Brenda Stolyar
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senior staff writer @wirecutter👩🏼💻| 📧brenda.stolyar@wirecutter.com| formerly @wired @mashable @PCMag @DigitalTrends | 👉🏻all opinions are my own 🙋🏻♀️💬
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Articles by Brenda Stolyar
Is Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo the Future of Smartphones?
CAIRA: I'm Caira Blackwell, and you're listening to The Wirecutter Show. You may have heard the news about Apple's new foldable phone. It's called the iPhone Duo. Foldable phones have been around for almost a decade now, so this might actually sound like old news to some people. But now that Apple is dropping one, we might be seeing a lot more of them. It's set to release today, October 23rd. I don't know about you, but I have so many questions about it. Is this phone really worth $2,000?
The Best Smartwatch for Android Phones
Still looking? See more results on Wirecutter. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Alexandra Genova for NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. FYI We have all new picks: the Google Pixel Watch 5, Samsung Galaxy Watch9, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
iOS 27 Is Here. These Are the Best New Features, Including a Smarter Siri.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Apple just unveiled its latest iPhone lineup, which includes the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo. But you don’t need to buy a new iPhone to get new features.
I Tried Apple’s New Foldable iPhone Duo. Here’s How It Compares.
Still looking? See more results on Wirecutter. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Brenda Stolyar/NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. For the better part of a decade, foldable phones were a novelty.
Apple’s New Foldable iPhone Is Here. How Do We Review It?
Apple’s New Foldable iPhone Is Here. How Do We Review It? Here’s the process for vetting new smartphones and gadgets at The Times and Wirecutter. Apple presented the new iPhone Duo this week at Apple Park in Cupertino, Calif.Credit...Jason Henry for The New York Times Sept. 10, 2026, 4:49 p.m. ET It doesn’t flip — it folds. That was the buzz when Apple unveiled its new iPhone Duo this week at a media event in Cupertino, Calif.
Apple Just Unveiled a Folding iPhone, and It Looks Good
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Brenda Stolyar and Caitlin McGarry Apple has officially launched a foldable iPhone, and to no one’s surprise, it’s the most expensive iPhone yet. Wirecutter was on the ground in Cupertino, California, to report on Apple’s annual product-launch event on September 9, where the company also announced a revamped iPhone 18 Pro, plus new Apple Watches and AirPods.
Apple’s iPhone 18 Event: Our Live Takeaways
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Electronics Smartphones Live updates Updated September 9, 2026 at 1:07 p.m. ET Caitlin McGarry/NYT Wirecutter By Caitlin McGarry and Brenda Stolyar Apple releases new iPhones every September, and this year is no different.
Review: Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022)
I can’t pinpoint exactly why I was so easily enamored with the new 10th-generation iPad. Maybe it was the array of candy colors, or the more modern design sans the classic Home button. Maybe it was the new placement for the front-facing camera, which meant I no longer had to stare awkwardly to the side during video calls. Or the support for the floaty Magic Keyboard Folio with a detachable keyboard and a kickstand. But it wasn't long before the bubble burst.
5 Best Electric Toothbrushes (2026): Philips, Oral-B, Quip, More
The best electric toothbrush reduces plaque and gingivitis better than a manual one, encourages you to brush long enough, and prevents overzealous scrubbing (it’s a thing—just ask my dentist). I didn’t always love to brush my teeth, but over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the oral-health ritual: two minutes of foamy, mindless maintenance twice a day (or more) that keeps the dental hygienist off my back.
Which iPhone Should I Get?
We independently review everything we recommend. We may make money from the links on our site. Learn more› Ruthie Darling/NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. FYI After a new round of testing, Apple’s iPhone 17e is our . March 2026 If you have an iPhone that you’re happy with, keep it. We don’t think you should upgrade just because Apple has released new phones.
The Best Android Phones
Why you should trust us I’m a writer at Wirecutter who has been covering consumer technology for almost a decade, previously for outlets such as Digital Trends, Mashable, PC Mag, and Wired. I’ve tested and reviewed all types of smartphones — across both Android and Apple — including budget models, flagship devices, and foldable phones.
The Best iPhone Screen Protectors
Why you should trust us I’m a senior writer at Wirecutter covering smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, and their accompanying accessories. For this guide: I applied 10 glass screen protectors to the three iPhone 17 models I used for testing, and I measured the ease of installation and removing any air bubbles. I also used our scratch test using a Mohs hardness test kit to measure the hardness of each screen protector for cracks, and landed on two picks.
