Mashable

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with Apple's latest mobile chip: the A20 Pro. The foldable iPhone Duo will also run on the new chip.

Built on a 2nm process, the A20 Pro has a 6-core CPU with two super cores and four efficiency cores, a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine that handles AI tasks.

But does any of that techspeak translate into actual performance?

To find out, we put the iPhone 18 Pro (the Pro Max yields near-identical results) to the test. And yes, in synthetic benchmark tests, this thing blows everything else out of the water. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the only one that comes close. To make sure I'm testing it right, I've run the Geekbench 6 and 7 tests on a perfectly clean, freshly activated iPhone 18 Pro with no third-party apps installed and nothing running in the background.

The A20 Pro proves Apple silicon is undefeated

In Geekbench 7's CPU test (the standard benchmark we use when reviewing laptops and smartphones), the iPhone 18 Pro achieved a 3,959 single-core score and a 10,854 multi-core score. And in the Geekbench 7 GPU test, it scored 61,194.

The benchmark results are quite clear: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is the new performance king. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable GPU performance is amazing, too. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

We also ran Geekbench 6, an earlier version of this benchmarking tool, as the scores are easier to compare with older devices. The results here were even more impressive. The iPhone 18 Pro scored 4,673 in the single-core CPU test and 12,483 in the multi-core Geekbench 6 test.

The older Geekbench 6 test is similarly dominated by Apple's latest. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For comparison, here are how some other recent flagship phones performed on Geekbench 6 in our testing:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 3,524 single-core, 10,827 multi-core

• Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL: 1,800 single-core, 5,000 multi-core

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: 3,097 single-core, 10,277 multi-core

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: 3,779 single-core, 9,778 multi-core

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 2,800 single-core, 9,100 multi-core (we've gotten results as high as 10,049)

You get the idea: These phones are nowhere near Apple's new silicon, at least when it comes to synthetic test performance. (Transitioning Apple to its own in-house processors was one of John Ternus's biggest achievements before he was promoted to CEO.)

The performance improvement versus the iPhone 17 Pro Max is hardly surprising, but it's still notable that the iPhone 18 Pro beats its predecessor by roughly 25 percent across the board.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro hands-on: What's new with the cameras

Will you feel the difference in real-world usage? Yes and no.

The new phones are undeniably faster than anything else out there. But, as noted in my iPhone 18 Pro review, it's not all that noticeable unless you're switching from a much older device. The thing is, Apple's iPhones have been incredibly fast and powerful for a while, so the fact that the latest phone is that much faster than the previous one is just icing on the cake. Unless you're an AI superuser, it's unlikely you'll push the new iPhones to the limit.

One last note: The iPhone Duo is also running the A20 Pro chip, and we're eager to see whether it scores higher or lower than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's the same chip, yeah, but the rest of the device is different enough, starting with that enormous foldable display, for us to be intrigued about the Duo's scores. We'll have more on that once the iPhone Duo is in our hands next month.

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

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

Apple's product lineup typically consists of a "regular" product and a pricier, Pro variant that comes with a number of extra features, at least a few of them so good that most people will always go for the Pro version if they can afford it.

Apple's latest AirPods 5 are so good that they flip this dynamic on its head. They're an improved, yet significantly cheaper version of the AirPods 4 released in 2024. In many ways, they're as good as the AirPods Pro 3. In some ways, they're actually better. And that's saying a lot given that the AirPods Pro 3 are my favorite earbuds ever.

AirPods 5: Compact yet versatile ANC earbuds

A couple of years ago, Apple made a big leap by introducing two versions of the AirPods 4, one with ANC (active noise cancellation) and one without. I remember the company's briefings on those products, in which they put extra emphasis on how hard their engineers had to work to create proper active noise cancellation on earbuds that don't have an acoustic seal. That design choice was on purpose: Not everyone likes to have earbuds with foamy seals stuck in their ear canal (that's what the best noise-cancelling earbuds do to get additional passive noise cancellation).

Apple's AirPods 5 are a big upgrade over last year's model, and the price is even better. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

But the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179, a significant price hike from the basic version that cost $129 (and often go on sale for only $99).

This year, Apple decided to completely forego that price premium by adding an improved version of ANC to the basic AirPods 5, which still start at $129. Even better, the premium AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case are actually cheaper than their predecessor at $149, even as Apple raises prices on the rest of its product line.

What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?

The biggest difference between the $129 and $149 Airpods 5 is the wireless charging case, but Apple also added another "Pro" feature to the AirPods 5 — a special area on the neck of the earbuds that you can swipe on to adjust volume. It's a nifty feature that I use all the time, though it does take some time to get used to.

