Dark-colored iPhone 17 Pro, Air prone to scratches, photos on social media reveal

Many of the images were of phones at Apple Stores, financial newspaper Bloomberg said.

The most visible scratches are found on the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max and the black Air.

Bloomberg reported scuff marks appearing within hours of being put on display at Apple Stores in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London.

It is unclear how widespread the issue is or how Apple will respond, but some tech sites consider it a concern.

The reason was purported to be that Apple replaced the titanium frame used in the Pro and Pro Max in previous generations with aluminum.

Scratches on the back of a demo black iPhone 17 Pro. Photo from Instagram

Aluminum is softer and more prone to scratches, making blemishes more noticeable on darker colors, especially the new deep blue version.

Apple’s new models use an anodization process to add color, which it says provides a durable, scratch-resistant finish similar in hardness to sapphire.

The iPhone Air, which features Apple-developed glass-ceramic material Ceramic Shield on the back, also displayed scratches.

Tests show the 17 Pro is resistant to scratches in most areas, but the raised camera plateau is somewhat vulnerable due to its sharp, uneven edge and thinner anodized coating, according to MacRumors.

But many also note that demo phones at Apple Stores are handled by many visitors.