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Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares snapshots of moments from their lives and work around the world.

After years of litigation following the Dobbs decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court justices, with their liberal majority, ruled that the state's 176-year-old law does not ban abortion in the state.

(Image credit: Ruthie Hauge/AP)

Sony aired a State of Play event in June, meaning we may not be getting one for a little while. Still, there's sure to be more of them by the end of the year, and thankfully we do know there will be a bespoke presentation for an upcoming PS5 exclusive at some point this month.

Since the series of shows began in 2019, Sony has used the State of Play presentations to reveal big-hitting games and details such as the initial reveal of Saros, debut gameplay footage for Death Stranding 2, and more. So, it's always worth tuning in to the State of Play live streams if you want to be alerted to any big announcements for new PS5 games.

Following the release of the PS5 Pro console, all eyes have turned back to the next State of Play - a new console will need new games to play on it, after all, even if it is a mid-gen refresh machine. Here's what we know.

When is the next Sony State of Play?

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

There's no info on when to expect the next Sony State of Play, and considering we just had one on June 4, we could be waiting a while. The good news is that there's a Ghost of Yotei-focused gameplay showcase to enjoy in July. Whether this is an actual branded State of Play remains to be seen, but it'll be the next PlayStation-led look at an upcoming game for sure.

What was revealed at the last Sony State of Play?

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

The last Sony State of Play event aired June 4, 2025. We covered the State of Play event live, where we saw 007 First Light for the first time. elsewhere, Baby Steps got a release date, and Nioh 3 was announced. Here's everything that was shown:

• Lumines Arise, PS5, PSVR 2
• Pragmata, 2026
• Romeo is a Dead Man, 2026
• Silent Hill f, , September 25, 2025
• Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, 2026
• Digimon Story Time Stranger, October 3 2025
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, September 30, 2025
• Baby Steps, September 8, 2025
• Hirogami, September 3, 2025
• Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, September 5 2025
• Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, July 31 2025
• Cairn, November 5, 2025 (demo available today)
• Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, 2025
• Project Defiant fight stick
• Metal Gear Solid Delta, August 28 2025
• Nioh 3, early 2026 (demo available today)
• Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, PSVR 2
• Tides of Tomorrow, Feb 24, 2026
• Astro Bot free DLC later this month + the Astro Bot DualSense returning
• Sea and Remnants, 2026
• Sword of the Sea, August 19
• 007 First Light, 2026
• Ghost of Yotei, gameplay demonstration coming in July
• Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, coming to PS5 and PC in 2026

What can we expect from the next Sony State of Play?

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

We just had a State of Play event focusing on 007 First Light, Sword and the Sea, as well as a bunch of other announcements. That means we'll be waiting a while for the next one, though I'd expect to see more on Marathon, Ghost of Yōtei, and perhaps even Saros, the next game from Returnal developer Housemarque that's due in 2026. We'll have to wait and see.

We do know that there's an in-depth gameplay showcase for Ghost of Yotei that'll air at some point in July. This will likely only include information on Ghost of Yotei, but it's possible we'll hear about the next proper showcase afterwards.

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• Cloudflare is introducing a way to charge AI web scrapers
• Content creators can protect their sites from unwanted scrapers
• Specific crawlers can be granted free access, charged, or blocked

Online creators often have very little control over the types of crawlers that can access their content, but Cloudflare may have a solution.

The company has revived HTTP response code 402 as a neat way to block or charge AI crawlers to access your site in a new feature it calls ‘pay per crawl’.

The best part is, it’s not a block or charge all control - users will be able to allow specific crawlers to access their site for free, charge others for access, and block the ones you don’t want trawling your content.

Charging AI crawlers for access

HTTP response code 402, otherwise known as the 402 Payment Required status code, indicates to crawlers payment is needed to access the content. As a result, the crawler can either respond with intent to pay, or is blocked from accessing the content.

As an added bonus, content creators with a block on their site can effectively ‘tell’ AI crawlers that they are open to potential payments in the future.

(Image credit: Cloudflare)

For those thinking that someone could simply spoof a crawler that has access to the site, Cloudflare is one step ahead. An authentic crawler will use the ‘signature-agent’, ‘signature-input’, and ‘signature’ headers to authenticate themselves with Cloudflare.

Cloudflare will then compare a public key from a Ed25519 key pair that is stored in a hosted directory with the URL of the key directory and user agent information that is registered with Cloudflare, thus allowing the authentic crawler through and blocking any spoofed crawlers.

(Image credit: Cloudflare)

Crawlers will also be able to crawl the web with a set budget for accessing protected sites using the ‘crawler-exact-price’ header to accept the proposed price listed by the ‘crawler-price’ header on the desired site, or preemptively use the ‘crawler-max-price’ when accessing a site which will grant access if the price is equal to or less than the crawler’s budget.

Cloudflare also has some theories for the potential of pay per crawl in the future. An AI agent can be given a budget to crawl the web when responding to a prompt, allowing the user to access high-quality and relevant content when entering a prompt.

Pay per crawl is currently only available in private beta, but interested parties can reach out to Cloudflare via the link at the bottom of the blog.

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Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

The Internet includes a hazardous element that functions as a major danger. Trolls persist in using social media platforms to conduct humiliating activities against users, but more dangerous threats exist beneath the surface. Criminal groups engage in illegal activities that involve trading stolen personal information, including credit card details, home addresses, and birth dates.

The stolen information is distributed to the highest bidder at black market prices. The criminal activities span a broad spectrum, including attacks against retirement accounts through compromised 401(k) logins and social media account hijacking. Hackers continuously explore new strategies to destroy people's financial assets to pursue monetary benefits.

According to expert studies, the Dark Web generates an estimated 5% of worldwide internet traffic. This remarkable measurement reveals the extent of the issue. Various apps provide security measures through e-commerce website credit card protection and connection security alerts, but others help people review their credit reports to measure their online visibility.

