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Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 22, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 22, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 22 PipsLess Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 22 PipsGreater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 22 PipsEqual (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this green space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.
Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.
While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 22, 2026 Accent meaningA specific way of pronouncing a language that shows where a person is from.
Detail meaningA small part, specific fact or individual item that makes up a larger whole.
Flourish meaningTo grow well, succeed or wave something around in a showy way.
Touch meaningTo make physical contact with someone or something.
Agree meaningTo have the same opinion.
Disagree meaningTo have a differing opinion.
Neutral meaningNot taking sides or being involved in a conflict.
Other meaningAdditional, different or the remaining option.
That meaningA word used as a pronoun, determiner relative pronoun or conjuction to point out a specific object.
These meaningThe plural demonstrative determiner of 'this.'
This meaningA pronoun, determiner or adverb used to point out a specific person or thing.
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Those meaningA demonstrative determiner used to point out multiple people or things.
Cafe meaningA small casual restaurant that serves coffee, tea and small bites..
Patron meaningA person who supports an organization or cause.
Rose meaningA coiled flower that typically comes in red, pink or white colors.
The meaningA definite article that points out a specific noun.
Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're being tested.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 22, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Point it out
Green: Add a little flair
Blue: Testing
Purple: Quench your thirst
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Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Demonstratives
Green: Embellishment
Blue: Options on a multiple choice survey
Purple: Beverages with acute accents removed
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #1198 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayDemonstratives: THAT, THESE, THIS, THOSE
Embellishment: ACCENT, DETAIL, FLOURISH, TOUCH
Options on a multiple choice survey: AGREE, DISAGREE, NEUTRAL, OTHER
Beverages with acute accents removed: CAFE, PATRON, ROSE, THE
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love autumn.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Day and night shiftThe words are related to seasons.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe seasonal changes.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
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NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Fall Equinox.
NYT Strands word list for September 22Fall Equinox
Transition
Changeover
Switch
Progession
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to add fuel to the fire.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 22, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Rekindle.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?No, there are no recurring letters.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
STOKE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintFoot bone.
Hurdle Word 1 answerANKLE
Hurdle Word 2 hintAngry.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerUPSET
Hurdle Word 3 hintA split.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 22, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerCRACK
Hurdle Word 4 hintCompassion.
Hurdle Word 4 answerMERCY
Final Hurdle hintDivine blood.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerICHOR
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Game Changer Season 8 ended with — not a bang — but buzzers!
In "Last Talent Standing," Dropout collided a talent show competition with Squid Game, where each axed contender means prize money is added to a hovering piggy bank. Host (and Mashable 101 honoree) Sam Reich not only welcomed 23 contestants on stage to compete, but also three celebrity judges, made up of celebrated stand-up comedians Gianmarco Soresi, Kumail Nanjiani, and Maria Bamford.
The results were a wildly entertaining and incredibly stressful finale, in which beloved Dropout contributors did everything from performing magic tricks and improvising a Disney musical number to feats of strength and celebrity impersonations, to taking some big, unpredictable swings.
How did this all come together? Was Soresi cast to play the heel? What mini-games got cut before cameras rolled? And when can fans purchase their own Sam Reich beach towel on the Dropout store?
SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' has an unexpected Dropout connection beyond the 'Game Changer' shockMashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, sat down with Sam over a video call to dig into the secrets of "Last Talent Standing."
Here's what we learned:
Gianmarco Soresi was originally cast as a contestant.In the "Last Talent Standing," Reich jokes that the comedian who's previously crushed on "Crowd Control" was intentional in the "Simon Cowell seat," alluding to the American Idol judge's reputation for being tough on contestants.
Speaking with Puchko, Reich explained, "[Soresi] was going to be a contestant in the episode and had no idea what the creative was. After we had booked Kumail and Maria, I realized that they were both very nice, and that I had almost like a creative problem I needed to solve for. Insofar as I needed someone there with a little bit more edge. And I knew that Gianmarco had what it took. So, he got upgraded from player to judge."
