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Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 13, 2026 Droppy signal meaning

To hang downward.

Flaccid meaning

Lacking firmness.

Sagging meaning

Drifts down.

Slack meaning

Not tight.

Cleveland meaning

24th President.

Garfield meaning

20th President.

Grant meaning

18th President.

Madison meaning

4th President.

Empty meaning

Contains nothing.

Excess meaning

Contains too much.

Kewpie meaning

A small chubby doll with a topknot of hair.

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Odie meaning

Gender-neutral name of British origin.

Doublespeak meaning

Deceptive language.

Heathcliff meaning

A fictional character in Wuthering Heights.

Paramount meaning

Superior to others.

Porridge meaning

A soft food made of boiled grains in milk or water.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you know U.S. History.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 11, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Soft

• Green: Leaders of the Executive Branch

• Blue: One word, two letters

• Purple: Words with a high point

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Lacking in Firmness

• Green: U.S. Presidents

• Blue: Words That Sound Like Two Letters

• Purple: Ending in Elevated Landforms

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1190 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Lacking in Firmness: DROOPY, FLACCID, SAGGING, SLACK

• U.S. Presidents: CLEVELAND, GARFIELD, GRANT, MADISON

• Words That Sound Like Two Letters: EMPTY, EXCESS, KEWPIE, ODIE

• Ending in Elevated Landforms: DOUBLESPEAK, HEATHCLIFF, PARAMOUNT, PORRIDGE

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if pay attention.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 13, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 13, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Lock in.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FOCUS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

At TIFF this week, Caleb Hearon and Zooey Deschanel sat down for the "For You Feed to Feature Film" panel, moderated by TikTok's Global Entertainment Partnerships Lead Jenny Kim, to talk about making the leap from online content to the big screen.

SEE ALSO: 'Trash Mountain' review: Caleb Hearon is ready for his next act

The two star together in Trash Mountain, which Hearon also co-wrote with Ruby Caster. A clip of the panel from Mashable's Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, offers a preview of the advice they gave to creators hoping to make the same jump.

Deschanel's message was simply to stop waiting for permission. She recalled being told early in her music career that she couldn't make it as a musician because she'd already built a name for herself as an actor, and her response was basically to ignore it. "How about you just be the person that does it first," she said, adding that she believes everyone on that path already has something worth putting into the world.

Hearon went further, discussing the instinct people have to box creators into a single identity. His advice was to "Get comfortable saying no very early" and not to let companies or institutions push you into things "just because you're convinced it's the only way to get ahead."

He was candid about the money, too, noting that most of his bills get paid by "reading ads on my gay little podcast," not acting, despite doing four movies last year. Creators now have real leverage, according to Hearon, even as institutions increasingly offload financial risk onto them because of the "DIY nature" of content creation. His takeaway is to "learn how to say no early and make your fucking thing."

Our entertainment editor, Kristy Puchko, is on the ground at the Toronto International Film Festival and will have a full recap of the panel soon. Until then, you can also check out her review of Caleb Hearon's Trash Mountain.

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

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

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

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

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

Manual controls

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

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

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

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

Smarter tracking, sharper video

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

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

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

Variable aperture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Reference Image

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

Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at AT&T Wireless Pre-order Here at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Apple.com How much do the new iPhones cost?

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

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

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

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

• Burgundy

• Glacier Blue

• Silver

• Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

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

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

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

Here are the biggest changes:

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

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life

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

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

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

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

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

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

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

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

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

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

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

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

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

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

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

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

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

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Arizona sports

• Green: Midwest cities

• Blue: Football dynasty

• Purple: Pro volleyball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Arizona Pro Teams

• Green: Big Ten School Locations

• Blue: Manning Family Members

• Purple: Major League Volleyball Teams

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #719 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

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

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

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

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

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

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

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 12 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 12 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trash Mountain is primed to be a queer cinema landmark. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone preorder deals and lock in new customers. Remember: The new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for preorder starting Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. ET, so you can secure your new phone ASAP.

