Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup has hardly started reaching customers yet, and controversy is already brewing.
Reports from Bloomberg and Consomac suggest that some iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air display models in Apple Stores are showing scratches and scuffs, and it’s raising eyebrows.
The issue seems especially noticeable on the darker finishes. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in Deep Blue and the iPhone Air in Space Black appear to pick up marks more easily than lighter models. Shiny colors look great on launch day, but as history has shown, darker coatings often reveal scratches more clearly.
Why Scratches are Showing Up So Soon
Part of the explanation comes down to materials. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro’s titanium and glass combo, the iPhone 17 Pro uses an aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield sections.
Aluminum, while lighter, is also softer than titanium, making it more vulnerable to cosmetic damage. The iPhone Air does stick with titanium, but even its new ultra-thin design seems to leave the darker finish exposed.
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Of course, display models in Apple Stores aren’t exactly pampered. Shoppers tap, swipe, and sometimes drop them with little regard. That means these early scratches might not represent what most buyers will experience. Still, it’s a reminder that a sleek finish doesn’t always stay pristine.
The Takeaway
Whether this turns into a full-blown “Scratchgate” or just a launch-week talking point remains to be seen.
If you’re planning to buy one of these new iPhones, it might be smart to consider a lighter color, or invest in a case on day one. After all, nobody wants their brand-new $1,000 phone looking worn out before the first software update lands.
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