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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 Pips

If 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 9, 2026

The 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 9, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 9 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 9 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 9 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (13): Everything in this space must add up to 13. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, 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 9, 2026 Bewildering meaning

Extremely confusing.

Esoteric meaning

Super niche, only understood by those in the know.

Incomprehensible meaning

Impossible to comprehend.

Opaue meaning

The blocking of radiant or something that's hard to explain.

Microbrewery meaning

Boutique brewery that makes craft beer.

Minivan meaning

Small passenger van.

Nanotechnology meaning

Materials that can be assembled at an atomic or molecular level.

Picosecond meaning

One trillionth of a second.

Arachnophobia meaning

Fear of spiders.

Halloween meaning

October 31. Also, the title of a famous slasher movie franchise.

IT meaning

A pronoun used to refer to a lifeless thing or a person of unknown sex. Also, the name of a famous Stephen King novel.

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Saw meaning

A power tool with toothed blades. Also, the name of a famous horror franchise created by James Wan.

Brute meaning

An adjective used to describe one's physical strength.

Electromagnetic meaning

Magnetism developed by a current of electricity.

G meaning

Symbol for gravitational, not to be confused with "g" for grams.

Task meaning

Work or an assignment that needs to be completed. Can assemble a group of people to complete.

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 like cars.

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.

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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.

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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 6, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Unintelligible

• Green: Sounds small

• Blue: Fright Night Classics

• Purple: Invovles a little force

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Hard to Understand

• Green: Words with "Small" Prefixes

• Blue: Horror Movies

• Purple: Words before "Force"

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1186 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Hard to Understand: BEWILDERING, ESOTERIC, INCOMPREHENSIBLE, OPAQUE

• Words with "Small" Prefixes: MICROBREWERY, MINIVAN, NANOTECHNOLOGY, PICOSECOND

• Horror Movies: ARACHNOPHOBIA, HALLOWEEN, IT, SAW

• Words before "Force": BRUTE, ELECTROMAGNETIC, G, TASK

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 involve a shady areas.

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 Mashable

By 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 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Over and out(side)

The words are related to sun coverings.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things found in a garden or park that provide shading.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Sun and Shade.

NYT Strands word list for September 9

• Gazebo

• Pergola

• Pavillion

• Canopy

• Arbor

• Bower

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 go fast.

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 9, 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 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An energy boost.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

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 B.

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...

BURST

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.

Last week, the White House unveiled a new government website called Arcade.gov, which hosted five web-based games that promoted President Trump's agenda. Following accusations of racism and veiled threats of potential legal action, only four of those games are now visible on Arcade.gov.

"Build the Wall," a Tetris clone that promoted an anti-immigrant ideology and challenged players to  "protect the border from the coming horde" is no longer on the Arcade.gov website.

The White House launched the arcade website last Thursday through a series of social media videos spoofing classic game console opening screens from companies like Nintendo and Sega. The five playable games on the site were all knockoffs of titles like Flappy Bird.

SEE ALSO: 4 things we learned from the 'Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' Nintendo Direct

However, the website's Tetris clone, "Build the Wall," received the most attention for its virulently anti-immigrant messaging.

Just one day later, the team behind Tetris issued an official statement distancing itself from the game and floating potential legal action.

"At Tetris, we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them," Tetris said in a statement posted to its official social media accounts. "To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community."

"P.S. The Tetris Company was not involved in the creation of 'Build the Wall'," the statement continued. "P.P.S. We take copyright infringement very seriously."

It's unclear if The Tetris Company officially took action against the White House's knockoff puzzle game. However, it does seem that the threat spooked the Trump administration enough to have the game removed.

Apple's big "Surprise and Shine" event is almost upon us. One of the big announcements is almost certainly going to be a foldable iPhone, a first for Apple. But what will the phone actually be called?

No one knows yet at the time of publication, but there have been multiple names used regularly by tech media and rumor-mongers over the years. With mere hours to go until Apple shows off its latest wares, let's go over the most commonly used names for the foldable iPhone, and talk about which one is most likely to be correct.

SEE ALSO: Apple's first foldable: What 3 years with a Fold taught me Foldable iPhone: All the rumored names

On the even of the iPhone launch event, there are three names that most commonly come up in reporting around the unreleased device:

• iPhone Fold

• iPhone Ultra

• iPhone Duo

We asked Mashable readers what they expect the device to be called in our Big Guessing Game, and 27 percent guessed the iPhone Fold, with another five percent guessing The Fold. Another 38 percent predicted the name would be the iPhone Ultra, with the final 30 percent choosing "Something else" as their answer.

