iPhone 17 Scratchgate Controversy: Did Apple Disappoint Users?
For smartphone lovers, every new iPhone launch is a celebration. Every year, people eagerly await the new models, but this time, Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 series has encountered a problem that users have dubbed the “iPhone 17 scratchgate controversy.” In just a few weeks, new iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air users have started noticing scratches on their devices. These scratches are mostly visible on sharp edges around the camera island, and this has sparked a major debate on social media.
iPhone 17 Scratchgate Controversy: The Story Begins
When Apple released the iPhone 17 Pro and the Pro Max, people initially thought these handsets to be robust regarding durability and design. But the ground reality was different. Many customers and tech experts are saying that the devices are scratching more easily than expected. This issue is most visible in the Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Space Black variants. Popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything said in his video that the problem is related to the corners of the anodized aluminum coating, which are not sticking properly.
Technology experts assert that the issue largely lies in Apple’s design. They retained pointed edges to give the phone a sleek and cool appearance, without incorporating chamfers or rounded corners. The design appears contemporary, but has turned out to be a nightmare for users. If you store your iPhone 17 Pro alongside coins or keys in the same pocket, scratches are virtually guaranteed, and the highest damage is witnessed near the camera island.
iPhone 17 Scratchgate Controversy and Apple’s Response
When the news started going viral, Bloomberg reported that scratches were noticed on display models in Apple’s official stores within just a few hours. Even MagSafe charger marks appeared on the back panel.
Apple clarified that the marks visible on the display units are not actual scratches but “material transfer” caused by worn-out MagSafe stands. Apple says they can be easily cleaned and removed, and a similar issue was also noticed on earlier iPhone 16 models. However, users say the scratches are permanent and won’t go away with cleaning.
Apple also stated that the anodized aluminum finish on the camera island is the same as that on its MacBooks or older iPhone models. According to them, this is “normal wear and tear” that occurs on every device over time. However, independent experts like iFixit believe the problem is due to the sharp camera bump design, where the anodization becomes uneven.
Scratchgate: Is it just for the Pro models?
The iPhone 17 scratchgate controversy isn’t limited to the Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Reports suggest that the Space Black version of the iPhone Air is also highly vulnerable to scratches. The problem is most visible in dark and vibrant finishes like Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange, as the silver aluminum underneath is instantly visible after a scratch. Silver or light finishes also suffer scratches, but they aren’t as noticeable.
Display models placed in cities like New York and Hong Kong also began developing marks within just a few hours, clearly pointing to a design and finishing flaw.
User Reaction and Possible Solutions
User frustration is clearly visible on social media. One user wrote that leaving their iPhone 17 Pro in a pocket with keys for just a few minutes resulted in noticeable scratches. Other users compared how their older iPhones, without a case, remained protected for years, but newer models are experiencing problems immediately.
For now, the expert advice is simple – use a protective case for your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. This is the only way to prevent scratches, even if it slightly compromises the phone’s original premium look. But driving without a case has become a risky option, especially for those who are sensitive to scratches.
Will Apple be able to overcome this controversy?
The iPhone 17 scratchgate scandal might be just a small cosmetic problem for Apple, but it might end up being a huge hit to the image of the brand. When customers spend lakhs of rupees to purchase a high-end flagship phone, they want the product to be perfect. However, if a fresh iPhone begins developing scratches after a few weeks, consumers are sure to feel disappointed.
The actual question now is whether or not Apple will address this controversy seriously and have a solution up their sleeves—like a repair capability, a replacement policy, or a forthcoming redesign—that they can share, or whether the company will sidestep it by deeming it as “normal wear and tear.”
Disclaimer:
This article has been written for informational purposes only. The details given in it are based on social media, news reports, expert opinions and user feedback. We are not targeting any brand or any company. Therefore, after reading the article, the reader should make his own decision before buying or using any product.
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