12 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Skip to main content

Smartwatch

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
So what’s new about the Galaxy Watch 6 series?

Since we got into the specs in our hands-on video for the Galaxy Watch 6, we took a different approach with our review video. Basically, we wanted to see what’s actually new, how well the watch works when paired to a non-Samsung phone, and whether battery life has improved.

And as always, if you want more in-depth dive you can read my written review and my experience with the Galaxy Watch 6’s new Thermo Check app.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series review: refined, but not revolutionary
Play

Samsung focuses on refining a tried-and-true formula, but how much longer can it afford to coast?

Victoria Song
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Soon, there might be a lot more devices with fast-charging Apple Watch pucks.

Accessory manufacturers have until August 31, 2023 to submit product plans that include the original C162 slow-charging module to Apple for approval. But September 30, 2023 is the final date to order that version and afterwards, all new accessories then will be forced to use the updated C962 Fast Charge module.

I wonder if this will apply to Apple’s MagSafe Duo?

Garmin Fenix 7S Pro review: too much of the same

8

Verge Score

The Fenix lineup feels a bit superfluous now that the Epix Pro is here. The flashlight still rocks, though.

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Samsung’s new fabric Galaxy Watch strap looks familiar...

That’s because it’s basically Apple’s nylon Sport Loop. I know, because I tried one on last week. It’s also got a one-click button mechanism which makes it much much much easier to swap out straps. Plus, they’re backward compatible with older Galaxy Watches.

Apple’s Sport Loop is my go-to recommendation for Apple Watch buyers and I’m pretty sure this fabric band will be my go-to rec for Samsung Galaxy Watch users too.

A blue and purple fabric strap side by side
Photo by Owen Grove / The Verge
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is all about the bezels
Play

The Classic’s rotating bezel is back — and the display bezels are a lot thinner all around. Oh, and here comes Wear OS 4.

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
If you want widgets on your Apple Watch...

You’ll either have to wait until September or you can dive headfirst into the watchOS 10 public beta that dropped last week.

Apple described this as a “milestone” update at WWDC, and I can see why. On top of widgets, watchOS 10 reimagines how you interact with the watch’s controls and apps. I get into the nitty gritty in my preview, and if you’re interested in trying it out yourself, here’s a guide on how to get started.

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Can I get a temperature check on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6?

Quite literally, yes. Hot on the heels of Meta releasing a WhatsApp Wear OS app, Samsung said today that “upcoming Galaxy Watch devices” will get a Thermo Check app. Given that Unpacked is next week... that’s definitely a reference to the Galaxy Watch 6.

The app will use the watch’s infrared sensors to let you check the temperature of your surroundings — like swimming pools and the food you’re about to eat. Is it a little gimmicky? Sure. Nevertheless, I’m absolutely going to do my best Inspector Gadget impression when I use the watch to check how hot my coffee is.

watchOS 10 preview: widgets all the way down

watchOS 10 rethinks how you’ll interact with the Apple Watch — and would ya look at that, Apple finally did something about the app grid.

Victoria Song
The best Fourth of July deals you can still getThe best Fourth of July deals you can still get
Sheena Vasani and Brandon Widder
Barbara Krasnoff
Barbara Krasnoff
If you’re buying new Apple devices, do you really want to keep your old ones?

Apple recently announced a lot of nifty new hardware, and if you’re preparing to update your equipment, you may want to make room by trading-in your old Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Watch. We have a guide for how to wipe your device, and where you can trade it in for credit or cash.

How to trade in your MacBook, macOS desktop, iPhone, or iPad

Cameron Faulkner and Barbara Krasnoff
How to trade in your MacBook, macOS desktop, iPhone, or iPadHow to trade in your MacBook, macOS desktop, iPhone, or iPad
Cameron Faulkner and Barbara Krasnoff
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Are you ready for a clear smartwatch?

It could be nothing, but Nothing may be working on a smartwatch. All we have to go on is a trademark and product certification listing, and since Nothing is known for its clear gadgets... you’d think a Nothing smartwatch would follow suit.

But how exactly do you make a clear smartwatch look cool? You can’t see through an OLED display or the battery. What about light leakage from optical sensors? It wouldn’t just be clear straps, could it? All I know is if it’s not as cool as the clear Swatch, it’ll give new meaning to “nothing to see here.”

Garmin Epix Pro review: smaller size, bigger appeal (and a flashlight!)

I felt kind of meh toward the second-gen Epix, but I really do get the appeal now thanks to the smaller Pro.

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Samsung’s irregular heart rhythm monitoring is coming to more countries.

Galaxy Watches were already capable of taking EKGs, but those are just spot checks. This feature is more passive, and works in the background to detect signs you may have atrial fibrillation.

Samsung already got FDA clearance for this feature last month, but now it’s got Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to sign off too. Plus, it’ll be introduced to 11 more countries across South America, Europe, and the Middle East whenever the One UI 5 Watch update arrives later this year. (Check out the entire list here.)

That’s 13 countries! No small feat when you think about how tedious regulatory clearance is.