Apple iPhone 17 Pro ‘scratchgate’ issue is worrying users: What is it and what you can do about it

iPhone 17

Remember the 'Bendgate' issue with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus? Well, some new and similar things have surfaced with the newly announced iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Not that the 'Bendgate' back. But, there's something new in the picture, and it is being coined as 'Scratchgate'

Just over a week since Apple’s latest Pro models hit the shelves, reports are surfacing online showing scuffs and scratches on the aluminium bodies of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. And for many buyers spending a premium, that’s a worrying sign.

Some iPhone 17 Pro owners have taken to social media to share photos of their new devices already showing visible scratches — even units on display in Apple Stores are looking less than pristine after heavy handling. While every phone picks up marks over time, the concern here is that the aerospace-grade aluminium on the iPhone 17 Pros seems to scuff sooner than expected, especially compared to other iPhone 17 models and the new iPhone Air.

Interestingly, lighter colours like Lavender or Sky Blue appear to mask scratches better, while darker shades such as Cosmic Orange highlight them more.

Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro series uses its most durable aluminium yet, but many users feel the everyday marks don’t match that promise. That gap between expectation and reality is what’s fueling “scratchgate.”

First and foremost, a case is your best bet. It might sound obvious, but if you want your iPhone 17 Pro to look as good as new for as long as possible, slipping it into a case will save you the stress of scratches and accidental drops. If you’d rather keep the design visible, a clear case still offers protection without hiding the phone’s look.

Screen protectors and skin wraps are also good options to keep the body safe from scuffs. And if you’re careful about where you keep your phone — for example, avoiding tossing it in a bag with keys or other devices — you’ll likely avoid most superficial scratches.

At the end of the day, scratches won’t stop your iPhone 17 Pro from working, but for many, they take away from the premium feel Apple is known for. Until Apple addresses the issue, “scratchgate” will remain a talking point — and a reminder that going case-free comes with a cost.