The hottest Mobile Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Is SwiftUI finally as fast as UIKit in iOS 26?

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 3717 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. iOS 26 brings big SwiftUI improvements focused on List updates and scroll performance that Apple emphasized at WWDC.
  2. A brutal stress test was built—a chaotic scrolling feed with high‑res GIFs, complex layouts, autoplaying animations, variable cell sizes, and multi-gesture interactions—to force 120fps and compare SwiftUI vs UIKit.
  3. Early real-world results show noticeable drops in scroll hitches on the iOS 26 SDK, suggesting SwiftUI may be nearing UIKit parity for demanding feeds, though some edge-case features still require falling back to UIKit.

How technology has already changed the world in my lifetime

Noahpinion • 17588 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Digital technology and smartphones have moved massive parts of life online, so people now spend hours on screens, meet and form relationships through apps, and socialize with far‑flung communities instead of just neighbors.
  2. Instant access to information and GPS has externalized knowledge and removed a lot of mystery and wandering, so we no longer need to carry facts in our heads or worry about getting lost.
  3. The internet creates a lasting record and makes location tracking easy, which erodes privacy, makes it harder to reinvent yourself, and lets past actions be endlessly retrieved and judged.

iOS System Design interviews in 2026

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 6122 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Use a simple, reusable framework (scoping, functional and non‑functional requirements, data model, API design, high‑level design, drill‑downs) to structure every system design answer.
  2. Prioritize data flow and architecture over UI framework debates; fully understand and scope the problem before drawing or choosing implementation details.
  3. Practice with real worked examples and focused prep notes so you can confidently handle common iOS system design prompts and make your study time efficient.

New on Substack: draft Notes, hide revenue stats, pin multiple posts, and more

Substack Blog • 1920 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Drafting and homepage control got simpler: you can save Notes as drafts, pin multiple posts to your homepage, and adjust text alignment so your work looks and lands how you want.
  2. Dashboard and analytics give you more control: you can export publisher stats as CSV, hide revenue or subscriber counts, and manage live videos from one place to simplify workflows and protect privacy.
  3. Code and formatting are much improved: code blocks now auto-detect language, offer syntax highlighting, line numbers, and one-click copy, making technical posts clearer and easier to share.

You Click Build

Big Tech • 1031 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. The platform centralizes control and surveillance: system frameworks, background services, sensors, and cloud features collect and shape behavior, and consent can feel more like a performance than real choice.
  2. Developer agency is eroding as higher-level abstractions and AI automate work: tools, macros, cloud builds, and generative assistants increasingly write, test, and fix code, turning builders into approvers.
  3. Emerging tech blurs reality and autonomy: immersive platforms, on‑device ML, distributed actors, and persistent services make highly curated, always‑on experiences possible, which challenges privacy and true user independence.
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Ancient Secrets of the Objective-C Runtime

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. The Objective-C runtime has powerful internals that go well beyond @objc and selectors, and those capabilities can be leveraged in modern Swift apps today.
  2. Learning how message dispatch, objc_msgSend, and the runtime’s class/method structures work lets you apply practical techniques to simplify and extend UIKit and Swift codebases.
  3. Studying Objective‑C’s design and runtime is both interesting and immediately useful, giving you new tools and insights to improve current app development.

5 ultra-petty tech gripes that are ruining my life

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. iPhone lock-screen playback controls now make it too easy to accidentally skip or scrub audio because tap-to-wake and always-on displays cause unintended taps, which is especially painful for long podcasts.
  2. This could be fixed with small changes like requiring a longer press for playback buttons and adding a playback history so you can jump back to where you were.
  3. Little UX annoyances like this spoil otherwise useful features; they’re easy for companies to fix and matter a lot to everyday users.

AMD Client Update at CES 2026

More Than Moore • 326 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. AMD’s CES updates are a mid-cycle refresh that makes AI a standard across its client lineup, pushing Ryzen AI into volume laptops rather than keeping it as a premium add‑on. This keeps the existing Zen 5 platform relevant without new silicon.
  2. AMD is relying on software to drive the next wave of improvements — ROCm for local AI and FSR Redstone for gaming — delivering bigger performance and features through optimization and ML-assisted techniques instead of new chips.
  3. The hardware moves are about segmentation and integration: Ryzen AI 400 targets mass-market laptops, Ryzen AI Max+ and the Halo developer platform aim at local AI mini‑workstations with large unified memory, and the P100 embedded APUs focus on industrial and automotive edge AI with integrated CPU/GPU/NPU designs.

