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Times columnist Kevin Roose sees reasons for optimism — and worry — as the world wakes up to what Silicon Valley has been talking about for years.

A new cat species has been formally identified for the first time in 100 years. Found in Bolivia, the Leopardus tilcayo has markings similar to a leopard, but is smaller than a domestic house cat. Unfortunately, while this tiger cat is undeniably cuddle-sized, it is not for cuddling.

SEE ALSO: Scientists accidentally created the cutest mouse in the world

Revealed in a paper published in Current Biology on Thursday, the diminutive Leopardus tilcayo is described as having "relatively large, irregular, dark brown to black rosettes" on its light brown fur, which darkens along its spine and lightens toward its limbs. The tiger cat is also adorably small, measuring just 425 to 505mm from its head to the end of its body, excluding its 250 to 265mm-long tail. (In comparison, the average domestic cat is around 460 to 510mm long, with a tail measuring 250 to 380mm.)

A tilcayo cat (Leopardus tilcayo) at Senda Verde in Coroico, Bolivia. Credit: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Other than this, very little is known about the tilcayo. However, researchers state that this tiger cat was already known to locals in the Bolivian Yungas region, who called it "tilcayo."

"We asked the local people, 'Why do you call it tilcayo?'" the paper's co-lead author, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, told National Geographic. "And they said, 'I don't know! My grandpa called it tilcayo, so I call it tilcayo."

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The specific cat that helped Nogales-Ascarrunz and her team identify the new species had already been living in a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary for almost a decade. A local man initially found the male kitten on a road and cared for it at his home for about a year, believing it was an ordinary house cat. However, he eventually realised that it was in fact a wild animal, prompting him to hand it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016.

They then contacted biologist Nogales-Ascarrunz, who mistakenly identified the cat as a Leopardus tigrinus, also known as an oncilla or northern tiger cat. However, upon subsequently reviewing her photos of the cat in 2019, she realised that it did not match images of other felines presumed to be of the same species.

DNA testing has now proved her suspicions correct, confirming that the cat is indeed an entirely new species. Nogales-Ascarrunz and her fellow researchers further noted that, compared to the oncillia, the tilcayo has "larger and more irregular flank markings, [a] longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches [near the tail]."

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Affectionately named "Tigrino," Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary's resident tilcayo is the only known animal of his species to be in protective human care. As such, practically everything we know about tilcayos is in reference to Tigrino. However, now that researchers know what to look for, there is the chance that other previously misidentified tilcayo cats may be discovered.

The countries, along with Israeli firms, combined Chinese open-source A.I. models and A.I. agents for the campaigns, foreshadowing future online manipulation.

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 18, get Otterbox's new iPhone 18 Pro Defender Pro Case for $49.99. That saves you $30 on its $79.99 list price for 38% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Otterbox Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

Today is finally the day — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are arriving in stores and into your hands. If you have the new iPhone or are planning to go out and grab one this weekend, don't forget to pick up a case for it. There's no bigger tech nightmare than dropping and cracking your brand-new phone. So if you're in the market, we spotted a deal just for you.

As of Sept. 18, get the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case for just $49.99. That's $30 off the case's list price of $79.99, saving you 38%. That's some pretty substantial savings, especially when you just dropped a lot of money on a new phone.

Otterbox makes cases that are rugged and durable so that the case absorbs damage — not your phone. The brand's Defender Pro series provides maximum protection that's up to a military standard. It also has a grippy finish to hopefully prevent the number of drops you have to begin with. Plus, it's not bulky either.

Shop the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case now for just $49.99 at Amazon and save $30.

It's iPhone launch day! Did you get a brand new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max? Did you see John Ternus at the Apple store? If so, congratulations! Also, and this is very important, don't drop it.

Apple has shared just how much it's going to cost for the most common iPhone repairs for the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. And, let's put it this way, damaging your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max is going to cost you a pretty penny on top of what you just spent for the device itself.

Just how much? Here's what Apple said about iPhone 18 Pro repair costs

The cost of fixing a damaged iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Damaged the back glass of your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max? That'll cost you $159 to repair.

Dropped the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max and wrecked the rear cameras? Apple will fix that for a whopping $249.