So, are the more expensive AirPods 5 worth the investment? If it were just the case, I would say no, as wireless charging isn't essential for me; plugging a nearby USB-C cable into the case was almost always a more convenient option.

But you lose out on other features if you buy the cheaper variant. Battery life is shorter (four hours vs. five hours), and you don't get that volume swipe sensor.

So, I think you should definitely dish out those extra 20 bucks for the wireless charging variant, if you can.

Great sound has never been cheaper A lot of features packed into a small case. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The common wisdom about headphones and earbuds is that those with an "open" design will have a brighter, more airy sound, and that's pretty much the case here. The AirPods 5 have a clear sound with punchy drums and plenty of bass, but not so much to make it overwhelming. You won't get crazy levels of detail here, but for earbuds at this price range, they sound pretty great.

I was particularly interested in how they'll handle live performances, as that's where open-design earbuds should shine. One of my favorite tracks for this is Cage the Elephant's cover of The Stranglers' 'Golden Brown,' and it sounds excellent, with every instrument perfectly balanced in the mix. Arne Domnérus' legendary 'Jazz at the Pawnshop' album is another live favorite of mine. The AirPods 5 handled it well; I got a decent sense of the stage width (not so much the depth, though) and heard the clapping and the chatter of the people at that concert.

The AirPods 5 will struggle with very complex stuff such as large classical ensembles. Dense, heavy songs, like Meshuggah's 'Clockworks' can sound slightly muddled. But that's true of pretty much every pair of earbuds I've ever tested. On the flip side, intimate performances such as Portishead's 'Roseland NYC Live' sound wonderful.

You can swipe on the side of the earbuds to adjust volume; another feature inherited from the Pro model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Comparing them to other Apple earbuds, they sound pretty much the same as the AirPods 4 to me, which isn't a bad thing. The AirPods Pro 3 do sound quite a bit better, with more details across the entire range, but again, some may prefer the slightly more open sound of the AirPods 5.

No tip, no problem

When it comes to noise cancellation, there's no comparison. The AirPods Pro 3 do it better. In fact, that particular model has such a strong passive/active noise cancellation combo that it beats Apple's own AirPods Max 2 headphones, and has basically reduced my need to carry larger headphones around to zero.

However, what Apple has done with the AirPods 5 in terms of ANC is impressive. During a briefing at Apple, I heard the AirPods 5 reduce (simulated) airplane engine noise, and it was just OK, probably because the room was dead quiet otherwise. But later, on an actual plane, I realized they did a pretty good job of reducing both the engines' drone and the passengers' chatter.

It's far from perfect. The AirPods 5 are pretty great at reducing the lower portion of the audio spectrum, but a higher-pitched hiss always remains audible. But for buds that just sit freely in your ear without a snug fit, turning on ANC and hearing it do its thing feels almost like magic.

Note to future users: The actual position of the buds in your ear matters a lot; if you feel the ANC isn't working as good as it should be, try adjusting the AirPods 5 in your ears a little and see if you can hear an improvement.

Battery life isn't great, but who cares The AirPods 5 come in two flavors: With or without a charging case. You can recognize the ones with the charging case by the tiny speaker grille on the bottom. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Battery life on the AirPods in general has never been a big issue for me. I don't think about it much, and both the buds and the case charge quickly enough that I just plug them in whenever it's convenient, and I almost never run out of battery.

That said, if you're a heavy user, have in mind that the AirPods 5 have four to five hours of battery life on their own (with ANC on), and up to 20 to 22 hours of battery life if you count the extra juice you get from the case (depending on the variant). The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, last eight hours on one change, and get up to 24 hours of battery life with the case.

Despite this drawback, the AirPods 5 have a big advantage over the AirPods Pro 3: Their case is a lot smaller and more likely to fit even in the tightest of pockets.

A few "pro" extras

The new AirPods 5 also inherit a few software features from the Pro model, including Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency. You also get Live Translation and Siri AI.

I use all of Apple's headphones and pretty much skip Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness completely. I'm just too used of switching noise cancellation on and off myself, as well as physically removing my earbuds/headphones when talking to someone. Transparency, however, is pretty great for those moments when you don't want to stop the music, but still need to hear what's happening around you.

Finally, thanks to iOS 27, you can now find a custom EQ equalizer for your AirPods, Pro or otherwise.

Credit: Screenshot by Stan Schroeder Credit: Apple

If you're counting, the list of features that the AirPods 5 get from the AirPods Pro 3 is long enough that it almost feels like Apple is undercutting its own pricier model. Somewhat unusual for Apple, but I'm not complaining.

As for the software features that remain exclusive for the Pro, this includes some health-related features such as Hearing Test and Hearing Protection, as well as a heart rate sensor for workouts. They're nice features to have, but not essential for music listening.

