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Spring is just around the corner, and that means that the iPhone 18 is almost within reach.

While we still have about six months left to wait to get our hands on Apple's latest mobile devices, the rumor mill is in full swing. 

Here's everything we know so far about what's (potentially) coming with the iPhone 18 lineup that's different from the current and previous models.

The iPhone Fold joins the family

The name "iPhone Fold" is not yet a guarantee, but an all-new iPhone line is pretty much a sure thing for September's big Apple event.

The iPhone Fold, Apple's first foldable smartphone, has been speculated about for years. However, over the past few months, there have been numerous leaks from respected reporters and other Apple insiders that seem to cement the iPhone Fold's impending arrival.

Everything from the iPhone Fold's design to a potential retail price has leaked at this point.

The latest reports point to the iPhone Fold functioning as an iPhone when closed and presenting very much like an iPad mini when opened up, with apps running side-by-side.

If the rumors surrounding why it took so long for Apple to develop a foldable device are accurate, the iPhone Fold will likely have no visible crease when opened.

The iPhone Fold will also likely have two rear 48MP cameras (main and wide-angle) and two selfie cameras, one for when the device is closed and another for when the device is unfolded.

iPhone 18 Pro's different Dynamic Island

A mistranslation of a leaker's report originally set off some controversy among Apple fans as it appeared the company was maybe looking to get rid of the iPhone 18 Pro's Dynamic Island feature.

The iPhone 18 Pro will very likely still have the Dynamic Island. However, based on the correctly translated leak, the iPhone 18 Pro model may have a redesigned Dynamic Island that's smaller than the base model's.

It's still unclear exactly what changes are coming to the pill-shape Dynamic Island design, but it seems like it will be a bit different from its predecessors.

Variable aperture

Photographers should rejoice if this comes to fruition. Recent leaks suggest that Apple will be upgrading the iPhone 18 Pro's main camera with a variable aperture.

Typically, smartphone cameras have a fixed aperture due to limitations in fitting everything into such a small device. However, with the expanded camera plateau that was introduced with the iPhone 17, Apple has more space to work with.

It appears Apple is looking to utilize this by adding a variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro. A variable aperture would allow users to increase or decrease the size of the hole that lets in light to the camera sensor.

This will allow iPhone 18 Pro users to take more stylized photos, like allowing blur or bokeh effects to occur directly within the camera instead of in post-processing. A variable aperture can also improve the camera's shutter speed and reduce noise in the images as well. 

iPhone in 'Deep Red'

According to a report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple is testing out a new "deep red" color for at least two upcoming iPhone models.

This would be the first iPhone in any shade of red since the iPhone 14 came in red as part of the (PRODUCT)RED lineup. 

Apple's new affordable laptop, the MacBook Neo, has been a hit with its new vibrant "fun" color offerings like Citrus and Blush. While Apple may consider some iPhone colors in a similar vein, Gurman says the iPhone Fold will likely only come in more traditional color variations like space gray or black.

The A20 and A20 Pro chipset

An all new-generation of iPhones means an all-new generation of Apple's mobile chipset. The A20 is expected to come to the iPhone 18 lineup, while the A20 Pro chip will be found in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

While specs are still unknown, the A20 and A20 Pro chipsets will certainly be more powerful, faster, and more efficient than their predecessors. This is thanks to the TSMC's 2nm process that the A20 will use.

According to MacRumors, TSMC uses Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, which means that the iPhone's RAM will be "integrated directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than the RAM being adjacent to the chip and connected via silicon interposer."

For users, the result of this technology is faster performance for many features, including Apple Intelligence, as well as increased battery life. This design also provides increased space within the iPhone for other technologies.

Analysts believe that the chipset will have 12GB of RAM embedded in it across the board. This means that the base model iPhone 18 would get an upgrade from last year's base model iPhone 17, which only had 8GB of RAM.

Along with the A20 chipset, the new iPhone 18 models will reportedly have a new N2 chip for increased Wi-FI and Bluetooth performance as well as a new C2 Modem, which will upgrade the iPhone's 5G and satellite connectivity.