The most effective solution requires a comprehensive answer that satisfies various needs. IdentityForce is one of the most complete identity theft protection solutions with its broad range of features, including VPN protection, which forms the fundamental basis of online security.

IdentityForce exceeds standard credit card and Social Security number protection because it actively prevents data breaches instead of merely reviewing them. The program provides strong evaluation tools that enable you to access 24/7 phone or chat support from an identity theft protection specialist. The premium plans from this provider are more expensive than standard identity theft protection applications, including LifeLock and Experian IdentityWorks.

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The price of IdentityForce's UltraSecure plan has increased quite a bit since our last review (Image credit: IdentityForce)IdentityForce: Plans and pricing

IdentityForce offers multiple service plans that cater to different customer requirements so that every person can select a suitable option. The service provides special annual discounts to customers who choose this payment method. The top-tier plans come with a higher cost, but customers can access premium services at a lower price through annual payment options. The 30-day trial period enables potential customers to test the complete service benefits without financial risk before subscribing to a long-term plan.

The UltraSecure Plan represents the most affordable option at $19.90 per month. Customers who opt for annual subscriptions at IdentityForce can reduce their monthly costs to $16.66. The annual payment for this plan amounts to $199.90, which provides an affordable identity protection solution. The UltraSecure Plan offers budget-friendly identity protection through its complete feature set, which includes dark web and social media monitoring. The digital world demands constant personal information monitoring because it remains at risk.

(Image credit: IdentityForce)

To enhance your financial security, consider upgrading to the UltraSecure & Credit package, a premium offering. The monthly fee is set at $34.90, with an annual payment option of $349.90, effectively reducing the monthly cost to just $29.16. This plan not only includes all the features of the standard tier but also provides additional benefits. These enhancements encompass comprehensive credit monitoring from three bureaus, detailed credit reports, up-to-date credit scores, a credit score tracker, and a credit score simulator, giving you a total view of your credit standing.

In addition to individual plans, there are two tiers of family plans with identical services but a $5 monthly surcharge. Each family plan includes coverage for two adults and up to 10 children for this modest price increase.

Alerts, protection and credit monitoring are all easy to find in IdentityForce's mobileapp (Image credit: IdentityForce)IdentityForce: Interface and mobile app

Selecting the right software for theft prevention is essential for safeguarding personal information. A key component of this selection process is the website associated with the identity theft protection service. The website not only provides insights into the range of features offered but also reflects the company's professionalism and reliability. Regrettably, some identity theft protection organizations fall short in this area, presenting poorly designed and confusing websites that create a negative first impression. In stark contrast, IdentityForce stands out as a beacon of clarity and functionality, featuring a well-organized site that presents an extensive list of services in an easily navigable format.

The centerpiece of IdentityForce's offering is its innovative dashboard, which transforms the user experience in identity theft protection through its intuitive and visually appealing design. This dashboard ensures that all vital information is presented in an easily digestible manner, facilitating users' efficient management and safeguarding of their identities.

Upon logging in, users are greeted with a dashboard adorned with a row of clearly labeled icons, each representing a different facet of identity protection. This thoughtful layout allows for quick navigation to essential sections, including credit checks, banking details, car loans, retirement plans, and more. The spacious sections are designed to accommodate personal data comfortably, providing ample room for users to input all relevant information without feeling cramped.

To further enhance the user experience, IdentityForce's dashboard provides streamlined data entry options. Fields are clearly labeled, and the dashboard incorporates helpful prompts and tooltips to guide users through the process of entering sensitive information. Whether they need to input their driver's license number, passport information, or Social Security details, users can do so with peace of mind, confident that IdentityForce's robust security measures will protect their data from potential breaches.

One standout feature of the dashboard is a dynamic progress bar that tracks the user's completion status of their identity protection profile. This visual indicator urges users to complete their profiles and ensures they provide all necessary information for comprehensive protection against identity theft. The progress bar motivates users and gives them a clear visual representation of their preparedness, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding their identities.

Overall, IdentityForce's dashboard sets a new benchmark in identity theft protection, combining user-friendly interface elements, well-structured sections, clear prompts, and motivational features like the progress bar. This seamless navigation empowers users, allowing them to control their identities proactively and effectively guard against potential threats.

However, users who wish to utilize IdentityForce's services on mobile devices face a stark contrast between the experiences provided by iOS and Android applications. The Android version of the app struggles with a moderate rating of 2.6 out of 5 stars, indicating a significant level of dissatisfaction among users. Commonly reported issues include unreliable performance, frequent crashes, and frustrating login challenges, which can severely hinder users’ ability to access their accounts and utilize the app's extensive features for identity protection.

Conversely, the iOS version of the app fares slightly better, earning a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. This suggests that while the iOS app may provide a more stable experience than its Android counterpart, it still grapples with its own set of issues. Users have reported instances of credit scores failing to update, encountering persistent "Server error messages," and experiencing account lockouts due to login difficulties. Although these problems may occur less frequently than in the Android app, they can still prove to be inconvenient and frustrating for users seeking reliable identity protection.

In summary, while IdentityForce offers an impressive array of features and a user-centric approach through its dashboard, significant differences in the mobile app experience highlight the need for continuous improvement, particularly for Android users. By addressing these challenges, IdentityForce can further enhance its service and reputation in the competitive landscape of identity theft protection.

IdentityForce offers all of the features you'd expect from one of the best identity theft protection services (Image credit: IdentityForce)IdentityForce: Features

IdentityForce is renowned for its extensive identity protection services, but what might surprise some users is that it also offers a VPN (Virtual Private Network) tool within its Mobile Defense Suite. This integrated VPN, available exclusively through the mobile app, enhances security by alerting users to numerous online threats, including rogue applications, spyware, and unsecured Wi-Fi connections. However, it’s important to note that this VPN is limited to mobile devices and does not protect PC users.