AirPods 5: Should you buy them?

The AirPods Pro 3 are still my favorite earbuds. They have better noise cancellation and better sound than the AirPods 5. But I don't mind the tight seal of their foamy tips in my ear.

If you want earbuds without such tips, or if you want earbuds under $150, then the AirPods 5 are actually a better option. They're smaller, have comparably great sound, a similar set of features, and decent noise cancellation despite the lack of a proper seal of your ear canal. Yes, the battery life is a little shorter, but they also come at half the price. At $129 (or $149 if you opt for the wireless charging case), the AirPods 5 are a no-brainer.

Now, fingers crossed, we'll see these buds go on sale during the upcoming October Prime Day or Black Friday events.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart Apple AirPods 5 (wireless charging) $149 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Target

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

We are just a month away from the official launch of Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo. If you're already an iPhone user, only looking to purchase a foldable iPhone, there's likely nothing that will sway you towards any other foldable smartphone.

However, Android users may be wondering just how the iPhone Duo will stack up to the other foldable devices that exist for Android. While we will still have to wait for iPhone Duo benchmarks, the company behind SpeedTest.net, Ookla, has just released comprehensive benchmarks for Android foldable devices, which should definitely come in handy when deciding which foldable you'll go with in a few weeks.

Ookla's report focuses on six popular foldable devices in the U.S. market: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold7, Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip6, and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The company tested these foldable smartphones on a number of metrics and used their respective generation's "slab" model with the same chipset, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as the "control" for comparison.

It's important to note that there are some differences between the foldable device and its comparable slab model, such as antenna placement and specific device firmware, that will affect these metrics. But this seems like a generally good methodology for deriving these benchmarks.

When it comes to speed, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra appears to be the big winner. It excelled in download speed, upload speed, and packet-loss reduction. The base Galaxy Z Fold8 model was not far behind. In fact, in median download speed it actually performed slightly better than the Ultra, although the Ultra model bested it in the other metrics.

While the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra performed best in the speed test trials, they didn't fare as well when it came to the signal quality measurement tests. As Ookla points out, even though the two foldables are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and Snapdragon X85 modem as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the latter outperformed the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra here.

Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold6 appears to have had the best scores in both signal quality measurement tests, in both good and bad conditions. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Flip6 had the worst performance in signal quality measurement tests under good conditions, but the best under bad conditions when compared to its control device.

The temperature benchmark found that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 ran the coolest when compared to its control device, whereas the Flip6 was the hottest.

Ookla also mapped out how Samsung's foldable devices have fared with each subsequent generation on each metric. It found that Samsung has improved the upload speeds, download speeds, and signal strength measurements with each new model foldable smartphone. However, there were two benchmarks where Samsung has been regressing.

When it comes to signal strength in bad conditions, the Fold6 actually outperformed the Fold7 and Fold8. While the Fold8 Ultra performed better than the Fold7 and Fold8 in this area, it was still outperformed by the Fold6.

The Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra also saw a big decline in performance on the overheating-related throttling benchmark when compared to the Fold7. The Fold7 had a big boost in this metric when compared to the Fold6, but its successors have seemingly regressed when it comes to the operating system slowing down due to the device's temperature.

While not benchmark-related, Ookla also shared some market share statistics. Based on Speedtest's foldable sample share, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 far and away is the most popular foldable smartphone in the world. 

And while companies like Motorola, Google, and Honor have been chipping away at Samsung's foldable market share, Samsung still holds more than 77 percent of the foldable market.

We'll see how that changes on October 23 with the release of the iPhone Duo.

Apple's iPhone Duo doesn't officially launch until October, but its wallpapers are already out in the wild.

As spotted by 9to5Mac, the artwork didn't make it into the release candidate for iOS 27, alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro wallpapers. It did, however, turn up in the iPhone Simulator bundled with this week's Xcode 27.1 beta, Apple's developer toolkit released to coincide with the start of iPhone Duo app development.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latest

The set includes four wallpapers total: two light-mode and two dark-mode variants, all built around the same desert scene of rolling sand dunes set against a distant mountain range, shifting from a soft daytime palette to a starlit night sky in the dark versions.

Since the artwork lives inside Xcode's simulator files rather than a public download page, getting it requires either running the Xcode 27.1 beta yourself or waiting for the images to circulate more widely online. A quick Google search will immediately reveal sites where you can download high-definition wallpapers.

For anyone who'd rather skip the wait entirely, the easiest path is simply holding out a few more weeks. Apple's iPhone Duo is set for pre-order on Oct. 16 and ships Oct. 23, at which point the wallpapers should be built directly into the software.

Sure, we just got the iPhone 18 Pro, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about what's next for Apple's flagship smartphone.

