Reports have emerged suggesting that certain iPhone 17 models may be more vulnerable to scratches than previous versions. According to Bloomberg, early customers and those testing the devices in-store noticed visible marks on specific colour options. The iPhone 17 Pro in Deep Blue and the iPhone Air in Space Black were highlighted as showing scratches and scuffs more prominently.
These concerns are not limited to retail displays. Social media users have posted images of their devices soon after launch, showing residual marks from MagSafe chargers as well as chipped edges around the back camera housing. This has led to speculation that the materials and finishes used on some of the new models may not be as durable as those in past designs.
@Apple sorry but #Scratchgate is real and very disappointing – a case will help but i reckon even a few minutes without a case in the pocket with keys and the phone is damaged – truly shame on you!
— Amar Singh🔹 (@amisecured) September 19, 2025
My iPhone 13 Pro Max has been without a case and there are NO scratches at all… pic.twitter.com/toWqY2Osv2
Durability tested on video
YouTuber JerryRigEverything, known for testing smartphones under extreme conditions, put the new iPhones through a series of scratch experiments using razor blades, coins and keys. His video showed that the edges of the iPhone 17 Pro’s back camera housing were particularly prone to damage. This was attributed to the anodisation process, where the coloured aluminium oxide layer struggles to bond securely to sharp corners.
The same video demonstrated deliberate scratches on the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro’s camera plateau and the rear panel. Although the marks appeared clear at first, many could be wiped away with relative ease, suggesting that some of the damage was more surface-level than permanent.
Material changes may explain the issue
Industry watchers suggest that Apple’s decision to move away from the titanium frame used on the iPhone 16 Pro may have contributed to the problem. The company has returned to aluminium for the latest generation, a material known to be softer and more susceptible to marking. While the scratches appear to be cosmetic only and do not affect the phone’s performance, their visibility has been enough to draw attention from both reviewers and consumers.
For most users, the issue may prove less significant in practice. A large majority of iPhone owners typically use protective cases, which reduce the likelihood of such marks appearing. Still, the reports highlight the challenges of balancing design, durability and aesthetics in a premium device.
