The European Commission fines X $140 million for its deceptive blue checkmark

The European Commission (EC) has today reached a verdict on an investigation of X that started in 2024. The EC has fined the social network €120 million (approximately $140 million), finding that its blue checkmark was deceptive since it implies a user who has it is verified, but anyone can pay to obtain this status "without the company meaningfully verifying who is behind the account". This violates the obligation, under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), for online platforms to "prohibit deceptive design practices on their services". The fine also covers X's advertisement...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_european_commission_fines_x_140_million_for_its_deceptive_blue_checkmark-news-70593.php

OnePlus 15R's battery capacity officially revealed

OnePlus is unveiling the 15R on December 17 along with the Pad Go 2 and Watch Lite. Ahead of that, today the company has officially confirmed the 15R's battery capacity - it's 7,400 mAh, the largest ever in a OnePlus phone sold outside of China (the recently announced Ace 6T holds the record inside of China with its 8,300 mAh cell). This battery will support 80W SuperVOOC wired charging. The battery is said to keep at least 80% of its initial capacity after four years of use. It uses 15% silicon content inside its anode. OnePlus has previously revealed that the 15R is powered by the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_15rs_battery_capacity_officially_revealed-news-70590.php

Samsung now said to be using the Exynos 2600 in the Galaxy S26 series in just one market

To Exynos or not to Exynos, that is the question for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series. And, additionally, where to Exynos? We've heard tons of reports already saying many different things - either only the S26 and S26+ will get the soon to be revealed Exynos 2600 SoC, or maybe the Ultra too, but only in some regions. Today a new rumor muddies the waters even more, claiming that all three S26 models will indeed use the Exynos 2600, but only in one market: Korea. We have to say we're very skeptical about this claim, since Samsung has in the past also brought Exynos S-series devices to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_now_said_to_be_using_the_exynos_2600_in_the_galaxy_s26_series_in_just_one_market-news-70592.php

Several high-ranking Apple executives are retiring or leaving the company

There is a lot of turnover in Apple’s senior ranks. Last month, a key iPhone Air designer left. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Alan Dye is leaving – Dye had been the vice president of Human Interface Design since 2015. Dye is headed for Meta to lead a new design studio. Apple will be replacing his position with Steve Lemay, who has had a finger in every Apple interface design since 1999, according to CEO Tim Cook. Now Apple revealed that Katherine Adams, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, will be...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/several_highranking_apple_executives_are_retiring_or_leaving_the_company-news-70587.php

iPhone 17 Pro units will be used during the Major League Soccer final

Apple and the US MLS soccer organisation have partnered to include iPhone 17 Pro in the broadcast of the Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps final. Four iPhone 17 Pro units will join the more than 30 cameras in broadcasting and streaming live from behind the goal and in the crowd to capture fans and their reactions. Whenever you see the feed from one of the phones, there'll be a "Shot on iPhone" tag on the screen. MLS has reportedly been testing iPhones in its workflow for months leading up to the final. Its engineers have reportedly validated the iPhone's latency, heat behaviour,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_17_pro_units_will_be_used_during_the__major_league_soccer_final-news-70572.php

Our vivo X300 video review is now out

vivo launched the X300 alongside the X300 Pro in October in China, and took them to global markets later that month. The X300 is a smaller flagship, being more of a spiritual successor to the X200 Pro mini from last year than the X200, as the name would imply. [#InlinePriceWidget,14224,1#] So does it have what it takes to wow those who are looking for a smaller (if not actually small) flagship smartphone? Join us in our video review below to find out. The X300 packs a punch in the specs department, with a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide with autofocus, and a 50MP periscope...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/our_vivo_x300_video_review_is_now_out-news-70574.php

New report tells us when the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is coming

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024 and then followed it up this year with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, which is just a different colorway. So with this in mind, you may have been wondering when to expect the real Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to show up. According to a new report, the answer is next summer. The Watch Ultra 2 will allegedly launch alongside the Galaxy Watch9 whenever that one gets official - most likely at the same time as the Korean company's next Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices around July. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Interestingly, the new watch is apparently...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_report_tells_us_when_the_samsung_galaxy_watch_ultra_2_is_coming-news-70570.php