SEE ALSO: Dropout's Sam Reich offers advice for emerging content creators What mini-games were cut from "Last Talent Standing?"As alluded to throughout the finale, this talent show took a lot of time to shoot. So, some ideas for the game were cut before the cameras rolled.
"The original game design here was that, in between every round, there was a mini-game where they all competed in the same talent," Reich told Mashable. "I think we had like a jazz scat off. We had best Scottish accent. So, producers were doing math in the days leading up to the shoot, and everyone was telling me this episode was going to be too long."
So, when two of the 25 intended contestants dropped out, it was decided not to replace them and to kill the mini-games.
What if the contestants found the boxes' contents before round 2?Reich and Game Changer's team had planned for that.
"We were fully prepared for that to happen," Reich said of the boxes breaking, "And in fact, if it had been a natural discovery, we would have just allowed for them to start hauling things out of boxes earlier. Our cast, despite their chaotic tendencies, are so rooting for the show to be successful that many of them did break that paper in advance, not realizing that they were supposed to. And they were like sidebar-ing with our production designer Chloe [Badner], in between takes, being like, 'I'm so sorry, I hate to say this. Like, I I tore the paper. Is that okay?' And Chloe had to be like, 'Fine! It's fine.'"
Puchko asked if the design of the judges' podiums, which looked like boxes but were torn open, was meant as a clue to the contestants. Reich confirmed it was, adding, "That was like a little visual clue I was putting there for the cast in case they would take it as a clue."
Will Dropout sell the teased Sam Reich beach towel?Game Changer production assistant-turned-contender Kaylin Mahoney revealed she's also worked as Sam's assistant. In that role, she revealed to the judges that she had once been tasked with making beach towels of the Dropout CEO.
Puchko asked what these beach towels looked like. Reich clarified the towels depict him "full head to toe, me and my suit," but noted, This is so important, and I'm so glad you bring this up. I did not have beach towels made with my image on them. Elaine [Caroll, Reich's wife and Game Changer writer/producer] had beach towels made with my image on them for my birthday. And I was not aware of this [in advance]."
As to whether this birthday bit will result in official Dropout merch, Reich responded, "I think if demand as a result of this episode and this conversation is enough, you can rest assured."
How to watch: Game Changer is now streaming on Dropout.
Beware: There's a new malware making the rounds and it's targeting your Android device.
Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium recently discovered a new strain of Android malware, called RatHat, and have linked it to threat actors based out of China.
"RatHat incorporates novel techniques for persistence and leverages generative AI for operational control," Zimperium's zLabs researchers said in a report.
As the cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes explains, "RatHat gives a live AI assistant the keys to the accessibility tree of the infected device." This unique weaponization of AI allows the attacker to figure out "where to tap or scroll, rather than following a hardcoded script."
As with most malware, RatHat initially infects the device through social engineering tactics. The attacker convinces a target to download a seemingly legit app, such as Google Chrome, through a fake website posing as the Google Play Store. The user downloads the app but unknowingly installs the RatHat malware on their device.
SEE ALSO: Malware found hidden inside popular 'Meccha Chameleon' game mapsFrom there, RatHat requests accessibility permissions while still masked as a legitimate application.
Once the target provides RatHat with those permissions, the malware activates Wireless Debugging under Developer Options. RatHate weaponizes this actual Android developer feature to pair with the device.
With this access, RatHat is able to capture text messages and create overlays on targeted apps, steal passwords, and multi-factor authentication codes in the process.
"RatHat uses AI to intelligently navigate and control the device interface in real-time, making its operations more adaptable and harder for security software to detect than traditional, scripted automation," Zimperium explains.
However, the AI component isn't the only unique aspect of RatHat. The overlay acts like a keylogger, recording the user's raw touch inputs directly on the device.
Android users should protect themselves from RatHat by avoiding any downloads from untrustworthy sources. Unfortunately, once RatHat has infected a device, the only way to remove it is to factory reset the device.
TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for one Windows PC for $16.97 through Sept. 27, with seven Office apps and no recurring fees.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $16.97Microsoft Office doesn’t necessarily have to come with another recurring payment. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is $16.97 (reg. $229) through Sept. 27, giving you a lifetime license for one Windows PC.