Briefing: Super Google Sheets, Netflix’s app snub, Finding Nimo

Department of Product • 1238 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Notion integrates Indie calendar Cron into a new standalone Calendar app for sharing with stakeholders.
  2. Numerous plugin enhances Google Sheets with generative AI for tasks like creating formulas and translating text.
  3. Netflix's decision not to build a dedicated app for visionOS is a setback for Apple, while Nimo gains popularity as a lighter AR alternative.

JailBreak Protection on iOS

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Jailbreaking on iOS means exploiting security flaws to gain more control over the device. This allows users to install apps outside of Apple's approval process and customize their phones more freely.
  2. While jailbreaking can be fun, it can also make devices less secure. People can easily install tools that can read private app data, leading to security risks.
  3. Developers should consider adding jailbreak protection to their apps. This helps safeguard sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access, keeping both the app and user safer.

What is a Crash?

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 3498 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. A crash happens when an app unexpectedly stops, but it can actually be a safety measure to prevent bigger problems. Think of it like a controlled explosion that protects your device.
  2. There are two main types of crashes: those caused by the Swift Runtime and those from the XNU Kernel. Each has its own reasons for triggering a crash to protect the system.
  3. Crashes don't just cause inconvenience; they are there to protect users from worse issues, like losing data or compromising security. They help keep everything safe even when things go wrong.

Google Fuels Samsung

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 459 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Google has developed an AI model called Gemini, which will work on devices beyond just Google products.
  2. Samsung announced that its new Galaxy S24 series phones will integrate Gemini, featuring special AI tasks.
  3. The Galaxy S24 phones will come with AI features like 'Circle to Search' and 'Live Translate' to enhance user experience.

Uber was Built in Silicon Valley of India

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 439 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber's tech team in Bangalore focused on managing both Uber Ride and Uber Eats effectively.
  2. They realized that they could save resources by combining their tech systems instead of using separate ones.
  3. The team found that some tech functions were useful for both services, which allowed them to make improvements in efficiency and performance.

Introducing a new way to publish from the Substack app

Substack • 1669 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. The Substack app now has a new mobile editor that lets you write and publish posts directly from your phone. This makes it easier to reach your audience anytime and anywhere.
  2. You can create simple text and image posts, which is perfect for quick updates or sharing casual moments. The app saves your drafts automatically too.
  3. Currently, there are still some limitations, like not being able to edit published posts in the app. More features, like video posts and scheduling, are planned for the future.

Japan Gets Options. China Gets the Wall.

Pekingnology • 49 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Japan forced Apple to open iOS to alternative app stores, alternative payments, and external purchase links, but Apple implements these changes with safety guardrails and says it won’t roll them out everywhere.
  2. China still faces Apple's strict App Store controls and high commissions, and rising antitrust suits and consumer complaints challenge that status quo while bespoke deals like Tencent’s 15% cut highlight uneven flexibility.
  3. Global enforcement and court rulings are shifting the center of gravity toward more choice without abandoning security, and China could push for simpler steps like allowing steering and regulated alternative payments rather than full distribution changes.

The Arm Story Part 2 : Archimedes to Advanced RISC Machines

The Chip Letter • 2839 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Acorn built a fast microcomputer called ARM but struggled to sell it, leading to Apple acquiring the technology and creating a separate company - ARM.
  2. The Acorn team focused on keeping manufacturing costs low for ARM, making it affordable and power-efficient compared to other designs at the time.
  3. The Archimedes, powered by ARM chips, received positive reviews for its speed and performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to other computers available.

Follow These Tips To Improve Android App Performance

Better Engineers • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Identifying performance issues in an Android app is crucial. It helps you understand what's wrong and fix problems like slow rendering and frozen frames.
  2. Using tools like Firebase Performance Monitoring can help find specific issues. This way, you can pinpoint what's causing delays and how to address them.
  3. To improve app performance, avoid long-running tasks on the UI thread. Techniques like lazy loading and using View Stubs can make your app run smoother.

Apple Intelligence is Not a ChatGPT Wrapper

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Apple is focusing on something called 'Apple Intelligence' instead of just machine learning. This new AI focuses on privacy, which is an important issue for users.
  2. Apple has teamed up with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices. This means Siri can now use ChatGPT's features to help users.
  3. Users will be warned before they send any personal information or queries to ChatGPT. This helps keep their data safe.

