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Some unlucky customers are finding scratches on the backs of their new iPhone 17s—and in some cases, the new iPhones are reportedly getting scratched before they even leave the store.
According to Bloomberg, the scratches are showing up on Deep Blue versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, in Apple Stores from New York and Hong Kong to Shanghai and London. Meanwhile, the black iPhone Air is also allegedly prone to scratching, while the magnetic MagSafe charger can sometimes leave a circular mark on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro.
Social media reports have surfaced that seem to independently back up the claims, with users taking to platforms like X to voice their displeasure about the condition of their devices. Apple has yet to officially comment on the reports or what could be causing the issue.
One user called the new iPhone Air “literally a scratch magnet.” Another dubbed the issue “Scratchgate,” calling the trend “disappointing,” comparing the iPhone 17’s resilience negatively with his old iPhone 13. Another even posted a screencap of him cancelling his $1,500 order for the iPhone 17 Pro Max Deep Blue. Meanwhile, many other users are advising their peers to ensure that they are using a phone case.
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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman attributes the issues found on the 17 Pro’s Deep Blue variant to its “anodized” aluminum frame. Recent Pro models used titanium, which is more durable than other metals like steel or aluminum, though it can run hot. Gurman points out that dark aluminum iPhone models in prior years, such as 2022’s iPhone 14, had a similar issue. He thinks this may be why there’s no black version of the iPhone 17.
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I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.
I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.
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