iPhone 17 and scratches: what happens, why it happens, and what to do

With the arrival of the new iPhone 17, more and more users are sharing images of premature marks and scratches in the casing, especially in the Pro and Pro Max models. Photos and testimonies are multiplying on social networks, where they are described Scratches on the back and camera block after minimal use.

The issue has sparked debate about the actual durability of the device: for many, the camera module design and material change would be key to the emergence of these brands; others point to possible quality control problems in certain runs or specific finishes.

What's happening with iPhone 17 scratches?

In China, one of Apple's most demanding markets, they circulated on Weibo thousands of posts with photos iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models have been marked up, with viral tags having tens of millions of views. Retailers in Shanghai and Hong Kong say they've seen similar signs on display units.

Some buyers claim to have found microscratches when removing the phone from the box, while others detected them after placing it on the table a couple of times. The coincidence of cases has led to questions about whether there is a problem with the finish or whether handling during transport and display played a greater role than expected.

Without official data to determine its scope, the phenomenon already has a nickname on social media: ScratchgateAlthough the term is striking, it should be interpreted with caution until the origin of the marks and whether they affect specific series or colors are clarified.

Design, materials and why they are marked

La Pro generation has gone from titanium to aluminum unibody chassis, a decision linked to the new vapor chamber for heat dissipation. The thermal result is better - there is talk of reductions close to 10 ºC at peaks— but aluminum, due to its lower hardness, shows microabrasions earlier.

The camera block, now more prominent, raises the support of the phone and makes it so that, when placed on surfaces, contact sensitive areas of the frame and back. In repeated supports, Any particle of dust or sand acts like sandpaper and leaves fine marks quickly.

Another point to consider is the charging ecosystem: wireless bases and chargers MagSafe may leave visible rings if dirt is trapped or the surface is abrasive.It's not so much the accessory itself, but the friction with particles that come between the glass and the magnetic ring.

In parallel, the iPhone Air It uses a titanium frame and a Ceramic Shield back, but some models come in dark colors. have also shown microscratchesThis suggests that not everything depends on the material: the finish and tone of the surface make a difference in what is seen with the naked eye.

More sensitive colors and models

The dark finishes, such as Deep Blue on the Pro and Space Black on the Air, They tend to highlight microabrasions more than light tones.. On Silver or paler colors, the markings exist, but they are better camouflaged to the naked eye due to the reduced contrast..

We also need to put into context the mistreatment that display devices receive: they are tested by thousands of people, supported without care, and often, abrasive dust accumulates on the surface. However, the appearance of marks on newly opened equipment has set off alarm bells.

Apple has dealt with aesthetic controversies before—from the iPhone 7's Jet Black to the normal wear and tear of aluminum on laptops—and Experience shows that color and finish have as much influence as the composition of the material..

What Apple says and how to protect your phone

For now, Apple has not issued a statement confirming a manufacturing defect. Sources in the retail channel in China indicate that the company collects information to distinguish between wear and tear, finish issues, and potentially affected batches.

While official responses arrive, there are simple measures that work: place a cover from day one, avoid dragging your phone across tables, clean dust and grit before charging with MagSafe, and do not place it on rough surfaces.

For those seeking official protection, Apple cases are not cheap: the technical braided one with MagSafe It costs 69 €, while the transparent or silicone ones are around € 59The third-party market offers alternatives at all price points, including camera and rear protectors.

If you prefer to use it “au naturel”, it is a good idea to rest the phone on a soft surface, Avoid contact with metal objects and assume that microabrasions are part of daily use., especially in dark finishes; consult how to beautify iPhone.

The conversation about scratches on the iPhone 17 mixes design factors, materials and usage habits: there are early reports, the dark tones They make it more visible and Apple's official position is missing.With basic care and a suitable cover, the risk of marks is significantly reduced.