Regrettably, key details about the VPN remain somewhat ambiguous. Essential information, such as the server locations, the presence of a “no logs” policy, and whether or not there’s a built-in “kill switch” to protect your data in case the connection drops, has yet to be disclosed. Given these uncertainties, users looking for robust VPN functionality may want to explore more established VPN services for anything beyond casual browsing.

One of the standout features of IdentityForce is its proactive monitoring of "Payday loan" hacks, a specific form of identity theft where individuals fraudulently obtain loans using another person's identity. With this feature, users receive timely notifications, allowing them to address potential issues rapidly with their financial institutions. This immediacy can be crucial in mitigating financial loss and preventing further fraud. Furthermore, IdentityForce takes its commitment to user safety further by tracking sex offenders who may have obtained personal information to elude local identity registration laws, thereby enhancing community security.

The premium plans offered by IdentityForce are equipped with a robust suite of features to deliver comprehensive protection against identity theft and online threats. Central to these plans is a strong theft protection guarantee of up to $1 million. This provision ensures that members have access to crucial financial assistance and a dedicated resource network in the unfortunate event of identity theft. Members also gain access to lost wallet assistance, which expedites canceling and replacing lost or stolen credit cards, driver’s licenses, and other vital documents, making a potentially stressful situation much more manageable.

To further bolster security, IdentityForce’s premium plans include advanced Dark Web data analysis. This feature continuously scans the dark web for indications of compromised personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, and social security numbers. Users are promptly alerted if any sensitive data is detected and receive guidance on mitigating the risks and securing their accounts effectively.

IdentityForce includes a mobile password manager in its premium offerings to improve convenience and maintain security. This invaluable tool enables members to securely store and manage their passwords across multiple devices, promoting the use of strong and unique passwords for all online accounts. It also features a robust password generator, which creates complex, random passwords to enhance overall account security.

Moreover, IdentityForce extends its protection to social media by offering identity monitoring services. This feature actively scans social media platforms for unauthorized usage of members' personal information, helping to identify potential identity theft attempts before they escalate. By detecting these threats early, users can take swift measures to safeguard their online reputations and prevent further reputational harm.

In summary, IdentityForce’s premium plans combine a suite of essential features—including $1 million in theft protection, lost wallet assistance, Dark Web data monitoring, a mobile password manager, and social media identity surveillance—into a singular solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges of identity protection. Together, these elements offer users peace of mind, knowing their personal information is being vigilantly monitored and safeguarded against the continuously evolving landscape of identity theft and online threats.

IdentityForce: The competition

IdentityForce is a strong contender in the identity theft protection market, but it faces significant competition from several other highly rated services. One of its primary rivals is Aura, which is often praised as a top overall choice due to its comprehensive monitoring. This includes dark web monitoring, public records checks, and financial account surveillance, which are usually competitively priced. Aura also offers higher identity theft insurance coverage options and additional cybersecurity tools, such as a VPN and antivirus software.

Another major competitor is LifeLock, a well-known name in the industry that is now part of Norton 360. LifeLock provides extensive monitoring, including social media, home title monitoring, and substantial identity theft insurance. However, its pricing structure can sometimes be less transparent, with introductory rates that increase significantly after the first year.

IDShield distinguishes itself with a strong focus on identity restoration. It often guarantees the restoration of your identity or the provision of your money back, and it offers access to licensed private investigators for complex cases. Additionally, IDShield has competitive pricing for its features.

Other notable competitors include Identity Guard, which is known for its AI-powered threat detection and often provides good value for families, and ID Watchdog, which offers solid credit monitoring and recovery services. Services like Experian IdentityWorks also compete directly by leveraging their connection to one of the major credit bureaus for enhanced credit monitoring.

Ultimately, the best choice for a consumer depends on their specific needs concerning features, pricing, and the desired level of insurance and restoration support.

IdentityForce: Final verdict

IdentityForce offers a robust suite of identity protection services that goes beyond the standard offerings of many competitors. While it does provide essential features like malware blockers, identity theft insurance, and credit monitoring, its premium plans offer a standout benefit: $1 million in identity theft insurance. This substantial coverage provides significant peace of mind during a breach. Additionally, including a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for smartphones is a valuable extra, helping to secure your mobile data.

However, potential users should be aware of some drawbacks. Several reports indicate that mobile applications can be buggy and offer a less-than-satisfactory user experience. Furthermore, IdentityForce's pricing is generally higher than that of some comparable products in the market. Another critical consideration for families is that child protection features come with additional fees, rather than being included in the base subscription.

Despite these points, one significant advantage of IdentityForce is its unified dashboard. This central hub consolidates all identity protection features, meaning users don't need to download and manage multiple applications for various security aspects. This streamlined approach offers a definite benefit, simplifying identity management and making comprehensive protection more accessible.

We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection services

• US PC shipments were up 15% in Q1 2025 compared with 9% globally
• Consumers aren't aware of Windows 10 EOS, or just don't want to upgrade
• Businesses are preparing for Windows 10 EOS, but 2025 PC market growth could be low

New data from industry analysts Canalys has revealed PC vendors are stockpiling inventory in anticipation of higher tariffs from the Trump administration, but they're not selling enough to clear their stock.

A sizeable 15% surge in PC shipments was observed in the US during the first three months of 2025, however this also aligned with an excess in inventory, with consumers far less likely to renew their devices this year compared with businesses.

The market outlook aligns with suspicions of higher tariffs, with US PC shipments expected to only grow 2% in 2025 despite strong first-quarter growth.

US vendors are preparing for higher prices

According to the data, inflation from broader tariffs and general economic uncertainty is seeing consumers hold onto their devices for longer than usual.

Canalys expects consumer PS shipments to decline 4% this year, compared with the 8% increase in PC shipments to businesses, largely driven by October's end-of-support date for Windows 10.

Research Director Ishan Dutt explained: "Although PCs currently remain exempt, broader tariffs impacting key spending categories have already resulted in inflationary pressure."