The European Commission is investigating WhatsApp for not allowing third party AI providers anymore

The European Commission is now launching an investigation into whether WhatsApp's new policy that disallows AI providers from using its business tools to communicate with users may breach EU competition rules. On the face of it, things are pretty clear - WhatsApp owner Meta has Meta AI, which is very prominently featured inside all of its apps, including WhatsApp. And while competing AI providers have been able to offer their chatbots inside WhatsApp, Meta recently prohibited third party AI providers from using the WhatsApp business tools "when AI is the primary service...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_european_commission_is_investigating_whatsapp_for_not_allowing_third_party_ai_providers_anymore-news-70571.php

iPhone 17e display details leak

The iPhone 17e is expected to arrive in the first months of 2026, and a new report from Korea today shares some more details about its screen. Apparently, the panel will be made by BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display, with BOE getting most of the orders. The screen will be identical to the LTPS OLED seen in the iPhone 16e, but it will have thinner bezels. Apple allegedly expects to ship around 8 million iPhone 17e units in the first half of next year. iPhone 16e According to previous rumors, the iPhone 17e will have the same 18MP selfie camera that made its debut on the rest of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_17e_display_details_leak-news-70551.php

One UI 8.5 changelog leaks: improvements to battery management, DeX, AI and more

Samsung has been testing One UI 8.5 for a while, though not everything is going to plan. But now we have a detailed list of what to expect from the next major update. Tarun Vats has posted a leaked changelog for One UI 8.5. There will be improvements to DeX, e.g. the size and position of app windows will be remembered. The battery will get a new, more detailed info screen with remaining time, charging status and daily usage reports for the past week. Adding to this is the improved Power Saving mode that will offer a choice between Standard and Maximum saving levels. Leaked Samsung...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/one_ui_85_changelog_leaks_improvements_to_battery_management_dex_ai_and_more-news-70552.php

OnePlus Ace 6T debuts with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and 8,300mAh battery

After weeks of teasers, OnePlus has officially launched the Ace 6T in China. It happens to be the first phone to be powered by the recently announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. It is currently available for order in China and is expected to debut globally as the OnePlus 15R. The OnePlus Ace 6T comes with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display that offers up to 165Hz refresh rate, 1,800nits in high brightness mode, and 1.5K resolution. The panel supports DC dimming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and is protected by Oppo Crystal Shield Glass. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, which is paired...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_ace_6t_debuts_with_snapdragon_8_gen_5_soc_and_8300mah_battery-news-70553.php

CR: Samsung breaks record for most foldable smartphone shipments in Q3

Global shipments for foldable smartphones were up 14% in Q3 2025, reaching record quarterly levels, and Samsung was the undisputed leader with an estimated 64% share of all shipments for the quarter. The latest report from Counterpoint Research estimates that Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 were the best sellers, which helped the Korean brand extend its lead. Samsung’s Q3 performance represents a 32% rise in global foldable shipments compared to the same period last year. Global Foldable Smartphone Shipment Share, Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024 (Counterpoint Foldable Smartphone Market...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/cr_samsung_breaks_record_for_most_foldable_smartphone_shipments_in_q3-news-70550.php

OnePlus 15 is finally headed to the US, here's when it lands

The OnePlus 15 hasn't been available in the US so far due to the protracted government shutdown preventing the FCC from issuing its certification for the device, but that was finally addressed a few days ago, when we told you that the device will surely be made available for the US market very soon. [#InlinePriceWidget,14206,1#] Today, OnePlus is officially announcing that it will start selling the OnePlus 15 in the US, through its online store, on December 4 at 11 AM ET. It will be priced at $900 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and $1,000 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_15_is_finally_headed_to_the_us_heres_when_it_lands-news-70533.php

Galaxy Z TriFold purchasers are eligible for a one-time 50% discount on display repair costs

Samsung is offering some valuable perks to customers planning to shell out thousands of dollars on its first tri-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. The foldable will be available for purchase in South Korea starting December 12. The company has announced a special program for Galaxy Z TriFold customers, offering an exclusive benefit in the event of display damage. Samsung will provide a one-time 50% discount on display repair costs. It’s unclear whether the benefit applies to both the inner and outer displays. The Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10-inch flexible inner screen,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_z_trifold_purchasers_are_eligible_for_a_onetime_50_discount_on_display_repair_costs-news-70531.php

