April Fools' Day 2026 RECAP — rating the best (and worst) jokes and pranks

Time for coffee. And AI!

There's no getting away from AI. And I'll be willing to bet that poking fun at artificial intelligence becomes a recurring theme for today. Eight O'Clock Coffee has kicked things off with the Brew O’Clock Alarm – an AI-powered alarm clock that wakes you up by automatically brewing a fresh cup of Eight O’Clock Coffee at 8:00 a.m.!

"Designed for anyone who needs their cup of joe the moment they roll out of bed, the Brew O’Clock Alarm promises perfectly timed caffeine… because we understand that waking up without coffee is no joke," the brand says.

Introducing the Dyson Pet range...

We're big fans of Dyson tech here at Tom's Guide, and it's well known that the brand makes some excellent haircare products. In fact, we recently just tested the Dreame Glory, which aims to beat Dyson at its own game.

But we've never thought to test them out on our pets.

Well, for April Fools' Day, Dyson has unveiled the Dyson Beauty Pet range. Which is — you guessed it — hair care products for our furry friends. Top marks for the slick promotional vid, too.

The Dyson Beauty Pet range. - YouTube

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Grill with AI thanks to Traeger

One of the things I get excited about when April arrives is that it's not long until the summer. And that means we can break out some of the best grills and get cooking!

That experience would be even better if Traegar's AI joke was actually a real product. The company has got in touch to pitch us "MEAT-AI Grilling Glasses" with the following features:

• Heads-Up Display (HUD): Key cooking data like temperature and time projected directly into your field of vision, no more checking your phone
• Doneness Detection: Utilizing thermal imaging allows cooks to see heat zones and cooking progress 
• “Meat Vision”: Correct cuts technology guides every slice from the first to the last 
• Recipe Radar: Take a look through your fridge and cabinets, and let your glasses create a meal 
• Sear in the Dark: Day or night, see your meats perfectly with night vision technology
• Capture Your Cooks: Built-in capability to document and share your BBQ moments with friends

Running a marathon this year? Subway has you covered

April plays host to both the Boston and London marathons and as anyone who's currently training for a 26-mile run knows, fueling is crucial.

Subway obviously knows this, which is why the brand has unveiled a limited-edition range of nutrient-packed energy gels that taste just like Subway’s iconic sauces. Perfect for race day!

A Subway spokesperson said, “The rise of running culture within the fitness category has been rapid, and we’re always looking to meet our guests where they are. We wanted to introduce a fresh new way to fuel our customers as a part of a balanced active lifestyle.”

Here are the flavors on offer:

• Chipotle Southwest – a smoky, spicy kick for when the miles get mean 
• Sweet Onion – a tangy-sweet hit for when energy levels begin to dip 
• Honey Mustard – a balanced sweet and sharp flavour for a midrace moment of glory  

Which would you choose?

'Build muscle and margin at the same time'

I think we can file this one under the "cringe" category, although there are probably some tech bros out there thinking this is a good idea.

Trading platform IG Group has just let me know about its first-ever iPhone case. Which just so happens to come with a 20KG detachable dumbbell-style handle.

"Part training tool, part trading device, the case lets users swipe, tap and execute trades mid-rep," the company says. Adding that it's "designed for the ‘highly efficient’ trader who wants to build muscle and margin at the same time."

Launch colorways including Bull Run Red and Going Long Green...

Calling all dudes: your clothes probably stink

Look, I know how life is. You've got work, friends, hobbies and it's so much easier to go all Steve Jobs and just keep wearing the same thing each day. Speaking of Steve, today is also Apple's 50th anniversary, and we're covering all the celebrations around Jobs' iconic company right here.

But back to the clothes, if you're not regularly using one of the best washing machines then odors are going to become a problem. For April 1, British electronics retailer Currys has unveiled the solution: An AI-powered gadget called "SniffGuard" that scans a piece of clothing then "uses advanced scent-sensing technology to analyse the true stench status of garments."

The gadget will deliver a "blunt, colour-coded verdict in seconds, the device is set to replace the 'quick sniff and hope for the best' method objectivity and science."

"SniffGuard brings some much-needed honesty to the nation’s wardrobes and we’re proud to have created a device to finally bring science into the equation and solve the nation’s stench," Lara Brittan, Category Director at Currys, said.

"Even if the answer isn’t always what people want to hear...”

Learn to speak British

It's often said the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries separated by a common language. That being the case, I'm amazed that nobody else has come up with this idea before.

Timekettle (a company behind AI translation devices) has announced it's introducing British-to-American English translation across its devices.

The company says this new launch is times to coincide with the proposed upcoming U.S. visit of King Charles III and the run-up to America’s 250th anniversary, and not at all because today is April Fools' Day.

Timekettle says: "The update is designed to smooth over the everyday transatlantic misunderstandings that have plagued relations for generations, from 'It’s chucking down' and 'I’m knackered' to the ever-dangerous ambiguity of 'pissed'.”