Lifetime license to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access
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Improved inking, new Excel analysis tools, upgraded PowerPoint features
Outlook refinements for email and contact management
Instant email with download link and license key — redeem within 7 days
All languages supported, updates included for the 2019 version
If your to-do list needs serious tools without a serious bill, this is the easy win — install once, get to work, and keep moving. Grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for $16.97 (reg. $229) through Sept. 27.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Ever wanted to hear your group chat's worst message set to a pop chorus? Snapchat can do that now.
Snap announced a batch of new AI features for Lens+, its premium tier, on Monday, and the headliner is Create Song. Press and hold a message in a chat, tap Create Song, and pick a genre such as pop or rock. Snapchat turns your message into a short original track, and you can preview it before sending it to your friend.
Credit: SnapchatIf your chats are more visual than musical, the rest of the update is for you. AI Photoshoot is built to rescue near-miss Snaps, fixing shots where someone blinked, looked away, made a funny face, or got caught in bad lighting.
Credit: SnapchatAnd AI Remix lets subscribers take a Snap a friend sent and reimagine it in a new style as a reply. There's also a sticker tool that restyles custom, saved, or received Stickers, and AI-enhanced fonts that can turn captions into bubble letters, spray paint, foam, or fuzzy textures.
Credit: Snapchat Credit: SnapchatFor anyone who has lost track of Snap's subscription tiers, Lens+ launched last year as a tier within Snapchat+, which Snap says now has more than 25 million subscribers worldwide. It already gave subscribers exclusive Lenses and AR effects, along with generative tools like the Imagine Lens for image generation and AI Clips, which turns a single photo into a five-second video. Those tools run on a monthly generation allowance, and Lens+ costs $7.99 a month.
As for when you can try it, the new features are rolling out now in all markets where Lens+ is available, though Snap says access may vary by region over the coming weeks. This is the latest move in a busy few weeks for Snap; on Sept. 10, the company launched Snapchat Plans, an event-planning feature that puts it up against Partiful.
Put those moves next to today's news, and Snap's line gets easy to see. AI is welcome in your chats, where it's a premium perk. Fully AI-generated video won't get recommended in Spotlight, where strangers find you.
The real test comes after the novelty wears off. Snapchat+ has more than 25 million subscribers, and Snap is putting its most compute-heavy tools behind the $7.99 Lens+ tier, so it needs people to keep paying for AI that lives in their chats, similar to Meta One.
SEE ALSO: Meta One bundles creator and business tools — for a monthly feeIf Snap's approach works, expect the next round of Lens+ features to look a lot like this one: small, playful tools built around how friends already talk to each other.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with Apple's latest mobile chip: the A20 Pro. The foldable iPhone Duo will also run on the new chip.
Built on a 2nm process, the A20 Pro has a 6-core CPU with two super cores and four efficiency cores, a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine that handles AI tasks.
But does any of that techspeak translate into actual performance?
To find out, we put the iPhone 18 Pro (the Pro Max yields near-identical results) to the test. And yes, in synthetic benchmark tests, this thing blows everything else out of the water. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the only one that comes close. To make sure I'm testing it right, I've run the Geekbench 6 and 7 tests on a perfectly clean, freshly activated iPhone 18 Pro with no third-party apps installed and nothing running in the background.
The A20 Pro proves Apple silicon is undefeatedIn Geekbench 7's CPU test (the standard benchmark we use when reviewing laptops and smartphones), the iPhone 18 Pro achieved a 3,959 single-core score and a 10,854 multi-core score. And in the Geekbench 7 GPU test, it scored 61,194.
The benchmark results are quite clear: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is the new performance king. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable GPU performance is amazing, too. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableWe also ran Geekbench 6, an earlier version of this benchmarking tool, as the scores are easier to compare with older devices. The results here were even more impressive. The iPhone 18 Pro scored 4,673 in the single-core CPU test and 12,483 in the multi-core Geekbench 6 test.
