Dave Snelling

Virgin Media is launching a free, 24-hour Tennis Channel for Virgin TV customers on channel 542. Available automatically on Virgin TV 360 and Flex plans, the service will show live Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, ATP Challenger Tour and other ATP and WTA events, alongside interviews, magazine programmes, player profiles, highlights and classic matches. The channel expands Virgin Media O2's lineup of more than 35 additional no-cost channels and forms part of Tennis Channel's international growth through a partnership with Virgin Media O2.

Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone lineup at an early-September 2026 keynote, potentially on September 8, 9, or 10. Rumors suggest the standard iPhone 18 may be delayed until spring 2027, while the event could instead focus on new Pro models and Apple's first foldable iPhone. The foldable may resemble Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, with a larger display that folds into a pocket-sized device, although Apple has not confirmed the launch plans.

The UK’s copper telephone network is scheduled to be switched off from January 2027, requiring households to move to broadband-based Digital Voice services. Openreach has issued stop-sell notices at 112 additional exchanges, bringing the total to 1,572 and covering about 15.4 million homes and businesses. Customers in affected areas can no longer switch to legacy copper services and are encouraged to use Openreach’s postcode checker to determine whether they need to migrate. The change is expected to provide faster broadband, more reliable connections and lower infrastructure-maintenance costs, although households that do not respond to provider communications risk disruption to their landline service.

AppleCare One has launched in the UK at £16.99 per month, covering up to three eligible Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. The plan includes protection against accidental damage, loss and theft, with up to three replacements per year depending on the claim. Devices up to four years old can be added if they are in good condition, and covered products can be swapped when customers upgrade through Apple. Apple says some customers could save up to £11.48 per month compared with separate AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plans.

Samsung introduces the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8, featuring redesigned form factors, improved durability, stronger hinges, upgraded cameras and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips. The Fold 8 adopts a wider layout resembling a compact tablet, suggesting a direction Apple may follow as it prepares its first foldable iPhone. The Ultra model adds major camera and structural improvements, while the Flip 8 becomes thinner and lighter with better performance and display enhancements. Pricing starts at £1,699 for the Fold 8, £1,899 for the Fold 8 Ultra and £1,149 for the Flip 8.

Apple has released the public beta of iOS 27, allowing iPhone users to test new features ahead of its full rollout in September. The update introduces enhanced Siri capabilities, improved device performance especially on older models, a new Visual Intelligence mode in the Camera app, refreshed interface options, advanced photo‑editing tools, more reliable network switching, and customizable audio settings for AirPods. Users can enroll through the Apple Beta Software Program but must fully reset their device to revert to iOS 26, making a full backup essential.

Several older Roku devices, the NOW TV Smart Box, and Apple devices unable to run iOS 16 will lose access to Sky’s NOW streaming service from August 3 due to Roku ending support for legacy hardware. Users with affected equipment will need to upgrade to newer devices, while most modern smart TVs, consoles, and current streaming sticks will continue to support the platform.

Virgin Media is temporarily providing customers free access to 14 premium Asian TV channels as part of South Asian Heritage Month, waiving the usual fee for its Asian Mela bundle until July 31. Virgin TV 360 and Stream boxes automatically receive the channels, which include Utsav Gold HD, Sony TV HD, Colors HD, and Zee TV HD, offering films, dramas, and entertainment shows without subscription changes. A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson highlighted the promotion as a way to support cultural celebration and offer a diverse range of programming.

Restarting a Wi‑Fi router, keeping it updated, adjusting its placement, reducing network traffic, checking connected devices and switching between frequency bands can significantly improve broadband performance without upgrades or extra cost.

A renewed wave of “Hi Mum” scam text messages is targeting UK smartphone users, with fraudsters posing as children using new numbers and pressuring recipients to send money urgently. The messages exploit emotional urgency, particularly among less tech‑savvy users. Authorities report over £220,000 lost to such scams between 2023 and 2025. Users are advised not to reply, verify the sender through known contact numbers, and forward suspicious texts to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.

Freeview is making changes to its TV guide, including the closure of Talk channel 280, which will now be available only through streaming platforms such as the Talk app, Samsung TVs, Roku and LG devices. Additional updates include the renaming of Wedotv Big Stories to Wedotv and new channel positions for Ketchup TV, Ketchup Too and Cartoon Classics. Freeview advises users to retune their TVs to ensure guides and channels update correctly.

WhatsApp is introducing unique usernames to allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers, improving privacy in group and community chats. Because names may be claimed quickly, users are encouraged to update the app and reserve a preferred username through the Settings menu. The feature will roll out gradually over the coming months, with notifications sent as it becomes available in each region.

Lenovo introduces the Tab Plus Gen 2, a 12.1‑inch Android tablet featuring a standout JBL‑powered circular speaker that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker with Dolby Atmos support. The device also includes a rotating 360‑degree kickstand, a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip, a 10,200mAh battery with fast charging and expandable storage. Priced at £369, it undercuts Apple’s iPad lineup while offering unique audio‑focused capabilities.

Broadband speed tests from Broadband Genie show millions of UK households still receive speeds below the government’s 10Mbps minimum standard. Mobile broadband performed worst, with Vodafone, Three and EE mobile services recording the highest proportions of users failing to meet the threshold. Among fixed-line providers, EE, TalkTalk and Plusnet showed the weakest results. Smaller alternative networks such as Zzoomm, Hey! Broadband, Onestream, toob and Squirrel delivered the best performance, with fewer than 2% of customers below the minimum speed. Broadband Genie advised customers to report persistently slow connections and noted that contracts can be ended without penalty if providers signed up to Ofcom’s Speed Code cannot resolve issues.

