Wave of Complaints Against Apple Over iPhone 17 Pro’s Scratch Sensitivity
Users and tech reviewers report that Apple's new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are highly prone to scratches, especially on the new orange and blue finishes, prompting the company to issue a formal response five days after launch.
It has become a tradition with every new Apple release: just days after hitting the market, reports begin circulating online about various problems and defects.
Each year, the issues differ — poor antenna placement, yellow-tinted screens, bending devices, overheating, and more.
As expected, the launch of the new iPhone 17 series has not been smooth either.
Users and journalists report that the 'Pro' and 'Pro Max' models are particularly sensitive to scratches that remove the color from the back panel, especially in the new orange and blue finishes.
Prominent tech bloggers like Zack Nelson and testing sites such as iFixit examined these claims by lightly rubbing keys or coins on the devices, confirming that the area around the rear camera array is indeed very prone to scratching.
This year, iPhone 17 models feature a new rear camera design: instead of the traditional square bump on one side, the lenses are now housed within a rectangular module stretching across nearly the entire width of the phone.
The design was well-received among Apple fans, but according to Nelson, the aluminum coating on the new iPhones does not adhere well to the sharp corners of the raised rectangle, making those edges especially vulnerable.
Experts explain that Apple uses a process called 'anodic coating' to color the aluminum body.
The frame is dipped in an acid bath with an electric current, creating a 'transparent' layer that can then be dyed.
Because anodic coatings are less effective on sharp edges, even minor contact can lead to visible scratches.
In parallel with these reports, customers worldwide have shared photos of Apple Store display units showing visibly scratched backs.
Apple took five days after the retail launch to issue a response.
The company maintains that the paint durability of iPhone 17 models is comparable to its other aluminum products.
In general, Apple asserts that the new series is particularly durable, thanks to the 'Ceramic Shield 2' glass and lightweight aluminum body, which also allows for better internal heat dissipation.
According to Apple, the camera module corners underwent 'rigorous testing,' and users should expect to see normal wear over time.
Regarding the 'scratch-like marks' seen on display units, Apple insists they are not scratches at all but rather 'material transfer' from worn-out 'MagSafe' mounts used for wireless charging in stores — residue that can be wiped off with a cloth.
The company added that this issue has been observed in previous models as well and that it has instructed its retail and partner stores to replace aging MagSafe mounts.
Apple emphasizes that these marks do not constitute actual damage.
Apple is known for routinely denying or downplaying system bugs and hardware defects, and seasoned users tend to treat such statements skeptically — more like those of a market salesman than a trustworthy manufacturer.
The company similarly maintains that its devices are safe from spyware, even though tens of thousands of Apple devices worldwide are known to contain commercial spyware capable of easily extracting all user data.
Each year, the issues differ — poor antenna placement, yellow-tinted screens, bending devices, overheating, and more.
As expected, the launch of the new iPhone 17 series has not been smooth either.
Users and journalists report that the 'Pro' and 'Pro Max' models are particularly sensitive to scratches that remove the color from the back panel, especially in the new orange and blue finishes.
Prominent tech bloggers like Zack Nelson and testing sites such as iFixit examined these claims by lightly rubbing keys or coins on the devices, confirming that the area around the rear camera array is indeed very prone to scratching.
This year, iPhone 17 models feature a new rear camera design: instead of the traditional square bump on one side, the lenses are now housed within a rectangular module stretching across nearly the entire width of the phone.
The design was well-received among Apple fans, but according to Nelson, the aluminum coating on the new iPhones does not adhere well to the sharp corners of the raised rectangle, making those edges especially vulnerable.
Experts explain that Apple uses a process called 'anodic coating' to color the aluminum body.
The frame is dipped in an acid bath with an electric current, creating a 'transparent' layer that can then be dyed.
Because anodic coatings are less effective on sharp edges, even minor contact can lead to visible scratches.
In parallel with these reports, customers worldwide have shared photos of Apple Store display units showing visibly scratched backs.
Apple took five days after the retail launch to issue a response.
The company maintains that the paint durability of iPhone 17 models is comparable to its other aluminum products.
In general, Apple asserts that the new series is particularly durable, thanks to the 'Ceramic Shield 2' glass and lightweight aluminum body, which also allows for better internal heat dissipation.
According to Apple, the camera module corners underwent 'rigorous testing,' and users should expect to see normal wear over time.
Regarding the 'scratch-like marks' seen on display units, Apple insists they are not scratches at all but rather 'material transfer' from worn-out 'MagSafe' mounts used for wireless charging in stores — residue that can be wiped off with a cloth.
The company added that this issue has been observed in previous models as well and that it has instructed its retail and partner stores to replace aging MagSafe mounts.
Apple emphasizes that these marks do not constitute actual damage.
Apple is known for routinely denying or downplaying system bugs and hardware defects, and seasoned users tend to treat such statements skeptically — more like those of a market salesman than a trustworthy manufacturer.
The company similarly maintains that its devices are safe from spyware, even though tens of thousands of Apple devices worldwide are known to contain commercial spyware capable of easily extracting all user data.