Apple Now Lets You Lease Devices. Here’s How It Works.
How does Apple Upgrade work? This isn’t the first time Apple has offered a leasing program. Previously, however, it was limited to iPhones. Now you can lease an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac, though the program is limited to specific devices (you can’t lease a MacBook Neo or iPhone 16 Plus, for instance). You can apply to Apple Upgrade in-store or online through Apple; the process is similar in person and on the site. Once you decide on a device, you can choose a lease term.
23 WIRED-Approved Gifts for Frequent Travelers (2026)
Skip to main content Smart Gifts for Travelers Who Live Out of a Suitcase For the frequent flier who treats the Delta Sky Club like their second home. Featured in this article A Trackable Carry-On July Trackable Carry-On With CaseSafe A Sun Hat Solbari Resort Wide Brim Sun Hat Compression Packing Cubes Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set A Portable Hair Dryer Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer Gifts for travelers should focus on ease and peace of mind.
The Best Smartwatch for Android Phones
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. FYI Following an official announcement from OnePlus that it was no longer selling products in the U.S., we removed the OnePlus Watch 3 as a top pick.
Review: Apple iPad (A16, 2025)
My best friend recently called my 13-inch iPad Air the “giant-ass iPad.” All my friends know how much I rely on Apple's slate, and that's because my only hobby outside of reading is binge-watching everything and anything. (Someone get me on Summer House.) But I also review iPads for my job, and have the entire lineup to choose from. As tempting as the large screen is, if I were to go out and buy my own right now, I'd get Apple's basic iPad.
Buying a Mattress in 2026? We Tested 100+ and These Were the Standouts
Best Mattress for Couples Couples typically have a lengthy mattress wish list. They need a firmness level that works for both partners, cooling, responsiveness, back pain support, pressure relief, and a price they can agree on. It can feel like a losing battle. The Wolf Memory Foam Hybrid Premium Firm Mattress is one that my husband and I often reminisce about. “Premium firm” refers to the overall firmness level, which I found to be a medium-firm, 6.5 out of 10.
Clean Up On These Early Prime Day Robot Vacuum and Mop Deals
It’s almost Prime Day, which means the temperature is heating up on discounts all across Amazon. From TVs to home security, Amazon’s big day is already slashing price tags in half, which is great if you need a hand in some overdue spring cleaning. Robot vacuums and mops are currently on sale weeks before Prime Day, meaning you don’t have to wait any longer to not clean your floors.
The 3 Biggest Things Google Announced at Its Annual I/O Event
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Caitlin McGarry/NYT Wirecutter By Caitlin McGarry and Brenda Stolyar Google Spark. Gemini 3.5 Flash. Omni. Antigravity. Google announced a slew of new AI tools at its annual I/O developers conference this week. Many of them were confusingly named and unveiled with little information about how they will integrate with Google’s other products and services.
Why Your iPhone Keyboard Suddenly Feels Broken — and How to Fix It
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Caitlin McGarry/NYT Wirecutter By Brenda Stolyar Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. If you’ve been feeling like your iPhone never knows what you’re trying to type these days, you’re not the only one.
Got an Old Kindle? It Might Not Work Anymore. Here’s What to Do.
The beauty of a Kindle has always been its simplicity. You can’t use it to scroll through social media, receive notifications, or multitask. The e-reader’s sole purpose is to display text and provide a distraction-free experience. Because Kindles are durable devices that can’t do much, they tend to last a long time. Many people have used the same model for years — and some Wirecutter staffers have used their Kindles for more than a decade.
Is the New $600 MacBook Neo Actually a Good Deal?
15 hours ago The MacBook Neo has received rave reviews – and rightfully so! But, there are some drawbacks to consider. We've already reviewed (and loved) the MacBook Neo, the newest member of Apple's laptop family. Its positive aspects include that $599 price point (or $499 with open-to-all education pricing), …
Is the New $600 MacBook Neo Actually a Good Deal?
Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag? This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs.
Apple Is in Its Affordable Era. Sort Of.
Apple products have never been what anyone would call cheap. But even as tech-device prices are starting to creep up across the board this year, Apple is appearing to zig where other companies have zagged by becoming more affordable — at least in a few product launches this week.
The 4 Best Android Phones of 2026
Android phones are available in various sizes and at assorted prices, ranging from cheap handsets with modest screens to expensive foldable models that can turn from a tablet into a phone. After spending hundreds of hours testing Android smartphones, we’ve found that the Google Pixel 10 is the best Android phone for most people.
