Technologies

Apple’s new iPhone 13 lineup and everything else announced today

At Tuesday’s Apple’s event, we got a new iPhone 13 with more storage and a new Cinematic mode. Plus, we saw major iPad Mini changes and the new Apple Watch Series 7.

This story is part of Apple Event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple.

Apple’s iPhone 13 event has been put to bed, and in it we got the expected iPhone 13 announcement, as well as a refreshed 10.2-inch iPad, a big upgrade for the iPad Mini and a new Apple Watch Series 7. There were a few small announcements, too. We saw some upcoming show previews for Apple TV Plus, including the new season of The Morning Show and fresh titles like Foundation, and a comedy series, The Problem With Jon Stewart. (Stewart joked they may need to add a comma to that title.)

We also got an announcement date for the release of the new mobile operating systems, iOS 15 and iPadOS 15: Sept. 20. Get ready to download and install them on your iPhone and iPad.

iPhone 13, Mini, Pro and Pro Max

Apple showed off a complete new line of iPhones. They all get updated to a new A15 Bionic chip, a six-core CPU with two high-performance cores, four high-efficiency cores and a quad-core GPU.

All the back cameras have been significantly upgraded with wider apertures and new video features. The buzziest is Cinematic mode, which will allow phones to have professional-level «rack focus» where you can slide between focus subjects gracefully in a video. You can also choose where to focus by tapping on the screen, or even holding down to lock focus on a subject.

The camera now has a macro lens, able to shoot a subject from less than an inch away. Apple says it’s also made improvements to the software that recognizes people’s skin tones, and you can now apply tone and warmth filters that the camera will remember.

Apple says that despite the faster chip, 5G, better cameras and other features, the iPhone 13 has longer battery life than its predecessor. One way it does this is by shifting to LTE «when 5G speeds aren’t needed.»

Apple is also getting its device to rely on the internet less. Many Siri requests for example will stay on the device, a first in the 10 years since the voice assistant was first introduced.

The iPhone 13 Pro has a bigger battery, a new Super Retina XDR display with 1,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness, 25% higher than last year. And it can change frame rate on the fly, increasing frame rate to 120Hz when you need to match games and some video, but ramping it down to 10Hz when you don’t.

Prices remain the same as the last generation. The iPhone 13 starts at $799 ( 779, AU$1,349). The iPhone 13 Mini starts with double the capacity, 128GB, at $699 ( 679, AU$1,199). You can also get a 512GB version now, which used to only be available on the Pro models. The iPhone 13 Pro will keep its $999 ( 949, AU$1,699) starting price and the iPhone 13 Pro Max will start at $1,099 ( 1,049, AU$1,849). Preorders open this Friday, Sept. 17, and the phone will appear in stores on Sept. 24.

Apple Watch Series 7

The new watch has a larger display, with 20% more screen area than the Series 6 and 50% more than Series 3. But the dimensions of the watch have barely changed, Apple says. And it has «softer, more rounded corners» with a «wraparound» feel on the sides.

Apple says it redesigned buttons in the software to make them easier to tap as well, and it can fit 50% more text on screen than last year’s watch.

The newest Apple Watches now have a «crack-resistant front crystal,» with a «more robust geometry» and IP6X certification for additional dust resistance over the earlier model.

It has a bunch of new colors, bands and even a new charger that’s faster. Like the iPad, Apple says it’s 100% recycled aluminum.

The Apple Watch Series 7 will be $399, with international prices yet to be announced. It’s not coming until later this fall, though. Apple will also keep selling the Apple Watch Series 3 for $199 and last year’s Apple Watch SE for $279.

Since launching last year, Apple’s focused its $10 per month Fitness Plus service on getting you to sweat. But this year, it’s adding a meditation option, which will include all sorts of different calmness, kindness and gratitude meditations. Just like Apple’s other classes, it’ll be updated weekly on your phone and watch.