The older Geekbench 6 test is similarly dominated by Apple's latest. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableFor comparison, here are how some other recent flagship phones performed on Geekbench 6 in our testing:
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 3,524 single-core, 10,827 multi-core
Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL: 1,800 single-core, 5,000 multi-core
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: 3,097 single-core, 10,277 multi-core
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: 3,779 single-core, 9,778 multi-core
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 2,800 single-core, 9,100 multi-core (we've gotten results as high as 10,049)
You get the idea: These phones are nowhere near Apple's new silicon, at least when it comes to synthetic test performance. (Transitioning Apple to its own in-house processors was one of John Ternus's biggest achievements before he was promoted to CEO.)
The performance improvement versus the iPhone 17 Pro Max is hardly surprising, but it's still notable that the iPhone 18 Pro beats its predecessor by roughly 25 percent across the board.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro hands-on: What's new with the camerasWill you feel the difference in real-world usage? Yes and no.
The new phones are undeniably faster than anything else out there. But, as noted in my iPhone 18 Pro review, it's not all that noticeable unless you're switching from a much older device. The thing is, Apple's iPhones have been incredibly fast and powerful for a while, so the fact that the latest phone is that much faster than the previous one is just icing on the cake. Unless you're an AI superuser, it's unlikely you'll push the new iPhones to the limit.
One last note: The iPhone Duo is also running the A20 Pro chip, and we're eager to see whether it scores higher or lower than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's the same chip, yeah, but the rest of the device is different enough, starting with that enormous foldable display, for us to be intrigued about the Duo's scores. We'll have more on that once the iPhone Duo is in our hands next month.
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Apple's product lineup typically consists of a "regular" product and a pricier, Pro variant that comes with a number of extra features, at least a few of them so good that most people will always go for the Pro version if they can afford it.
Apple's latest AirPods 5 are so good that they flip this dynamic on its head. They're an improved, yet significantly cheaper version of the AirPods 4 released in 2024. In many ways, they're as good as the AirPods Pro 3. In some ways, they're actually better. And that's saying a lot given that the AirPods Pro 3 are my favorite earbuds ever.
AirPods 5: Compact yet versatile ANC earbudsA couple of years ago, Apple made a big leap by introducing two versions of the AirPods 4, one with ANC (active noise cancellation) and one without. I remember the company's briefings on those products, in which they put extra emphasis on how hard their engineers had to work to create proper active noise cancellation on earbuds that don't have an acoustic seal. That design choice was on purpose: Not everyone likes to have earbuds with foamy seals stuck in their ear canal (that's what the best noise-cancelling earbuds do to get additional passive noise cancellation).
Apple's AirPods 5 are a big upgrade over last year's model, and the price is even better. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableBut the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179, a significant price hike from the basic version that cost $129 (and often go on sale for only $99).
This year, Apple decided to completely forego that price premium by adding an improved version of ANC to the basic AirPods 5, which still start at $129. Even better, the premium AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case are actually cheaper than their predecessor at $149, even as Apple raises prices on the rest of its product line.
What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?The biggest difference between the $129 and $149 Airpods 5 is the wireless charging case, but Apple also added another "Pro" feature to the AirPods 5 — a special area on the neck of the earbuds that you can swipe on to adjust volume. It's a nifty feature that I use all the time, though it does take some time to get used to.
So, are the more expensive AirPods 5 worth the investment? If it were just the case, I would say no, as wireless charging isn't essential for me; plugging a nearby USB-C cable into the case was almost always a more convenient option.
But you lose out on other features if you buy the cheaper variant. Battery life is shorter (four hours vs. five hours), and you don't get that volume swipe sensor.
So, I think you should definitely dish out those extra 20 bucks for the wireless charging variant, if you can.
Great sound has never been cheaper A lot of features packed into a small case. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe common wisdom about headphones and earbuds is that those with an "open" design will have a brighter, more airy sound, and that's pretty much the case here. The AirPods 5 have a clear sound with punchy drums and plenty of bass, but not so much to make it overwhelming. You won't get crazy levels of detail here, but for earbuds at this price range, they sound pretty great.