The best iPhone 18 preorder deals at a glance: Preorder at T-Mobile Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching Get Deal Preorder at AT&T Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in Get Deal Preorder at Visible Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase Get Deal Preorder at Total Wireless Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max Get Deal Preorder at Apple Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in Get Deal

By now, the annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. The foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype this year, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18.

The new Pro models come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones keep getting more expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

SEE ALSO: Get an iPhone 18 Pro case to go along with your new phone Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 preorder deals

If you're ready to preorder your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best preorder deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

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

• Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on existing myPlan.

• Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any preorder deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone preorder deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for new Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals appear in the days ahead. In the meantime, you can preorder the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them

Not too long ago, if you wanted AirPods with active noise cancellation, you had one option: the AirPods Pro. For several years following, Apple kept ANC strictly limited to its premium options: the Pros and the AirPods Max. Then in 2024, Apple threw a curveball AirPods 4, offering two models, with the more expensive one featuring ANC on a sub-$200 pair of AirPods for the first time ever.

And with the announcement of the AirPods 5 at the brand's "Surprise and Shine" keynote event on Sept. 9, AirPods without ANC have become a thing of the past altogether. At $129 and $149, both the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case come with ANC (not to mention live translation). It also means there are now three options for noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   See It at Amazon See It at Walmart SEE ALSO: The 11 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

In deciding what to get, it's worth weighing out what you need out of your earbuds. To help you make your choice, we broke down the differences between the AirPods 5 (with and without the Wireless Charging Case) and the AirPods Pro 3, Apple's premium wireless earbuds. We just started testing the new AirPods, so stay tuned for a true head-to-head comparison. In the meantime, this is how they compare in specs, features, and form factor.

First: the AirPods 4 vs. the AirPods 5

Before we jump into the full comparison, a quick note on why we're not breaking down AirPods 4 vs. 5 comparison — it's because there really is none. The $129 AirPods 4 feature no noise cancellation, while the ones that do go for $179. Sure, you can catch them on sale for $99 a lot of the time, but you also won't be able to take advantage of the improved ANC, sound quality, Live Translation, and improved controls of the AirPods 5.

So, unless you're trying to spend more money on an inferior product, I'd recommend sticking with the newer AirPods. (That said, the difference isn't so stark that AirPods 4 users need to upgrade).

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Price and specsPricing

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

• AirPods Pro 3 — $249

Specs

AirPods 5

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (six without ANC), 20 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

• Battery: Five hours of listening time (seven without ANC), 22 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

AirPods Pro 3

• Battery: Eight hours of listening time (10 with Transparency mode and Hearing Aid feature)

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Design The AirPods Pro 3 have interchangeable foam-infused silicon ear tips, opposed to the open ear design of the AirPods 5. Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

Most notably, the two earbuds will wear differently. The AirPods Pro 3 feature silicone ear tips for a true in-ear design, while the AirPods 5 stick to the open-ear design. (It should be noted that, though these are technically open earbuds, they sit somewhat in the ear canal, unlike other clip or hook style open earbuds.) Without ear tips to create a tight seal, noise cancellation will take a hit with the AirPods 5.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best open earbuds stay put, sound great, and keep us aware of the world

If you opt for the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, the earbuds' stems feature swipe volume controls, just like the AirPods Pro. Both AirPods 5 have playback and call controls on the stems.

As for the charging case, the Pro and standard AirPods stick to the usual deviation, with the Pros featuring a shorter, wider look. Both the Pros and the more expensive AirPods 5 will have wireless charging and Find My capabilities, but the Pros get the slightest edge with a lanyard loop.

The Pro 3 and both AirPods 5, however, have a water- and dust-resistance rating of IP57.

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Sound quality A multichannel acoustic architecture comes to the AirPods 5. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Again, Mashable's team hasn't yet had the chance to finish testing the new AirPods. We can say that, per Apple, the multiport acoustic architecture in the AirPods 5 was inspired by AirPods Pro 3 design. Considering the discrepancy in price, however, and the AirPods Pro 3 in-ear design, it's safe to say the Pros will have the superior sound quality.

Previously, AirPods haven't offered a manually adjustable equalizer, but that's set to change with iOS 27. If you have an iPhone that supports iOS 27, you'll soon be able to access custom EQ settings for your AirPods.

