Apple Faces Scratches on New iPhone 17 Pro, Consumers React

Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air, has encountered unexpected durability concerns shortly after its launch. Despite Apple’s assurances of a more robust and scratch-resistant aluminum finish, early reports indicate that certain color variants of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are more susceptible to scratches than anticipated.

Reports from major cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and London highlight visible scuffs on display units of the iPhone 17 Pro, particularly the new deep blue color. The issue is not confined to the Pro models alone; similar complaints have emerged regarding the ultra-thin iPhone Air in black. These blemishes have been noted to appear within hours of handling in retail environments.

As social media discussions gain momentum, consumers in China have been sharing images of the scratches, raising concerns about Apple’s durability claims. While the most prominently affected colors appear to be blue and black, reports also indicate scratches on devices in other colors, suggesting that the issue may stem from the material used rather than just specific color options.

This situation is reminiscent of previous controversies faced by Apple. The “Scuffgate” issue surrounding the iPhone 5 in 2012 involved similar complaints about easily scratched dark aluminum models. Apple has also dealt with problems during product launches, such as “Bendgate” with the iPhone 6 and antenna issues with the iPhone 4.

In a public post on social media, one user expressed disappointment over the scratches observed just a day after acquiring their iPhone 17 Pro, stating, “Use a case immediately if you don’t want to experience this kind of issue. I’m very disappointed with the quality here.”

While it is acknowledged that no phone is completely scratch-proof, the visibility of these blemishes is particularly striking for a brand that emphasizes premium build quality. Some analysts speculate that Apple may have been aware of potential issues, which could explain the absence of a black color option for the Pro models this year.

With the situation still unfolding, it remains unclear whether the scratching problem is widespread or limited to specific units. Early adopters who invested significantly in these new devices are understandably frustrated. Ongoing observations in the coming weeks will determine if this issue is a general concern or isolated incidents tied to certain production batches.

As consumers await further developments, industry watchers will be closely monitoring Apple’s response to these emerging concerns regarding the durability of the iPhone 17 lineup.