I didn’t think I’d be talking about iOS 26 before the year 2032, but here we are. At WWDC 2025, Apple will likely announce the latest update for iPhones, complete with new features and a fresh naming scheme.

We won’t know for sure what Apple is planning until they officially announce it, but there’s reason to believe some leaks and rumors are accurate. I’ve been following those leaks and rumors closely as they’ve trickled in, and have a good sense of what to expect with iOS 26. Not all of the rumored features are winners—cough cough, Apple Intelligence—but there are others I’m genuinely excited for. Here are six of the features I hope really do make it to iOS 26.

RCS End-to-end encryption

RCS support was probably my favorite new feature of the iOS 18 era. For the first time since iMessage launched in 2011, iPhones and Android could text each other natively without resorting to SMS. The bubbles might still be green, but at least group chats are intact.

One major RCS perk has been missing since it launched on iOS, however: encryption. While RCS currently supports high-quality images and videos, your messages sent with this protocol are as unprotected as they are over SMS. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) guarantees that only the devices involved in the chat can decrypt and read the messages that are sent. No one else, not even Apple, can read E2EE. It’s a bummer, because RCS does support encryption (though even Android devices need to deal with some quirks here, as well).

Luckily, we know that E2EE is coming to RCS on iPhone—we just don’t know exactly when. Apple confirmed back in March that RCS encryption is on its way “in future software updates,” which could mean iOS 26, but also iOS 26.1 or any other number of updates. Personally, I hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Live Translate for AirPods

Picture this: You’re talking to someone who speaks a language you don’t. But as they speak, you hear their words translated to your language in your ear. It sounds like the future, but it’s very much the present—and it might be coming to AirPods.

That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who reported in March that certain AirPods models would be getting this “live translate” feature. While Apple is apparently trying to keep this feature as secret as possible, Gurman says that AirPods will translate your conversationalist’s words in your ears, while your iPhone will translate your words in the other person’s language.

And actually, the feature is nothing new: Google’s Pixel Buds have had live translation for years at this point, via Conversation mode in the Translate app. It works the same way as Gurman describes Apple’s vision, so there is a clear precedent here. Still, I’d love if this feature really did ship with iOS 26.

A new look for iOS

If you know anything about iOS 26, you might know that Apple is planning a visual overhaul for the iPhone. If the rumors are true, the changes go beyond the mobile device: Apple is reportedly working on a design change across all of its products, to unify the look of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.

The main UI inspiration seems to come from Apple’s newest product of the bunch, Apple Vision Pro: Icons and elements are rounded, windows and menu bars are floating and translucent, and there are fresh animations.

You can see an example of what this might look like from this Jon Prosser video, which showcases an iOS 26 mock-up based on leaked designs:

It’s not necessarily the design itself I’m excited about, but the change in general. While Apple has mixed up its UI a bit over the years, the general design language has been building off iOS 7, which dropped over a decade ago. While my nostalgic side would love to see Apple bring back the skeuomorphic design of iOS 6 and earlier, I welcome any new UI that looks good. And if I get a similar experience across my iPhone, Mac, and iPad, all the better.

A Stage Manager-like interface

If you have a compatible iPad, you can plug it into an external monitor, and extend your display like you would with a laptop. It’s part of a feature Apple calls Stage Manager, and it’s a cool way to make your iPad a bit more useful for serious computing tasks.

Rumor has it Apple is working on something similar for the iPhone. Should the leaks be true, you’ll be able to plug your USB-C iPhone into a monitor, and while you won’t be able to use it like a computer, you’ll be able to extend your screen space to match the display.

This is a great idea, and something that would make the iPhone a portable presentation station. If you have a slideshow, a video, or any type of demonstration on your iPhone, you could share it full-screen on any connected monitor. It’d pale in comparison to something like Samsung DeX, which turns your Galaxy phone into a true desktop experience, but I feel this could be the start of something similar on iOS.

Fewer glitches

I don’t need much from Apple when it comes to the iPhone, but if I had a single request, I’d ask for a more stable experience. In general, thing are good, but I do run into a lot of small issues day to day, and I’m willing to bet you do too if you have an iPhone.

