Sharp Edges, Not Materials, Behind iPhone 17 Pro Scratching Issue
The newly launched iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have stirred controversy due to an unexpected problem—easily visible scratches, particularly around the camera bump. The issue has been dubbed “ScratchGate”, a term that went viral just days after the phones hit shelves.
The first complaints emerged from China, where users noticed fine scratches and chipped paint around the sharp corners of the camera plateau. Social media quickly amplified these concerns, with photos showing similar damage on brand-new devices, even with minimal use.
Popular YouTuber Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything confirmed the issue in a durability test. According to him, the scratches are not due to poor material quality but rather Apple’s design choices. Specifically, the sharp, angular edges of the camera bump are more prone to chipping when the phone rubs against items like keys or coins in a pocket or bag.
iFixit and Experts Confirm It’s a Design Problem, Not Aluminum
Repair specialists at iFixit also examined the iPhone 17 Pro and reached the same conclusion. The company partnered with David Niebuhr, a mechanical engineer at California Polytechnic State University, to study the device’s build and resistance to wear.
Using a Mohs hardness test, they simulated real-world contact with hard objects. While the flat surfaces of the phone fared well, the camera bump’s corners experienced “spalling”, a condition where material flakes off under stress.
Niebuhr explained that the issue isn’t Apple’s choice of anodized aluminum, which is standard in many high-end devices. Instead, the geometric shape of the sharp edges is the true cause. Even using a stronger oxide coating wouldn’t solve the problem—in fact, it could make spalling worse. A rounded, smoother design around the camera module could have prevented this flaw entirely.
No Repair Option for Scratches; Protective Cases Are the Only Fix
While the iPhone 17 Pro still maintains a solid repair score overall, users facing scratches near the camera bump have little recourse. The camera plateau is part of the unibody chassis, which means it cannot be replaced or repaired separately.
For now, the only solution for users is to apply protective cases, skins, or bumpers to prevent further damage. Apple has not yet issued an official statement on ScratchGate, but consumer frustration is building.
Until a design revision is made in future models, users are advised to handle their devices with extra care, especially when placing them near other metal objects.
