Tag Archives: Handheld & Connected Devices

Apple and Issey Miyake’s iPhone Pocket is a knitted sleeve to hold your phone

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Apple has announced a new accessory that feels a bit out of left field, to say the least. Say hello to the limited edition iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted "ribbed open structure" designed in collaboration with Issey Miyake. Available with a short or long strap design, it can be worn on your arm, attached to a bag or across your body. 

"The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use," Miyake Design Studio design director, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, said in a statement. "iPhone Pocket explores the concept of ‘the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.'"

Yes, this "additional pocket" is a real item that you can purchase and decide for yourself if it's bizarre or — dare we say — kind of chic? The iPhone Pocket's short strap model is available in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. The long strap design comes in sapphire, cinnamon and black. Apple’s vice president of industrial design, Molly Anderson, added that the different options were "intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors."

iPhone Pocket colors.
Apple

The iPhone Pocket is available this Friday, November 14, on Apple's website. However, the release is not only limited in quantity, but in location. You can pick one up online from the US, France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the UK. With phone theft so high in the latter, it isn't the worst option we've seen to keep your phone secure while out and about. 

If you live in very specific cities then you might also be able to see one in person. In the US, it will only be available at New York City's SoHo Apple Store. Whether you buy it in person or online, the iPhone Pocket will put you back a pretty penny. The short strap is going for $150, while the long strap retails for $230. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-and-issey-miyakes-iphone-pocket-is-a-knitted-sleeve-to-hold-your-phone-103504776.html?src=rss

Renders show off Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26+

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It looks like Samsung is sticking with its Plus line of Galaxy phones, according to a report by Android Headlines. This comes after rumors swirled that the company would be dropping the Plus line in favor of the slim Edge handset. This report indicates that not only is Samsung keeping the Plus, but it's ditching the well-reviewed Edge entirely.

A leaker has given us a peek at the forthcoming S26+ and it looks similar to the company's other modern smartphones. The camera island has been tweaked a bit. The leak shows a small, raised camera island, which is different from the design of the S25+.

Also, the leaked images seem to suggest that the S26+ won't have the full-width camera that was rumored to be coming with the S26 Edge. That phone is now reportedly cancelled, so we don't know when we'll get that camera.

The publication suggests that the S26+ will be 7.35mm thick, which is in line with the S25+. It also seems to be decidedly chunkier than the S25 Edge, so this is likely not a covert rebrand. The Verge has suggested that the company is also ditching the long-rumored S26 Pro. In other words, we'll likely be getting a standard S26, the S26+ and the S26 Ultra next year. That's the same naming convention as this year.

We won't have too long to wait for actual details from Samsung. The company typically reveals new Galaxy phones sometime in January. It's been reported that Samsung is dropping the Edge due to poor sales. However, Dutch fansite Galaxy Club has reported that the company is still developing a slim handset for release sometime in the coming years.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/renders-show-off-samsungs-upcoming-galaxy-s26-194014359.html?src=rss

Apple is reportedly working on more satellite features for iPhone

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Your iPhone may soon be able to do more than call for emergency help and send messages via satellite, according to the latest Power On newsletter. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to expand on satellite features available on iPhones.

Apple introduced the ability to send and receive texts with the Messages via Satellite feature last year, but is reportedly looking to enhance this with the option to send photos too. Beyond texting, Apple wants to enable 5G NTN support on its iPhones, which allows cell towers to get a coverage boost by tapping into satellites, according to Gurman. For anyone who needs directions in a remote area without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, Apple reportedly has plans to introduce satellite connectivity to Apple Maps.

Along with these upgrades, Gurman reported that Apple is looking into "natural usage" improvements where users won't have to point their iPhones towards the sky to connect to a satellite network. Instead, an iPhone could stay connected even when there's no clear view of the sky, like in indoor environments. On the developer side of things, Gurman said that Apple is also working on an API that allows app makers to add satellite connections.