Apple's next big-ish iOS update is purportedly just days away, and we finally have a good idea of what it will contain.

The update, officially called iOS 26.4, is expected to launch next week, per 9to5mac. Accordingly, Apple has released the latest beta with a list of new features you can expect. A lot of them are small and not particularly exciting, but here are the three that stood out to us the most.

SEE ALSO: iOS 27 update: Liquid Glass haters should prepare for disappointment New emoji Distorted face is really good. Credit: Unicode

Easily the most exciting new part of iOS 26.4 is the addition of several new emoji. These include a trombone, a funny distorted face that I'm sure will get used a lot online, a ballet dancer, an orca, and a sasquatch. I'm a big fan of the sasquatch, personally, but all of them are very good and will be welcome additions to the emoji portfolio.

SEE ALSO: Apple iOS 26.4 update: No Gemini-powered Siri yet, report suggests Apple Music enhancements

Apple made some enticing changes to Apple Music for iOS 26.4. First off, a new Concerts feature will help you find nearby shows for artists you listen to on a regular basis. Sure, you could also just Google that, but hey, might as well cut out the middleman.

There are also new automatically generated playlists based on user descriptions, as well as new full screen backgrounds for album and playlist pages. This isn't a massive overhaul for Apple Music by any means, but it should make the app better overall.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the MacBook Neo compares to older MacBook Airs Another change to Liquid Glass

Lastly, there's a small but hopefully helpful setting for Liquid Glass called "Reduce Motion." This will, naturally, reduce the intensity of UI animations for people who are sensitive to that sort of thing. This isn't a revolutionary change, but considering how many people still don't like Liquid Glass for a variety of reasons, this should hopefully give them some peace of mind.

Meta announced changes that effectively leave Mr. Zuckerberg’s vision of an immersive digital world based in virtual reality only on life support.

TL;DR: On March 19, fans can score a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations nationwide.

The birds are singing, the temperature is climbing, and yes, that is the sun you can see peeping through the clouds. Spring is here, and so is Free Cone Day.

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is making a triumphant return in 2026. On March 19, you can celebrate this special occasion by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations. Simply stop by your local DQ restaurant to score this delicious treat — there's really no catch.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

We recommend visiting Dairy Queen or downloading the Dairy Queen App to find a local restaurant that's participating. Now that the day is here, you don't want to be messing around looking for a restaurant. You want to be prepared. On Free Cone Day, the focus should be on free ice cream and nothing else.

The promotion runs all day while supplies last and there's a limit of one free cone per person. This free giveaway is not valid on delivery or mobile orders and it's worth noting that U.S. Mall locations require a purchase to qualify.

Celebrate Dairy Queen's Cone Day with a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 19.

Apple's AppleCare One is perhaps the best way to keep your Apple gadgets insured, especially if you're deeply invested in Apple's product ecosystem. Unfortunately for Europeans, the feature — which launched in the U.S. in July 2025 — wasn't available to them, but this might change soon.

MacRumors noticed that the AppleCare One trademark was registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on Thursday. While this doesn't necessarily indicate that Apple is about to launch the product in the EU, it is the sort of thing that typically precedes a launch overseas.

SEE ALSO: Apple launches AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancelling and smart features

There's no timeline for the launch, and nothing has been officially announced. Also note that Apple filed a similar application with the EUIPO for Apple Pay Cash (now Apple Cash) back in 2017, and that particular service never launched in Europe.

Still, we have our fingers crossed, because AppleCare One is a very good way to protect your Apple gadgets. In the U.S., it costs $19.99 per month, allowing customers to protect up to three products in one plan, with the option to add additional gadgets for $5.99 per month per device.

The cool thing about this plan — which includes all the benefits that come with AppleCare+, and includes theft and loss protection for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch — is that you can remove and add devices into and out of the plan whenever you want.

Kilmer’s estate collaborated with the filmmakers to make a digital likeness of the actor, who died of cancer last year.

The best unlocked phone deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best Google deal Google Pixel 10 Pro XL $1,299 (save $250) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE $666.89 (save $293.10) Get Deal

From March 25 for a whole week, Amazon will be discounting a wide range of products as part of its Big Spring Sale.

