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Getting a new phone usually means paying for it, one way or another. But right now, T-Mobile is handing out some of the biggest names in the mobile game — the iPhone 17, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 11, Razr, and more — On Us, for $0 upfront. And you don't necessarily need a trade-in to get there — some of these deals just require a new line, or a new line plus porting in your number from another carrier.
The catch is that "On Us" here means the cost is paid off through monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months. As long as you stick around for the whole term, you'll never pay for the device itself. Switch carriers or downgrade early, though, and the rest of the balance comes due right away.
Our favorite free phone deal at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free with any-condition trade-in on Experience Beyond (up to 36 months of bill credits). No trade-in? Still free with a new line and port-in on Experience Beyond or Experience More. Get Deal Why we like itWhat makes the iPhone 17 Pro deal stand out is how many paths there are to finding real value:
Any trade-in + Experience Beyond: Free, no conditions on the trade-in's condition
No trade-in, but porting your number: Still free with a new line on Experience Beyond or Experience More
On a 55+, Military, First Responder, or Student Perks plan: Up to $900 off with trade-in (new line/port-in required on the discounted plans, trade-in alone works on Experience Beyond)
Trade-in only, no new line, on Experience More/Beyond: Up to $830 off
New line + trade-in on most plans: Up to $730 off
Trade-in on a savings-tier Experience Beyond plan: Up to $630 off
Trade-in on most other plans: Up to $300 off
Legacy Simple Choice plan + trade-in: Up to $150 off
Switching carriers and porting your number: An extra $800 back via prepaid Mastercard, stackable with your device discount
Bottom line: whatever your current T-Mobile setup looks like, there's almost certainly a version of this deal that gets you to $0 or close enough.
It's rare to see this many flagship phones from so many different brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola — all free on the same carrier at the same time. If any of these phones have been on your radar, this is about as good a moment as you're likely to get to make the jump for free.
The Moon is getting brighter with each passing night. Its illuminated side is gradually growing on the right side (left, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere) as it moves through the Waxing Crescent phase of its lunar cycle.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Wednesday, Aug. 19, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Crescent phase, with 42% of its surface visible.
Without any visual aids, tonight you can see the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis and Fecunditatis. With binoculars you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater, Posidonus Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. A telescope will also help you spot the Apollo 17 and 16 landing spots, as well as the Rupes Altai.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.
What are Moon phases?The Moon goes through a series of phases that cause its appearance to change as seen from Earth. As the Moon orbits Earth, it goes through a lunar cycle that takes about 29.5 days to complete, according to NASA. The positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon determine how much of the Moon’s illuminated side is visible from Earth, creating its different phases. Throughout the cycle, the Moon changes from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before repeating the cycle once more.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 19, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsNumber (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsLess Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsNumber (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like hot dogs.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For better or wurst...The words are related to hot dogs.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe toppings on a hot dog.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
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NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Top dogs.
NYT Strands word list for August 19Mustard
Onion
Relish
Ketchup
Sauerkraut
Cheese
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Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a preference between charcoal or natural gas.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 17, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Cooking BBQ in this.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one letter that appears twice.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
GRILL
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're familiar with the theater.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 17, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Easy
Green: Hide
Blue: Sounds like a sport
Purple: Could be a movie
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Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Piece of Cake
Green: Conceal
Blue: Words before “ball” in sport names
Purple: Homophones of CGI-animated films
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #1164 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayPiece of Cake: BREEZE, CINCH, PICNIC, SNAP
Conceal: BLANKET, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE
Words before “ball” in sport names: BASE, BASKET, FOOT, PICKLE
Homophones of CGI-animated films: ANTS, COCOA, RHEO, SEOUL
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
TL;DR: Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for $24.99 (reg. $49.99) and combine charging, data transfer and several handy travel tools in one compact cable.
Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $24.99Carrying a charging cable is already a necessity for most people, so GoCable tries to make that one piece of gear do considerably more. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable combines charging, data transfer, and several built-in tools in a compact design, and it’s currently $24.99 (reg. $49.99).