There's no timeline for when these rumored satellite features will go live, but Apple previously waited a couple of years between introducing Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2022 and Messages via Satellite with the release of iOS 18.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-more-satellite-features-for-iphone-172151203.html?src=rss

The best MagSafe power banks for your iPhone

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Whether you were won over by the cameras on the new iPhone 17 or you’re sticking it out with your iPhone 12, having a little extra power around is never a bad thing. The best MagSafe power bank is one that attaches firmly, charges quickly and blends in with your handset — or better yet, adds a handy stand to the mix. Right now, the fastest wireless portable chargers are Qi2 25W-certified, but so far there are only a few of those on the market (and we have our favorite). But speed isn’t everything, looks, features and price factor in as well. We’ve tested more than a dozen portable chargers to help you find the best MagSafe battery you can buy.

Choose the right capacity. Most portable MagSafe chargers have either a 5,000 milliamp hour (mAh) or 10,000mAh capacity. Obviously, the larger capacity batteries are physically bigger, but thanks to an iPhone’s magnetic attachment points, you can still use the phone comfortably as it charges. If you’re worried about overall bulk, you may prefer the slimness of a 5,000mAh battery.

Just note that a 5K battery pack won’t deliver its entire capacity to your phone due to energy loss from voltage conversion and heat dissipation. Over the years, I’ve measured around a 60-percent delivery rate for wireless banks. For example, that means an iPhone 16 with its 3,561mAh battery will get about 85 to 90 percentage points from a 5K battery. A 10K bank will charge that same phone fully once, with enough for a 50- to 60-percent boost next time.

Understand MagSafe versus Qi2. All iPhones model 12 and later have MagSafe technology, which rely on embedded magnets to align the phone with a wireless charger and can support charging speeds of up to 15 watts. The MagSafe name is owned by Apple — third-party chargers can’t freely use the term and instead call their accessories “magnetic,” or apply a branded name like Anker’s MagGo or UGreen’s MagFlow. Be sure to check the product details before buying: anything that works with Apple’s technology will be listed as MagSafe-compatible.

Qi2 is a standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (of which Apple is a member) and has the same stipulations as MagSafe (15W charging and magnetic alignment). Any company can submit their tech for this certification. iPhones 13 and later are Qi2 compatible.

The newest standard, Qi2 25W (also called Qi2.2), bumps wireless charging speeds up to 25W. The WPC says a certified smartphone using a certified charger can wirelessly go from dead to half full in about 30 minutes (keep in mind that both the charger and phone need to be certified to get those speeds) and that aligns with our testing. 

Accessories, like power banks that support the new standard are starting to hit shelves now. As for phones, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL, Apple’s iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max all support the standard as well. iPhone 16 models (except the 16e) support the standard after an update to iOS 26.

Remember travel restrictions. You may have seen news reports of flights being grounded because a power bank caught fire in the cabin. Currently, the TSA allows them in your carry-on luggage as long as they’re rated at 100 watt-hours or lower (about 27,000mAh for lithium ion batteries).

But some airlines have enacted further restrictions. Southwest, for example, requires you to keep power banks out of the bag and visible while charging. Even if your airline doesn’t make such demands, keeping a power brick out in the open while it’s in use is a good idea — it’ll keep it cooler and you’ll be more likely to notice if it starts to overheat. Most, if not all, MagSafe battery packs come in at under the 100-watt-hour limit, so traveling should be easy with one.

Consider the extra features. You may not need them, but the little extra perks of a MagSafe power bank can come in handy. Some have stands so you can watch your phone while it refills. Some have LED displays that tell you how much charge is left, which can be a little more precise than the lighted pips other banks use. Some also have straps to make the bank easier to carry around or fish out of your bag.

