It was previously reported in various media reports that the Xiaomi 16 series is expected in the coming September. While we still do not have a date confirmation, the series’ star mode Xiaomi 16 Ultra has now been teased by the company President himself. Here’s the full story.
Xiaomi 16 Series Teased
In a new Weibo post, Lu Weibing, Partner and President of Xiaomi Group, President of the Smartphone Department, and General Manager of the Xiaomi brand, hinted that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will set a new benchmark in mobile photography.
Caption – Lu Weibing’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)
Weibing shared that he was honoured to attend Leica’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in Shanghai, where he presented the Xiaomi 15 Ultra “Centennial Tribute” global limited collector’s gift box to Mr. Kaufmann, Chairman of Leica’s Supervisory Board.
He highlighted Xiaomi’s ongoing partnership with Leica, calling it “enjoyable and productive.” Over the past four years, the collaboration has led to the development of over 20 smartphones and Weibing reaffirmed that the two companies will continue to work closely going forward.
He further stated that the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra will represent a new milestone in smartphone imaging.
Early Launch Hinted, Specifications Leaked
Caption – Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated Via Google Translate)
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi’s early teasers could mean the 16 Ultra might launch earlier than its usual February window, potentially arriving before the end of this year.
Leaks suggest that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will feature a flat display, in line with the rest of the Xiaomi 16 lineup. However, there’s still uncertainty over whether it will be powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Elite 2) or Xiaomi’s own in-house Xring O2 chip.
Camera leaks point to a powerful setup, possibly including a 1-inch 50MP main sensor, a 200MPperiscope telephoto lens with a 1.28-inch sensor and 5x optical zoom, a 50MP Sony LYT-600 ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front-facing camera. Battery capacity is rumoured to fall between 7000mAh and 7500mAh, which would make it one of the largest among flagship phones.
Reports have already revealed that three models can be expected under the lineup, the Xiaomi 16, Xiaomi 16 Pro and a possible Xiaomi 16 Pro Mini.
FAQs
Q1. What did Xiaomi’s President say about the Xiaomi 16 Ultra’s camera capabilities?
Answer. Lu Weibing stated that the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra will represent a new milestone in smartphone imaging, reinforcing the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
Q2. When is the Xiaomi 16 Ultra expected to launch?
Answer. Leaks suggest the Xiaomi 16 Ultra could launch earlier than its usual February window, potentially arriving before the end of this year.
Q3. What camera setup is rumoured for the Xiaomi 16 Ultra?
Answer. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra may feature 1-inch 50MP main sensr, 200MP periscope telephoto lens with a 1.28-inch sensor and 5x optical zoom, a 50MP Sony LYT-600 ultra-wide lens and a 50MP front-facing camera.
Head of POCO India, Himanshu Tandon has reportedly resigned and is expected to join CMF by Nothing in August 2025.
POCO accounted for 41% of its Q2 shipments, driven by Gen Z focus and offline retail expansion.
CMF is rapidly scaling with 229% growth in Q2 and strong Gen Z demand for CMF devices.
Himanshu Tandon. (Image credit – Unknown)
Himanshu Tandon, who has been leading Xiaomi’s sub-brand POCO in India, has reportedly stepped down from his post. According to a recent Money Control report, Tandon is likely to join London-based smartphone company Nothing in August to lead its CMF division.
As of now, Xiaomi, POCO and Nothing have not responded to queries, according to Moneycontrol.
Tandon’s departure marks the second major leadership exit at Xiaomi India within a year, following the exit of company president Muralikrishnan B in November 2024. Tandon was part of the founding team of POCO and took charge of the brand’s India operations in 2022. He directly reported to Sandeep Singh Arora, who joined Xiaomi India as Chief Business Officer in January after moving from Samsung.
His resignation comes at a time when Xiaomi is facing declining market share and falling smartphone shipments. Despite that, POCO has remained one of the company’s stronger performers in recent quarters.
According to Canalys, POCO accounted for 41% of Xiaomi’s India shipments in Q2 2025, a notable rise from 30% in Q2 2024. POCO shipped 2.03 million units in the quarter, up from 1.5 million in Q1. However, Xiaomi’s overall India shipments (including POCO) saw a 25% year-on-year decline, falling to 5 million units, with market share slipping from 18% to 13%, the steepest drop among all major brands in Q2.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi’s main smartphone line, Redmi, has been struggling to capture consumer interest, particularly in offline markets.
According to Sanyam Chaurasia, Principal Analyst at Canalys,“Poco’s growth is powered by a sharp focus on Gen Z buyers through bold design choices, gaming-centric features, and a strong display-performance package. Equally critical has been Poco’s rapid offline expansion, especially via its partnership with JioMart Digital, helping it scale retail presence nationwide.”
Tandon’s expected move to CMF by Nothing aligns with the company’s aggressive India-focused strategy. Nothing recently shifted its global marketing operations to India signaling a long-term commitment to the region.
CMF, which targets the value-design segment with products like earbuds, smartphones, and accessories, plans to use India’s scale and speed to accelerate product and marketing rollouts.
The transition was announced internally by Akis Evangelidis, co-founder of Nothing and its President of India Operations. Under his leadership, Nothing recorded 229% year-on-year growth in Q2, driven by strong demand for the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Phone 3a, and Phone 3a Pro, all aimed at urban Gen Z consumers through design-first innovation.
Official confirmations from Xiaomi and Nothing regarding Tandon’s role transition are expected in the coming days.
FAQS
Q1. Who is Himanshu Tandon?
Answer. Himanshu Tandon was the head of POCO India and a founding team member. He’s reportedly stepping down and is expected to join CMF by Nothing in August 2025 to lead its India operations.
Q2. How has POCO performed under Tandon’s leadership?