According to the company, these are the six most-translated phrases from British English to American English:

• It’s chucking down — It’s raining heavily
• Bits and bobs — Miscellaneous items
• Let’s have a chinwag — Let’s have a chat
• I’m knackered — I’m very tired
• Bob’s your uncle — There you go
• Going to the Cashpoint - I need an ATM

Do any of these ring true for you? Let me know in the comments if you've ever been caught out by "Britishisms" from family or friends.

I don't know whether I love or hate this...

Slim Chickens is one of my go-to chicken shops in the U.K. And make no mistake about it — my go-to is tenders with Slims Sauce. So the moment I saw Slim Chickens team up with Victorian Plumbing to create the "world's first bath with a built-in dip tap," it triggered something in me.

I honestly have no idea whether I love this, or whether it makes me physically ill. It's a conflicting feeling, but definitely high up on the cringe scale either way.

“The bathroom has become Britain’s most unexpected dining room, and we wanted to tap (quite literally) into this growing trend. The dip tap transforms any bathroom from a simple room for hygiene into a personal spa for saucy self-care, so you can dip while you dip!” Alex Woods, spokesperson from Victorian Plumbing commented.

Saucy, but ew.

Who needs whey protein when you've got a coconut curry protein shake?

I love Indian food. I make a curry at least once a week, and I'm always trying to perfect my homemade curry powder recipe. But something I've never thought about in my wildest dreams is... curry protein shake?

Well, dream no more, because Deep Indian Kitchen, a ready meal company, has announced the launch of its Coconut Chicken Curry Protein shake.

A spokesperson for Deep Indian Kitchen said, "To celebrate April Fools’ Day, Deep Indian Kitchen is having a little fun with the high protein craze – by taking it to a place no one asked for: a Coconut Curry Protein Shake. Because at this point… protein really is everywhere, so why not have your favorite chicken curry skip your fork entirely?"

Of course, you won't actually find this in your local grocery store — but would you try this? I think it'd be quite tasty after a couple of minutes in the microwave... which just makes it a normal ready meal. What do you think?

Royal Albert Hall low-key slayed April Fools, no cap

Skibidi rizz, there's a new Gen Alpha slangmaxxer in town. I'm gagged by this. Forget Millennial-ahh slang like "on fleek" and being "shook". It's all about concertmaxxing in 2026 and 2027 (siix-seven!).

The Royal Albert Hall, an iconic live events venue in London, today announced its new youth initiative, "Let Them Cook".

Let Them Cook will bring Gen-Z-focused events to the Royal Albert Hall. The program will launch on 31st November, 2026, with "Doomscrolling in Concert". After, Gen Z concert-goers can expect to attend "Aura Farming" in Hyde Park.

Royal Albert Hall CEO, James O’Follipar, said, "We want to be a place where people can Snapchat a twerk; the home of six-seven. To us, ragebait, brainrot and yapping aren’t just words — they’re central to everything we do. With ‘Let Them Cook’, we are going to eventsmogg the entire creative sector."

Do you think Royal Albert Hall is delulu with this April Fools announcement? Did you get fools-mogged, no cap? Was this joke low-key a slay, or do you feel officially unc?

A wig snatchin' good time

The folks behind the beloved Exploding Kitten game have announced something new: Snatch Snatch Wig!

"Exploding Kittens brand-new game officially launching today (yes, today… 4/1). The hair-raising game has players race to leave each other BALD HEADED! Featuring wigs inspired by pop culture icons, it’s a little chaotic, a little questionable, and all out fun," said the company is a press release.

Of course, there's no hair snatching game coming from the Exploding Kittens people; it's an April Fools' Joke, but the idea of snatching wigs from your friends sounds fun. Maybe they should actually make this one.

Never lose your socks again...

You may know Satechi for its handy MagSafe chargers and other iPhone accessories, but the brand also makes a lot of tracking tech that leverages Apple's Find My network. So naturally, alongside the FindAll Luggage Tag and FindAll Wallet Card, the brand has now launched the FindAll Socks.

Satechi says you'll be able to track each sock individually, even when split up, as well as finding them in the laundry, hamper, or washing machine.

Would you buy a pair if they actually existed? I'm not going to lie — I could see a lot of benefit from these.

Sweet dreams are made of this?

I've never tried a water mattress, nor can I see one on our guide to the best mattresses you can buy — so this April Fools' gag probably isn't one for me.

British mattress retailer Dreams has unveiled a water mattress that lets you drink from it at night.

"Designed to keep hydration within arm’s reach (quite literally), this tongue-in-cheek concept reimagines the classic waterbed with a functional twist," the company said. "The refillable water mattress allows sleepers to take a sip without ever leaving their bed, turning a common nighttime disruption into the ultimate convenience."

New phone smell

Metro by T-Mobile is making a CALLoGNE (not really). The company actually sent me a bottle of its fake-new-phone-smelling cologne (it's not actually cologne or perfume in the bottle), and it's pretty cute. Now I have a phone-shaped spray bottle, which I'm sure is useful for... something.

