Sony has delighted gamers with a nostalgic surprise to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. In addition to retro hardware that quickly sold out, Sony has released a software update that adds classic boot screens and themes for each generation of PlayStation console. Upon launching the update, users will be prompted to select their favourite generation, with options ranging from the PS1 to the PS4.

This update changes the PS5 dashboard’s menu colours and sounds to match the chosen console’s user interface. Additionally, players can explore other themes through the new “PlayStation 30th Anniversary” item in the settings menu.

However, these themes are available only for a limited time. Sony has not specified when they will be removed, but the decision to make them temporary has raised some eyebrows. While creating a perception of scarcity or avoiding clutter in the settings menu might be strategic, it could be seen as a missed opportunity to let users permanently enjoy the nostalgic themes.

This isn’t the first time Sony has indulged in retro charm. A decade ago, during PlayStation’s 20th anniversary, a free theme transformed the PS4, PS3, and Vita to reflect the PS1’s look and startup sound. As Sony celebrates three decades of gaming excellence, fans are once again treated to a trip down memory lane.

According to a recent leak from Weibo user “Instant Digital,” next year’s iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will retain their titanium chassis, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Apple might shift to aluminium for its 2025 lineup. The Information’s Wayne Ma had previously indicated that Apple’s flagship ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro models could be the first high-end iPhones to feature an aluminium frame since the lineup’s split into Pro and non-Pro models.

Historically, high-end ‌iPhone‌ models used stainless steel frames until the iPhone 15 Pro introduced a titanium chassis, which was touted as a significant upgrade. However, Ma’s report suggested a return to aluminium for the entire ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup. Instant Digital, however, disagrees, stating on Weibo (via machine translation), “Of course, the iPhone 17 Pro will still use titanium. Why would anyone believe it would switch to aluminium? Think about it — it’s just not possible. Looking back at recent iPhone models, Apple has consistently emphasized the premium frame materials of the Pro series as one of its key selling points, from ‘surgical-grade stainless steel’ to ‘titanium.’ If they switched to aluminium, how could they even market it?”

The Weibo leaker’s claims, however, lack verification from supply chain information, and Ma’s report details a significant design change involving an aluminium upper back with a rectangular camera bump made of aluminium instead of traditional 3D glass, while the bottom half would remain glass to support wireless charging. Apple has a history of introducing and then discontinuing breakthrough features in its iPhones. For example, the 3D Touch feature introduced with the iPhone 6s in 2015 was phased out with the iPhone 11 in 2019.

Despite Instant Digital’s mixed accuracy record with Apple rumours, the leaker has made some accurate predictions, such as the Yellow iPhone 14 launch in 2023, the frosted back glass on the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, the minor refresh for the Apple Watch Series 9, and other notable features. The iPhone 17 series is expected to debut in the fall of 2025, featuring new display sizes, a rumoured ultra-thin model, and ProMotion displays across the lineup. As always, the anticipation for Apple’s latest innovations continues to build.

As the new year approaches, tech enthusiasts have much to look forward to, particularly with the upcoming global launch of the OnePlus 13. Having already made its debut in China, OnePlus has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will be available worldwide in January 2025.

The flagship smartphone will come in three colour options: Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Arctic Dawn. Notably, this marks the end of the green colourway, which has been a hallmark of OnePlus flagships in recent years. While it remains uncertain if blue will become the new signature colour, many fans are hopeful.

OnePlus highlights that the Midnight Ocean variant will be the first phone to feature micro-fibre vegan leather, designed to provide a luxurious feel while being resistant to scratches and scuffs. Additionally, the OnePlus 13 will boast IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance on the international market, addressing past criticisms of lacking official IP certifications despite capable designs.

Rumours also hint at the launch of the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus Watch 3 in early 2025. Moreover, leaks suggest that the base model of the OnePlus 13, featuring 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, will only be available in the Black Eclipse colourway. Those interested in the Midnight Ocean or Arctic Dawn options might need to opt for the higher-end variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Meanwhile, Samsung has yet to confirm the launch date for its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series. However, based on previous trends, it is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2025.