Apple’s always had hidden features to compete with friends in its motion and activity app, and now the company’s adding group workouts too. In this case, you can start a workout with (or against) your friends from an iMessage chat conversation. Apple says up to 32 people can participate and you’ll even know when friends are ahead of you in a bike class, for example.

iPad and iPad Mini

The new 10.2-inch iPad incorporates the A13 Bionic chip, Apple says, which is 20% faster than the A12 «in every aspect of the chip from the CPU and GPU to the neural engine.» (The iPhone 13 has the new A15 Bionic chip.) It has a larger display, with 20% more screen area than the Series 6 and 50% more than Series 3. The dimensions of the watch have barely changed, Apple says. And it has «softer, more rounded corners» with a «wraparound» feel on the sides.

But the Mini is the bigger upgrade.

It ditches the home button, and has thinner screen bezels to fit the larger 8.3-inch True Tone screen, which has an antireflective coating and a brightness of 500 nits. It also comes in an array of colors, including purple, pink, «starlight» (a light gray) and space gray.

It also has Touch ID built into the power button, just like last year’s iPad Air.

Apple says that the iPad Mini upgrade means that all the company’s iPads are now made from 100% recycled aluminum, as well as 100% recycled tin (for the solder). Apple says it uses 100% recycled rare earth elements in the enclosure magnets (though not everywhere).

Apple’s iPads have always been portrait-oriented devices. The front-facing camera’s always been at the top of the device when held vertically, and its speakers have always been at the bottom. With the iPad Mini, Apple’s moved the selfie camera to the top of the landscape orientation, and added stereo speakers meant to be heard in landscape as well.

Last year, Apple introduced 5G super fast wireless to the iPhone. This year, it’s adding the technology to all its iPads, starting with the iPad Pro in April. Now, the iPad Mini gets 5G, which Apple said can pull down 3.5 gigabits per second. It also gets USB like its iPad Pro big brothers.

The iPad starts at $329 ( 319, AU$499) and the iPad Mini starts at $499 ( 479, AU$749).

Our liveblog archive follows.

And that’s it

11:31 a.m. PT

Apple closes with another tour through California landmarks. Like in its previous videos, it includes production health and safety info, including daily health screenings, face coverings «worn by everyone.»

So when can you get it?

11:18 a.m. PT

The iPhone 13 Pro will keep its $999 starting price, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max will start at $1,099.

Preorders start Sept. 17 and ship Sept. 24.

iPhone 13 Pro as a video camera

11:12 a.m. PT

Apple pushed hard on the idea of using the iPhone 13 Pro as a professional-level video camera. It hired Oscar-winning film director Kathryn Bigelow to try it out, showing how well it handles low-light imagery.

iPhone 13 Pro camera upgrades

11:09 a.m. PT

Apple’s updates for its wide and ultrawide allow for better low light performance, Apple says, and can also do macro photography — shooting a subject as close as 2 centimeters away.

Apple says it’s also made improvements to the software that recognizes people’s skin tones, and you can now apply tone and warmth filters that the camera will remember.

iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max

11:05 a.m. PT

Apple says it’s the «most pro design,» which is probably the most Apple thing I’ve heard the company say in a while.

It comes in four colors: silver, graphite, gold and «sierra blue.»

The iPhone 13 Pro has a bigger battery, Apple added. And it includes a better GPU than the iPhone 13.

Apple said it’s announcing a new «Super Retina XDR display» which has 1000 nits of peak outdoor brightness, 25% higher than last year. And it can change frame rate on the fly, increasing frame rate to 120Hz when you need, but ramping it down when you don’t. In its demo, Apple showed it going down to 10Hz.

Better battery life

10:58 a.m. PT

Apple is also getting its device to rely on the internet less. Many Siri requests for example will stay on the device, a first in the 10 years since the voice assistant was first introduced.

Apple said it’s keeping prices the same this year. iPhone 13 Mini starts at $699, with double the starting capacity to 128GB. (You can also get a 512GB version now, which used to only be available on the Pro models.)

A new automatic focus

10:52 a.m. PT

Apple said Cinematic Mode follows where the subject of a video looks, changing focus when they look away, and again when they look back.

Apple said you can also choose where to focus by tapping on the screen, or even holding down to lock focus on a subject. It’s all shot in Dolby Vision HDR, Apple says, which is fancy talk for high end video formats.