Something wrong with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max battery? Battery issues are usually covered under warranty this early in your smartphone's lifecycle, but if it's an issue caused by you, then Apple's charging $129 for the fix.

Apple can also fix your screen if you break or crack it. However, unlike the previous repairs, the cost of this one will depend on which device you have. Screen damage repair on the iPhone 18 Pro will cost a whopping $329. If the back glass is damaged along with the screen, then it'll cost $419 for the fix. Those same repairs will cost $379 and $469 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, respectively. Obviously, the fix for a much larger screen will cost you more.

Those seem to be the most common repairs, and if you must damage your new iPhone, you'd better hope it's one of those things that need fixing. If you did something unique to wreck your iPhone, those repairs, which Apple deems as "other damage," will set you back a whopping $849 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $899 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

And here's the TL;DR version:

• Battery service: $129

• Back glass damage: $159

• Rear camera damage: $249

• Screen damage: $329 ($379 for Pro Max)

• Screen and back glass damage: $419 ($469 for Pro Max)

• Other damage: Up to $849 ($899 for Pro Max)

iPhone 18 repair price vs. iPhone 17 repair price

If you're wondering how the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max repair prices stack up to the cost of fixing its predecessors, you may be surprised to find out that there's not much of a difference. Of course, the bodies of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are practically the same, so they likely require similar, if not identical, parts and labor costs to repair, so it makes sense. The one difference is the battery service repair, which Apple charges a mere $10 more to fix for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Everything Apple changed

So, if you're wondering if you should splurge on the new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max or save some money by purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, just know they cost basically the same exact thing to fix!

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Live stream the 17th season of The Great British Baking Show for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You know that summer is making way for fall when The Great British Baking Show returns to screens. Things are about to get a whole lot cozier. Which is what The Great British Baking Show, aka Bake Off, is all about — comforting, wholesome fun.

The Great British Baking Show pits Britain's best amateur bakers against each other in the iconic white tent. They battle it out — in the nicest possible way — by dazzling the judges with technical challenges and stow-stopper bakes.

This year, things will look a little different as longtime judge Prue Leith has departed the show. She's replaced by cookery show queen Nigella Lawson, who will judge 12 new bakers alongside Bake Off mainstay Paul Hollywood.

If you're interested in watching The Great British Baking Show in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is The Great British Baking Show in 2026?

The 17th season of The Great British Baking Show starts on Sept. 22 in the UK. Episodes go live a few days later in the U.S.

How to watch The Great British Baking Show for free in 2026

The Great British Baking Show is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone worldwide can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to watch The Great British Baking Show from anywhere in the world.

Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch episodes of The Great British Baking Show without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $4.01: The new Apple AirPods 5 are down to $124.99 on Amazon. That’s a 3% discount on brand-new ANC hardware on release day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01   Get Deal

Preordering brand-new Apple gear usually means paying full retail price and waiting by your front door for the delivery truck. But Amazon is bending the rules just enough to make hitting "buy now" feel a little sweeter.

While you won't see dramatic clearance-rack strike-throughs on unreleased tech, Apple's new AirPods 5 are already seeing a quiet price drop. They technically sit at a $129 list price, but Amazon currently has them listed for $124.99 right out of the gate.

SEE ALSO: AirPods 5 review: Are these really open earbuds?

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your daily earbuds, the AirPods 5 hit a really nice sweet spot. In her coverage for Mashable, Bethany Allard points out that "unlike the previous gen, both [AirPods 5 models] feature active noise cancellation — but this doesn't result in a price hike." Even at the base level, you get solid upgrades. Apple packed in "50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4," an "improved transparency mode for a more natural sound," and an "updated adaptive EQ, which helps power better spatial audio."

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a theater-like soundstage across movies, music, and games. On top of that, it includes Live Translation and hands-free access to the upgraded Siri AI via Apple Intelligence.

Where it holds back compared to the $149 step-up version comes down to charging and battery. This base pair comes with an ultra-compact USB-C wired charging case — so you'll need to plug it in rather than using a wireless charging pad — and offers up to four hours of listening time per charge with ANC (or 20 hours total with the case).

Claim this early $124.99 deal on the new AirPods.

This isn’t like past iOS updates. Bridget Carey goes over the top seven features to try in iOS 27, which can make your iPhone feel brand new — even if you’re not getting the new iPhone 18 Pro that hits stores today.