Apple reportedly refuses to preinstall controversial Indian state-run cyber security app

Yesterday it emerged that the Indian government was asking smartphone makers to preload a state-owned cyber safety app called Sanchar Saathi onto every new device they sell. This is intended to track stolen phones, block them, and prevent them from being misused. The companies apparently have 90 days to comply, but according to a Reuters report, Apple won't. The Cupertino company allegedly intends to refuse the order to install the app on its iPhones. It will reportedly tell the Indian government that it doesn't comply with such orders in any market, as they "raise a host of privacy...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_reportedly_refuses_to_preinstall_controversial_indian_staterun_cyber_security_app-news-70530.php

Instagram may be preparing a limit of three hashtags per post

Instagram is doing something weird with hashtags. More and more people are starting to get a notice when they try to add more than three hashtags to a post. That notice basically says you can only use three hashtags per post. This new limit hasn't been officially announced by Instagram, and not everyone seems to have it yet, so it's either a new 'feature' that's coming soon and is in the process of being slowly implemented for all accounts on the service, or it's just a test that's running for a limited number of users only, and depending on what results the company is looking for, it may...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_may_be_preparing_a_limit_of_three_hashtags_per_post-news-70514.php

Cyber Monday: flagship Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets

Samsung tablets combine two of the best products from the company - its OLED displays and its DeX multitasking interface. They are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance meaning that they can be used by the pool or at the beach. And at the office, of course (there are optional QWERTY keyboards, which may help with that). The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is powered by the Dimensity 9400+ and flaunts a massive 14.6” 120Hz OLED display and an 11,600mAh battery. Also note that we’ve linked the Wi-Fi versions below – if you want 5G connectivity on your tablet add $150 to the price. Finally,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/cyber_monday_flagship_samsung_galaxy_tab_s_tablets-news-70512.php

Netflix disables casting to TVs and TV streamers

In a weird anti-customer move, Netflix has quietly disabled the ability to cast its content from mobile devices to "most TVs and TV streaming devices" like the Google TV Streamer and the older Chromecast models with remotes. You can, however, still cast to even older Chromecasts, the ones that don't come with a remote. And that's the key here - basically, if it has a remote, casting is disabled. If it doesn't have a remote, casting to it still works. Don't get us wrong, navigating Netflix with a remote might be preferable for some people versus using casting, which is oftentimes...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_disables_casting_to_tvs_and_tv_streamers-news-70513.php

The Best Cyber Monday deals from Amazon UK

If you missed Amazon UK’s Black Friday deals, don’t worry, you can still snag a new phone during the Cyber Monday sale. We’ve compiled a list of active deals on flagship, mid-range, and budget smartphones that are currently live. Starting with Samsung, the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra is still on sale with the same discount as Black Friday. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SoC and features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution. It also gets a quad-rear camera setup with a 200MP main camera and support for S-Pen. ...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_best_cyber_monday_deals_from_amazon_uk-news-70515.php

XploraOne by HMD is a hybrid phone for kids

Nearly two months ago, HMD launched its Touch 4G – a hybrid phone which blends smartphone features inside a feature phone. HMD is now following up with another interesting device, which is aimed at children and was co-developed with Norwegian brand Xplora – an established player in the kids' smartwatch market. XploraOne by HMD XploraOne by HMD is a similar concept to the HMD Touch 4G, but with a clear focus on being kid-friendly. While no specs or pricing for the device were shared just yet, we can see the design similarities with the HMD Touch 4G. XploraOne's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xploraone_by_hmd_is_a_hybrid_phone_for_kids_-news-70504.php

iQOO 15 goes on sale in India

The iQOO 15 began its international rollout last week, starting with India. The smartphone was available for purchase on November 27 for Priority Pass users in India, but starting today, it's available for everyone through iQOO's official website, Amazon.in, vivo exclusive stores, and other offline retailers. [#InlinePriceWidget,14198,1#] The iQOO 15 comes in Legend and Alpha colors in India with two memory options - 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB, priced at INR72,999 ($815/€700) and INR79,999 ($890/€770), respectively. However, those purchasing the smartphone using a credit or debit card...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iqoo_15_india_price_offers_sale_date-news-70502.php