Robot vacuums, drones, TVs, and a whole lot more will be discounted, so it's a great excuse to upgrade your tech for less. The same goes for mobile phones. If you're been hoping to get a great price on a phone you can buy outright, Amazon already has some great deals live on unlocked phones. From Samsung, Google, and Motorola, here are some of the best early deals we've spotted.

Best Google unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro XL $1,299 at Amazon
$1,549 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a seriously powerful phone with a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, next-gen Tensor G5 chip, and built-in Gemini AI. It has a pro camera system that gives you sharp 50MP photos and 8K video as well as a 100x zoom. And if you're a regular phone dropper, this one should withstand most bumps and drops thanks to its durable aluminium and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build.

Best Samsung unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE Cell Phone $666.89 at Amazon
$959.99 Save $293.10   Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE brings back the era of flip phones in the best way. It's a compact, foldable phone with a 50MP camera and FlexMode functions that let you shoot hands-free without needing a tripod. And despite its size, it’s incredibly powerful, thanks to its strong processor and long-lasting battery.

More unlocked phone deals

• Motorola Moto G Play — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Samsung Galaxy A17 5G — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Google Pixel 9a — $439.99 $499 (save $59.01)

• Google Pixel 10 — $549 $799 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 — $1,809.99 $1,999.99 (save $190)

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available to preorder at Amazon for under $60. That's close to market value ahead of the March 20 release date.

Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 $59.25 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

The challenge in the trading card game is finding new products for anything close to market value, and that goes double for Pokémon. It's tough out there, so we'll take what we can get right now.

The good news for collectors is that the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available to preorder at Amazon for under $60. No that's not market value, but it's close and you're getting that sweet convenience of buying from Amazon. For a lot of buyers, that makes all the difference.

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This preorder celebrates the bond between Trainer and Pokémon with a booster pack containing three of nine illustration rare-style promo cards. This consists of first partner Pokémon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, or Alola region. Buyers will also get two more Pokémon TCG booster packs and a fun sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon friends. You're getting a lot for around $60.

Score the best Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 preorder deal at Amazon. For more Pokémon deals ahead of Amazon's Spring Sale, we've lined up everything on offer in a helpful hub page.

Stephen Colbert may spend the majority of his time unpacking serious stories about politicians' deleted tweets and gratuitous defense department spending, but that doesn't mean he has no time for some occasional monkey news too.

The Late Show host has already embraced Punch, the viral monkey from Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, purchasing the same IKEA orangutan Punch famously uses for emotional support — and in the clip above, he discusses an intriguing new simian development.

"Rumors are swirling that Punch the monkey has a girlfriend," says Colbert. "Which means this update isn't merely ooh-ooh ahh-ahh, it's ooh-ooh la-la."

"News of the monkey romance started spreading when folks caught Punch and Momo-chan sharing a smooch," continues Colbert. "Boy, I hope somebody taught him how to put a condom on a banana."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Tommy Shelby's legacy will never die, and neither will fans' love for Peaky Blinders.

Steven Knight's beloved series about the 20th-century Birmingham gangster (played by Cillian Murphy) came to an end in 2022 after six seasons of intricate schemes, cold-blooded murder, and outsmarting enemies. However, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man brings the series to an even more satisfying end, honouring its iconic characters with one last round bathed in the sounds of Fontaines D.C., mclusky, and of course, Nick Cave.

Watching Murphy ride through town on a black horse one last time, just as he did in the first ever episode of Peaky Blinders, the film draws the series to a close in an explosive, moving, and reverent manner befitting one of the most dastardly criminal minds on television.

Featured Video For You 'Peaky Blinders: An Immortal Man' is the ending Cillian Murphy and Steven Knight always wanted What is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man about? Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, one last time. Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

The final episode of Peaky Blinders takes place in 1934, and The Immortal Man jumps forward a few years into World War II, drawing us in with the Luftwaffe's shocking real-life bombing of the Birmingham Small Arms factory in 1940. (Knight told Mashable's Mark Stetson he "always wanted to finish this part of the Peaky story with a film in the Second World War.") Knight and director Tom Harper pour every last element of their production team's skills into this explosive opening sequence, with stunning tracking shots, blaring rock music, and touching moments of human connection before everything's reduced to rubble — and it really sets the high-stakes tone for this finale.

