September 2026 cell phone news

News Apple's iPhone AI Settlement Opens Claims: $25 Baseline, $95 Cap

Claims are open in Apple's $250 million Siri settlement. Seven iPhone models qualify, the presumptive payment is $25 a device, and the deadline is Dec. 21.

Phones Android 17 QPR1 Gives Pixel Mute and VPN Icons a New Look

9to5Google reports stable Android 17 QPR1 swaps the Pixel mute icon for a bell and thickens the VPN icon. Google's September bulletin documents neither.

Phones iPhone 18 Pro's $34.99 Option Is a Lease, Not a Purchase

The iPhone 18 Pro reached U.S. stores Sept. 18. Apple’s $34.99 starting option is a Klarna lease, not a purchase; keeping the phone requires payment.

Phones Activated iPhone 18 Pro Max Needs Battery Drain Before Shipping

Apple says an activated iPhone 18 Pro Max must run Prepare to Ship before you mail it for repair, trade-in, or return — and the charge cap lasts 14 days.

Phones Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Starts at $1,999, Available Oct. 23

Apple's first foldable iPhone starts at $1,999, with preorders October 16 and availability October 23. Its two advertised monthly prices are different deals.

Phones iPhone 18 Pro Starts at $1,199, and U.S. Models Are eSIM-Only

Apple announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on September 9. Preorders open September 12 at $1,199 and $1,299 — and U.S. models need an eSIM-capable carrier.

MVNOs Optimum Says Some Devices May Need Migration in T-Mobile 5G Move

Optimum's expanded T-Mobile deal adds 5G Standalone access, with full launch expected in early 2027. Some devices will require an unspecified migration plan.

Deals Mint’s Reported $135 Pairing Has No Stated Five-Year Price Lock

Gizmodo reports a $135 three-month Mint phone-and-internet pairing; Mint shows the component prices but does not label it a formal bundle.

Deals T-Mobile’s $0 iPhone 17 Needs an $830 Trade, Up to 36 Months

T-Mobile offers up to $830 in iPhone 17 bill credits over as many as 36 months. A $0 net price requires a full-value trade and continued eligibility.