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Insta360 Luna Ultra: Dual-Lens Leica Gimbal Camera Brings 8K, Telephoto Zoom and a Detachable Screen

Insta360 has entered the premium pocket-gimbal camera fight with the Luna Ultra, a Leica co-engineered dual-lens camera aimed at creators who want stabilized video, serious zoom flexibility, and high-resolution recording without carrying a mirrorless camera and separate gimbal.

Announced on June 10, 2026, the Luna Ultra combines a 1-inch main camera with a 1/1.3-inch telephoto camera, Leica Summicron optics, 8K recording, a detachable OLED touchscreen and three-axis mechanical stabilization. U.S. pricing starts at $769.99.

Image: Insta360 Luna Ultra in Stellar White. Source: CANEX product listing (manufacturer product image).

Why the Dual-Camera Design Matters

The Luna Ultra’s biggest distinction is its two-camera system. The main camera uses a 1-inch sensor with an f/1.8 lens and a 20mm-equivalent focal length, while the telephoto camera uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor with an f/2.0 lens and a 60mm-equivalent focal length.

That second camera gives creators more framing flexibility than a typical single-lens pocket gimbal. Insta360 lists up to 12x zoom for supported photo and video modes, including up to 6x Clarity Zoom. In 8K video, zoom is available from 1x to 6x, while supported 4K modes can extend to 12x.

8K Video, 4K120 and 10-Bit Recording

The Luna Ultra can record 8K 16:9 video at up to 30fps and 4K 16:9 video at up to 120fps. It also supports 10-bit video, Dolby Vision and I-Log, giving more flexibility to creators who want either ready-to-share footage or additional latitude for color work in post-production.

For slow motion, the camera supports 4K at up to 120fps and 1080p at up to 240fps. Maximum video bitrate is listed at 150Mbps, with H.265 encoding.

A Detachable Screen Changes How You Can Shoot

Image: Insta360 Luna Ultra Cosmic Black standard bundle and accessories. Source: Metapod product listing (manufacturer product image).

Another standout feature is the detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen. The screen has a 318 x 564 resolution, 1,000-nit brightness and 60Hz refresh rate. Because it can operate away from the main camera body, it opens up more flexible monitoring and framing possibilities when the camera is positioned somewhere that would normally make its built-in display difficult to see.

The camera includes four microphones in total—three on the main unit and one on the detachable touchscreen remote. That design could be especially useful for solo creators, vloggers and people filming themselves.

Three-Axis Gimbal Stabilization and Creator-Focused Tracking

Unlike electronic-only stabilization, Luna Ultra uses a three-axis mechanical gimbal. Insta360 also pairs the hardware with intelligent tracking features designed to keep a subject framed while the camera moves.

This combination is particularly relevant for walking vlogs, product demonstrations, travel videos and solo creator setups where keeping a subject centered without a second camera operator can make shooting considerably easier.

Storage, Battery and Charging

Luna Ultra includes 47GB of internal storage and also supports microSD cards up to 2TB. USB-C uses USB 3.0 for transfers.

The main unit has a 1,550mAh battery, while the detachable touchscreen remote has its own 210mAh battery. Insta360 rates battery life at up to 240 minutes under its laboratory test conditions at 1080p/24fps with the screen and Wi-Fi turned off. The company lists approximately 23 minutes to reach 80% charge and about 38 minutes for a full charge when using a compatible 45W USB-C charging setup under its test conditions.

One limitation worth noting is environmental protection: Insta360 states that Luna Ultra is not waterproof, splashproof or dustproof. Creators planning beach, rain or dusty outdoor shoots will need to take additional precautions.

Who Is the Insta360 Luna Ultra For?

At $769.99, Luna Ultra is positioned as a premium creator camera rather than an inexpensive pocket camera. Its strongest appeal is likely to be the combination of a large 1-inch main sensor, dedicated telephoto camera, mechanical stabilization, high-resolution video and detachable monitoring screen in one relatively compact system.

For travel creators, vloggers and one-person production setups, the ability to move between wide framing and tighter telephoto shots without changing lenses could be especially useful. The detachable display and tracking tools also address a common problem for solo shooters: monitoring composition while standing away from the camera.

The bigger question for buyers is whether those features justify the premium over simpler single-lens gimbal cameras. For creators who expect to use the telephoto camera, 8K capture and remote-screen workflow regularly, Luna Ultra offers a notably different toolset rather than simply adding incremental specifications.

Price and Availability

Insta360 announced Luna Ultra on June 10, 2026. U.S. pricing starts at $769.99, with availability through the Insta360 Store and other retailers. Configurations and bundle pricing can vary by market.

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Sources

Insta360 — Luna Ultra Hardware Specifications

Insta360 — Luna Ultra Photo & Video Specifications

Insta360 — Luna Ultra Official Announcement

PR Newswire / Insta360 — Luna Ultra Launch Announcement

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Apple iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: Which Foldable Is Right for You?

Apple has officially entered the foldable-phone market with the iPhone Duo, putting its first folding iPhone directly against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8. Both use a passport-style book design, both open to a 7.6-inch display, and both target buyers willing to spend flagship-level money for a phone that can become a small tablet.