Answer. POCO has grown significantly, making up 41% of Xiaomi’s India shipments in Q2 2025, up from 30% the year before. Its Gen Z-focused strategy and offline expansion helped it outperform even as Xiaomi’s overall market share declined.
Q3. What is CMF by Nothing, and why is Tandon’s move important?
Answer. CMF targets value-conscious, design-centric buyers with products like smartphones and earbuds. Tandon’s transition aligns with Nothing’s India-first strategy, aimed at rapid product rollouts and marketing scale, especially after its 229% YoY growth in.
Noise Air Clips 2 with an improved open-beam clip-on design launched in India.
It features 12mm dynamic drivers, AirWave Technology, 40-hour total playtime, Instacharge, Bluetooth v5.3, Hyper Sync pairing, low-latency mode and IPX5 splash resistance.
Priced at ₹3,999, it is available in black, white and green starting July 29 via Amazon and Noise’s website.
Noise Air Clips 2 Open-Ear Earbuds launched in India. (Image credit – Noise)
Noise has launched its latest open-ear style wireless earbuds, the Noise Air Clips 2, in India. These new earbuds succeed last year’s Noise Air Clips OWS and introduce an improved Open Beam Design. The updated clip-on design ensures a secure yet soft grip, making it ideal for extended wear without discomfort. Here’s more about the newly launched device.
Noise Air Clips 2 – Specs at a Glance
Stylish Open Beam Design with a chrome finish
12mm drivers with Noise AirWave Technology
Bluetooth v5.3, dual-device pairing, and touch controls
Hyper Sync connection and low latency mode
Up to 40 hours of total playtime (6.5 hours on a single charge)
Instacharge support: 150 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging
IPX5 splash and sweat resistance
Voice assistant support and hands-free calling
Covered by a 1-year warranty
Noise Air Clips 2 Earbuds come with an Open-Ear design. (Image credit – Noise)
Noise Air Clips 2 – Key Features
The Air Clips 2 are equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers and are powered by AirWave Technology, which uses advanced air conduction to deliver clear and immersive sound. This setup minimises sound leakage while keeping users aware of their surroundings, perfect for outdoor and on-the-go use.
The earbuds come with Bluetooth v5.3 for stable connectivity and support Hyper Sync technology for instant pairing. They also feature low-latency mode for gaming and carry an IPX5 rating for splash and sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
Noise Air Clips 2 Earbuds. (Image credit – Noise)
Noise Air Clips 2 – Pricing and Availability
The Noise Air Clips 2 will be available in green, black, and white colour options at a launch price of Rs. 3,999. Sales start on July 29 at 12 PM via Amazon.in and the Noise official website.
Consumers can also pre-book the earbuds now by purchasing a Rs. 499 pre-book pass on the Noisewebsite, which grants an extra Rs. 1,250 discount on launch day.
FAQs
Q1. What is the battery life of the Noise Air Clips 2 earbuds?
Answer. The Noise Air Clips 2 offers up to 40 hours of total playtime, including 6.5 hours on a single charge. It also supports Instacharge: 150 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
Q2. What technology powers the audio in Noise Air Clips 2?
Answer. The earbuds are equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers and use Noise AirWave Technology, which delivers clear, immersive sound through advanced air conduction.
Q3. Are the Noise Air Clips 2 suitable for workouts and outdoor use?
Answer. Yes, they feature an improved clip-on Open Beam Design for secure wear and come with an IPX5 rating for splash and sweat resistance, making them ideal for active use.
Q4. How much do Noise Air Clips 2 cost and when are they available?
Answer. They are priced at ₹2,999 and will go on sale on July 29 at 12 PM via Amazon.in and the Noise website. Pre-booking with a ₹499 pass provides a ₹1,250 launch discount.
OPPO Reno14 5G now comes in a fresh Mint Green colour with no change in specs.
The phone is available in 8GB/256GB (₹37,999), 12GB/256GB (₹39,999) and 12GB/512GB (₹42,999) configurations.
It on sale via Amazon, Flipkart and retail stores.
OPPO Reno14 5G in new Mint Green colour variant. (Image credit – Oppo)
OPPO has introduced a new Mint Green colour variant of its Oppo Reno14 5G smartphone in India. The phone was initially launched last month in Pearl White and Forest Green shades. The latest colour refresh comes without any changes to the phone’s specifications.
According to OPPO, the Reno14 series witnessed a 191% growth in first-week sales compared to the Reno13 lineup, indicating a strong market response.
OPPO Reno14 5G – Pricing and Availability
The OPPO Reno14 5G is available in three memory variants –
8GB + 256GB priced at Rs. 37,999
12GB + 256GB at Rs. 39,999
12GB + 512GB at Rs. 42,999
The new Mint Green version is now available via Amazon.in, Flipkart, the OPPO online store and offline retail outlets starting today.
OPPO Reno14 5G – Key Specifications
OPPO Reno14 5G all colour variants. (Image credit – Oppo)
The OPPO Reno14 5G features a 6.59-inch 1.5K flat OLED display with a resolution of 2760 × 1256 pixels, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. It supports up to 1200 nits of global peak brightness and 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming for eye comfort, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
Powering the phone is the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset built on a 4nm process, with an octa-core CPU clocked up to 3.35GHz and a Mali-G615 MC6 GPU for graphics. It is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and comes with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The phone runs on Android 15 with ColorOS 15 out of the box. On the rear, it sports a triple camera setup including a 50MP primary sensor (IMX882, f/1.8, OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide camera (112º field of view, ƒ/2.2, OV08D sensor) and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera (3.5X zoom, JN5 sensor, f/2.8, OIS). It supports up to 4K 60fps HDR video recording.
For selfies and video calls, there’s a 50MP front camera with the Samsung JN5 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and 4K 60fps recording capability.
Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, an infrared sensor, stereo speakers, and USB Type-C audio.
The Reno14 5G also boasts strong durability ratings with IP66, IP68 and IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. Connectivity options include 5G SA/NSA, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS. It houses a 6000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. The phone measures 157.90 × 74.73 × 7.32 mm and weighs 187 grams.
FAQs
Q1. What’s new with the OPPO Reno14 5G in India?
Answer. OPPO has launched a new Mint Green colour variant of the Reno14 5G smartphone in India. This addition complements the existing Pearl White and Forest Green options, and the phone’s specifications remain unchanged.
Q2. What are the price options for the OPPO Reno14 5G?
Answer. The OPPO Reno14 5G is available in three memory configurations: the 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at ₹37,999, the 12GB + 256GB model costs ₹39,999, and the 12GB + 512GB version is priced at ₹42,999. It can be purchased via Amazon, Flipkart, OPPO’s online store, and offline retail outlets.
Q3. What are the standout features of the OPPO Reno14 5G?
Answer. The OPPO Reno14 5G features a 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, is powered by the Dimensity 8350 processor, and includes a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP front camera. It runs Android 15, packs a 6000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and offers IP-rated protection against dust and water.
Lava Blaze Dragon 5G launched in India at the price of ₹9,999.
It features Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 6.74″ 120Hz LCD, Android 15, 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging, 50MP rear camera, 8MP selfie shooter and more.
The sale is set to start on Amazon from Aug 1.
Lava Blaze Dragon 5G Launched in India. (Image credit – Lava)
Lava has launched its new budget 5G smartphone, the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G, in India. The phone is available in a single variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, and it will go on sale from August 1 at 12 AM exclusively on Amazon.
At the launch, Sumit Singh, Head – Product, Lava International Limited, said, “Blaze Dragon 5G is our first offering with a Snapdragon chipset, which reflects Lava’s commitment to quality and meeting consumer expectations. Our product strategy for the sub-₹10,000 segment has been to revolutionize the smartphone experience through design, performance, and pricing. Dragon 5G is built to deliver the ruthless power and performance the youth seek today, along with features that truly make it a reliable all-day companion.”
Tanmay Shah, Category Leader – Smartphones, Accessories and Post Purchase Services, said, “We are delighted to add the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G to the expanding portfolio of 5G smartphones on Amazon.in. The Blaze Dragon’s impressive Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, UFS 3.1 storage, and clean Android 15 experience exemplify great value for money and innovation for customers looking to upgrade their mobile phones. At Amazon.in, we are proud to bring this cutting-edge 5G smartphone to every corner of the country during the upcoming Amazon Great Freedom Festival starting Aug 1st.”
Here’s more about the phone.
Lava Blaze Dragon 5G – Price and Availability
The Blaze Dragon 5G comes in two colour options, Golden Mist and Midnight Mist. On the other hand, it is available in just one memory configuration, 4GB RAM + 128GB storage at Rs. 9,999. As part of the launch offers, buyers can avail a Rs. 1,000 bank offer and an additional Rs. 1,000 exchange bonus.
Sales begin on Amazon.in starting August 1st at midnight.
Lava is also offering Free Service@Home across India for this model along with after-sales support at retail outlets.
The Blaze Dragon 5G features a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display (720 x 1612 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 450 nits. Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, a 4nm processor with two performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six efficiency cores at 2GHz. Graphics are handled by the Adreno 613 GPU, making it suitable for everyday use, streaming, and light gaming.
Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging, promising full-day usage for most users.
On the software front, the phone runs stock Android 15, offering a clean and bloatware-free user experience, which is a rare find in the budget segment.
Storage is taken care of by 128GB of UFS 3.1, and there’s a microSD card slot for expansion. The phone includes 4GB of physical RAM with support for an additional 4GB of virtual RAM.
For photography, the Blaze Dragon 5G sports a 50MP rear camera paired with an LED flash, and an 8MP front camera for selfies, video calls, and face unlock.
Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and a USB Type-C port. Connectivity options cover 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, and GPS with GLONASS.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price and availability of the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G in India?
Answer. The Lava Blaze Dragon 5G is priced at ₹9,999 and will go on sale from August 1 at 12 AM exclusively on Amazon.in.
Q2. What are the key specifications of the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G?
Answer. It features a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, 4GB RAM (plus 4GB virtual RAM), 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, 50MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Q3. Does the Lava Blaze Dragon 5G offer any unique software or support features?
Answer. Yes, it runs on stock Android 15 for a clean and bloat-free experience, and Lava offers Free Service@Home across India for this model.
OnePlus Nord CE 5 was recently launched in India at a starting price of ₹24,999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant.
Other memory variants include the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model at ₹26,999 and the 12GB RAM/256GB model at ₹28,999.
Available colours – Nexus Blue, Black Infinity and Marble Mist.
It’s been a week with this phone in our pockets. We have used it through traffic, rain and way too many online scrolls. So, based on our hands-on experience with OnePlus Nord CE5, here’s what stood out.
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Key Features
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Key Features
77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor
8GB/12GB of LPDDR5X RAM
128GB/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage
Rear Camera – 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary + 8MP Samsung OmniVision OV08D10 ultrawide
Front Camera – 50MP Sony IMX480
7100mAh battery capacity
80W SUPERVOOC charging (adapter in the box)
OxygenOS 15
IP65 Rated
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Unboxing Video
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
● Classy design
● Good AMOLED Display
● Smooth performance with Dimensity 8350 Apex
● Impressive 7100mAh battery with 80W charging
● 4 OS updates and 6 years of security updates
● No Plus Key
● Subpar speaker system
● Camera could have been better
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Design and Build Quality
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Design and Build Quality
The first thing we noticed about the OnePlusNord CE5 in Marble Mist colour is how clean and classy it looks. It’s got this nice matte glass back that feels premium every time you pick it up. The good thing about this back panel is that it doesn’t attract fingerprints or smudges. This means you don’t have to keep wiping it down every few minutes. We don’t want to name it, but at first glance, OnePlus Nord CE5 reminds us of a popular premium phone from another brand.
