August 21, 2026

TechCrunch Top 3

Walmart to finally start accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay: Are pigs flying? Walmart has finally caved on its refusal to support Apple Pay and Google Pay. Read More

Private equity firm Apollo confirms data breach amid hacking wave targeting financial giants: The private equity giant confirms a breach, weeks after Google researchers said hackers were targeting financial companies. Read More

Oura faces lawsuit accusing it of misleading consumers about sleep-tracking accuracy: The lawsuit alleges that Oura rings are unable to measure any of the physiological signals needed to assess sleep quality or determine sleep stages. Read More

The Best Disrupt 2026 Discount Ends Soon

AI has made it faster than ever to bring an idea from concept to launch.

But it hasn't made it easier to build something durable.

Disrupt 2026's programming is built around that challenge, delivering practical sessions on what actually holds up and how to build it. Ticket prices increase at midnight PT Friday, so grab yours before then!

Morning Must-Reads

Starcloud raises $250 million for orbital data centers as launch options dry up: There's about to be a big fight to secure access to space. Read More

Tesla recalls 3 million cars as part of China-wide push to stop hidden door handles: Tesla and eight other automakers will install warning labels that help occupants identify the often hard-to-find manual door releases. Read More

Tesla, Uber, and Waymo all get the OK to operate thousands of robotaxis in Nevada: Together, these permits would allow up to 8,000 robotaxis to be deployed over the next 12 months. Read More

ChatGPT can now send texts for you with new Apple Messages plug-in: Ever wanted someone else to do your texting for you? ChatGPT is being offered up as an automated text scribe via a new Apple Messages integration. Read More

Mark buys a castle: Mark Zuckerberg just bought a cozy abode somewhat close to Meta’s international headquarters in Ireland. Read More

Get Your Startup in Front of the Disrupt Crowds

Not everyone needs a keynote slot to make noise at Disrupt 2026. Sometimes the best way to meet investors, customers, and partners is by exhibiting directly in the Expo Hall.

And by exhibiting, you get 10 passes to Disrupt to share with your team!

Learn More

Last but Not Least

AI data startup Micro1 reaches $500M gross run rate amid AI training boom: Surging demand for AI training data is driving rapid growth for the startup and its rivals. Read More

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