But these two foldables take noticeably different approaches. Apple emphasizes iOS integration, its A20 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence, Apple Pencil support and continuity between the two displays. Samsung’s Fold8 is dramatically lighter, thinner when unfolded, built around Galaxy AI and Android multitasking, and comes from a company with years of foldable-phone experience.

Here is how the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold8 compare based on their official specifications and announced features.

Design: Similar Idea, Very Different Weight

The biggest surprise is how similar the basic form factors are. Apple’s iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner folding display. Samsung gives the Galaxy Z Fold8 a 5.5-inch cover display and the same 7.6-inch main-screen size.

The difference becomes much more obvious when you pick up the spec sheet. Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold8 weighs just 201 grams and measures 4.5 mm thick when unfolded. Apple lists the iPhone Duo at 254 grams and 5.2 mm unfolded.

That makes the Fold8 53 grams lighter. For a device designed to be carried every day, that difference could be meaningful. Apple counters with a grade 5 titanium construction and a precision hinge, while Samsung uses Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass, an Armor FlexHinge and its Flex Titanium display reinforcement.

Displays: Both Give You a 7.6-Inch Canvas

Both phones open to a 7.6-inch OLED display with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Apple’s inner Super Retina XDR panel has a 2670-by-1878 resolution at 430 ppi, while Samsung’s Fold8 uses a 7.6-inch main display designed around a wider 4:3 aspect ratio.

Apple also applies a nano-texture finish to the inner screen to reduce glare. The iPhone Duo supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), which gives Apple an interesting productivity angle for handwritten notes, markup and creative work.

Samsung focuses heavily on side-by-side productivity. Its wide main screen supports Multi Window, and Samsung has spent several generations refining Android apps, drag-and-drop workflows and multitasking for Galaxy Fold devices.

iOS 27 vs Android and Galaxy AI

Software may be the biggest reason to choose one device over the other.

The iPhone Duo ships with iOS 27.1, with Apple redesigning parts of iOS specifically for the foldable form factor. When opened, the Duo can show two Home Screen pages, and Apple has adapted the Dock, navigation controls, Dynamic Island and Live Activities for the larger folding canvas. Content can react as the phone folds, rotates or switches displays.

The Duo also combines Apple Intelligence and Siri AI with the foldable interface. For people already using Macs, iPads, Apple Watches and AirPods, the broader Apple ecosystem may be one of its strongest advantages.

Samsung approaches productivity from the Android side. Galaxy Z Fold8 combines Galaxy AI with Google’s Gemini experiences and Samsung’s mature Multi Window system. Samsung specifically highlights side-by-side productivity and AI workflows on the Fold8’s larger display.

Performance: A20 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

Apple powers the iPhone Duo with its A20 Pro chip, along with a custom vapor chamber and dual-battery architecture. Samsung uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a customized Qualcomm platform with upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU performance.

Raw benchmark numbers will matter once the devices can be tested side by side, but both are positioned as premium flagship processors. In day-to-day use, the larger difference may come from how iOS and Android use the folding display rather than from processor speed alone.

Cameras: Two Different Takes on Foldable Photography

The iPhone Duo includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera, with 2x optical-quality zoom. Apple also uses the folding design for new shooting options, including ways to use the outer display while taking photos and video.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 has a 50MP Wide camera and a 50MP Ultra Wide camera, with up to 10x digital zoom. Samsung describes it as a camera system aimed at social-media creators and also takes advantage of the foldable body for flexible shooting positions.

Neither phone should automatically be judged by megapixel count alone. Image processing, video quality, low-light performance and consistency will require real-world testing.

Battery and Charging

Samsung lists a 4,800 mAh typical battery for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and rates it for up to 26 hours of video playback under its test conditions.

Apple does not market the iPhone Duo around a conventional mAh figure on its main product page. Instead, Apple uses a dual-battery architecture and describes the device as delivering all-day battery life. Real-world comparisons will be especially important because foldable battery life can vary significantly depending on how often the large inner screen is used.

Price and Availability

Apple’s iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States with 256GB of storage. Apple says pre-orders begin October 16, 2026, with availability beginning October 23.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold8 earlier, with general U.S. availability beginning August 7, 2026. Retail pricing and promotions can change, so buyers should compare current offers rather than relying only on launch pricing.

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Where the iPhone Duo Stands Out

The iPhone Duo is particularly notable for bringing Apple’s ecosystem to a foldable for the first time. It combines the A20 Pro, iOS 27.1, Apple Intelligence, Apple Pencil support, a nano-texture 7.6-inch display and Apple’s familiar app ecosystem in a completely new iPhone form factor.

It is also Apple’s first generation of foldable hardware, which makes independent durability and long-term hinge testing worth watching once the phone reaches customers.

Where the Galaxy Z Fold8 Stands Out

Samsung’s Fold8 has a substantial portability advantage on paper. At 201 grams and 4.5 mm unfolded, it is considerably lighter and thinner than the iPhone Duo. Samsung also brings years of experience developing foldable software, Multi Window workflows and hinge designs.

For users who frequently run multiple apps at once or already use Galaxy and Google services, the Fold8’s Android-based multitasking environment offers a different experience from Apple’s approach.

Which One Fits Your Needs?