Fresh off the launch of the iPhone 18 line, there are new rumors swirling around the internet about the iPhone 20. Despite the name, that's actually the expected moniker of the next iPhone model, meaning there would be no iPhone 19. That's because 2027 would be the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, after all. Anyway, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station posted some display specs for the iPhone 20 Pro devices that caught the internet's eye.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latest This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

According to Digital Chat Station, here are the display sizes and resolutions of the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max:

• iPhone 20 Pro: 6.41-inch display with 2,686 × 1,236 resolution

• iPhone 20 Pro Max: 6.96-inch display with 2,912 × 1,340 resolution

By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro's display is 6.27 inches with a 2,622 x 1,206 resolution, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max measures in at 6.86 inches with a 2,868 x 1,320 resolution. In simpler terms, next year's iPhone 20 Pro models will have larger displays with higher resolutions, despite Apple sticking with the same display sizes since 2024 until now.

That change in display size isn't massive in a numerical sense, but it may not be the only change Apple has in store.

According to leaker Ice Universe, "Apple is reportedly testing a bezel-less quad-curved display design, along with a smaller display cutout that could further shrink the Dynamic Island." That lines up with lots of previous reporting, which has suggested that the iPhone 20 will have borderless all-screen glass displays. So, rather than having a hard bezel around the screen, it will curve on all four sides.

In addition, Apple could incorporate the under-display selfie camera seen in the new iPhone Duo for the iPhone 20, which would allow for a smaller dynamic island.

Google's new laptop initiative is built to run as a true extension of your Android phone. Here's what Googlebooks are, why Google made them, and how all five launch models held up when we went hands-on.

Read more about Googlebooks and where to buy them: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:25 Android, Windows and MacOS integration
1:10 Instant setup and ecosystem features
2:03 Why GoogleBook? (tech experts weigh in)
3:18 GoogleBook vs. Chromebook
4:55 Hands-on experience and build quality
6:03 Desktop apps and developer potential
6:44 Who is GoogleBook for?

Video credits
Host: Iyaz Akhtar
Scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

Google is launching a brand-new lineup of flagship laptops designed around seamless Android integration and the all-new Googlebook OS. Get a hands-on preview of the latest flagship devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting at $899.

Read more about the Googlebook launch and availability: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:18 What is Googlebook OS?
1:43 Core features and specs
2:34 Acer Googlebook 14
2:48 Asus Googlebook 14
3:04 Dell XPS Googlebook
3:27 HP Googlebook 14
3:39 Lenovo Googlebook 15
3:54 Availability and final thoughts

Video credits
Host: Matthew Buzzi
Scripted by: Matthew Buzzi
Producer: Paul Encinas
Camera: Paul Encinas
Video Editor: Paul Encinas
Thumbnail Designer: Cole Kan

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr is available for free with T-Mobile when you activate a new line on an Experience More plan. The new Motorola Razr+ is also free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola T-Mobile: Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free   Shop Now

Samsung was the center of the tech world in the wake of its new product announcements, Google had its own moment in the spotlight with Made By Google, and now Apple is dominating the news cycle after dropping a new range of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Where does that leave Motorola? Fear not, because Motorola's popular line of foldables is quietly impressing. And better yet, you have the opportunity to pick up these handsets for free with T-Mobile:

• Motorola Razr — free when you activate a new line on an Experience More plan (no trade-in required).

• Motorola Razr+ — free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in required).

The total cost is covered via up to 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the three-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time connection charge with this "free" deal, but that's a small price to pay for the latest Motorola tech.

The Motorola Razr offers a 3.6-inch external display that's big enough to reply to Slack messages, check Google Maps, and sort through emails without flipping the phone open. Under the hood, the 4,800mAh battery outlasts most compact foldables on the market, and the 50MP main camera sensor handles quick WFH video calls and casual shots with ease.

Score the new Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: McDonald’s has launched a SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal, available from Sept. 15. The toys feature SpongeBob as Gear 5 Luffy, Patrick as Zoro, and Squidward as Sanji.

If you thought the Burger King x Dragon Ball collab was the peak for anime fans, McDonald's just dropped the ultimate anime mash-up.

Combining Bikini Bottom’s finest with One Piece is truly tough to beat, and you know for sure that collectors are already buying up cases to hunt down rare pieces before secondary market scalpers clear everything out. That's the game you need to play with this kind of collab.

The 15-toy collection isn't just a surface-level collaboration that gets churned out to capture the interest of dedicated fans who'd buy absolutely anything. Instead, the character pairings are shockingly accurate to lore. You get SpongeBob pulling off Gear 5 Luffy, Patrick sporting Zoro's three-sword style, and even deep-cut references like Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen cosplaying as Brooke.

