Superficial Scratches Possibly Hindered Release of Black iPhone 17 Pro Model
It's iPhone 17 launch day, and excitement is in the air, but some concerns are arising about the durability of the new devices. Reports from Apple insider Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro series is prone to scratches, with scratches appearing on various demo units worldwide.
Photos and videos of scratched-up iPhone 17 Pro devices are spreading online, raising questions about the device's resilience, especially on darker-colored models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and black iPhone Air, Apple's latest line of smartphones, seem to be the most susceptible to scratches.
Anodized aluminum, known for its susceptibility to scratches, is used in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, making the scratches more visible on darker devices. This year, Apple replaced the titanium body of the iPhone 16 Pro with an aluminum unibody for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes the easily scratchable rear of the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could explain the absence of the black iPhone 17 Pro. Some brand new iPhone 17 Pro devices on display in Apple Stores are already showing signs of scratches.
In contrast, the iPhone Air, which uses a Ceramic Shield, has not shown the same level of scratching. Apple only noticed scratches on the back of the black iPhone Air, indicating that the issue may be specific to the aluminum unibody design used in the Pro models.
Apple has had issues with scratch-prone iPhone models in the past, and this year's switch to an aluminum unibody design for the Pro models may have compromised their durability. However, it's worth noting that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are only available in Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue, with no black option.
To prevent scratching, Apple recommends using a case immediately. Marques Brownlee demonstrated how a black iPhone 17 Pro would have looked, but for now, consumers will have to choose from the available colour options.
While the absence of a black iPhone 17 Pro might not cause significant sales troubles for Apple, it's a concern for those who prefer the sleek, dark look of a black device. Only time will tell if Apple addresses this issue in future updates or models.