The cable supports up to 100W charging, making it suitable for everything from phones to laptops when paired with a compatible wall adapter or power bank. Universal connectors support USB-C-to-USB-C and Apple Lightning devices, while an LED display provides a quick look at charging status. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable contained instead of turning the inside of your bag into a knot factory.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The extras are what make this more of an everyday-carry gadget than a standard charging cable. A built-in bottle opener handles one common travel problem, while a concealed safety cutter can help open packages without requiring another tool. There’s also a carabiner clip for attaching the cable to a bag or belt, plus support for high-speed data transfers when you need to move files between compatible devices.
That combination is great for travelers, commuters, and creators who already carry several devices and want to consolidate some of their gear. A photographer, for example, could keep the cable handy for charging a camera or other equipment while also having a way to transfer files. It’s also small enough to keep attached to a backpack or keyring, so it doesn’t disappear into the bottom of a bag.
GoCable takes the familiar charging-cable concept and adds tools that don’t need their own space in your bag. Just keep in mind that the charging source isn’t included, so you’ll still need a compatible power adapter or power bank.
For anyone looking to simplify their everyday carry, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is available for $24.99 (reg. $49.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.
TL;DR: Get six courses and six hours of Claude & ChatGPT project management training for $19.99 (reg. $97).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpertEase Global Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle $19.99AI is becoming another tool in the project manager’s toolbox, but knowing how to use it effectively is a different matter. The Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle focuses on practical workflows with six courses and six hours of training, and it’s on sale right now for $19.99 (reg. $97).
The bundle covers project management fundamentals, as well as specific ways to use ChatGPT and Claude throughout a project’s lifecycle. You’ll learn how to create project plans, define objectives and deliverables, build timelines and milestones, and break larger projects into manageable tasks with work breakdown structures.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!A dedicated prompt engineering course also covers techniques for getting more useful responses from generative AI tools. That matters when you’re asking an AI assistant to work with project information because the quality of the output depends heavily on how the request is structured.
The training also gets into some of the less exciting parts of project management. ChatGPT and Claude can be used to help prepare meeting agendas and minutes, write status reports, organize action items, identify risks and dependencies, and develop mitigation strategies. The goal is to reduce repetitive planning and documentation work while leaving the actual project decisions to the person managing the work.
Team leads can use the workflows for coordination and delegation, while consultants and operations professionals can apply them to client projects and internal processes. Professionals preparing for project management roles can also use the training to build familiarity with AI-assisted workflows that are increasingly becoming part of modern workplace tools.
This bundle focuses on two widely used AI assistants and the tasks project professionals actually handle. Instead of learning how to use ChatGPT or Claude in the abstract, you’ll work through applications tied to planning, scheduling, communication, and project delivery.
For $19.99 (reg. $97), the Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle offers six hours of focused training for anyone looking to bring AI into their project workflow without spending hours figuring out where to start.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The stray SpaceX rocket that crashed into the moon about two weeks ago created a fresh crater wider than an NBA basketball court and up to 10 feet deep, NASA says.
The measurements come from the space agency's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which circles the moon from pole to pole every two hours. But getting images and data of the impact, which happened on Aug. 5, took six days because the spacecraft had to wait for the hole to slowly rotate back into view as the lunar surface turned beneath it.
NASA wanted these images to hone its ability to pinpoint fast-moving objects that slam into the moon — a dress rehearsal that could help protect future astronaut crews by improving how quickly and accurately it can track impact risks.
SEE ALSO: Bright planets can blind the Webb telescope. A fix is coming.The rocket made moonfall near Einstein Crater, close to the boundary between the lunar near and far sides.
Getting the images was a bit of a threading-the-needle exercise. Engineers tilted the orbiter so its camera pointed at the predicted zone each time it passed overhead, while the spacecraft raced along at about a mile per second.
"If the camera snapped even 10 seconds too early or too late, the target would drift off-center by 10 miles," according to the agency.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The roughly four-ton Falcon 9 upper stage hit the moon after spending more than a year wandering through space. The crash wasn't planned — shifts in solar activity and gravity slowly nudged the empty rocket onto a lunar collision path.
The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Jan. 2025 with two commercial lunar landers: Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience. After it released both spacecraft, the used booster stayed in space as intended instead of heading back to Earth. Blue Ghost went on to make a successful lunar landing, a first for a privately built spacecraft, while Resilience crashed during its own landing attempt.