For a long time, iPhone Fold was the name we used in articles about the rumored device. Makes sense, right? It's an iPhone that folds, after all. However, there are good reasons to explain why Apple would probably not use that name in practice. For starters, Samsung's foldables are also known as "Fold" devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung certainly doesn't have exclusive rights to use the word "Fold" as a proper noun, but Apple most likely doesn't want to confuse customers or draw direct comparisons to other devices. That's why I'm inclined to believe the phone is not called the iPhone Fold.

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For most of the last several months, we've been going with "iPhone Ultra" in our reporting. That didn't come out of nowhere. Well-connected Apple reporter Mark Gurman said on X earlier this year that most Apple employees call it that internally, for example. MacWorld also reported that Apple is working on a new "Ultra" product tier that this phone would theoretically belong to. It really, really seems likely that the device is called iPhone Ultra, without the 18 numbering that the other new iPhones will have. But we'll have to wait and see.

That said, there have been some vague rumblings online that it might be called the iPhone Duo. It doesn't seem like there's a lot of firm reporting suggesting this, but it's definitely in the air as we get closer to the event. I would not be surprised at all if Apple pulled a minor bait-and-switch and went with Duo after months of basically everyone agreeing that it's Ultra.

We've also seen lots of variations on these themes, with possible names such as the iPhone Ultra Fold, or the iPhone 18 Ultra.

In less than 24 hours, we'll know for sure, one way or another.

Apple usually hosts an iPhone launch event in September, but this year's event is shaping up to be a lot more interesting than normal. For starters, it's the first event of the post-Tim Cook era, with new CEO John Ternus taking center stage. Apple's tagline for the event — "Surprise and Shine" — also points to unexpected twists. We'll find out what's in store at 1 p.m. ET Sept. 9, when the event livestream kicks off.

So, while we've been working hard to bring you all of the latest iPhone 18 rumors and news, we also asked Mashable readers to predict what's going down at the Apple event. In round three of the Mashable Big Guessing Game, we asked readers about price hikes, new devices, and more.

On the eve of the event, let's break down the answers from the Mashable Big Guessing Game: Round 3.

Question 1: Where in Apple Park will John Ternus first appear during the event broadcast?

Apple has made great use of its Apple Park campus in past events like WWDC. So, will John Ternus make his first appearance on a keynote stage, harkening back to the Steve Jobs days, or in front of the Apple rainbow arch, like his predecessor Cook?

Half of our readers expect Ternus to first appear on stage, which would be a big departure from recent precedent, as Apple has long since ditched the live keynote format. If he does make his first appearance on the roof of Apple Park, then 8 percent of Mashable readers called it.

Question 2: The iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a starting price closest to ____:

Thanks to the global memory shortage, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are all getting more expensive, and iPhone price hikes are all but inevitable. While 16 percent of you optimistically predicted the iPhone 18 Pro Max would cost $1,199 (the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max), 77 percent predicted a higher starting price, with readers split on whether it would be a $100 or $200 price increase.

Question 3: If Apple announces a foldable phone, what will it be called?

The foldable iPhone is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley right now, but we still don't know its official name. (We've been calling it the iPhone Ultra.) The most recent rumors refer to the device as the iPhone Duo, but the truth is we don't know yet.

If the device is called the iPhone Duo, then the 30 percent of readers who guessed "Something else" will have gotten this question right.

Question 4: Will Tim Cook make an appearance during the main keynote?

We're very curious to see if there's an official passing of the torch moment at this year's "Surprise and Shine" keynote. Interestingly, a majority (65 percent) of Mashable readers do expect Cook to make some type of appearance.

Question 5: To the nearest minute, how long will the main keynote last?

We asked this same question ahead of WWDC 2026, and no Mashable readers got the answer exactly right. (That keynote was 76 minutes.) About 52 percent of our respondents predicted the Apple event livestream will last less than 60 minutes, which would definitely be on the shorter side. Another 23 percent of respondents guessed the livestream will last 91 minutes or more.

If you want to find out live, tune into the CNET Apple Event livestream, where Mashable and other sites in the CNET group will provide pre- and post-event analysis, with live reporting from Apple Park.

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

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Apple will hold its big iPhone launch event for 2026.