Read more about iOS 27 features and updates: iOS 27 battery drain: What to know
Apple iOS 27 is out now: 8+ new features to try right away

Timecode chapters
0:52 New Siri AI in iOS 27
1:57 The new Siri app
2:04 Using Siri AI to find delivery information
2:21 Use Siri to find things in messages and emails
2:49 Set reminders and alarms with Siri AI
3:02 Find useful information on maps using Siri AI
3:28 Tips for using Siri AI
3:45 Siri mode in iPhone camera app
4:23 Make custom Wallet passes with iOS 27
5:18 Splitting the bill with Siri AI and Apple Cash
6:03 Set alarm and ringtone volume with iOS 27
6:24 Take a still photo from a video on iOS 27
6:50 New parental controls for iOS 27
7:37 Bridget gets ready for iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh, Bridget Carey, CNET Archive
Video editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

MOFT iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo accessories: Snap Fold for iPhone Duo $49.99 Pre-Order Here Snap Case MOVAS™ (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Coffee Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo $69.99 Pre-Order Here

Accessories maker MOFT has spent years turning origami folds into useful tools for your everyday carry — and now it’s bringing that same design style to Apple's newest hardware.

Apple just wrapped its massive "Surprise and Shine" launch event, officially dropping the long-rumored iPhone 18 Pro line and revealing Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Between the Duo's dual-screen hinge design and the iPhone 18 Pro's massive new variable aperture camera module, keeping these high-end devices protected without adding extra weight is key.

Instead of thick, heavy plastic, MOFT uses clever folding shapes to build cases and stands that stay super thin and light. Beyond its updated protection for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the brand built a brand-new setup made specifically for Apple's foldable iPhone Duo.

Putting a card holder on a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo without blocking the camera or hanging off the edges is tricky. The Snap Fold fixes that with a footprint made strictly for the Duo's smaller back panel.

Made from smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather, it holds up to five cards without adding extra bulk. When you want to watch something hands-free on that gloriously unfolded screen, the whole thing flips out into a steady stand with several viewing positions.

MOFT updated its popular vegan leather case for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup by reducing weight and improving button feedback. The Snap Case MOVAS weighs just 0.98 ounces for the Pro and 1.20 ounces for the Pro Max, making it one of the lightest full-coverage MagSafe cases you can buy. It has softer, rounded edges that feel smoother in your hand, clickier silicone buttons, and a matching covered Camera Control button wrapped in textured MOVAS™ material.

Credit: MOFT

If you prefer a more minimalist vibe that does not hide your phone's metal frame, the Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max offers an open, barely-there feel. It leaves the sides exposed so you can hold the phone bare, but uses extra-strong TPU on the corners to absorb drops up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).

For a unique sensory twist on that same open layout, there is the Coffee Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max. It takes the super-thin shape of the regular Frame Case and uses an eco-friendly MOVAS™-E bio-based leather, replacing petroleum plastic parts with plant materials made from industrial corn and real recycled coffee grounds. That gives the case a rich coffee-brown look, a bumpy, textured grip, and a faint, warm, roasted smell when you hold it up close.

Credit: MOFT Credit: MOFT

Finally, for total coverage on Apple's foldable, the Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo wraps both displays in smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather. At just 0.07 inches thin, its centered fold balances the device for an easy one-handed grip while doubling as a four-position stand for hands-free viewing.

Whether you need origami folds for your Duo or a case that smells like your morning brew, your new iPhone is officially covered. Shop the new collection today.

SAVE OVER $6: As of Sept. 18, select colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case are on sale for $59.39 at Amazon. That's $6.60 off their typical price of $65.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Q3 Air for iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.39 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $6.60   Get Deal

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is officially available for Apple fans to buy. If you're hoping to grab the company's sleek new launch, it's worth looking into a phone case to keep it protected. It's a pricey investment, after all.

Thankfully, Amazon has some solid options to browse, including the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, which are on sale right now.

As of Sept. 18, a select batch of colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case (shadow black, arctic blue, glacier sprint, and cosmic purple) have been marked down to $59.39. Compared to their usual price of $65.99, you're saving just over $6 through this deal.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim

While color options are always a plus when buying a phone case, protection is also important. Thankfully, the Torras Q3 Air cases are durable. This case boasts drop protection that exceeds military-grade standards, thanks to its first-ever AirPro Airbag technology featuring a 100% air-dynamic cushioning structure.

