iPhone 17 Pro Reportedly Prone to Scratches
▼ Summary
– The iPhone 17 Pro models have a design weakness where the anodized aluminum coating around the sharp edges of the camera bump scratches and scuffs easily.
– Tech blogger Zack Nelson demonstrated that this occurs because the anodized layer does not adhere well to sharp corners, a known limitation of the process.
– Nelson suggests Apple intentionally chose this sharp-edged design for aesthetic reasons, despite the long-term cosmetic wear it will cause.
– Everyday items like coins and keys can chip the coating on the camera bump’s edges, while the flat surfaces are more resistant to scratches.
– Display models in Apple stores were already showing similar cosmetic damage shortly after being put on display.
A new durability test reveals that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max may be surprisingly susceptible to cosmetic damage, specifically around the edges of the prominent camera bump. This vulnerability appears to stem from a specific design choice made by Apple, prioritizing aesthetics over resilience in a key area.
In a recent video from the popular JerryRigEverything YouTube channel, tech reviewer Zack Nelson put the new iPhones through a series of tests. He highlighted a significant weakness in the anodized aluminum layer that coats the camera housing. Nelson pointed out that the coating “does not stick to corners very well,” a known limitation of the anodizing process. The core of the problem, according to his assessment, is the lack of a chamfer or rounded edge on the camera plateau. He suggests this was an intentional decision by Apple to achieve a sharper, more distinctive look right out of the box, even though it compromises long-term durability for owners.
The demonstration showed that common items like coins or keys, when carried in the same pocket as the phone, can easily chip away at the coating on these sharp corners. Interestingly, the same level of abrasive contact on the flat surface of the camera bump only resulted in minor marks that could be wiped off, underscoring that the issue is localized to the unprotected edges. This observation aligns with earlier reports from Bloomberg, which noted that demo units in Apple Stores began showing scratches and scuffs after just a few hours on display, with the deep blue and black color options appearing particularly prone.
For potential buyers, this information serves as a practical consideration. While the scratching is purely a cosmetic concern and doesn’t affect the phone’s functionality, it strongly suggests that investing in a protective case is a wise move for those who wish to keep their device looking pristine. Alternatively, one might choose to embrace the inevitable “patina” as a natural part of the phone’s life.
(Source: The Verge)
