Premium smartphones shouldn’t look battle-tested within hours of unboxing, yet iPhone 17 Pro owners worldwide are discovering visible scratches before their honeymoon period ends. The issue—quickly dubbed “Scratchgate” by frustrated buyers—primarily affects the stunning deep blue Pro and Pro Max models, where even gentle contact with keys or coins leaves permanent marks. The $1,500 device starts showing wear faster than a TikTok trend loses steam.
The problem traces back to Apple’s design gamble: switching from last year’s resilient titanium back to anodized aluminum for aesthetic reasons. While the aluminum coating provides impressive scratch resistance on flat surfaces, it becomes vulnerable at sharp edges—particularly around the camera module where the protective oxide layer can’t be effectively applied. This design choice prioritizes angular aesthetics over practical durability.
Social Media Amplifies the Problem
Global complaints and expert testing confirm widespread durability concerns.
The backlash spread faster than Apple could damage-control, with the Scratchgate hashtag garnering over 40 million views on Weibo alone. Independent durability expert Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything confirmed what users suspected: the aluminum edges scratch easily, and darker finishes like deep blue and black make every blemish painfully visible. Even MagSafe chargers leave faint circular impressions on the rear panel, adding insult to injury for wireless charging enthusiasts.
Reports flooded in from Apple Stores across:
- New York
- London
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
Display units and retail demo phones showed visible scuffs within 2-4 hours of customer handling.
Sales Stay Strong Despite Aesthetic Complaints
Multi-week wait times suggest buyers aren’t deterred by scratch reports.
Despite the durability drama, iPhone 17 Pro demand remains robust. Wait times stretch several weeks for popular configurations, though some buyers are reportedly reconsidering their orders after encountering scratch complaints online. Apple has maintained radio silence on the issue, offering no official statement about the issue or potential solutions.
Your move depends on priorities: if pristine aesthetics matter more than Apple’s latest features, consider waiting for potential finish improvements or investing in a quality case from day one. The cameras and performance deliver as promised—the aluminum just needs protection your old titanium iPhone never required.