Unity, divided

SuperJoost Playlist • 297 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Roblox CEO emphasizes platform as a tool for communication and connection, amidst controversy and legal concerns.
  2. Unity's new fee structure based on installs sparks outrage among game developers, especially affecting smaller studios.
  3. Apple enhances high-end gaming on new iPhones, attracting popular franchises to mobile and competing with console versions.

đź“ž The Magic Hotline: Talk to Substack Sam!

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. A live webinar with Substack engineer Sam Sudar is scheduled for Monday, February 16 at 11:30 AM Pacific, giving readers a chance to ask about the platform directly.
  2. You can ask about features, bugs, billing, podcasting, notifications, and design issues, and if you can’t join live you can leave questions in the comments for the host to ask.
  3. The Zoom link and some event access are behind the paywall, and subscribing also gives access to archives, podcasts, classes, group chats, and an upcoming symposium tomorrow at 4:30 PM Paris time.

How to get into video games

button mash • 98 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mobile
  1. Getting into video games can be challenging due to the high barrier to entry, cost, and time commitment.
  2. Finding a starting point for gaming is a personal journey with no one-size-fits-all answer.
  3. Recommendations for beginner-friendly games include titles like Florence, Oxenfree, and Slay the Spire.

Introducing React Native AI

Nader's Thoughts • 117 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. React Native AI is a framework for building cross-platform mobile AI apps with various features like real-time responses, image processing, and pre-built chat UI components.
  2. React Native AI saves time by providing preconfigured components for handling tasks like LLM normalization, OpenAI Assistants, and theming/styling.
  3. To get started with React Native AI, run the command 'npx rn-ai' and configure environment variables based on the desired services to try out.

Mixed News on iPhone 15 Models

CIRP - Apple Report • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. First full quarter results for iPhone 15 models showed decent sales shares compared to iPhone 14 models in the previous quarter.
  2. iPhone 15 Pro Max was the leading model, accounting for 26% of all iPhone sales in the quarter.
  3. Base and Plus models of iPhone 15 had differences in sales performance compared to the Pro and Pro Max models.

Instruction Sets For Investors

Irrational Analysis • 99 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Instruction Sets are the crucial 'languages' chips understand for processing, and the owner and structure of the set impact the chip's handling of tasks.
  2. x86 processors from Intel and AMD are RISC machines beneath their CISC architecture, showing the historical significance of micro-ops.
  3. Distinct concepts define ARM: the corporation (ARM LTD), the instruction set architecture (ARM ISA), and real-time logic/reference designs (ARM RTL).

Axie Champions is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 368 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. Axie Champions is a Match3 Puzzle game where you can play with your own axies and earn rewards. The game resembles Axie and involves strategy in team building for success.
  2. To play Axie Champions, download the game on Android, connect your Ronin Wallet, and start playing with your own axies. Earn off-chain CUBE rewards that can be exchanged for AXS.
  3. In Axie Champions, utilizing Affinity Advantages and proper team building is crucial. Understanding different Axie classes and their relationships enhances gameplay and victory chances.

Talk Paper Scissors

eieio games • 59 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. There's a new phone game called Talk Paper Scissors, where you can play rock paper scissors with a stranger by calling a specific number.
  2. The game is played over three rounds, and after each round, you'll find out what your opponent chose and if you won or lost.
  3. It was fun to create this game and see people enjoy it, especially when they try to keep their moves secret from their opponent.

DoDonPachi Resurrection HD+

Have You Played? • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. DoDonPachi Resurrection HD+ is a mesmerizing shoot 'em up game with intense visuals and challenging gameplay mechanics.
  2. The game offers various modes, weapons, and ships, along with scoring systems that encourage risky piloting for high scores.
  3. Despite its punishing difficulty and traditional arcade design, the game adapts to modern gaming preferences by providing multiple ways to play and incorporating popular gameplay elements.

Forward: Escape the Fold

Have You Played? • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. In "Forward: Escape the Fold", you advance through a dungeon by moving onto cards with power-ups.
  2. The game is a roguelite, meaning no save points, randomization, and replaying for new strategies.
  3. Balancing short-term gains and long-term risks is key in playing and succeeding in Forward.

TinyLlama Is An Open-Source Small Language Model

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
đź•ą Technology Mobile
  1. TinyLlama is a small but powerful language model that's open-source. It can be used on mobile devices and is great for trying out new ideas in language processing.
  2. This model is trained on a huge amount of text, around 1 trillion tokens, which helps it do a good job with various tasks. It performs better than other similar models.
  3. TinyLlama aims to keep getting better and more useful by adding new features and improving its performance in different applications.