Sony is bringing its wearable air conditioner to the U.S. just as summer heatwaves intensify across the country. The Reon Pocket device, which cools the neck using a thermoelectric module, is now available for pre-order at a price lower than many analysts expected.
Sony announced on June 23 that its wearable air conditioner — the Reon Pocket — is now available for pre-order in the United States. The device uses a Peltier element to create localized cooling on the back of the neck, a region sensitive to temperature changes. The launch comes after a European rollout in May 2026 and follows the device's original debut in Japan in 2020.
Why now? Climate change is driving more frequent and severe heatwaves. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 2026 will be among the hottest years on record. Personal cooling devices are transitioning from novelty to necessity for outdoor workers, commuters, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
The Reon Pocket is a small, puck-shaped device that attaches to the collar of a specially designed shirt. It connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, allowing users to select between four cooling levels or four heating levels. The company says a full charge provides about 8 hours of use on the lowest setting.
Sony has not disclosed exact U.S. pre-order pricing, but multiple sources indicate it is lower than the European launch price of €149 and well under the original Japanese price of ¥13,000. The company is betting that affordability will drive adoption in a market where portable fans and cooling towels are common but wearable thermoelectric coolers remain niche.
The arrival of Sony's wearable air conditioner signals a broader push into personal climate control. While the device won't replace an air-conditioned room, it offers targeted relief in situations where full-body cooling is impractical. Tech analysts see this as a stepping stone to more advanced wearable temperature regulation systems, potentially integrated with smart clothing or fitness trackers.
U.S. customers who pre-order expect shipment in early July, just as the hottest part of the summer arrives. If the Reon Pocket gains traction, Sony may expand production and add more color options or fabric types. The challenge will be convincing consumers that a wearable air conditioner is worth the upfront investment versus traditional cooling accessories.
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Sony’s New Wearable Air Conditioner Arrives In U.S. To Beat Summer Heatwaves
After a European launch last month, the portable aircon device is now available for pre-order in the U.S., and at a lower price than predicted.
David Phelan, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Sony's Reon Pocket wearable air conditioner is now available for pre-order in the United States after a European launch in May 2026.
- The device uses a thermoelectric Peltier module to cool the neck, offering four cooling levels and up to 8 hours of battery life on low settings.
- Pre-order pricing in the U.S. is reported to be lower than the European price of €149, making it more competitive against other portable cooling solutions.
- The Reon Pocket originally launched in Japan in 2020 and has since expanded to Europe and now North America.
- Global heatwaves and rising temperatures are driving demand for personal cooling wearables, a market projected to grow at over 15% annually through 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sony wearable air conditioner, called Reon Pocket, is a small device that attaches to the collar of a special shirt and cools the user's neck using a thermoelectric module. It offers four levels of cooling and can also provide heating.
It uses a Peltier element to generate cooling on one side and heat on the other. When worn on the back of the neck, it creates a localized cooling effect. The device is controlled via a smartphone app via Bluetooth.
Sony has not officially announced the US price, but reports indicate it is lower than the European launch price of €149 and the original Japanese price of ¥13,000. Pre-order pricing is expected to be around $129.
US customers who pre-order are expected to receive shipment in early July 2026, just as summer heatwaves peak in many regions.
The Reon Pocket provides targeted cooling to the neck, which can help reduce perceived body temperature. While not as powerful as full air conditioning, it offers relief in hot environments and is effective for outdoor use or during commutes.
The device is available for pre-order through Sony's official website and select authorized retailers. Availability may vary, and early orders are recommended due to potential high demand.
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www.forbes.com
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