Blog Posts

Blog Posts

New iPad Equipped with A18 Chip Anticipated for Release in Early 2026

As part of Apple’s announcement week for new products earlier this month, many anticipated an update for Apple’s most affordable iPad, alongside the iPad Air, MacBook Neo, and other MacBook upgrades. Nevertheless, the entire week concluded without any reveal of a new base iPad.

Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has offered a launch update, suggesting that the product is still on course for a relatively imminent release. In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Gurman disclosed that Apple has been intending to launch a refreshed version of the entry-level iPad within the first half of 2026. This forthcoming model is anticipated to include a significant upgrade from the A16 chip to the A18 chip, enhancing performance and introducing compatibility with Apple Intelligence.

The iOS 26.4 release cycle does not specify an exact month for the iPad’s debut, but given that iOS 26.4 has recently reached the release candidate phase, the update is expected to launch by the month’s end, paving the way for a possible release in April or potentially slipping into May due to supply chain considerations.

### What’s New with iPad (A18)

The existing base model iPad is powered by the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 Pro series. The forthcoming model will transition to the A18 chip from the iPhone 16 series, promising significant performance improvements and the introduction of Apple Intelligence features. While extensive functionalities for Apple Intelligence may not be available until the launch of iOS 26.5, this upgrade will finally bring AI capabilities to the budget iPad, which has been deficient in this regard.

Moreover, there are speculations that Apple might incorporate its proprietary C1 modem and N1 networking chip into the budget iPad, although these specifics remain unconfirmed. Overall, the A18 iPad refresh is largely recognized as a chip enhancement.

### Wrap Up

Although the new iPad may be perceived as a modest refresh, it continues to perform its designated tasks effectively. However, the recent unveiling of the MacBook Neo has brought attention to a pricing concern regarding the base iPad. Acquiring the iPad along with the Magic Keyboard Folio equals a total of $598, a mere dollar less than the MacBook Neo.

Even though the iPad itself isn’t experiencing major modifications, there is an expectation for Apple to readdress the keyboard pricing associated with the iPad. A $349 iPad combined with a $249 keyboard raises questions about overall value.

As the launch nears, many are left pondering what additional features or modifications they would like to see in Apple’s most affordable iPad.

Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more news about online age verification and your privacy, follow Emma Roth. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Virtual private networks, or VPNs, weren’t always […]

Netflix’s three-season reimagining of a classic sci-fi series deserves greater acknowledgment.

Netflix’s “Lost in Space” is a contemporary reimagining of the iconic sci-fi series that first aired on CBS from 1965 to 1968. The Netflix iteration, intended to span three seasons, provides a complete narrative without the sudden cancellations that frequently vex fans. The show showcases cutting-edge special effects and a captivating storyline focused on the Robinson family, who find themselves stranded in space after a colonization mission to a new planet goes sideways. The bond between Will Robinson and the Robot is pivotal to the storyline, along with the developments of other family members and the devious Dr. Smith. Taking place in 2046, the series delves into themes of survival, familial relationships, and the struggle between humanity and alien robots. “Lost in Space” garnered increasingly favorable reviews throughout its run, with its concluding season achieving a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series is lauded for its character progression and visual effects, making it a valuable viewing experience for sci-fi fans.

Top 6 Budget-Friendly Gaming Smartphones for 2026

Flagship smartphones from prominent brands such as Samsung, Google, and Apple have evolved into a stage of gradual, and some may say, uninspiring annual upgrades. Conversely, the budget sector is emerging as a vibrant space for authentic innovation. Take the Nothing Phone 3A, for instance, which shines with its distinctive design and glyph interface, whereas devices like the Xiaomi Poco F7 are challenging the iPhone 17e.

As budget smartphone manufacturers aggressively vie for enhanced performance, battery longevity, and hardware improvements, there are numerous excellent budget phones available for gamers. With established giants like the ASUS ROG Phone facing uncertain prospects, several budget gaming phones are making a play for attention.

Nonetheless, for gamers on a budget, merely reviewing a spec sheet won’t suffice. Reliable performance for steady frame rates, excellent battery life, and a bright, responsive display are essential to fully enjoy the gaming experience. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a varied selection of budget gaming phones here that can handle your favorite titles without the hefty price tag.

**RedMagic 11 Air**

Many budget or mid-range smartphones feature a plastic build (such as the Pixel 9A), which is why the RedMagic 11 Air distinguishes itself with its premium aesthetics. It showcases a transparent glass back, aluminum edges, and a relatively slim profile for a gaming device. Beneath that alluring design, it contains an active cooling fan and capacitive shoulder triggers on the right edge of the phone, which you can customize for in-game actions across various titles. This capability is especially beneficial for aiming and shooting in games like “Call of Duty: Mobile”.

