali, Laith Nakli, Tramell Tillman, Tiffany Boone, and Giancarlo Esposito, Adia, and Jahleel Kamara co-star.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before opening at select theaters on Sept. 25, and expanding everywhere in October.

TL;DR: The Shark BlastBoss packs three attachments — a precision nozzle, extension wand, and BlastBroom into one cordless tool with adjustable speeds up to 190 miles per hour, letting it handle everything from delicate indoor dusting to heavier outdoor debris cleanup. It's $149.99 right now at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark BlastBoss All-in-One Air Blasting System $149.99 at Amazon
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Cleaning has a way of turning into a multi-tool operation — a vacuum for the carpet, a duster for the electronics, a blower for outside, and you're still missing whatever's stuck behind the fridge. Shark's BlastBoss is built to collapse all of that into one cordless device, and the deeper you get into what it does, the more it feels like someone finally solved the multi-tool problem.

The headline feature here is the adjustable airflow, ranging from 0 to 190 miles per hour, controlled via a multi-speed trigger. That range matters more than it sounds — dusting a keyboard needs a light touch, while blasting leaves off a patio needs real force. BlastBoss moves between the two without needing a separate device for each job.

Clears a patio faster than you'd think

Mashable's Leah Stodart put the BlastBoss to the test on a porch and patio, using it to clear spiderwebs, blow leaves and clippings off cushions, and sweep a 15-foot patio in what she described as just a couple of minutes — notably faster than doing the same job with a regular broom. With the BlastBroom attachment on, she said it's "a bad day to be a pile of leaves in the yard."

SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums actually make vacuuming fun: See my favorites for 2026 Getting into the spots you usually ignore

This might be the smartest part of the whole concept: instead of sucking debris up like a vacuum, it blasts air into tight, awkward spots such as under appliances, between electronics, and deep corners, to surface whatever's hiding, rather than requiring you to physically maneuver a vacuum head into a space it was never built to reach.

It comes with a precision nozzle for detail work, an extension wand for extra reach, and the BlastBroom attachment, which converts the blower into a sweeping tool — letting you loosen, lift, and sweep debris in one motion instead of blasting it around and chasing it down separately. Among the three, it can handle everything from fine-detail work to larger cleanup jobs without switching tools.

Since it's cordless, Shark built the trigger to be responsive rather than constantly running, conserving power between uses. Indoor mode is rated for up to 49 minutes of runtime, while the more power-hungry outdoor blast mode is rated for up to 7 minutes — a reasonable trade-off given how much more force that setting delivers.

In the Mashable review, Stodart's main critiques were that outdoor and boost modes can scatter debris rather than contain it, and that the boost mode gets noticeably loud. Even with those caveats, she still called it a Mashable Choice pick, saying it's worth the $149.99, given how many different situations it's useful in.

Your future clean home is one click away — grab the Shark BlastBoss at Amazon for $149.99.