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Noise cancellation

According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 have up to three times more noise cancellation than the AirPods 5. While ANC is difficult to quantify, it does make sense that the in-ear design and the foam-infused silicone ear tips of the Pros would offer, at the very least, more passive noise cancellation.

That said, the AirPods 5 ANC isn't anything to scoff at. Apple claims the ANC on the new generation is one and a half times more powerful than the ANC found on the AirPods 4 with ANC.

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Battery life

This is pretty much as it's written on the tin — the AirPods Pro 3 undeniably have the superior battery life, bringing eight hours per charge with ANC (and 24 hours in the case). The $149 AirPods 5 come next, with five hours per charge with ANC (and 22 hours in the case). The AirPods 5 remain at the same level as the AirPods 4 with ANC, at four hours per charge with ANC (and 20 hours in the case).

While the AirPods Pro 3 do have double the per-charge battery life of the standard AirPods 5, it's worth remembering that the Pro 3 are also $120 more — nearly the price of another pair of AirPods 5.

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Extra features The Pro 3 are great companions for a workout. Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

The Pros are designed to offer an all-encompassing experience, and their extra features show exactly that. The Pros have a built-in heart rate monitor that works with the Apple Fitness app and other compatible health apps, making them especially great for exercise. The Pro 3 also have a hearing test, aid, and hearing protection features.

Both the AirPods 5 and the Pro 3 have Live Translation capabilities.

Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which is better?

If you're wearing earbuds daily, for multiple hours of the day, the longer battery life, versatility, and superior ANC and sound quality of the AirPods Pro 3 are likely worth the investment.

However, for more casual users, the AirPods 5 allow for an experience of some of the better parts of Apple's noise-cancelling experience without the hefty price tag to match.

Where to buy the AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 Available September 18 AirPods 5 $129 Pre-Order Here Available September 18 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case $149 Pre-Order Here Available now AirPods Pro 3 $249 Shop Now

Apple finally revealed the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at its Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" event, alongside the foldable iPhone Duo.

But believe it or not, there are already credible reports and leaks floating around about a potential 20th anniversary "iPhone 20" arriving in fall 2027. If the rumor mill is correct, Apple will skip the iPhone 19 entirely, and this wouldn't be the first time Apple has gotten creative with numbering. The iPhone 20 would commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original model, which was released on June 29, 2007.

To mark 20 years of the iPhone, Apple has reportedly been prepping a major redesign that uses curved glass elements and potentially even a waterfall display.

If you're on the fence about upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro, then you may want some idea of what next year's iPhone might look like. So, here are the latest iPhone 20 rumors.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new 'Upgrade' program lets you lease a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch like a car iPhone 20: When will it come out?

First things first, the release date. Apple always launches its flagship iPhone models in September, and there's currently no reason to think that will change soon.

In other words, it's widely expected that this phone will be announced in early September 2027, followed a week or two later with an official launch. (For reference, the iPhone 18 Pro was announced on Sept. 9 and launches Sept. 18.) The 20th anniversary iPhone is also the perfect opportunity for Apple to do some weird, fun stuff with its signature device.

iPhone 20: What will it look like?

This is the big point of interest regarding the iPhone 20, and most of what we know dates back to leaks from last year. In 2025, there were multiple credible reports that the iPhone 20 model would undergo a major redesign that uses significantly more glass than the typical phone.

Bloomberg and The Information both reported in May of last year that it would have an all-glass, edge-to-edge display. Specifically, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the source of more Apple scoops than anyone else on the planet, predicted the iPhone 20 would be a "mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display," and feature "curved glass edges all around." That means curved glass wrapping around the edges of the device, and perhaps more importantly, a seeming lack of a notch or Dynamic Island cutout for the selfie camera.

Other reports point to curves around the four corners of the phone. Also in 2025, Korean outlet ETNews reported the 20th anniversary iPhone will have four-sided bending for a bezel-less full-screen experience.

However, other prominent leakers have thrown cold water on rumors of a radical, waterfall-edge display. On X, leaker Ice Universe said that despite the rumors, the iPhone 20 will not have a true curved display.