The sides are made of polycarbonate, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The flat edges and rounded corners give it a solid, well-balanced feel in the hand. Even with that big battery packed in, the phone doesn’t feel too heavy and OnePlus has managed to keep the weight pretty standard. It’s actually pretty easy to carry around and grip, whether you’re scrolling through reels or texting one-handed.
The camera setup also keeps things neat with a pill-shaped module tucked into the top-left corner. It blends in well and doesn’t stick out awkwardly.
The absence of the Plus Key is not something we can get behind. But overall, the Nord CE5 pulls off that minimalist, polished look without trying too hard.
Also worth noting that it’s IP65 rated, which means it can handle a few splashes or a surprise drizzle. So if you get caught in the rain or accidentally drop it near water, you’re good.
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Display
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Display
The display on the Nord CE5 is seriously one of its strong points. It has a big 6.77-inch Super Fluid AMOLED screen with full HD+ resolution. Right out of the box, the screen looks sharp, vibrant and feels smooth. Whether binge-watching, playing games or just scrolling social media endlessly, the display supports everything you can possibly use the phone for.
The colours pop nicely thanks to support for sRGB, Display P3, and 10-bit colour depth. It’s also HDR10+ certified, so the Netflix and Prime Video content not only runs in HD but also looks extra crisp and detailed in HDR. Both platforms are officially certified for it, so no tricks or workarounds needed.
The display is quite bright and can hit up to 1430 nits peak brightness. This keeps outdoor visibility solid even under harsh sunlight. Regular usage brightness hovers around 800 nits, which still feels more than enough indoors. High Brightness Mode (HBM) also kicks in when needed and it does make a noticeable difference.
Scrolling and swiping remain smooth throughout, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. We also didn’t face any touch responsiveness issues, and the display feels snappy and fluid. There’s up to 300Hz touch sampling support via OTA.
OnePlus has also packed display features like Eye Comfort, Night Mode, Dark Mode and even a Bedtime Mode. You can tweak the screen colour and temperature too, so it looks exactly how you like it.
All in all, it’s a fantastic screen for this price. It is big, bright, smooth and great for content.
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Hardware, Software and Performance
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Hardware, Software and Performance
Nord CE5 runs on the new MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex. Now, this might not sound super flashy or underwhelming at first, but OnePlus claims 79% faster performance and it shows. With clock speeds going up to 3.35GHz, it handles everything from daily apps to intense gaming smoothly. We have used the device as our primary smartphone for over a week now and it has hardly had any noticeable issues.
Our review device was a combination of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. This basically should be more than enough for an average user. The apps open instantly, multitasking feels snappy and we never noticed the phone lagging.
Here are some benchmarking results.
We tried random switching between apps and have played back-to-back BGMI sessions on this phone but Nord CE5 ran without breaking a sweat.
Speaking of gaming, if you’re into it then this phone will feel perfect for you. It supports up to 120 FPS gameplay on supported titles like CODM and BGMI. That extra FPS definitely gives an edge, especially in fast-paced sessions. There is also HyperBoost Game Enginewith a special Championship Mode to optimise performance even further.
CryoVelocity Graphene Vapor Chamber with a massive 7041mm² cooling area. That’s bigger than what most phones in this segment offer and it definitely helps keep the phone from heating up during long gaming sessions.
It is being shipped with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. It comes with some bloatware but the UI otherwise is clean. OnePlus is promising 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates, which is rare to see at this price. That means the phone will stay fresh and secure for a long time.
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Camera Performance
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Camera Performance
In the camera department, OnePlus Nord CE5 has kept things pretty balanced. It has a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with both OIS and EIS support. Alongside it, there’s an 8MP ultra-wide camera OmniVision OV08D10, which is fine for group shots or wide landscapes.
The camera does its job well. The daylight shots look sharp with decent detail and the dynamic range is mostly good. But sometimes the colours can feel a bit off in the background. It either gets a bit too punchy or slightly washed out, depending on the lighting. Contrast is also a bit inconsistent, but for the most part, the photos are totally social-media ready. As for the ultra-wide lens, it is not flagship-grade but it gets the job done in good lighting. Don’t expect the same clarity or detail as the main sensor though.
OnePlus Nord CE5 Daylight Camera Samples
OnePlus Nord CE5 Night Camera Samples
Zooming is all digital with up to 20x for photos and 10x for videos. While you won’t be getting super-crisp results at higher zoom levels, it’s still handy for occasional use.
As for selfies, there’s a 16MP Sony IMX480 sensor up front with EIS. It captures decent selfies with natural skin tones in daylight. There’s also Portrait, Night Mode and a bunch of filters and retouching options.
OnePlus Nord CE5 Daylight Video
OnePlus Nord CE5 Night Video
On the video side, the rear camera supports 4K at 60fps with OIS+EIS working together, footage is fairly stable even while moving. It also offers slo-mo at up to 960fps even though that’s limited to 720p. It comes with time-lapse, dual-view video and even tilt-shift modes. Video from the front cam tops out at 1080p 60fps, and it stays reasonably stable thanks to EIS, especially for casual vlogging or video calls.
Overall, the camera setup on the Nord CE5 is not extraordinary but it’s reliable and good enough for most people’s daily needs.
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Battery Life and Charging
OnePlus Nord CE5 – Battery Life and Charging
The battery of the Nord CE5 is one of the biggest upgrades this time. The phone packs a massive 7100mAh battery. According to OnePlus, users are easily looking at 2.5 days of regular use. The brand also says you can continuously stream YouTube for 27+ hours and play games for 9+ hours on a fully charged phone. Now, we have used the phone continuously for a week and during all testing and playing around, we easily managed one and a half days without reaching out for the charger.