The Nazis, assisted by British ally John Beckett (a chillingly gallant Tim Roth), have plans to win the war by flooding the British economy with counterfeit currency, with the offer of war profiteering on the table for, say, local Birmingham gang leaders. Who would take up such a poisoned chalice? Only the son of the legendary Tommy Shelby, Erasmus "Duke" Shelby (a perfectly cast Barry Keoghan), whose chip on his shoulder runs deep.

Far from the front lines, Tommy now lives in solitude, haunted by grief, shame, and the memory of his lost loved ones. His quiet, domestic life runs in contrast to the underworld shenanigans he once ran, though Harper makes sure to include shots of dead birds and bloody dripping to keep Tommy's violent past close at hand. "Some king I was," he laments in self-exile. Withdrawn from society, Tommy wanders his land and visits overgrown graves, speaking of cowardice and regret. How long can he remain a recluse, especially as his son's actions move toward a darker place than he ever ventured?

Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan make for a perfectly tense father/son duo *extreme Vin Diesel voice* family Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

Watching Murphy revisit his iconic role is an absolute treat, as Tommy wrestles with taking up his legendary mantle once more. While Tommy's moments of classic Peaky Blinders jaw-dropping diabolical chaos are limited in the film, the scenes we do get are momentous — watching a young idiot disrespect Tommy in his own Garrison pub without knowing who the hell he's talking to does not go well. The Immortal Man really gives Murphy his "cool guys don't look at explosions" last hurrah as Tommy, with an hour and a half of the actor looking extremely impressive walking through Birmingham and the Midlands to various needle drops.

Of course, Tommy is writing his memoirs — and notably at every possible moment, including on a boat en route to a mission, which cracked me up — and Murphy seems to farewell his own character with his performance, one of mourning, reflection, and reluctant pride. Cinematographers George Steel and Ben Wilson frame the series' hero in all his chiaroscuro glory, with Murphy evoking pure torment through his stoic protagonist.

SEE ALSO: '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple': How does Cillian Murphy return as Jim?

Props to the casting team for Keoghan's run as Duke, with the Saltburn actor mirroring Murphy's cold unpredictability (and flat cap) as his son. Attempting to surpass his father's legacy, Duke turns to extreme measures, evil plans, and brutality, despite the disappointment of his aunt, Ada Thorne (an excellent return from Sophie Rundle). Watching Murphy and Keoghan as father and son at loggerheads with each other, even brawling in mud surrounded by pigs, feels as raw, brutal, and steeped in family as Peaky Blinders has ever been.

Can I watch The Immortal Son if I don't watch Peaky Blinders? It's Stagg (Stephen Graham)! Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

If you don't watch Peaky Blinders, I must warn you that the film comes with some major spoilers as to what happens to several main characters, so if you're planning to start the series, don't start here.

However, if you're not intending to watch Peaky Blinders in its entirety, there's enough context provided in the film's dialogue to avoid any necessary quickfire recaps. The film also makes several reveals of beloved characters like Hayden Stagg (Stephen Graham) extremely obvious in their importance, so you'll keep up on old friends, lovers, and the like — even if one of them (Rebecca Ferguson) plays the surprise twin sister card to bring back a character.

Whether you're a longtime fan or not, the legacy of Tommy Shelby and Peaky Blinders seems to transcend the episodes themselves, with The Immortal Man a worthy ending. As Shelby himself said, "I will remember everything and forget nothing."

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is streaming on Netflix March 20.

Have you ever heard that ol’ country song “Who gets the family bible when two grownups lose heart?”

Well, we may need a new version for the Gen Z era, because according to a litigation strategist I met at SXSW 2026, it’s actually the family TikTok account creators should be worried about.

That's right, TIL that creators should consider adding TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram accounts to their prenups.

Attorney Michelle May O’Neil said exactly that during a SXSW panel she hosted, “Who Owns Me? Legal War Over Identity in the Creator Economy.” O’Neil is a nationally recognized lawyer and expert on NIL (name, image, likeness) topics, and she warned creators to take proactive steps to protect their identities, including prenuptial agreements.

