iPhone 17 Pro scratches spark online controversy days after launch

Users of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro are reporting scratches and chips on the new device just days after the model's release, with posts circulating on social media under the hashtag #Scratchgate. The online chatter centers on photos and anecdotes from early buyers who say the marks appear quickly on the flagship model, which starts at £1,099 or $1,099.

Attention is focused on the Pro versions after Apple swapped titanium for an aluminium frame, and buyers have flagged damage on the back Ceramic Shield as well as the frame itself. One post from Hong Kong shows a white chip along the outer edge of the Cosmic Orange variant, prompting the user to question the robustness of a premium product. Posts from other regions describe chips and scuffs across multiple units, with some buyers noting that Apple Stores may be reluctant to replace devices with such damage.

The issue has broadened into a wider discussion about durability on premium smartphones. The Ceramic Shield back, which integrates ceramic nanocrystals into the glass, is marketed as tougher than conventional glass but is not impervious to impact. In social feeds, critics point to the Pro line's use of aluminum for the frame and to visible blemishes on the back panel, while supporters note that a high-end device may experience wear from everyday use.

Tech commentators and creators have weighed in as well. In a widely viewed scratch-test video, YouTuber JerryRigEverything suggests that protective cases are advisable for the iPhone 17 Pro, describing the observed chipping as a real concern for users who handle the device daily. He demonstrates how the rectangular camera bar on the back can be nicked with coins or keys, while noting that the devices resist bending to a notable degree. He adds that avoiding chips altogether may be difficult without a case.

Beyond the Pro line, Apple released the rest of its iPhone 17 family on Friday, with the base model starting at £799/$799 and the Pro Max at £1,199/$1,199. The lineup includes a new ultra-slim iPhone Air, positioned alongside a broader product refresh that also introduced Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods incorporate real-time translation features and other enhancements designed to complement the new hardware ecosystem. These additional launches add to the broad consumer demand around Apple’s latest devices, even as customers surface questions about build quality on the top-tier Pro models.

Apple has been contacted for comment on the reports. While the company has not issued a formal recall or policy change, the online chatter underscores ongoing scrutiny of durability standards in premium smartphones, where consumer expectations are high and the price points are elevated. Analysts and industry observers note that the discourse on social media can outpace early official responses, shaping early perceptions of a product’s quality during a critical launch window.