According to Mark Gurman, reducing glitches is a high priority for Apple. He says the company is “pushing engineers to ensure that this year’s releases are more functional and less glitchy. Past upgrades were criticized for bugs and features that sometimes didn’t work properly.”

Sounds good to me, Apple.

AI-powered battery life enhancements

I might not be excited for any of Apple’s new generative AI features, but I’d be lying if battery life improvements powered by AI didn’t pique my interest. We all want our iPhones to last longer between charges, after all.

In the same report that spilled the beans on the “less glichy” goal, Gurman says Apple is working on a feature that will analyze your iPhone usage, and make changes to conserve battery life when possible. Maybe the AI notices that you don’t take advantage of intensive features in certain apps, and as such, reduces the performance of those apps to prioritize energy conservation.

What I like even better, though, is that Apple is reportedly working on a Lock Screen utility that tells you how long it’ll take to finish charging your iPhone. These are the small yet mighty changes I want to see from Apple.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

We all need a little laughter, right? Whether your idea of “funny” is sharp social satire, complete absurdism, a comforting, old school sitcom, or anything in between, there is a show streaming on Netflix right now that will satisfy you.

The ten comedy series below are all ranked at above 95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, so you can count on smart writing, the dialed-in performance, and critically approved laughs.

Detroiters (2017-2018)

Before he took off by making the best sketch show in the last decade, I Think You Should Leave‘s Tim Robinson created and starred in Detroiters, an absurdist sitcom about a couple of best friends who run a low-rent ad firm in Detroit. Detroiters takes the anarchic energy of I Think You Should Leave and plops it into the kind of persistent sitcom universe people are comfortable with, then upends the formula constantly. This show was criminally under-watched when it originally aired on Comedy Central, so if you missed it, catch up now.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

North of North (2025-Present)

For a show set on the literal frozen tundra, North of North sure is warm. Anna Lambe stars as Siaja, a young single mother who talks her way into a job as the assistant to the town manager of Ice Cove, Nunavut. Siaja may be an Inuit from a place way too cold for you to ever have visited, but her struggles and triumphs are universal, and North of North presents it all in such a loving way, it’s impossible to not like it. I mean, 100% of TV critics dig it, and they’re some cynical folks.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Resident Alien (2021-Present)

In this fish-way-out-of-water series, Alan Tudyk plays a space alien who crashes on Earth and is forced to hide inside the skin of small-town doctor Harry Vanderspeigle. The alien’s mission to kill all people depends on assimilating with the local population of a Colorado mountain town and impersonating a human doctor, a task made more difficult when he starts falling for one of the natives and discovers a kid who can see what he really is. The premise is innovative, the cast is stellar, and the jokes are actually funny. Don’t sleep on Resident Alien.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Documentary Now! (2015-present)

In the universe of Documentary Now!, Helen Mirren hosts a PBS-style documentary series that’s been around for 53 years. Mirren introduces self-contained short films that parody famous documentaries and documentary styles. Created by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas and starring a who’s-who of comedic heavyweights too long to list, Documentary Now! is a comedy show for huge fans of D.A. Pennebaker who think it’s about time someone parody Grey Gardens. Pointy-heads need comedy too, right?

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

One Day at a Time (2017-Present)

While this comedy-drama was inspired by Norman Lear’s 70s sitcom of the same name, it doesn’t feel dusty or dated—the universal struggle to get by is timeless. Justina Machado stars as Penelope, a newly single nurse raising two kids with the help of her old-school mom, played by Rita Moreno, and her building manager Schneider, played by Todd Grinnell. If you like comfort comedy filmed in that familiar three-camera style, and you like it when love and family conquer all (but not in a cheesy way), check out One Day at a Time. (If you like sitcoms in general, here’s Lifehacker’s list of the top situation comedies on Netflix.)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Cunk on Earth (2022)

I love this very British mockumentary series. In Cunk on Earth, Diane Morgan plays Philomena Cunk, an absolute idiot who’s been given the job of hosting a BBC documentary series that explores the history of human civilization. Cunk visits real academics and experts—some of the smartest people on Earth—who are not in on the joke. She then asks them incredibly stupid questions like “do we know if China has a roof?” The reactions are hilarious as they try to gently explain basic concepts to a moron.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

A Man on the Inside (2024-present)

In this Netflix original comedy series, Ted Danson plays a retired professor who finds a new lease on life when he goes undercover to investigate a series of crimes in a retirement home. A Man on the Inside is a gentle show, but it’s not afraid to take on big topics like loneliness, aging, and death while striking a perfect balance between comedy and heart.