Apple hosts its big annual keynote event every September to unveil the brand-new iPhone lineup, but this year's event should be a little more exciting than in previous years. The company is expected to unveil a ton of products as the new CEO, John Ternus, takes center stage for the first time.

The highlight of the show should be the announcement of Apple's first foldable iPhone. However, Apple has dubbed this year's keynote the "Surprise and Shine" event, so the company may have even more up its sleeve than we anticipate.

How to watch Apple's "Surprise and Shine" iPhone event

You can watch the Apple iPhone launch event on YouTube, the Apple website, and Apple TV. The "Surprise and Shine" livestream begins promptly at 10 a.m. PT.

Mashable reporter Stan Schroeder will be in the audience and reporting live, and you can also join Mashable for the CNET Apple Event livestream for a post-show breakdown.

Along with a ton of product announcements, the Sept. 9 event will also mark Ternus's first keynote as Apple's new CEO.

Apple's Sept. 9 keynote is almost here, and it's shaping up to be one of the more consequential events on the company's calendar in recent memory.

Beyond the hardware itself, this will be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who has taken over for Tim Cook. While Ternus trained under Cook for months, he's been CEO for only eight days. Still, he has already teased what he called a "phenomenal" show in a memo to Apple staff.

SEE ALSO: The latest AirPods rumors ahead of the Apple event: AirPods 5, cameras, and AI

Software-wise, the event could be seen as a sink-or-swim moment for Apple, as the company is continues to play catch-up with other Silicon Valley competitors. Apple has yet to deliver on Siri AI since its announcement way back in 2024, and the preview we got at WWDC 2026 was just that, a preview. All indicators, though, point to Siri AI finally launching alongside iOS 27.

Back to hardware. This year's event appears to be narrowly focused on Apple's premium smartphones. Rather than refreshing its entire product catalog at once, Apple looks set to concentrate September's announcements on the iPhone Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods, while pushing other updates — including new Macs, a revamped Apple TV, and a smarter HomePod — to a separate event later in the year. That, of course, hasn't stopped leaks, supply-chain reports, or beta-code snooping, so we have a fairly detailed preview of what's coming, including Apple's most significant iPhone redesign in years.

Based on that reporting, here's a look at the hardware most likely to take the stage on Sept. 9, along with what's probably being saved for later.

iPhone 18 Pro

Expect Apple's standard Pro model to lead the show, likely featuring a slightly revised Dynamic Island, a more unified back-glass design, and updated internals such as the A20 Pro chip and a new cellular modem. Camera upgrades are also expected to be a focus this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple's largest iPhone should follow the same playbook as the Pro, with reports pointing to a bigger battery and a marginally larger, heavier build to accommodate it. Some camera features, including a rumored variable-aperture system, may be reserved for this model alone.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max will be a chunky boy, report claims iPhone Ultra (or iPhone Duo?)

Apple's first foldable phone remains the event's biggest question mark — right down to its name. While "iPhone Ultra" has been the working title in most reporting, recent leaks from case manufacturers have floated "iPhone Duo" as a possible alternative.

That naming rumor hasn't gained much traction elsewhere, though. Whatever it's called, expect a book-style foldable with dual displays, Touch ID, and a premium price tag well above the rest of Apple's iPhone lineup. Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra will cost around $2,000 to $2,500, which is a steep price for what is essentially a more portable tablet.

Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4

Apple's mainline smartwatch is expected to stick close to its current design this year, with bigger changes reportedly saved for a future redesign. Look for new colors and band options, along with incremental health and fitness upgrades. Apple's rugged, adventure-focused Watch Ultra should get its usual refresh alongside the Series 12, likely with similar under-the-hood improvements rather than a dramatic overhaul.

If that sounds like a disappointing update, don't fret. The Apple Watch is set for a major redesign — just not this year.

AirPods 5 (maybe camera AirPods too)

Rounding out the lineup, a new generation of AirPods is also expected to debut. The rumored camera-equipped AirPods might not make an appearance, however, and Mark Gurman reports that AirPods 5 will be another iterative update. The lineup is expected to include a base model and a version with active noise cancellation.

However, the camera-equipped AirPod are reportedly in development, with Apple said to be fast-tracking their release. Whatever the case, if they don't appear at the Sept. 9 event, they could be released in October alongside Apple's lineup of non-iPhone products.

The company’s announcement is the most dramatic sign yet that artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the field of higher mathematics.

Muse, Meta’s new A.I. agent, acts as a personal digital assistant that connects to Facebook and Instagram, as well as third-party apps such as Spotify and OpenTable.

