Apple is once again in the limelight this September as it rolls out major software updates and faces renewed scrutiny over product quality concerns from users in Vietnam. The tech giant’s latest iOS 26 update, officially set for public release on Monday, September 15, 2025, brings sweeping changes to the iPhone experience, while a separate issue involving iPad Pro devices and Apple Pencil has reignited debates over customer service and product safety.
According to Phong Vũ Tech News, Apple wasted no time after its much-anticipated “Awe dropping” event on September 9, 2025, releasing the Release Candidate (RC) versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe for beta testers. The full public rollout is just around the corner, and this update is being touted as one of Apple’s most ambitious yet.
At the heart of iOS 26 is a bold new design language called Liquid Glass. This fresh look enhances user interactions with real-time refraction and reflection effects, making everything on the screen feel more dynamic and immersive. The lock screen has also become smarter, automatically adapting its size and layout to fit available space, whether a photo, notification, or live activity is on display. It’s not just a cosmetic overhaul—Apple has introduced 3D spatial effects for wallpapers, so images seem to come alive as users move their phones. Even app icons get a makeover, now available in more vivid themes and sharper contrasts, while music album art animates across the entire screen for a livelier listening experience.
But perhaps the most buzzed-about addition is Apple AI, which is deeply woven into iOS 26. As reported by Phong Vũ Tech News, users can now interact with and learn about content within any app using familiar screenshot tools, search functions, and even integration with Chat GPT. The live translation feature is a game-changer: messages, FaceTime calls, and even phone conversations can be translated in real time, with AirPods allowing hands-free translation when someone nearby speaks another language. Shortcuts have also been upgraded with Apple Intelligence, leveraging advanced AI models to help automate tasks, generate content, and even tap into Chat GPT for creative assistance. The new Emoji & Image Playground lets users create personalized emojis in styles ranging from oil painting to anime, making digital communication more expressive and fun.
The camera app isn’t left behind, either. Its interface is now more streamlined, offering quick access to photo and video modes, and includes a new lens cleaning alert—especially handy on iPhone 15 and later models—to ensure every shot is crystal clear. For those sporting the latest AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 and up, snapping a photo or starting a video recording is as easy as tapping the headset, a feature that’s sure to appeal to selfie enthusiasts and content creators alike.
CarPlay, Apple’s in-car system, has also been reimagined with the Liquid Glass look. The new design clearly distinguishes interactive areas on the dashboard and introduces a compact call interface, so navigation directions remain front and center. Quick emoji reactions, or Tapbacks, are available in Messages for drivers, and important conversations can be pinned for easy access. Live Activities are automatically displayed, letting users keep tabs on real-time events while on the road.
Gaming on Apple devices is getting a boost, too. The updated Game Center consolidates access to game libraries, personalized recommendations, and real-time score tracking across devices, integrating seamlessly with the App Store and Apple Arcade. It’s a one-stop hub for Apple gamers to connect, challenge friends, and keep up with their favorite titles.
For families, iOS 26 strengthens online child protection. The new Contact Request feature requires children to seek parental approval before contacting new phone numbers, and parents can easily grant permission through Messages. Existing accounts can be converted to child accounts for enhanced safety measures. Other notable features include an audio input selector in Control Center, estimated charging time displays, and Adaptive Power technology (exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and newer) that learns daily usage patterns to optimize battery life. The Health app now supports blood pressure tracking and PDF report generation for doctors, while the Fitness app’s new Workouts tab tracks metrics like speed and distance, working in tandem with AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch. There’s even a thermal system that automatically adjusts home temperatures for energy efficiency when users are away or resting.
Not to be overshadowed, Apple also used the September event to unveil the iPhone 17, boasting a breakthrough camera system and the powerful new A19 Pro chip. According to Phong Vũ Tech News, these hardware launches complement the software’s push towards a more intelligent, connected, and visually stunning Apple ecosystem.
Yet, as Apple celebrates innovation, it faces criticism over its response to long-standing customer complaints in Vietnam. On September 17, 2025, the Vietnam Competition Authority revealed that Apple Vietnam Co., Ltd. had finally issued a written response to users who reported color distortion on their iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) WiFi and Apple Pencil Pro devices. As reported by Thanh Niên, the original complaints were posted on social media groups roughly five years ago, but only now has the company formally addressed the issue.
Customers described a strange discoloration—resembling mild scorch marks—at the magnetic charging contact point between the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro. Concerns were raised that this could indicate a safety risk, possibly even a fire hazard or technical defect. The Vietnam Competition Authority requested Apple Vietnam provide relevant information and documentation to clarify the matter.
After reviewing user-submitted images and details, Apple Vietnam determined that the discoloration was purely cosmetic, likely caused by external contaminants such as dust or moisture present during charging. According to the company’s official statement, “This phenomenon does not affect the performance or function of the device and is not a sign of product safety.” Apple Vietnam further emphasized that there is “no evidence of any systemic safety issue” affecting the iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) WiFi or the Apple Pencil Pro.
The company also reminded users that Apple products are made from various materials, each with specific cleaning requirements—such as using only soft, lint-free cloths and avoiding abrasive materials or excessive wiping, which could cause damage. Apple Vietnam’s report concluded that the discoloration “does not compromise consumer safety or pose a risk to life, health, or property,” and therefore, there is no legal obligation to recall the products under current consumer protection laws.
Nonetheless, the Vietnam Competition Authority urged consumers to be proactive: check devices for unusual signs after purchase and during use, keep records and photos of any abnormalities, and report concerns to businesses or authorities if necessary. Should users encounter risks that could affect safety or property, they are advised to promptly contact their local Department of Industry and Trade to initiate official investigations and recalls, if warranted.
Some users, as noted by Thanh Niên, criticized the slow pace of Apple’s response, arguing that addressing complaints five years after they were first raised is far from timely. The episode serves as a reminder that even as technology races ahead, customer care and corporate accountability remain just as vital in winning—and keeping—consumer trust.
As Apple’s ecosystem continues to evolve, users will be watching closely—not just for new features, but for how the company responds when things go awry.