TechCapsules

Patrick, the eCommerce Editor at Android Central, transitioned from independent bookstore work and freelance writing to full‑time tech journalism in 2020. He joined Android Central in 2022 as the Deals and Commerce Writer, now overseeing eCommerce coverage and major sale events. Patrick specializes in simplifying complex tech purchases, aiming to reduce buyer’s remorse. His background spans writing for the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, BestReviews, and OddityMall, and he enjoys outdoor activities and caring for a polydactyl cat.

An overseas report indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 8 experienced a 10% sales lift after Apple unveiled its foldable iPhone Duo. Samsung’s Fold 8, already breaking pre‑order records, benefited from price differentials and immediate availability, especially in South Korea where the Duo costs a million won more and lacks a 1 TB option. The report notes consumers “waiting and seeing” before deciding, with the Fold 8’s quicker release and lower entry price tipping the scale.

Apple launched iOS 27, adding several non‑AI enhancements. The Music app’s AutoMix now features smoother transitions, while Photos’ iCloud Shared Albums support full‑resolution sharing. Users can set independent alarm volume in Clock, and new extra‑large widgets appear on the Home Screen. The Lock Screen now allows moving the clock and swiping away the Now Playing widget. Additional updates include video‑frame saving, an improved Apple Pay flow, expanded landscape support, a redesigned Find My app, clipboard paste shortcuts, and a [...]

Apple’s iconic glass cube on Fifth Avenue was temporarily closed and reopened at 8 a.m. Eastern on September 18, 2026, illuminated in burgundy, silver and “glacier” – the three of four colorways for the newly released iPhone 18 Pro. The change coincided with the arrival of the first pre‑orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are now shipping to Apple Stores worldwide, including heavily queued locations such as Kuala Lumpur. Apple senior vice president John Ternus confirmed the visual update in [...]

Apple deployed 14 iPhone 18 Pro units around Dodger Stadium to record the final “Friday Night Baseball” game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. The new phones, featuring variable aperture and a private 5G link via T‑Mobile, captured footage from the pitch clock, backstop, foul pole, and both bullpens, as well as batting practice and player introductions. Apple will stream the event in immersive video on Vision Pro and Apple TV+ at 10:15 p.m. ET, building on its 2025 [...]

Analysts have underestimated demand for Apple’s new iPhone Duo, the first all‑Pro model released this September, as the company skips a non‑Pro variant for the year. The Duo, priced higher than previous Pro models, is expected to capture early‑order enthusiasts, while the standard iPhone 18 is slated for a later launch. This shift disrupts the traditional preorder pattern, where Pro models dominate until holiday sales, and may extend sell‑out periods for the Duo. Apple’s strategy reflects its [...]

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18E, slated for a March 2026 launch, targeting the entry‑level market with a blend of high‑performance hardware and affordability. The device features 9 GB of RAM, a new A20 chip, and 256 GB of storage, marking a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The extra memory enhances multitasking, on‑device AI, and privacy, while the A20 chip delivers power and efficiency for gaming, video editing, and AR. Apple’s AI‑driven features, including real‑time translation and advanced photo editing, aim [...]

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro arrives as a largely incremental upgrade, yet it packs notable enhancements that could sway users of older models. The device features a slightly larger 6.3‑inch display with virtually invisible bezels, a reduced Dynamic Island that now supports three Live Activities, and a peak brightness boost to 3,000 nits on the Pro Max. Apple also introduces Ceramic Shield 2, which the reviewer says has resisted scratches on a year‑old iPhone 17 Pro Max. Camera upgrades dominate the refresh: both ultra‑wide and telephoto [...]