The specifications point to two distinct priorities rather than a universal winner. The iPhone Duo brings foldable hardware into Apple’s ecosystem, with iOS 27.1, Apple Intelligence, Apple Pencil support and tight integration with other Apple products. The Galaxy Z Fold8 emphasizes lower weight, a thinner unfolded design, established foldable multitasking and Galaxy AI.

People already invested in either ecosystem may find that software, apps, accessories and connected devices matter more than small differences in specifications. Buyers who are flexible between iOS and Android should also consider portability, multitasking style, cameras, durability and current pricing before deciding.

Sources

Apple Newsroom — Apple unveils iPhone Duo

Apple — iPhone Duo Technical Specifications

Samsung — Galaxy Z Fold8 Features

Samsung Newsroom — Making the Most of Your New Galaxy Z Fold8

9to5Mac — iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 specification comparison

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iOS 27 Is Here: The Biggest New iPhone Features You Should Try First

Apple has officially released iOS 27, bringing one of the biggest Siri upgrades in years alongside new Apple Intelligence features, photo-editing tools, design controls, parental protections, and performance improvements. The update began rolling out September 14, 2026, and is available for supported iPhones.

The headline feature is Siri AI, Apple’s reimagined assistant. But iOS 27 is more than an AI update. There are useful changes throughout the system that can make an iPhone feel smarter, more customizable, and easier to use.

Here are the iOS 27 features worth trying first, plus what you need to know about compatibility.

Siri AI Is the Star of iOS 27

Apple describes Siri AI as a more capable and conversational assistant built on the next generation of Apple Intelligence. Instead of handling only simple commands, the new Siri is designed to understand personal context, what is currently on your screen, and follow-up questions.

For example, Siri can surface relevant information from messages, emails, photos, and other personal content when responding to a request. Apple also says Siri can perform more actions across apps, such as helping draft an email or working with information already visible on the screen.

A dedicated Siri app is another major change. It gives users a place to revisit conversations, while iCloud can privately sync Siri conversation history across supported Apple devices.

Siri AI is initially rolling out in beta in English. Apple says French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish support is coming next.

Try the New Photo Editing Tools

iOS 27 expands Apple Intelligence inside Photos. New tools include Spatial Reframing and improvements to Clean Up, giving compatible iPhones additional ways to adjust images after they have been captured.

Spatial Reframing can intelligently extend or reposition a photo to better fit a composition or wallpaper. This could be particularly useful when a favorite image does not naturally fit the iPhone Lock Screen.

Clean Up has also been improved for removing distracting objects or elements from an image. These features make the Photos app increasingly capable without requiring a separate editing app for quick fixes.

Siri Can Understand What’s on Your Screen

Onscreen awareness is one of the most practical parts of Siri AI. When something is displayed on your iPhone, you can ask Siri questions about it or request an action related to that content.

That could reduce the need to copy information between apps manually. Apple’s examples show Siri using information from webpages and personal content to answer questions and perform tasks.

This is one of the features that could make the new Siri feel substantially different from the older voice assistant, especially once more third-party apps support Siri’s expanded app actions.

More Control Over the Liquid Glass Look

iOS 27 continues Apple’s Liquid Glass design while giving users more control over its appearance. One notable addition is the ability to adjust the visual effect, making the interface easier to personalize.

For anyone who liked the overall design direction but wanted more control over transparency and readability, this is a small but welcome improvement.

Shortcuts Gets Smarter With Natural Language

Apple is also making automation easier. iOS 27 expands intelligence in Shortcuts, allowing users to create and work with automations using more natural language.

This has the potential to make Shortcuts more approachable for people who previously found building multi-step automations complicated. Instead of understanding every action in advance, users can describe more of what they want to accomplish and let the system help construct the workflow.

Better Writing Assistance Across iPhone

Apple Intelligence is more deeply integrated into everyday apps in iOS 27. Writing tools can help users compose, rewrite, and proofread text in places such as Mail and Messages.

The goal is not simply to generate text, but to make assistance available within the apps where people are already communicating. That can be useful for polishing an email, changing tone, or quickly improving a message without switching to another application.

New Parental Controls and Child Safety Features

iOS 27 also includes expanded tools for families. Apple has added stronger parental controls, including more options around age-appropriate apps, web browsing approvals, Screen Time, and communication safety.

These improvements are designed to give parents more control over what younger users can access while making those controls easier to manage from Apple devices.

Performance Improvements Matter Too

Not every meaningful upgrade needs to be flashy. Apple says its latest software releases include broader platform improvements intended to make devices more responsive and easier to use.

Apple highlights broad performance improvements in iOS 27, including up to 30% faster app launches, up to 70% faster loading of new captures in Photos, and up to 80% faster AirDrop transfers. Apple also lists more seamless switching between Wi‑Fi and cellular networks. Actual gains can vary by device and task.

Which iPhones Support iOS 27?

iOS 27 is available for iPhone 11 and later, as well as iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). However, installing iOS 27 does not mean every device receives every feature.

Apple Intelligence has stricter hardware requirements. Apple lists iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and later compatible iPhones among the supported devices for Apple Intelligence. Siri AI also requires an Apple Intelligence-capable device and is beginning its public rollout as a beta.