In a statement earlier this month, SpaceX said the collision wasn't intentional and that the company works "to be as responsible as possible with hardware left in space to ensure space safety."
The new NASA photos show the crater under different lighting conditions as the sun's position changed from one orbit to the next. In some shots, the crater rim stands out sharply, letting scientists measure its 60-foot width. Based on the length of the crater's shadow, scientists could also estimate its depth.
The orbiter took images of the crater from different angles, showing older, darker, weathered surface material and brighter debris blasted up from deeper underground around it. Credit: NASA Goddard / Intuitive MachinesThe images also reveal a mix of bright and dark streaks fanning out from the hole. The darker rays are made of older, "weathered" lunar dust and rocks that space radiation and tiny meteorites have altered over time. The collision dug this material up from just over a foot below the surface. The brighter rays closer to the rim come from more pristine material blasted out from deeper underground.
NASA didn't find the crash site on its own, and it wasn't the first orbiter to get shots of it. Independent astronomers used public data to trace the rocket's path. Then, NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, which tracks objects that could pose a risk to Earth, refined the predicted impact zone.
The NASA center passed the information along to South Korea's Danuri orbiter team, which released its orbiter images on Aug. 6. The South Korean scientists sent the precise coordinates back to NASA so that it could home in on the rocket's final resting place.
The latest macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta is here and the big news isn't a software update or a new Mac feature — it's references made to new yet-to-be-announced Apple products.
Earlier today, Mashable covered the biggest highlight the internet is buzzing about: A video demo in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta that appears to show a user demonstrating how new AirPods with cameras will work.
However, AirPods with cameras aren't the only unreleased Apple products alluded to in the new macOS beta release. In fact, there is a slew of new Apple products mentioned throughout the beta.
SEE ALSO: Apple Siri AI settlement: When eligible iPhone users can receive up to $95Unlike the AirPods with cameras video, most of these unreleased product mentions are just references to codenames but they still give a good idea of what's to come, possibly as soon as Apple's big iPhone event in September.
Sticking with Apple headphones, the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta references what appear to be a fourth-generation AirPods Pro. Along with AirPods Pro 4 are references to codenames which could refer to two upcoming Beats headphones. And there may be more than one model of AirPods with cameras too. The macOS Beta references two separate codenames attached with camera AirPods projects.
With the annual iPhone event just weeks away, it should come as no surprise that there are references to the upcoming new line of Apple smartphones. And the codenames here all match up with the ones previously uncovered in the iOS 27 beta 5 system files. The referenced iPhones here include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the long-rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 base model, and iPhone Air 2.
Also found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta are references to an assortment of Apple home products. Codenames mentioned in the macOS beta have been linked to different versions of Apple's new Home Hub as well as "Pebble," the homeOS operating system that runs on the Home Hub device. There are also codenames connected to the new HopePod mini, a potential Apple home security device, and a rumored "tabletop robot" product.
Codenames linked to a new Apple TV remote, two new (possibly water resistant) iPad mini devices, and a new Vision Pro headset are references in the macOS beta too.
Of course, the whole reason we're talking about these upcoming Apple products right now is thanks to the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta, so it seems fitting that there would be some unreleased Mac-related mentions. The macOS beta references codenames for two new iMac Models. There's also references to four new MacBook Pro models, which could possibly be the higher-end OLED MacBook Pros that Apple is reportedly working on. Finally, there's a reference to a codename that seems to be a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that will be powered by Apple's upcoming M6 chip.
It should be noted that the products that have been mentioned here have all been previously tied to codenames references in the macOS beta. There are dozens more codenames mentioned in this new beta that reference unknown new Apple products as well.
We'll have to see what Apple has up its sleeve, starting with the iPhone event in September.
If you're looking forward to your Siri AI settlement check of up to $95 from Apple, it looks like you'll be waiting a little while longer.
Apple's settlement in the Siri AI-related class action lawsuit received preliminary approval last month. According to a new court document, the final approval hearing is now scheduled for February 24, 2027. That's actually seven months earlier than the previous date of September 29, 2027, but payments still won't arrive anytime soon. Once the court approves the settlement at that hearing, payments typically take a few months to reach consumers — specifically, until any appeals are resolved and eligible claims are processed.