SEE ALSO: How creators can protect their identity in an age of AI clones

This isn’t a hypothetical situation, either.

O’Neil highlighted the case of Kat and Mike Stickler, married influencers who ended up in a bitter custody feud, not over their children, but over their followers — all 4 million of them. In covering the case, the Wall Street Journal asked, “Who Gets the TikTok in the Divorce?” (FWIW, Kat ultimately retained ownership of the original TikTok account and has gone on to amass an even larger following as @katstickler.)

And if your TikTok or Instagram accounts do become the subjects of a contentious divorce like the Sticklers, don’t expect family court to provide a solution, O’Neil said during her SXSW panel.

“We don't have case law authority. There's no legal doctrine for this. So their individual identity became joint property, and nobody thought about what it looked like to divide it.”

Here’s another worrying scenario: What if you’re romantically involved with a creator and appear occasionally in their content? Eventually, you break up or get divorced. Does your ex then retain the right to keep using your likeness however they see fit?

“I think it's a really good idea to have a clause in prenups that says that each spouse maintains the exclusive right to their name, image, likeness, and does not, by virtue of marriage, transfer their rights over to the other spouse because of marriage. And the reason for that is my experience representing high-profile people."

So, what else can creators and public figures do to protect their digital likeness?

In addition to creating a prenup, O’Neil advised creators to create an LLC or other legal entity to protect their core asset — their identity.

“This is another reason to have an entity structure before marriage, but if you're making money on your image, name, likeness, voice, whatever, before you get into a marriage, it's a pretty good idea to put that in the prenup…And I don't really know of a lot of lawyers that actually do this in prenups,” O’Neil said at SXSW.

Prenups are the kind of safeguard you hope you never have to use. But if you and an ex ever get into a legal battle over social media assets or NIL issues, you might be glad you have it, O'Neil said.

"That one clause in a prenup that says I have license, I have the rights, I own my name, image, likeness, my voice, my writings, everything that comes from me. I still own it, it's my property, and just because I marry you, I'm not giving you license to use it."

This article and the quotes in it are not legal advice. Talk to your own legal representative before making any decisions.

The best drone deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best overall drone deal DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 (save $140) Get Deal Best budget drone deal Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best Premium Drone Deal DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1099 (save $500) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 kicks off next week (March 25). This shopping event will see hundreds (if not thousands) of products drop in price, with everything from robot vacuums to Apple products getting heavy discounts.

Drones will also get the same treatment, so if you've been eyeing up a particular model for some time, keep a close eye on this sale. And some standout models have already dropped in price, so if you're eager to buy before the sale gets underway, we've lined up our favorite live deals.

Best overall drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 at Amazon
$449 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

Despite the recent ban on DJI imports, there's still a chance to buy existing stock in the U.S. And this DJI bundle is a great option for everyone. It's a lightweight drone that shoots sharp 4K video with a 3-axis gimbal. It’s beginner friendly and can cope with strong wind resistance. This bundle includes the drone, three batteries (up to 93 minutes total flight time), a two-way charging hub, a shoulder bag.

Best budget drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a great, beginner friendly option that won't break the bank. It has a 1080p HD camera with a 120° wide-angle lens and is designed for easy flying. It has altitude hold and headless mode to help it remain stable, and app controls add extra features like gesture shooting, voice control, and trajectory flight. And on top of the $50 discount, there's also an extra 10% off coupon that can be applied at the basket.

More drone deals

• DJI Mini 4K — $209 $299 (save $90)

• DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo — $269 $389 (save $120)

• DJI Mini 3 — $379 $549 (save $170)

• Skyrover S1 Mini Drone Combo — $399 $499 (save $100)

• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $499 $719 (save $120)

• DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo — $1,099 $1,599 (save $500)

SAVE $200: As of March 19, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M4 $999 at Amazon
$1,119 Save $120   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale officially gets underway next week (March 25-31), but if you're already in the market for a bargain, early discounts have started to drop. From big ticket items like portable power stations, to everyday essentials that can save you a few dollars, there's something for everyone. And Apple products are very much in the mix, like this latest deal on the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4.