It also has raised edges around the screen and camera that protect it from scratches and drops, so you can feel confident knowing your phone has some cushion to keep it safe. It also has a 360-degree rotating stand and can securely lock onto MagSafe accessories.

If you picked up the new iPhone 18 Pro Max, grab a Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case to keep it protected and save a little cash in the process.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

CW: Sexual assault.

In a true Ryan Murphy curveball, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story not only features Borden but one of history's most infamous female serial killers, Aileen Wuornos.

In the fourth episode of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Netflix series, we take time away from the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892 to meet Wuornos (played by Murphy regular Sarah Paulson). Hitchhiking in Florida in 1988, she's picked up by a man, introducing herself as Lizzie Borden. "Like the axe murderer?" he asks.

SEE ALSO: 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' has scenes involving a 19th-century vibrator

In the scene, Paulson's Wuornos gleefully sings Suzi Quatro out loud then negotiates sex work with the driver. However, the encounter ends in bloodshed. Taken to an empty lot, Wuornos is sexually assaulted by the man, after which she shoots him dead with a pistol. In real life, Wuornos testified that she was raped by one of her victims. (A warning, this is not the only rape scene in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.) But Monster doesn't stop with the man's shooting, Paulson's Wuornos suddenly hacks at his penis with an axe in a blatant Borden association. It's gratuitous as hell.

Aileen Wuornos stays at the Borden house? Credit: Netflix

During the series, Wuornos is also shown as finding comfort and conviction in Borden's story, reading her biography aloud in a hotel room with her girlfriend, Shelby (Jessie Lee) — not Tyria Moore, Wuornos' real girlfriend. In a furious monologue in episode 4, Wuornos not only celebrates Borden as a feminist icon but as her direct inspiration for the seven killings she would go on to be arrested, jailed, and executed for.

"She gave the world a warning that women shouldn't stand for this shit anymore," Monster's Wuornos declares. "The way women are treated, still, to this day, that's why I'm gonna do something about it."

Monster goes even further into Wuornos' Borden obsession, with episode 5 seeing her staying in the Borden house, a 134-year-old crime scene which is now a macabre bed and breakfast. There's no evidence Wuornos visited the house at all. In a deeply inappropriate Ryan Murphy moment, Wuornos hallucinates Abby (Borden's stepmother) during sex with Shelby on the couch where Andrew (Borden's father) was murdered.

Disneyland for Aileen Wuornos. Credit: Netflix

Later in the episode, Wuornos takes heroin in Lizzie's room as a moment of "shooting up" solidarity. "Lizzie did, and so am I," she says, in a jaw-droppingly ridiculous moment. And in episode 6, Shelby and Wuornos celebrate their anniversary with a pizza on the dining table where Abby and Andrew's bodies were placed by police, before Wuornos has a ghostly fan encounter with Borden herself.

If all this sounds messed up, it is!

The connection between Wuornos and Borden is one forced by Monster, as a means to bring two notorious female killers (one acquitted, one executed) together in one show. The show champions both as murderers whose hands were forced by their treatment, particularly by men. It could also be a means for the showrunners to shoehorn Wuornos' story into the Monster series, instead of running a separate series like the controversial chapters on serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein.

Considering Charlize Theron won an Oscar for portraying Wuornos in Patty Jenkins' 2003 film Monster, the titles will now sit side-by-side in streaming catalogues at least.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.

If you have experienced sexual assault, you can call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access 24-7 help online by visiting hotline.rainn.org.

“It has been one of the fastest, most sudden shifts I’ve experienced.”

SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 18, the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $549.98 at Amazon, its lowest-ever price. Compared to its full price of $799.99, you're saving $250.01.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop $549.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.01   Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is still weeks away, but Amazon is already dropping robot vacuum deals.

If your home needs a little extra cleaning help this fall, Roborock's Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop (which launched in the U.S. just last month) is on sale at its lowest-ever price.