Causing mayhem is a Grand Theft Auto tradition. But in GTA 6, the game may track exactly how far you take things — until you cross a line where it stops judging your actions altogether.

Rockstar will reportedly introduce a "Criminal Profile" that tracks what kind of outlaw you become. It sounds a little like the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2, with one important difference: GTA 6 isn’t deciding whether Jason and Lucia are good people, but rather how they go about being criminals.

The details come from YouTuber TGG, who recently attended a closed-door presentation at Rockstar North. And based on what he saw, the system is less about punishing crime than separating good from evil.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Netflix extended look: Everything that was revealed How GTA 6’s Criminal Profile works

Per TGG, the Criminal Profile has four main levels:

• Professional

• Aggressive

• Violent

• Psycho

"How do you all feel about GTA VI having an honor system like RDR" Credit: Screenshot: u/Freddycipher, r/GTA

Where you land depends on how you handle criminal situations. Complete a robbery efficiently and avoid unnecessary casualties, and you could maintain a Professional profile. Use excessive force, kill innocent people, or attack characters who are no longer a threat, and you may slide toward Violent or Psycho.

That doesn’t mean every shootout will damage your profile. Context appears to matter. Killing an armed person who attacks you reportedly won’t be treated the same way as walking into a store and shooting an unarmed clerk.

The system also tracks GTA 6’s protagonists separately. Jason and Lucia will each have their own Criminal Profile.

SEE ALSO: Is playing 'GTA 6' cheating? We asked a relationship therapist.

Beyond the four main levels, the Criminal Profile reportedly has an additional, unnamed state reserved for the most destructive players.

Cause enough extreme and unnecessary violence, the profile icon can begin to crack before eventually shattering. Once it breaks, it can’t be restored during that playthrough. The game will simply stop grading your behavior.

It sounds harsh, but the shattered meter doesn’t appear to be a punishment. Instead, it’s reportedly Rockstar’s way of recognizing that you have no interest in engaging with the system. If you just want to turn Leonida into a disaster zone, the game eventually stops sending judgmental notifications and lets you get on with it.

Players who would rather avoid those notifications from the beginning can reportedly switch them off without breaking the meter.

Rockstar hasn’t fully explained what each Criminal Profile will do. Co-studio head Rob Nelson told IGN:

"There isn’t a right or wrong way to play this game, but consistent actions may have an impact in terms of how the world reacts to you and how the narrative plays out."

How different those experiences will be remains unclear. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether the system can change missions, lock players out of content, or produce different endings. The Criminal Profile also appears to be separate from GTA’s traditional Wanted Level.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Players are divided over the idea

Unsurprisingly, players already have plenty of opinions about being watched. Some fans worry the system could discourage the over-the-top rampages that have always been part of the GTA experience. As one X user put it, "Why have a morality system in a game called Grand THEFT auto?"

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The reaction in IGN’s article comments has similar complaints, though some readers welcome the feature's resemblance to Red Dead Redemption 2, where the honor system tracks Arthur Morgan’s choices and uses his rating to influence elements such as NPC reactions, dialogue, and the story’s ending. "The closer to RDR2, the better," one reader wrote.

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Then there are the players treating the system as an invitation. "One playthrough as a psycho and the other as a professional," one TikTok commenter wrote. "Gonna hit [Psycho] in like three hours,” said another.

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Fans have even suggested a more fitting name for the mechanic: the "Trevor Philips Similarity Index," or TPSI. The joke, discussed in the subreddit r/GTA, references GTA 5 protagonist Trevor Philips, whose unpredictable temper and appetite for violence make him the obvious benchmark for GTA 6’s Psycho profile.

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The Criminal Profile is only one piece of a much bigger GTA 6 news cycle. Rockstar’s recent extended look on Netflix revealed a more reactive Vice City, revamped police chases, a deeper relationship system for Jason and Lucia, and NPCs who may notice and report when players openly carry weapons. Meanwhile, alleged gameplay footage connected to the CyberLeek group continues to circulate online.

GTA 6 is set to launch on Nov. 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. When it does, feel free to break the law — the game already expects you to. Just make sure you do it like a pro.

Apple's MacBook Neo is no longer the only budget laptop to face a price increase amid the global memory crisis.

Dell has quietly raised the price of its entry-level XPS 13 laptop by $100. The company has also introduced a new base model with half the storage as before.

SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for tech price increases: See the full list

At its launch in mid-June, the XPS 13 cost $699.99 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. As of early September, it costs the same with only 256GB of storage:

• Intel Core 5 320, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD — $699.99 (new)

• Intel Core 5 320, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD — was $699.99, now $799.99

• Intel Core 5 320, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD — was $899.99, now $999.99

This price bump erases one advantage the base XPS 13 had over the base MacBook Neo, which was its higher storage capacity. Now, both budget laptops cost $700 with 256GB of storage and $800 with 512GB of storage. (It's worth noting that Apple and Dell both offer $100 student discounts.)

Doubling the XPS 13's base memory from 8GB to 16GB of RAM still costs $200 extra, but now pushes its sticker price to the $1,000 mark — well out of "budget" territory.

A Dell spokesperson confirmed the price changes to Mashable.

A rise in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of laptop components like RAM and SSD storage chips, forcing most PC makers to raise their prices. Dell's mid-range 14S and 16S laptops, as well as its premium XPS 14 and 16 models, have also seen price hikes because of this crisis, which is often referred to as "RAMageddon."

For its own part, Apple raised the price of the MacBook Neo by $100 in June because of increasing component costs.

Competition within the budget laptop market has intensified this summer. Acer and Lenovo have also announced their plans to release $699 PCs in the coming months, while Dell is working on some extra lower-end, more colorful variants of the 14S. It hasn't announced pricing for them yet, but previously said it will be "complementary to XPS 13."

Is your LG TV eavesdropping on you? 

That's the bold claim made by the YouTube channel Gamers Nexus.

A new video from Gamers Nexus details how LG televisions are constantly logging data from users and uploading it back to the company. And Gamers Nexus claims LG TVs are doing this even when they are in standby mode or completely disconnected from the internet.

Gamers Nexus says it's able to do this due to the "advertising functionality" built into the devices.

Gamers Nexus video shows how software vulnerabilities allowed them to listen to and record audio from the on-device microphones on the TV, and claims these flaws could be "exploited to convert the TVs into covert listening devices." The channel said these security vulnerabilities are being reported through the necessary channels.

In addition, the LG TVs Gamers Nexus tested also scan users' WiFi to find nearby devices connected to the local network.

Gamers Nexus says that a majority of the issues it uncovered are related to LG's Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which utilizes these eavesdropping capabilities to find out what a user is watching, what app they are using, and what devices connect to the TV.

"We know who is in the LG household," an LG representative said in a corporate video, which Gamers Nexus included in their investigation. "We know which devices are there."

"We own the glass," says another LG Ad Solutions representative in another corporate video, boasting about the company's access to its customers.

As Gamers Nexus points out, LG's advertising platform, LG Ad Solutions, claims on its website that the company can detect 363 million "U.S. addressable secondary devices" even though LG claims it has only sold 216 million LG TVs globally.

According to Gamers Nexus, LG TVs also collect a user's IP address, geographic location, the names of every local WiFi network, and the IP addresses of other devices on the network.

The Gamers Nexus video was created in partnership with YouTube channel Level1Techs and cybersecurity researchers known as MrBruh and uturn. It has already amassed more than 2 million views over the weekend.

As The Verge points out, this isn't Gamers Nexus' first time calling out LG for its practices. Earlier this summer, a report by the YouTube channel found that LG was serving its customers with unwanted and intrusive ads on its TV screens and PC monitors. After the video was published and subsequent reports from other outlets came out, Microsoft eventually intervened to address the issue with LG, as Mashable reported at the time. 

SAVE $100.05: As of Sep. 8, get the Ninja Flip for $149.94 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $249.99. That's a discount of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Flip $149.94 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.05   Get Deal

If making meals at home feels like a pain, you may want to invest in an appliance like an air fryer or multipurpose cooker. If space (and time) are both at a premium, consider a combination air fryer that can do a number of other things, too. Ninja is especially good for this, and you can get a great and reliable cooker from the brand right now at Amazon thanks to this deal.

SEE ALSO: Is the Ninja HydraSense a miracle water filter? The internet seems to think so.

As of Sep. 8, get the Ninja Flip for $149.94 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $249.99. That's $100.05 off and a discount of 40%.

This 8-in-1 appliance can air fry, roast, broil, bake, toast, dehydrate, and make pizza or bagels. It's also nice and compact, and about 50% smaller when you flip it up to store as well, so it won't take up the entirety of your kitchen counter space. Since it can do all of this without needing a massive amount of storage area, it's a great alternative to large toaster ovens or even singular air fryers, so you can make more food and get more done in small spaces.

