Technologies

Nab a 5G Phone From AT&T Without an Annual Contract for as Low as $9.99

AT&T has a selection of prepaid smartphones from top brands, including Samsung and Motorola.

AT&T is offering a tax season promo on select prepaid phones, with some options available for just $9.99 for a limited time. Annual contracts can be a real pain — and some require multi-year contracts when upgrading to the latest phones. However, AT&T wants to help you get a 5G smartphone without an annual contract through its prepaid plans.

Note that you will need to activate a new line, which costs a minimum of $35, plus tax at the time you buy your discounted prepaid phone. We’ve got more information below, from which models are on sale to how AT&T’s prepaid plans work.

There are a few phones to choose from, including two $9.99 options from Motorola. However, for slightly more, you can grab a Samsung Galaxy phone instead.

Motorola Moto G 5G (2026): $9.99 ($149.99 without a new line)
Motorola Moto G Play (2026): $9.99 ($119.99 without a new line)
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: $29.99 ($169.99 without a new line)

You’ll need to activate your phone within 30 days of your purchase, or your service will expire, and unfortunately, that will not qualify for a refund. Once activated, your service period will last for 30 days. It’s important to note that your phone will be restricted to prepaid service for six months after activation.

Also, while the Moto G Play did not mention having to enroll in autopay, both the Moto G and Galaxy A16 do require you to sign up for autopay in the same transaction.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Get an iPhone 17 Pro Free With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile
Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$749 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$298 (save $102)
Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (2024 Model, Midnight Blue):

$241 (save $310)
Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$499 (save $300)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Phones can be expensive, both for the hardware and the plan. If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly option, consider one of these prepaid options through AT&T. But hurry, other models have already sold out so these offers could disappear at any time.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im