TechCapsules

Apple introduced iPhone Handoff, allowing a single phone number to switch automatically between two iPhones. The feature requires carrier support, but AT&T has declined to adopt it, citing a focus on existing eSIM activation and transfer options. CNET reports AT&T’s spokesperson said the carrier sees potential in Handoff but prioritizes simpler innovations. Only T‑Mobile currently supports the feature in the U.S., with Verizon and EE expected to add it later this year.

Samsung has begun rolling out One UI 9 to Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in the United States, but the update is currently limited to T‑Mobile models. The Android 17‑based update is roughly 4 GB and includes the September security patch. Reports indicate that unlocked devices and carriers such as AT&T and Verizon have not yet received the update, and no official release date for those variants has been announced. Users on T‑Mobile can manually check for the update in Settings. [...]

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China, featuring Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processors, 200‑MP dual rear cameras, and 8,500‑mAh batteries. Both models include a new “privacy screen” that activates automatically when onlookers are detected or in crowded areas, a first for Xiaomi and a direct response to Samsung’s Privacy Display. The Pro Max offers a transparent edition. Prices start at 5,999 CNY (~$900 USD), with a global release expected later.

Apple is set to unveil next year’s iPhone Pro models with a “near‑borderless” four‑sided curved display, according to an ETNews report. The design will wrap the screen around all edges, creating a full‑screen look for the 20th‑anniversary lineup. However, Apple will drop two advanced display technologies—Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) and Low‑Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide Plus (LTPO+)—due to higher memory costs and the search for better alternatives. The new design remains unchanged, while the omitted technologies could have [...]

Apple’s iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff, letting users share one phone number across two iPhones. The feature, announced at WWDC 2026, is already available on T‑Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany, with EE in the U.K. and Verizon slated to join later in 2026. T‑Mobile charges $5/month, while Deutsche Telekom requires an $8/month multi‑SIM add‑on. AT&T, despite its historic partnership with Apple, has declined to support Handoff, citing a focus on other innovations. [...]

Apple’s iOS 27.2 beta expands Dual Capture, a feature that lets users display front‑ and rear‑camera feeds simultaneously during FaceTime. Introduced in iOS 27, Dual Capture was limited to one‑on‑one calls; the new update enables it for Group FaceTime sessions. The feature requires an iPhone 17 or newer, and all participants must run iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27 to view the dual streams. Apple is rolling out the update in stages, with the public release expected in the coming [...]

Poco released the F9 Ultra, a $799‑$1,199 flagship‑tier Android phone that rivals the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at a lower price. It features a 6.9‑inch AMOLED display with 185 Hz refresh, 200 MP main camera, and an 8050 mAh battery. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it offers 12 GB/16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage. The device uses Gorilla Glass 7i and a glass‑fiber polymer back, weighing 235 g. Its design and performance aim to attract gamers and premium‑budget users alike. [...]

Google views Apple’s upcoming iPhone Duo as a validation of the foldable smartphone market, a sector Android has championed for years. The company believes the iPhone Duo’s halo effect could boost consumer interest in Android foldables, expanding the market and encouraging developers to optimize apps for larger displays. Android chief Sameer Samat highlighted the multitasking benefits of foldables and noted that Apple’s entry may spur broader adoption and better app support across both ecosystems.