Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

Why Are Some iPhones Turning Pink?

October 24, 2025

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  • Samsung's new Galaxy XR headset is positioned as a more affordable ($1,799) and comfortable alternative to the Apple Vision Pro, featuring native Android XR, Gemini AI integration, and a cartoonish avatar system. 
  • The viral reports of some orange iPhone 17 Pro models turning pink are potentially linked to cleaning agents containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide reacting with the phone's anodization layer. 
  • The browser landscape is heating up with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas, signaling a trend where major AI players integrate their models directly into Chromium-based browsers to gain user context, mirroring features already seen in competitors like Arc and Dia. 
  • The recent AWS outage significantly impacted various online services, with hosts noticing it through YouTube failure, smart bed malfunctions (like Eight Sleep), and Reddit rate limits. 
  • The new Aura Color E-Ink wireless photo frame is notable for its battery life (three months) and use of Spectra 6 display technology, though color accuracy and resolution are noted limitations. 
  • Apple's M5 chip refresh was highly selective, only updating the M4 iPad Pro, M4 MacBook Pro (14-inch base model), and the original Vision Pro, leaving other M4 devices un-updated. 

Segments

Galaxy XR Headset Unveiling
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(00:02:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset is half the price of the Vision Pro and features superior software integration with Gemini AI.
  • Summary: The Galaxy XR headset is priced at $1,799, significantly less than the Vision Pro, and offers native Android XR with Gemini AI features, including natural language window reorganization. Unlike the Vision Pro, it includes a functional YouTube app and is lighter and more comfortable to wear. Its video calling avatars are cartoonish, contrasting with Apple’s high-fidelity Persona efforts.
Pink iPhone 17 Pro Discoloration
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(00:14:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Multiple user reports suggest iPhone 17 Pro discoloration to pink may be caused by cleaning agents containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Summary: Initial isolated reports of an orange iPhone 17 Pro turning pink have been corroborated by new video evidence across multiple users. The leading theory suggests that exposure to cleaning chemicals containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide is damaging the phone’s anodization layer. The hosts noted this is less of a ‘gate’ than issues affecting regular use, as few people routinely use such harsh cleaners.
Apple TV F1 Exclusive Rights
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(00:20:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Apple TV secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula One for the next five years starting in 2016.
  • Summary: Apple TV has become the exclusive U.S. partner for Formula One content for five years, meaning F1 broadcasts will only be available via the Apple TV subscription service. This move follows the success of the F1 movie and aligns with Apple’s strategy of acquiring niche sports content to drive subscriptions. The deal will integrate features previously found on the F1 TV app, like multiple broadcast angles.
OpenAI ChatGPT Atlas Browser Launch
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(00:28:16)
  • Key Takeaway: OpenAI released ChatGPT Atlas, a new macOS-only browser built on Chromium, designed to integrate ChatGPT history and agentic features directly into the browsing experience.
  • Summary: ChatGPT Atlas is OpenAI’s entry into the browser wars, aiming to provide deeper context for its AI models by tracking user searches, similar to Google Chrome’s integration with Gemini. The browser currently lacks mobile sync and extensions but allows users to query their ChatGPT history contextually, such as retrieving a previously viewed webpage. The launch highlights the industry trend of embedding AI assistants directly into web navigation tools.
Liquid Glass Tint Option in iOS Beta
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(00:41:22)
  • Key Takeaway: iOS Beta 26.1 introduced a ‘Liquid Glass Tint’ setting, allowing users to switch the display opacity from clear to a frosted, near-opaque state.
  • Summary: A new setting in the iOS beta allows users to toggle the ‘Liquid Glass Tint,’ which changes the display from fully clear to a frosted look similar to older iOS versions. This feature is located in the main Display settings, not accessibility, leading to speculation about whether it is intended for battery saving or visual preference. The hosts suggested testing the battery life difference between the clear and tinted modes.
AWS Outage Impact
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(00:50:42)
  • Key Takeaway: The AWS outage caused personal device failures, including Eight Sleep tracking errors and smart bed functionality loss.
  • Summary: The AWS outage was noticed by one host when their Eight Sleep tracker failed to record the first half of their sleep. Smart beds relying on AWS for features like reclining or temperature control became stuck on their last setting. The outage also affected services like Slack, Frame.io, and Reddit, leading to widespread user frustration.
Aura Color E-Ink Frame
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(00:57:38)
  • Key Takeaway: Aura released a new wireless Color E-Ink photo frame utilizing Spectra 6 technology with a three-month battery life.
  • Summary: The new Aura frame features a 13.3-inch color E-Ink panel and a built-in battery, allowing it to be hung without a visible wire. Its low power draw, enabled by E-Ink, allows for wireless operation, though the display technology results in limited color fidelity compared to LCDs. By default, the frame updates its image only once per day to conserve power.
Vision Pro M5 Update Analysis
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(01:06:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The M5 chip update was limited to the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, suggesting a lack of immediate commitment to the headset’s future direction.
  • Summary: The M5 chip was introduced in the M4 iPad Pro and M4 MacBook Pro, but only the base 14-inch MacBook Pro received the M5 upgrade, while the 16-inch models retained Pro/Max chips. The Vision Pro received the M5, enabling minor improvements like slightly longer battery life (up to 3 hours) and better rendering, alongside a new $99 counterweighted dual-band strap for improved comfort.
Pixel Super Fans Beta Test
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(01:17:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Google is testing unreleased Pixel devices with 15 ‘Pixel Super fans’ under strict NDA and protective casing requirements.
  • Summary: Google selected 15 loyal Pixel fans to beta test new hardware, requiring them to sign NDAs and use protective cases to conceal the design. This program functions as specialized, enthusiast-driven Quality Assurance (QA) testing, as applicants who identify as press or bloggers are excluded. The selection criteria prioritize depth of knowledge and passion for Google devices.
Starlink Satellite Deployment
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(01:24:18)
  • Key Takeaway: SpaceX has launched over 10,000 Starlink satellites, raising concerns about orbital debris and atmospheric pollution from re-entry.
  • Summary: Of the 10,000 Starlink satellites launched, approximately 8,608 are currently operational, with the rest having de-orbited due to their five-year lifespan. The burning up of aluminum from these re-entries creates aluminum oxide, which is noted as potentially harmful to the ozone layer. The sheer volume of satellites highlights the lack of governance in low Earth orbit, raising concerns about Kessler syndrome.