That distinction is important for owners of older supported iPhones: they can still receive iOS 27 and many of its system improvements, but the biggest AI features require newer hardware.

Should You Install iOS 27 Now?

For most users with a supported iPhone, iOS 27 is a significant update worth considering, especially if you own a device capable of running Apple Intelligence. Siri AI is the biggest reason to explore the release, but the photo tools, customization changes, family features, and system refinements make the update broader than Siri alone.

As with any major operating-system release, users who depend on critical work apps may prefer to verify app compatibility first. It is also sensible to back up important data before installing a major iOS update.

For compatible iPhones, the update can be found under Settings > General > Software Update.

The Bottom Line

iOS 27 marks a major step in Apple’s effort to make the iPhone more context-aware and useful through Apple Intelligence. Siri AI finally moves Siri toward richer conversations, personal context, onscreen understanding, and deeper app actions, while Apple has also added improvements that benefit users outside the AI experience.

If you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, Siri AI and the new Photos features should be near the top of your list to try. On older supported iPhones, the design, safety, and performance changes still give iOS 27 plenty to explore.

Sources

Apple Newsroom — Major updates for Apple’s software platforms are now available

Apple — iOS 27 features, compatibility, and availability

Apple Support — Apple security releases and iOS 27 compatibility

The Verge — Apple releases iOS 27 with Siri AI

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Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra Could Get Samsung’s M16 OLED Upgrade, Report Says

Concept image of four Galaxy S27-style phones representing rumored M14 and M16 OLED display tiers.

A new South Korean supply-chain report says Samsung plans to give the rumored Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra its newer M16 OLED material set, while the standard S27 and S27+ move to M14. Samsung has not announced the phones or confirmed these specifications.

What the new report claims

South Korea’s ETNews reported on September 13, 2026 that Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display have decided to use the newer M16 OLED material set for the rumored Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra. If accurate, these would be the first Samsung-branded phones to use M16 panels.

The report says Samsung would differentiate the lineup by giving the standard Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ M14 material sets instead. Those models would still receive an upgrade from the M13 materials reportedly used across the Galaxy S24 through S26 generations, but the Pro and Ultra would keep the newer display tier.

Why M16 matters

M16 is the name of an OLED material set, not a screen resolution or marketing mode. Samsung Display combines different organic materials to determine characteristics such as light-emission efficiency, brightness potential, color performance and panel lifespan. A newer material generation can improve those fundamentals, although ETNews did not provide model-specific brightness, power-consumption or longevity figures.

Potential benefits include:

  • Improved luminous efficiency, which could reduce power use at comparable brightness.
  • More headroom for peak brightness and HDR performance.
  • Longer organic-material lifespan and more consistent color over time.
  • Greater display differentiation between Samsung’s mainstream and premium flagships.

These are expected advantages rather than confirmed Galaxy S27 performance measurements. Real benefits will depend on Samsung’s final panel tuning, refresh-rate behavior and software.

A four-model display hierarchy

ETNews describes four possible Galaxy S27 models and reports the following screen sizes:

  • Galaxy S27: 6.27 inches, M14 OLED.
  • Galaxy S27+: 6.66 inches, M14 OLED.
  • Galaxy S27 Pro: 6.47 inches, M16 OLED.
  • Galaxy S27 Ultra: 6.89 inches, M16 OLED.

That would place the rumored Pro between the standard and Plus models by screen size while giving it the same display-material generation as the Ultra. The lineup and dimensions remain unannounced, so they should be treated as supply-chain reporting rather than final specifications.

Privacy Display and COE could remain premium features

The M16 report also identifies Color Filter on Encapsulation and Privacy Display as technologies Samsung could use to separate the Pro and Ultra from the less expensive models.

COE replaces a conventional polarizer with a color filter integrated into the display stack. The approach can help improve light transmission and reduce panel thickness. Privacy Display restricts off-angle visibility to make sensitive content harder for nearby people to read.

Earlier reporting already pointed to Privacy Display for the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra. The M16 material claim is the new development: it suggests Samsung may divide the entire lineup by both OLED generation and premium display features.

Samsung may be using its newest panel later than rivals

ETNews says Samsung Display’s M16 material set is already used in Google’s Pixel 11 series and Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models. If the report is correct, Samsung’s display division supplied the material to major customers before Samsung’s mobile division adopted it in a Galaxy phone.

That would not be unusual because Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics operate as separate businesses with different product schedules and requirements. It does, however, make the S27 upgrade more notable after several Galaxy S generations using older material sets.

 

What is confirmed and what is not

Confirmed:

  • Samsung Display develops OLED material generations identified by “M” numbers.
  • M16 is a newer material set than M14 and M13.
  • The Galaxy S27 family has not been officially announced.

Unconfirmed:

  • The four-model Galaxy S27 lineup.
  • M16 panels for the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra.
  • M14 panels for the standard S27 and S27+.
  • The reported display sizes, feature split and first-quarter 2027 launch window.

Bottom line

The report points to a meaningful display upgrade across the Galaxy S27 family, with the Pro and Ultra receiving Samsung Display’s newer M16 materials and the two mainstream models stepping up to M14. The possible efficiency and longevity improvements are promising, but Samsung has not confirmed the devices, and no measurable brightness or battery-life gains are available yet.

