After just a few hours of being on display, the deep blue models of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showed signs of scuffs and scratches.
Multiple Chinese consumers of gadgets posted images showing scratches on the back of Apple Inc.’s recently announced iPhone 17 range on social media on Friday, perhaps spoiling the company’s flagship product launch.
iPhone 17 Display Scratches
During visits to Apple’s shops in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Bloomberg News discovered that the deep blue models of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max had dents and scuffs.
With a return to an aluminum shell and what Apple had marketed as a more scratch-resistant rear coating, it marks the US company’s first significant hardware overhaul in years.
Rather, pictures of damaged retail units appeared on China’s Weibo, and Bloomberg saw identical marks on display models in the stores he visited. The reporters noticed that the black iPhone Air was equally prone to scratches.
Apple Launch Issues Persist
The problem’s extent and if it extends beyond China, one of the first areas to get the new iPhone 17, are unknown. With over 40 million views as of Friday afternoon, the relevant hashtag was one of the most popular topics on Weibo. When asked for comment, Apple did not immediately reply.
In previous years, Apple has struggled with launch-day issues. Customers also expressed dissatisfaction with the iPhone 7‘s glossy black finish susceptibility to scratches. Users discovered that the very thin iPhone 6 was prone to bending, which was a more significant problem in the past. Additionally, the iPhone 4 was notorious for having a wireless antenna issue that would malfunction when held in a certain position.
iPhone 17 High Demand
The new social media criticism might ruin the iPhone 17‘s otherwise successful launch, which Apple is depending on to keep things moving forward as it struggles to implement AI capabilities.
Strong demand for the Pro models was seen in early sales across Asia. A tiny group of people gathered to Apple’s flagship shop in Hong Kong to see the new phones, but there was only the innovative iPhone Air available for walk-in sales. Apple advised customers who want to buy an iPhone 17 or Pro edition to place their orders online, with wait periods of around three weeks.
Shipping delays for the iPhone 17 Pro Max were comparable in mainland China, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with wait periods reaching up to four weeks. While the Pro Max was listed as unavailable until late October, the 17 Pro was available in South Korea within a week.