I Revived an Old BlackBerry to Cut Down on Screen Time. Things Went Awry.
I still cherish the nostalgic mementos I saved from my teenage years in the late 2000s and early 2010s: An Alex and Ani bracelet. A Kid Cudi concert ticket. A BlackBerry Curve. They remind me of a time when my life seemed a little less serious, when I made decisions based on quiz results from Seventeen Magazine or Tumblr-boosted niche trends, and when I took photos with an actual camera (a Nikon CoolPix!).
Meta’s New Smart Glasses Sounded Cool at First. But I Was Unimpressed.
I look at my phone entirely too much. You can add my screen time to the list of things that would send a Victorian child into a coma. But I’m not alone. To address this common complaint, tech companies like Meta, Google, Samsung, and others are exploring powerful smart glasses that promise to help people leave their phones behind. The latest versions of these glasses have tiny screens embedded in their lenses, which can display messages, maps, and more.
The Best Android Phones
I wish I knew these 9 chatbot prompts when I started — and they work on ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude When it comes to work, whether that's your 9-5, life as a business owner or even just as a full-time student, things can easily get on top of you. …
Getting a New iPhone? Get a Great Case.
card:1 of 7 Nov. 7, 2025 We’ve tested hundreds of iPhone cases and can recommend the right one to fit your needs. See all of our recommendations → Because Apple doesn’t make leather cases anymore, we recommend the Mujjo Full Leather Case. Its design is extremely similar to that of the Apple case, with slightly rough but supple leather on the outside, microfiber on the inside and an open bottom edge. It also has a matte finish that feels just as nice.
The Best iPhone Case for iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air
Best basic iPhone 17 case: Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 17 Top pick Also available for these iPhones: Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 17 Pro Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 17 Pro Max Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 17e Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone Air MagSafe compatible: yes There’s a reason the Smartish Gripmunk has been our favorite case for as long as it has: It offers the best combination of coverage, protection, and affordability —...
The Best iPhone Case for iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air
Giveaway: We are handing out FREE $175 Burton Goods gift cards FREE/$175 credit We are huge fans of the wonderful American-made artisan leather accessories at Burton Goods, as you likely already know. We deliver loads of exclusive deal opportunities in partnership with the brand so our readers can save a ton on its leathercraft goods, but this week you have a …
The 5 Best Smartwatch for Android Phones of 2025
A smartwatch is an excellent companion for anyone who wants to stay connected without fully relying on their smartphone. You can answer calls and texts, track your workouts, check your notifications, and control your music — all from your wrist. While the Apple Watch continues to dominate the smartwatch market, Android smartwatches are just as capable, with robust sensors and features that allow for in-depth health tracking on a daily basis.
Phones Used to Be Fun. These Accessories Recapture That Magic.
Phones used to be fun. I still fondly reminisce about the T-Mobile Sidekick, with its swivel screen and physical keyboard, as well as the LG Chocolate’s click wheel. But somewhere along the way, phone makers stopped giving the people what they want: quirky devices. Instead, everyone’s stuck with boring glass slabs and iterative design updates. So it’s up to phone owners to get creative. As Wirecutter’s smartphone reviewer, I spend more time staring at phones than a human being probably should.
Is the New iPhone Worth It?
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Listen to and follow The Wirecutter Show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag.
By Christine Cyr Clisset Verified, Caira Blackwell Verified, Rosie Guerin Verified, Abigail Keel Verified, Brenda Stolyar Verified
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The iPhone Air Is Apple’s Most Impressive Phone in Years. But Most People Shouldn’t Buy It.
Every year, Apple reveals new iPhones, and most years each model is an iterative update on the last one, with incrementally better cameras and a few new features. But this year, Apple unveiled something honestly remarkable in its thinnest phone ever, the iPhone Air. It’s also the first iPhone in years that people can’t stop asking me about. With a side profile that measures 5.6 mm, it’s more than a millimeter thinner than the previous holder of the thinnest title, the 6.9 mm iPhone 6.
The iPhone Air Is Apple’s Most Impressive Phone in Years. But Most People Shouldn’t Buy It.