As of Sept. 18, this sleek combo cleaner has been slashed from $799.99 to $549.98. Overall, that's about $250 in savings, which is a pretty sweet offer to jump on before the October Prime Day sale begins. However, keep in mind it is marked as a "limited time deal," so you don't have long to save.

SEE ALSO: We found 20 October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Fire tablets, Legos, Garmin, and members-only freebies

Roborock's latest launch is a powerful pick for cleaning your floors. Hair, crumbs, and dust are no match for its 20,000 Pa HyperForce suction, and the cleaner even automatically boosts suction on carpets to clear up lodged debris. There's no need to worry about hair tangles, as it features an anti-tangle side brush and DuoDivide main brush to help minimize hair wrap.

This robot vacuum features a FlexiArm Edge Mopping System that helps reach edges and get in as close as 1.85mm along walls. It even lifts the mopping module up to 15mm when it hits carpet, so there's no need to worry about your textile floors getting wet as the cleaner moves around the house. Plus, it comes with Obstacle Avoidance technology that helps it navigate around objects on the floor.

If it's caught your eye, be quick to save on the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Apple TV is broadcasting tonight's Giants vs. Dodgers game live using 14 iPhone 18 Pros hidden throughout Dodger Stadium. Stream the season finale of Friday Night Baseball tonight, Sept. 18, at 7:15 p.m. PT / 10:15 p.m. ET exclusively on Apple TV.

Last year, Apple tested out four iPhone 17 Pros at Fenway Park (one of which actually ended up in the Baseball Hall of Fame). Fast forward to tonight — Apple is taking that exact experiment and turning it up for the iPhone 18 Pro launch. Instead of just four phones, they're deploying 14 iPhone 18 Pros connected to a dedicated private 5G network inside Dodger Stadium.

If you're tuning into the season finale of Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV, expect a pretty cool tech flex. For tonight's rivalry matchup between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, crew members are embedding those pocket-sized devices all over the ballpark to stream live footage from tight, wild vantage points that traditional TV cameras simply can't reach.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim How to watch

• When — Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:15 p.m. PT / 10:15 p.m. ET

• Where — Streaming live exclusively on Apple TV (Friday Night Baseball)

• Who can watch — Anyone with an Apple TV subscription across 60 countries and regions, completely free of regional blackout restrictions.

The real draw here isn't just that Apple is using phones to record a live sporting event — it's where those phones are going. Standard broadcast rigs weigh dozens of pounds and require dedicated mounts or massive crane arms. The iPhone 18 Pro, on the other hand, is tiny enough to hide in plain sight.

• Inside the pitch clock — Giving viewers a high-stress, front-row look at the pitcher’s countdown.

• Behind the home plate backstop — Capturing catcher reactions and terrifyingly close 100 mph fastballs.

• Mounted on the foul poles — Perfect for down-the-line fair-or-foul calls.

• Deep inside both bullpens — Tracking warm-up pitches and nervous late-game relief pitchers.

Streaming high-bitrate video while 50,000 fans clog stadium cellular towers is no easy task — so Apple partnered with T-Mobile to deploy a dedicated Private 5G Network inside Dodger Stadium.

Eight of the 14 iPhones will feed live game action straight into the broadcast control room over this isolated wireless network, guaranteeing zero video lag, no dropped frames, and seamless switching between traditional cameras and the iPhone feeds.

The remaining six iPhones will be hand-carried by operators roaming the stadium floor — acting as "cinematic" cameras to capture pre-game batting practice, player walk-outs, dugout high-fives, and the general electric atmosphere of a classic Dodgers-Giants showdown.

SEE ALSO: Best iPhone 18 Pro deals: Get a free phone from AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible, and more

The timing here is hardly a coincidence. The iPhone 18 Pro official release hits shelves today, and Apple is essentially treating a prime-time MLB game as a live-action demo reel.

The broadcast will take full advantage of the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, allowing the lenses to auto-adjust as the natural twilight over Los Angeles transitions into the bright, harsh artificial floodlights of Dodger Stadium.

If you want to see whether a pocket-sized smartphone can hold its own against multi-million dollar television gear, make sure to log into Apple TV before first pitch tonight.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Hobbit Bundle is on sale for $59.99 at Amazon, down from its $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Bundle $59.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

It’s been a while since MTG’s Hobbit expansion came out, but a new price drop on the dedicated bundle box gives any trading card fan a great reason to jump in and catch up. 

