If you listen to social media then you might want to think twice about picking up a new iPhone 17, as it could potentially feature one major flaw that's especially present in the more expensive Pro model.
While there have naturally been some issues that have cropped up following the release of the iPhone 17, it's generally considered to be a successful launch that offers something for everyone across its three different models.
The standard iPhone 17 is considered by many to be the best deal in years, the ultra-thin iPhone Air has some compromises but will definitely be worth it for anyone who prefers form over function, and the Pro is bigger and better than ever before when it comes to performance and features.
However, people have started to notice one potentially glaring issue when perusing Apple's stores, and it might end up putting you off forking out the big bucks for the Pro model especially.
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What is the issue with the iPhone 17 Pro?
As reported by PCMag, a number of popular posts across social media have highlighted the worrying number of scratches that appear to be present on the rear of the iPhone 17 Pro — particularly around the corners of the camera bump.
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X users @immasiddx shared a number of photos showing scratches present on demo units of the 17 Pro, calling the quality of the products "disappointing" and urging people to get the silver colorway over the other options.
Looking at the images shared you can see a number of noticeable marks on the main rear section of the phone, alongside scrapes that expose the silver around the camera section.
The primary cause of the issue appears to be the outer construction of the Pro model, which features an aluminum shell that has been 'anodized' for enhanced durability, as opposed to the ceramic exterior of the standard model.
While this is stronger in most cases, it can be exposed to chipping in certain weaker areas, which appear to be particularly around the camera bay leading to some of the marks that have been circulating social media.
How has Apple responded to the complaints?
Apple has finally broken its silence following the social media uproar, and it has insisted that these marks are only due to the old and worn MagSafe chargers used to power the display units in its stores, and that they can be wiped away easily, as per CNET.
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It also plans to address the issue and stop it from affecting any demo units, which presumably means that new MagSafe chargers will be installed to prevent these marks from occurring.
Additionally, Apple has asserted that the anodized exterior layer is "extremely hard, and exceeds industry standard guidelines for microhardness," but it can still be exposed to wear if you're not careful, and getting a protective case might still be worth it.
It has held up well across various stress testing though, including the infamous scratch test from YouTuber JerryRigEverything.
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He was able to wipe away any marks that he made with a key on the camera bay, but it was also able to chip away at the corners of that same area, indicating that it's something to be careful around.
The chances of an individual doing as much damage to their own phone to cause this to happen are quite low, as store display units are handled by thousands of people each day without too much care in mind, but it shows that perhaps the expensive Pro model isn't quite as durable as you might believe.