Furthermore, the hype around AI PCs appears to have tamed. High prices, a lack of clear value and confusing messaging is preventing many buyers from hopping on the bandwagon as AI PCs remain in their first generation.

Canalys Research Manager Kieren Jessop explained that poor battery life, slow performance or hardware failures tend to push consumers towards updates , indicating that the Windows 10 deadline may not be as much of a motivation to consumers as it is to businesses.

A March 2025 poll suggested that 14% of customers are now aware of Windows 10 deprecation, and a further 21% don't plan on upgrading as a result.

In the meantime, US stockpiling continues to distort PC shipment figures on a global scale, with Q1 2025 global PC shipments up 9%. Dutt summarised: "This preemptive strategy allowed manufacturers and the channel to stock up ahead of potential cost increases, boosting sell-in shipments despite otherwise stable end-user demand."

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• Ironheart finally introduces a villain to the MCU that Marvel fans have waited years for
• Its producers admit he might not have appeared in the Disney+ show
• Only one actor was considered for the role

Ironheart has granted Marvel fans' long-held wish to introduce a much-discussed villain to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – but the wait might have been even longer if its story had gone in another direction.

Ahead of the Disney+ show's debut in late June, I sat down with producers Zoie Nagelhout and Sev Ohanian to chat about the Marvel TV Original. As you can imagine, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask them about that grand unveiling in the series' finale.

Full spoilers immediately follow for Ironheart episode 6, aka 'The Past is the Past'. Don't scroll past this point if you haven't seen it yet!

Ironheart finally introduces Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, to the MCU (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Yep, Mephisto, whose MCU debut has been a hot topic of discussion since the airing of WandaVision, the first Marvel TV show to be released on Disney+ in January 2021, has finally made his way into Marvel's cinematic juggernaut. Borat and The Trial of the Chicago 7 actor Sacha Baron Cohen is the star behind this demonic entity. For a crash course on this demonstrably evil character, let me point you in the direction of Ironheart ending explained piece.

Now, long-time Marvel comic book readers might wonder why Mephisto makes his long-overdue MCU arrival in Ironheart. After all, Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, who is the Marvel Phase 5 TV show's primary antagonist, acquires his supernatural abilities from Dormammu, the Big Bad of 2016's Doctor Strange, in Marvel literature. Dormammu is even referenced in episodes 4 and 5, ie before Mephisto's grand reveal, which suggests this cosmic entity is pulling The Hood's strings from the shadows.

In Ironheart, though, Mephisto is responsible for gifting these powers to Robbins by way of a dark magic-infused hooded cloak. So, why didn't the show's creative team adapt The Hood's origins story ad verbatim from the comics?

"We knew there needed to be someone behind Parker's powers," Nagelhout told me, "And we did play around with a couple of ideas. As you know, in the comics, Dormammu has pretty heavy ties to Parker.

"But, we ultimately started looking towards what made the most thematic sense," Nagelhout said of Ironheart's antagonist-based bait-and-switch. "Which villain actually offered this show the same sort of payoff that we were building to? For us, it was Mephisto. It was this concept of ambition versus what it would cost you in order to achieve everything you want in life, and Mephisto fit that beautifully."

Comment from r/marvelstudios

As for why Cohen, who was reportedly cast as Mephisto way back in October 2022, was the right individual to tackle such an extremely powerful being, Nagelhout added: "To be honest, Sacha was the only person we really could envision.

"The idea came from Angela Barnes, who directed that episode as well. As soon as we imagined him as the character, we couldn't unsee it. We're very lucky that he agreed to come on board, because he brought a really fun, scary, interesting version of this character to life that I don't know if anyone else could have done."

What did you make of Mephisto's long-awaited MCU debut? And did you enjoy Cohen's portrayal? Let me know in the comments.

All six episodes of Ironheart are out now on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services. For more Ironheart coverage, check out the section below, too.

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The iPhone 16 line landed a while back now, so unsurprisingly there are numerous iPhone 17 leaks at this point – some of which emerged even before the launch of Apple’s latest phones.

As such – even though we’re not expecting the iPhone 17 and its siblings to launch before September 2025 – we already have some idea of what to expect from these phones. That includes camera upgrades, yet another new button, better screens, and even an entire new model.

Below then, you’ll find full details of all the credible leaks and rumors we’ve heard so far, and we’ll be updating this article whenever we hear anything new.

Latest news

Loads of iPhone 17 Air specs just leaked.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next flagship iPhone
• When is it out? Probably September 2025
• How much will it cost? Likely upwards of $799 / £799 / AU$1,399

A predictable release date

The iPhone 16 (Image credit: Future)

• Likely to be announced in the first half of September
• Could start at upwards of $799 / £799 / AU$1,399

There aren’t many iPhone 17 release date rumors yet, but we don’t really need any, as Apple tends to follow a highly predictable pattern.

As such, based on past form we predict that the iPhone 17 will be announced in the first half of September 2025. Typically Apple announces the device on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but the company broke with that pattern for the iPhone 16 and used a Monday, so we aren’t totally confident of the exact day.

That said, Apple more often uses the second week of the month, so it could be announced sometime between Monday, September 8, and Friday, September 12, with September 8, 9, or 10 being most likely based on the weekdays Apple usually goes with.

In any case, the phones will likely then go up for pre-order on the Friday of their announcement week (meaning probably Friday September 12 or failing that September 5 if our guesses are right), and then ship on the following Friday, which would probably be September 19 but could be September 12. While those are all just predictions for now, one source has unsurprisingly pointed to a September launch for the iPhone 17 series.

As for the price, most of the leaks there so far are for a new model possibly dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air (more on which below), but a report suggests this slimmer iPhone 17 model could have a starting price of $1,299 (about £1,000 / AU$1,950).

We would however take that with a pinch of salt, as that would be a higher price than the current top iPhone, and some other leaks suggest this would be positioned more in the middle of the pack.