As of Sept. 18, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Bundle is $59.99 at Amazon, down 14% from its $69.99 list price. Better still, it’s shipped and sold by Amazon itself, rather than coming through a third-party seller. The retailer estimates free delivery for Sept. 25-26 at the time of writing, but keep in mind that sales will be final and there will be no returns. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

What’s more, this new drop means you’re getting Amazon's lowest-ever price for MTG’s The Hobbit Bundle — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. Amazon is even undercutting dedicated trading card selling site TCGplayer, with its lowest price dropping only to $62.44 at the time of writing. Amazon’s new price is only $1.34 above the current market price of $58.65. 

There’s plenty packed into the box for the money. You’re getting nine 14-card The Hobbit Play Boosters, an alternate-art traditional foil promo, 34 land cards, an oversized Spindown life counter, two reference cards, and a storage box. 

Among those lands are four traditional foil full-art seasonal Hobbit cards and 10 full-art Middle-earth Journey lands. 

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is on sale for $189.98 at Amazon, down from its $213.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box $189.98 at Amazon
$213.99 Save $24.01 Pre-order Here

Amazon has pushed one of The Hobbit expansion’s biggest sealed boxes back below $190, bringing its 30-pack Play Booster Box close to its best-ever price at the retailer. 

As of Sept. 18, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is $189.98 at Amazon, trimming $24.01 from its $213.99 list price. That works out to roughly $6.33 per booster — and it’s even $9.72 cheaper than the $199.70 Amazon deal we covered back in July. That’s also only 98 cents off its lowest-ever price of $189, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

That said, you can still get an even better price from our two other favorite spots for readily available trading cards outside of Amazon. Walmart has the same box for $168.99 with free shipping through third-party seller Hitmen Sports Cards — which is $6.28 above TCGplayer’s market price.

TCGplayer itself is a solid backup with listings going as low as $169.95. 

Inside MTG’s Hobbit Play Booster Box are 30 Play Boosters plus one traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper. Each 14-card pack includes at least one traditional foil and one to three cards of rare or higher rarity, alongside the usual mix of uncommons, commons, and a land. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is on sale for $23.59 at Amazon, down from its $29.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Pack Blister $23.59 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.40   Get Deal

Amid all the hype of Pokémon's huge 30th Celebration expansion, there are still plenty of deals on other collections, and Pitch Black is no exception. 

As of Sept. 18, the Pokémon TCG Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is $23.59 at Amazon, saving you $6.40 on its $29.99 list price. The listing is sold by third-party seller reVend, with free delivery and Amazon's 30-day refund/replacement policy included. 

Spread across the three included boosters, you're effectively paying about $7.86 per pack before accounting for the Binacle promo card. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

This puts the blister only $2.48 above TCGplayer’s market price of $21.11. However, the trading card selling platform has listings that are even cheaper — with the lowest for $20.85 at the time of writing. 

Each blister comes with three Pitch Black booster packs and its Binacle promo. In this expansion centered around Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex, with Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex among the other Mega Evolution Pokémon appearing in the set, there are still plenty of valuable chase cards you can pull. 

The $180+ SIR Mega Darkrai ex, $145+ MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and the $75+ Morpeko ex are all available to buy at TCGplayer.

SAVE ALMOST $700: As of Sept. 18, the LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear gaming monitor is on sale for $1,000.21 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear Gaming Monitor $1,000.21 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $699.78   Get Deal

Looking to freshen up your gaming setup? How about a new monitor?

Right now at Amazon, you can get a great deal on the LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear gaming monitor. Normally $1,699.99, it's now down to $1,000.21 for a limited time. This deal saves you just shy of $700. It's a curved gaming monitor with a huge 45-inch display, so it's a great option if you're looking for a more immersive gaming experience.

This monitor also has a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, which helps keep gameplay fast and smooth. It also benefits from AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, reducing screen tearing and stutter.

The display will impress too, with its 800R curve, 21:9 aspect ratio, and up to 1,300 nits peak brightness. Plus, built-in OLED technology helps to create deep blacks and vivid color, with up to 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage, a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and DisplayHDR True Black 400.

It also comes packed with many gaming-focused features, including Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, an FPS Counter, and Crosshair.