Rotten Tomato score: 96%

The End of the F***ing World (2017-2019)

In this stylish, edgy, pitch-dark series, teenage misfits James and Alyssa meet and embark on a road trip/crime spree while searching for Alyssa’s estranged father. But James is a wannabe serial killer, and he’s chosen Alyssa as his first victim. As you’d probably guess, everything spirals violently out of control. The End of the F***ing World isn’t for the faint-of-heart, but it’s darkly funny, with an off-kilter sensibility and real affection for the weirdos and outcasts it features. (Yeah, I know it’s 94% fresh not 95%, but I’m a rebel like that.)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2020)

In the opening episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the title character escapes the apocalypse cult where she spent most of her life and moves to New York. Schmidt, played by Ellie Kemper, unleashes her wide-eyed innocence on modern life in the Big City. This show’s sharp writing, and amazing performances set it way above most comedy. If you like funny things, you’ll love this one.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return (2017)

The original MST3K, a long-running, bad-movie-watching marathon, was pulled from obscurity by its fans via a Kickstarter. The Return breathes fresh life into the old formula courtesy of a new cast that includes Patton Oswalt, Jonah Ray, and Felicia Day. The plot (mad scientists imprison a guy to make him watch bad movies with wise-cracking robots) is really just an excuse for hilarious jokes at the expense of terrible films. Not every joke is a winner, but so many of them are that it becomes addictive. Mystery Science Theater 3000: the Return is the kind of show you settle into like a comfy couch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

TikTok is giving users more options to personalize their For You feeds, so you can see more of what you want and less of what you don’t. The platform is rolling out “Manage Topics,” a new feature that piloted in the U.S. last year and is now available to users globally.

How “Manage Topics” changes your TikTok feed

With Manage Topics, TikTok users can adjust how often they want to see content related to popular topics in their For You feed—some examples include creative arts, dance, travel, food & drinks, and health & fitness. According to the announcement explaining the update, changing your preferences won’t eliminate topics entirely, but it will affect how often related content is recommended over time.

If you do want to restrict certain types of content, you can use TikTok’s new AI-powered Smart Keyword Filtering, which builds on existing keyword filters to limit content based on synonyms or related words found in captions, hashtags, and descriptions. You’ll also be able to select or deselect specific keywords identified by the AI filter.

Of course, TikTok has a range of other features for customizing your For You feed, including liking, following, and searching content to adjust what the algorithm shows you. You can also turn on Restricted Mode or mute accounts you don’t want to see.

How to update Manage Topics

To personalize your topics, go to Settings > Content preferences > Manage topics (or tap Share on any post in your feed and select Why this video > Adjust your For You > Manage Topics.) You see a list of topics with slider bars, which you can adjust to see less or more of that type of content. TikTok will also show you a pop-up describing the content typically included in that topic. Then hit Save to confirm your preferences.

Everyone knows that a lottery is a tax on people who can’t do math—your odds of ever winning are laughably low. That doesn’t stop a lot of people from playing, whether it’s the occasional scratcher for fun or an organized effort to win a billion bucks or so.

But a lottery is just a system of collecting entry fees and awarding a prize—a price that doesn’t have to be money. Sometimes the best and most equitable way to award something, sell something, or give access to something is a lottery, because it leaves everything up to chance, removing bias—and because it can actually be a more profitable way to transfer property than through a straightforward sale. Here are some of the coolest lotteries where you won’t win any cash.

Liquor

You might not think you’d need a lottery to buy whiskey, a product that’s available in most places at relatively reasonable prices. But what about rare and expensive whiskies? A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Years Old will run you thousands of dollars at a store, for example—but this year the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board holds a lottery of limited-release whiskies, and the 2025 lottery included the chance to buy a bottle for just $400.