Indeed, more recently we've heard that the iPhone 17 Air could cost less than the iPhone 17 Pro, with the latest leak pointing to a starting price of $899 for the iPhone 17 Air, which would see it match the iPhone 16 Plus. That's a claim we've now heard multiple times. Whatever it costs though, it's predicted that the iPhone 17 Air might not be a massive hit.

In any case, we can look at previous pricing for possible starting prices of the other models. The iPhone 16 then starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149, so successors to these models are likely to cost at least this much.

However, the one iPhone 17 pricing leak we have heard suggests they might cost more, and with President Trump threatening 25% tariffs on Apple, there's a growing chance the prices could increase.

Can you trust these rumors?

The claim that the iPhone 17 Air could have the same price as the iPhone 16 Plus is believable, though with potential tariffs it's hard to be sure. In any case, the release date for all these phones will very likely be in September.

A new model

We might not get a successor to the iPhone 16 Plus (Image credit: Future)

• An iPhone 17 Air rather than a Plus model
• Also expect an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max

You won’t be surprised to hear that we’re expecting an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but what about the iPhone 17 Plus? Well, while that’s a possibility, several leaks have suggested that there might be a slimmer and more expensive iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim instead.

However, a reputable analyst predicts that the iPhone 17 Air won't be any more popular than the company's Plus and mini models.

There’s also an outside chance that we’ll see an iPhone 17 Ultra, either instead of or as well as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This would be an ultra-premium model that would sit at the top of the line. But that’s seeming less likely, as it’s not something that’s been leaked much recently, though claims of an Ultra model still occasionally emerge.

Claims of an iPhone 17 Air though have arrived with more frequency, and from a number of reputable sources, so there’s every chance we could see a super-slim iPhone in 2025.

In fact, the latest leaks point to the iPhone 17 Air measuring even thinner than the competition, namely the recently-announced Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, at a possible thickness of just 5.44mm. That's even thinner than an unfolded Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

What's more, the iPhone 17 Air is tipped to get Apple's new C1 modem, revealed with the iPhone 16e, unlike the base model iPhone 17.

Can you trust these rumors?

Numerous reputable sources have pointed to an iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, so we'd think this is likely to make an appearance, though what it will actually be called is less clear, and we wouldn't count on seeing an iPhone 17 Ultra.

A new button

The iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A 120Hz screen for all four models
• A new button in place of the Action and volume buttons
• A new display technology for the Pro models

One of the more intriguing iPhone 17 design leaks we've heard is that the iPhone 17 Pro and possibly other models could have another new button – this time a single button that would replace the Action button and both volume keys.

Details of this possible button are limited, but it’s easy to imagine it could work like the Camera Control key, allowing you to swipe to change the volume, and press it to launch an app or feature of your choice. Perhaps it would even accept both light and strong presses to launch different things.

Apple has actually experimented with unified solid-state volume buttons in the past, including on an iPhone 14 Pro prototype, so it's possible the idea is being resurrected for the iPhone 17 series.

And in a less likely leak, we’ve heard that Apple could equip some or all iPhone 17 models with under-display Face ID.

One other source has leaked three possible iPhone 17 Pro colors, namely Dark Green Titanium, Teal Titanium, and Green Titanium. Apparently only one of these will be used if any, and of these it's the Teal Titanium they suspect is most likely to be used. That's the middle shade in the leaked image below. That said, we suspect all three of these are brighter than Apple would opt for.

(Image credit: Majin Bu)

Indeed, they can't seem to make up their mind as to which new color or colors we might see, as they've more recently claimed Sky Blue is the most likely new iPhone 17 Pro shade, and also previously pointed to Titanium Blue or Titanium Purple shades.

The same source has since said that the standard iPhone 17 could come in a purple or green shade.

In another leak, we've heard that all four iPhone 17 models could have an aluminum frame, which would be a change for the Pro models, as the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max use more premium titanium.

So that seems an odd shift, and the report adds that in the case of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max the top half of the back will also be aluminum, with the bottom half sticking as glass, and the camera bump being larger than on current models.

However, another leak has since refuted this, saying the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will stick with titanium frames.

Since then, we've heard that the iPhone 17 series could use the frame pictured below, which could make for a Pixel 9-like design, and somewhat lines up with the leak above mentioning an aluminum top half and a larger camera bump.

(Image credit: @Jukanlosreve)

We've seen a similar design in iPhone 17 series dummy units, and yet another source has also similarly claimed that the iPhone 17 Pro (and probably the other models) will have the design shown below.

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / @asherdipps‬)

This source has also shared the possible design of the iPhone 17 Air, as you can see below.

It has a very slim build but a quite large camera block considering there's just one lens on the back. So we'd take it with a pinch of salt, though it does line up with another iPhone 17 Air design leak.

The same source has also claimed that the standard iPhone 17 will have the same camera design as the iPhone 16, so that model might not get this new camera bar.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)

Other leakers have since backed up these claims, with multiple sets of iPhone 17 dummy units being leaked, showing similar designs, which we've seen numerous times now, and it's a design that people don't seem keen on so far. In fact, Google has even made fun of it.

However, more recent iPhone 17 Pro dummy unit photos show a far more refined version of this design, and one that should be easier to like.

Some smaller design changes could be planned too, with one source suggesting that some or all iPhone 17 models will have curvier sides than their predecessors.

We’ve also elsewhere heard that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a narrower Dynamic Island than the current model, and that conflicting with one of the leaks above it will have a titanium frame, while the other models will apparently have a “more complex” aluminum shell, which may be a reference the the half metal, half glass rear leaked above. Multiple sources have now pointed to a smaller Dynamic Island, though one source says the Dynamic Island will stay the same.

Another source has similarly said that the front of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will look similar to the iPhone 16 Pro, meaning that the Dynamic Island probably won't be smaller. And they added that while the rear cameras will be redesigned, there won't be a two-tone color scheme. We've since seen how this single-color iPhone 17 Pro design might look.

