iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air Users Are Reporting Scratch Issues: Is Apple’s Ceramic Shield Really Enough?

Apple has officially unveiled its iPhone 17 series with power-packed features and enhancements and tech enthusiasts are eagerly exploring Apple’s latest smartphones. The devices are packed with design revamps and upgraded performance, particularly the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air. Both devices are marked as one of the most advanced iPhones yet. However, early reports and users have started reporting issues with scratches appearing on certain color variants, raising concerns about device’s real world durability.

Scratch Concerns on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air

Apple features Ceramic Shield on all its iPhone 17 series, but despite including a material that’s designed to resist scratches and cracks, several users have observed wear marks on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been flooded with the images, revealing scratches on the devices. This is happening mostly on the darker shades.

For the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the Deep Blue variant seems particularly prone to light scratches, while the Space Black iPhone Air models are also showing visible wear. These reports suggest that while the phones are designed for durability, careful handling is still recommended.

iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max passed JerryRigEverything's durability test!

Both phones survived the bend test, although there is a "Scratch Gate" on the camera plateau due to the anodization process on the Aluminium body, especially on the edges.

The blue one is even more… pic.twitter.com/Fpb99Qf4rH

— Alvin (@sondesix) September 21, 2025

Just got the new iPhone 17, and it already has a scratch! 😡 Super disappointing. If this aluminum scratches so easily, I’m worried it’ll start showing the metal underneath. Apple, this isn’t what I expected from a premium product! #iPhone17 #iPhone17Pro #Apple pic.twitter.com/VnPQVBVtjg

— ar (@aldyei) September 20, 2025

So there’s this whole “Scratchgate” thing blowing up with the new iPhone 17 Pro models, and honestly, it’s pretty bad. People are finding scratches on their brand new phones within hours of unboxing them.

Even the demo units at Apple Stores are getting scratched up from normal… pic.twitter.com/UCT0O9NqJq

— Rayan A Cader (@ryanatcdr) September 22, 2025

Aluminium vs Titanium

Talking about the iPhone 17 Pro, it features an aluminum unibody design, moving away from the titanium that’s used in the previous models. The tech giant has opted for the aerospace-grade 7000 series aluminium, stating it improves overall durability.

Other than this, the Pro models are also equipped with the Ceramic Shield 2 for added scratch and crack resistance along with carrying an IP68 rating for water and dust protection.

Nevertheless, the iPhone 17 Air packs a titanium chassis, which, in contrast, is more resistant to impacts than aluminium. The display in the device features a Ceramic Shield 2, and the rear panel comes with standard Ceramic Shield. Like the iPhone 17 Pro models, the Air is also embedded with the IP68 rating.

Here’s What You Can Keep in Mind Regarding Scratch on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air

While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are built with premium materials and enhanced durability, there are several reports coming to the forefront about scratches. We can’t deny the fact that no smartphone is entirely impervious to wear and tear. So, users with darker color options or variants may notice scratches more easily. It is advisable to use protective cases and handle them carefully handling.