As of March 19, this MacBook (voted our best MacBook for most people in 2026) is down to just $999 from $1,199. That's a 17% discount and $200 off the list price. This price is for all colorways, so you can choose from midnight, sky blue, silver, and starlight.

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!

This laptop is seriously fast and capable of slick multitasking thanks to the powerful M4 chip. It also gives you up to 18 hours of battery life, so even if you have a heavy workload, this MacBook will cope all day long.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is incredibly sharp and supports up to one billion colors. You'll also get a 12MP Center Stage camera, three microphones, and a six-speaker system so all your video calls are high quality. Connection-wise you'll get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, a headphone jack, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for up to two external displays, ideal if you prefer an extended work setup.

Get this great MacBook Air deal at Amazon now.

If you're single in your 40s, you're probably aware that dating isn't what it used to be. On one hand, there's a lot of beauty to dating at this age: You have wisdom, you generally know who you are, and you don't sweat the small stuff as much. You know what your dealbreakers are — whether you're looking for someone who matches your active lifestyle, respects your career, or understands the beautiful chaos of co-parenting.

Even so, dating at this age can be exhausting. A quick scroll through the r/datingoverforty subreddit is enough to scare anyone off the apps for good. Plus, by the time we reach our 40s, everyone comes with a little baggage, from past marriages to kids, and managing those dynamics requires real emotional maturity. (Remember that show where people aired their literal Baggage on television? And, of course, Jerry Springer was the host.)

It makes perfect sense if you find yourself deleting and redownloading your profiles. According to a 2026 report by SSRS, while 53 percent of adults ages 30 to 49 have used a dating app at some point, only 8 percent are currently active on them. Taking a break is standard practice. However, when you're ready to jump back in, the data offers a major silver lining: The vast majority of people using these platforms (58 percent) say their main goal is to find an exclusive romantic partner.

SEE ALSO: A controversial dating app uses credit scores to create matches

But meeting those people means picking the right platform. That's where my expertise comes in. As a dating and relationships writer who's spent the last several years extensively testing dating apps for Mashable, I know exactly which apps are actually built for mature connections. I've personally evaluated the current market to find the platforms that offer smart filters and prioritize safety. Whether you're looking for a serious second act or a fun weekend date, here are the best apps for dating in your 40s.

TL;DR: Explore educational games that keep kids curious and calm with a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for just $44.97 with coupon code PLAY until March 22 (reg. $250).

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

Screen time doesn’t have to come with guilt or frustration. Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app that turns your child’s device into a safe, engaging, and stress-free playground for ages 2 to 8. Designed with low-stimulation, ad-free experiences, Pok Pok helps kids explore, learn, and develop foundational skills in STEM, language, problem-solving, and numbers — all while having fun.

With this lifetime subscription available for $44.97 using promo code PLAY until March 22 (reg. $250), you can give your child an educational playtime upgrade that keeps them entertained on the go.

Pok Pok offers a diverse range of activities for every curiosity:

• Space adventures and interactive exploration

• Counting games and Number Journey challenges

• Shapes and tinker-friendly abstract worlds

• Dress-up fun with endless outfit possibilities

• Dinosaur explorations in the Late Cretaceous Era

• World Puzzle games that create new landscapes

• Interactive Radio for music and rhythm play

• Island adventures and much more

Every experience is open-ended with no rules or levels, encouraging children to experiment, problem-solve, and discover at their own pace. Crafted in collaboration with early childhood experts, Pok Pok supports social, emotional, and cognitive development while fostering creativity and independence. The app is designed to be simple enough for kids to navigate on their own, yet offers optional caregiver participation for shared learning moments.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in guilt-free screen time. A lifetime subscription to Pok Pok can provide your child with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow — all for $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 19, 2026:

AcrossGhost's word

• The answer is Boo.

Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!"

• The answer is Poof.

With 7-Across, it's full of stars

• The answer is Night.

White bills in Monopoly

• The answer is Ones.

See 5-Across

• The answer is Sky.