Camera upgrades and Cinematic Mode

10:50 a.m. PT

Apple says its back cameras have gotten serious upgrades with the iPhone 13. The 12 megapixel camera can take in 47% more light, Apple says, with an F1.6 aperture.

The ultrawide camera has an F 2.4 aperture.

When it comes to video, Apple says it’s adding «cinematic mode,» which will allow phones to have professional-level «rack focus» where you can slide between focus subjects gracefully in a video. Apple of course created a demo «movie» to show it off.

iPhones get new A15 Bionic chip

10:45 a.m. PT

«Frankly, the competition is still playing catchup to our chips,» Apple says. This year, the iPhone 13 gets A15 Bionic.

It has a 6-core CPU, with 2 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores. Apple says it’s up to 50% faster than the leading competition. It also has a 4-core GPU, Apple says. It has 30% faster graphics than the competition.

iPhone 13 is here

10:40 a.m. PT

The new device has two rear lenses, arranged diagonally. It also comes in pink now, along with blue, «midnight,» «starlight,» and product red.

The antennas are made with recycled plastic water bottles, Apple says. And they have a sensor notch that’s 20% smaller.

Apple Fitness Plus gets into group workouts

10:36 a.m. PT

Apple’s always had hidden features to compete with friends in its motion and activity app, and now Apple’s adding group workouts too. In this case, you can start a workout with (or against) your friends from an iMessage chat conversation.

Apple says up to 32 people can participate and you’ll even know when friends are ahead of you in a bike class, for example.

Apple Fitness Plus adds meditation

10:35 a.m. PT

Apple Watch gets more durable

10:30 a.m. PT

Apple said its newest Apple Watches now have a «crack resistant front crystal,» with a «more robust geometry.»

It also has IP6X certification, which means it’s duster resistant.

Of course, it has a bunch of new colors, bands and even a new charger that’s faster.

Like the iPad, Apple says it’s 100% recycled aluminum.

The Apple Watch Series 7 will be $399. Apple will also keep selling the Apple Watch Series 3 for $199, last year’s Apple Watch SE for $279.

It’s not coming until later this fall, though.

Apple Watch Series 7 is real

10:27 a.m. PT

It has a larger display, with 20% more screen area than the Series 6 and 50% more than Series 3.

The dimensions of the watch have barely changed, Apple says. And it has «softer, more rounded corners» with a «wraparound» feel on the sides.

Apple says it redesigned buttons in the software to make them easier to tap as well, and it can fit 50% more text on screen than last year’s watch.

100% Recycled Aluminum

10:23 a.m. PT

Apple said the iPad Mini upgrade means that all the company’s iPads are now made from 100% recycled aluminum, as well as 100% recycled tin (for the solder). Apple says it uses 100% recycled rare earth elements in the enclosure magnets (not everywhere).

Apple finds landscape

10:19 a.m. PT

Apple’s iPads have always been portrait-oriented devices. The front-facing camera’s always been at the top of the portrait-oriented device. And its speakers have always been at the bottom.

With the iPad Mini, Apple’s moved the selfie camera to the top of the landscape orientation, and adding stereo speakers meant to be heard in landscape as well.

It’ll start at $499, more expensive than the $399 starting price for the previous generation

iPad Mini gets USB-C, 5G

10:18 a.m. PT

Last year, Apple introduced 5G superfast wireless to the iPhone. This year, it’s adding the technology to its iPads. First, with the iPad Mini, which Apple said can pull down 3.5 gigabits per second. It also gets USB like its iPad Pro big brothers.

iPad Mini gets a big upgrade

10:14 a.m. PT

Tim Cook announced the new iPad Mini, which ditches the home button, and has thinner borders. It also comes in an array of colors: purple, pink, «starlight» and space gray.

Apple says it’s 8.3 inches, and offers true tone, anti reflective coating, and 500 nits of brightness.

It also has Touch ID built into the power button, just like last year’s iPad Air.

The new iPad Mini has a 40% jump in CPU performance, and 80% «leap» in GPU, Apple says.

Apple iPad gets refreshed for 2021 with an A13 chip, 12-megapixel camera, True Tone display

iPad updates

10:09 a.m. PT

Cook starts by talking about how strong the iPad business has been growing, up 40% in the past year.

