Entertainment
We asked our readers what gadgets they expect Apple to release this year: See the top answers
It’s already been a very busy year for Apple. Tim Cook announced he’ll be stepping aside for John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Siri AI finally made its big debut at the WWDC 2026 keynote. The company released a new budget MacBook, and then raised prices just months later.
But, don’t forget: We’re still expecting the launch of the iPhone 18, the first folding iPhone, and a ton more Apple devices in the back half of the year.
So, Mashable and the rest of the CNET Group (ZDNET, PCMag, CNET, and Lifehacker) are hosting the Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition to give our readers a chance to predict the biggest Apple news. Every correct answer earns you one chance to win the new Apple Watch announced in September. (Read the full content rules.) Ahead of the September iPhone launch event, we have our readers’ answers from round two of the game.
Question 1: Will Apple announce that a foldable iPhone will be released in 2026?
The foldable iPhone — rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, or some variation thereof — is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley right now, but Apple still hasn’t confirmed its existence. However, 68 percent of respondents said they expect the phone to arrive this year, while just 32 percent answered in the negative.
Question 2: Will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max include a black color option this year?
The lack of a black color option was a major disappointment for some Apple fans after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro. (Scratchgate may have been the reason why.) Rumor has it we won’t get a black phone this year either. The breakdown here was almost identical to question one, with 68 percent of you expecting that we will get a black iPhone.
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Question 3: Will Apple announce a touchscreen MacBook in 2026?
Rumors of MacBook Pros with OLED screens and touchscreens have been spreading for awhile, and it’s very possible these high-end laptops will launch in 2026.
But what do Mashable readers think? Our readers are split on this question, with 55 percent saying yes, and 45 percent saying no.
Question 4: Will Apple release new AirPods in 2026?
On this question, only 26 percent our respondents said no, with the majority (74 percent) answering in the affirmative.
Question 5: Will an M6 series chip be announced in 2026?
An M6 chip is expected to arrive this fall based on Apple’s previous schedule of releases. When we posed this question to Mashable readers, 35% predicted we wouldn’t see an M6 chip, while 65% believe that we will.
Don’t forget to participate in the third and final round of the Big Guessing Game for another chance at winning a new Apple Watch. The last round will take place in the weeks before the iPhone launch event, which we believe will take place in mid-September.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the “CNET Group Big Guessing Game” Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.
Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Entertainment
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 1
The Moon is now well into its waning phase, gradually appearing less full as it moves closer to the New Moon. Here’s what you can still see on its surface tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Saturday, Aug. 1, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waning Gibbous phase, with 93% of its surface visible.
Without visual aids, tonight you should still be able to see the Mare Tranquillitatis, Copernicus Crater, and the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars will help you see the Alphonsus Crater, Endymion Crater, and the Clavius Crater. Pull out your telescope (if you have one) to see see all clearer, plus the Apollo 14 landing spot, the Rupes Altai, and the Linne Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon goes through a complete cycle of eight phases roughly every 29.5 days. As it travels around Earth, the angle between the Sun, Earth and Moon constantly changes, meaning we see different amounts of the Moon’s sunlit side. This is what causes the familiar progression from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before the cycle repeats.
The eight phases are:
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New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Entertainment
Google DeepMind tests Gemini Robotics 2 doing chores around the house, and the future looks bright!
New demos show Gemini Robotics 2 tackling household tasks with advanced humanoid and dual-arm robots.
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Entertainment
Shakespearean Parenting
By the wonderful Grace Farris.
P.S. Shakespeare’s witches and ancient Greek parenting.… Read more
The post Shakespearean Parenting appeared first on Cup of Jo.
Winless since May 2, Minnesota eyes revenge on San Diego
Surging Dynamo out to avoid letdown vs. last-place Sporting KC