If you're trying to complete the full 15-piece set, here is every character combo hitting McDonald’s locations right now:

• SpongeBob: Dressed as Monkey D. Luffy

• SpongeBob (Variant): Dressed as Gear 5 Luffy

• Patrick: Dressed as Roronoa Zoro

• Sandy: Dressed as Nami

• Plankton: Dressed as Usopp

• Squidward: Dressed as Sanji

• Gary: Dressed as Chopper

• Pearl: Dressed as Robin

• Larry the Lobster: Dressed as Franky

• Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen: Dressed as Brooke

• Mr. Krabs: Dressed as Jinbe

• Mermaid Man: Dressed as Monkey D. Garp

• Barnacle Boy: Dressed as Koby

• Mrs. Puff: Dressed as Charlotte LinLin (Big Mom)

• The Flying Dutchman: Dressed as Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)

Credit: McDonald's

To maximize your chances of securing specific figures without buying 15 meals in one afternoon, use the My McDonald’s App to place mobile orders. This is a sneaky hack, but many locations specify which toy number series is currently being distributed before you pay. We can't make promises here, but it shortens your odds.

Where to preorder every Googlebook laptop: Acer Googlebook 14 Starting at $899 Pre-Order Here Dell XPS Googlebook Starting at $999 Pre-Order Here HP Googlebook 14 Starting at $1,299 Pre-Order Here Lenovo Googlebook 15 Starting at $1,099 Pre-Order Here Asus Googlebook 14 Starting at $1,299 Pre-Order Here

If you’ve been waiting for a true third option to break up the endless "Mac vs. PC" debate, your time has finally arrived.

Announced earlier this year at Google I/O, Googlebooks are a brand-new class of premium AI laptops built to take on MacBooks head-to-head. Unlike budget Chromebooks, these sleek machines run on a brand-new, desktop-class operating system called Googlebook OS — combining the best features of Android, ChromeOS, and native Gemini AI into a single powerhouse.

Preorders officially open from Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET, with units shipping out on Oct. 4 in the U.S. Every Googlebook comes packed with a minimum of 16GB of RAM, at least 14 hours of battery life, dedicated NPU chips for local AI tasks, and a free 12-month offer for Google AI Pro.

Acer Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Googlebook 14 $899 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Acer’s Googlebook 14 is the most affordable model of the bunch and the only true 2-in-1 convertible in the initial lineup. At $899, you get 360-degree versatility to flip between laptop, tent, and tablet modes — making it ideal for taking notes or using Android apps on a desktop. Despite the lower price tag, Acer didn't cheap out on specs: it packs a razor-sharp 2.8K OLED touch display, Intel's brand-new Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake processor, and a premium aluminum-and-magnesium chassis weighing just 2.7 pounds.

The one convertible of the bunch. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Dell XPS Googlebook Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS Googlebook $999 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Dell took its famous XPS design and put Googlebook OS on it. The Dell XPS Googlebook is made for taking on the go — it weighs only 2.5 pounds and is super thin. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip for fast performance, gives you a generous 512GB of starter storage, and features a sharp 2.5K touch screen. You also get both face login and a fingerprint scanner built right into its sturdy metal body.

Dell's Googlebook in action. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable HP Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

HP’s Googlebook 14 is an all-metal workhorse that strikes a sweet spot between screen space and portability. At 2.7 pounds and 14mm thin, it packs a vivid 2.8K OLED touch screen that makes colors pop and handles bright light with ease. Powered by Qualcomm’s fast Snapdragon X1 Elite chip, it keeps multitasking smooth across your daily tasks and Android apps. You also get a responsive haptic touchpad, a fingerprint reader for instant logins, and battery life built to clear a full workday.

HP's Googlebook in full force. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo Googlebook 15 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Googlebook 15 $1,099 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Lenovo’s Googlebook 15 is built for anyone who wants a bigger workspace without carrying around a heavy brick. It features a roomy 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touch screen and rich Dolby Atmos audio, making it awesome for side-by-side multitasking, streaming, and creative work. Despite the extra screen space, its high-tech carbon-fiber and magnesium frame keep it under 2.7 pounds. Intel’s new Panther Lake chip handles heavy daily workloads smoothly, while double biometric security — both face unlock and a fingerprint reader — keeps your data locked down tight.

Asus Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

The Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest option in the entire lineup, weighing just 2.2 pounds. Wrapped in a sturdy metal chassis, it features the highest-resolution display in the group — a crisp 3K OLED touch screen that makes text razor-sharp and video colors pop. Intel's new Panther Lake processor keeps everything running fast, while a smooth haptic touchpad and a built-in fingerprint scanner make everyday navigation and security effortless.

If you're ready to ditch Windows and macOS for deep Gemini AI, secure your pre-order today.