Apple iPhone Air: 5 Features Nobody Told You About The first reviews are out for Apple’s latest smartphones. Key to the range is the new iPhone Air, with a different design and exceptional light weight (more on that below). Here are five features of the new phone that may have passed you by. 1. The Air Has A 3D-Printed Titanium USB-C Socket With a …
iOS 26 Is Here. These Are the Best New Features
Last week, Apple announced its new iPhone lineup, including its thinnest phone ever, the iPhone Air. But you don’t need to buy a new iPhone to get a fresh iPhone experience: Apple today rolled out its huge iOS 26 software upgrade, which is available to download now. Along with a glassy new interface (more on that later), iOS 26 packs a slew of useful features, including live translation, fun Messages effects, and a tool that can save your place in line when you’re put on hold.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods
We’ve held Apple’s new thin and light iPhone. Apple just announced the iPhone Air, which, as you might guess by the name, is something Apple is marketing as extremely thin and light. It’s 5.6mm thin and has a ProMotion display, one camera, Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 glass on both sides, and an A19 Pro …
Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Original
September is the month of beginnings: a new school year, football season, TV shows. And it’s also when Apple drops a slew of new hardware, including its latest iPhones. The biggest news coming out of Cupertino this year was the iPhone Air, its thinnest iPhone yet, but there were plenty of worthwhile updates about the new iPhone 17, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro as well.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Event: Our Live Updates and Takeaways
It's not just about phones, after all. There's an avalanche of Apple news coming our way in a hours. The Apple Event set for 1 p.m. ET today is expected to include a series of "awe-dropping" announcements, including the iPhone 17. We all expect to hear about the iPhone 17 at the event, but what else …
Apple’s iPhone 17 Event: Our Live Takeaways
September is the month of beginnings: a new school year, football season, TV shows. And it’s also when Apple drops a slew of new hardware, including its latest iPhones. The company is kicking off its annual product launch event on September 9 at 10 a.m Pacific /1 p.m. Eastern, and Wirecutter is on the ground at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, to cover all the news. To get you up to speed before the keynote begins, here’s everything we expect Apple to announce.
The MagPod Is a Basic Smartphone Tripod I Can’t Live Without
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
The MagPod Is a Basic Smartphone Tripod I Can’t Live Without
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. There's nothing special about STM Goods' MagPod phone stand. It's quite boring, especially compared to all the other MagSafe accessories I routinely test. It doesn't have unique features or charging capabilities—it just props your phone up. But I've grown more attached to it than any other phone tripod I've tried.
15 Best Memorial Day Tech Deals (2025): iPads and Bluetooth Speakers
It’s the long weekend before the unofficial start of summer. It also means Memorial Day tech deals on dozens of our favorite gadgets. If you’ve been waiting until this weekend to hit the Buy button on a particular device, you’re in luck. We’ve found deals on our favorite tablets, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Happy shopping! WIRED’s Memorial Day Deals Coverage Phone and Tablet Deals The 2025 iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our top tablet pick.
15 Best Memorial Day Tech Deals
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. It's the long weekend before the unofficial start of summer. It also means Memorial Day tech deals on dozens of our favorite gadgets. If you've been waiting until this weekend to hit the Buy button on a particular device, you're in luck. We've found deals on our favorite tablets, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, and more.
The Best Dyson Vacuums (2025), Tested and Reviewed
What About the PencilVac? The new Dyson PencilVac promises to be Dyson’s slimmest vacuum yet, but it won’t be available in the US until sometime in 2026. It launches today in Japan and next week in Korea, but pricing is still to be confirmed. It won’t just be Dyson’s slimmest vacuum, but also the first vacuum with a conical brush bar cleaner head. It’s impressively small, its handle barely reaching 1.5 inches in diameter, with a slim vacuum head below it.
I Tried Out Dyson’s New PencilVac. Here’s What You Need to Know
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
I Tried Out Dyson’s New PencilVac. Here’s What You Need to Know
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Dyson has an extensive catalog of vacuums. The company's ecosystem is so vast that it’s divided into sub-models (like the V-series, Detect, Ball Animal, and more), each tailored to specific cleaning needs.
21 Best High School Graduation Gifts (2025)
For the grad who is constantly jotting down random thoughts, mapping out to-do lists, or prefers hand-written notes, a digital notebook is an excellent choice, and they won’t run out of pages. The ReMarkable 2, the top pick in our Best Digital Notebooks guide, has a matte screen that feels like paper, and writing on it is quick and responsive. They can organize different notebooks or quick sheets and sort them via folders and tags.
21 Best High School Graduation Gifts (2025)
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
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