Other states have similar lotteries for rare liquors—Ohio holds an annual Bottle Lottery in the fall, and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority holds one every year as well. These lotteries aren’t restricted to whiskey—tequilas and other spirits are often included—but they all operate similarly: Winners get the chance to purchase extremely rare and pricey bottles at heavy discounts.

A house

If you’ve thought about buying a house recently, you may have noticed that they are a bit expensive—housing prices have risen 30% in five years, on average. One solution might be to win a house in a lottery.

This is a thing that actually happens. Recently, a woman in Ireland put her house up in a lottery using the site Raffall.com. She charged people $7 per ticket, figuring she’d actually make more from ticket sales than she would from a traditional sale—and it seems to have worked, as an American woman won the lottery, and the house.

Other house lotteries pop up from time to time—the CHEO Foundation holds an annual lottery that includes a “dream home,” for example, and in some communities, lotteries are being used to help people afford houses. In Uniondale, N.Y., for example, the Uniondale Community Land Trust uses a lottery to sell houses in the town—though the house isn’t free. The final price tag is determined by the lottery winner’s income, though it’s expected to be about one-third of market value. And Newark, N.J. recently held a lottery to sell homes for just $1.

Fireflies

If you’ve never lived in an area where fireflies thrive—or if you live in an area where the fireflies have vanished—you know how cool they are. If you want the chance to see some truly spectacular firefly displays out in nature, however, you’ll need to enter a lottery to win the chance.

Every year some national parks hold lotteries to grant a limited number of people access to prime firefly viewing. The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery is held every year for dates in late May and early June when the bugs’ mating season is in high gear. Similarly, Congaree National Park hosts firefly events around the same time of year. Access to both events is granted through a lottery.

Some state parks are getting in on the firefly action as well—this year Lamar Alexander Rocky Form State Park in Tennessee launched its own lottery to view nature’s tiny light show.

Outdoor activities

Keeping our natural wonders clean and well-maintained typically means restricting access. Too many visitors to national parks and protected wilderness areas leads to erosion, damage, and pollution. Since the best way to lessen the damage is to restrict the number of people with access, lotteries are often used to limit access in an equitable way. A few examples of outdoor activities you won’t be able to experience unless you win a lottery include:

• The challenging Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park requires a permit you can only get via lottery.

• Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon can only be done if you get a permit via lottery.

• Hiking the Left Form North Creek (aka the Subway Hike) canyon requires winning a seasonal lottery.

You can check recreation.gov for open lotteries if you don’t have a specific plan in mind; if something is managed via lottery, it’s probably pretty special.

Broadway shows

Broadway Shows remain an exciting experience for both native New Yorkers and tourists—and an expensive one. The average ticket price for a Broadway show is about $119, and nothing is getting any cheaper. Even if you live in or near New York, the cost of seeing a show could easily be $1,000 depending on how many people are going and other details.

If that’s too rich for your blood, you can always try the lottery. Individual shows frequently hold ticket lotteries (Hamilton is probably one of the best-known, offering $10 tickets to all performances), so doing a little research on the shows you want to see might reveal a chance to win. The site Broadway Direct maintains a listing of open lotteries you can enter as well.

Winning a lottery is always a thrill—but since winning huge amounts of money isn’t the slam dunk of happiness and problem-solving you might think it is, winning a non-cash prize in one of these lotteries is probably a better experience.

If you have your PayPal account linked to your Google Wallet for purchases, you need to update your payment method ASAP. Google is ending its support for PayPal integration, and users in the U.S. will see their PayPal accounts and transaction histories deleted from their digital wallets on June 13.

That means that Google Wallet users will need to replace PayPal with an alternative payment method. If you have recurring payments, such as subscriptions, set up with a linked PayPal account, you’ll also need to go to the individual merchant site to manually update your payment information.

Connecting PayPal to Google Wallet allowed users to maintain and manage their cards and bank accounts centrally in PayPal rather than separately in their digital wallets. Google had already stopped new PayPal links as of April 11, though users were still able to pay via previously connected PayPal accounts from their Google Wallet.

