Just days after the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max hit store shelves, a wave of user reports and social media outcry has surfaced, documenting surprisingly easy scratching on the premium devices. Termed 'Scratchgate', the issue affects both the deep blue and space black variants, with visible scuffs appearing on the aluminum frame and the new Ceramic Shield back glass – even on pristine demo units in Apple Stores from New York to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London.

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  • Early Evidence and User Outcry: Bloomberg reported customers finding scratches on display models immediately after launch. The hashtag related to the scratches became a top trending topic on China's Weibo, amassing over 40 million views. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube have flooded feeds with images and videos showcasing the susceptibility of the new finishes.
  • Material Science Under the Microscope: The root cause appears linked to significant material changes in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. While the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro models used a titanium frame – prized for its strength but known to get warm – Apple switched to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro series. Aluminum dissipates heat more effectively but is inherently softer and more prone to surface marks. Furthermore, Apple extended its Ceramic Shield technology, previously only on the front display, to the entire back glass on the Pro models. While touted for impact resistance, these Ceramic Shield backs, especially in darker hues like Deep Blue Titanium and Air Space Black, are showing visible scratches and even circular marks attributed to MagSafe charger alignment.
  • Testing and Verification: Tech reviewers quickly put the claims to the test. Popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything demonstrated that while the camera lenses (protected by harder Gorilla Glass) resisted scratches, the surrounding camera plateau and the aluminum frame were easily marked. Crucially, he noted that some scratches on the Ceramic Shield back could be wiped away, suggesting they might be surface-level marks on a coating rather than deep glass scratches. However, CultofMac countered this, stating they observed deeper, permanent scratches on multiple in-store demo units that couldn't be removed with a microfiber cloth.
    > "Scratches appear on models still on display in-store... Apple's MagSafe charger is also apparently leaving a visible circular mark on the backs of iPhone 17 Pro models." - Bloomberg
  • Historical Context and Apple's Silence: This isn't Apple's first encounter with material controversies. 'Antennagate' plagued the iPhone 4 due to signal loss when held a certain way, and 'Bendgate' affected the structurally weaker iPhone 6 Plus. The emergence of 'Scratchgate' places renewed focus on the trade-offs inherent in material choices for thin, high-performance devices. Apple has not yet issued an official statement regarding the user reports.
  • The Unavoidable Solution: Regardless of the cause or eventual official response from Apple, the practical advice for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners remains unequivocal: use a case and a screen protector. A quality case provides essential protection for the vulnerable aluminum frame and the Ceramic Shield back against everyday abrasions, drops, and impacts. For those wanting to showcase the device's design, clear cases offer visibility while adding a crucial layer of defense. Removing the case for cleaning should be done with care on a soft surface. This incident starkly underscores that while smartphone materials evolve, the fundamental vulnerability to everyday wear and tear persists, making protection not just advisable, but necessary for preserving the device's appearance and value long-term.
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Caption: Nina Raemont/ZDNET