The iPhone 17 frustrates users. The back of these phones scratches so easily. Keys, coins, or even simple friction in the pocket can leave marks.
From its release, pictures of the iPhone 17 with damaged corners flooded social media. What you should know is that these scratches are no mystery. They result from a specific technical choice.
Scratches That Are Almost Inevitable
The anodized aluminum chassis gives the phone its vibrant color, especially that eye-catching orange. However, this finish comes with a drawback: it scratches very easily.
Tests and videos from YouTubers like JerryRigEverything demonstrate that the corners of the camera module chip easily upon contact with hard objects. Even a coin or key can strip away the protective layer.
The anodization process aims to create an oxidation layer to protect the metal and its color. Unfortunately, this layer is not uniform across all surfaces. The corners, particularly the sharper ones, are particularly vulnerable.
For your information, previous iPhone models sometimes used titanium or other stronger alloys. However, even with these materials, sharp angles remain fragile. The issue with the iPhone 17 is that its design has accentuated these angles for a sleeker and more aesthetic look.
iFixit compares these areas to star-shaped cookies. The tips always break first before the rest. On the flat back of the phone, scratches are less noticeable, but the corners suffer quickly.
If you are a proud owner of an iPhone 17, you should consider protecting your smartphone. Either with a case or by keeping it away from keys and coins. Simple gestures can prevent a lot of frustrations.
Of course, this fragility does not prevent the phone from functioning perfectly or keeping its screen intact. It primarily affects the visual appeal of the chassis, which is precisely what “Scratchgate” highlights. Even a well-designed product can have its practical limits.