 

 

Sources

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Google Removes Pixel Tablet From Its Store as Discontinuation Signs Mount

Google has removed the Pixel Tablet product page and the tablet category from its online Store, a strong sign that sales have ended. However, Google has not publicly confirmed that the product is discontinued, and its support page still promises updates through June 2028.

What is confirmed?

The Pixel Tablet is no longer listed for sale on the Google Store. The former product URL now redirects to the Store homepage, and the “Tablet” category has disappeared from the navigation. That is a concrete change to Google’s retail lineup, not a leak.

Independent checks by 9to5Google, Engadget and The Verge all found the same result. Engadget also reported that the Pixel Tablet was unavailable from Amazon and no longer available new from Best Buy when it checked. Those retail signals make a simple temporary stock shortage less likely.

What Google has not confirmed

Google has not issued a public statement declaring the Pixel Tablet discontinued. Engadget said it asked Google for confirmation and had not received an answer when its report was updated on September 10, 2026.

That distinction matters. Store removal strongly suggests the end of sales, but it does not prove that Google has permanently abandoned Pixel tablets or that a replacement cannot appear later. Until Google speaks, “appears discontinued” is more accurate than treating the product line’s future as settled.

What owners should know

The disappearance from the Store does not mean existing tablets immediately lose support. Google’s official Pixel Tablet support page says the device is guaranteed five years of operating-system and security updates, through June 2028. Google also says those updates may include new features delivered through Pixel Drops.

For current owners, the practical picture is therefore clearer than the product’s retail status:

● • Existing Pixel Tablets should continue receiving OS and security updates through June 2028.

● • Google has not announced an early end to software support.

● • Replacement accessories may become harder to find if remaining stock continues to disappear.

● • Warranty, repair and support information remains available through Google’s help pages.

A short-lived experiment with a distinctive idea

Google introduced the Pixel Tablet in 2023 as a hybrid Android tablet and smart-home display. Its Charging Speaker Dock let the tablet charge while operating in Hub Mode, giving it a rolethat conventional Android tablets did not offer. That approach was the Pixel Tablet’s most distinctive idea, but Google never released asecond-generation model. The product’s Store removal now leaves Google without a tablet in its current hardware catalog, even as the company continues to sell Pixel phones, watches, earbuds and smart-home products.

What this means for buyers

People considering a used or remaining-new Pixel Tablet should weigh the update commitmentagainst hardware availability. Support through June 2028 still gives the device useful life, butaccessory availability and long-term repair options deserve closer scrutiny once first-party sales end.

For most buyers, waiting is the safer choice unless the Pixel Tablet is deeply discounted and its dock-focused features specifically fit their needs. There is no officially announced successor to compare against, and Google has not provided a time table for returning to the tablet market.

Bottom line

The evidence is strong that Google has ended first-party sales of the Pixel Tablet: the product page redirects away, the Store’s tablet category is gone, and major retailers no longer shownormal new-device availability. What remains unconfirmed is the broader conclusion that Googlehas permanently exited tablets.

For owners, the most important confirmed fact is unchanged: Google still lists guaranteed Pixel Tablet OS and security updates through June 2028.

Sources

 

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Galaxy S27 Ultra May Skip Polar ID Face Unlock as Samsung Reconsiders Its 2027 Flagship Upgrades

Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra may not receive one of the biometric upgrades previously rumored for the 2027 flagship. A fresh report says Samsung currently has no plans to introduce Metalenz’s Polar ID face-authentication technology on the Galaxy S27 Ultra, potentially leaving the ultrasonic fingerprint reader as the phone’s primary secure biometric option.

The claim is not an official Samsung announcement, so it should be treated as a leak rather than a confirmed specification. Still, it is notable because earlier S27 Ultra coverage had pointed toward Polar ID as a possible major authentication upgrade.

What the New Galaxy S27 Ultra Leak Says

Tipster kro (@kro_roe) claimed on X on September 9 that Samsung currently shows no indication of bringing Polar ID to the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Gadgets 360 reported that Samsung’s earlier Metalenz testing remained experimental. If accurate, Samsung could continue using its established ultrasonic fingerprint system while retaining conventional camera-based face unlock for convenience.

That would make this less of a new feature story and more of a reversal: a previously discussed S27 Ultra upgrade may no longer be part of Samsung’s current plan.

What Is Polar ID?

Polar ID is an advanced facial-recognition approach associated with Metalenz that uses polarization information rather than relying only on a conventional RGB selfie image. The attraction for a flagship phone is stronger authentication without necessarily copying the exact hardware arrangement used by Apple’s Face ID.

However, Samsung has not announced Polar ID for the Galaxy S27 series, and reports that the company experimented with the technology do not mean it was ever guaranteed for a commercial device.

The Bigger Galaxy S27 Picture Is Getting More Interesting

This biometric report arrives as other S27-family leaks continue to build a picture of Samsung’s 2027 lineup. Recent reporting points to a possible Galaxy S27 Pro joining the regular S27, S27+ and S27 Ultra. One UI 9.5 firmware entries associated with the S27 family have also reportedly appeared on Samsung servers, with the sightings attributed to Samsung-focused leaker Tarun Vats.