«Today, it gets even better,» he says.

The new iPad will include the A13 bionic chip, Apple says, which is 20% faster «in every aspect of the chip from the CPU and GPU to the neural engine.»

Apple’s Melody Kuna, a senior manager of iPad product design, says it’s up to 3x faster than the best selling Chromebook and up to 6x faster than the best selling Android tablet.

It’ll also include a better rear and front camera, she said.

Apple TV Plus

10:07 a.m. PT

Apple started by discussing his company’s $5 per month video service, Apple TV Plus, showing off a bunch of previews for hit shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, as well as upcoming titles like Foundation, and a comedy series, The Problem With Jon Stewart. (Stewart joked they may need to add a comma to that title.)

Love, California

10:04 a.m. PT

Tim Cook starts Apple’s event with a video montage of all the things he says Apple loves about California. All its landmarks, singing people, it’s definitely a fun place to start.

«California has always been a place for people with big ambitions and big dreams, a place where people are fueled with optimism to make things better, to make things that can change the world. It is such an important part of who we are at Apple, and inspires us in everything we create and do. We’re proud to call California our home.»

No more pop and rock

9:57 a.m. PT

Apple used to have a playlist prepared for its events with hit songs from hit groups like Coldplay all the way to little-known musicians who’d suddenly find fame in background of Apple ads and events. But ever since Apple started streaming its events amid the pandemic, it’s switched to more artsy — what I’ll call corporate classical and pop music.

For what it’s worth, I checked on Apple-owned Shazam to see if maybe this was an artist I’d never heard of. Nope — Shazam hasn’t heard it either. At least it’s kinda catchy.

Our show has started

9:50 a.m. PT

Apple’s event is nearly ready to begin, and CNET’s live pre-show is running now at the top of this page. You can watch live as we discuss all the rumors and expected products. Also, get some insight into the minds of our great reviewers.

Spyware scare

9:17 a.m. PT

While we’re all waiting to see what Apple releases, make sure you take this moment to update your iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices. Like, now. Go. I’ll wait.

Apple put out a surprise update Monday that closes a security hole in a reported «zero-click» hack. This attack, which is tied to the Pegasus spyware reportedly used to spy on dissidents, world leaders and journalists, can be delivered through a text message. Supposedly, you can’t do anything to stop when it arrives — the hack goes into effect as soon as your phone receives the message. Apple’s update closes that hole.

By the way, you can find out if you’ve been hacked using a free tool available online.

Will there be enough?

9:03 a.m. PT

It used to be that when new iPhones came out, people lined up around the block outside Apple Stores to be among the first to get their hands on the device. It would then typically be promptly sold out and nearly impossible to find for days or even weeks. Apple’s gotten better at managing demand, and so many people buy online now that the dramatic iPhone lines are largely a thing of the past. But what of supply?

In the pandemic, we’ve learned that our international supply chains are rather fragile, and our reliance on overseas manufacturing has led to shortages of all sorts of products, from cars to video game consoles to garlic. So far, indications are Apple’s been able to avoid these issues, in part thanks to its aggressive long-term planning. That doesn’t mean you’ll have easy access to an iPhone at launch, but it shouldn’t be as hard to find as, say, a PlayStation 5.

There are rumors the Apple Watch on the other hand may have limited supplies at launch. But that’s because of a non-pandemic problem. According to rumors, Apple struggled to get production going smooth in order to produce at high volume.

Unusual location

8:31 a.m. PT

Pretty much every virtual event Apple’s held so far has been set on its multibillion dollar «spaceship» headquarters in Cupertino, California. But this time Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted out a picture of a different location the company will be holding at least part of its event from: The desert.

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It’s a good bet this may be a reference to the rumored satellite emergency call capabilities being built into the next iPhones. We’ll have to see.

Technologies

Pinterest Lets Your Control How Much AI Slop You See. Here’s How to Tone It Down

Pinterest is giving some settings for you to control AI slop. Here’s where to find them.