SEE ALSO: Siri AI beta available now: 7 things to tryIn 2024, Apple heavily promoted its new Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized, AI-powered version of Siri. However, those Siri features were apparently not ready for release and Apple delayed them. Multiple class action lawsuits were filed against Apple alleging that the company promoted these AI features as a major reason to buy the new iPhone. These lawsuits were eventually combined into a single class action lawsuit.
In May 2026, Apple reached a $250 million settlement while admitting no wrongdoing.
According to the agreement, qualified consumers will receive anywhere from approx. $25 to $95 dollars, although that amount could rise or fall depending on the number of claims and other factors.
To qualify, a consumer must have purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025.
SEE ALSO: The New Siri AI Is Great if You Do These Things FirstAs of now, the settlement's claims website has not gone live, so there is nothing eligible consumers need to do yet. Potential class members are expected to receive instructions by email or mail once claims open.
Apple finally unveiled Siri AI at this year's WWDC, and the revamped assistant is currently being tested in iOS 27 betas. Apple says it will will finally become more broadly available as a beta later this year. However, those delays turned out to be costly for Apple.
NFL fans noticed something unusual at training camp this year: The quarterbacks were doing an awful lot of canoodling.
Within days of one another, cameras captured Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert getting cozy with fiancée and singer Madison Beer, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sitting on the field with rumored girlfriend and model Olivia Ponton, and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart sharing a "quiet moment" with girlfriend and influencer Marissa Ayers.
"Wtf is going on?" one X user asked. "Why are all these QBs hanging out with their girlfriends at practice? Or if this always happened then why is it just now always making the broadcast?"
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.As it turns out, the pattern was not entirely a coincidence.
The viral moments are part of a larger content campaign designed to reach women and younger viewers, a source close to the NFL told Front Office Sports. The push falls under the league’s "helmets-off" strategy, which focuses on players’ personalities and personal lives rather than only what happens on the field.
"Whether it’s training camp, weekly practice or a major event like the Super Bowl, we look for authentic opportunities to highlight our players and the people who are part of their journey," Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social and influencer marketing, told FOS. "The content is authentic, genuine and relatable, and that’s resonated strongly with women and young fans, who are key growth audiences for the NFL."
SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL preseason games: Streaming guideTo be clear, the highlighting of players' relationships does not necessarily mean the affection itself was staged. The Chargers told FOS that the team had not planned any formal content around Beer specifically. What was coordinated was the league’s decision to place more of these relationships in front of viewers.
The business case is fairly obvious: Beer, Ponton, and Ayers collectively have more than 70 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, compared with the NFL’s combined 53 million. When the league reposted Beer and Herbert’s engagement photos, the Instagram post received more than 500,000 likes — roughly 10 times the engagement of an average NFL post. Women follow these women, and the NFL wants to capitalize on that interest.
The internet, however, had one small note for the league: Women can also just like football.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The criticism is not necessarily that women dislike celebrity relationships, fashion, or gossip. Plenty of people clearly enjoy the content, and a relationship can absolutely be the reason someone first becomes curious about a sport. Research cited by FOS found that 49 percent of Gen Z fans have become interested in a sport or athlete because of viral content or something outside the game, including an athlete’s relationship.
The problem is presenting WAG content — an acronym for "wives and girlfriends" — as the content for women. Women are already a massive part of the NFL audience: A poll published last year found that 41 percent of American women considered themselves NFL fans.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The financial incentive to keep that audience growing is enormous. The NFL generates an estimated $2.75 billion in retail sales from licensed consumer products each year, and attracting more women opens up new merchandise categories, brand partnerships, ticket buyers, and viewers whom advertisers want to reach. As one licensing expert told Front Office Sports, adding a demographic with disposable income gives the league "another gold mine to tap into."
