iPhone 17 "Scratch" Controversy Sparks Consumer Outrage
Apple Remains Silent... Attention Turns to Possible Follow-Up Measures
The iPhone 17 series, ambitiously unveiled by Apple, has been embroiled in controversy over scratch issues since its public release. Despite some models costing up to 2 million won, reports of exterior damage occurring easily have led to a wave of complaints from consumers around the world.
Scratches Found Within Hours of Display
An IT YouTuber is scratching the back of the iPhone 17 with a coin. It can be seen that even a slight scratch easily leaves marks. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'JerryRigEverything'
On September 22 (local time), Yonhap News cited Bloomberg, reporting, "After visiting major Apple Stores in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London to inspect the iPhone 17 in person, numerous noticeable scratches were found on the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro and the Space Black iPhone 17 Air." Bloomberg stated, "Scratches appeared just hours after the devices were put on display."
It is known that scratches occur repeatedly, especially around the frame or rear panel, when using MagSafe chargers or protective ring stands. In a review video by JerryRigEverything, an IT review channel with 9.6 million subscribers, it was shown that even a slight scratch with a coin easily leaves marks. Bloomberg reported that this phenomenon is being called 'Scratchgate.'
Bloomberg: "Aluminum Material Is Vulnerable to Scratches"
Bloomberg evaluated, "Although Apple undertook a major redesign of the iPhone for the first time in years, outfitting it with an aluminum case and reinforcing the scratch-resistant finish on the back, the devices have proven to be vulnerable to scratches." The report continued, "Aluminum material is susceptible to scratches, and the flaws are especially noticeable on darker-colored devices." Bloomberg added, "We reached out to Apple for comment but have not received a response."
On social networking services, reports from actual users are pouring in. A photo of an iPhone 17 scratch posted by a Chinese consumer on Weibo garnered more than 40 million views in a single day, drawing significant attention. On X (formerly Twitter), photos and videos of iPhone 17 scratches have also been posted.
Recurring Durability Controversy
This is not the first time iPhone durability has come under scrutiny. The Jet Black model of the iPhone 7, released in 2016, sparked controversy due to its glossy finish being easily scratched, and even the iPhone 14 Pro, which used stainless steel and titanium, saw continued reports of minor scratches. Some observers believe that if consumer dissatisfaction continues to accumulate, Apple may move to improve materials or alter the design in future models.
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