Note that Google Wallet will support PayPal-branded debit cards, and full PayPal integration will still be available for Google Wallet users in Germany.

How to update your payment method in Google Wallet

To continue using Google Wallet after the PayPal integration ends, you need to have at least one credit or debit card added to your Google account.

To add a card, open the Google Wallet app and tap Add to Wallet at the bottom of the screen. Tap Payment card > New credit or debit card and either add the card information manually or use your camera to do so automatically. Tap Save and continue > Accept after reading the issuer terms and conditions. You may need to verify the payment method—via email, text, bank app, or temporary deposit, for example—to complete the link.

Alternatively, you can add cards from your bank’s app or website if “Add to GPay” is supported.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

This year, Global Running Day is on June 4. Like most unofficial holidays, it is a day not only about celebrating our shared love of running—it’s also an excuse for brands to roll out deals and promotions on everything from shoes, to gear, to race registrations.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first real pair of running shoes or a veteran runner planning your next big race, it’s worth checking out the sales and discounts on offer before you stock up on gear or register for that half-marathon. I’ve scoured the web for this year’s best deals, found below, so you can celebrate Global Running Day with a fatter wallet (just don’t let it weigh you down during your next run).

Race registration deals for Global Running Day 2025

You might think you’ll never get into running organized races. I was like you, once: a casual runner who scoffed at the idea of paying money to run. Then I was coerced into running a 5k for charity. Then I experienced the high of crossing the finish line. Now, six marathons later, I understand why people budget races into their life. Because once you enter the world of racing, costs can quickly add up.

If you want to save on signup fees, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is hosting a 24-hour sale on race registrations, and offering some of the best prices of the year. These aren’t just any races—Rock ‘n’ Roll events are known for their incredible atmosphere, live music on the course, and post-race celebrations that make crossing the finish line even sweeter.

The timing couldn’t be better if you’re looking to sign up for a fall marathon or half-marathon. These races typically sell out, and with savings that can reach up to $130 off regular pricing, it’s worth checking out their destination events if you’re planning a run-cation. Think locales like Las Vegas, San Diego, Nashville, and Washington D.C. The sale starts June 4 at 12 a.m. PT.

The best Global Running Day sales on running shoes and gear

As someone who goes through two to three pairs of running shoes per year, I’ve learned to time my purchases well. I’ve done some digging, and can report there are significant discounts taking place in the running world right now, even if the shoe sales aren’t always explicitly tied to Global Running Day.

Running shoe sales

I’m a huge advocate for Saucony in general, and specifically the Ride 18 model, so I always speak up when they’re on sale. Light, soft, and responsive, these were my shoes of choice when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2023, and you can find them for a good discount at the moment.

Alternately, the HOKA Clifton 10 is perfect for runners seeking a comfortable running shoe that seamlessly transitions to casual wear. Right now, they are available for as low as $147.86 (women’s) and $149.18 (men’s).

Sales on running gear and Garmin fitness watches

Speaking of Hoka, their site has a “Global Running Day “tag filled with offers on shoes, shirts, and caps. Amazon similarly has a Global Running Day sale, and although it’s skimpy, it does feature a selection of lightweight shoes available for under $100.

There are also solid deals on running watches right now—specifically the Garmin Forerunners, aka the best dedicated running watches on the market. Here are the strongest deals I’ve seen as of this writing:

• The Forerunner 265 is $349.99 (down from $449.99)

• The Forerunner 255 is $299 (down from $399.99)

• The Forerunner 955 is $369.99 (down from $499.99)

Digital motivation and community

I do this one every year: Visit globalrunningday.org to sign up for the official NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 5K so you can “run with the world.” There’s something incredibly motivating about knowing runners across the globe are lacing up their shoes for the same celebration. Plus, it feels good to be part of all those names on the Strava leaderboard.

You can run the virtual 5K anywhere, anytime between May 31 and June 8. Race results will be available on the NYRR Results site and in your NYRR dashboard by Thursday, June 12.