I don't recall ever sniffing my cell phones, so I don't think I have any nostalgia for the new phone smell. But if you do, maybe this will spark some fun memories of getting your first cell phone. Or maybe it'll make you want to go out and get a new phone right now, which is surely Metro's goal.

Put your phone into high gear

Have you ever wished the back of your phone had a 6-speed manual shifter for those times when it needs a little extra power? No? Me neither.

Like it or not, Bitmo Lab has released just such a gear shifter as an April Fools' Joke.

In a press release, Zhong Tao, Product Manager at Bitmo Lab, said, “The concept was straightforward: we wanted to inject personality into a device that’s often overlooked. GearShift started with a simple question: could a phone grip offer the same tactile engagement as a manual transmission? So, we built a mechanical solution to find out.”

At first, I thought this was really dumb. But then I thought about how you could actually use it as a phone kickstand. And then I realized there are a million better ways to get a kickstand on your phone, and I thought it was dumb again.

Ultimately, I've come to the conclusion that it isn't a very believable April Fools' joke, but it's still moderately funny.

Big Head Mode

FORTNITE APRIL FOOLS UPDATE | Big Heads, Lama Riding, Player Stacking, Pew Pew & More - YouTube

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Fortnite showed off a fun new mode for April Fools' Day, where all the characters will have giant heads.

BOOM HEADSHOT just got a lot easier.

This isn't a joke

April Fools' Day is really starting to mess with me. I saw the news that NASA is launching Artemis II, and I immediately thought they were pulling a fast one.

Thankfully, this is real, and you can actually watch the spaceship take off! I'm excited to watch humans take a trip to the moon, and I'm sure you are too, April Fools' Day or not.

Smart golf pants

I've made no secret that I'm a big fan of Arccos for helping to track and improve my golf game. I'm such a fan that when I saw the company post about smart pants, I actually went, "Hmm, I think I'd buy those."

When I read that they're an "intelligent golf apparel system designed to optimize on-course performance through integrated data tracking, biometric monitoring, and adaptive climate control," I wanted them even more.

But of course, they're not real. But with Arccos being so data-driven, I could totally see a world where these existed; it's just not the world of 2026.

There's a lot going on with this imaginary pair of pants, and Arccos detailed it all in a blog post.

No more scrolling

Are you sick of endlessly scrolling? Yahoo has a tool designed to keep you from scrolling too much called Scrōll Stoppr. As the name implies, you put it on your finger and are unable to scroll your favorite social media feeds anymore.

Honestly, while this is a good April Fools' joke, it's also a little too real, since social media addiction is a very real thing.

Our very serious, very legit ranking of the 5 absolute best products Apple has ever made

With Apple's 50th birthday party in full swing, we thought it'd be fun to round up our collective top five Apple products of all time. Keep in mind, we're a bunch of gadget-obsessed tech nerds, so you know the picks will be spot-on!

What do you think, did we get the list right?

iFixit: Apple recalls MacBook Neo for being too repairable

Don't look now, but the new MacBook Neo has a critical design flaw, and Apple is planning a recall on each and every one sold. The issue? It's actually repairable, says iFixit. How utterly un-Apple-like!

Of course, the new Neo isn't actually recalled. However, it is in fact the most repairable Apple laptop in years.

Forget smart lightbulbs, give me Philips Hue PartyAware Floor Tiles

Get your groove on with the new 'Party Aware' motion and music-sensitive light-up floor tiles from Philips Hue. Modular and sold in multipacks, these disco-friendly devices change colors and glow when someone steps on them, promising rug-cutting good times, indoors or outdoors.

They're also completely made up, but I'd 100% be interested in the Hue PartyAware Floor Tiles if they did exist.

An AI sticker printing machine for Fido

One of our favorite AI toys for kids, Stickerbox, just announced an exciting new feature! But first, what is Stickerbox? This tabletop gadget lets users input a single AI prompt, with the output being a physical, custom sticker based on said prompt.

Aimed at adults and children alike, the Stickerbox now offers a 'pet mode' where your favorite furry friend can create stickers at a moment's notice by inputting their very own prompt, like "10,000 bones," or "Endless designer couches to claw." Of course, your cat or dog will need to learn to speak in one of the device's supported languages first.

Finally, the perfect smartphone accessory for automotive enthusiasts

Have you ever wanted to navigate your smartphone like you're changing gears on a fine European sports car? Me too! Which is why I can't wait to get my hands on the new MagSafe-compatible six-speed Gear Shift smartphone accessory from Bitmo Labs. It features a carbon fiber knob, chrome-polish rode, racing-inspired details, and (likely) zero chance of ever actually coming to market.

New Tom's Guide editorial focus: Toilet reviews

Spring has sprung, and the Tom's Guide approach to product reviews has also evolved. From here on out, instead of focusing on the best TVs, the best smartphones, the best smartwatches, and the best mattresses, we'll be pivoting to a focus exclusively on reviewing the best toilets. More specifically, we'll be testing just how many standard pub-style billiard balls popular porcelain models can flush in a single go, from American Standard to Duravit to Toto.

Our totally truthful toilet-based editorial coverage begins tomorrow!