With this device, you benefit from a 6.85-inch 144Hz OLED display, perfect for gaming. The bezels are minimal, and thanks to the selfie camera positioned beneath the screen, you enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience. Additionally, it boasts a colossal 7,000 mAh battery that can sustain a full day of gaming. When it’s time to recharge, the 80W fast charging will fully power that enormous battery in just an hour.

The RedMagic 11 Air is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — Qualcomm’s premium chipset as of this writing. That’s the standout feature of this phone: the $500 price tag is very enticing for such formidable hardware. However, you are limited to two major Android updates and three years of security updates. For extended software support, budget devices from Xiaomi or Samsung would be a better choice.

**Xiaomi Poco F7**

The Xiaomi Poco F7 showcases a sophisticated two-tone design, appearing more subdued in white and futuristic in silver. This device exhibits flat edges, a glass back, and aluminum side rails, imparting a premium feel. The 6.83-inch AMOLED screen is HDR and Dolby Vision certified, ensuring an impressive media experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday use and gaming exceptionally responsive.

At its core, the Poco F7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which delivers enough performance to outpace competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A56. Although the 8s Gen 4 is a notch lower than the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it still adeptly handles graphically demanding games. The 6,500 mAh battery comfortably lasts through the day, even with several hours of gaming. When charging, the 90W fast charging will reach 100% in just 45 minutes.

A notable drawback of this phone is that supported carriers in the U.S. are limited to T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello. However, Xiaomi guarantees four major Android updates and six years of security updates for the Poco F7, making it a superior choice to its main rival, the Redmagic 11 Air, which only offers two major Android updates.

**Samsung Galaxy S24 FE**

For those who prefer a more refined software experience, dependable network compatibility, and quality cameras, the Galaxy S24 FE is the more pragmatic option compared to newer, budget Chinese models. While it’s an older device, the S24 FE has settled into a fantastic value range, priced under $600. Despite its age, the 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display remains bright and responsive, making it ideal for gaming.

Beneath the surface, the Exynos 2400e chipset continues to perform admirably, easily managing graphically demanding titles like “Genshin Impact” on high settings. The 4,700 mAh battery ensures solid endurance for daily activities, and while it’s capable of handling a few hours of gaming, it does fall short compared to the 6,500 mAh+ silicon-carbon batteries found in its Chinese counterparts.

However, the strongest argument for the Galaxy S24 FE lies in its longevity. Samsung has pledged to support this device with seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring it remains current until 2031. This level of support is something you do not receive.

USB-C Device Boosts Wireless Sound for Smartphones and Laptops

Hi-Fi devices that ought to be included on every audiophile’s list. However, Noble’s dongle is compatible with the newest audio codecs, which facilitate the compression and decompression of files, allowing for superior wireless audio delivery. The Noble Sceptre also accommodates HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles designed to guarantee dependable connectivity between devices.

A quality pair of headphones elevates the audio experience even further

The Noble Audio Sceptre essentially takes audio from your mobile device and transmits it to your audio output—be it headphones or a speaker—in a higher-quality stream owing to the sophisticated codecs involved. This means your output device is receiving a higher-fidelity signal, within certain limits. 

In practical terms, Bluetooth cannot support lossless high-resolution audio, but for more efficient transmission, the audio is compressed, which is where the codecs become significant. Advanced codecs like aptX and LDAC are more proficient at compressing and decompressing audio while maintaining quality and the original sound. Yet, you still require a set of premium

Uncover Concealed Functions of Your PS5

next-gen VR gaming featuring the PSVR 2, compatibility with M.2 SSD, the option to generate Gamelists, and the addition of themes that emulate the UI of a PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. There is no question that Sony will introduce additional features over time or reserve some for the PS6. And while we are nearing the conclusion of the PS5 era, the console continues to hold a few surprises for those looking to explore its capabilities.

Establishing custom button configurations

Galaxy S26 Unveils Capability Long Offered on Pixel Smartphones

The Galaxy S26 has launched a novel capability that enables it to function as a USB webcam for computers and laptops. This feature, which has been present on various Android devices since the rollout of Android 14 QPR1, is now being embraced by Samsung for its premier smartphones. Users can connect their Galaxy S26 to a PC using a USB-C cable and choose the webcam setting in the USB options. This functionality supports both the rear and front cameras and offers a High Quality Mode for enhanced video streaming, although it might make the phone warm up a bit. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, but it could potentially be introduced to older models through forthcoming software upgrades.