By John Velasco

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John Velasco

23 September 2025

That’s why you should always put on a case

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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)

When Apple introduced its new phones, I was instantly hooked by the designs of the iPhone 17 Pros and iPhone Air. While the former is an evolution with its two-toned design, Apple’s meticulous engineering is on full display with the iPhone Air’s rail thin construction. These are definitely premium devices.

However, Apple could be finding itself embroiled in a new controversy with ‘scratchgate.’ Reports show the aluminum unibody of iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in particular showing major scuffs and scratches. I was initially shocked by the photos I’m seeing online of these phones in Apple Stores showing their once pristine bodies now riddled with scratches that tarnish their beauty. And then I saw it for myself.
Am I surprised? Yes and no. Partly because I know everything scratches, no matter how much any company says it’s scratch resistant. I pulled out my iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange to check myself, and yes, there are small scratches all over the back. Is it to the same degree as some of these photos I’m seeing? No.

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(Image credit: Future)
To be clear, I have put the iPhone 17 Pro in my bad with other phones, so that’s the likely cause of the scratching. Metal will scratch against metal.

I’ve also checked out our Lavender iPhone 17, Sky Blue iPhone Air, and Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max review units to see if they have any scratches. Thankfully, none of them have any, but I suspect the lighter colors of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 do a much better job at masking these scratches.
Darker colors typically show them more, but I couldn’t find any on the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max. But our global editor in chief Mark Spoonauer has been more careful with his phone, telling me he usually puts it in his back pocket by itself on in a bag pocket with nothing else in it.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
But at the same time, I can understand why these phones look the way they do — they’re in Apple stores and you have tons of people handling them by the hour. Now, if my iPhone 17 Pro showed just as many scratches as those photos, then I’d be more concerned.

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All of the scratches on my iPhone 17 Pro are isolated to the back portion covered by Ceramic Shield. It’s not as scratch resistant as the Ceramic Shield 2 that protects the screen, but I’m hardly surprised by these superficial scratches because every phone I test to a certain degree gets scratched within a week.

iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max REVIEW: The Good, The Bad, The Surprising – YouTube

I’ve even had a few of the best phones after a day get scratched after pulling them out of my pocket, which is exactly why I tell people all the time to put on a phone case. Just last year, I tried going a week without using a case on my phones — and it felt weird having a naked phone.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
As much as my own findings don’t surprise me, it does raise questions about how durable the aluminum iPhone 17 Pros are in particular. I’ve watched the video of the iPhone Air surviving a bend test, so I suspect Apple has tested the durability and scratch resistance of the aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy it’s using in the iPhone 17 Pros.
When you advertise your phones to be the most durable and scratch resistant to date, people take it to heart. And that’s probably what’ll cause ‘scratchgate’ to explode. Consumers are going to be more critical about this. What I’ll say here is the advice I tell everyone: put on a case. And check out our own guides to the best iPhone 17 cases and best iPhone Air cases. We’re also working on case roundups for the iPhone 17 Pro series.
You’ll keep your phone looking good for longer, plus it’ll save you from those scary instances when you accidentally drop it.
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John Velasco

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Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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