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And in 2026, Ice Universe speculated that "a true quad-curved display is unlikely" due to manufacturing challenges, suggesting Apple will opt for a "visual quad-curved" design.

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So, instead of a waterfall display with curved glass on the iPhone, we might get something more like the iPhone Air, with rounder corners and sides, plus a visual effect around the edges similar to what you see on the Apple Watch.

Credit: CNET Group

We've seen wrap-around and waterfall displays on other devices like TVs, but a more sculptural, curved glass iPhone would definitely stand out in the mobile market.

Unfortunately, Apple is keeping a very tight lid on the iPhone 20 so far. The most recent update comes from Gurman at Bloomberg (of course), who reported in June that there will be two iPhone 20 models launched in 2027, likely in the Pro category, and that they will measure in at around 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches.

Do the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo tell us anything about the iPhone 20?

With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple reduced the size of the Dynamic Island, and the iPhone Duo utilizes an under-display FaceTime camera that doesn't waste any pixels. It will be interesting to see which of these elements are carried forward into the iPhone 20.

Apple has clearly embraced curved glass and refracting light in its new Liquid Glass design language, so it would make sense if the iPhone evolved to match accordingly.

iPhone 20: New buttons!

Lastly, for now, leaker Instant Digital posted on Weibo late last year that Apple is working on "solid-state" (in other words, non-moving and non-mechanical) buttons for the iPhone 20. The unique feature here would be haptic feedback for power, volume control, and camera control. I could see this being somewhat controversial, like when Apple got rid of the home button, but we'll have to wait and see.

As soon as we learn more about the iPhone 19/iPhone 20, we'll be sure to update this post. If you want to be the first to know about new tech, science, and digital culture news, sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

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Why our solar system missed out on having a super‑Earth, a type of world that teems across the galaxy, has long bugged astronomers.

Now, a new study proposes an intriguing explanation: maybe the sun ate it.

Mutlu Yildiz, an astronomy professor at Ege University in Turkey, used computer simulations to wind back the clock and study the young sun with and without a swallowed planet to see which version best matches the star we know today. His models that fed the sun a dense, rocky super‑Earth — about five to 10 times more massive than Earth and rich in heavy elements like Mercury — lined up closely with real measurements.

Earlier work has proposed that a super‑Earth could have formed and then spiraled through space into the sun billions of years ago, but this paper is perhaps the first to delve deeply into the idea, asking whether the sun retains evidence that such an event took place. 

"We believe it could," Yildiz said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: 3D map reveals cities of galaxies taking shape in early universe

Lithium is one of the most important chemical clues pointing to a planet's engulfment. When the sun formed, it was made from the same stuff as meteorites and the gas cloud around it. From those rocks and gases, scientists can estimate how much lithium the newborn sun should have had. Today, the sun's surface has over 100 times less lithium than expected. 

Lithium atoms only break apart deep inside a star, where it is much hotter, so the missing element hints that something might have dragged it down. 

An artist's rendering of a super-Earth orbiting a sun-like star Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech illustration

The new study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests a scenario in which the ill‑fated planet brings in material that is poor in lithium but rich in heavier elements. Yildiz dubbed the hypothetical planet Dev Dilek, meaning "Great Wish" in Turkish. The name Dilek is traditionally associated with wishes directed toward Mercury, and the prefix "Dev" means giant.

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Mixing that lithium-poor material into the sun's outer layers helps explain the lithium shortage. Meanwhile, the extra heavy elements buried just below the surface make the models of the sun's interior — including how sound waves travel and how deep the churning outer layer goes — line up better with what astronomers actually observe.

The study also checks whether a rocky planet could realistically survive the plunge into the sun long enough to deliver its material to the right depth. Separate calculations track how a compact, iron‑rich world behaves as it falls through hot solar gas. Under intense pressure, the planet shrinks, exposing a smaller area to the gas and slowing the rate at which its outer layers burn off. 

In the computer simulations, the planet loses only a fraction of its mass before reaching the base of the convection zone. That means most of its rocky core could end up exactly where the solar models need it, according to the research.

