Sep 22, 2025 11:29:00

Some say the iPhone 17 series is prone to scratches

There have been many complaints that the

iPhone 17 series, which was released on September 19, 2025, scratches easily. Some users have even reported that scratches appeared before the product was even opened.

Apple iPhone 17 Shoppers Notice Scratches on Latest Models - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-19/chinese-iphone-buyers-complain-of-scratches-on-new-pro-models?leadSource=reddit_wall

iPhone 17s Are Getting Scratched. Buyers Aren't Happy | PCMag
https://www.pcmag.com/news/iphone-17s-are-getting-scratched-buyers-arent-happy

Bloomberg reporters visited Apple Stores in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London and found scratches on the 'Deep Blue' iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, all of which had only been on display for a few hours.

One user picked up the display unit and reported that it was 'scratched.'

@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!

My iPhone 13 Pro Max has been without a case and there are NO scratches at all… pic.twitter.com/toWqY2Osv2
— Amar Singh🔹 (@amisecured) September 19, 2025

There are small scratches on the 'Deep Blue' iPhone 17 Pro Max.

In China, it was also reported that the 'silver' model on display had scratches.

Can't believe the iPhone 17 Pro demo units in stores are already scratched up. Didn't take long at all. 🤔
pic.twitter.com/0qxSD25lit
— Safari✈️ (@update4weekly) September 18, 2025

Bloomberg also reports that 'Apple's magnetic MagSafe charger may leave a visible circular mark on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro.'

Social media users have begun calling the phenomenon 'scratchgate.'

Bloomberg reports that the aluminum Apple used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max housings is known to be prone to scratches, with scratches being particularly noticeable on dark-colored devices. Recent Pro models prior to the iPhone 17 series used titanium housings, which are more durable than other metals like stainless steel and aluminum but have the disadvantage of being prone to heat buildup. Bloomberg also reports that previous dark-colored aluminum iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14 released in 2022, have also been prone to scratches.