Buyer Backlash After iPhone 17 Scratches

Early buyers report that their phones are getting scratched up almost immediately — sometimes even before they leave a store — driving complaints and customer regret higher. “Scratchgate,” as it has been tagged on social, is fast becoming an avalanche of related posts and discussion now centered around specific colors or finishes that seem particularly prone.

Reports Suggest Dark Finishes and Store Handling

“People openly sharing new devices with hairline marks/scuffs on them,” via screenshots. But since then, multiple people have shared images of tiny scratches to the back, which are constantly coating tech sites like black-lacquered KitKats and Dyson’s fan/my first vape combo. @haeme_bear: “Scratches within a few days have never been more apparent than on this iPhone Air | Can’t stand paying for that iPhone 17 Pro Max in Deep Blue?” Bloomberg has heard similar accounts in major retail corridors, and some owners say circular impressions also surface after MagSafe chargers have been used, resembling the ring marks of previous generations.

Some complaints say that micro-scratches were visible upon pickup, indicating they may arise during in-store handling or from friction against packaging. Some others have said that they noticed scuffs within a matter of days, even with “careful” use. The extent of the problem is up in the air, but it’s not a great look for a flagship commanding top dollar. Apple has not responded to a request for comment.

Why This Could Be Happening With Certain iPhone 17 Finishes

It’s probably the material and color you chose, in collusion. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has drawn attention to the iPhone 17 Pro line’s anodized aluminum frame as a possible culprit. A dark anodized finish can also have the annoying effect of making minor scratches show up more easily: the anodized layer is hard but thin, and when a mark or scratch penetrates to the dye or additional metal underneath, that contrast makes the imperfection stand out.

There’s a change in expectation, as well: the past two Pro generations have leaned into titanium, which tends to resist surface wear better than aluminum does. Now stir in the grit and grime of everyday life — real-world sand, even, which can mar tempered or chemically strengthened glass up to about Mohs level 6 — and pocket lint becomes a plausible villain. Durability tests show already that modern smartphone glass still marks at levels 6–7, even with things like Apple’s Ceramic Shield.

MagSafe could exacerbate the issue if dust is between the charger puck and phone. Even very small particles can form a narrow, minor ring over time. Owners who install and uninstall accessories often should take care to get both the puck surface and phone surface cleaned.

History Has Rhymed Before With Dark iPhone Finishes

Apple has faced accusations of cosmetic wear before. The “Jet Black” iPhone 7 came with a footnote suggesting you wear it with a case to prevent “micro-abrasions,” and darker aluminum finishes on previous non-Pro models have been quicker to scuff than lighter ones. The same kind of chatter appeared over the years, in its turn, about space gray and midnight finishes on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watch aluminum cases.

None of this necessarily indicates a manufacturing defect in the iPhone 17, but it does highlight how finish and color choices shape what it is like to own something. Black, matte, and deep-dyed surfaces may wear a bit more under bright light.

What Buyers Can Do Now To Prevent Early Scratches

• Inspect at pickup. If you’re buying in person, check the back, frame edges, and camera housing before gripping your new toy. If you notice marks, request another on the spot. For internet orders, inspect immediately and return as necessary; Apple’s standard policy is that exchanges can be made at any time during the initial window for returns, but purely cosmetic issues may be judged on a case-by-case basis by staff.
• Case up early. A thin case or cover also greatly reduces contact scuffing. If you’re a MagSafe user, do your best to keep both the phone and charging pad free of debris; a cursory wipe with a microfiber cloth before putting the two together helps. Choose a protective ring or film in the MagSafe field to avoid any visible circle over time.
• Mind the pockets. Phones and keys don’t mix. And even a single grain of sand can leave behind subtle etchings that become apparent from some angles. Routine cleanings using a lint-free cloth, and avoiding abrasive cleaners, help maintain coatings more effectively.

Why It Matters: Perception, Value and Policy

More than for looks, visible wear impacts trade-in value. Recommerce sites rate devices for cosmetics; a drop from “Like New” to “Good” because of scuffs can have real implications in the amount paid out. That stings for shoppers who buy Pro models in part because of their long-term resale value.

If Apple deems this a materials or finishing issue, it can tweak anodizing procedures, packaging, or issue guidance to retailers about how to handle the phones less before purchase. In previous cycles, Apple has subtly altered final tooling in mid-production when real-world usage revealed edge cases. Even a brief support note endorsing best-care practices — something like past guidance on dark finishes — would go a long way to establishing a baseline.

Bottom Line For iPhone 17 Owners and Prospective Buyers

The iPhone 17 is still a potent hit, but early scratch whinging underscores a familiar struggle between chic aesthetics and everyday durability. Until there’s clarity coming from Apple, potential buyers who value pristine hardware should inspect before they buy, case up from day one, and keep MagSafe and pockets free of grit — especially if dark finishes are in their sights.