After the iPhone 17 series launched on September 19, fans worldwide began receiving their new devices—but many, including international reporters, quickly noticed that the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max backs are highly prone to scratches. This has sparked complaints from Chinese users, prompting Apple customer service to respond cautiously to local media, suggesting that reports of scratches online should be taken with a grain of salt and recommending protective cases and screen films for those concerned.
Bloomberg’s Apple reporter Mark Gurman shared his observations on launch day, noting that the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro edges and back surfaces appear more vulnerable to scratches. He added that in Apple stores across Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York, and London, display units of the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showed signs of wear within just a few hours.
Tech outlet 9to5Mac explained that the iPhone 17 Pro uses anodized aluminum alloy for its body, leaving the bottom with exposed silver metal finish. Even minor scratches are thus more visible compared to the titanium edges and glass backs of the iPhone 16 Pro.
Wall Street has also weighed in: D.A. Davidson general manager Gil Luria noted that every new iPhone launch brings some controversy, but it rarely affects sales. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives added that the scratching issue has likely been exaggerated.
On China’s Weibo, photos showing scratched iPhone 17 Pro devices briefly went viral. Chinese media Jimu News reported that Apple’s customer service stated factors such as factory finish, glass materials, and usage environment can affect scratching, but emphasized that new devices are guaranteed scratch-free. They recommended using protective cases and films to prevent any damage.
