We assume that one day the tech news cycle will slow down a bit, but that certainly hasn't happened this week. It's been another jam-packed seven days of news, leaks, and product launches, and we've picked out the biggest stories of the week below.
These ICYMI (in case you missed it) articles aim to get you up to speed on tech news from the past seven days as quickly as possible – and we understand if you don't have the time or opportunity to check TechRadar every day (although you should, of course).
This week’s selection of tech stories includes new rumors about what to expect from Apple’s iPhone 16 and AirPods 4, a new affordable video doorbell from Ring, and a distinctly unaffordable new soundbar from Nakamichi. Enjoy catching up!
8. The iPhone Photography Awards announced this year's impressive winners
We always look forward to the annual unveiling of the best photographs at the iPhone Photography Awards, because they are all invariably brilliant, and the newly announced selection is no different. These stunning photographs span nature, architecture, people, places and deep space, and the full gallery is well worth checking out.
Interestingly, many of the winning photos were taken with older iPhones, proving that you don’t need the latest and greatest equipment to take a fantastic smartphone photo. The awards are now in their 17th year and are the longest-running iPhone photography competition, and we can’t wait to see the top picks for 2025.
7. Apple AirPods 4 rumors intensified
The AirPods 3 were launched in October 2021, so we think it was about time for Apple to release a new pair of wireless earbuds. One of the most reliable Apple tipsters in the business claims that Apple AirPods 4 are coming soon. Plus, there will apparently be two different variants to choose from this time around.
Rumor has it that there will be a basic pair of Apple AirPods 4, as well as a more advanced (and more expensive) pair that will come with active noise cancellation built in. At the same time, the new models should simplify the AirPods lineup, which is currently a bit of a mess, so the second- and third-generation AirPods will be replaced at the same time.
6. A strange but harmless bug was discovered in iOS
File this bug under the category of iPhone oddities: You can force your Apple smartphone to crash by simply typing a specific series of four characters into the search bar at the top of the App Library screen. It’s not a particularly serious bug, and it basically freezes your phone for a few seconds before returning to the lock screen, but it’s an interesting trick.
It's a reminder that even the most mature and polished software platforms can still have their quirks, and while this doesn't appear to be a security risk or anything, Apple could very well fix it with the release of iOS 18. If you want to try out the bug for yourself, follow the link below where you'll find instructions on how to do it on your own iPhone.
5. It was suggested (again) that DJI would take on Canon and Nikon
DJI has a wealth of experience building cameras that attach to drones, but it looks like the company is on the cusp of releasing a standalone digital camera of its own in the near future – and considering how highly rated DJI's drones and pocket-sized video cameras are, this is perhaps something that companies like Sony, Canon and Nikon should be worried about.
We don't have much information on the camera DJI is supposedly working on right now, but it's apparently a mirrorless model and is rumored to be coming out in September. This would be an interesting move for DJI as it looks to expand beyond its core business of drones and start making money from other categories of devices as well.
4. The final beta version of iOS 18 has been released to early adopters
iOS 18 had its big reveal back in June, when Apple told us all about the slew of new features it's bringing to iPhones later this year, and the beta testing phase of the software is coming to an end. An informed source says that the latest iOS 18 beta will be the last one, before the software is finalized and available to the general public.
If you want to try out the new features early, you can still sign up for the iOS 18 beta program, though some previously promised parts of the software (most notably, many of the Apple Intelligence features) have yet to appear. iOS 18 will most likely launch in full sometime in September, at the same time as the iPhone 16 is unveiled.
3. A Dolby Atmos soundbar that was no money problem and bankrupted us
If you’ve got $8,499 to spare for an audio upgrade (that’s about £6,475 or AU$12,630 at current exchange rates), may we interest you in the Nakamichi Dragon Dolby Atmos soundbar, which packs four 12-inch subwoofers and a staggering 5,000 watts of power? It’ll do wonders for the sound you get from your movies and TV shows.
In fact, if you install this set under your TV, you'll get a sound experience that's not far off from what's offered at your local multiplex. If you're interested in a luxury, premium audio system that's ready to rock your world (at least in the confines of your living room), then we've got all the specs and details you need to know.
2. A major iPhone 16 leak helped decide our upgrade plans
Anticipation around the iPhone 16 series, which is expected to arrive sometime in September, is growing, and a new leak brings together a lot of rumored information about these four phones, so if you want to read some spoilers ahead of Apple's official event and unveiling, follow the link below to check them out.
While none of these details are confirmed yet — they cover everything from display sizes and internal processors to battery capacities and even starting prices (in the US) — there's good news on that front, because it looks like all of the iPhone 16 models will cost the same as the iPhone 15 versions they're replacing, so there won't be any price increases.
1. Ring gave us a new video doorbell at a tempting price
Video doorbells are becoming more and more popular at front doors, and it's easy to see the appeal: You can check who's calling and give orders to delivery people or neighbors without leaving the couch (or the beach chair on the other side of the world). If you're interested in a model, there's a new Ring model you might want to consider.
The aptly named Ring Battery Doorbell includes some top-tier features (like a 150-degree head-to-toe vertical field of view and color night vision), yet still comes in at an affordable price of $99.99 AUD (about £80). If you’re in the US or Australia, you can pre-order it now, with other countries coming soon.