AI slop has come for just about everything in your digital life, and it’s found itself a cozy home in your social media feeds. It’s everywhere, and even if it can sometimes be entertaining, the bulk of it is useless, misleading or downright lies. While some platforms take no issue with this type of content, some are putting controls into your hands so you can at least tone it down, like Pinterest.

Pinterest made updates to its platform’s user settings on web and mobile so users can reduce the amount of AI-generated posts they see in their feeds. Now, that’s not to say it’s allowing users to remove all AI posts — just some — but some is better than none, especially if your feeds have become overrun with the nonsense.

Below, we’ll show you how to find the new settings so you can adjust the amount of AI posts you see on your Pinterest feed.

How to reduce AI in your Pinterest feed

You can find the new settings this way:

Head to the home feed tuner section of your Pinterest account.
Locate the new GenAI Interests tab there.
Use that tab to limit the number of AI posts you see on your home feed by toggling the «switch to off» position.

Pinterest says it’s starting with categories that are highly prone to AI-generated or modified content. The company expects to add more options based on user feedback.

It’s essential to note that nowhere does it state that the new settings will eliminate AI-generated content. Rather, they’ll reduce it in specific categories.

Pinterest Chief Technology Officer Matt Madrigal says the site isn’t looking to eliminate all AI-generated posts, adding that the new controls strike «the right balance between human creativity and AI innovation.» While some users may want the option to completely turn off AI generated social media posts, it’s essentially unavoidable. At the very least, Pinterest is giving its users some control.

Technologies

Google Sued by Former NPR Host Over NotebookLM AI Voice

A lawsuit by radio host David Greene alleges that Google used his voice to train its AI. Google denies the allegation.

A former NPR radio host has sued Google and its parent company Alphabet, alleging that the tech giant used his voice for its NotebookLM AI product.

David Greene, former host of NPR’s Morning Edition and current host of KCRW’s Left, Right & Center, filed the lawsuit in California Superior Court in Santa Clara County. «Google used Mr. Greene’s voice without authorization and then used those stolen copies to develop, train, and refine its AI broadcasting product, NotebookLM,» the lawsuit alleges.

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant that generates insights from data that you input into the system. Google last year introduced audio and video overviews for NotebookLM. In the case of the former, someone using the software can generate an AI podcast based on information in a file you upload. Greene says that others began informing him after the fall 2024 addition of the feature that one of the voices in those podcasts sounded a lot like his.

«These allegations are baseless,» a Google spokesperson told CNET. «The sound of the male voice in NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews is based on a paid professional actor Google hired.» Google has not identified the voice actor that it says it paid for work on NotebookLM.

According to the lawsuit, Greene said he hired an independent forensic software company that specializes in voice recognition to compare his voice to the one in question on NotebookLM.

«The company conducted a thorough analysis of the voice similarity between Mr. Greene’s voice and the voice used in NotebookLM,» the lawsuit says. «The tests indicated a confidence rating of 53%-60% (on a -100% to 100% scale) that Mr. Greene’s voice was used to train the software driving NotebookLM.»

The voices of professional voice actors or celebrities have been the subject of previous complaints, lawsuits and licensing deals. In 2024, Scarlett Johansson raised concerns about an OpenAI voice that sounded similar to hers. The company removed the sound-alike. Last year, ElevenLabs struck a deal to license voices from celebrities including Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine.

Technologies

Comparing AT&T vs. Verizon: Which Carrier Is Best for You?

With more choices and ever-shifting phone plans across the market, we look at two of the big three carriers.

Choosing a phone plan involves comparing a lot of options, from 5G speeds to perks like included streaming services. To make sense of how they compare, we’re looking at the specifics of two of the biggest cellular companies in the US, AT&T and Verizon.

Note: Are you reading this because you were affected by the massive Verizon outage and looking for other options? Such events are limited, but be sure to also check our recommendations for Best Cellphone Plans and Best Unlimited Data Plans.

AT&T

AT&T is the largest wireless carrier in the US, and its plan options are straightforward. It recently enabled a block of spectrum licenses it bought from EchoStar that have boosted 5G performance across its network.

Verizon

Verizon wrapped up 2025 on shaky footing, following an abrupt CEO transition and cost-cutting, including layoffs and planned store closures. However, one positive consequence of that for customers was lower plan prices across the board. From a network standpoint, Verizon is still a strong choice if you’re within its coverage umbrella. It’s also the most flexible option among the major carriers when mixing plans and perks.

