Apple’s brand-new iPhone 17 lineup has barely landed in stores, and it has already started raising eyebrows in China over its supposed durability. Apple has marketed this generation’s iPhone as having a tougher, scratch-resistant finish thanks to a refined aluminum shell, but early reports suggest that the real-world experience is quite different. Specifically, the Blue iPhone 17 Pro and the Black iPhone Air models are prone to scratches and scuffs, which could be the reason why the company did not offer a black color option this year.
Durability questions emerge as iPhone 17 Pro in Blue and iPhone Air show scratches within hours of display use
Shoppers and reviewers in China have noticed something troubling on the latest iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, especially on the new special Blue finish. Display units in the Apple Stores across Shanghai and Hong Kong were seen with visible scuffs after just a few hours of handling, which shows that the finish is quite the opposite of durable. If you think the iPhone 17 Pro models are the only ones out of the bunch with the durability issue, think again, as the iPhone Air has shared the same fate. The ultra-thin iPhone Air has received the same scuffing and scratches, which further raises questions related to Apple’s durability claims.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirms these findings, who claims to have seen the blemishes on the demo units in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and even London. If the news has any heft to it and the issue is widespread, it is alarming for a company that takes pride in premium build quality. Take note that the iPhone 17 lineup has hit the shelves starting today, and it remains to be seen if the company will take note of the issue and has something to say. French Apple blog Consomac also reported the same issue when they went to the Apple Store to check it out, as can be seen in the pictures.
It looks like the iPhone 17 Pro in Deep Blue is scratch-prone due to its anodized aluminum frame. Not entirely surprising. The dark aluminum iPhone models in prior years had a similar issue. This is actually probably why there’s no black version.
Chinese consumers have taken notice, and they have shared their dismay regarding the matter on Weibo, China’s main social media platform, and the topic of scratched iPhones quickly went viral. China is one of the most prominent markets for Apple, and it has just started getting back on its feet when it comes to sales, and such inconveniences would not paint a pretty picture for the long run. Since the company is playing catch-up in the AI race, the novel design language is all that the new models are selling this year, which means that the company cannot afford a hiccup at this stage.
Gurman also claims that Apple could be aware of the issue, which is why the company did not release a Black color option this year. Apple is yet to comment on the matter, so be sure to stick around for more details.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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