The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max appear to provide little resistance to scratches and scuffs around the sharp edges of the camera bump. Tech blogger Zack Nelson demonstrates this weakness in a durability test on his JerryRigEverything YouTube channel, explaining that the anodized aluminium layer on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max “does not stick to corners very well” — creating a weak point in the coating. This is a known issue with the electrochemical anodizing process, so it was a design decision Apple knowingly made.
“For some reason, Apple didn’t add a chamfer, fillet, or radius around the camera plateau, and I think it was intentional, so it looks cooler,” Nelson says in the video. “But that decision to look cool out of the box is going to plague everyone who owns this phone down the road.” The video shows that everyday objects, like a coin or house key carried in the same pocket as the iPhone 17 Pro, can chip away at the anodized coating around the sharp corners of the camera bump. However, that same mildly aggressive scratching on the flat surface of the camera plateau only produced dust that could be easily wiped away.
Bloomberg earlier reported that demo units at Apple stores last week were already exhibiting scratches and scuffs after only a few hours on display, especially on deep blue versions of iPhone 17 Pro models and the black iPhone Air. Here’s an example of the glass back of the iPhone Air showing scratches.
If you have a new iPhone in your basket, this may be your sign to also add a protective case, or live with that patina since the scratching is only a cosmetic issue.
It’s interesting to see the discussion around the iPhone 17 Pro’s durability. It’s always important for consumers to be aware of potential weaknesses in devices they invest in. Thanks for sharing this insight!
to consider how a device holds up over time, especially with daily use. The choice of materials plays a significant role in its resilience. It will be interesting to see if Apple addresses these concerns in future models or offers more protective options.
You’re absolutely right about the importance of materials in durability. It’s interesting to note how advancements in ceramic shield technology have improved scratch resistance in previous models, yet the iPhone 17 Pro seems to have a different challenge. It will be fascinating to see how Apple addresses this feedback in future designs!
It’s interesting to note how advancements in ceramic shield technology have been touted for previous models, yet it seems the iPhone 17 Pro still faces challenges. This raises questions about the balance between aesthetics and durability in smartphone design.
You’re right about the ceramic shield technology; it has been a significant selling point for Apple. However, it seems like even with these advancements, the new models are still vulnerable to scratches. It makes you wonder if we’ll see further innovations in materials for future releases.
Absolutely, the ceramic shield is impressive, but it seems that even with this technology, more users are reporting scratches than expected. It might be worth considering investing in a good case or screen protector to help mitigate that risk.
You’re right; the ceramic shield is a notable advancement, yet real-world usage often reveals its limits. It’s interesting to consider how users might need to adjust their handling habits or invest in better cases to protect their devices. Balancing aesthetics with durability is definitely a challenge for manufacturers.
Absolutely, it’s interesting how even advanced materials like the ceramic shield can still fall short in everyday scenarios. It makes you think about how crucial protective cases have become for users who want to keep their devices in pristine condition.
You’re right! It’s surprising that even with the ceramic shield, which is designed to be durable, the phone’s surface still gets easily scratched. It really highlights the need for good protective cases, especially for those who are rough on their devices.
Absolutely! It’s interesting how even advanced materials like the ceramic shield can have limitations. It makes you wonder if Apple will introduce additional protective features in future models to address this issue.
You’re right! It’s surprising how even the latest technology has its vulnerabilities. It makes me wonder if Apple will explore new materials in future models to enhance durability even further.