Virgin Media O2 will shut down its ageing 2G network in 2029 to focus on expanding and improving 4G and 5G services. The company says the transition will deliver faster speeds, more reliable connectivity and lower energy use, supported by a £700m investment this year. Customers and businesses relying on 2G will have several years to upgrade devices, with the firm promising direct communication and support throughout the process.

High-pressure weather conditions over the UK are disrupting Freeview television signals, causing glitches and loss of reception for millions of users through June 26, 2026. The BBC attributes the issue to atmospheric effects that allow distant transmitters to interfere with local broadcasts. Freeview advises against retuning, noting reception will return once conditions change. Viewers seeking a more stable option are directed toward Freely, an internet-based TV service unaffected by weather and offering additional features such as live channel access, on‑demand content, and personalised recommendations.

Research by Vodafone shows low battery anxiety is a significant daily stress for younger users, surpassing common frustrations like traffic or lateness. The company is promoting its Lifetime Service Promise, offering free battery checks and replacements for three years, along with its Xchange upgrade programme. Consumers are advised to use power‑saving features and accessories such as power banks to manage battery limitations.

High temperatures forecast to exceed 37°C may cause home broadband routers to overheat, slowing internet speeds or shutting devices down. Virgin Media advises keeping routers out of direct sunlight, ensuring good ventilation, and avoiding placement near devices or objects that cause interference, such as baby monitors, microwaves or fish tanks. Proper router positioning can help maintain stable Wi-Fi performance during hot weather.

Security experts warn of increased scam activity around Amazon Prime Day, with thousands of newly registered Amazon‑related domains and a portion classified as malicious or suspicious. Shoppers are advised to avoid clicking links, verify website URLs, and ignore urgent or fake account‑suspension messages. Following basic precautions can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent sites and phishing attempts during the June 23–26 sales event.

Android phone support varies widely, with newer Samsung and Google models offering up to seven years of updates while many older or budget devices receive significantly less. Unsupported phones continue to function but lose security protections, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats, especially during online financial activities. Users can check their device’s support timeline by identifying the model in settings and consulting endoflife.date to determine when updates will end and whether an upgrade may soon be necessary.

A convincing scam text impersonating O2 warns customers their SIM cards will be deactivated unless they accept new terms and conditions, directing victims to a fake site that steals personal information. Virgin Media O2’s fraud chief notes scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, urging users to report suspicious messages to 7726. O2 stresses it never sends texts threatening SIM deactivation and advises customers not to click links, instead using the official app or website and changing passwords if details were entered.

Rising memory costs driven by high AI-related demand and helium supply disruptions from the war in Iran are expected to increase iPhone prices later this year. Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that the company can no longer absorb escalating component costs and anticipates increases for upcoming models, including a rumored foldable device. More details are expected with Apple’s product announcements in September.

Security researchers warn that fake versions of popular Android apps are being distributed through rogue websites, secretly installing the Rokarolla malware that can harvest sensitive data and overlay fake lock screens to capture credentials. The campaign exploits Android sideloading and mimics apps such as TikTok and Chrome. Experts advise downloading only from Google Play Store and ensuring Google Play Protect is active to reduce risk.

Manhattan’s Aero 4K TV Streamer has returned to stores after selling out, with the device now offering HBO Max in addition to its existing Freely-powered live and on‑demand features. The update expands available content with major HBO and Warner Bros. titles, while the streamer continues to provide over 50 free channels and extensive viewing tools. Manhattan says restocked supply and new app additions aim to meet strong consumer demand.

Consumer watchdog tests revealed numerous unsafe counterfeit and poorly made chargers sold through online marketplaces, including items posing electric shock and fire risks. One counterfeit Apple charger failed safety checks despite authentic-looking packaging. Which? urged stronger government regulation of online marketplaces, while companies such as Amazon and B&Q stated they had removed unsafe listings and prioritised safety. Consumers are advised to buy chargers only from official retailers or trusted brands to avoid serious safety hazards.

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update promises major performance improvements for new and older iPhones, including significantly faster app launches, quicker photo loading and improved AirDrop speeds. A new CPU scheduler prioritizes processing power for active tasks, enhancing device responsiveness and extending the usability of older models such as the iPhone 11 and 12. The update also brings enhancements to Siri, Apple Intelligence and customization features, with an expected release in September.

Google issued a critical security update for Chrome addressing 74 vulnerabilities, including an actively exploited zero‑day flaw, CVE‑2026‑11645. Users are urged to update by checking the browser’s About Chrome section and restarting if prompted. The latest stable versions have been released for Windows, macOS and Linux, with rollout continuing to protect devices from active threats.

Sky is rolling out a free Real Time feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream that reduces delays during live sports, arriving ahead of the World Cup. The update expands earlier low-latency technology to include BBC and ITV broadcasts, allowing viewers to activate the feature through on‑screen options or dedicated channels. The shift supports Sky’s broader strategy to prioritise internet‑delivered television with integrated streaming services.

Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 27, introducing enhanced personalisation, improved Siri intelligence, faster overall performance, more reliable connectivity, upgraded photo‑editing tools and new audio controls for AirPods. Older iPhones are expected to benefit from speed gains, and a full list of compatible devices is provided.

Apple is preparing to release upgraded Apple Intelligence features with iOS 27, offering enhanced personalisation, improved Siri integration, automated suggestions, better photo‑editing tools, and new Safari functions such as automated tab organisation and page‑change alerts. The update launches in autumn and will be available only on newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, upcoming iPhone 16 and 17 ranges, and the iPhone Air.