vivo X300 Ultra battery and launch details leaked

The vivo X300 Ultra will be the final addition to the X300 lineup and the successor to the X200 Ultra. While vivo has yet to share any official details about the Ultra model, a series of leaks has surfaced, with the latest revealing its battery capacity and expected launch window. According to a tipster, the X300 Ultra is slated for a Q1 2026 launch, which aligns with the X200 Ultra’s debut in April this year. The vivo X200 Ultra was exclusive to China Moreover, the tipster notes that the upcoming flagship phone from vivo will feature a 7,000mAh battery. In comparison, the X200...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x300_ultra_battery_and_launch_details_leaked-news-70501.php

Top 10 trending phones of week 48

The OnePlus 15 golder run came to an end in week 48, the champion from the past four editions of the chart sinking all the way to fourth place. In its place we have the newly announced Poco F8 Ultra, which opened a comfortable gap to the second-placed Samsung Galaxy A56. [#InlinePriceWidget, 14301, 1#] In third we have the Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the top half is completed by the Poco F8 Pro, which couldn't quite match the popularity of its Ultra sibling in their debut week. Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max came in sixth, followed by the model of the same name by Xiaomi. Samsung...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_trending_phones_of_week_48-news-70500.php

Weekly poll: will you buy a Poco F8 Pro or a Poco F8 Ultra?

Half a year after the launch of the successful F7 series, the Poco brand releases two F8 models. They bring some serious upgrades, some fun designs and, unfortunately, a price hike. The Poco F8 Ultra is €80/€100 more expensive than the F7 Ultra for the 256GB and 512GB models, respectively. At least that is if you go by MSRP – the early bird price knocks the price down by €180/€200. Poco F8 Ultra This generation of Ultra goes for a larger screen at the cost of resolution – the F8 Ultra has a 6.9” 1200p+ display (120Hz OLED with 12-bit Dolby Vision), up from 6.67” 1440p+ (also...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_will_you_buy_a_poco_f8_pro_or_a_poco_f8_ultra-news-70470.php

Weekly poll results: the Realme GT 8 Pro needs a price cut

The Realme GT 8 Pro is having some identity issues – is it a flagship or a flagship killer? Its €1,100 price tag says the former, its hardware says the latter. And so, the conclusion from last week’s poll is pretty simple – the GT 8 Pro needs a price cut. The phone’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and massive 7,000mAh battery certainly impressed us in our review. And the 6.79” OLED display is a sharp, high-quality 1440p+ 144Hz panel with Dolby Vision. But it’s not an LTPO panel. Also, the USB-C port is only USB 2.0. Video stabilization could have been better. The same goes for the ultra-wide and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_results_the_realme_gt_8_pro_needs_a_price_cut-news-70474.php

Two more smartphones receive Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 stable update

Nothing released the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 stable update for the Nothing Phone (3) last week, and now the rollout has expanded to two more smartphones - Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro. The Nothing OS 4.0 comes with new features, visual enhancements, camera enhancements, and more. You can read the changelog below for more details. New Features Added AI usage dashboard. When using Essential Space, it automatically tracks AI large model usage for enhanced privacy transparency. Path: Settings > Intelligence toolkit > AI usage. Hiding apps...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nothing_phone_3a_phone_3a_pro_android_16_nothing_os_4_stable_update-news-70499.php

Black Friday Top Picks: tablets, laptops and smartwatches in the US

Black Friday is almost over, but it’s not too late - you still have time to pick up some great deals. Note that we have smartphone deals in a separate post, here we will focus on the best tablet, laptop, smartwatch and other offers for the US market. Here are some shortcuts to jump straight to the section you care about: Tablets Smartwatches Smart rings Laptops Amazon tablets Amazon e-readers Tablets The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra uses the same chip, but it’s paired with a larger 14.6” 120Hz OLED display and an 11,600mAh battery. Also note that we’ve linked...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/black_friday_top_picks_tablets_laptops_and_smartwatches_in_the_us-news-70491.php