DownScore of 4 on a par 3

• The answer is Bogey.

___ and aahs

• The answer is Oohs.

Frequently, in poetry

• The answer is Oft.

Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas

• The answer is Pink.

Dissenting votes

• The answer is Nos.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

iPads are not the end-all be-all of tablets. There's a wide world beyond iOS, and Android tablets are just as suitable for all your streaming and work needs. OnePlus, purveyor of Android smartphones and smartwatches, also makes tablets.

The brand's latest, the OnePlus Pad Go 2, is a tablet under $500. On the surface, it looks a lot like Apple's iPads, but how do they compare under the hood? Well, that's where the differences come to light.

I tested the OnePlus Pad Go 2, a tablet for students and creatives alike, to see how it stacks up.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 specs and price While it doesn't have the best computing power for creatives, you can still draw and doodle away on the OnePlus Pad Go 2. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the brand's approachable tablet. It doesn't quite have the computing power and memory we'd expect in a laptop, but it still has more than you'll get in a phone.

• Price: $399.99

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra

• Memory: 8GB RAM

• Storage: 128GB ROM

• Display: 2.8k resolution, 900 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate

• Ports: 1 USB-C port

• Camera: 8MP front and rear camera

• Audio: 4 speakers

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After testing a variety of Android tablets, I declare the OnePlus Pad Go 2 the most iPhone-user-friendly. Upon turning on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, I was pleased to see how familiar the home screen looked, with its widgets and sleek display. The biggest difference is that Apple uses square app icons, while OnePlus tablets use round ones. The gestures are essentially the same, too, pulling down to access menus or swiping up to close apps.

Compared to other Android tablets I tested, it felt far more intuitive. It's not quite fair to credit it only for being similar to iOS, since the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has plenty of features that iPads don't. On the bottom app bar on the Pad Go 2, there's a directory so you can quickly browse your apps alphabetically rather than swipe through all your display pages.

Split screen feature is lacking The Pad Go 2's split screen feature isn't nearly as functional as other tablet's multi-window functions. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The hot feature on tablets is multi-window displays — now available on iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Rather than true adjustable windows, on the OnePlus, you can use split-screen displays that split the screen in half, though you can slide the divider to adjust the split. What you can't do is move organic windows around to create a fully customizable workspace.

You can also use OnePlus's floating window feature; however, the windows still lock to one side of the screen, so you don't have total freedom to move them around. The OnePlus Pad Go 2's split-screen function is good in a pinch, but not quite as usable as other tablets' multi-window functions.

High-quality streaming with just OK speakers The tiny speakers on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 deliver disappointing audio. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I spent a lot of time streaming on the OnePlus Pad Go 2; it became my companion while I was working or cooking in the kitchen. I was never once disappointed by the streaming quality. It's a quick processor that never buffers, leaving me on an unintended cliffhanger. Its 2.8k resolution and 900 nits of brightness result in clear, bright picture quality.

What I was less impressed with on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 was its speakers. The tablet has four speakers, but I found the audio wasn't very flattering. It sounded similar to a smartphone speaker, mostly clear but a little fuzzy and tinny.

Disappointing computing power

For daily use, I found the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to be a speedy, well-equipped device. It loads pages easily and requires very little buffering. I expected it to be on par with the Apple iPad with the A16 chip, but I was surprisingly disappointed.

On the Geekbench 6 test, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 scored 3,030 in the multi-core test. That's less than half of the iPad's score of 6,233. That score isn't weighing the Pad Go 2 down; for light activities like streaming, reading, mobile games, and internet browsing, it has plenty of power. But I wouldn't use this tablet for photo or video editing or any other high-demand tasks.

Extensive battery life

One of the most impressive features of the Pad Go 2 is its battery life. Performing a battery rundown test, it lasted 13 hours and 57 minutes. That's an impressive amount of time, meaning you won't have to charge it every day, and it can keep you company on long-haul flights.