I was particularly interested in how they'll handle live performances, as that's where open-design earbuds should shine. One of my favorite tracks for this is Cage the Elephant's cover of The Stranglers' 'Golden Brown,' and it sounds excellent, with every instrument perfectly balanced in the mix. Arne Domnérus' legendary 'Jazz at the Pawnshop' album is another live favorite of mine. The AirPods 5 handled it well; I got a decent sense of the stage width (not so much the depth, though) and heard the clapping and the chatter of the people at that concert.
The AirPods 5 will struggle with very complex stuff such as large classical ensembles. Dense, heavy songs, like Meshuggah's 'Clockworks' can sound slightly muddled. But that's true of pretty much every pair of earbuds I've ever tested. On the flip side, intimate performances such as Portishead's 'Roseland NYC Live' sound wonderful.
You can swipe on the side of the earbuds to adjust volume; another feature inherited from the Pro model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableComparing them to other Apple earbuds, they sound pretty much the same as the AirPods 4 to me, which isn't a bad thing. The AirPods Pro 3 do sound quite a bit better, with more details across the entire range, but again, some may prefer the slightly more open sound of the AirPods 5.
No tip, no problemWhen it comes to noise cancellation, there's no comparison. The AirPods Pro 3 do it better. In fact, that particular model has such a strong passive/active noise cancellation combo that it beats Apple's own AirPods Max 2 headphones, and has basically reduced my need to carry larger headphones around to zero.
However, what Apple has done with the AirPods 5 in terms of ANC is impressive. During a briefing at Apple, I heard the AirPods 5 reduce (simulated) airplane engine noise, and it was just OK, probably because the room was dead quiet otherwise. But later, on an actual plane, I realized they did a pretty good job of reducing both the engines' drone and the passengers' chatter.
It's far from perfect. The AirPods 5 are pretty great at reducing the lower portion of the audio spectrum, but a higher-pitched hiss always remains audible. But for buds that just sit freely in your ear without a snug fit, turning on ANC and hearing it do its thing feels almost like magic.
Note to future users: The actual position of the buds in your ear matters a lot; if you feel the ANC isn't working as good as it should be, try adjusting the AirPods 5 in your ears a little and see if you can hear an improvement.
Battery life isn't great, but who cares The AirPods 5 come in two flavors: With or without a charging case. You can recognize the ones with the charging case by the tiny speaker grille on the bottom. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableBattery life on the AirPods in general has never been a big issue for me. I don't think about it much, and both the buds and the case charge quickly enough that I just plug them in whenever it's convenient, and I almost never run out of battery.
That said, if you're a heavy user, have in mind that the AirPods 5 have four to five hours of battery life on their own (with ANC on), and up to 20 to 22 hours of battery life if you count the extra juice you get from the case (depending on the variant). The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, last eight hours on one change, and get up to 24 hours of battery life with the case.
Despite this drawback, the AirPods 5 have a big advantage over the AirPods Pro 3: Their case is a lot smaller and more likely to fit even in the tightest of pockets.
A few "pro" extrasThe new AirPods 5 also inherit a few software features from the Pro model, including Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency. You also get Live Translation and Siri AI.
I use all of Apple's headphones and pretty much skip Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness completely. I'm just too used of switching noise cancellation on and off myself, as well as physically removing my earbuds/headphones when talking to someone. Transparency, however, is pretty great for those moments when you don't want to stop the music, but still need to hear what's happening around you.
Finally, thanks to iOS 27, you can now find a custom EQ equalizer for your AirPods, Pro or otherwise.
Credit: Screenshot by Stan Schroeder Credit: AppleIf you're counting, the list of features that the AirPods 5 get from the AirPods Pro 3 is long enough that it almost feels like Apple is undercutting its own pricier model. Somewhat unusual for Apple, but I'm not complaining.
As for the software features that remain exclusive for the Pro, this includes some health-related features such as Hearing Test and Hearing Protection, as well as a heart rate sensor for workouts. They're nice features to have, but not essential for music listening.
AirPods 5: Should you buy them?The AirPods Pro 3 are still my favorite earbuds. They have better noise cancellation and better sound than the AirPods 5. But I don't mind the tight seal of their foamy tips in my ear.