But just because it's small, that doesn't mean it doesn't have space for all your meals. It can air fryer and roast up to 4 lbs of ingredients, toast up to 6 slices of bread, cook 6 chicken breasts, and bake a 12-inch pizza. It might not be ideal for massive families, but for modestly-sized clans, it's an easy way to get meals out in about 20 minutes or less, depending on what you're cooking.

If you're looking for easy ways to get dinner out on the table sooner without breaking the bank, this is an ideal way to do it.

Apple's public iOS 27 betas may not tell the whole story of what's coming to the iPhone's Camera app.

According to developer pdfu, who goes by @itspdfu on X, the current software contains a broader set of camera-related code than what Apple has shown off publicly or made accessible to beta testers so far. Posting ahead of Apple's iPhone event, pdfu detailed five Camera app features found buried in the iOS 27 code that have yet to be enabled for users.

SEE ALSO: The surprises we expect and want from Apple’s surprise and shine event

None of the five features has been confirmed by Apple, and code found in beta software doesn't guarantee a feature will ship, or ship soon. Still, several of these tools — particularly the aperture-blending system — align with earlier reporting about variable-aperture camera hardware expected in this year's iPhone lineup and could offer an early hint of what Apple's Camera app has in store as more of iOS 27 becomes public.

Exposure scopes

The first find is a more advanced set of exposure tools built directly into the Camera app: waveform and histogram views. Per pdfu's breakdown, these are meant to help users judge exposure more precisely across different shooting formats. Normally, these tools are generally seen with prosumer video and photo editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom rather than a phone's native camera app.

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The feature doesn't appear to be user-facing yet, but pdfu demonstrated it running against sample images, showing both waveform and histogram readouts updating alongside an exposure slider.

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The second feature pairs two overlays aimed at more precise manual shooting. Focus peaking highlights edges with strong contrast to show what's actually in focus, while a highlight-clipping overlay flags areas of an image that are becoming overexposed.

Once enabled, the two overlays can be displayed either separately or simultaneously in the camera preview, and demo images shared in the thread show the difference between a normal preview and one with each overlay active.

Burst-style timed captures

The third feature expands the Camera app's self-timer capabilities. Rather than triggering a single delayed photo, the code allows users to set a specific number of repeat captures, each preceded by its own countdown at a chosen duration.

Pdfu noted that the timer resets automatically between captures, effectively turning the self-timer into a mini burst-capture tool — though this functionality currently appears to be disabled.

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A fourth feature revives manual focus controls for the Camera app, letting users directly adjust lens position rather than relying on autofocus. According to pdfu, Apple has been testing this capability on iOS 26 and iOS 27, but accessing it currently requires a compatible iPhone that originally shipped with iOS 27, meaning it will be a feature exclusive to the iPhone 18 lineup.

Aperture-dependent optical processing

The final, and perhaps most notable, discovery concerns how iOS 27 handles lens correction data. According to pdfu, the code allows the system to select and blend calibration data based on aperture value, pulling correction data from neighboring aperture settings and combining it in varying ratios depending on where the lens is set.

In plainer terms, because camera lenses aren't perfectly precise, camera software will keep a "correction map" to digitally straighten out a photo depending on the aperture setting used. Normally, most phones have one correction map cause the aperture doesn't change. However, if pdfu's deep dive into the code is accurate, the implication is that the new iPhone has a variable physical aperture that can be opened or closed to varying degrees.

It's a feature that's been the subject of separate rumors about this year's iPhone camera hardware, but nothing is confirmed until tomorrow's event.

Zelda is turning 40 this year, and Nintendo is showing up for the celebration. In a video presentation, Nintendo just announced a handful of special edition hardware options to go alongside the new Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. While the game launches on Nov. 5, fans can snag the Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system on Oct. 29.

The Zelda makeover of the Nintendo Switch 2 pays homage to Link's classic colors of gold, black, and green. In addition to the console itself, Nintendo is also dropping a matching display stand and carrying case with a screen protector. Of course, all showcase the iconic Triforce design. There's also a truly stunning Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller coming with a Zelda makeover.

Immediately added to Christmas wish list: the new Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Credit: Nintendo

These launches are all part of Nintendo's 40th anniversary celebration of Zelda, which will feature plenty of merch drops and live events that'll continue on into 2027. We'll update this article with pricing and purchase links once they're live. The console will go live on this page, and the controller will go live here.

