TechCapsules

Xiaomi launched its 18 Pro series in China, offering the 18 Pro Max with a 6.9‑inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9‑inch rear screen, and the 18 Pro with a 6.4‑inch front display and a 2.7‑inch rear screen. Both models feature a new privacy screen that activates via location‑based triggers to conceal sensitive content. The Max is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, while the Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Prices start at 6,999 CNY ($1,042) [...]

Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a flagship processor built on a 2 nm process that reaches 5 GHz on its prime cores. The chip powers reference Android devices equipped with 24 GB of RAM and a 4,400 mAh battery, delivering an 8% boost in multi‑core Geekbench 7 scores and up to 22% higher 3DMark performance versus Apple’s A20 Pro. Despite the gains, the units ran hot, requiring cooldown periods between tests. The new chip signals Qualcomm’s push toward ultra‑powerful, large‑screen smartphones. [...]

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 [...]