While Yildiz had a hunch that absorbing a planet could affect the sun's structure, he didn't expect the math to align so closely with a specific type of planet's mass range. 

"That was one of the most interesting outcomes," he said. 

Astronomers already have evidence that stars can eat their planets. Some stars briefly brighten and swell after swallowing nearby exoplanets, and subtle shifts in the orbits of hot Jupiters suggest that many are slowly falling inward toward their stars. Studies of sun-like stars also find chemical patterns that hint at past planet meals.

The new paper puts a mirror in front of our own star. Though it doesn't prove the sun devoured a super‑Earth, it does show that a sun with an early planetary feast matches a wide range of measurements better than any model without it. 

"The next step is to see if these fingerprints can be independently detected," Yildiz said.

Based on my extensive hands-on testing and expert input, I’ve picked the best sexting apps and online sites to keep your flirtiest, dirtiest chats truly private — whether you're messaging a partner, a hookup, or a verified creator.

Because sometimes the anticipation of a hookup is even hotter than the main event. In my experience, sexting is the ultimate form of digital foreplay. It’s the glue that keeps long-distance relationships from falling apart, the spark that stops long-term couples from feeling like roommates, and — for all you singles out there — the safest way to test sexual chemistry before you ever meet up in person.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

If it feels like everyone is sending spicy texts these days, you're not wrong. Some studies show that up to 88 percent of American adults have engaged in sexting at some point in their lives. For many, it's become an essential means of connection, and research shows that sharing intimate pictures can evoke, demonstrate, and reinforce trust.

You can use just about any mainstream dating app, like Tinder, Hinge, and even Hily, to find a potential sexting partner (though I think Pure is probably the best dating app for this). If you're a woman, finding a willing digital playmate is usually as easy as existing. If you're a man, it requires a little more finesse and charm, but it's definitely still possible.

But once you've actually found someone who matches your freak, moving that conversation off the dating grid and into a secure app like Signal is the best way to go.

You've heard of safe sex. But what about safe sexting?

As fun as the buildup is, the sad truth is that no one ever knows for sure if their private photos will stay private once they hit send on standard messaging platforms. Sliding into the DMs on a standard social media app might feel like spontaneous fun, but in 2026, your digital footprint is forever. Plus, with Meta cracking down hard this April (wiping out Instagram accounts and posts just for hinting at sexual expression), it's obvious that mainstream platforms are becoming hostile territory for your spicy chats. If you're going to share that side of yourself, you need to know it stays between you and the recipient.

As one of Mashable's dating app experts, I've spent the last three years testing dozens of platforms to find the best sexting apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I also spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein with Bitwarden, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

For years, our number-one recommendation that hit all three of those marks was Confide. But with the app officially shutting down, Signal has become my new gold standard for secure messaging. While its "Screen Security" setting prevents screenshots on your own device, it doesn't prevent someone else from taking a screenshot of your chat on their device. However, its open-source encryption and foolproof disappearing messages still make it one of the safest options for sending nudes.

SEE ALSO: Gen Z has a new dating app profile rule, apparently

Whether you're looking for an encrypted vault to text your long-term partner, a sex-positive platform to explore new kinks, or a secure space to find someone entirely new, there's a platform out there that won't compromise your privacy. If you believe in safe sex, you should practice safe sexting, too. Here are the apps I trust to get the job done.

Recent updates to this guide:

• Signal (July 2026): Promoted to our No. 1 overall recommendation following the official closure of Confide. Its open-source encryption makes it the gold standard for secure, free sexting.

• Lovense Remote: Added as our top choice for "Group Sexting." It remains the best interactive option for couples and polyamorous groups to sync Bluetooth toys across long distances.

• FetLife: Expanded our analysis of its custom community groups, cementing its spot as the best social network for exploring niche kinks safely.

Why some popular sexting apps didn't make the cut

You've probably seen other "best of" lists recommending apps and platforms that I've intentionally left off. My goal is to recommend secure spaces where you can build genuine, mutual connections without burning through cash or risking your digital privacy.

