iFixit Zooms In on iPhone 17 Pro Scratch Problem: What You Need to Know
Apple’s freshly launched iPhone 17 Pro is getting praise in many areas: faster chip, better cooling, and new design. But lately, a surprising controversy is grabbing attention: the phone may be too easy to scratch in a particular area. iFixit, known for its teardowns and repair insights, has taken a close look at these scratch complaints. What they found is both interesting and a little worrying, especially for users who like to carry their phones without a bulky case.
Let’s dive into what’s going on, how serious the issue might be, and what you can do to protect your new iPhone.
What’s the Scratch Problem?
Short version: Many users and reviewers have noticed that the camera bump area, especially the sharp edge or “plateau” around it, seems particularly vulnerable to damage. Coins, keys, or even casual contact can chip off or scratch the anodized finish there.
In its teardown, iFixit used a digital microscope to examine these marks up close. They call this issue “scratchgate.” According to them, what looks like a small scratch sometimes reveals the bare aluminum underneath, especially around that sharp edge. That’s not great for a premium phone.
What makes it more serious is that this problem seems structural, not just cosmetic. The anodized layer of aluminum is not adhering well along that edge, so it flakes under stress. iFixit’s tests showed that in flat areas, the anodized surface holds up decently. But at sharp corners, it fails.
They also talked with a materials engineer, David Niebuhr, who explained that the anodizing process has trouble around sudden edges or abrupt corners. The finish can’t form as smoothly there, making it weaker and more likely to chip. Apple could have reduced this by smoothing out or rounding that edge rather than keeping it so sharp.
Why This Likely Happens (The Physics Side)
To understand the scratch problem, we need a little background:
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The 17 Pro uses aluminum in parts of its frame, not titanium (which was used in earlier models).
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The finish is anodized aluminum, meaning a thin oxide layer is grown on the metal for color and protection.
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On flat surfaces, anodized finish works well, but at edges and angled surfaces, the layer is more fragile.
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The camera plateau edge is a sharp drop, making it a weak spot for the coating.
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Under certain hardness tests (e.g., scratch picks equivalent to coin hardness), the anodized coating can chip away, showing bright aluminum beneath.
What’s interesting: iFixit and others say this isn’t just minor wear. In microscopic images, the anodization can “spall,” meaning bits chip off, not just scratch superficially. That’s more serious than a light mark.
iFixit’s Teardown & Findings
Beyond the scratch issue, iFixit also explored the internals of the iPhone 17 Pro. Here are some highlights (because they matter to durability, too):
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Thermal design: Apple has introduced a vapor chamber cooling system here. Heat from the A19 Pro chip is moved through this chamber and spread across the aluminum frame, helping the phone stay cooler under load. According to iFixit, the 17 Pro can stay cooler and throttle less compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
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Battery design: The battery now sits in a screw-in tray, rather than being glued directly. This is good for repairability.
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Repair design trade-offs: iFixit notes that Apple removed the “dual entry” repair design. Previously, you could access repairs from either side of the phone (back or front). With this model, many repairs (battery, camera, USB-C port) require removing the screen, which can increase risk or complexity.
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Repairability score: Despite some of these constraints, iFixit gave the iPhone 17 Pro a 7 out of 10 repairability score. That’s pretty solid for a flagship phone, but the scratch issue leaves a sour note.
How Bad Is the Scratch Problem, Really?
It’s important to keep perspective. The scratch issue is real, but its severity depends on use, color, and how much you care about visible wear.
Points to consider:
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Most of the damage is cosmetic only. It doesn’t seem to affect functionality (camera, sensors, etc.).
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The issue is most visible on dark or vibrant color variants (for example, Deep Blue), where the contrast makes scratches stand out more. On lighter colors, the damage is less obvious.
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Some demo units in Apple Stores reportedly already show minor scratches, even with light handling. That suggests it might happen easily.
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The scratch is concentrated around the sharp edge of the camera bump, less so on flat parts. Flat areas tend to resist better or just show superficial marks.
So yes, it’s more visible and more serious than many expected, but not necessarily a catastrophic defect. It’s a design tradeoff: beauty and sharp lines vs durability in edge cases.
What You Can Do as a User
If you already have (or plan to buy) the iPhone 17 Pro, here are practical tips:
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Use a protective case
This is the easiest and strongest defense. A case that covers the camera bump and curves around edges can greatly reduce contact with those weak points. -
Be careful with objects
Avoid keeping your phone in pockets with keys, coins, or other hard objects that rub edges. -
Clean gently
Use microfiber cloths and mild cleaning. Don’t press too hard on the net or the edges, especially the bump. -
Color choice matters
If you have options, lighter or less contrast colors may hide scratches better than dark or vibrant shades. -
Monitor your phone
Snap photos or inspect your device regularly. If you see early signs, some third-party repair shops may help with refinishing surfaces (but that is not always perfect).
Why Apple Might Have Made This Tradeoff
Designing a smartphone involves many compromises. From what the teardown and expert interviews suggest:
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Apple likely prioritized a sleek and angular camera bump design for aesthetic reasons.
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Sharp edges look modern, but they’re mechanically weaker places for coatings.
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To manage heat, they switched to aluminum body parts (which conduct heat well). But aluminum is softer and more scratch-prone than, say, titanium.
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Achieving durability and perfect scratch resistance everywhere is difficult without losing design appeal.
In short, Apple seems to have accepted a known risk (scratch susceptibility at edges) in exchange for cooler performance, style, and certain internal design changes.
Final Thoughts
The scratch problem on iPhone 17 Pro, especially near its camera bump edge, is real and noticeable. That said, it’s not catastrophic; most importantly, it doesn’t appear to break functionality. For many users, a good case and careful handling will avoid or greatly reduce scratch issues.
iFixit’s analysis gives us solid insight into why this problem happens: geometry, material choice, and the limits of anodizing. It’s a reminder that even premium devices have weak spots and design decisions always involve tradeoffs.
If you get this phone, the scratch issue shouldn’t scare you off entirely, but it’s good to be aware and prepared. And if Apple listens to user feedback, future models might soften these edges or improve the coating techniques.
