**‘Scuffgate’ Trends as Users Report Scratches on iPhone 17 Pro**
*By Mudit Dube | September 19, 2025, 6:43 PM*
Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 17 launch in China has been overshadowed by numerous user complaints regarding scratches on the new devices. The problem appears to be especially widespread among the Deep Blue Pro variants, which have reportedly shown scuffs and scratches within just hours of being put on display.
### Scratch Concerns Cloud New Launch
These reports have sparked doubts about the scratch-resistant finish that Apple prominently marketed for the iPhone 17 series. Early adopters were surprised to see damage appearing so quickly, raising questions about the durability of Apple’s latest flagship.
### ‘Scuffgate’ Goes Viral on Social Media
Images showcasing damaged display models have flooded social media, particularly on China’s Weibo platform. Alongside the Deep Blue Pro, the black iPhone Air has also been noted for its vulnerability to scratches, according to Bloomberg reports.
By Friday afternoon, the hashtag associated with this issue was trending on Weibo with over 40 million views, reflecting widespread user frustration. Apple has not yet issued an official response addressing these concerns.
### A History of Launch-Day Woes
This isn’t the first time Apple has faced durability complaints right after new model releases. The iPhone 7’s glossy black finish was criticized for scratching easily, while the ultra-thin iPhone 6 faced bending issues that gained significant media attention.
Going further back, the iPhone 4 had its own well-known controversy involving wireless antenna problems when held certain ways, demonstrating that even Apple’s flagship devices are sometimes not immune to early defects.
### Impact on Sales and Market Response
Despite the social media backlash, initial sales figures suggest robust demand for the iPhone 17 Pro models across Asia. Apple had been relying on this launch to sustain momentum amid challenges integrating AI features into its ecosystem.
However, the negative publicity surrounding the “Scuffgate” scratches could pose a threat to the overall successful debut of the iPhone 17 series.
In some markets such as Hong Kong, walk-in purchase availability is currently limited to the new iPhone Air at Apple’s flagship stores, while Pro models remain in high demand.
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As consumers await Apple’s official response, the “Scuffgate” controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges tech giants face in balancing innovation with product durability.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-iphone-17-pro-faces-scratch-complaints-from-early-users/story