Here's why a few common names didn't make the cut this month:

• "Paid Operator" platforms (InstaBang, Arousr, SextLocal): Many web-based platforms marketed for fast sexting don't connect you with real local users. Instead, they hire paid "chat operators" who use fantasy scripts specifically designed to keep you replying and draining your wallet per message. While there is a market for paid fantasy, I don't consider it mutual sexting. This guide prioritizes authentic, user-to-user interaction (with the explicit exception of SextPanther, which uses clearly verified, real adult performers).

• Basic Couples Messengers (Between, Paid Vaults): While apps like Between offer private spaces for long-distance couples, they lack the specific, sex-positive interactive features (like integrated toy controls, screenshot blocks, or custom timer countdowns) that make digital foreplay fun. If you want to level up your intimacy, highly interactive platforms like We-Vibe and Lovense are much better options.

It may be one of the most popular dating sites out there, but eharmony imposes some seriously inconvenient limits on what non-paying members can do on the site. If you sign up with a free account, you'll be able to create a profile and answer their proprietary personality questionnaire, browse through the profiles of local singles, and even read profiles, but you won't be able to match with others or even view all of their profile photos. 

Opens in a new window Credit: eharmony eharmony   Learn More

If you like how the site operates and want to unlock its full potential, it's worth upgrading to one of their three paid membership tiers. Here's what those membership levels unlock and what they will cost you:

Premium Light

The most basic membership tier, Premium Light, will allow you to send Likes to hopefully match with other singles, view a single, high-resolution profile photo from other accounts, and apply more sophisticated search filters to eharmony members, in case you're looking for something very specific. With this membership, you'll also be allowed to send an unlimited number of messages to up to 15 of your matches each month. The Light membership will also unlock access to an AI-based assessment of your profile, with personalized tips to help you stand out more.

SEE ALSO: How to delete your eharmony account

The cost of a Light plan varies significantly by your location, the duration of your commitment, and the promotional offers currently on the site, but expect to pay around $15 per month for a Light-tier membership.

Premium Plus

If you decide to step up from a Light membership, the next available tier is Plus, which offers the same features as Light but increases the aforementioned messaging cap from 15 users to 30 and allows you to browse an unlimited number of high-resolution profile photos from matches and potential matches. Another cool feature of the Plus-tier membership: you'll be able to see who has visited your profile, even before they've interacted with you.

The cost of a Plus plan varies significantly by your location, the duration of your commitment, and the promotional offers currently on the site, but expect to pay around $17 per month for a Plus-tier membership.

Premium Unlimited

If you're really enjoying eharmony and perhaps especially if you foresee yourself using the service over a longer period of time, the Unlimited membership offers some undeniably great perks, beginning with removing the messaging cap entirely (hence "unlimited"), allowing you to gab away to your heart's content with as many people as you match with. But one of the Unlimited membership's best features is also its most exclusive: you'll be the first to see new eharmony member profiles, so you have the opportunity to match with and message them first. 

The cost of an Unlimited plan varies significantly by your location, the duration of your commitment, and the promotional offers currently on the site, but expect to pay around $19 per month for a Plus-tier membership.

SEE ALSO: Is eharmony still the gold standard for daters over 40?

Which membership tier is right for you? That's entirely down to your budget and dating needs, but we would wager most people would be perfectly happy with the Light membership tier, so we advise you to start there and step up if or when you desire.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Each one.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

EVERY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A safe.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 12, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

VAULT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Moving images.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 12, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 12, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

VIDEO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Taking legal action.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SUING

Final Hurdle hint

Rumbled.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SHOOK

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

It's the start of a new lunar cycle, which can only mean one thing: the Moon is working towards being full again. Over the next few nights, we'll notice it getting bigger in the sky.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Sept. 12, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 2% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

As the Moon orbits Earth, its appearance changes over the course of roughly 29.5 days, creating what we know as the lunar cycle, according to NASA. The phase we see depends on where the Moon is in relation to Earth and the Sun, and how much of its sunlit side is facing us. Throughout the cycle, it moves from a slender crescent to a half Moon and eventually a Full Moon, before the pattern begins again.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.