iPhone 17 Pro criticized for its easily scratched aluminum frame

Each new generation of iPhone is always a global technology event. Apple has built a brand position that makes millions of people wait for every smallest detail of the new product. The iPhone 17 Pro, this year's flagship, continues to receive great expectations with powerful upgrades in performance, camera and connection ecosystem. However, the joy of many users was quickly extinguished when, right from the first days of sale, an issue related to the device's frame caused a lot of controversy.

According to feedback from early users and media reports, the aluminum frame of the iPhone 17 Pro tends to scratch easily, dent easily, and reveal silver stains inside. This is a phenomenon that seriously affects the aesthetics, especially when users spend a large amount of money to own a device considered the "peak" of Apple. This problem not only appears in daily use, but has even been recorded at Apple Stores, where iPhones displayed for customers to experience quickly appear many small chips after a short time.

1. iPhone 17 has just officially launched but has encountered "scandal"

Every year, when Apple launches a new iPhone line, the global technology market is almost "stirred up". Users wait to get their hands on breakthrough technologies, while the media continuously reports on every smallest detail. This year's iPhone 17 Pro is no exception. But unlike every year, what makes this flagship the center of discussion is not only the powerful configuration or the upgraded camera system, but also the change in the frame material.

Apple has decided to abandon titanium, a material that is highly regarded for its durability, scratch resistance, and elegance that appeared on the iPhone 16 Pro, to return to anodized aluminum. As soon as this information was announced, many people expressed surprise and skepticism, because titanium was once considered a new step forward, affirming the class of the Pro line. The "turn" to aluminum makes the community question: is Apple trading something, or is this just a step back in product strategy?

These doubts were quickly answered when the first images were posted on Bloomberg and Consomac. After only a short time on display at the Apple Store, many iPhone 17 Pros were clearly showing scratches, even slight dents on the frame. The most noticeable thing was the dark color versions, especially Deep Blue, where the silver scratches were clearly visible under the light, creating a feeling of "cheapness" compared to the actual value of a high-end device.

Although this problem does not directly affect performance, battery or other smart functions, for Apple, this is clearly a minus point that is hard to ignore. Users spend tens of millions of dong not only to own a powerful smartphone, but also to experience the sophistication and luxury in every small detail. When the outer shell quickly degrades, the feeling of disappointment is inevitable.

2. Causes

To explain why the iPhone 17 Pro is easily scratched and quickly discolored, we need to carefully consider the nature of the material Apple chose. Anodized aluminum is a familiar material, used on many other product lines of the company such as MacBook or iPad. This is a process of electrolytic treatment of aluminum surface, creating an artificial aluminum oxide layer that is resistant to corrosion, while allowing Apple to cover the device's frame with many different colors.

Under normal conditions, this aluminum oxide layer is quite durable and gives the product a luxurious appearance. However, its nature is just a thin layer of "armor" on the outside. When subjected to impact, even very small, this layer of color can easily peel off, revealing the bright silver aluminum underneath. With light-colored devices, the difference is not too obvious, making scratches easily overlooked. But with dark-colored versions such as deep sea blue or carbon black, the high contrast makes the scratches stand out, significantly reducing the aesthetic value of the device.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. Users of the Space Gray MacBook and Black iPad Pro have repeatedly reported scratches on the edges, especially in areas that are frequently exposed to hands or hard surfaces. In fact, anodized aluminum is like a coating: in an ideal environment, it holds its color well, but a slight bump from a key, a fingernail, or a table edge can cause that protective layer to wear away, leaving a visible silver mark.

Therefore, the iPhone 17 Pro's encountering this phenomenon is not surprising to those who are familiar with Apple's dark aluminum products. What is worth mentioning is that this time the problem appears on the Pro line, which is aimed at high-end users who place a high priority on appearance perfection. This makes the disappointment even deeper, because customers expect an expensive phone to maintain its appearance over time.

3. The change from titanium to aluminum

On the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple impressed with its use of titanium: durable, scratch-resistant, and maintains a uniform color even with small scratches. This is a step forward that is highly appreciated by the community, especially after many years of sticking with stainless steel, which is prone to fingerprints and is heavier.

The return to aluminum on the iPhone 17 Pro is therefore seen by many as a “step backward”. Comments on social networks quickly spread, including one opinion that was shared thousands of times:

“I’m keeping my stainless steel 13 Pro Max. It’s still perfect after four years without a case. I won’t go back to the scratch-prone aluminum nightmare of the iPhone 8 Plus.”

This view reflects the mentality of many long-time users: they do not want to trade a durable, luxurious appearance for a lighter device that is prone to aesthetic degradation.

Although the community is somewhat disappointed, many technology experts believe that Apple has made a calculated decision in this decision. Although the aluminum frame is easy to scratch, it has the advantage of being able to disperse force when impacted, helping the device to be less seriously cracked than the hard but brittle titanium frame.

The iPhone 17 Pro is therefore more “practical”: lighter, more impact-resistant, and offers a comfortable grip experience. In particular, Apple's addition of Ceramic Shield glass in the MagSafe charging area further strengthens the overall durability, reducing the risk of damage in everyday situations.

However, this trade-off does not obscure the fact that aesthetics are extremely important to high-end users. A phone that is scratched after only a few weeks of use will obviously make many people hesitate.

4. Dark MacBook and iPad silhouettes

Interestingly, the dark aluminum scratching problem has been seen on the Space Gray MacBook Pro and the Black iPad Pro. Many users have reported that their laptops and tablets have also developed scratches after just a few months. However, because laptops and tablets are less likely to be used than phones, this issue is less of a concern.

When Apple applies this material to a product that users hold in their hands every day, put in their pockets, and collide with many surfaces, the flaws become more obvious. The difference is the level of attention: the iPhone is an iconic technology product, and any small flaw easily becomes a topic of discussion.

5. What is the solution for iPhone 17 Pro users?

In fact, it is unlikely that Apple will change the material during the iPhone 17 Pro's life cycle. Therefore, the advice given is that users need to proactively protect their devices.

If you don’t like the appearance of scratches, opt for a lighter color like Cosmic Orange or Icicle Silver to minimize the appearance. These colors create less contrast between the paint and the silver base underneath, so they last longer.

However, the most radical solution is still to use a case. A transparent case or a high-quality case not only protects the frame from scratches but also maintains aesthetics, while providing a more secure feeling during use. Many accessory brands have even quickly launched specialized case lines for the iPhone 17 Pro, optimizing thinness and lightness so as not to lose the sophistication of the original design.

In addition, regularly cleaning the phone and avoiding contact with sharp objects such as keys and coins also helps to limit scratches. These are simple but necessary habits to prolong the appearance of the device.

6. Conclusion

The downside of the aluminum case on the iPhone 17 Pro is a classic example of trade-offs in technological design. Apple has chosen to sacrifice some of its long-term aesthetics in exchange for lightness, impact resistance, and a comfortable grip. For many, this is a reasonable trade-off. But for those who value appearance, especially high-end customers who spend a lot of money, this is clearly an unacceptable drawback.

This incident also reminds that no material is absolutely perfect. Aluminum, titanium or stainless steel all have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important that users understand their characteristics to make a decision that suits their needs and usage habits.

With the iPhone 17 Pro, the safest and most practical solution is still: buy yourself a quality case right after opening the box. This is not only a way to protect the device but also the "key" for you to enjoy the full value that Apple's latest flagship brings