If you want earbuds without such tips, or if you want earbuds under $150, then the AirPods 5 are actually a better option. They're smaller, have comparably great sound, a similar set of features, and decent noise cancellation despite the lack of a proper seal of your ear canal. Yes, the battery life is a little shorter, but they also come at half the price. At $129 (or $149 if you opt for the wireless charging case), the AirPods 5 are a no-brainer.
Now, fingers crossed, we'll see these buds go on sale during the upcoming October Prime Day or Black Friday events.
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We are just a month away from the official launch of Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo. If you're already an iPhone user, only looking to purchase a foldable iPhone, there's likely nothing that will sway you towards any other foldable smartphone.
However, Android users may be wondering just how the iPhone Duo will stack up to the other foldable devices that exist for Android. While we will still have to wait for iPhone Duo benchmarks, the company behind SpeedTest.net, Ookla, has just released comprehensive benchmarks for Android foldable devices, which should definitely come in handy when deciding which foldable you'll go with in a few weeks.
Ookla's report focuses on six popular foldable devices in the U.S. market: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold7, Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip6, and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The company tested these foldable smartphones on a number of metrics and used their respective generation's "slab" model with the same chipset, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as the "control" for comparison.
It's important to note that there are some differences between the foldable device and its comparable slab model, such as antenna placement and specific device firmware, that will affect these metrics. But this seems like a generally good methodology for deriving these benchmarks.
When it comes to speed, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra appears to be the big winner. It excelled in download speed, upload speed, and packet-loss reduction. The base Galaxy Z Fold8 model was not far behind. In fact, in median download speed it actually performed slightly better than the Ultra, although the Ultra model bested it in the other metrics.
While the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra performed best in the speed test trials, they didn't fare as well when it came to the signal quality measurement tests. As Ookla points out, even though the two foldables are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and Snapdragon X85 modem as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the latter outperformed the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra here.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold6 appears to have had the best scores in both signal quality measurement tests, in both good and bad conditions. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Flip6 had the worst performance in signal quality measurement tests under good conditions, but the best under bad conditions when compared to its control device.
The temperature benchmark found that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 ran the coolest when compared to its control device, whereas the Flip6 was the hottest.
Ookla also mapped out how Samsung's foldable devices have fared with each subsequent generation on each metric. It found that Samsung has improved the upload speeds, download speeds, and signal strength measurements with each new model foldable smartphone. However, there were two benchmarks where Samsung has been regressing.
When it comes to signal strength in bad conditions, the Fold6 actually outperformed the Fold7 and Fold8. While the Fold8 Ultra performed better than the Fold7 and Fold8 in this area, it was still outperformed by the Fold6.
The Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra also saw a big decline in performance on the overheating-related throttling benchmark when compared to the Fold7. The Fold7 had a big boost in this metric when compared to the Fold6, but its successors have seemingly regressed when it comes to the operating system slowing down due to the device's temperature.
While not benchmark-related, Ookla also shared some market share statistics. Based on Speedtest's foldable sample share, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 far and away is the most popular foldable smartphone in the world.
And while companies like Motorola, Google, and Honor have been chipping away at Samsung's foldable market share, Samsung still holds more than 77 percent of the foldable market.
We'll see how that changes on October 23 with the release of the iPhone Duo.
Apple's iPhone Duo doesn't officially launch until October, but its wallpapers are already out in the wild.
As spotted by 9to5Mac, the artwork didn't make it into the release candidate for iOS 27, alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro wallpapers. It did, however, turn up in the iPhone Simulator bundled with this week's Xcode 27.1 beta, Apple's developer toolkit released to coincide with the start of iPhone Duo app development.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latestThe set includes four wallpapers total: two light-mode and two dark-mode variants, all built around the same desert scene of rolling sand dunes set against a distant mountain range, shifting from a soft daytime palette to a starlit night sky in the dark versions.
Since the artwork lives inside Xcode's simulator files rather than a public download page, getting it requires either running the Xcode 27.1 beta yourself or waiting for the images to circulate more widely online. A quick Google search will immediately reveal sites where you can download high-definition wallpapers.