When Apple introduced the iPhone Air, it announced the new $99 iPhone Air MagSafe Battery in the same breath. It’s now the sole Apple-branded MagSafe power bank — but it only works with the iPhone Air. It’s a pretty divisive battery. In his review of the new phone, Engadget’s Sam Rutherford appreciated that the accessory keeps with the sleekness of the iPhone Air design and liked that it can also charge the new AirPods 3 wirelessly. But Valentina Palladino called out its dismal price-to-capacity ratio.

Anker’s Nano MagGo Slim is probably a better bet for all but the most devoted iPhone user. It has the same minimalist look and pocketable thinness as Apple’s proprietary battery, but it’ll attach to other phones in addition to the Air. Plus it’s $35 cheaper.

Among the first results when I search for MagSafe power banks on Amazon is the Torras MiniMag power bank, so I thought I’d check it out. The max wireless charging output is 7.5 watts, but it was actually pretty speedy in refilling an iPhone 15, giving it a little less than 80 percentage points in about two hours. The battery itself recharges a bit slowly, and it’s a bit expensive at its full MSRP of $60, but it comes in pretty colors and if you can catch it on sale, it’s a decent choice.

The Mophie Powerstation Slim 5K, too, has a super slim design that nearly disappears into the back of the phone as it charges. It makes excellent use of its 5K capacity, delivering a 90 percent refill to an iPhone 15. But it’s a little more expensive than the our top slim pick, Anker’s Nano MagGo Slim, and the squared off design makes it feel bulkier than it actually is. Neither of those make it a bad choice; the MagSafe battery playing field is just terribly competitive right now.

Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro is Qi2-certified and was only a touch slower than other models in terms of charging speeds, boosting an iPhone 15 from 5 percent to full in about two and a half hours. The feel is premium and the stand is sturdy, but it got quite hot during charging, took overly long to refill itself and is pricer and a bit bulkier than similar models.

The Picogo 5K from Baseus is teensy but still packs a stand and a 5,000mAh capacity. It’s Qi2-certified and delivered a 43 percent bump to our tester iPhone 15 in 42 minutes, ultimately charging it to 91 percent. The slim slab of the Anker Nano battery is sleeker. But that one doesn’t have a stand — so if you want to prop up your phone while it charges, go for this one.

MagSafe is Apple’s own technology that supports up to 25W wireless charging speeds and incorporates embedded magnets to align the phone with chargers and other accessories.

iPhones 12 and later support 15W MagSafe technology, though only iPhones 13 and later can reach the 15W charging speed with third-party Qi2 accessories. The iPhone 12 maxes out at 7.5W with non-Apple accessories.

The new iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max support up to 25W charging speeds with Qi2 25W-certified chargers. iPhone 16, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max should also support those speeds after an update to iOS 26. The iPhone Air supports MagSafe charging at a max speed of 20W.

In most cases (heh), yes. The wireless charge can travel across a distance of a few millimeters. If the case is more than 5mm thick or contains metal components, the wireless charge can be blocked. Many iPhone cases are marketed as MagSafe-compatible, which means the case itself has complimentary magnets inside and should not interfere with charging accessories. We tested a MagSafe power bank on an iPhone 15 with and without a MagSafe case and got the same charging speeds and amounts in both tests.

That depends on the power bank. If it is Qi2-certified, it can provide up to 15 watts of wireless power. Qi2 25W-enabled chargers can deliver up to 25 watts to a compatible handset. Non-Qi2 batteries typically deliver around 7.5 watts.

The amount of charge delivered depends on the capacity. Most MagSafe portable chargers are rated at 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh. The former can get a standard iPhone 15 from five percent to around 90 percent. The latter can fill the phone completely with enough left over for another half charge.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-magsafe-power-banks-120015338.html?src=rss

The Motorola Edge 70 is another ridiculously thin smartphone

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Motorola just announced the Edge 70 smartphone, which is an ultra-thin handset that could rival the recently-launched Apple iPhone Air. It's a bit thicker than the Air, at 5.9mm compared to 5.6mm, but the camera bump is less noticeable.