Do you have AT&T or Verizon coverage where you are?

Before we even get into specs and features, check that you’re covered by AT&T’s or Verizon’s network where you expect to use your phone. All of the major carriers in the US have broad coverage across the country, so you’re likely served by one or all of them. If you haven’t already, look up your location on the AT&T coverage map and the Verizon coverage map.

However, keep in mind that the carriers’ maps, although they can zoom in to the neighborhood level, may not accurately reflect the network conditions on the ground. You may see fast 5G speeds on the map, but local interference, population density or physical structures could mean actual connections are not as robust. If possible, ask friends, family or someone you know in your area about their experiences with their carriers.

AT&T vs. Verizon: Comparing price and value

Carriers base their plan prices on the number of lines in use — typically phones, but it’s also common to have cellular access on a smartwatch or a tablet. As you add more lines, the per-line cost goes down. Wireless providers want you to sign up for the most expensive plan with the most features, but often, there are more affordable options.

Comparing single-line plans

For customers looking for a single line, AT&T’s plans have the advantage in this matchup. The unlimited AT&T Value Plus VL plan begins at $51 a month. To view it, click «Other Plans» on AT&T’s phone plans page. The company also has a 4GB plan for $50, but the extra buck you pay for unlimited data is worth it. The top AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan costs $86 a month for one line.

Verizon’s plans include a single line on the Unlimited Welcome plan for $55 a month and rises to $80 for the Unlimited Ultimate Plan. It’s worth mentioning that the Unlimited Welcome plan also offers basic 5G speeds, not the faster 5G Ultra Wideband that’s included in the Unlimited Ultimate and Unlimited Plus plans, even if you’re in an area that supports 5GUW.

In contrast, AT&T allows full 5G speeds among all its plans, but reserves the right to slow data speeds if the network is busy on its Value Plus VL plan; the Unlimited Premium PL plan delivers consistent high-speed data regardless of how much you use.

Single-line advantage: AT&T

Comparing multiple-line plans

As you add more lines, the plans from the two companies get closer in cost. For example, a family of four on the AT&T Value Plus PL plan pays $31 per line, or $124 a month. Choosing the high-end Unlimited Premium PL plan costs $51 per line, or $204 a month.

Verizon’s plans for four lines start at $25 per line for Unlimited Welcome, or $100 a month. The Unlimited Ultimate plan costs $50 per line, or $200 a month.

In this case, Verizon’s basic offering is cheaper than AT&T, but remember that you’re giving up faster 5G speeds. On the top end, though, they’re both about even in terms of cost.

When calculating your outlay, don’t forget that both companies add the taxes and regulatory fee amounts on top of the plans’ base prices.

Also, these prices are based on discounts applied by signing up for Auto Pay and paperless billing connected directly to a bank account. Without Auto Pay, the plans for each company cost $10 more per month. AT&T notes in its fine print that the discount is $5 if you enroll in Auto Pay with a debit card or a Citi card, and there’s no discount if you use a credit card. Verizon applies the $10 discount when the monthly payment is withdrawn from a bank account or a Verizon Visa card.

Four-line advantage: Split — AT&T for a single line plan, Verizon for multiple lines (with the caveat that you’re getting slower 5G speeds).

	Price for 1 line, per month	Price for 4 lines, per month
AT&T Value Plus VL	$51	$124
AT&T Unlimited Starter SL	$66	$144
AT&T Unlimited Extra EL	$76	$164
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL	$86	$204
Verizon Unlimited Welcome	$55	$100
Verizon Unlimited Plus	$70	$160
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate	$80	$200

AT&T vs. Verizon: Comparing perks

If you’re looking only for a plan that lets you connect online and make calls, the basic tiers or even prepaid plans make a lot of sense. However, today’s unlimited plans also have features and perks designed to sway your choice, from mobile hotspot data to discounted video streaming services. This is where things can get interesting, especially when comparing AT&T and Verizon.

