iPhone 17 Pro Faces Scratchgate as Durability Tests Reveal Weak Camera Edges

Apple’s newly released iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are once again at the center of controversy, and this time it’s not about bending or overheating – it’s about scratches. Dubbed “scratchgate” by frustrated early adopters, the issue has gained traction after durability tests and user reports revealed that the premium devices, especially in their flashy Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange finishes, are unexpectedly prone to visible damage.

Durability tester Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything recently put the iPhone 17 Pro series through his well-known stress routine.

While both models demonstrated impressive resilience in terms of structural strength, screen hardness, and thermal management thanks to the redesigned aluminum unibody, Nelson highlighted a serious weak spot: the sharp edges around the oversized rear camera bump. According to him, the anodized coating applied to these edges fails to properly bond, making them highly vulnerable to scratches and chipping with even ordinary contact – think coins jangling in a pocket or keys brushing against the phone.

The problem seems particularly noticeable on the Blue and Orange versions, where the contrast between the vibrant color and the exposed aluminum makes scratches stand out more dramatically. For users spending upwards of €1,449 or even €1,699 for higher storage configurations, the idea that their new iPhone can look worn within weeks is understandably frustrating.

To Apple’s credit, the rest of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup performed exceptionally well in testing. The display resisted scratches until higher Mohs levels, heat dissipation was better than ever thanks to the new chassis, and overall bending resistance exceeded previous generations. Yet for many, these positives are overshadowed by the glaring cosmetic flaw on the most visible part of the phone’s design – the camera module.

For now, the only reliable solution for those worried about longevity is a protective case, something many Apple fans hoped they wouldn’t need on such a premium device. Until Apple addresses the coating adhesion problem, owners will likely continue to call this generation the start of “scratchgate.”