Engadget's best of 2026 roundup highlights top-rated devices across categories, including Google's Pixel 11 as best Android phone with its capable 5x telephoto and intelligent software features, Apple's iPhone 18 Pro as best iPhone with improved cameras and thermal management, and the MacBook Neo as best affordable laptop at $600.
Halide 3.2 pro camera app launches with Aperture Priority mode for iPhone 18 Pro, enabling manual control over f-numbers while adjusting shutter speed and ISO automatically. The update also introduces two new photo looks—dawn and quicksilver—plus 16:9 aspect ratio shooting, available for $69.99 or $19.99/year subscription.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, priced at $1,199, faced multiple issues after launch including a Face ID bug causing freezes and reboots, which was fixed by iOS 27.0.1 on September 28, along with a photo color artifact and touchscreen glitch. However, some owners reported persistent green and pink vertical lines on their displays that appear to be a hardware defect unaddressed by the software update.
Apple updated its creative apps including Final Cut Camera with variable aperture support for iPhone 18 Pro, enhanced professional filming controls, and new features across Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Pixelmator Pro, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Compressor, and Freeform. The updates introduce AI-powered tools, improved collaboration features, and support for Cinematic mode effects in video editing.
Apple released iOS 27.0.1, a bug fix update addressing Face ID authentication crashes on iPhone 18 Pro models, photo color artifacts, and touchscreen unresponsiveness when opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously. The update also includes additional fixes for older iPhone models, while iPadOS 27.0.1 was released for iPad users.