My shopping strategy for maximizing my savings on running gear

Having navigated countless running sales over the years, I want to share my approach for scoring a deal: prioritize shoes first (they’re your most important and expensive piece of gear), then look for discounts on upcoming races you want to register for, and finally browse deals for gear and other items you’ve been putting off purchasing. In general, keep an eye out for curated packages from specialty running stores—they often provide great value and introduce you to products you might not have discovered otherwise.

Don’t get caught up in buying something just because it’s on sale. Stick to brands and models you’ve researched or used and loved before. The key is knowing what you need and acting quickly—the best deals tend to sell out fast, especially in popular sizes and colors. Set those alarms for early morning shopping, just like you would for a long training run.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some online shopping to do before I head out to log my Global Running Day miles.

In February, T-Mobile seemed like it might offer beta access to Starlink for anyone in the United States. As it turns out, the company was serious: If you want Starlink access, you now have it for 90 days, even if you don’t pay for T-Mobile.

Here’s the scoop: Back in December, T-Mobile announced a partnership between itself and SpaceX to bring Starlink service to customers. Then, in January, the company started accepting users into the beta, but only those with specific, recent Samsung devices.

Things changed again when Apple released iOS 18.3. It seems Apple was working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to roll out Starlink support to iPhones as well—though none of this was announced from Apple as part of the update. In addition, T-Mobile appeared to be approving certain Pixel 9 users who signed up for the beta as well—expanding the program to Apple, Samsung, and Google devices.

Finally, in a Super Bowl Sunday advertisement, T-Mobile announced it was opening its Starlink beta to the whole U.S.—including users on both Verizon and AT&T. While there were restrictions, if you were interested in trying out T-Mobile’s satellite service, you could throw your name in the ring.

Now, as of June, that beta access is now open to everyone, no matter who your carrier is. In addition, T-Mobile is offering some serious perks for free: You’ll have access to T-Mobile’s 5G network, including 50GB of data and unlimited texts, as well as a series of benefits, like $5 movie tickets, 25% off concert tickets, travel discounts, and “T-Mobile Tuesdays” discounts.

How to join the T-Mobile Starlink beta

If you’re interested in getting into T-Mobile’s Starlink beta, you first need a compatible unlocked device that uses eSIM. T-Mobile has a list of compatible devices on its official Starlink site, and includes the following:

Apple

• Apple iPhone 13

• Apple iPhone 13 mini

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 14

• Apple iPhone 14 Plus

• Apple iPhone 14 Pro

• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 15

• Apple iPhone 15 Plus

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 16

• Apple iPhone 16 Plus

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Google

• Google Pixel 9

• Google Pixel 9 Pro

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Motorola

• moto razr 2024 

• moto razr+ 2024 

• moto razr 2025

• moto razr+ 2025

• moto razr ultra 2025

• Motorola Edge 2024 (coming soon)

• moto G 2024 (coming soon)

• moto G Stylus 2024 (coming soon)

• moto G 5G 2024 (coming soon)

• moto G Stylus 5G 2024 (coming soon)

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy A36

• Samsung Galaxy A36 SE

• Samsung Galaxy A54*

• Samsung Galaxy S21

• Samsung Galaxy S21+

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

• Samsung Galaxy S22

• Samsung Galaxy S22+

• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S22 FE

• Samsung Galaxy S23

• Samsung Galaxy S23+

• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Samsung Galaxy S24

• Samsung Galaxy S24+

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

• Samsung Galaxy S25

• Samsung Galaxy S25+

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

• Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

• Samsung Galaxy A14 (coming soon)

• Samsung Galaxy A15 (coming soon)

• Samsung Galaxy A16 (coming soon)

• Samsung Galaxy A35 (coming soon)

• Samsung Galaxy A53 (coming soon)

• Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro (coming soon)

Note that some non-T-Mobile Galaxy A15 and A53 devices cannot connect to satellite.

T-Mobile

• T-Mobile REVVL 7 (coming soon)

• T-Mobile REVVL 7 Pro (coming soon)

From here, you’ll need to head to T-Mobile’s official Starlink page, and choose “Register for the beta now” or scroll down to the registration section. You’ll need to enter your first and last name, email address, and phone number. Again, anyone on any carrier can request to join the beta—you don’t need T-Mobile.