You also get an 80W SUPERVOOC fast charge support with an adapter bundled in the box. A quick 10-minute top-up with this easily gives almost 7 hours worth of average usage. Moreover, it takes around 40 to 45 minutes to get a full charge. There is also the Bypass Charging feature, which is a perfect addition since the phone is aimed at gamers.
OnePlus is promising 4 years of battery health with the battery still holding at least 80% of its capacity after all that time.
Verdict – Should You Buy OnePlus Nord CE5?
Verdict – Should You Buy OnePlus Nord CE5?
OnePlus Nord CE5 gets all the basics right for a phone in this price segment. It comes with a sharp AMOLED display, smooth performance thanks to the Dimensity 8350 Apex chip and an OxygenOS experience with 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security support. The cameras are decent, especially the 50MP main sensor. But where this phone really shines is battery life, you get a massive 7100mAh with fast 80W charging. All things considered, the Nord CE5 is a balanced mid-range phone.
If you’re after a phone that looks sleek, comes with a stunning display and packs serious everyday power, the OnePlus Nord CE5 is absolutely worth considering.
Reasons To Buy
Nice display
Good for gaming
Great battery and charging
Nice design and build
Reasons Not to Buy
Camera isn’t versatile
Subpar speakers
Alternatives
POCO X7 Pro – ₹23,998
POCO X7 Pro – ₹23,998
iQOO Z10 – ₹21,998
iQOO Z10 – ₹21,998
vivo T4 – ₹21,772
vivo T4 – ₹21,772
Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – ₹22,898
Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – ₹22,898
FAQs
Q1. What is the starting price of the OnePlus Nord CE5 in India?
Answer. OnePlus Nord CE5 was recently launched in India at a starting price of ₹24,999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant.
Q2. What memory variants are available for the OnePlus Nord CE5?
Answer. Other memory variants include the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model at ₹26,999 and the 12GB RAM/256GB model at ₹28,999.
Q3. What colour options does the OnePlus Nord CE5 offer?
Answer. Available colours include Nexus Blue, Black Infinity, and Marble Mist.
Q4. What are the key camera specifications of the OnePlus Nord CE5?
Answer. Rear camera – 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary + 8MP Samsung OmniVision OV08D10 ultrawide; Front camera – 50MP Sony IMX480.
Q5. What are some key features of the OnePlus Nord CE5?
Answer. It features a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor, 7100mAh battery, 80W SUPERVOOC charging, IP65 rating, and OxygenOS 15.
Available in three colour variants – Marble Sands, Dry Ice and Phantom Grey, via OnePlus.in, Amazon and retail stores.
OnePlus has recently released its latest mid-range smartphone, the OnePlus Nord 5, in India. It looks quite different from the predecessor and comes with some good internal upgrades. We have been using the phone for almost a week now and to help you get a clearer picture of its performance, here’s out hands-on OnePlus Nord 5 review.
OnePlus Nord 5 – Key Features
83-inch AMOLED 144Hz 1.5K FHD+ Display with Ultra HDR support
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform
8/12GB LPDDR5X RAM
256/512GB UFS 3.1 Storage
Dual rear camera – 50MP Sony LYT-700 CMOS + 8MP OV08D10 Ultrawide
Front camera – 50MP SAMSUNG ISOCELL JN5
6,800 mAh Battery with 80W SUPERVOOC Charging (adapter in the box)
IP65 Rated
OxygenOS 15.0 based on Android 15
OnePlus Nord 5 – Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
● Classy, sophisticated design
● Huge stunning display
● Solid battery life and fast charge support
● Smooth performance, perfect smartphone for gamers
● Fast UI
● The camera could have been better
● Build quality could be better
OnePlus Nord 5 – Unboxing
In-the-box contents –
OnePlus Nord 5 device
80W SUPERVOOC Power Adapter
Type-A to C Cable
Quick Start Guide
Protective Case
Screen Protector (pre-applied)
SIM Tray Ejector
OnePlus Nord 5 – Design and Build Quality
OnePlus Nord 5 – Design and Build Quality
We have to talk about the design first. Now, something has made OnePlus change its mind because this is a complete 180 from the predecessor’s design.
Nord 5 has a clean, minimal look that gives off a premium vibe. The Dry Ice colour variant we received for this review comes in this cool icy blue shade. It gives the phone a soft and polished look that’s easy on the eyes.
The back has a glass finish that not only looks sleek but also feels smooth to touch. It doesn’t attract fingerprints or smudges easily. So even after using it without a case for a couple of days, it stayed looking clean and fresh.
It comes in a polycarbonate frame and not the metal frame we saw in Nord 4. However, the phone doesn’t feel flimsy and has solid feel in its build. It comes with an IP65 rating, which means it’s protected against dust and water splashes. In fact, the build feels solid and sturdy in hand.
Nord 5 is defying the current industry trends. In a market that’s leaning towards compact smartphones, the OnePlus Nord 5 has got bulkier. It is a heavy and chunky phone, but at the same time, it has just the right weight and balance. The flat display with a boxy shape and rounded corners adds to the modern and sharp design. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to grip, even during long usage.
OnePlus has also kept the camera layout neat. There’s a vertically aligned dual camera setup with a flash on the top-left corner of the back. It’s compact and doesn’t stick out much, which makes the phone look clean and simple. The power button and volume rockers are placed on the right, while we have a customisable Plus Key on the left.
OnePlus Nord 5 – Display
OnePlus Nord 5 – Display
OnePlus Nord 5 comes with a huge punch-hole display, which elevates the overall feel of the phone at first glance. It is a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution (2800 × 1272) and a pixel density of 450 ppi. Everything looks crisp, detailed and vibrant on this screen. It gives an immersive experience with its uniform and quite narrow bezels.