The cameras aren't flattering anyone — human or animal Front-facing camera Feeling a little washed out with the front-facing camera. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Rear camera The OnePlus Pad Go 2 Camera made my dog Milly look a little oversaturated. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I'm only side-eyeing you a little if you're taking photos with your tablet. But hey, there's a time in the place. The front and rear cameras on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 leave a lot to be desired. I know it's winter, but when I took a selfie, I felt pale and washed out. The rear camera isn't any better. I went to take a picture of my pup, Milly, and I found it didn't do her much justice — the photo still came out washed out and grainy.

Should you buy the OnePlus Pad Go 2? The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is good enough Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a pretty good tablet. For basic tasks, it performs well. I had no trouble while using it for streaming and browsing. For a budget Android tablet, it definitely gets the job done. That said, there's still room for improvement with its camera, computing power, and speaker.

I do recommend the basic iPad over the Pad Go 2. It's nearly identical in shape and interface; however, it has a higher Geekbench 6 score and is $50 cheaper (and often on sale for even less).

But if you're not down with iOS, the Pad Go 2 is a comparable, although less powerful, Android option.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 $399.99 at Amazon
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New A.I. bots can do more than just chat. They can edit files, send emails, book trips and cause trouble.

For practically as long as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has circled Earth, astronomers have wanted to use it to see a comet as it's breaking apart. 

Many researchers have proposed such observations in the past, but because comet breakups are hard to anticipate, no one had achieved it — until now. By a stroke of luck, a team of scientists has, at long last, caught one in the act. 

The researchers looked at the comet, C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), only because there were some technical issues preventing them from observing their first choice. When John Noonan, the co-investigator on the study, saw the images Hubble had taken, he was in for the ultimate surprise. Instead of one space snowball, he saw four. 

"We knew this was something really, really special," said Noonan, a research professor at Auburn University, in a statement. 

Astronomers have sought a fragmenting comet for years because it's one of the few opportunities they have to see what's hidden inside these ancient icy objects. Such observations could be compared to a geologist taking a core sample of the early solar system. 

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Comets formed about 4.6 billion years ago, when planets were still developing around the sun. Scientists think of these relics as time capsules because their interiors can still hold relatively unchanged ice, dust, and chemicals from that era. 

Scientists are tracking over 4,000 known comets, but countless others are likely flying in orbits beyond Neptune in a disk known as the Kuiper Belt or from an even more distant realm about 50 times farther, referred to as the Oort Cloud. The region remains a theory because the comets there have been too faint to be directly observed.

Astronomers normally only observe the outside of a comet, which has seen the abuse of heat and radiation. That makes it difficult for them to know whether they're looking at primitive properties from the solar system's birth or properties changed by time and environment. 

"By cracking open a comet, you can see the ancient material that has not been processed," said Dennis Bodewits, also a professor at Auburn and the lead investigator. 

In the new Hubble images, each of the fragments of the comet, called K1 for short, had its own glowing halo of gas and dust — a coma — that forms when sunlight heats the icy surface and instantly turns the material into gas. 

The telescope observed K1 over the course of three consecutive days in November. That was about one month after the comet swung closest to the sun — even closer than Mercury. The team's findings were published in the journal Icarus. 

Before K1 shattered, it was probably a bit larger than an average comet, perhaps the size of Key West, Florida, or the Los Angeles International Airport.

​​The inner edge of the main part of the Oort Cloud, a theorized region surrounding the solar system, could be as close as 1,000 astronomical units from the sun, with one astronomical unit equal to the distance between Earth and the sun. The outer edge is estimated to end about 100,000 AU away from the sun. Credit: NASA Goddard infographic

The team believes the breakup began roughly eight days before Hubble's first image, then caught another chunk splitting as it happened. 

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The timing revealed a new mystery. Telescopes on Earth saw the comet brighten later than predicted. The delay may happen because a comet's brightness is more closely linked to sunlight reflecting off dust rather than on newly revealed ice. Scientists think fresh ice may need time to warm up, build pressure below the surface, or accumulate a dusty cover that eventually blows away in space.

Early measurements also suggest K1 contains unusually low amounts of carbon compared with other comets. Further studies of its gases could help explain why. 

"Sometimes the best science happens by accident," Noonan said.

Now reduced to scattered bits about 250 million miles from Earth, K1 is heading out of the solar system and will probably never return.