One of these sources also claimed that the iPhone 17 will have a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 17 Air a 6.6-inch one, the iPhone 17 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a 6.9-inch one. So that’s the same sizes as the iPhone 16 line, albeit the rumored new Air model could have a slightly smaller screen than the Plus model it might replace.

That said, a case maker has suggested the iPhone 17 could instead have a 6.3-inch screen like the Pro model.

There’s also some disagreement on the iPhone 17 Air’s screen size, with leaker Ross Young claiming it will be slightly smaller at 6.55 inches, while @UniverseIce says to expect a 6.65-inch screen, and another source points to a 6.7-inch 2796 x 1290 one.

Also on the subject of the iPhone 17 Air, one report suggests it won't be as slim as Apple hoped, with the company originally aiming for around a 6mm thickness but apparently failing to achieve that, as it needs more space for the battery.

That said, we've elsewhere heard that the iPhone 17 Air will be just 5.44mm thick, while another leak similarly says the iPhone 17 Air will in fact be 5mm to 6mm thick, but that thanks to this it won't have space for a SIM card slot (so it will be eSIM only). More recently, an iPhone 17 Air leaks has split the difference and pointed to a 5.5mm thickness.

This report adds that the iPhone 17 Air will also only have one earpiece speaker, rather than two as is the case on other iPhones, and that it will have a “large, centered camera bump” housing just one lens.

This lack of a SIM card slot and only one speaker claim is something we've now heard multiple times.

We've also now seen an image showing how slim the iPhone 17 Air might be in comparison to the iPhone 17 Pro, and it certainly looks very thin there.

Another leak shows an iPhone 17 Air dummy unit (which is apparently 5.65mm thick) next to an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy unit (which is 163.04 x 77.59 x 8.75mm) and an iPhone 17 one (which is 149.62 x 71.46 x 7.96mm). And again, the Air looks exceptionally slim.

You can see this slim design again in photos showing an iPhone 17 Air dummy unit next to an iPhone 16 Plus, though it's notable how far the Air's camera sticks out.

We've also heard that all four iPhone 17 models could have a 120Hz refresh rate and an always-on display. In fact, several sources have echoed this, saying that the base iPhone 17 will join its Pro siblings in having a 120Hz refresh rate and and always-on screen. We've heard this as recently as March 2025, with reputable leaker Mark Gurman saying as much.

So this wouldn’t be an upgrade for the Pro models, but it would be for the standard iPhone 17, and for the iPhone 17 Air if we get such a phone. That said, in June 2025 we heard that while the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air would have 120Hz refresh rates, these wouldn't be ProMotion screens, meaning they wouldn't have a variable refresh rate and probably wouldn't support always-on display.

Speaking of all the iPhone 17 models, a rumor has them all tipped to use Samsung's M14 OLED display, which features on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

However, the Pro models could still get a screen upgrade, with one source claiming that their displays will use a new technology that "improves battery efficiency, maximizes display durability, and enhances overall performance compared to existing display technologies.”

Finally, we’ve heard that the iPhone 17 line’s screens might use a type of glass that’s tougher to scratch and cuts down on reflections, but a more recent leak suggests this display upgrade has been scrapped.

Can you trust these rumors?

Apple bringing 120Hz screens to all four models is long overdue, so we certainly hope that's true, and it has been tipped enough that for now we'd say it's likely.

The talk of a new button is something we're less sure about, just because only one source has mentioned it so far, and they have a mixed track record.

We're also unsure about claims that all four models will have an aluminum frame, as that would seem like a downgrade for the Pro units. And the rumored changes to the camera design also seem questionable, but enough sources have mentioned this that it's certainly possible.

More megapixels

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A new 48MP telephoto camera for the Pro models
• New 24MP selfie cameras for all models

The iPhone 17 line could include several significant camera upgrades, including a new 24MP front-facing camera for every iPhone 17 model, up from 12MP on the current phones. It’s a claim this source (Jeff Pu) has made multiple times, most recently in March of 2025.

The same source also points to a 48MP telephoto camera for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, up from 12MP currently. We’ve also heard analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say similar, though they weren’t sure whether both Pro models would get this, or if only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would get a 48MP telephoto camera.

And leaker @UniverseIce has also said that the Pro models will have a trio of 48MP cameras, meaning an upgrade for the telephoto but not – at least in terms of megapixels – for the main or ultra-wide cameras. Mark Gurman (who has a great track record for Apple information) has also made this 48MP telephoto camera claim.

We've heard mention of a trio of 48MP cameras from another source too, but they also claim that oddly the main camera on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have a smaller sensor than on the 16 Pro series, which sounds like a downgrade.

And one source has claimed that as well as a new 48MP sensor, the the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will offer 3.5x optical zoom, rather than the 5x of the current models. However, they would reportedly still offer lossless zoom at 5x and 7x by cropping the image.

We've also heard that the iPhone 17 Pro models could offer 8K video recording.

Elsewhere, another leak says the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air won't have a 5x telephoto camera. This isn't really surprising but it is disappointing. In fact, the iPhone 17 Air might just have one rear camera, with another source claiming the iPhone 17 Air will have a 48MP main camera and a 12MP front-facing one. Multiple sources have now pointed to the iPhone 17 Air having just a single 48MP camera on the back.

Intriguingly, we’ve heard that Apple might be planning a camera with a mechanical aperture for at least one phone in the iPhone 17 series. This would allow you to adjust the size of the aperture, and therefore the depth of field.

And finally, Apple is reportedly testing a 200MP camera, though if this is ever used we'd expect it won't be until a later iPhone model.

Can you trust these rumors?

The front-facing and telephoto cameras seem obvious upgrade choices in the iPhone 17 line, as their megapixel counts are noticeably lower than some of the other cameras. So there's a good chance those leaks will prove accurate.