This gaming monitor deal is available at Amazon now, so don't miss out.

The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went live from Sept. 18.

Retailers and mobile carriers have gone live with iPhone 18 Pro deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.

If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we're here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder was reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we'll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at AT&T Wireless Shop Now at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart How much do the new iPhones cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially launched on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preordered, that's when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

• Burgundy

• Glacier Blue

• Silver

• Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

If you're still deciding between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, you have a bit more time to make a decision. The foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves Oct. 23. It will set you back $1,999.

How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

We'll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)

Here are the biggest changes:

• The new models introduce a physical aperture variable for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life

• A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools

• The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro deals?

All the big carriers are competing to attract new customers by offering big savings on the iPhone 18 Pro — if you meet certain terms and conditions, of course. Over at T-Mobile and AT&T, you can save $1,200 on the new phones, letting you get the new iPhone for free. Apple is also offering major trade-in credits.

• T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.

• Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.

• Apple Upgrade: Apple's new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.

• AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.

• Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you'll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn't offer any true order deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

No, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line. However, Amazon is a great place to pick up iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, grips, and accessories, as well as the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12.

Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, and we've gone live with our iPhone 18 Max review. Early first impressions have been positive, and you can learn more in these reports:

• Video: I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most.

• Video: Our first take on the iPhone 18 Pro: Intelligent photography

• iPhone Duo hands-on: I barely noticed the crease

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Read what we think about the iPhone 18 Pro Max here. In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.

We will say this for now: If you already have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models don't make a super obvious case for upgrading. And there are good reasons to consider waiting for next year's iPhone 19/20.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Everywhere you can shop the new Apple Watches: Amazon Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 Shop Now Apple Store Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Best Buy Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now Apple Store Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now Best Buy Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now

New iPhones weren't the only devices Apple announced during its "Surprise and Shine." The company also revealed two upgraded smartwatches, and they're both available to shop from Sept. 18.

The lineup includes the new flagship Apple Watch Series 12 and the premium rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4. (Apple didn't revisit its budget Apple Watch SE 3 this time around.) Shoppers can order both watches through the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The Series 12 is also available at Walmart.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 pricing The Apple Watch Series 12 is available with rubber, textile, and stainless steel band styles. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Notably, neither Apple Watch received a price hike from the previous generation:

• Apple Watch Series 12 — starting from $399 in two sizes (42mm or 46mm)

• Apple Watch Ultra 4 — starting from $799 in one size (49mm)

Like always, the Ultra model comes standard with cellular connectivity. It's an optional $100 upgrade on certain Series 12 variants, depending on the case style.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 features Apple calls the Ultra 4 "the ultimate sports and adventure watch." Credit: Apple

Both new Apple Watches run on the new S11 chip and include a new Health Sensing System with improved sensors. Apple said this system captures more accurate, continuous heart rate data and provides a "Readiness" score that indicates how intensely the user should exercise based on recent activities.

The S11 chip also enables "Audio Intelligence" features that utilize the watches' built-in microphones. Coming later this year, these include Sound Recognition alerts and Live Rewind conversation transcriptions. (To address privacy concerns, Apple said the watches don't record or store audio.)

The new Apple Watches' Readiness score tries to predict your bandwidth for future workouts. Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will both work with Apple's newly redesigned Health app for iPhones, which also launches later this year.

The Series 12 is rated for up to 24 hours of battery life, while the Ultra 4 can last up to 50 hours per charge. That jumps to a whopping 84 hours in low power mode.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 colors Here's a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 12's new ceramic finish. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Series 12's case will be available in three finishes and multiple colors:

• Aluminum (dark bronze, light gold, black, or space gray) starting from $399 with optional cellular connectivity

• Titanium (radiant gold or natural) starting from $699 with cellular connectivity

• Ceramic (pearl white or night blue) starting from $899 with cellular connectivity

Rubber, textile, and stainless steel bands are available for the Series 12.

The Ultra 4's case just comes in black titanium or natural titanium. It can be paired with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, or Titanium Milanese Loop.

The Apple Store is also selling special-edition Hermès variants of both smartwatches, starting at $1,399 for the Series 12 and $1,499 for the Ultra 4. The latter is available with a new extendable Grand H titanium band for $3,149.