iPhone 17 Models Susceptible to Noticeable Scratches

Key Points

• Scratches: Early users have reported noticeable scratches on specific iPhone 17 models, particularly the Deep Blue and Space Black versions.
• Testing: A popular YouTube channel demonstrated the iPhone 17 Pro scratching easily with common objects like keys and coins.
• Material Choice: The switch from titanium back to aluminum may contribute to the increased visibility of scratches on these devices.
• Case Usage: Many users may not experience this issue due to the common use of protective cases.

Early shoppers are taking to the web to warn about the potentially scratch-prone nature of specific iPhone 17 model and color combos. According to a Bloomberg report, those demoing the latest iPhone in-store noticed that the iPhone 17 Pro in Deep Blue and the iPhone Air in Space Black models already had very noticeable scratches and scuffs. The report is backed up by social media posts following the release, where users recorded display models with residual marks from being used with a MagSafe charger and showed off photos of the back camera housing with chipped edges.

What did JerryRigEverything find in their iPhone 17 tests?

In a video by JerryRigEverything, the YouTuber puts the iPhone 17 models to the test with razor blades, coins, and keys. The video highlights the edges of the iPhone 17 Pro‘s back camera housing as particularly prone to scuffing since the colored aluminum oxide layer from the anodization process tends not to stick to sharp corners.

However, the YouTuber also purposely marked up the iPhone 17 Pro blue model’s camera plateau itself and the phone’s back, which showed clear scratches that were easily wiped off. This indicates that while the iPhone 17 models are prone to scratches, they can be cleaned easily.

Why are the scratches on the iPhone 17 models so noticeable?

The visibility of the scratches could be attributed to Apple’s decision to switch back from the iPhone 16 Pro‘s titanium chassis to aluminum, which is known to be susceptible to marking. However, all of these scratches are cosmetic and won’t affect how these latest iPhones function.

Many iPhone buyers may not even run into this issue at all, considering a majority of owners use a case.