First we got Burger King teaming up with Dragon Ball. Then McDonald's went ahead with a SpongeBob collab. And don't forget the Owala and Pokémon bottles that sold out almost immediately. This is a golden age of viral brand mashups, and there's more to come.

Just when you thought these viral collabs might have peaked, two New England powerhouses have joined forces to claim fall. The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is already a staple for prep-meets-streetwear enthusiasts, but adding Dunkin’s iconic hot pink and orange colorway guarantees these will be all over TikTok and secondary resale sites before lunch on launch day.

Credit: Dunkin'

The collab is anchored by two legitimate heritage staples: L.L.Bean's classic Birdseye Crewneck Sweater (reimagined with a subtle Dunkin' pattern twist) and their indestructible Canvas Boat and Tote. Plus, if you can't wait until Sept. 29 for the full merch drop, Dunkin' stores are handing out incredibly cute knit Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeves with any coffee order on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (the first day of fall).

Credit: Dunkin' What to shop in the Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean lineup

Mark your calendars for Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. ET for this limited-edition drop. Here's exactly what's dropping online and in select stores:

• L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Birdseye Sweater ($79.95): L.L.Bean's classic wool-blend Norwegian pattern re-worked with Dunkin's signature color accents.

• L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Boat and Tote ($59.95): The heavy-duty canvas tote features vibrant Dunkin' pink and orange handles, dual embroidered logos, and contrast stitching.

• L.L.Bean Coffee Tote ($24.95): An ultra-miniature version of the Boat and Tote scaled specifically to hold a single iced coffee cup or travel tumbler.

If you miss out on the official drop on Sept. 29, Dunkin’ Rewards members can still score a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase via the Dunkin’ app all day on National Coffee Day.

For decades, laptop shoppers have really only had two choices: Mac or PC? Now, there's a third option: the Googlebook.

Starting today, the first five Googlebook devices are now available for preorder (they officially launch on Oct. 4), with Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo each launching a new device.

Earlier this year, Google announced the imminent arrival of Googlebooks, a new generation of premium AI laptops running on an entirely new operating system, which blends elements of Android, ChromeOS, and Gemini. (A Google spokesperson confirmed the new operating system is called Googlebook OS.)

Unlike Chromebooks, which are generally cheaper, stripped-down laptops, the new Googlebook devices feature a baseline 16GB of RAM, are made with premium materials such as aluminum and magnesium, and feature much more impressive chipsets. They're also priced more like MacBooks than Chromebooks. All the devices are ultra-thin and lightweight, and except for the Dell, they all come with OLED displays.

• Acer Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $899

• ASUS Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

• Dell XPS Googlebook (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — Starting at $1,199

• HP Googlebook 14 (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

• Lenovo Googlebook 15 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

First, the MacBook Neo, and now the Googlebook. It's not a good time to be a Windows laptop.

What is a Googlebook? The Googlebook home screen experience. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

If you weren't following along when Google announced Googlebooks at Google I/O earlier this year, we're here for you. The idea is similar to Chromebooks, in that Google makes the operating system and software, while hardware partners make the devices themselves.

But the similarities end there. Googlebooks are more powerful on both the hardware and software level, and many analysts have referred to them as Google's answer to MacBooks. Thanks to a brand-new operating system that blends Android Gemini, users can cast Android apps on their laptops, search all of their files in one place, and use Gemini to perform agentic tasks across devices.

Google says it's "reinventing the laptop" with the Googlebook, and to attract users, the new devices come with one year of Google AI Pro for free, alongside 10 years of promised update support to keep them viable for a long time.

The new operating system is like Android for desktop The Create My Widget tool. Credit: Google

Google has been not-so-secretly working on an Android-based desktop operating system for years, under the rumored code name AluminiumOS.

The OS integrates Gemini into just about every aspect of the software, while also letting you pair your laptop with your Android phone.

Some of the major new features include:

• Magic Pointer: A special mouse cursor feature that uses Gemini to understand on-screen context and act upon it. Just shake the cursor, and a list of contextual actions will pop up on the screen.

• Cast your apps: After you pair your phone, you can cast your apps and use them on the laptop screen.

• Create My Widget: Exactly what it sounds like. Simply describe the widget you want, and Gemini will create it and add it to your desktop homescreen.

• Rambler: Automatically transcribes your speech, but removes all the "Ums" and "ahs" and adds proper punctuation as it does

• Universal file search: When you search for files on your Googlebook, you can instantly access the files on your phone as well. If you edit a file on your phone, it instantly updates on your laptop, and vice versa.

Oh, and before you ask: This does not mean Chromebooks are imminently going away. They're popular enough and different enough that brands can and will keep making them, at least for the time being. But Googlebooks seem to be the priority of the future for Google's laptop business.