That’s because Verizon takes a different approach from other carriers. AT&T has more perks the higher up the plan scale you go; with Verizon, you choose a core plan and then add the perks you want for extra cost, usually less than if you were to get something like a streaming service on its own.

Hotspot data

When you’re away from a Wi-Fi network and want to connect multiple devices, such as a tablet or laptop, your phone can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Carriers offer a set amount of high-speed hotspot data and then throttle the bandwidth after the limit has been reached.

For both companies, the least expensive plans — AT&T ValuePlus VL and Verizon Unlimited Welcome — don’t include hotspot data; however, Verizon offers a 100GB add-on for an additional $10 per month. AT&T’s Unlimited Starter SL plan, at $36 per line for four lines, comes with 5GB of hotspot data monthly.

The next tier up for both companies — AT&T Unlimited Extra EL and Verizon Unlimited Plus — offer 30GB of high-speed hotspot data. But it’s at the top end where there’s a significant difference with this comparison: AT&T Unlimited Premium PL has 60GB of data, while Verizon advertises Unlimited Ultimate as unlimited hotspot data. Although when you read the fine print, it guarantees 200GB of high-speed data and then kicks the rate down to 6Mbps after that. Still, Verizon’s offer is more generous, and with the price drops in late 2025, you’re paying about the same as AT&T ($50 per line compared with $51 per line at AT&T).

Hotspot advantage: Verizon

Streaming services and other perks

The carriers have smartly recognized that we all have too many streaming services that add up and have bundled subscriptions that are tied to their plans. Or rather, some of them have. AT&T either didn’t get the memo or chose to focus on its core features, because you won’t find specific partnerships with streaming services for its wireless plans. The Unlimited Premium PL plan offers 4K-quality streaming for enhanced video quality, but this is a general setting. You’re on your own for streaming service subscriptions.

Verizon not only offers streaming services and other add-ons, but it lets you choose which ones you want to include — for additional costs. For example, after you’ve chosen your main plan, you can add streaming bundles such as Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN Plus (with ads) or Netflix/HBO Max (with ads), each for $10 a month. Other options include Apple One ($15), YouTube Premium ($10), Apple Music Family ($10) and Fox One ($15). There are feature-based perks, too, such as the aforementioned 100GB of hotspot data ($10), three TravelPass days ($10) and Google AI Pro ($10).

One more welcome perk: both carriers offer call screening and spam blocking features. AT&T calls its service ActiveArmor, although it has fewer features on the less expensive plans. Verizon’s service is called Call Filter, which has basic spam blocking and more features available for an added cost.

Streaming services and perks advantage: Verizon

	High-speed data	Mobile hotspot	Int’l Call/Data	Streaming
AT&T Value Plus VL	Unlimited, but could be slowed if network is busy	None	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Starter SL	Unlimited, but could be slowed if network is busy	5GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Extra EL	75GB, then speeds but could be slowed if network is busy	30GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL	Unlimited high-speed data	60GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 20 Latin America countries. International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
T-Mobile Experience Beyond	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited talk and text; 30GB high-speed data in Mexico and Canada/215+ countries, then unlimited at 256 kbps	Netflix Standard with Ads; Hulu with Ads; Apple TV for $3/mo
Verizon Unlimited Welcome	Unlimited 5G (not 5GUW)	None	Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada. 2GB/day high speed data, then unlimited 3G speed. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo
Verizon Unlimited Plus	Unlimited 5G/5GUW	30GB then 6Mbps (5G UW) and 600 Kbps (5G/4G LTE)	Unlimited talk text in Mexico & Canada. 2GB/day high speed data, then unlimited 3G speed. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate	Unlimited 5G/5GUW	200GB then 6Mbps (5G UW) and 600 Kbps (5G/4G LTE)	Unlimited talk text in 210+ countries. 15GB high speed data then unlimited at 1.5 Mbps. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo

AT&T vs. Verizon: Prepaid options

So far, we’ve compared the unlimited, postpaid plans from AT&T and Verizon, as they tend to appeal to the largest number of people. But we can’t ignore prepaid plans, where you pay in advance for a set of features and sometimes a fixed amount of data, and can pay monthly or yearly, eliminating the need for subsequent billing. There are plenty of options in the prepaid space, including separate companies that are owned by the big carriers, but for our purposes here, I’m going to focus on the branded prepaid options from AT&T and Verizon.

