iPhone 17 users shocked as scratches appear on new devices instantly: Report

The recent debut of Apple’s iPhone 17 series has sparked notable controversy among users in China, where several customers have reported unsightly scratches on their devices just hours after purchase. Shoppers in major cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai have posted images showcasing visible marks on the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, with some also noting imperfections on the black iPhone Air. Apple had advertised these new handsets as featuring a more resilient finish, marking a return to an aluminum frame for the first time in several years. However, images shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo suggest that the new coating may not be as durable as claimed. By Friday afternoon, a related hashtag had garnered over 40 million views on Weibo, quickly becoming one of the platform's top-trending topics. As of now, Apple has not issued any statement addressing these reports. This situation is reminiscent of past issues faced by Apple's flagship devices, including the iPhone 7, which was criticized for its susceptibility to scratches, and the iPhone 6, known for bending under pressure. Meanwhile, despite these concerns, demand for the iPhone 17 series remains robust across Asia. On launch day in Hong Kong, Apple’s flagship store saw long queues, although walk-in purchases were limited to the iPhone Air. Customers wanting the iPhone 17 Pro models were directed to place orders online, facing shipping delays of up to three weeks. Similar wait times have been observed in Australia, New Zealand, mainland China, and Singapore, with the Pro Max variant facing delays of nearly four weeks. In South Korea, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to ship within a week, while the Pro Max will not be available until late October. This setback in China poses a challenge for Apple, which is keen to maintain momentum amidst slowing growth and an increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence features.