As for that camera bump, the Edge 70 features a trio of 50MP camera sensors. The main camera can capture 4K video and there's also a front camera, an ultrawide with a macro lens and a dedicated light sensor. Like most modern smartphones, there are AI tools available for photo editing.

The frame is made from "aircraft-grade aluminum," which is a good thing because my uncoordinated fingers will absolutely be dropping this thing within three days of owning one. Other durability features include Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and IP69 water protection.

A smartphone.
Motorola

The phone will also have access to the company's proprietary moto ai2 chatbot. This can do all of the usual stuff like create images and answer queries. However, Motorola also boasts that the AI can understand what's on the screen and can point users to the correct course of action. We'll have to wait and see how that works in real life.

This skinny handset somehow includes a massive 4800mAh battery that allows up to 50 hours of continuous use. That's over two full days of doomscrolling without ever heading to the power outlet. As a comparison, the iPhone Air lasts anywhere from 22 to 27 hours

The Edge 70 ships with a magnetic case that can handle wireless charging and includes a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile chipset. Motorola promises active software support and security upgrades all the way until 2031.

Given the form factor and specs, the price is actually fairly reasonable. The Edge 70 starts at £700, which breaks down to around $910 USD. It's available for purchase right now, but there's a spot of bad news. It's launching in the UK and there's no current information as to when it'll cross the pond.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-motorola-edge-70-is-another-ridiculously-thin-smartphone-080009244.html?src=rss

Apple may release its first ‘low-cost’ Mac laptop in early 2026

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It seems Apple is preparing to debut a low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026. According to Bloomberg, such a system is in early production at the company’s overseas suppliers and Apple is testing the devices internally.

Apple’s aim with this laptop, per the report, is to draw people away from the likes of Chromebooks and cheap Windows PCs and into its own ecosystem. The company is said to be making the system with casual users, students and businesses in mind — the kinds of folks who use laptops for tasks like web browsing, light media editing and working on documents. Apple is also reportedly planning to aim the system at potential iPad buyers who’d still rather have a traditional laptop.

The laptop is said to have a new design with a “lower-end LCD display” and it’s expected to run on an A-series iPhone processor that’s said to deliver better performance than the M1. It’s also likely to have a smaller display than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air.

Performance is important, but the price point will be crucial if Apple wants to really compete with the proliferation of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows devices. The company is said to be ready to sell this Mac for “well under $1,000.” Chromebooks and Windows laptops often sell for just a few hundred bucks. Higher-end Chromebooks cost around $600, so Apple would likely have to sell this laptop for $700 or less for it to make a real splash.

Apple has traditionally focused on making premium devices, but would be a smart time for the company to enter the lower end of the market. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, including on devices that don’t support Windows 11 and owners of such systems (including businesses) may need to buy new laptops in the near future to have the latest security updates.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-may-release-its-first-low-cost-mac-laptop-in-early-2026-174143869.html?src=rss

Meta finally made a proper WhatsApp app for Apple Watch

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Meta has unveiled an overhaul for the WhatsApp experience on Apple Watch. The first official such app for the wearable is rolling out today and it includes support for what the company calls "many requested features." You'll now be able to see everything your friends are saying via your Apple Watch as longer WhatsApp messages won't be truncated. You'll have the option to respond to messages with quick emoji reactions.

The Apple Watch app will enable you to record and send voice messages from your wrist. In addition, you'll be able to see call notifications with details on who's trying to get in touch with you without having to look at your iPhone. Other features include the ability to see "clear images and stickers" on the Apple Watch app, as well as more of your chat history. Of course, there's still end-to-end encryption for your messages and calls.

The new app is a major upgrade over only being able to reply to WhatsApp messages via mirrored iPhone notifications on Apple Watch.  To use it, you'll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer that's running at least watchOS 10.