Charging could be another important upgrade. Ice Universe recently posted information indicating 60W wired charging for both the rumored Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra. That claim remains unofficial until Samsung confirms the devices and specifications, but it would represent a meaningful change if it reaches the final hardware.

These leaks should not be treated equally to an official product announcement. Firmware sightings and regulatory information can provide useful clues, while final hardware, names, features and regional configurations can still change before launch.

Why Samsung Might Skip the Feature

Cost and product priorities may be part of the explanation. Flagship development requires balancing camera hardware, displays, processors, batteries, thermal systems, connectivity and other components. Adding a new biometric system only makes sense if Samsung believes the security and user-experience gains justify the hardware and development cost.

If Polar ID has indeed been dropped from the current S27 Ultra plan, Samsung could redirect resources toward upgrades users interact with more frequently, such as cameras, battery life, charging, performance or display technology. That is an interpretation, however, not something Samsung has confirmed.

What Is Actually Confirmed?

Very little about the Galaxy S27 Ultra is official at this stage. Samsung has not announced the Galaxy S27 lineup, its final specifications, pricing or launch date. Reports currently point toward an early-2027 flagship window, but exact timing remains unconfirmed.

For now, the safest takeaway is straightforward: Polar ID was rumored, but the newest reporting says it may not be coming to the Galaxy S27 Ultra after all.

ReaderSpice Take

The most interesting part of early flagship leak season is watching specifications change as development progresses. The Polar ID story is a good example of why early rumors should never be presented as finished specifications.

The Galaxy S27 Ultra still has plenty of time before an expected 2027 introduction, and Samsung’s final priorities could change again. ReaderSpice will continue tracking Samsung’s development, while separating credible leaks from specifications Samsung actually confirms.

SOURCES

EDITORIAL NOTE

All Galaxy S27 specifications discussed above are leaks, reports or expectations unless explicitly identified as confirmed by Samsung.

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Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Announced: New Health Tracking, Apple Silicon and Prices

Apple Watch Series 12
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
Official Apple Watch Series 12 featured-image candidate — Source: Apple Newsroom
Apple’s September 2026 event wasn’t only about iPhone. Apple also unveiled Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, positioning both devices around improved health and fitness tracking, new Apple silicon and a more intelligent watch experience.

Apple Watch Series 12

Series 12 remains Apple’s mainstream smartwatch, but the new generation puts additional emphasis on health data and recovery. Apple introduced a redesigned sensor system that can collect heart-rate information more frequently, supporting improved fitness and wellness insights.

The new watch also benefits from updated Apple silicon. Combined with watchOS 27 and Apple’s expanding intelligence features, the hardware is designed to provide faster processing and more useful summaries without turning the Watch into a miniature iPhone.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Ultra 4 continues as Apple’s rugged premium model for athletes, adventurers and users who want the company’s most capable watch. Apple is emphasizing improved sensors, health tracking and battery endurance while retaining the Ultra line’s outdoor-focused identity.

Apple Watch Ultra 4
Official Apple Watch Ultra 4 image — Source: Apple Newsroom

Health and Recovery Become More Important

One of the clearest themes of the new Watch generation is Apple’s attempt to turn the device from a passive activity tracker into a more useful interpretation layer for health and fitness data. More frequent heart-rate measurements can feed recovery and fitness features, helping users understand not only what they did but how their body is responding.

New Intelligence Features

Apple’s broader AI strategy also extends to the wrist. Launch coverage highlighted new summary and intelligence capabilities designed to surface useful information without requiring users to dig through multiple apps and metrics.

Pricing

Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, while Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799, according to launch coverage. Those prices keep the new models in the familiar mainstream and premium positions of Apple’s Watch lineup.

Who Should Upgrade?

Series 12 will make the most sense for users with older Apple Watches who want improved health tracking and newer software capabilities. Ultra 4 is aimed at users who prioritize battery life, rugged construction, outdoor use and Apple’s most advanced Watch hardware.

Bottom Line

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are evolutionary upgrades, but Apple’s direction is clear: better sensors, more frequent health data, stronger on-device processing and software that turns raw measurements into information people can actually use.

SOURCES

  • Apple September 9, 2026 event / Apple Events
  • Reuters — Apple September 9 launch coverage
  • The Verge — Apple September 2026 event announcements
  • Axios — Apple event live coverage
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Apple September 2026 Event: Everything Announced — iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch and AirPods 5

official Apple iPhone Duo launch image — Source: Apple Newsroom Apple’s September 9, 2026 event delivered one of the company’s most consequential hardware launches in years. The headline was Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, but the company also introduced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and a new generation of AirPods.
official Apple iPhone Duo launch image — Source: Apple Newsroom
Apple’s September 9, 2026 event delivered one of the company’s most consequential hardware launches in years. The headline was Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, but the company also introduced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and a new generation of AirPods.

Here are the biggest confirmed announcements

iPhone Duo: Apple Enters the Foldable Era

The biggest surprise — and the long-awaited “one more thing” — was iPhone Duo. Apple’s first foldable iPhone opens to a 7.6-inch display and includes a 5.4-inch outer screen. It supports multitasking, adapts iOS 27 to multiple orientations and folding positions, and will support Apple Pencil.

