New iPhone 17 models with dark or bright finishes are scratching too easily, prompting users to call the issue “Scratchgate”.
It has been less than a week since customers began using the newly released iPhone 17 series, yet complaints about durability have already flooded social media channels. Many users are saying the phones are losing their shine far sooner than expected.
A phenomenon now being called “Scratchgate” has emerged with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max—especially in units with darker or more vibrant finishes. Even display models shown to the public reportedly showed damage within hours. The issue is not limited to just one variation; the black version of the iPhone Air is also mentioned in reports.
What Is “Scratchgate” Exactly?
“Scratchgate” refers to tiny but noticeable scratches on the aluminium frame of the affected iPhone 17 devices. Some users claim that simply keeping the phone in a pocket with coins or keys can cause visible abrasions. These scratches expose the raw silver aluminium beneath the finish, which is particularly obvious against colours like Deep Blue or Cosmic Orange.
Display units of iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, showcased in cities like New York and Hong Kong, reportedly developed such surface damage mere hours after being placed on display. Apple’s MagSafe charger has even been blamed by some users for leaving circular marks on the finish.
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Which Models & Colours Are Most Affected?
According to user reports and tech-journalism sources:
The Pro and Pro Max variants, especially in Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue, are most prone to visible scratches.
The iPhone Air in Space Black is also being flagged frequently.
Lighter finishes like silver show scratches too, but the contrast is less severe, making the damage less noticeable.
Why It’s Happening
Tech analysts believe that the anodised aluminium finish is a core factor behind the issue. This finishing method adds a coloured outer layer over aluminium; once that layer is scratched off, the silver aluminium base becomes exposed. Colours with stronger contrast make these scratches more obvious.
In addition, certain design choices seem to exacerbate the problem. The camera bump housing on the Pro models uses sharp corners rather than rounded edges, making the edges more prone to chipping. This defect appears to be permanent; once the anodised layer is damaged, it can’t restore itself over time.
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What Users Are Saying & What You Can Do
Many users expressed disappointment online. One user noted that just a few minutes in a pocket with keys caused visible damage. Others compared their older iPhones—without cases—to the new ones, claiming they never had such issues before.
The only practical solution for now is protective: using a case immediately to safeguard the phone’s frame and back panel. While that may detract slightly from the aesthetic appeal, it seems to be the most effective workaround at present.