For anyone who'd rather skip the wait entirely, the easiest path is simply holding out a few more weeks. Apple's iPhone Duo is set for pre-order on Oct. 16 and ships Oct. 23, at which point the wallpapers should be built directly into the software.
Sure, we just got the iPhone 18 Pro, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about what's next for Apple's flagship smartphone.
Fresh off the launch of the iPhone 18 line, there are new rumors swirling around the internet about the iPhone 20. Despite the name, that's actually the expected moniker of the next iPhone model, meaning there would be no iPhone 19. That's because 2027 would be the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, after all. Anyway, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station posted some display specs for the iPhone 20 Pro devices that caught the internet's eye.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latest This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.According to Digital Chat Station, here are the display sizes and resolutions of the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max:
iPhone 20 Pro: 6.41-inch display with 2,686 × 1,236 resolution
iPhone 20 Pro Max: 6.96-inch display with 2,912 × 1,340 resolution
By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro's display is 6.27 inches with a 2,622 x 1,206 resolution, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max measures in at 6.86 inches with a 2,868 x 1,320 resolution. In simpler terms, next year's iPhone 20 Pro models will have larger displays with higher resolutions, despite Apple sticking with the same display sizes since 2024 until now.
That change in display size isn't massive in a numerical sense, but it may not be the only change Apple has in store.
According to leaker Ice Universe, "Apple is reportedly testing a bezel-less quad-curved display design, along with a smaller display cutout that could further shrink the Dynamic Island." That lines up with lots of previous reporting, which has suggested that the iPhone 20 will have borderless all-screen glass displays. So, rather than having a hard bezel around the screen, it will curve on all four sides.
In addition, Apple could incorporate the under-display selfie camera seen in the new iPhone Duo for the iPhone 20, which would allow for a smaller dynamic island.
Google's new laptop initiative is built to run as a true extension of your Android phone. Here's what Googlebooks are, why Google made them, and how all five launch models held up when we went hands-on.
Read more about Googlebooks and where to buy them: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models
Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:25 Android, Windows and MacOS integration
1:10 Instant setup and ecosystem features
2:03 Why GoogleBook? (tech experts weigh in)
3:18 GoogleBook vs. Chromebook
4:55 Hands-on experience and build quality
6:03 Desktop apps and developer potential
6:44 Who is GoogleBook for?
Video credits
Host: Iyaz Akhtar
Scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green
Google is launching a brand-new lineup of flagship laptops designed around seamless Android integration and the all-new Googlebook OS. Get a hands-on preview of the latest flagship devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting at $899.
Read more about the Googlebook launch and availability: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models
Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:18 What is Googlebook OS?
1:43 Core features and specs
2:34 Acer Googlebook 14
2:48 Asus Googlebook 14
3:04 Dell XPS Googlebook
3:27 HP Googlebook 14
3:39 Lenovo Googlebook 15
3:54 Availability and final thoughts
Video credits
Host: Matthew Buzzi
Scripted by: Matthew Buzzi
Producer: Paul Encinas
Camera: Paul Encinas
Video Editor: Paul Encinas
Thumbnail Designer: Cole Kan
If you’ve been waiting for a true third option to break up the endless "Mac vs. PC" debate, your time has finally arrived.
Announced earlier this year at Google I/O, Googlebooks are a brand-new class of premium AI laptops built to take on MacBooks head-to-head. Unlike budget Chromebooks, these sleek machines run on a brand-new, desktop-class operating system called Googlebook OS — combining the best features of Android, ChromeOS, and native Gemini AI into a single powerhouse.
Preorders officially open from Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET, with units shipping out on Oct. 4 in the U.S. Every Googlebook comes packed with a minimum of 16GB of RAM, at least 14 hours of battery life, dedicated NPU chips for local AI tasks, and a free 12-month offer for Google AI Pro.