The Duo starts at $1,999 and is scheduled for availability October 23. Apple is positioning it as both a premium smartphone and a productivity device, effectively bringing some iPad-style use cases into a pocketable iPhone.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

iphone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple also introduced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The new models start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, with preorders beginning September 12 and availability September 18.

The Pro lineup introduces A20 Pro, stronger on-device AI capabilities and significant camera improvements. A 48-megapixel main camera with variable-aperture capability gives photographers more control over light and depth of field, while Apple is also expanding computational photography and video features.

Apple Reference Image

Apple introduced a new authenticity initiative called Apple Reference Image. The feature is designed to help prove the authenticity of images captured with supported iPhones at a time when AI-generated and manipulated photos are becoming increasingly difficult to identify. Apple also said it will support the emerging SynthID standard for identifying AI-created or edited imagery. Regional availability will vary.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 were also announced. Apple highlighted redesigned sensing and more frequent heart-rate measurements, alongside new Apple silicon and software features focused on health, recovery, fitness and intelligent summaries.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Series 12 starts at $399, while Ultra 4 starts at $799 according to launch coverage.

New AirPods

Apple refreshed its entry AirPods line as well. The new generation brings active noise cancellation to a lower-priced AirPods tier. Launch coverage lists a $129 starting model and a $149 version with additional features including wireless charging and on-stem volume controls.

iOS 27 and Siri AI

The hardware announcements build on iOS 27 and Apple’s next generation of Siri AI. Apple emphasized that its intelligence system runs on-device whenever possible and demonstrated deeper app integration. The larger iPhone Duo display is one of the clearest examples of hardware and iOS 27 being designed together, with side-by-side apps and adaptive layouts.

What Was the Biggest Announcement?

The iPhone Duo is easily the defining product of this event. Apple is entering a foldable market that competitors have been developing for years, but it is doing so at the very top of the price range. Whether the $1,999 Duo becomes a mainstream success or remains a premium niche product will be one of the most important Apple stories to watch over the next year.

For traditional iPhone buyers, however, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max remain the products likely to ship at much greater scale. Their camera and AI upgrades could matter more to Apple’s overall business even if the Duo receives most of the attention.

SOURCES

  • Apple Events / Apple Newsroom
  • Reuters — Apple September 9, 2026 launch coverage
  • Associated Press — Apple September 9 launch coverage
  • The Verge — Apple event biggest announcements
  • Axios — Apple live event coverage
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Apple iPhone Duo Official: First Foldable iPhone Starts at $1,999

Apple iPhone Duo official foldable image.
Official Apple featured-image candidate — Source: Apple Newsroom

Apple’s foldable iPhone is no longer a rumor. The company has officially unveiled the iPhone Duo, a passport-shaped foldable that represents one of the biggest changes to the iPhone since the removal of the Home button.

The headline feature is a 7.6-inch inner display that opens into a tablet-like workspace while the phone retains a 5.4-inch outer display for normal one-handed use. Apple says the unfolded screen is its largest-ever iPhone display while the device remains pocketable when closed.

Price and Release Date

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the United States. Apple says the device will become available October 23, placing it above the iPhone 18 Pro Max as the company’s new ultra-premium iPhone option.

Two Displays, One iPhone

Apple has designed the Duo around a wider, passport-like shape rather than an unusually tall folding display. The inner screen supports multiple apps at once, allowing users to work with split-screen layouts and take advantage of apps optimized for the larger canvas. Apple demonstrated productivity scenarios involving apps such as Zoom and Slack.

Apple Pencil Support

In another first for iPhone, the iPhone Duo supports Apple Pencil. That pushes the Duo closer to the iPad experience and could make the device especially interesting for note-taking, annotation and creative work.

Touch ID Instead of Face ID

Apple is using Touch ID integrated into the side button rather than Face ID. Users can also unlock the Duo with Apple Watch. This is one of the clearest examples of Apple adapting familiar technologies to the engineering constraints of a foldable design.

Apple Silicon and Connectivity

The Duo uses Apple’s A20-class silicon and the company’s C2 cellular modem, continuing Apple’s move toward controlling more of the critical chips inside its devices. Apple is also emphasizing on-device AI and privacy across the new iPhone generation.

Cameras

The foldable includes dual rear cameras, with launch reporting describing two 48-megapixel cameras. The emphasis appears to be on keeping the device thin while still delivering a flagship-level camera experience, rather than matching every lens available on the Pro Max.

Built for iOS 27

The hardware story is only half of the Duo. Apple adapted iOS 27 to respond to different orientations and folding positions. Users can place apps side by side, pin video while using another portion of the display, and take advantage of layouts that change as the device is folded or rotated.

Why iPhone Duo Matters

Samsung, Google and Chinese manufacturers have spent years developing the foldable category, but Apple’s entry could push foldables further into the mainstream. At $1,999, this is clearly not a mass-market iPhone. It is a premium first-generation product designed to establish Apple’s approach to the category.

Bottom Line

The iPhone Duo is the most important new iPhone form factor in years. Its combination of a 7.6-inch inner display, Apple Pencil support, multitasking, Apple silicon and iOS 27 creates something closer to a pocketable iPhone-iPad hybrid than a conventional smartphone.