Taylor Swift, of course, demonstrated how quickly attention surrounding a relationship can turn into business. Apex Marketing Group estimated that Swift generated nearly $1 billion in equivalent brand value for the NFL after she began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — a phenomenon known as the "Swift Effect." Seen from that perspective, the league’s WAG strategy is not difficult to understand. But amplifying other football couples does not guarantee that the NFL can recreate "the pop culture moment that Taylor and Travis had," as one X user put it.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Beer, Ponton, and Ayers bring tens of millions of their own followers, many of whom fall within the exact young female demographic the NFL wants to convert into regular viewers and consumers. If even a fraction begin watching games, buying jerseys, or following teams because of them, the campaign becomes very valuable.
The online backlash suggests the problem is not the NFL's commercial logic though, but the limited way it is applying it. Rather than investing primarily in better merchandise, women's perspectives on the sport, female creators, or access that treats women as knowledgeable fans, it risks falling back on the assumption that women need a romance plot to care about football at all.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.As Awful Announcing put it: "Remember when the NFL just made everything pink and called it a day for women? This is somehow even lazier."
Here's a piece of advice, from a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan: If the league truly wants to convert women into lifelong fans — and customers — it may need to offer them more than quarterbacks with girlfriends. Some of them, (breaking news!), are also interested in football.
Nobody online wants to be polyester right now.
That is not a compliment.
According to the Gen-Z lexicon, something "polyester" is a way of saying it feels cheap, mass-produced, low-effort, or inauthentic. It might look polished at first glance, but underneath the sheen, something about it feels artificial.
A generic influencer brand can be polyester. An overly polished video can be polyester. So can your relationship.
The insult draws on the fabric’s increasingly poor online reputation. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from plastic, and younger shoppers have spent years complaining about finding it in expensive clothing, purging it from their closets, and searching for cotton, wool, and other natural materials instead.
Polyester is not necessarily low-quality — different versions of the material have legitimate uses, including in performance clothing — but online fashion discourse often treats the word as shorthand for the cheap, shiny fabric associated with fast fashion. That made it particularly effective as an insult for anything that looks manufactured or disposable.
Where did the polyester meme come from?Before people had polyester lifestyles, TikTok had "polyester edits." The term emerged around a style of aggressively edited fan video featuring characters such as Spider-Man and Iron Man. The videos layer poses over rapidly flashing footage, usually accompanied by metallic music and enough visual effects to make CapCut beg for mercy.
According to Know Your Meme, examples of the editing style appeared as early as October 2025. A pretty chaotic Spider-Man edit posted the following month later resurfaced and went viral in the summer of 2026. Viewers began calling videos in the format "polyester edits" to suggest they were flashy but cheaply made.
The insult quickly escaped editing circles. Streamers and influencers selling 100 percent polyester merchandise have been mocked for it, with LowTierGod earning the nickname "the Polyester Prince." Creators have also parodied the stereotypical polyester wearer by assembling loud, all-over-print outfits involving galaxy pants, wolf shirts, and other relics of a deeply synthetic era.
From there, “polyester” became less about what something was made from and more about its overall spiritual composition.
The internet has a lot of ways to call you fakeThe term joins a growing collection of online insults for anything perceived as fake, generic, or painfully uncool. Someone adopting an identity for attention might be accused of "larping." A man carrying a tote bag and reading Joan Didion exclusively to impress women is "performative." A celebrity whose success feels suspiciously manufactured is an "industry plant," while a person with no original thoughts or tastes might be dismissed as an "NPC."
But wait, there's more! "Slop," the internet’s preferred term for low-quality content churned out in bulk, especially with AI. Calling someone the "Temu version" of another person makes them a cheaply produced imitation, while "corny" remains the remarkably durable verdict for anyone visibly trying too hard. "Cheugy," a personal favorite, similarly targets tastes that felt dated and overly curated, although using it now may itself be considered cheugy.
"Polyester" overlaps with all of them while adding a judgment about quality. Something can be genuine and still be polyester if it feels tacky, disposable, or assembled from whatever happens to be trending. It is "slop" with a fabric-composition label — or "Temu" without naming the store.
That makes it a useful insult for an internet increasingly filled with AI-generated posts, deepfakes, dropshipped products, and lifestyles seemingly designed by an algorithm. Of course, the more people use "polyester" to describe everything they dislike, the cheaper and more generic the insult itself will become.
