Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 series has come under scrutiny following reports of visible scratches on display units of the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the Black iPhone Air. The issue surfaced within hours of the devices hitting retail stores across major cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, and New York.
Customers and reviewers observed scuffs and blemishes on demo units, raising concerns about the durability of Apple’s latest design. The company had touted a return to an aluminum unibody frame with an enhanced scratch-resistant finish, but early feedback suggests that darker-colored models may be particularly prone to surface damage. Social media platforms, especially China’s Weibo, saw the issue trend rapidly, with related hashtags garnering over 40 million views.
The scratches are reportedly more prominent on the Deep Blue variants of the Pro models, which feature anodized aluminum—a material known to show wear more visibly. The Black iPhone Air also exhibited similar vulnerability, despite its titanium frame and Ceramic Shield back. Some users noted that Apple’s MagSafe charger could leave circular marks on the back of the Pro models.
Industry analysts have drawn parallels to previous Apple controversies, such as “Scuffgate” with the iPhone 5, “Bendgate” with the iPhone 6, and antenna issues with the iPhone 4. While Apple has not officially responded to the latest complaints, the company continues to face questions about the real-world resilience of its devices.
Despite the backlash, demand for the iPhone 17 series remains strong across Asia. In Hong Kong, walk-in purchases were limited to the iPhone Air, while Pro and Pro Max models were available only via online orders, with shipping estimates extending up to four weeks. Similar delays were reported in mainland China, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
The iPhone 17 lineup marks Apple’s first major physical redesign in years and is central to its strategy amid increasing competition and the rollout of AI-integrated features. Whether the reported scratches represent isolated incidents or a broader manufacturing concern remains to be seen.
