Technology September 26: iPhone 17 Pro is scratched, Apple admits error

Apple admits error leads to scratched iPhone 17

Apple has confirmed that worn MagSafe charging docks in some stores are causing scratches on iPhone 17 Pro display models. According to Apple, these are not real scratches, but “material transfer” from old display devices to the back of the phone, and can be cleaned. However, some users have said that they tried to wipe them off but “nothing changed,” confirming that the scratches are real.

The issue quickly spread after Bloomberg reported that dark blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models were scratched within hours of being displayed in stores in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and London. Even the black iPhone Air model suffered similar problems.

A customer tries out an iPhone 17 Pro at an Apple store on September 19, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Source: VCG)

Popular YouTuber Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything points out that the raised bezel around the camera cluster of the iPhone 17 Pro is very susceptible to permanent scratches. The reason is that Apple did not round or bevel the edges of this area. Apple responded that this design is similar to other products using anodized aluminum and has been tested for durability, but still admits that “minor wear” can occur over time.

The iPhone 17 Pro uses a 7000-series aerospace-grade aluminum alloy instead of the titanium frame of the iPhone 16 Pro. While Apple claims the anodizing meets high standards for hardness, many people are still concerned about scratch resistance. However, Corning's new Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front has significantly improved scratch resistance compared to previous generations.

Qualcomm's latest mobile platform – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Qualcomm has just announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – a mobile platform that the company claims is “ the world’s fastest system-on-chip”. This is an option for phone makers that don’t develop their own chips, and the first devices using this chip will be launched in the next few days.

The new chip uses the third-generation Oryon CPU, which offers a 20 percent performance boost and a 35 percent improvement in CPU power efficiency. Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 consumes 16 percent less power, allowing for sustained high performance over extended periods.

Qualcomm owns the most powerful chips in the world. (Source: Qualcomm)

The platform integrates a new AI Engine with an upgraded Hexagon NPU that is 37% faster than the previous generation. Qualcomm says on-device AI will help create “personalized AI agents” that can see, hear, and think with users in real time.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the first platform to support video recording using the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, allowing content creators to shoot high-quality videos right on their phones.

Many major brands have committed to integrating this chip into upcoming flagship models, including: Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, Honor, iQOO, Nubia, POCO, realme, REDMI, RedMagic, ROG, Sony, vivo, Xiaomi and ZTE.

HarmonyOS 5 operating system reaches 17 million devices

Huawei announced that its self-developed HarmonyOS 5 operating system has surpassed 17 million active devices, a sign of the platform's strong growth amid restrictions by the US government .

Along with this milestone, Huawei pledged to invest 1 billion yuan (about $140.6 million) to drive innovation in the HarmonyOS AI ecosystem and support developers in creating new AI applications.

Visitors look at Huawei products. (Source: Chinadaily)

HarmonyOS 5 is fully integrated into Huawei's entire product line, including smartphones, tablets, foldable laptops, smartwatches, and smart screens. These devices deliver a seamless AI experience that breaks through traditional technical limitations.

The operating system is not only available on consumer devices but has also expanded to smart cars, smart homes and industrial applications, with Huawei saying the growth rate now reaches millions of new devices per month.

Mr. Quang

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-26-9-iphone-17-pro-bi-tray-xuoc-apple-thua-nhan-loi-ar967493.html