Caption – Images of iPhone 17 getting scratches are currently circulating online.
Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 lineup is facing scrutiny in China with growing concerns about durability. While Apple promoted the iPhone 17 series as featuring a tougher, scratch-resistant aluminium shell, early real-world usage suggests otherwise.
Reports indicate that the Blue iPhone 17 Pro and the Black iPhone Air are particularly prone to scratches and scuffs, sparking doubts over Apple’s claims. This could also explain why Apple decided against offering a black colour option in this generation. Here’s the complete story.
Shoppers and reviewers in China noticed visible scuffs on display units of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in Apple Stores across Shanghai and Hong Kong. The new Blue finish, in particular, showed scratches within just hours of handling. The iPhone Air, Apple’s ultra-thin model, has also shown similar issues, raising further concerns about durability.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed these findings, stating he observed blemishes on demo units in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and London. French tech blog Consomac also reported seeing scratches on store units, sharing photos that highlight the problem.
Industry experts suggest that the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro is likely vulnerable because of its anodised aluminium frame. Apple’s darker aluminium models in previous years had the same issue, which may be the reason the company avoided releasing a black version this time.
Chinese customers have taken to Weibo, the country’s leading social media platform, to express frustration, with the topic of scratched iPhones quickly going viral. Given that China is one of Apple’s most crucial markets, the backlash could harm the brand’s momentum at a time when Apple is working to regain ground in sales and catch up in the AI race.
Mark Gurman also speculated that Apple may already be aware of the issue, which could explain the absence of a Black variant this year. However, the company has not yet released an official statement.
This is not the first time Apple has faced criticism for durability. The iPhone 7’s glossy black version was infamous for being easily scratched, the iPhone 6 became known for bending under pressure, and the iPhone 4 faced widespread antenna problems that affected connectivity.
The new durability concerns now risk overshadowing the strong demand for the iPhone 17 series. Despite the backlash, sales have been robust across Asia, especially for the Pro models. In Hong Kong, only the iPhone Air was available for walk-in buyers at launch, while customers seeking iPhone 17 and Pro variants were directed to order online, with wait times stretching to three weeks.
According to reports, delays are widespread across Australia, New Zealand, mainland China, and Singapore with iPhone 17 Pro Max deliveries pushed up to four weeks. In South Korea, the iPhone 17 Pro is available within a week, but the Pro Max remains backordered until late October.
Answer. Users in China report that the Blue iPhone 17 Pro and Black iPhone Air are prone to visible scratches and scuffs, raising doubts about Apple’s durability claims.
Answer. Experts suggest the anodised aluminium frame, especially in darker finishes like Deep Blue, is more susceptible to wear, a known issue in past iPhone models.
Answer. As of now, Apple has not issued an official statement. However, analysts speculate the absence of a Black variant this year may reflect internal awareness of the issue.
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