Where can you buy Googlebooks? The new Lenovo Googlebook has a 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Googlebooks are available for preorder starting today and ship Oct. 4 in the United States, and Oct. 5 in Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. You can buy Googlebooks at the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers.

Googlebooks hardware specs

Want to learn more about the five new Googlebooks coming from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo? Let's dive into the details.

HP HP's Googlebook in full force. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The HP Googlebook 14 is a 14-inch clamshell laptop with an OLED touch display. It starts at $1,299, and the specs are as follows:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 Elite processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor

• 2.7 pounds

• All-aluminum build

HP Googlebook 14 (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Dell Dell's Googlebook in action. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The XPS Googlebook is a 13-inch clamshell device with a touch display. It starts at $1,199. Here are the specs:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor

• 16GB RAM, 512GB starting storage

• 13-inch 2.5K display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor and face authentication

• 2.5 pounds

• Machined aluminum chassis

Dell XPS Googlebook (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Lenovo Love an HDMI port on a laptop. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Lenovo Googlebook 15 is a little bigger than the rest. It's a 15.3-inch clamshell with an OLED touch display, starting at $1,299.

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display with touch support

• Dolby Atmos support

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor and face authentication

• 2.68 pounds

• Magnesium-alloy and carbon fiber build

Lenovo Googlebook 15 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Acer The one convertible of the bunch. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Acer's Googlebook 14 is by far the cheapest of the bunch. It's a 14-inch convertible laptop, and it starts at $899. The specs are:

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Fingerprint sensor

• 2.7 pounds

• Aluminum and magnesium chassis

Acer Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Asus There's the Asus one. Credit: Asus

Lastly, the Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest of the bunch. It's a clamshell laptop that starts at $1,299, and the specs look like this:

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 3K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor

• 2.2 pounds

• Aluminum and magnesium chassis

Asus Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy

As with Chromebooks, expect there to be a lot more of these going forward. It'll be fascinating to see how much the Googlebook brand takes precedence over the Chromebook brand in the near and far future.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 21, the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV is on sale at its lowest-ever price of $547.99 at Amazon. That's $50 off its list price of $597.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-Inch Class M70H Series TV $547.99 at Amazon
$597.99 Save $50   Get Deal

With big sale events like Prime Big Deal Days right around the corner, it's the perfect time to start shopping around for a new TV. If you don't want to wait until then to buy, Amazon already has plenty of great deals on select models ahead of its next sale.

Among them is the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV, which has dropped to $547.99 for a limited time.

This is a $50 discount off its list price of $597.99, but more importantly, it's the lowest price this TV has ever hit. For a 2026 model, that's a very nice offer to take advantage of before October Prime Day starts.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

With 4K resolution, you'll enjoy sharp details in your favorite movies, shows, or games on this Samsung TV, while Mini LEDs deliver bright, vibrant colors and deep contrast. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures fast-paced action on screen looks smooth and sharp, which is a nice bonus for gamers or people who enjoy watching live sports and don't want too much motion blur.

On top of all that, it's also a smart TV. If you're someone who's signed up to a variety of different streaming apps, you can access them all easily from the home screen to jump into whatever you're watching.

There's no telling how long this deal will last, though. If it's caught your eye, act fast to save on the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple iPad 11-inch — $399 $449 (save $50)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

John Oliver's main target was American health care conglomerate UnitedHealth Group and its insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare, during Last Week Tonight on Sunday.

But the host also found time to get in a quick dig at David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, who is currently in the process of trying to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. If the deal closes, Ellison's company would also own WBD subsidiary HBO, which airs Oliver's show.

"Having access to wealthy parents just cannot be the system to get badly-needed healthcare, even if it is apparently the system that lets you be in charge of HBO," says Oliver, bringing up a photo of Ellison alongside his billionaire father, Larry Ellison, who personally pledged $40 billion to support Paramount's bid.

"Yeah, my soon-to-be business daddy has a literal business daddy, and to be very clear, I deeply respect that. And I would never make fun of you for it, unlike that pesky Stephen Colbert.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Take a look inside Bluecore Energy, a company newly out of stealth, building a prototype nuclear power plant on a barge.

Learn more about the future of nuclear and marine energy: Inside the world's biggest bet on fusion energy
The orb-like Ocean-2 turns wave power into renewable energy

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
0:29 Inside Bluecore energy
1:07 Bluecore’s plan
1:40 The reactor
2:05 Water desalination
2:41 Command center
3:12 Bluecore Energy’s big goal

Video credits
Host: Jesse Orrall
Scripted by: Jesse Orrall
Producer: Jesse Orrall
Camera: Dustin Shepard
Video editor: Jesse Orrall
Thumbnail designer: Viva Tung

Pentalobe screwdrivers up! iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro lets you peek inside one of Apple's latest signature devices.

