In a flashback to past launch day problems, Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup faces an unexpected setback as users across China report iPhone 17 Pro scratches on the device’s redesigned glass-and-aluminum back, according to a new report.
Social media platforms have been flooded with images showing scuffs and scratches appearing on display models after just hours of store exposure.
Scratchgate 2? Users in China complain about iPhone 17 scratches on launch day.
The scratching problem primarily affects the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which features Apple’s much-touted “more scratch-resistant finish,” according to Bloomberg. This follows previous post-launch problems in years past like iPhone 12’s “scratchgate,” iPhone 7 scuffs and iPhone 6’s “bendgate.”
The publication’s reporters observed similar scratch damage on iPhone 17 lineup display units during visits to Apple stores in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Even the new iPhone Air model in black showed susceptibility to scratching during their store visits.
Social media backlash grows
Can't believe the iPhone 17 Pro demo units in stores are already scratched up. Didn't take long at all. pic.twitter.com/0qxSD25lit
— Safari✈️ (@update4weekly) September 18, 2025
The scratching controversy has gained significant traction on China’s Weibo platform, where related hashtags garnered over 40 million views by Friday afternoon, making it one of the platform’s top trending topics. Chinese consumers have been sharing photos of damaged store display models. That raises concerns about the durability of Apple’s first major hardware redesign in years.
Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the scratching issues. The extent of the problem remains unclear, as it’s uncertain whether the issue extends beyond China, one of the first markets to receive the iPhone 17.
History of launch day problems
Demo unit iPhone 17 Pro scratches on day 1… (it’s not even 24 hours yet)
Use a case immediately if you don’t wait to experience this kind of issue. I’m very disappointed with the quality here pic.twitter.com/zRjIQrl3zA
— Bradley (@VerdeSelvans) September 19, 2025
This isn’t the first time Apple has faced durability concerns at launch. The company previously dealt with similar issues.
Those included the easily scuffed glossy black finish on the iPhone 7, the infamous Bendgate controversy affecting the ultra-thin iPhone 6, and antenna problems with the iPhone 4 when held in certain positions.
Strong demand remains
Bruh, why are all the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max/Air retail demo units so scratched already? They have been on display for just a few hours pic.twitter.com/yyxXLNp2rK
— Kevin (@KTZ_KTechZone) September 19, 2025
Despite the scratching controversy, demand appears to remain strong, according to the report. Early sales data across Asia indicates robust demand for the Pro models. Apple stores in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, mainland China and Singapore show shipping delays of three to four weeks for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. And the standard iPhone 17 Pro faces similar wait times.
In Hong Kong, Apple’s flagship store attracted crowds eager to examine the new devices. And that’s despite walk-in purchases being limited to the iPhone Air model. Customers wanting the iPhone 17 or Pro editions must order online and wait about three weeks for delivery.
The scratching issue threatens to overshadow what would otherwise be considered a successful product launch for Apple. It relies on iPhone 17 to maintain momentum while the company continues working to deploy its AI features more broadly.
New iPhone 17 models scratch too easily — early buyers are reporting chips and scuffs en masse
The problem is especially bad with the Pro versions, where Apple ditched titanium in favor of aluminum.
Damage shows up quickly on the casing, and Apple Stores are refusing to… pic.twitter.com/u7Bmgzc2hH
— Based & Viral (@ViralBased) September 19, 2025
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