Once you’re approved, T-Mobile will send you an invite via email. You’ll verify your number, and T-Mobile will check your eligibility. Then, you’ll need to provide some additional information, such as your billing address and credit card information. (Once the trial expires after 90-days, T-Mobile will charge you $10 per month for satellite connectivity, which it says is a $5 savings.)

T-Mobile encourages you to download the T-Life app if you sign up, but be warned: The app records your screen by default when actively using T-Life. You need to manually disable that feature if you want to retain some privacy.

What’s the big deal with satellite connectivity?

Being able to connect your smartphone to satellites is, quite literally, a game changer. It means you no longer need to worry about losing cell service or being away from a wifi connection. As long as you have a somewhat clear view to the sky and you’re within the coverage map, you’re able to connect to the outside world.

To be clear, this feature only works when you do not have available cellular service. When this happens, your phone will then automatically connect to the nearest satellites. You will not have the option to manually connect to satellites when you have a network connection.

Right now, T-Mobile’s Starlink beta only works for texting and location sharing. T-Mobile says it’s working on bringing support for voice and data coverage next, and, according to Elon Musk, the current Starlink technology should support medium resolution images, and music and podcast streaming. But even if T-Mobile only supports texting and location sharing at this time, you can imagine what a lifeline that is. If you have no cell service, and would otherwise not be able to reach out to emergency services or essential contacts, you can connect to a Starlink satellite and send text messages to either (or both).

That said, this is not the first time iPhones have been able to connect to satellites. Apple has offered satellite connectivity since 2022, when it debuted “Emergency SOS via satellite” with the iPhone 14. The company expanded upon the feature with iOS 18: Before, you could only contact emergency services or roadside assistance via satellite, but since last year’s big update, you’ve been able to send messages to anyone.

For the past two and a half years, Apple has worked exclusively with Globalstar Inc. for satellite connectivity. Going forward, however, if you have an iPhone, and are enrolled in this T-Mobile beta, your phone will default to connecting to SpaceX’s satellites. From here, you’ll be able to manually connect to Apple’s exclusive satellite services if you wish. Interestingly, while Apple’s satellite feature makes you point your phone towards the sky to search for the closest satellite, Starlink’s service should connect automatically.

This article was updated on Tuesday, June 3 to reflect T-Mobile’s plan to offer the Starlink beta to everyone.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you’ve been searching for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that combine sound quality with comfort, these Sony noise-cancelling headphones are currently on sale for under $100. According to price trackers, they’re at their lowest price yet, and are a worthy alternative to those who find in-ear and clip-on headphones uncomfortable. 

With plush ear cups and wireless capabilities, Sony’s lightest over-ear headphones (weighing just 192 grams, or a little over six ounces) offer comfort as well as more immersive sound. They’re suitable for long listening sessions or blocking out distractions at home, but are also a potential fit for commuters or remote workers who need to focus in public areas.

The battery lasts up to 35 hours on a charge, according to Sony, who also cites 4.5 hours of playback for a 10-minute charge. The headphones come with features like Adjustable Ambient Sound mode, which lets you enjoy sound quality while staying aware of your surroundings—similar to open earbuds—as well as the ability to adjust sound based on your location.

Compared to more expensive headphones from premium brands, the plastic exterior may not be as durable or sleek as models made from premium materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or carbon fiber. They also adjust with clicks unlike higher-end models, which typically feature non-clicking adjustment. Finally, they’re not water-resistant, so this pair isn’t ideal for ultra-sweaty workouts. That said, if you dislike the feeling of earbuds and are looking for noise cancellation at an affordable price, the Sony noise-canceling headphones can provide an entry point alternative to pricier noise-canceling headphones from brands like Bose or Apple. 

X has never been a go-to app for messaging, even back when it was known as Twitter. Direct messages are useful, sure, and I have no doubt that someone out there uses it as their main chat app. But the platform’s chat function have never been most users’ reason for logging on, especially compared to dedicated platforms like WhatsApp.

