Gear News of the Week: iPhone 17 May Be a Month Away, and Sonos to Raise Prices
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If rumors are correct, Apple's annual iPhone event will take place exactly a month from today, on September 9. This information comes from a German website citing internal documents from German mobile phone providers. The date was also previously mentioned by Bloomberg's Apple expert, Mark Gurman.
Recent leaks about Apple's upcoming smartphone lineup have intensified in recent weeks. Apple is expected to debut four iPhones, maintaining its usual tradition with one key change: the “Plus” iPhone is being replaced by an ultra-thin version, known as the iPhone 17 Air, similar to the sleek Galaxy S25 Edge by Samsung unveiled earlier this year.
Apple's lineup has always included a standard iPhone and two Pro models. However, the fourth model has varied over the years, morphing from the Mini to the Plus, and now the Air. Leaked renders hint at a new design with a horizontal camera bar on the Air, resembling Google's Nexus 6P.
The iPhone 17 Pro models may adopt a similar horizontal camera layout, and there's speculation Apple might use aluminum instead of titanium. These phones could feature a half-aluminum, half-glass design for better durability. Other significant updates include Apple's ProMotion technology across all iPhone 17 models, offering a 120-Hz screen refresh rate on cheaper devices, an enhanced 24-MP selfie camera, and a 48-MP telephoto camera on the Pro models.
As for pricing, expect an increase due to tariffs, although the exact figures remain unknown for now. You might want to hold off on your apple cravings until then.
There's a New Pepsi Watch in Town
In a bubbly collaboration, Seiko and Pepsi unveiled two eye-catching novelty watches destined to be popular this year. These models are variants of existing Seiko 5 Sports watches, featuring a white on silver colorway for the dive-style SRPL99, and a dark charcoal finish for the GMT-style SSK047. The watches feature the iconic Pepsi red and blue on the bezel. While the dive watch uses this iconic motif as a timer, the GMT model displays day and night in world time mode.
The "Rolex GMT Master II," originally in Pan Am colors, is fondly nicknamed the “Pepsi” for its resemblance to the soda brand's logo. In this officially sanctioned collaboration, Seiko presents the Dark Pepsi GMT, marking a significant milestone with Pepsi actively involved in its design. Both models are limited to 7,000 units and are scheduled for release in September. The SRPL99 is priced at $395 with a stainless steel strap, while the SSK047 costs $550 with a custom-printed Pepsi rubber strap. Act fast; reseller sites may be your only option if you miss the pre-order.
Sonos to Raise Prices Due to Tariffs
As President Trump's broad and changing tariff plan unfolds, consumers are beginning to feel the pinch. Recently appointed Sonos CEO, Tom Conrad confirmed price increases due to tariffs, as reported by Bloomberg. Despite efforts to minimize the impact on consumers, Conrad stated that most of Sonos products, manufactured in Vietnam and Malaysia, are subject to new 20% and 19% tariff rates, respectively.
Similarly, other electronics brands have been vague about price adjustments. For instance, JBL attributed a $50 hike in its Tour One M3 headphones months after launch to "global industry pressures." While Sonos hasn't specified the price hike details or which products are affected, consumers should brace for potential increases.
Motorola Debuts a Bedazzled Razr
Relive the era of bedazzling with Motorola's Brilliant Collection, which jazzes up the latest Razr 2025 and Moto Buds Loop in a new Pantone Ice Melt color embellished with Swarovski crystals. Announced in April during its partnership with Swarovski, these collections include 35 Swarovski crystals on the leather-like finish of the Razr and extend to the Moto Buds Loop in the new Ice Melt color.
Interested in this dazzling device? It retails for $1,000, which includes the phone and the Moto Buds Loop. This is the same price as the standard models, so anyone nostalgic for days adorned with rhinestones won't pay extra for the glitz.
