Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 series has encountered its first set of criticisms just hours after its debut in Asia. While there is strong demand for the launch throughout the region, social media discussions in China have raised alarms regarding the durability of Apple’s latest devices. Customers in Hong Kong and Shanghai shared images of scratched display models of the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on Friday. Some customers also reported visible marks on the black iPhone Air. This revelation was unexpected, given Apple’s emphasis on a sturdier aluminum frame and the promise of an improved protective coating. However, photographs circulating on Weibo indicate otherwise, with noticeable scuffs and scratches appearing on the devices.
By the afternoon, a related hashtag had amassed over 40 million views, quickly becoming one of the day’s leading topics. Apple has not yet addressed these claims. This is not the first instance of Apple facing backlash regarding design or build quality. The glossy black iPhone 7 once faced criticism for being highly susceptible to scratches, while the iPhone 6 became infamous for bending under pressure. Going further back, the iPhone 4 was notorious for its “Antennagate” issue, which caused reception problems based on how users held the phone. The current concerns regarding the iPhone 17’s finish seem to follow a familiar trend of initial problems with Apple’s flagship launches. Despite these durability issues, sales momentum in Asia remains robust.
Reports indicate long lines at Apple’s flagship store in Hong Kong on launch day. Walk-in customers were restricted to purchasing the iPhone Air, while those interested in the Pro and Pro Max models were directed to online purchases. Shipping timelines for these premium models have extended to three weeks. Similar situations have been observed in several countries. In mainland China, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is experiencing the longest wait times, with delays reaching nearly four weeks. Buyers in South Korea may have slightly better availability, with the Pro expected to ship within a week, but the Pro Max will not be available until late October.
The scratches controversy in China poses a risk of overshadowing what has otherwise been a successful launch for Apple’s latest smartphones. The iPhone 17 lineup is crucial to Apple’s strategy as it adapts to a slowdown in global smartphone growth while integrating artificial intelligence features into its ecosystem. Whether the scratch complaints indicate a widespread problem or isolated incidents remains unknown. For the moment, however, the mixed buzz surrounding the iPhone 17 has kept Apple’s latest release in the spotlight, dominating discussions among consumers across Asia.