The panel supports 10-bit colour and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, so it gets over 1 billion colours on screen. The colours look rich and punchy. It also supports Ultra HDR, making everything pop just a bit more, especially when viewing HDR content.
The screen reaches 1800 nits of peak brightness, which means it stays clearly visible even under harsh sunlight. The Sun-amp technology definitely helps. We never struggled to use the phone outdoors. There are also three brightness levels, 800 nits (adjustable), 1400 nits (full screen) and 1800 nits (peak). This makes the phone instantly adapt depending on where you are.
This display also stands out for being too smooth in its functioning. With a 144Hz refresh rate, every swipe, scroll, or animation feels buttery smooth. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing games or just scrolling Instagram, the responsiveness is spot on. It also reacts instantly to taps and we hardly faced any touch issues in our week-long use. This altogether means the phone is great for fast-paced games.
For everyday comfort, OnePlus has packed in features like Nature Tone Display, Eye Comfort mode, Night Mode and Colour Vision Enhancement. There is also 3840Hz PWM dimming to help reduce eye strain.
The screen is also well protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which was co-developed especially for this display.
OnePlus Nord 5 – Performance
OnePlus Nord 5 – Performance
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, which brings flagship-level performance to the mid-range segment. This phone breezes through everything, whether it is gaming, multitasking or just everyday use. We used the phone as our primary device for a week and we didn’t face any lag or stutter issues during that time. Everything just felt fast and smooth.
Our unit had 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB RAM UFS 3.1 storage, which is more than enough for an average to heavy user. We felt the app loading times were quite quick and switching between apps was instant as well. And in case anyone needs more RAM, OnePlus also includes RAM-Vitalization and RAM expansion option of up to 12GB extra.
We tested the phone on multiple standard benchmarking platforms and maxed out when it comes to benchmarking results. Below are the results –
The phone is truly made for gamers out there. It is a powerful device that perfectly handles graphic heavy games. We tried playing some of the popular games and it was a smooth experience. The phone is equipped to handle heat with a massive 32,207 mm² heat dissipation system. The phone stays cool even during heavy gaming sessions or fast charging. We played a few intense sessions on it and while it warmed up a bit, it never got uncomfortably hot.
The haptics are good too. The X-axis haptic motor gives those precise vibrations and makes the phone feel more responsive.
It has also received TÜV SÜD’s 72-month fluency rating, which basically means the phone is built to stay fast for years and not just the first few months.
The Nord 5 runs on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. It’s lightweight and well-optimised. There are some unnecessary apps, but it is mostly a clean and fast UI to work with.
OnePlus Nord 5 – Camera Performance
OnePlus Nord 5 – Camera Performance
The OnePlus Nord 5 packs a decent camera system that seems capable for both casual snaps and serious shooting. The combination of the main 50MP Sony LYT-700 (IMX906) sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens somewhat makes it versatile enough.
The good news is that the camera performance is consistent. It delivers clear and detailed photos with good colour and dynamic range. In good lighting, shots come out sharp with natural colour. And even in low light, the images are mostly well-balanced.
Day Camera Samples
Night Camera Samples
We took a bunch of daylight photos and the detail on textures, such as leaves or buildings, was spot on. At night, the Nightscape mode kicks and reduced noise. It improves clarity without making things look too artificial.
We did notice some distortion in some pictures around the edges, which can be a lighting issue. Also, the auto focus in Macro shots sometimes takes a little more time.
Day Video Samples
Night Video Samples
For videos, the Nord 5 supports up to 4K at 60fps at both the front and the rear. We recorded small videos on the phone in different lighting and the footage looks steady and sharp.
Overall, the Nord 5’s camera setup simply checks the boxes. It may not be the best of the smartphone cameras in the segment, but it is a reliable option and delivers results.
OnePlus Nord 5 – Battery Life and Charging
OnePlus Nord 5 – Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is solid and one of the biggest upgrades. It has a huge 6,800mAh battery that easily powers you through a day and a half. And when needed to top up, the 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging is super convenient. OnePlus is packing the adapter in the box. It fully charged the phone in under 40 minutes in our testing.
There is also the bypass charging feature, so if you’re gaming while plugged in, the battery doesn’t heat up. It also has reverse wired charging for topping up earbuds or other devices.
Verdict – Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 5?
Verdict – Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord 5?
Nord 5 is a classy-looking phone with a glass-backed design. The big 144Hz AMOLED display and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor makes it a perfect smartphone for gamers. It is bright, sharp and super smooth. The cameras are reliable and the battery life is solid with 80W charging support (you get the 80W adapter inside the box). OxygenOS 15 keeps everything fast and fluid. Basically, Nord 5 feels like a well-rounded phone.
So, if you’re looking for a phone that feels like flagship-level in hand and has all the basics right, the OnePlus Nord 5 should be worth considering.
Reasons To Buy
Reasons To Buy
For gaming
For streaming
Classy, minimalist design
Solid battery life and charging
Reasons Not to Buy
Camera could have been better
Build quality isn’t optimal
Alternatives
iQOO Neo 10 – ₹31,998
iQOO Neo 10 – ₹31,998
POCO F7 – ₹31,999
POCO F7 – ₹31,999
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – ₹30,999
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – ₹30,999
vivo V50 – ₹34,999
vivo V50 – ₹34,999
FAQs
Q1. What is the starting price of the OnePlus Nord 5 in India?
Answer. OnePlus Nord 5 launched in India at the starting price of ₹31,999.
Q2. What memory and storage variants are available for the OnePlus Nord 5?
Answer. Memory variants include 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB.
Q3. Which colour options are available for the OnePlus Nord 5?