AT&T’s most affordable prepaid plan, the Unlimited Plus 10GB Hotspot Data, costs just $20 a month — but that’s if you prepay $240 for 12 months. And while the data is unlimited, you get 16GB of high-speed data a month and then unlimited data slowed down to 1.5Mbps.

At the high end, the Unlimited Max Plus Plus 35GB Hotspot Data runs $65 a month without the yearly purchase requirement, but does have an Auto Pay discount that brings it down to $55. (Yes, you read the plan name right: it’s «Unlimited Max Plus,» plus 35GB of hotspot data; I wonder if the departments that come up with these names have just given up trying to be original.)

Verizon’s prepaid plans are more straightforward. The 15GB plan costs $35 a month (that includes a $10 Auto Pay discount) for a single line and allows a 15GB data allotment for hotspot sharing. The most expensive plan, Unlimited Plus at $60 a month, has 5G Ultra Wideband speeds, 50GB of high-speed data and 25GB of high-speed hotspot data, then unlimited data access at slower rates. (Those prices are higher for the first month; $45 for 15GB and $75 for Unlimited Plus.)

With both companies’ prepaid plans, you accumulate discounts or perks the longer you stick with them. For example, if you pay consistently and on time for six months, AT&T’s Level Up feature lets you move to a postpaid plan and deals on phones with $0 down and interest-free financing.

Prepaid options advantage: Both are about even

AT&T vs. Verizon: Which carrier is the best?

So many factors contribute to choosing a carrier that it’s challenging to claim one as the best. In this comparison, I’d give the edge to Verizon for its flexible plans and perks, even though it ends up costing more. That’s where you need to prioritize which features are important to you, and whether adding an included perk, such as the Disney Plus bundle, saves you money elsewhere (in this case $10 compared to subscribing to the bundle separately).

Other carriers to consider

The invisible entity in this comparison is T-Mobile, the third of the big three carriers in the US. It’s been on a roll in 2025, gaining accolades and customers even during a (planned) CEO transition.

For prepaid plans, definitely check out our list of the best prepaid plans of 2025 for alternatives, some of which rely on AT&T’s and Verizon’s infrastructure.

All Specs Compared

	Price for 1 line, per month	Price for 4 lines, per month	High-speed data	Mobile hotspot	Int’l Call/Data	Streaming
AT&T Value Plus VL	$51	$124	Unlimited, but could be slowed if network is busy	None	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Starter SL	$66	$144	Unlimited, but could be slowed if network is busy	5GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Extra EL	$76	$164	75GB, then speeds but could be slowed if network is busy	30GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Extra: International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL	$86	$204	Unlimited high-speed data	60GB high-speed, then unlimited at 128Kbps	Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 20 Latin America countries. International Day Pass for $12/day, International Calling for $15/mo per line	Not included
T-Mobile Experience Beyond	$100	$215	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited talk and text; 30GB high-speed data in Mexico and Canada/215+ countries, then unlimited at 256 kbps	Netflix Standard with Ads; Hulu with Ads; Apple TV for $3/mo
Verizon Unlimited Welcome	$55	$100	Unlimited 5G (not 5GUW)	None	Unlimited talk and text in Mexico & Canada. 2GB/day high speed data, then unlimited 3G speed. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo
Verizon Unlimited Plus	$70	$160	Unlimited 5G/5GUW	30GB then 6Mbps (5G UW) and 600 Kbps (5G/4G LTE)	Unlimited talk text in Mexico & Canada. 2GB/day high speed data, then unlimited 3G speed. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate	$80	$200	Unlimited 5G/5GUW	200GB then 6Mbps (5G UW) and 600 Kbps (5G/4G LTE)	Unlimited talk text in 210+ countries. 15GB high speed data then unlimited at 1.5 Mbps. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile	Disney/Hulu/ESPN with Ads: $10/mo Netflix/HBO Max with Ads: $10/mo Apple One: $15/mo Apple Music Family: $10/mo YouTube Premium: $10/mo