There's no reason why kitchen gear should be drab. Case in point: we now have an entire Le Creuset Star Trek collection that will jazz up any kitchen. In celebration of the franchises' 60th anniversary, Le Creuset is giving fans premium stoneware options that are a delight.

In total, the collection has 12 items that range in price from $40 up to $500. That might seem steep, but they're fairly on par in terms Le Creuset prices. Plus, nine of the 12 items are under $100. This is a limited-edition collection and given popularity of the franchise, we wouldn't be surprised if pieces sell out quickly. Here are some of our favorites from the collection, or browse all 12 items here.

Small kitchen accents from the Le Creuset Star Trek collection

For starters, we have the $60 Spock Mug. Sure, that seems like spendy for a mug but once you check out the incredible silhouette detailing and gold accents, it starts to feel well worth the price. If you're interested in the most affordable piece in the collection, go with the Star Trek Collection Live Long & Prosper Oven Mitt.

Not mad about a mug with the Spock ear. Credit: Le Creuset The Communi-Grater is surely one of the highlights of the collection Credit: Le Creuset

Here at Mashable, we're pretty smitten with the Star Trek Collection Communi-Grater. With a Starfleet emblem and durable stainless steel blade, this compact piece can find a home in any kitchen.

Showpiece items in the Le Creuset Star Trek collection

For big fans of the franchise or Le Creuset die-hards, the collection has three incredible pieces that I'll consider showpiece items. For starters, there's the $150 Galileo Shuttlecraft Rectangular Covered Casserole, a fantastic nod to the space craft.

Details on the Enterprise Round Dutch Oven with Starfleet Delta Knob are undeniably awesome. Credit: Le Creuset Even the box is collector-worthy. Credit: Le Creuset

The $450 Klingon Round Braiser with Klingon Trefoil Knob is also a delight for those in need of a larger cast iron option. This model has a capacity of 3.5 quarts and the Klingon trefoil knob paired with Kapla detailing on the lid's exterior make this piece espeically fun.

Finally, the Enterprise Round Dutch Oven with Starfleet Delta Knob is the most spendy piece in the collection, coming with a price of $500. The 5.5 quart enamel cast iron showcases the starship NCC-1701. Take your cooking galactic with this collection.

Cheers to the cult following of Practical Magic. The 1998 adaptation of Alice Hoffman's novel was no hit at the box office. Yet 28 years later, a sequel has manifested, thanks to all those who kept the fantasy of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's sister witches alive via fan art and social media posts, and by rewatching on streaming.

The sequel brings its leading ladies back, along with storied actresses Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their onscreen aunties. Many years have passed since the first film, so the next generation of Owens sisters has been recast, with Joey King and Maisie Williams stepping into the roles previously played by Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip. Also joining the enchanting ensemble are Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod, as menfolk who cross the Owens women's paths for better or worse.

Together, they craft a tale of love, loss, sisterhood, and magic that bounds across genres while being thoroughly entertaining.

Warning: Practical Magic 2 begins as a bummer. Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest in "Practical Magic 2." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on Hoffman's The Book of Magic, this sequel initially unravels the happy ending promised by the last film. After defeating the vicious spirit of her ex (Goran Visnjic), Gilly (Kidman) and her sister Sally (Bullock) thought they'd defeated the curse that kills every man who dares to love an Owens woman. But in between movies, Sally's second husband, Tucson investigator Gary Hallet (Aidan Quinn), dies.

Not only does this pitch Sally back into grief, but it also renews her hatred for her own magical abilities. So, at this sequel's start, she casts a spell on her young daughters so they will forget all the magic they've witnessed and have no idea that they are witches. Sally has also sworn Gilly to keep this secret from her daughters. However, the Owens girls still live in the Massachusetts community that knows they're all witches, and recently helped them seance away an evil spirit. And they still are close with openly witchy aunties Jet (Wiest) and Franny (Channing). But — uh — magic. The girls don't know magic is real, or that they are witches. Move on. The point is, Sally is back to one, in that she is alone and refusing to interact with magic.

Nicole Kidman and Joey King in "Practical Magic 2." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Less than 28 years later, Antonia (Williams) is in a medical residency, and Kylie is studying art at university. But more importantly, she's falling for Gideon (Maridueña), a classmate who is utterly besotted with her. This renews the family's concerns about the curse. But before Gideon's life is threatened (which it will be), the Owens' family experiences another peace-shattering loss.

