ScratchGate revealed: Why iPhone 17 Pro scratches easily

The iPhone 17 Pro has arrived with a surprising issue: it scratches more easily than Apple promised. The problem sparked the term “ScratchGate,” which went viral soon after the phone launched. Most complaints came from China, where users noticed scratch marks near the camera bump. Images on social media showed chipped corners and visible wear. Customers were quick to criticize the phone’s durability, especially considering its high price tag.

Popular YouTuber Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything confirmed the issue in a durability test. He explained that Apple’s design is to blame—not the materials used. The phone features sharp corners around the camera plateau instead of smooth curves. These edges are more vulnerable to chips when touched by keys or coins. This design flaw makes cosmetic damage almost unavoidable during everyday use.

Repair company iFixit also investigated the issue and came to the same conclusion. They partnered with engineering expert David Niebuhr from California Polytechnic State University. Using Mohs hardness tools, they tested the iPhone’s resistance to scratches. While flat surfaces held up well, the camera bump’s sharp edges chipped under pressure. This process, called “spalling,” showed how poor design affects durability.

Many believed aluminum was the problem, but experts disagree. Both titanium and aluminum can scratch if the design has sharp edges. Niebuhr said a thicker protective layer wouldn’t solve the problem and might make it worse. The root issue is geometry, not the material. If Apple had used rounded corners, the damage could likely have been avoided.

Unfortunately, these scratches can’t be repaired. The camera bump is part of the unibody design, so it cannot be replaced. iPhone 17 Pro users are left with few options. For now, using a case or skin is the only way to prevent long-term damage. Experts urge Apple to rethink the design in future models.