Tesla’s solar roof is dead — here’s what went wrong

Plus more of TechCrunch's top stories this afternoon

View this email online in your browser  August 21, 2026 TechCrunch Top 3 Tesla’s solar roof is dead — here’s what went wrong: Tesla's solar roof was an experiment that never really caught on for the company. But does that mean the concept of roof-integrated solar is dead? Read More Nvidia just showed that the harness, not the AI model, is now the real hero: Nvidia research shows that AI agents can perform well, and not go off the deep end, through fine-tuning, even if the AI model isn't that great at the task. Read More Waymo hands over documents in NHTSA's child collision probe: The responses to the NHTSA's questions so far are redacted entirely, citing "confidential business information." Read More Afternoon Must-Reads 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 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 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 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 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 Last but Not Least 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 Check out some of our other newsletters: StrictlyVC TechCrunch Events TechCrunch Mobility Want to adjust your daily newsletter schedule? You can do it right here Got a tip? Get in touch securely. Want to advertise on TechCrunch? advertise@techcrunch.com Has this been forwarded to you? Click here to subscribe to this newsletter. Unsubscribe Member Center Privacy Policy Copyright © 2026 TechCrunch Media LLC 501 2nd Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94107

Walmart to finally start accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay

Plus more of TechCrunch's top stories to start your morning

View this email online in your browser  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 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 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!  Register Now Morning Must-Reads 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 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 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 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 Senator asks US government watchdog to review how feds use hacking tools: Senator Ron Wyden sent a letter to the U.S. federal watchdog requesting a comprehensive review of how the FBI, DEA, ICE's HSI, and the Secret Service use hacking tools and spyware against Americans. 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 Mark buys a castle: Mark Zuckerberg just bought a cozy abode somewhat close to Meta’s international headquarters in Ireland. Read More Check out some of our other newsletters: StrictlyVC TechCrunch Events TechCrunch Mobility Want to adjust your daily newsletter schedule? You can do it right here Got a tip? Get in touch securely. Want to advertise on TechCrunch? advertise@techcrunch.com Has this been forwarded to you? Click here to subscribe to this newsletter. Unsubscribe Member Center Privacy Policy Copyright © 2026 TechCrunch Media LLC 501 2nd Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94107