Latest Mobile & Gadgets News

đź“…May 16, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Premium smartphones are outperforming a weak handset market, while major launches, chipset shifts, and connectivity upgrades drive gadget news globally.
1

Premium phones offset India’s smartphone slowdown

India’s smartphone market had a weak Q1 2026 as shipments fell amid soft demand and rising memory/storage costs, but premium models grew 25% year on year. Analysts say brands are leaning on higher-margin flagships as consumers delay discretionary spending. Source 1

2

Samsung regains India’s top smartphone spot in Q1 2026

Samsung reclaimed the top position in India in Q1 2026, helped by strong demand for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The result highlights how flagship launches can still drive volume even in a slower market. Source 1

3

Apple’s India momentum continues with older and current iPhones

Apple reached a 9% shipment share in India in Q1 2026, with the iPhone 16 series contributing the most volume and the iPhone 17 series also gaining share. The trend shows buyers are responding to discounts on previous-generation models alongside new launches. Source 1

4

OnePlus flagship phones now dominate most of its sales mix

According to CMR data, the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R accounted for a larger share of the brand’s volumes than its midrange Nord lineup. This underscores how premium-first positioning is becoming more important for handset makers in India. Source 1

5

Memory shortages are pushing up smartphone prices

Brands are facing sharp rises in DRAM and NAND costs, which are increasing device bills across categories. Industry analysts say this is forcing companies to rethink pricing and product strategy in order to protect margins. Source 1

6

Apple’s India manufacturing push remains strategically important

The report notes long-running expectations that Apple will scale iPhone production in India for export markets. That shift is seen as a hedge against US-China trade risks and supply-chain concentration. Source 1

7

Vivo launches the Y60 with a large battery

Vivo’s latest phone launch is the Y60, unveiled on 12 May 2026. It features a 6.74-inch display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, 6GB RAM, and a 6,500mAh battery, targeting budget buyers seeking endurance. Source 2

8

Meta is expanding third-party apps on its display glasses

Engadget reports that Meta is bringing third-party apps and games to its display glasses, making the $800 device more versatile. The move could improve the product’s appeal beyond early adopters. Source 6

9

Major US carriers team up to improve coverage dead zones

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are pooling resources to reduce mobile coverage gaps by boosting satellite capacity and connectivity in underserved areas. The collaboration is notable because the carriers are usually fierce competitors. Source 6

10

Apple reportedly tests Intel’s 18A-P process for future chips

Engadget says Apple is testing Intel’s 18A-P process for making iPhone and Mac chips, starting with older Apple Silicon systems. If expanded, it could diversify Apple’s chip supply chain and reshape foundry relationships. Source 6

11

Razer launches a high-end Blade 18 with new Intel chips

Razer has updated the Blade 18 with Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus hardware, and a fully loaded configuration reportedly reaches $7,000. The refresh reinforces the premium gaming laptop segment’s continued push for extreme performance. Source 6

12

Google teases an Android-based Googlebook ahead of I/O

Engadget says Google is teasing an Android-based Googlebook just before Google I/O, suggesting a possible new device or platform direction. The announcement adds to expectations that Google will use the event to showcase more hardware strategy. Source 6