### iPhone 17 Pro Durability Issues: A Summary
The introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro has sparked some debate, especially concerning the robustness of its aluminum frame. While the iPhone Air has been commended for its durability in several bend and scratch evaluations, some consumers have voiced worries about the iPhone 17 Pro’s vulnerability to damage.
#### Initial Worries and “Scratchgate”
The durability issues emerged in a Bloomberg article released on the iPhone 17’s launch day. This article pointed out noticeable wear on demo models within Apple Stores, especially near the MagSafe cutout on the back of the phone. Apple has since reacted, explaining that these flaws are due to used MagSafe stands in retail settings. The company clarified that the marks seen are not genuine scratches but rather material transfer from the stands, which can be removed. Apple is reportedly taking measures to replace the damaged stands to alleviate this problem.
#### Assessments and Results
In a recent video, JerryRigEverything performed a durability evaluation on the iPhone 17 Pro and discovered that the raised edges surrounding the camera plateau are especially susceptible to scratches. This weakness arises from the lack of a chamfer, fillet, or radius around the camera area. Apple has defended the design, asserting that the edges of the camera plateau share characteristics with other anodized aluminum products that have undergone thorough testing. However, the company admits that users might face typical wear and tear over time.
#### Overall Durability Assessment
Despite these apprehensions, both the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 lineup have exhibited impressive durability in broader testing contexts. The iPhone Air, for example, has shown remarkable strength and resistance to bending under typical pressure. Furthermore, the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover across all new iPhone models has been noted to be substantially more scratch-resistant than earlier versions.
Tests by JerryRigEverything also indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro is largely scratch-resistant, apart from the edges of the camera plateau. The phone’s body and the camera plateau itself are anticipated to endure regular use without sustaining damage.
#### Material and Design Advantages
Apple has highlighted that the iPhone 17 lineup employs a “lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy,” with the anodization layer surpassing industry standards for microhardness. The company carries out extensive durability assessments during development to ensure its products can handle real-world usage scenarios.
It is also important to consider that images of damaged iPhones circulating on social media should be taken with caution, as some may show inflicted damage rather than typical wear. Moreover, demo units in stores frequently undergo rigorous handling, which may not accurately reflect the durability of devices during regular use.
#### Final Thoughts
Although there are concerns surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro’s durability, specifically regarding the camera plateau edges, the device’s overall performance in durability evaluations remains strong. The new aluminum design provides enhanced thermal performance and efficiency, leading to improved battery life. Users who have rigorously tested their devices report that their iPhone 17 Pros stay in excellent condition even after extended use without cases. As always, individual experiences may differ, and it is crucial to consider both the testing outcomes and real-life usage when assessing the durability of any smartphone.