Answer. It’s available in three colour variants: Marble Sands, Dry Ice, and Phantom Grey.
Q4. What are the camera specs of the OnePlus Nord 5?
Answer. Dual rear camera, 50MP Sony LYT-700 CMOS + 8MP OV08D10 Ultrawide and Front camera is a 50MP SAMSUNG ISOCELL JN5.
Q5. Which processor powers the OnePlus Nord 5?
Answer. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform.
Infinix Smart 10 launched in India at the affordable price of ₹6,799.
It features a 6.67″ 120Hz LCD display, Unisoc T7250 SoC, Android 15, 8MP front & rear cameras and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging.
It will be available via Flipkart starting August 2 in Titanium Silver, Sleek Black, Iris Blue and Twilight Gold colours.
Caption – Infinix Smart 10 has been officially launched in India. (Image credit – Infinix)
Infinix Smart 10 has been launched in India, positioning it as an entry-level 4G smartphone and the direct successor to the Smart 9. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the phone packs a range of notable features. Here’s more about the phone.
Infinix Smart 10 – Key Features
The Smart 10 is equipped with a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display featuring a punch-hole design, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 700 nits of peak brightness. On the back, it houses an 8-megapixel main camera with a dual-LED flash and a secondary depth sensor.
For selfies and video calls, the phone includes an 8-megapixel front camera with LED flash, capable of recording in 2K resolution.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset coupled with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Users can expand storage by up to 2TB via a microSD card. Additionally, it supports 4GB of virtual RAM.
The Smart 10 runs Android 15 with Infinix’s custom XOS 15 skin on top. Fueling the device is a 5,000mAh battery that supports 15W wired fast charging along with reverse charging capabilities.
Other notable features include stereo speakers tuned with DTS, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio and an infrared sensor. The phone also carries an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. It weighs 187g and has dimensions of 165.62 x 77.01 x 8.25mm.
Infinix Smart 10 – Price and Availability in India
The Infinix Smart 10 is priced at ₹6,799 for the single 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant.
It will be available in four colour options, which are Titanium Silver, Sleek Black, Iris Blue and Twilight Gold. The sale will begin via Flipkart on August 2.
FAQs
Q1. What is the display specification of the Infinix Smart 10?
Answer. The phone features a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD punch-hole display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 700 nits of peak brightness.
Q2. What chipset powers the Infinix Smart 10 and how much storage does it offer?
Answer. It’s powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset, paired with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card. It also supports 4GB of virtual RAM.
Q3. What are the camera features of the Infinix Smart 10?
Answer. It includes an 8MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and a secondary depth sensor, along with an 8MP front camera with LED flash capable of recording in 2K resolution.
Q4. What is the price and availability of the Infinix Smart 10 in India?
Answer. The phone is priced at ₹6,799 for the 4GB + 64GB variant and will be available via Flipkart starting August 2 in four colours: Titanium Silver, Sleek Black, Iris Blue, and Twilight Gold.
iQOO officially confirms the name iQOO Z10 Turbo+ and reveals key specs like Dimensity 9400+ SoC, 16GB RAM and Android 15.
Leaked specs point to a massive 8,000mAh battery and possible 90W fast charging.
The phone is expected to offer a 6.78″ 1.5K AMOLED display (144Hz, 4,400 nits) and a familiar triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor.
iQOO Z10 Turbo for reference. (Image credit – iQOO)
iQOO is expected to expand its Z10 Turbo series with a new model later this year, the iQOO Z10 Turbo+. While earlier leaks referred to the device as the Z10 Turbo Pro+, it has now been officially confirmed by iQOO’s Z-series product manager Chengzi that the upcoming phone will be launched under the name iQOO Z10 Turbo+.
In addition to confirming the name, Chengzi also revealed that the phone will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset and will include a massive 8,000mAh battery. She noted that the device is being introduced with the aim of challenging the industry’s highest benchmark scores.
Spotted on Geekbench
Ahead of the official reveal, a device believed to be the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro+ (or iQOO Z10 Turbo+) was spotted on Geekbench with the model number Vivo V2507A. This leak was highlighted in an X (formerly Twitter) post by Anvin @ZionsAnvin.
model number Vivo V2507A has appeared on Geekbench. (Image credit – Anvin on X)
The listing suggests the device may feature an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC, 16GB of RAM, and boot Android 15-based OriginOS.
According to Geekbench results, the phone achieved 2,916 points in single-core tests and 8,907 points in multi-core tests.
Battery and Charging Specifications (Expected)
As the X tipster claimed that the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro+ could be equipped with an 8,000mAh battery. Supporting this, well-known tipster Whylab stated on Weibo that the device may offer 90W fast charging. He further suggested that a combination of 8,000mAh battery with around 100W fast charging could become standard for flagship smartphones by 2026.
While the Turbo+ model introduces a larger battery and upgraded chipset, it is expected to retain several features from the current Z10 Turbo lineup. The existing iQOO Z10 Turbo and Z10 Turbo Pro, launched in China back in April, come with 7,620mAh and 7,000mAh batteries respectively.
The iQOO Z10 Turbo+ is likely to feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with up to 144Hz refresh rate and 4,400 nits peak brightness. In terms of cameras, it may mirror the Turbo Pro model, sporting a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 16-megapixel front shooter.
More details about the iQOO Z10 Turbo+ are expected to surface in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q1. What is the official name of the upcoming iQOO smartphone?
Answer. The device will be launched under the name iQOO Z10 Turbo+, as confirmed by iQOO’s Z-series product manager Chengzi.
Q2. What are the key performance specs of the iQOO Z10 Turbo+?
Answer. It is expected to feature the Dimensity 9400+ chipset, 16GB of RAM, and run Android 15-based OriginOS. Geekbench results showed scores of 2,916 (single-core) and 8,907 (multi-core).