In order to evaluate how repairable iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are, the outlet's lead teardown technician, Shahram Mokhtari, gives a close-up look at the mechanical details — from the camera's variable aperture to the Face ID infrared camera newly hidden beneath the display.

Mokhtari opens up the back panel and finds most repairs will still need to go through the screen, a tricky (and expensive) process involving managing adhesive and the plastic screen frame. And you'll get a good look at Apple's next-generation C2 cellular modem and A20 Pro-powered logic board.

For more on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Mashable's Stan Schroeder has reviewed the device. Or perhaps you're looking for a hands-on with the iPhone Duo?

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's newsletters or get Mashable push alerts.

King Charles, an AI version of Princess Diana, and Ed Sheeran are the unusual combination brought together in SNL UK's latest cold open, during which a D.I.A.N.A AI-bot goes rogue and the king is forced to beg for Sheeran's help as the apocalypse nears.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. You see I was just outside, sitting on the fence," says Sheeran (Annabel Marlow), who has faced criticism this week after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for pro-Palestinian statements. "You know sometimes, when it comes to conflicts, the bravest thing you can do is to say nothing at all."

Cue an impressively cringe-inducing song about "both sides" being "equally right".

Elsewhere, the singer was also roasted in the show's "Weekend Update" segment.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Sept. 21, the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop is discounted to $599.98 at Amazon. That's $400.01 away from its list price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop $599.98 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400.01   Get Deal

When it comes to finding a good robot vacuum deal, there's no need to wait for Prime Big Deal Days.

Amazon already has plenty of deals worth checking out, including a huge 40% discount on the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop. As of Sept. 21, this cleaner has plummeted to $599.98 at the retailer.

Usually it's priced at $999.99, so you're saving just over $400 through this offer, which isn't too bad considering the October Prime Day sale hasn't even kicked off yet. On top of that, it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price (listed by price tracker camelcamelcamel at $597.99), so the timing couldn't be better.

SEE ALSO: Early October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Apple, Beats, Fire TV, and Garmin

Fitted with both a vacuum and a mop, the Eufy E25 is a versatile cleaner that can tidy up everything from wood to tile to carpets. Its powerful 20,000 Pa suction can lift dust, crumbs, pet hair, and more stuck in your floors, while its roller mop scrubs with 10N of downward pressure to lift stains from your hard surfaces. Plus, the HydroJet Deep Cleaning System cleans the roller mop in real-time, using a water tank and scraper, to keep it fresh for each mop.

This robot vacuum also features an extendable CornerRover arm that reaches edges and corners for greater cleaning coverage, as well as Obstacle Avoidance technology. With this, it can recognize and steer clear of objects in its way, so it won't be slowed down or stalled while completing a full clean.

Why wait for the next Prime Day? Save big on the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop right now at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple iPad 11-inch — $399 $449 (save $50)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
  

SNL UK's "Weekend Update" took aim at multiple people, but the person on the receiving end of the most jokes was Ed Sheeran. The singer has been in the news this past week after supporting artist Macklemore was dropped from his tour after saying "Free Palestine" on stage.

"Sheeran's support act Macklemore was dropped after saying 'Free Palestine' on stage," says cast member Ania Magliano in the clip above. "Will Sheeran have to cancel the tour? There's a very real risk that he won't.

"Genuinely though, this crisis is the worst thing that has happened to Ed Sheeran fans since their head injury."

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

SAVE $600: As of Sept. 21, the Roborock Saros 10R is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal

If you'd happily forget about cleaning your floors, a robot vacuum is a great idea. These handy little machines can keep on top of the everyday dust and dirt that somehow appear out of nowhere. And these days, the best models can even mop your floors, so there's really no effort needed from you at all.

The Roborock Saros 10R is one such model, and it's currently on sale for $600 off the list price. As of Sept. 21, this robot vacuum is down to $999.99, which is also its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Narwal’s newest lineup features powerful steam mopping and a $799 robot vac — here’s all we know

There's so much going for this vacuum, from its 22,000Pa HyperForce suction to the Zero-Tangling DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Riser Side Brush that help prevent hair from getting wrapped around the brushes. It's even small enough to pick up hidden dirt under chairs or couches, thanks to its 3.14-inch height.

And the multifunctional dock is its powerhouse. Here, it stores dirt and dust for up to 60 days (so you don't need to constantly empty it), washes and dries the mop pads with hot water and hot air, and then refills the tanks with water and detergent. You can also control cleaning through the Roborock app or use the built-in voice assistant.

Find this robot vacuum deal online at Amazon now.