Critics say iPhone 17 Pro scratches too easily without a cover

WEB DESK: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have only been in the market for a few days, yet the internet is already buzzing with complaints about their durability.

Many users on social media are sharing photos that show scratches on the new models, with some even claiming the colour fades easily if the phone is used without a case. The criticism has quickly snowballed, drawing reactions not just from Pakistan but from users worldwide.

Pakistani market reaction

In Pakistan, where iPhones are not officially sold, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the most expensive phones available. The dual e-SIM variant is currently priced as high as Rs760,000, including PTA approval charges.

Since Apple has no direct sales channel in the country, the flagship Apple phones are brought in by traders and shopkeepers who set prices according to demand. Industry experts say the market will settle only once distributors like Mercantile, Airlink and GNext start offering officially PTA-approved models.

For now, Pakistani buyers appear divided. Some criticise the phone’s build quality, saying the design changes are minimal compared to the previous generation, with Apple only extending the camera bump. Others argue that paying such a high price for a few cosmetic tweaks does not make sense.

The “scratchgate” narrative

The debate over scratches began with a Bloomberg report on launch day. The article pointed out that demo units of the iPhone 17 Pro at Apple Stores showed marks on the back, especially around the MagSafe cutout.

Apple responded by saying the marks were not scratches but residue from worn-out MagSafe stands used in some stores. According to the company, the residue can be cleaned off and steps are being taken to replace the stands.

Popular durability tester JerryRigEverything added fuel to the fire when he reported that the raised edges around the camera plateau are prone to scratches. He explained that the lack of a protective chamfer or curve makes these edges more vulnerable than the rest of the phone.

Apple, however, insists the edges are made from the same anodised aluminium used across its product line and should hold up under normal use, although small abrasions over time are possible.

Mixed durability results

Despite these complaints, several tests show that the iPhone 17 lineup is stronger than many online critics suggest. The iPhone Air, launched alongside the 17 Pro, has impressed with its resistance to bending.

Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 front cover has also proved to be significantly more scratch-resistant than previous versions. Independent testers have found that, outside the camera plateau edges, the iPhone 17 Pro holds up well against scratches in everyday use.

Apple points out that the new models use aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminium alloy with an anodisation layer tougher than industry standards. While the shift from titanium to aluminium has some trade-offs, the company says it improves thermal performance, efficiency and battery life, and gives the phone a lighter feel.

Hype versus reality

As with every iPhone release, some scepticism surrounds the criticism online. Many of the “scratched” phone photos circulating appear to be recycled or exaggerated. Tech reviewers warn against judging durability based on demo units, which are handled by thousands of people daily.

Still, the debate has not hurt sales. Despite its steep price in Pakistan and abroad, the iPhone 17 series remains in high demand. The annual ritual of criticism, memes and complaints may be part of Apple’s launch cycle, but for now, buyers continue to line up for the latest model.