Week 23 in review: Apple announces iOS 12, the Lenovo Z5 and Asus ROG phone are official

It's time to take a look back at another busy week for mobile technology. The big event this week was Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, which proved to be a software-only affair this year, despite rumors of an iPhone SE or a Macbook refresh.

Apple showed the new OS X Mojave, Watch OS and TV OS and more importantly demoed the future of iOS. iOS 12 is focused on being faster and more reliable, but Apple made major improvements to Siri, FaceTime and notifications as well. All of Apple's revamped software will seed to users in the fall alongside the new iPhone hardware.

In other software-related news Xiaomi released its MIUI 10 globally to supported devices. MIUI 10 improves on the camera and performance and puts emphasis on gestures.

Meanwhile the Xiaomi Mi 8 went on sale, that lasted just 2 minutes before stock was depleted. The next sale is scheduled for next week.

Lenovo's oft-teased bezel-free Z5 finally launched but surprised us all by having both a notch and a rather average bottom bezel. Lenovo also announced the A5, the Watch X for the Chinese market and showed its new ZUI 4.0. Asus announced its first ROG Phone with focus on gaming and a 90Hz display.

Qualcomm detailed the Snapdragon 850 - a Snapdragon 845 retooled for laptops and 2-in-1 Windows devices.

The rest of the hot articles were focused on as of yet unofficial hardware. The Sony Xperia XZ3 made its first appearance, revealing a complete list of specs. We saw the first pictures of what may turn out to be the Google Pixel 3 duo. If rumors are true the Google Pixel 3 will have a tall-aspect screen without a notch, while the Pixel 3 XL will have one.

Finally the Xiaomi Mi A2 (and Mi A2 Lite) look ready to make a formal appearance as they get tested on Geekbench and certified in Singapore.

See you in a week!

Apple announced iOS 12, no devices left behind

Apple iOS 12 announced with focus on performance and AR, coming on iPhone 5s and later.

Lenovo Z5 arrives officially with a notch and Snapdragon 636

There is also a 3,300 mAh battery and ZUI 4.0, based on Android 8.0 Oreo.

Samsung Galaxy Note9 design leaks through CAD-based renders and video

The phone will allegedly be announced on August 9, so we only have a little more than two months to wait for it.

ASUS announces over-the-top ROG Phone with 90Hz display and gaming accessories

It features an overclocked Snapdragon 845, 512GB storage, a vapor chamber cooler, ultrasonic buttons and an optional cooling fan at the back.

Xiaomi Mi 8 goes on sale in China today, sells out in under two minutes

The first Xiaomi Mi 8 sale came and went within seconds, the next one is going to be on June 12.

Snapdragon 850 unveiled: Windows-on-ARM gets a speed and battery boost

This is a Snapdragon 845 version tuned specifically for larger devices - laptops, and 2-in-1s. First devices should be out later this year and it's by Samsung.

Alleged Sony Xperia XZ3 specs leak - an XZ2 with XZ2 Premium dual camera?

If these specs are real, the Xperia XZ3 will be an amalgamation of the XZ2 and XZ2 Premium.

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite gets certified

The phone appeared at Singapore’s Communications Authority and the FCC with the same model number.

Google Pixel 3 XL prototype leaks in live images with a notch and chin

Its back's design is incredibly similar to that of its predecessor.

Google Pixel 3 to skip the notch, Pixel 3 XL will have it

The leak says the smaller phone will have 5.3” screen, while the bigger version will be 6.2” in diagonal.

Xiaomi Mi A2 tested on Geekbench, reveals well-known hardware

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is the stock Android version of the Mi 6X, just go ahead and announce it.

Lenovo K5 Note, A5, Watch X and ZUI 4.0 launched alongside the Z5

Lenovo unveils the ultra-budget K5 Note and A5 smartphones along with Watch X hybrid smartwatch.

MIUI 10 goes global - performance, camera and UI improvements

MIUI 10 receives a global announcement - rollout starts mid-June.