ICYMI: The 8 biggest tech news of the week, from iPhone 16 rumors to an ultra-expensive soundbar
We expect the tech news cycle to slow down a bit one day – but that definitely didn’t happen this week. It was another seven days of news, leaks and product launches, and we’ve picked out the most important stories of the week below.
These ICYMI articles (in case you missed it) are designed to get you up to speed on the last seven days’ worth of technology news as quickly as possible – and we understand if you don’t have the time or opportunity to check out TechRadar every day (although you obviously should).
This week’s handpicked tech stories include new rumors about what to expect from the iPhone 16 and Apple AirPods 4, an affordable new video doorbell from Ring, and a decidedly prohibitive new soundbar from Nakamichi. Enjoy catching up!
8. The iPhone Photography Awards have announced this year’s impressive winners
We look forward to releasing the best images from the iPhone Photography Awards every year because they are all brilliant, and the newly announced selection is no exception. These stunning shots cover nature, architecture, people, places and space, and it’s worth checking out the whole gallery.
Interestingly, quite a few of the winning photos were taken on older iPhones, showing that you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest gear to take a fantastic smartphone photo. Now in its 17th year, the awards are the longest-running iPhone photography competition – and we look forward to seeing the top picks for 2025.
7. Rumors about Apple AirPods 4 increased
The AirPods 3 launched in October 2021, so we’re guessing we’re overdue for a new pair of wireless earbuds from Apple – and one of the industry’s most reliable Apple informants says the Apple AirPods 4 are indeed coming soon. Plus, this time around, there will apparently be two different variants to choose from.
Rumor has it that there will be a base pair of Apple AirPods 4, as well as a more advanced (and more expensive) pair with active noise cancellation built in. At the same time, the new arrivals are intended to 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 iOS bug has been discovered
This one is one of those iPhone oddities: you can crash your Apple smartphone simply by typing a specific series of four characters into the search bar at the top of the app library screen. It’s not a particularly bad bug and basically just freezes your phone for a few seconds before returning you to the lock screen, but it’s an interesting little trick.
This is a reminder that even the most mature and polished software platforms can have their quirks. While this doesn’t seem to be a security risk or anything, Apple might fix it with the launch of iOS 18. If you want to try the bug out for yourself, follow the link below for instructions on how to do it on your own iPhone.
5. DJI was (again) considered a candidate to compete with Canon and Nikon
DJI has a lot of experience building cameras that can be attached to drones, but it looks like the company will be launching its own standalone digital camera in the near future. Given the high ratings of DJI’s drones and pocket video cameras, this may be something Sony, Canon and Nikon should be concerned about.
Currently, we don’t have too much information about the camera DJI is supposedly working on, but it appears to be a mirrorless model that is expected to launch in September. This would certainly be an interesting move for DJI as the company looks to expand beyond its core drone business and monetize other device categories as well.
4. The final beta version of iOS 18 has been made available to early adopters
iOS 18 was unveiled in a big way in June, when Apple told us all about the host of new features it will be bringing to iPhones later this year, and the beta testing phase for the software is now nearing its end. A well-placed source says the latest beta version of iOS 18 will be the last before the software is finalized and distributed to the masses.
If you want to test out the new features in advance, you can still sign up for the iOS 18 beta program, although some previously promised parts of the software — notably many of the Apple Intelligence features — have yet to appear. iOS 18 will most likely launch in full sometime in September, coinciding with the unveiling of the iPhone 16.
3. A Dolby Atmos soundbar where money is no object has bankrupted us
If you’ve got $8,499 to spare for an audio upgrade – that’s about £6,475 / AU$12,630 at today’s rates – can we interest you in the Nakamichi Dragon Dolby Atmos soundbar, which packs four 12-inch subwoofers and an astonishing 5,000 watts of power? It’ll do wonders for the sound of your movies and TV shows.
Installing it under your TV will give you a sound experience that’s not far off from that at your local movie theater. If you’re interested in a luxurious, premium audio kit that will blow your mind (at least in your living room), we’ve got all the specs and details you need to know.
2. A major iPhone 16 leak helped decide our upgrade plans
Anticipation is building for the iPhone 16 series, which will almost certainly launch sometime in September, and a new leak brings together a whole bunch of rumors about these four phones – so if you want to read some spoilers ahead of the official Apple event and reveal, then follow the link below to check them out.
While none of these details are confirmed yet, they cover everything from screen sizes and internal processors to battery capacities and even starting prices (in the US) – there’s good news on that front, as it looks like all iPhone 16 models will cost the same as the iPhone 15 versions they replace, so there won’t be any price increases.
1. Ring gave us a temptingly cheap new video doorbell
Video doorbells are appearing on more and more front doors, and it’s easy to see the appeal: You can check who’s calling and give orders to delivery drivers or neighbors without getting up from your couch (or your beach chair on the other side of the world). If you’re in the market, there’s a new Ring model for you.
The aptly named Ring Battery Doorbell brings some premium features – including a 150-degree head-to-toe field of view and color night vision – while still being affordable at $99.99/AU$149 (about £80). If you’re in the US or Australia, you can pre-order it now, with availability in other countries coming later.
