An unexpected incident among gadget enthusiasts in China has sparked wide discussion — a customer examining the new iPhone 17 Pro in a store accidentally dropped it and was forced to pay a fine.
The incident did not occur in an official Apple Store but in a private retail outlet. According to witnesses, after viewing the device, the man tried to put it back on the display stand but accidentally dropped it onto the table. The fall, from about 5 centimeters high, left a small dent on the smartphone’s body.
Store employees considered it “product damage” and charged the customer a compensation fee of 200 yuan (around 27 USD). Although the man insisted it was an accident, the administration demanded payment.
“The main thing — it wasn’t an Apple Store”
The case quickly became a topic of heated debate. Technology blogger Romansev commented:
“The main thing is, it didn’t happen in an Apple Store. Apple is greedy, but not to that extent. The incident occurred in a private retail shop, and such cases could affect customer turnout.”
Many social media users called the fine “unfair” and criticized the store’s attitude toward customers.
The new iPhone’s material issue
On September 9, 2025, Apple introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max. This year’s flagships differ significantly in design — instead of titanium, the devices now feature a solid aluminum body.
However, the material has divided users: some praise its lightness and smooth texture, while others complain it scratches and deforms easily.
Several early buyers wrote on social media that “the phone’s body quickly shows marks when used without a case.” This raised questions about the durability of Apple’s new aluminum build.
Carelessness in China comes with a cost
Chinese stores often have special demo setups requiring careful handling of devices. Yet this incident shows that even accidental damage to store property can lead to financial liability.
Analysts believe the case won’t reduce interest in Apple products but may push retailers to reconsider how they treat their customers.
Thus, the new iPhone 17 has become not only a symbol of innovation but also a reminder about retail culture and user responsibility.
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