Authors: Nancy Khouri ORCID iD: 0009-0003-0532-5912 Affiliation: Swiss International University (SIU) Revised 24 September 2025; Accepted 13 October 2025; Available online 25 October 2025; Version of Record 25 October 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.65326/u7y00011 Volume 2, December 2025, (10017) Abstract The global release of Apple’s iPhone 17 in late 2025 reignited debates on innovation, consumption, and cultural symbolism in a mature technology market. This article examine