Be warned: In Act 1, Wiest will remind us what an aspirational witchy old woman Jet is, showcasing her joy, her mischievousness, her love (of her family and margaritas), and her determination. And then Jet will die.

Before 15 minutes of this sequel passed, I cried harder than I could have imagined, as I always regarded the first film as fun but fluffy. Truth be told, it just never got macabre enough to really thrill me. Practical Magic 2, however, goes harder in heartbreak and in its oddness.

Lee Pace defines Practical Magic 2. Lee Pace and Sandra Bullock in "Practical Magic 2." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Bullock and Kidman slide comfortably into reprising the roles of Sally and Gilly, recreating the comedy duo of a bristling straight man and silly free spirit. Kidman in particular is a delight, swanning around in silky flowing garments and regarding minor inconveniences (stairs, low ceilings) with radiant disgust. Yet her Gilly is always game when magic comes into play, her eyes glowing with excitement as Sally is relegated to stiff worry. (Though Bullock, who also produces, makes it a point to weave in some slapstick and other silliness to keep Sally from being one-note.)

However, the plot this time hinges on Kylie. Once the curse pitches her boyfriend Gideon into a coma, Kylie gets a crash course in magic and her family's history. Then, she runs away to England in search of a cure. Sally and Gilly are soon on her tail, butting heads along the way. But overseas, they find an ally in Professor Ian Wright, a dark magic academic who is covered in tattoos, played by Lee Pace, and introduced totally nude.

Now, as Practical Magic 2 is rated PG-13, director Susanne Bier (Bird Box) won't show nudity. But she brings a female gaze the first film lacked, understanding that a close-up on Sally's hand on Ian's exposed chest is as seductive as the low whisper when he says they're both "molecules." Sure, that might sound silly or corny. But like the first film, Practical Magic 2's romantic subplot is unapologetically earnest. Here, it's more alluring because Ian isn't conflicted by his attraction to this beautiful, powerful witch. Fuck being reserved or coy. His every gaze is one of temptation. And as Pace has been known to play heroes and villains, this temptation comes with a hint of danger all his own.

On top of that, Ian embodies the sequel's darker tone and new location. With a crisp English accent, the American actor welcomes audiences into the eccentric flats, cramped taverns, and stony ruins of England. In the first act, Bier embraces the salty sea town eccentricities of Massachusetts with a vibrant color palette. Production details assure the Owens' tendency toward silks, velvets, chiffon, and feathers is a sharp contrast to the hard-wood architecture and rough roads. But in England, darker hues creep in, warning of the danger Kylie is in. That danger is reflected in the tattoos that litter Ian's strong, long body. So, every time he reaches for Sally's hand, as much as she yearns for his touch, the sigils inked there remind her of her daughter's peril.

Practical Magic 2 descends into a chaotic climax. Sandra Bullock in "Practical Magic 2." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Look, if you want a heart-warming witch fantasy, this sequel delivers. Craving a sexy but PG-13 romance? You got it. You want fashion that's aspirational and deceptively simple? All good. You want to see women harness their own power to battle back against a system made to keep them down? You'll be pleased.

Simply put, Practical Magic 2 covers a lot of ground in satisfying the presumed expectations of its audience. Plus, Bullock is once more the executive producer of the soundtrack, bringing in female-led bangers like Olivia Rodrigo's "The Cure" and Stevie Nicks' "Landslide." What this sequel doesn't have is a third act that makes much sense.

Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the adapted screenplay for Practical Magic with Robin Swicord and Adam Brooks, teamed with Georgia Pritchett and Kelly Marcel on the sequel. Together, they've crafted dialogue that reflects the intimacy and intensity at the core of Gilly and Sally's bond. However, Hoffman's book series includes two extra novels in between the two that serve as inspiration for Practical Magic and its sequel. And in the third act, the screenwriters hastily introduce a new character and a lot of backstory that causes a tangle of nonsense in the climax.

The story becomes convoluted, and character depictions are frustratingly thin. But after some whiz-bang action, the sequel's tone evens out with a finale that is once more joyful and unapologetically girly. Ultimately, like its older sister, Practical Magic 2 offers a wild ride into different genre influences. But it's undeniably a joy to see Kidman, Bullock, Wiest, and Channing back again. They offer a path for witchy women who might not be magic, but who boldly seek love, self-contentment, and sisterhood even when they're no longer ingenues.

Through them, Practical Magic 2 is more than a good time; it's a source of inspiration and hope in dark times for women.

Practical Magic 2 opens on Sept. 11.