It’s been a packed week in tech, from nostalgic flip phones to sobering price warnings. Here’s your cheat sheet on the seven stories that mattered most.
7. Commodore’s Retro Flip Phone Brings Back 2004 Vibes
Commodore — yes, that Commodore — has unveiled the Callback, a flip phone that’s equal parts nostalgia and practicality. It sits somewhere between a dumb phone and a modern Android device: no touchscreen, no web browser, no social media apps. But it does run Android apps, packs a 48MP camera, and includes an audiophile-grade DAC for high-quality audio. At its core, the Callback is designed to break smartphone addiction while still offering essential features.
6. GTA 6 Teaser Reveals Cover Art and Preorder Date
Rockstar Games dropped a new teaser for Grand Theft Auto 6 this week. While it didn’t show new gameplay, the trailer revealed the game’s cover art — a neon-drenched collage of pink and crimson that perfectly captures Vice City’s aesthetic. Preorders go live June 25, ahead of the November 19, 2026 launch date.
5. Microsoft Drops New Surface Laptops with Snapdragon X2
Microsoft refreshed its Surface lineup with new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processor. The new Surface Laptop promises up to 58% faster graphics performance and 20 hours of battery life. The Surface Pro 13-inch delivers a 53% graphics performance leap and up to 15.5 hours of battery life.
4. Sonos App Gets Long-Awaited Improvements
Sonos CEO Tom Conrad announced major changes coming to the Sonos app, addressing complaints that have persisted since the controversial 2024 redesign. The update includes easier volume controls, customizable device listings, and a tab-based organization system. The changes are rolling out in beta first.
3. UK Government Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will ban social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for users under 16, following Australia’s lead. The ban, coming next year, also targets livestreaming for under-16s across all platforms. The government says it will give kids their childhood back, but the move has sparked intense debate.
2. Android 17 Starts Rolling Out to Pixel Devices
Android 17 began hitting Pixel phones this week, bringing features like Bubbles (floating app windows), Screen Reactions (record your face and screen simultaneously), and a foldable Gaming Mode. The Gemini AI intelligence tool isn’t here yet, but the update still packs plenty of useful additions.
1. Tim Cook Warns Apple Price Increases Are Unavoidable
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that price increases are coming. “Unfortunately, price increases are unavoidable,” Cook said. “We’re doing our best to mitigate the huge increases that are being passed to us, but the situation has become unsustainable.” Component costs driven by AI demand and RAM shortages are finally hitting Apple’s bottom line. If you’ve been eyeing Apple products, this week’s Prime Day deals might be your last chance at current prices.