Acer Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Googlebook 14 $899 at Best BuyAcer’s Googlebook 14 is the most affordable model of the bunch and the only true 2-in-1 convertible in the initial lineup. At $899, you get 360-degree versatility to flip between laptop, tent, and tablet modes — making it ideal for taking notes or using Android apps on a desktop. Despite the lower price tag, Acer didn't cheap out on specs: it packs a razor-sharp 2.8K OLED touch display, Intel's brand-new Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake processor, and a premium aluminum-and-magnesium chassis weighing just 2.7 pounds.
The one convertible of the bunch. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Dell XPS Googlebook Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS Googlebook $999 at Best BuyDell took its famous XPS design and put Googlebook OS on it. The Dell XPS Googlebook is made for taking on the go — it weighs only 2.5 pounds and is super thin. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip for fast performance, gives you a generous 512GB of starter storage, and features a sharp 2.5K touch screen. You also get both face login and a fingerprint scanner built right into its sturdy metal body.
Dell's Googlebook in action. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable HP Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best BuyHP’s Googlebook 14 is an all-metal workhorse that strikes a sweet spot between screen space and portability. At 2.7 pounds and 14mm thin, it packs a vivid 2.8K OLED touch screen that makes colors pop and handles bright light with ease. Powered by Qualcomm’s fast Snapdragon X1 Elite chip, it keeps multitasking smooth across your daily tasks and Android apps. You also get a responsive haptic touchpad, a fingerprint reader for instant logins, and battery life built to clear a full workday.
HP's Googlebook in full force. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo Googlebook 15 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Googlebook 15 $1,099 at Best BuyLenovo’s Googlebook 15 is built for anyone who wants a bigger workspace without carrying around a heavy brick. It features a roomy 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touch screen and rich Dolby Atmos audio, making it awesome for side-by-side multitasking, streaming, and creative work. Despite the extra screen space, its high-tech carbon-fiber and magnesium frame keep it under 2.7 pounds. Intel’s new Panther Lake chip handles heavy daily workloads smoothly, while double biometric security — both face unlock and a fingerprint reader — keeps your data locked down tight.
Asus Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best BuyThe Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest option in the entire lineup, weighing just 2.2 pounds. Wrapped in a sturdy metal chassis, it features the highest-resolution display in the group — a crisp 3K OLED touch screen that makes text razor-sharp and video colors pop. Intel's new Panther Lake processor keeps everything running fast, while a smooth haptic touchpad and a built-in fingerprint scanner make everyday navigation and security effortless.
If you're ready to ditch Windows and macOS for deep Gemini AI, secure your pre-order today.
First we got Burger King teaming up with Dragon Ball. Then McDonald's went ahead with a SpongeBob collab. And don't forget the Owala and Pokémon bottles that sold out almost immediately. This is a golden age of viral brand mashups, and there's more to come.
Just when you thought these viral collabs might have peaked, two New England powerhouses have joined forces to claim fall. The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is already a staple for prep-meets-streetwear enthusiasts, but adding Dunkin’s iconic hot pink and orange colorway guarantees these will be all over TikTok and secondary resale sites before lunch on launch day.
Credit: Dunkin'The collab is anchored by two legitimate heritage staples: L.L.Bean's classic Birdseye Crewneck Sweater (reimagined with a subtle Dunkin' pattern twist) and their indestructible Canvas Boat and Tote. Plus, if you can't wait until Sept. 29 for the full merch drop, Dunkin' stores are handing out incredibly cute knit Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeves with any coffee order on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (the first day of fall).
Credit: Dunkin' What to shop in the Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean lineupMark your calendars for Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. ET for this limited-edition drop. Here's exactly what's dropping online and in select stores:
L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Birdseye Sweater ($79.95): L.L.Bean's classic wool-blend Norwegian pattern re-worked with Dunkin's signature color accents.
L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Boat and Tote ($59.95): The heavy-duty canvas tote features vibrant Dunkin' pink and orange handles, dual embroidered logos, and contrast stitching.
L.L.Bean Coffee Tote ($24.95): An ultra-miniature version of the Boat and Tote scaled specifically to hold a single iced coffee cup or travel tumbler.
If you miss out on the official drop on Sept. 29, Dunkin’ Rewards members can still score a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase via the Dunkin’ app all day on National Coffee Day.