iPhone 17 Pro and Air Polishing Report Shows Scratches Are Highly Noticeable
Patna, India – September 22, 2025: With Apple’s iPhone 17 series finally hitting the store shelves, reports of scratch-prone finishes on some models are starting to trickle in. Customers and store employees are already seeing visible surface scratches on the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max’s, and space black iPhone Air’s from Apple, according to our own sources.
Key Findings
Several users and onlookers of the technology have since commented that units in Apple Stores in major cities, including New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong and London already show scuffs and tiny scratches after mere hours perched on store tables.
The issue seems to be limited to darker colors like Deep Blue (Pro/ Pro Max) and Space Black (iPhone Air). Lighter finishes will show less scratches than darker ones.
In comparison, Deep Blue Pro uses anodized aluminum, and iPhone Air in Space Black will take these materials as a friend for lighter marks (or shell scraping) seem very likely from the likes of MagSafe rings.
Why These Models Are Easier to Scratch
Aluminum Frame vs. Titanium
The new iPhone 17 Pro series uses anodized aluminum instead of the traditional premium titanium frame found in recent Pro iterations.
So even though that aluminum is light (which makes sense if you take into account the weight of PC in general) and allows for better heat dispersion, anodizing is still more sensitive to scuffs which bring out a silver underlayer - bringing a sharp contrast with dark painted system.
By contrast, the titanium and glass finishes of previous-gen models hid minor scratches better.
Display Units and the MagSafe Puck Touch_POINTS
A lot of scratches appear to be coming from being in contact with the aluminum rims of MagSafe chargers at dealerships, which rub tiny metal particles into the device’s back panel, particularly near camera ridges and edges.
Some of these stains can be wiped off, but others leave no trace or residue, according to users.
Color Contrast Effect
On darker doors each scratch looks like a brilliant or light color line-greater contrast.
Those who opted for the lighter models like Cosmic Orange or Lavender may see less obvious wear in everyday use.
Consumer Feedback and Store Observations
Apple Store inspectors in global flagship retail stores found scratches on demo models after a couple of hours, before consumer handling even commenced.
Online forums such as Reddit where people can leave comments echo this result:
“The scratches seem to be most visible on iPhone with darker finishes, like the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in Deep Blue, and the iPhone Air in Space Black.”
“I spotted this in the store today. Pretty certain they’re not scratches but rather shiny spots where the MagSafe chargers have wiped away the aluminium … Still annoying though.”
These quotations point out that surface wear could also be induced by display stands (not only users).
How Common Is This Problem, and Who’s Exaggerating It?
Reports are centered on the display units and yet have found similarly visible scratches upon arrival, as soon as their new purchases were unpacked.
The precise extent is unclear, but even early reports from India and China indicate the problem isn’t confined to demo phones.
As of September 22, 2025, Apple has not make any official statement on scratch events.
Should You Still Buy iPhone 17 Pro or Air?
✅ Pros
iPhone 17 line offers chunky upgrades: A19/A19 Pro chips, longer battery life, higher res cameras, gorgeous new colours and Memory Integrity Enforcement for added security
Excellent finishes and performance prove the company has a way with soft goods, while lighter colors seem to deliver fewer scratch-related complaints.
⚠️ Cons
If device looks over time are important to you, the Deep Blue Pro and Space Black Air models may not age that well without a case.
Any scratches on anodized aluminum are also more visible than titanium and light colors of paint; but it gets the job done.
Prevent Or Repair Scratches With These Suggestions
Buy a solid case immediately — preferably clear or bumper style that covers edges and the MagSafe area.
Do not put your phone on rough or sharp surface such as glass, metal.
Wipe down with a microfiber cloth regularly, especially around the MagSafe ring and camera bump, so those teeny-tiny particles won't stay stuck to your phone.
If your brand-new device is worse than demo units in the store, and you can prove it side by side, you have valid claims for swapping out for a better unit under warranty or AppleCare+ terms.
Photograph under bright light as soon as you unpack, once taken out of the box any damage it becomes non returnable goods or eligible for support/replacement.
FAQ
Q1: Which models of iPhone 17 are most scratch-prone?
A1: Mind you, the Deep Blue options of iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as well as the Space Black edition of iPhone Air are apparently being tarnished with visible scratches and scuffs to a greater extent than their colored brethren.
Why do scratches appear more on those colors?
A2: When a paint finish is rubbed off some dark colors and titanium frames, the bright or white lines from the underlying polished anodize will show most vividly as contrast.
Q3: Can these scratches be permanent? or able to remove?
A3: Some smudged from friction may wipe clean, especially around the MagSafe ring. However, deeper scuffs on the painted surfaces tend to persist or look permanent unless you have a surface finish workover or case on them.
Q4: Will Apple replace mine as a warranty claim for a scratch?
A4: If a scratch occurs with very limited handling and is reported early, you may be eligible for warranty or AppleCare+ exchange or repair service following local policies. Be sure to check units in good lighting and save photo proof.
Q5: Does the issue apply to lighter color models as well?
A5: Lighter finishes like Cosmic Orange, Lavender, Sky Blue, Mist or Sage appear to be less likely to show scratches. They hide small abrasions better, since you get closer to the color of bare aluminium.
Q6: Can I hold off on the purchase due to it?
A6: Not necessarily. If scratch resistance is something that you care about, maybe opt for a lighter color, use cases from day one, or wait until protective accessory makers are on board. But if you prioritize any other upgrades (performance, security, design), this issue is a triviality so long as you take some very basic precautions.