It's a little wild that it has taken Meta so long to create a proper Apple Watch app. Even BlackBerry made a BBM app for the wearable, and that was a decade ago. But perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising given how long we had to wait for an Instagram iPad app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/meta-finally-made-a-proper-whatsapp-app-for-apple-watch-150000781.html?src=rss

How to use call screening on an iPhone

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Spam and scam calls are some of the most annoying things we all have to deal with when it comes to our phones. Apple’s iOS 26 update takes a firm step toward solving this problem with Call Screening, a new feature designed to filter unknown numbers before you ever pick up the phone. Once it’s activated, your iPhone can automatically answer calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, ask the caller to identify themselves and display a real-time transcription of their response on your screen. You can then decide whether the call is worth taking, effectively cutting off spam before it reaches you.

This feature blends convenience and privacy by keeping all processing on the device rather than sending data to the cloud. It’s a logical evolution from earlier tools like Silence Unknown Callers, but this time it allows for a more conversational gatekeeping system that mirrors the experience of live voicemail. Here’s how to turn on Call Screening on your iPhone.

Call Screening is available to anyone with an iPhone capable of running iOS 26, which includes models from the iPhone 11 onward. To access it, you first need to make sure your device is running the latest version of the software. You can check this by opening Settings, selecting General and tapping Software Update. If you see that iOS 26 is available, download and install it before continuing.

This step is essential because Call Screening is only available within the redesigned Phone app introduced in iOS 26. Once your device is updated, the feature becomes accessible through the app’s settings menu, ready to be switched on.

To enable Call Screening, start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down until you see Apps then tap to open the list and select Phone. Within the Phone settings, look for the section labeled Screen Unknown Callers. This is where you’ll find the new options introduced with iOS 26.

Apple gives you a few choices here. If you select Never, every call will come through as usual, even from numbers that aren’t saved to your contacts. The Ask Reason for Calling option activates the new screening feature, prompting unknown callers to state who they are before you see the transcription on screen. The Silence option, meanwhile, sends unknown numbers directly to voicemail without ringing your phone at all.

To use Call Screening, tap Ask Reason for Calling. Once you back out of the Settings app, the feature will be active. From that point forward, any call from an unfamiliar number will automatically be filtered through Apple’s new screening system.

When Call Screening is turned on, your iPhone will automatically step in whenever a call arrives from a number it doesn’t recognize. Instead of the phone ringing immediately, the caller hears an automated message that asks them to state their name and reason for calling. Their response is converted into text in real time, which appears on your screen while the call is still active. You can read their answer, assess whether the call looks legitimate and choose whether to pick up or ignore it.

If the call comes from someone in your contacts list, the process doesn’t activate at all, meaning known callers and recent outgoing numbers will continue to ring normally. The feature simply adds a layer of defense between you and unwanted interruptions, allowing genuine callers through while stopping random or suspicious ones before they take your attention.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-use-call-screening-on-an-iphone-130041744.html?src=rss

Ayaneo’s first smartphone could have physical shoulder buttons

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Ayaneo is breaking into the competitive smartphone market with its latest offering, but it's hoping to attract the mobile gamers out there. In a teaser posted to its YouTube, the gaming handheld maker offered its first look at the Ayaneo Phone. As vague as the trailer is, Ayaneo clearly has a target demographic in mind, describing the smartphone as when a "mobile phone meets the soul of gaming handheld."

From the teaser, it looks like the Ayaneo Phone will be built with a standard dual-camera setup. Perhaps more relevant for its gaming-centric design, it looks like the smartphone will have physical shoulder buttons when held horizontally. Ayaneo previously mentioned the Ayaneo Phone during a product sharing session in the summer, where it hinted at a form factor that slides out. This could be another hint that Ayaneo is looking at making a modern-day version of the Sony Xperia Play, particularly since the Ayaneo Phone will fall under the company's Remake branding that features remakes of retro consoles and devices.