Q3. What battery and charging features are expected in the Z10 Turbo+?
Answer. The device may come with an 8,000mAh battery and support 90W fast charging, with suggestions that such specs could become standard for flagships by 2026.
iPadOS 26 adds Mac-like windowing, a redesigned dock, Liquid Glass visuals, new apps (Journal, Apple Games) and enhanced multitasking.
macOS Tahoe 26 public beta is live for Apple silicon Macs and some Intel models.
All updates can be accessed via Apple’s Beta Software Program with official rollout set for fall 2025.
Apple Releases iOS 26 Public Beta Alongside iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and More. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has officially released the public betas for all of its upcoming software updates. Users can try them out by enrolling their supported devices via Apple’s Beta Software Program website. Once enrolled, eligible devices will prompt users to download and install the latest beta versions.
The newly available public betas include iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and HomePod Software 26. The version number “26” aligns with the calendar year 2026, when these updates are set to be publicly released in September 2025. While the numbering may seem unusual, it does bring consistency across Apple’s operating systems.
Apple also adds a public beta FAQ, “Please note that since the beta software has not yet been commercially released by Apple, it may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software. Make sure you back up your iPhone or iPad and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software. (…) Install the beta software only on non-production devices that are not business critical. We strongly recommend installing on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac.”
Apple Issues Revised iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 4 for Developers
Apple Issues Revised iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 4 for Developers. (Image credit – Apple)
Alongside the public beta rollout, Apple has also released a revised version of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 4 for developers. This marks the second revision of a developer beta for iOS 26, following an earlier tweak to iOS 26 beta 1 for specific iPhone models.
The updated iOS 26 developer beta 4 changes the build number from 23A5297i to 23A5297m. This update coincides with the first public beta availability of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
According to Apple, iOS 26 “delivers a stunning new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, new ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.”
iOS 26 beta 2 introduced several UI enhancements, including better Control Centre legibility, improved Safari menu structure, and new accessibility features like borders in High Contrast Mode. In beta 3, Apple added opaqueness to some previously transparent tab bars and introduced new wallpaper colour options, changes that were later reversed in the beta 4 version 1.
iOS 26 Compatibility – Which iPhones Will Get It?
Not all iPhones will be able to run iOS 26. Unlike iOS 18, which supported the same devices as iOS 17, this year brings some notable drops in compatibility.
iPhones that will not support iOS 26:
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
These models were supported by iOS 18 but have now been excluded from iOS 26.
Here is the complete list of iPhones that will support iOS 26:
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 and 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 and 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
Even if your device is supported, it might not get the full feature set. Just as Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 were limited to newer hardware, the same applies to iOS 26. AI-based features will be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, as well as the entire iPhone 16 series. Other limitations may apply to non-AI features too.
How to Install the iOS 26 Public Beta?
The iOS 26 public beta brings early access to new features like Liquid Glass, updates to Messages, and more. Installing it is simple and free –
Go to Apple’s Beta Software Program website and sign in using your Apple ID.
On your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap General, and then tap Software Update.
Tap Beta Updates and choose iOS 26 Public Beta.
After a few minutes, the download and install option for iOS 26 should appear. The official rollout for iOS 26 and the rest of the software lineup is expected in fall 2025.
Apple Releases Public Betas for watchOS 26
Apple Releases Public Betas for watchOS 26. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has officially released the first public beta of watchOS 26, giving Apple Watch users early access to the next major update ahead of its official fall launch. While the most noticeable design change may be the limited use of Liquid Glass elements, the real innovation lies in deeper integration with Apple Intelligence for smarter workouts and more intuitive communication.
watchOS 26 – What’s New?
The Liquid Glass visual style appears in select areas such as Smart Stack widgets, Control Center tiles, and system components like the passcode screen, navigation UI, and notification banners. Apple has also added a Liquid Glass digital clock option for the Photos watch face, similar to the iPhone’s Lock Screen.
A standout feature in watchOS 26 is Workout Buddy, a voice-based coaching assistant powered by Apple’s generative AI. It uses your personal workout data to provide real-time, contextual motivation.
Smart Stack also becomes more intelligent with the introduction of Smart Stack hints. For instance, if your watch detects you’re near your iPhone’s camera or in a dark space, it can surface relevant widgets such as the camera remote or flashlight.
In the Messages app, Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, can now automatically translate messages and replies in real time. Smart Replies also benefit from improved on-device processing and better context awareness.
watchOS 26 expands the double-tap gesture by introducing wrist flick, a quick flip of the wrist away from you can now dismiss notifications, silence calls, or close the Smart Stack.
iPadOS 26 Public Beta Now Available
Caption – iPadOS 26 Public Beta Now Available. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has also rolled out the public beta of iPadOS 26, allowing iPad users to preview its extensive software updates.
How to Install iPadOS 26 Public Beta?
To get started, users need to sign up at Apple’s Beta Software Program via beta.apple.com. After enrollment, the update becomes available through the iPad’s Settings app.
It’s important to note that the public beta may still contain bugs and performance issues, as the final release is not due until September.
Key Features in iPadOS 26
Mac-like windowing system and a new menu bar
Upgrades to the dock – Add Folders from Files app and Option to keep the dock always visible
Liquid Glass design touches
Enhanced Files app with Custom folder icons/colours, Resizable columns and collapsible folders, File association settings, including default app selection
New system cursor replaces the round blob with a pointer-style cursor
Support for Background Tasks with Live Activities
New audio recording tools
Four new apps: Journal, Apple Games, Preview, and Phone
Updates to core apps like Messages, Music, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Maps, Passwords, Shortcuts, and Clock
iPadOS 26 Device Compatibility
Most iPads supported by iPadOS 18 will also get iPadOS 26, with the 7th-generation iPad being the only model dropped.
