Launch and Initial Reception
Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series on 9 September, with sales officially beginning on 19 September. As expected, the devices were met with strong consumer interest worldwide. Early adopters praised the design, improved performance, and camera enhancements. However, within days of the launch, complaints about the physical durability of the devices began to surface online.
User Complaints Flood Social Media
Hundreds of users have taken to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to share images and videos of their iPhone 17 models showing visible scratches. Reports suggest that the issue affects multiple variants, including the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
One user, posting a video of a scratched iPhone 17 Pro Max, referred to the controversy as “Scratchgate,” drawing parallels with past Apple hardware controversies such as “Bendgate” with the iPhone 6. Another customer described their iPhone 17 Air as a “scratch magnet,” uploading photos that revealed marks on the back of the handset only days after purchase.
These accounts gained traction quickly, with several posts receiving thousands of interactions. For many buyers, the concern is not limited to aesthetics but also to the device’s long-term durability.
Independent Durability Tests Raise Concerns
The complaints have not been confined to social media posts. Tech reviewers and YouTubers have conducted durability tests to investigate the claims further. In one widely viewed video, the iPhone 17 series was subjected to common household items such as knives, coins, keys, screwdrivers, and even lighters.
The findings indicated that the new orange and blue color options for the iPhone 17 Pro models were more prone to scratches than other finishes. This revelation has left many consumers puzzled, given Apple’s claim that the ceramic shield used in these models offers “up to three times better protection against scratches and accidental damage.”
Durability tests have long been part of the ritual whenever a new iPhone launches, but the rapid spread of scratch complaints has heightened scrutiny this time.
Apple’s Silence
As of now, Apple has not issued an official statement regarding the reports. The company typically investigates such issues internally before making any public comments. In previous cases, such as battery concerns or “antenna-gate,” Apple initially remained silent before addressing the matter in detail.
Industry analysts note that Apple’s response—or lack thereof—could influence consumer confidence, especially as the iPhone remains the company’s flagship product, contributing over half of its annual revenue.
Context: Past Controversies
This is not the first time Apple has faced criticism over durability. In 2014, some iPhone 6 Plus devices were found to bend under pressure, sparking the “Bendgate” scandal. Similarly, reports of paint chipping and scratching emerged with the iPhone 7’s glossy Jet Black finish.
Each time, Apple adjusted its designs in subsequent models, but early adopters often bore the brunt of these issues. Experts say the current wave of complaints over the iPhone 17 echoes these past experiences.
What’s Next for Consumers?
For now, users experiencing scratches are left with limited options. Some may be eligible for replacements under warranty if Apple later acknowledges the issue. Others will likely need to rely on protective cases or screen protectors to safeguard their devices.
Retailers and Apple Stores have not yet reported a surge in returns, but consumer advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation. The controversy may also affect future sales if customers perceive the iPhone 17 series as more fragile than promised. Meanwhile, Apple is already working on its next big innovation — a foldable iPhone expected in 2026, which has generated significant buzz in the tech community.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 series has attracted significant attention since its launch, but the growing reports of scratches have cast a shadow over its initial success. While Apple remains silent, users continue to share their frustrations, creating a debate over whether the latest models live up to the company’s durability claims.
Until Apple addresses the matter, the question remains: is the iPhone 17 series truly built to last, or is it another case of style over substance?