Considering Ayaneo's price tags for its other products, the Ayaneo Phone likely won't be cheap. However, it could offer serious competition to other gaming smartphones from Asus or Redmagic.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ayaneos-first-smartphone-could-have-physical-shoulder-buttons-182033773.html?src=rss

Engadget review recap: An Apple duo, Sennheiser HDB 630, Lenovo Legion Go 2 and more

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Techtober may have come to an end, but our reviews team is still hard at work with this fall’s haul of new devices. Over the last two weeks, we’ve tested two new Apple products, a powerful gaming handheld, some seriously impressive headphones and Meta’s sporty smart glasses — and that’s just the start. Read on to catch up on all you might’ve missed, including our picks for the best of 2025.

Apple MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch)

When it comes to the new M5-powered MacBook Pro, the question isn’t whether it’s a capable machine or not. The real dilemma is whether to buy now or wait for even more muscle from the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. “If you absolutely need a workhorse MacBook Pro today, you'll have to settle for the M4 Pro and M4 Max (which are still far faster than the base M5 chip),” senior reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar explained. “But for most creatives, the M5 MacBook Pro offers an impressive balance of power and portability.”

Sennheiser HDB 630

Sennheiser uses a USB-C dongle to bridge the gap between wireless convenience and audiophile-grade sound quality with the HDB 630. The problem is they don’t really look like a set of high-end headphones and the $500 asking price is steep. “As good as the HDB 630 is sound-wise, I can also appreciate that these aren’t the best headphones for everyone,” I wrote. “If you crave the best sound quality that still offers the convenience of wireless headphones — and you’re okay with a few extra steps — the HDB 630 is a worthy investment. Just don’t leave home without that dongle.”

Lenovo Legion Go 2

Sometimes it’s better to have a utility player instead of a specialist. According to senior reviews reporter Sam Rutherford, that’s exactly what you get with Lenovo’s Legion Go 2. You encounter great performance from a device with a huge 8.8-inch OLED display, but the handheld is expensive and bulky. “Just like an SUV that might go off-road once or twice a year, you might not use the Legion Go 2's full capabilities all the time, but when you do and everything comes together, you realize all that utility isn't just for show,” he said. “While the ROG Xbox Ally X is the better value, I appreciate how Lenovo's handheld was made to handle a variety of battle conditions.”

Apple iPad Pro M5 (13-inch)

The M5 iPad Pro is impressive, but it’s also entirely too expensive. While the new chip offers a sizable upgrade, the screen is excellent and fast charging has finally hit the iPad, this model also requires you to spend more on accessories. “Unless you are going to use it as your main computer — all day, every day — and know exactly what benefits you’ll get from the iPad over a more traditional laptop, you’re probably better off buying an iPad Air and saving yourself a lot of money,” deputy news editor Nathan Ingraham wrote.

Oakley Meta Vanguard

Meta’s sportier collab with Oakley has arrived, with a slew of features that might convince you to replace your action cam with a set of smart glasses. “If you're a dedicated cyclist, runner, hiker or [insert outdoor activity of your choice], there's a lot to like,” senior reporter Karissa Bell said. “The camera makes a lot more sense for action cam-like POV footage, and better video stabilization means you're more likely to get shots you actually want to share.”

Other recent reviews

In other reviews, deputy buying advice editor Valentina Palladino put the slightly updated Powerbeats Fit through their paces and senior reporter Igor Bonifacic went on a gaming spree with the Fractal Design Scape. Igor also spent some time with the Galaxy S25 FE and I test drove Amazon’s completely rebuilt Echo Studio. Senior writer Sam Chapman compiled a list of the best free VPNs and published an in-depth review of Private Internet Access VPN.

Engadget’s best of 2025

In case you missed it, we announced our best of 2025 earlier this week. We made our picks based solely on the highest review scores in a variety of categories, so there’s a range of devices that made the cut. Our editors also explained why each one was the best in its category, so this is a good opportunity to get reacquainted with this year’s crop of gadgets and services.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-an-apple-duo-sennheiser-hdb-630-lenovo-legion-go-2-and-more-120000983.html?src=rss