A boost in power

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A powerful new A19 Pro chipset
• Up to 12GB of RAM

One leak suggests that – unsurprisingly – the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a new A19 Pro chipset, and that the other models will have either an A18 or A19 chipset. The same source also says to expect 12GB of RAM in the Pro models, up from 8GB currently, but that the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Slim will only have 8GB. They've now made this claim multiple times, so they seem confident of it.

Another source has echoed this, saying to expect an A19 Pro chipset and 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This chipset will reportedly be built on a new 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which could mean a big jump in performance.

Elsewhere we've heard that the iPhone 17 Air could have 12GB of RAM too, along with an A19 – but not A19 Pro – chipset.

That said, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will get 12GB of RAM, with the others stuck at 8GB, and that the Pro Max will also have an upgraded cooling system, and exclusively have “enhanced on-device AI capabilities.”

Kuo also claims that the iPhone 17 line could use a lighter and thinner motherboard, which would leave room for other components or a larger battery. And speaking of the battery, the iPhone 17 Air might have a high-density cell, giving it comparable life to current iPhones. We've also heard that the iPhone 17 Air might support MagSafe, and that it might support a battery case accessory, which could make up for any stamina shortfalls.

There’s also an outside chance that some or all iPhone 17 models could include under-display Touch ID, giving you a fingerprint sensor as well as Face ID, but we doubt that.

We've also heard that Apple might equip the iPhone 17 series with a vapor chamber to help keep these phones cool, though there's disagreement on whether all four models or just the iPhone 17 Pro series would get a vapor chamber.

Finally on the hardware front, the iPhone 17 Air might use Apple's in-house 5G modem, but this reportedly doesn't perform as well as the Qualcomm modems the company currently uses – and we've heard that the base model iPhone 17 could even miss out on Apple's C1 modem.

As for software, we expect these phones to run iOS 26 out of the box, and while this software isn't finished yet, it has been announced. So we know it includes a new 'Liquid Glass' appearance, and overhauls to many apps, such as the Phone and Camera apps. It also features improvements to Apple Intelligence, a new Apple Games app, and more.

Can you trust these rumors?

New chipsets are sure to make an appearance, and we'd expect at least some models would get boosted to 12GB of RAM, especially as this could help with AI.

We'd be quite surprised though if Touch ID makes a return, even in under-display form.

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• HPE pushes Morpheus as VMware virtualization costs rise under Broadcom
• Socket-based pricing offers cost predictability for high-core system deployments
• Morpheus aims to compete but VMware remains deeply rooted in enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has looked to address growing rumblings from its customers about rising VMware licensing fees following Broadcom’s acquisition of the virtualization company in 2023.

HPE is actively responding to these concerns, especially from those seeing major increases in virtualization costs, by pushing its Morpheus platform at its recent HPE Discover 2025 event.

HPE acquired Morpheus in 2024 and has since worked to develop it into a viable option for companies looking to reduce or end their reliance on VMware.

A choice of editions

Morpheus is being integrated into HPE’s broader Private Cloud offerings, with two editions available to suit different needs.

The VM Essentials edition is geared toward smaller environments and supports management of local KVM clusters and VMware clusters through vCenter.

This edition has a much lower entry cost, priced around $600 per socket, and unlike Broadcom’s per-core licensing, which some say penalizes scale, HPE’s per-socket model remains fixed regardless of hardware configuration.

This could appeal to those with high-core-count systems and help organizations better keep on top of their infrastructure costs.

For more advanced deployments, there’s Morpheus Enterprise. This includes profiling and cost calculator tools to help compare cloud and on-prem options. This version is priced at about $2,500 per socket.

HPE’s goal appears to be giving customers a clearer path away from VMware, starting small and scaling up.

Whether that’s enough to make a dent in VMware’s deep entrenchment across enterprise environments remains to be seen, but HPE is clearly making the case.

ServeTheHome's Patrick Kennedy writes, “We know many folks are struggling with virtualization licensing costs. It seems like HPE sees the need. It was actually neat to see that HPE is aggressively trying to move customers off of VMware and the Morpheus booth was certainly busy today. For folks who are still looking for solutions, this might be one to look into especially if you are a HPE shop.”

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Likeable brand Nothing has unveiled a set of striking over-ear headphones and if, like me, you're ready to fully embrace cans that aren't trying hard to look like the Sony WH-1000XM4 (and, by association, like every other set of headphones on the market), you'll probably be fully on board with these.

Might it appear as if I've got two cassette tapes lashed around my head – two, ahem, head cleaners, if you're old enough to get the gag? Quite possibly. Do I mind? Not one jot thank you very much; know me, know that I have a lot of love for the resurgence of the humble cassette format.

Anyway, I've worn them for a week now and sadly, owing to various time constraints, I wasn't able to compile TechRadar's full Nothing Headphone (1) review. However, I do share my colleague Matt Bolton's verdict and of course, that doesn't mean I have no further thoughts… the first being that the design here is a rare delight for the money.

Since the product has been under embargo until very recently, I've not been able to wear the Headphone (1) in public. But believe me, I cannot wait to do that. The transparent accents on the ear cups catch reflections and the light quite beautifully and there's a quirky, otherworldy-but-the-90s aesthetic to them. They remind me of Björk's 1997 All is Full of Love video – why wouldn't I want that?

(Image credit: Future)Nothing ventured, Nothing gained

So they look delightfully oddball, and you love to see it. They're also comfortable – for me, anyway, and I do wear glasses at work these days (see "old enough", above).

Furthermore, the Nothing X companion app is a joy. It's clean, it's stylish, it's easy to follow and it puts things like noise cancellation and head-tracked streaming-service agnostic spatial audio up front and center, exactly where you want those perks. Honestly, I love the app.

So where does it start to go wrong? My one minor gripe with the design is to do with the volume roller on the right ear cup. Don't get me wrong, I adore it; why has no other brand implemented anything even close, except for the Fairphone Fairbuds XL and Marshall Monitor III ANC, although both were different in that they were bijou joystick-style dials, rather than a roller?