But Elon Musk isn’t content with that status quo. As TechCrunch reports, Musk has made it clear over the years since he acquired and renamed Twitter that he wants DMs to compete with (and beat out) competitors like Signal and iMessage. Now, he’s finally making a move, as DMs on X are transforming into something new: XChat.

On Sunday, Musk posted on X announcing XChat’s rollout. It does appear that the new chat feature is currently in beta, and it’s not clear whether it will be more than just a chat function within X—though if Musk wants it to be a standout messaging platform, it probably should have a dedicated app as well.

Between Musk’s post, and some first-hand reporting, it looks like XChat is bringing five key new features to chatting on X.

Encryption

Encryption is the first new feature Musk mentions in his XChat post, and it’s no mystery why. End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging is a key feature for modern chat apps. It ensures that only the users involved in the conversation are able to read the messages sent and received—if bad actors were to intercept the thread and attempt to read the messages without logging into the approved user’s account, they’d see a jumble of meaningless code. Importantly, it means the company that makes the chat app can’t access your messages either.

Most chat apps offer E2EE to at least some degree. Signal made the standard famous, but iMessage, WhatsApp, and Messenger all use it. X’s DMs have traditionally not been encrypted, which meant it is possible for someone at X to read your chats, or to release your chats to the authorities should they request them.

Musk isn’t wrong that E2EE is necessary if you’re trying to make a chat app to compete with the likes of Signal, but it also isn’t clear if he understands how encryption works. Musk says XChat’s encryption is “build on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption.” Rust is a programming language, which makes his wording here a bit odd. (One Redditor points out Musk is treating Rust like a platform, not the programming language that it is.) But more importantly, Bitcoin isn’t encrypted, which makes “Bitcoin-style encryption” a confusing statement. There’s speculation that Musk means “cryptography,” which Bitcoin does use, but that’s not the same as encryption. For the sake of XChat’s users, I hope chats are actually E2EE, but it’s tough to say at this point.

Vanishing messages

Snapchat may have made vanishing messages popular, but it’s far from the only app to offer them. For years, you’ve been able to send self-destructing texts in apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Soon, you’ll be able to do the same in XChat.

It’s not clear how XChat will handle vanishing messages, but I’m guessing the app will offer a self-destruct feature that will let you select a time limit before a sent message expires, like Telegram.

File sharing

With XChat, Musk says you’ll have the ability to send “any kind of file.” He’s sparse any other details, but file sharing is a useful element to any chat app. Currently, you can send photos, videos, and GIFs in X DMs, but not other file types.

Make messages as unread

Musk did not announce this feature in his initial post, but a user testing out the beta noticed it. XChat supports “unreading” a message, or, essentially, marking it as unread. It’s a small but helpful change for messages you can’t get to right away, but don’t want to forget about the next time you scroll through your chats.

Delete messages for everyone in the chat

This is another new feature Musk did not announce himself. That same beta tester post notes that XChat supports the ability to deleting a message for all participants. Like many chat apps, if you send a message you regret, you can “undo” it, and it will be removed from the recipients’ chats as well.

Many apps place a time limit on this feature, however. iMessage, for example, only lets you undo a message within two minutes of sending it. After that, you’ll only see the option to delete it for yourself. It’s not yet clear how long XChat will let you delete a message for everyone after you send it.

Audio and video calls (which aren’t actually new)

As part of the announcement, Musk said that audio and video calls would also be rolling out to XChat—but X has already had audio and video calling for a while, so I’m not sure why he chose to highlight them.

Will XChat actually catch on as a messaging alternative?

Maybe I’m skeptical, but I strongly doubt these new features—while genuinely useful—will make XChat the chat app to beat, and for a simple reason: Have you ever tried getting your friends and family to switch chat apps? It’s like pulling teeth. People are set in their ways when it comes to communication—whether they’re committed to their iPhones with iMessage, or they’re dedicated to WhatsApp like most of the world. There are a lot of apps out there for communication, and while people switch between them for various reasons, you’re unlikely to move them en masse to one specific platform.

Add to that the fact that this new option is tied to a controversial platform owned by a controversial person, and it’s hard to imagine anyone signing up for X just to use XChat. I could be wrong, but something tells me I won’t be XChatting with my friends and family in the near future.