Which would be extremely polyester.
The NFL's regular season is fast approaching, which is good news for fans and bad news for fans' spouses. It also means fantasy football season is gearing up, with drafts happening every day until the league kicks off on Sept. 9.
SEE ALSO: How to watch the Champions League online for freeNot every fantasy football platform requires a buy-in. For managers who just want to draft, talk trash with friends, and manage a roster without any money on the line, several major platforms remain free to use. Each of these platforms lets you build a full season-long league without spending a dime — the differences mostly come down to interface preference, customization depth, and how social you want the experience to be.
Here's a rundown of five options worth considering for the 2026 season.
ESPN Fantasy FootballESPN remains one of the most widely used fantasy platforms, and it costs nothing to create or join a league.
The app lets commissioners set up custom scoring and rules, and its recent interface overhaul has made managing a roster from a phone considerably easier. It's a solid default for casual leagues among coworkers or friends. It's also added a new "Knockout" League, a Survivor-style fantasy challenge in which the lowest-scoring team each week is eliminated until one team is left standing.
Yahoo! Fantasy FootballOne of the OG's of internet-based fantasy sports, Yahoo's fantasy app has been around since 2008 and continues to draw a loyal user base. (My Gen X parents still use Yahoo for their fantasy league). Leagues are free to create, and the platform supports several formats beyond standard season-long play, including Survival and Pick'em modes.
Deep customization options make it popular with groups that have played together for years and want specific league settings.
SleeperSleeper has become a go-to option for newer leagues. Particularly in the dynasty and social league space.
Creating and joining a league costs nothing, and the app's chat and notification features are designed to keep a league engaged throughout the year, not just on game day.
NFL Fantasy FootballThe NFL's own fantasy app is free and doesn't involve prize money or paid contests, making it a straightforward option for fans who want to play without any financial stakes attached.
It includes mock drafts, league-creation tools, and player-comparison features, along with behind-the-scenes content tied to real games.
CBS Sports Fantasy FootballCBS Sports offers a free, all-around season-long platform that has traditionally appealed to larger, deeper leagues. While it doesn't have the same market share as ESPN or Yahoo, it remains a reliable, no-cost option for commissioners seeking an alternative.
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SAVE $400.99: As of August 18, get the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone Robot Vacuum and Mop for $699 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099.99. That's a discount of 36%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone Robot Vacuum and Mop $699 at AmazonIf you're tired of constantly vacuuming and mopping up around your home, it might be time to let a robot vacuum handle all of that. Robot vacuums are a great way to save time and money, and you can do both with the right model. We've found one on sale that you can scoop up for a significant discount, and it can handle just about any task you throw at it.
As of August 18, get the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone Robot Vacuum and Mop for $699 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099.99. That's $400.99 off and a discount of 36%.
SEE ALSO: The best budget robot vacuums to buy in 2026, expert tested at homeThis heavy-duty robot vacuum and mop is ready to jump in and tackle any mess. Its Ozmo Roller 2.0 with TruEdge 3.0 cleaning system and nylon roller is all about scrubbing strength with 50% better edge versus the previous model. It can handle cleaning around walls and corners without breaking a sweat, so to speak. Plus, it uses 19,500Pa suction and a 100W motor to really get into the ground-in dirt and debris.
Anti-tangle brushes help you cut through pet fur and tangled human hair so that you don't get stuck in a certain spot. And when it's time to switch over to the mop, it can lift its own roller mop and carpets and raise brushes so that it doesn't unnecessarily get parts of your floor and carpet wet. All this, plus it can empty on its own and charge itself, so you really don't have to worry about anything it's doing except when it's scheduled to run.
If you're ready to let a robot tackle tidying up at home, this one is an excellent choice, ad it's on sale right now. It's time to give up the ghost and have robots step in for you.
A new pair of headphones can feel like a hack for a fresh start. Strolling down the street or hopping onto the train with headphones or earbuds that sound way better than your previous pair offers a brand new take on the world. If you'll be traveling soon, a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones is practically as important as the airplane ticket itself.
For years now, Beats has made excellent headphones. The lineup today features comfortable headphones for wearing all day, earbuds that stay put during workouts, and options that come in at affordable prices.
