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2w ago

Scratches Found on iPhone 17 Pro and Air Demo Units Over Opening Weekend

Reporters link the marks to the switch to anodized aluminum.

The back of an iPhone Air demo unit already shows extensive scratching.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are said to be easily scratched, here’s what we know so far.
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Overview

  • An on-site inspection by Cult of Mac at Apple Stonestown in San Francisco documented widespread, non-removable scratches on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air demo units over launch weekend.
  • Scratches were most conspicuous on darker finishes, notably the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and the Space Black iPhone Air, with other colors also affected.
  • The Pro models’ new anodized aluminum unibody is softer than the stainless steel or titanium used in prior generations, contributing to concerns about cosmetic durability.
  • Chipped or roughened edges on Apple’s in-store MagSafe display stands were observed contacting devices, offering a plausible source for some of the damage.
  • Apple highlighted Ceramic Shield’s improved crack resistance for backs in its press materials but has not issued a statement or remedy regarding the scratch reports.