SOURCES

  • Apple September 9, 2026 event / Apple Events
  • Reuters — Apple debuts $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo
  • Associated Press — Apple unveils iPhone Duo
  • TechCrunch — Apple unveils its first foldable, the iPhone Duo
  • 9to5Mac — Apple unveils foldable iPhone Duo

VIDEO / MEDIA

Official Apple iPhone Duo launch page

Apple September 9, 2026 event video

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iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Official: A20 Pro, Variable-Aperture Camera, New Colors and Everything Apple Announced

Apple iPhone 18 Pro official product image shown during the September 9 2026 event

Updated: September 9, 2026

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event. After months of leaks, the final hardware confirms several of the biggest rumors — including Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, a 48-megapixel variable-aperture main camera, a smaller Dynamic Island and new Pro color options.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 with 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Preorders open Saturday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: What Apple Announced

Apple’s new Pro phones retain the overall design direction introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro generation, but the changes inside are substantial. Both models are powered by the A20 Pro, Apple’s first iPhone chip built using a 2nm process. The six-core CPU combines two high-performance “super” cores with four efficiency cores, while the architecture is designed to push Apple Intelligence and demanding mobile workloads further.

Apple also redesigned the vapor-chamber cooling system and says the new phones deliver longer battery life. Reported figures from Apple’s presentation put video playback at up to 36 hours on iPhone 18 Pro and 45 hours on iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Update: Exact Battery Capacities Revealed in EU Labels

Updated September 13, 2026: Apple’s European energy-label disclosures list the physical-SIM versions of the iPhone 18 Pro at 4,056 mAh and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at 5,391 mAh. These are confirmed figures for EU-style models, not estimates.

  • iPhone 18 Pro: 4,056 mAh, about 1.7% larger than the comparable iPhone 17 Pro physical-SIM battery.
  • iPhone 18 Pro Max: 5,391 mAh, about 11.7% larger than the comparable iPhone 17 Pro Max physical-SIM battery.
  • EU endurance rating: 52 hours for iPhone 18 Pro and 62 hours for iPhone 18 Pro Max under the standardized label test.

The EU capacities should not automatically be applied to U.S. models. Apple sells eSIM-only versions in the United States and other markets, where the space otherwise occupied by a physical SIM tray can accommodate a larger battery. Exact capacities for those versions had not been confirmed as of September 13.

The Pro Max’s larger cell is the most notable hardware change. The smaller Pro’s endurance gain appears to depend more heavily on A20 Pro and software efficiency, though real-world tests after the September 18 release will be more useful than laboratory ratings.

Battery-update sources: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications, MacRumors’ battery-capacity report, and Tom’s Guide’s EU-label comparison.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro official product image shown during the September 9 2026 event
iPhone 18 Pro official Apple product imagery. Image source: Apple, via TechCrunch event coverage.

The Biggest Camera Upgrade: Variable Aperture

The headline camera feature is a new 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture. Apple says the aperture mechanism uses six extremely thin blades and can automatically change based on the scene. In darker conditions, the aperture can open wider to capture substantially more light.

This also gives photographers and video creators more creative control. Apple is adding expanded Pro camera controls including manual adjustments such as shutter speed, white balance and aperture, along with tools such as a histogram. The camera can also record 4K Dolby Vision HDR video and apply cinematic effects after capture.

A20 Pro and a Smaller Dynamic Island

The A20 Pro is one of the most important generational upgrades. Beyond raw CPU and GPU performance, Apple is emphasizing on-device intelligence and its new Siri AI capabilities. The Pro models also introduce a smaller Dynamic Island, creating more usable display space while allowing multiple Live Activities to remain visible.

Apple’s new C2 cellular modem is also making its way into the Pro lineup, with support for mmWave 5G and improved efficiency compared with the previous generation.

Four Official iPhone 18 Pro Colors

Apple confirmed four finishes: Deep Black, Silver, Glacier Blue and Burgundy. Burgundy becomes the bold signature color this year, replacing the Cosmic Orange option from the iPhone 17 Pro generation. The rear aluminum and Ceramic Shield glass are also more closely color-matched for a more uniform appearance.

Price, Storage, Preorders and Release Date

Both Pro models now start with 256GB of storage. The iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299, representing a $100 increase over their predecessors. Storage configurations include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and, for the first time on these models, 2TB.

Preorders: September 12, 2026 at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET
Release date: September 18, 2026

What Happened to the Regular iPhone 18?

Apple did not announce the standard iPhone 18 during the September event. The fall launch instead centers on the premium iPhone 18 Pro family and Apple’s newly announced foldable iPhone Duo. Reports point to the standard iPhone 18 arriving later rather than being part of today’s launch.

ReaderSpice Take

The variable-aperture camera is the standout upgrade because it changes more than a specification on a chart: it gives the iPhone camera new physical control over incoming light while Apple simultaneously expands manual software controls. Combined with the 2nm A20 Pro, longer battery life and new Burgundy finish, the iPhone 18 Pro generation is clearly aimed at creators and power users.

ReaderSpice will cover Apple’s other September 9 announcements separately, including the company’s first foldable iPhone, rather than mixing every major product into one article.

Sources

Apple — September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event
TechCrunch — Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro with upgraded camera
The Verge — iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max announcement
MacRumors — Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max