If you're thinking a new pair of headphones or earbuds is on the must-buy list during back-to-school season, Amazon has a handful of excellent Beats deals. Check out our favorites.
Best Beats headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at AmazonThe Beats Studio Pro won the honor of being named Mashable's favorite Beats headphones. Considering we awarded them this accolade when they were at full price of $350 means we love them even more when they're on sale for $170. They excel in ANC and have great sound quality, not to mention they get up to 40 hours of battery life or 24 hours with ANC turned on.
Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry reviewed the Beats Studio Pro and praised sound and performance. "The active noise cancelation is tremendous. My loud window air conditioner unit just a few feet away might as well not exist when I wear these babies," he wrote.
Best Beats earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Fit Pro $129.99 at AmazonIf you prefer the compact nature of earbuds over headphones, the Amazon has the Beats Fit Pro on sale for $129.99, down from the normal price of $199.95.
When the Apple launched the Beats Fit Pro in the fall of 2021, Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote, "Apple may not put its name directly on any Beats products, but the Beats Fit Pro are so much better than the new AirPods that maybe they should start doing that."
Perry found the Beats Fit Pro to unironically fit incredible well, never feeling like they were going to fall out. After wearing them for six hours straight, he had no complaints about the comfort.
Best Beats deal for working out Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at AmazonMashable's favorite earbuds for working out are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. Alex Bracetti reviewed the Powerbeats for six months, noting that the excellent fit, heart-rate monitoring, and long battery life are major highlights. According to Bracetti, the fit is excellent for workouts that see plenty of movement. "The Powerbeats Pro 2 perfect wireless audio athleticism. It starts with the signature ear hooks," he explained. "These are ideal for all workouts, especially running. I always use them when jogging fast-paced on the streets and treadmill. They wrap gently around the ear and lock on for a secure and stable fit that never slips out."
Getting 10 hours of playtime per charge and up to 45 hours with the included charging case, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are ready for fall workout routines.
SAVE $320: As of August 18, get the Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar for $679 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of 32%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar $679 at AmazonIf you watch a lot of movies or TV, you know the regular sound from your standard TV can be a bit lacking. A soundbar can punch it up considerably, so you need the right setup to get the best audio out of your media. If you need one to facilitate that, this deal at Amazon can help you get started without breaking the bank.
As of August 18, get the Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar for $679 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's $320 off and a discount of 32%.
SEE ALSO: The best soundbars for upgrading your home entertainmentThis soundbar covers a lot of ground. Not only does it offer great audio, but it can work as a Bluetooth speaker and surround system addition to your setup. It uses Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology to help separate sounds to place them in different parts of your room. That makes it sound as though you're right in the middle of what's going on on-screen.
It uses AI Dialogue Mode to help balance voice and music so you can actually hear what's going on clearly as well. If you're looking to hear the explosions and chatter of each scene, you'll appreciate the surround sound setup, too. There are six transducers and two custom-engineered upward-firing speakers as well, meant to fill your entire space.
If you're ready to improve your home audio tenfold with additional bass and clarity, this soundbar will be a welcome addition to your setup. And the best part is, you won't have to drain your savings to make it happen. Just be sure to get yours while it's still discounted.
The Mashable Big Guessing Game is back again for our third and final round. In the first round, we tried to guess the new name of macOS (only one person correctly predicted "Golden Gate"), and in the second round, we tried to predict whether a foldable iPhone or touchscreen Mac is coming this year (we still don't know!)
In our last round of the contest, we're focusing on the expected Apple event in September, where we expect to see a full new lineup of iPhone models, including the highly anticipated foldable iPhone. Will new CEO John Ternus appear on the roof of Apple Park? How much will the latest and greatest version of the iPhone Pro Max cost? If there is a foldable iPhone, what will Apple name it?
Make your predictions for September with five quick guesses, then sit back and watch the event to see how many you get right. Each correct guess earns you an additional chance of winning the grand prize, the latest edition of the new Apple Watch.
This final round of contest questions will run until 11:59 p.m. PT on Sept. 1.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the "CNET Group Big Guessing Game" Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.
Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.
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