No, my issue is the piped-in sound you hear when you use it. I know it's supposed to mimic a rotary watch bezel, but it's such a sweet, treble-centric whirr and so close to my delicate ear that it sets my teeth on edge (and there's no way to turn it off). In fact, even the power on buttons are a little sweet for my liking.

(Image credit: Future)Much ado about Nothing?

You're probably thinking: come on, this issue feels small-fry and you've already said you love the design, what's the big problem? And you'd be right: I think the bare bones here are truly exciting. Nothing goes its own way and I'm all for it. I've championed the Nothing Ear (a), the firm's triumphant third stab at earbuds, for over a year now.

The thing is, there's one key area where the Heaphone (1) don't quite pass muster at the level. Sonically, I pitted them against my trusty Cambridge Audio Melomania P100, and the circumaural soundstage of the P100 betters the Nothing option – something you hear straight away.

Nothing has gone to great lengths to tell us about the "custom 40 mm dynamic driver, built with high-linearity suspension and an 8.9 mm PU surround that moves air more freely than conventional PET materials" alongside a "nickel-plated diaphragm, including rim and dome".

Then, enter hi-fi giant KEF, which provided the rigorous tuning and testing of the headphones. And I think perhaps therein lies the rub. Nobody is challenging KEF's formidable audio chops, but maybe (just maybe) a modicum of function has had to be lost in the name of a finessed form?

KEF is a master of its trade, and clearly the intention here is serious, integrated, neutral and layered hi-fi sound. And this is very much on the way to being achieved – in fact, in acoustic mixes and with spatial audio deployed, I found admirable separation and insight. Sonically, they are not bad.

It's just that I've reviewed every set of Nothing earbuds to date, and I know the sound Carl Pei's company and its collaborative effort is capable of achieving, given a fresh iteration. The result here is a set of headphones that while relatively detailed, come off a little dynamically lean.

(Image credit: Future)If at first you don't succeed… 

Perhaps if the Headphone (1) release hadn't been so rigidly tied to the simultaneous unveiling of the Nothing Phone (3)? Perhaps if Nothing's design language hadn't been of such paramount importance, there may have been leeway to eke a little more out of the svelte drivers nestled in their much-adorned ear cups? I'm speculating – I am.

But I'm also urging Nothing and KEF to work more on this partnership, because this product as an inaugural effort is beautiful to me, and the sound is well on its way.

I listened to D'Angelo's Brown Sugar (I decided to give my Apple Music Replay All Time playlist a spin; a trip back to 2016 I'm not sure I needed) and while the vocals do dart out from shadowy corners in the mix, it's an all-together more immersive, dynamically agile listen when played through the cheaper Cambridge Audio rival.

Again, I want to urge Nothing to keep working on these. I truly admire the release of the Nothing Headphone (1) when most smartphone-centric firms are sticking to cheaper earbuds propositions alongside handsets. Case in point: Samsung, a heavy-hitter that hasn't launched a set of actual headphones in nearly 10 years, following mixed reviews for the 2014 Level Over and 2016 Level On.

In 2025, Nothing's got something here that could blow everything else away, and while the sound is not perfect yet, the design and feature-set is too good to shelve. Very few manufacturers ace a set of headphones at the very first time of asking, and to say that I eagerly await for the release of the Headphone (2) is an understatement.

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• Techland has discussed how the narrative is shaping up in Dying Light: The Beast
• The developer is doing away with branching choices
• This is in an effort to create a starting point for the series' future

Developer Techland will be stepping away from player-driven narrative choices for the upcoming Dying Light: The Beast. But it seems like there's going to be a very good reason for that, at least in relation to the game's returning protagonist - Kyle Crane.

In an interview with GamesRadar, Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektała explained: "We wanted this to be a canon entry into the series. We're looking back at what happened to Kyle Crane in the first game, and we want to tell the next chapter of the story."

"One thing that Dying Light: The Beast does is hint at the future of the series," he adds. "We really wanted to make sure that at the end of the game, Kyle Crane is where we want him to be, so that's why we decided to back down from the narrative choices of Dying Light 2."

Furthermore, it's likely that Techland is looking to shape the future of the Dying Light franchise with what happens at the conclusion of The Beast.

While he didn't drop any juicy story hints, Smektała told TechRadar Gaming: "We definitely have, I would say, some Marvel [style] post-credit scenes that hint at some things that are going to happen in the future."

Smektała also provided further context on the decision to move away from branching narrative choices, adding: "If we would have given the players agency in terms of how they want to shape the story, then it will be harder for us to have Kyle where we want him to be at the end of the game.

"So this is a very canonical Kyle story that answers everything that happens to him before and after the events of Dying Light."

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• There will be a free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Shadow Labyrinth
• The game will run at 4K 60fps on the Nintendo Switch 2
• It's available to pre-order now

Upcoming strange Pac-Man game Shadow Labyrinth will run at 4K 60 frames per second (fps) on Nintendo Switch 2 in docked mode thanks to a free Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack.

This was revealed as part of the most recent trailer for the game, which gave us a decent look at the Nintendo Switch 2 version in action. It also presented some side-by-side footage showing the Nintendo Switch version too, which seems to be running at a noticeably lower frame rate and resolution.

Both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game are up for pre-order via the eShop, where they both cost $29.99 / £24.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack is also available to pre-order and is completely free.

Shadow Labyrinth was first revealed at The Game Awards 2024, with a subsequent appearance in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. A darker take on Pac-Man, the game is a 2D metroidvania adventure in which the protagonist Swordsman No. 8 explores a sinister maze accompanied by the familiar yellow Puck.

It features plenty of combat and traversal, but also a few elements directly inspired by the classic arcade Pac-Man gameplay. It's set to launch on July 18 this year and is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S in addition to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

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