The IPhone 17 Camera Has a Major Design Flaw.
People have finally started receiving their iPhone 17s, and now that the new phones are in the hands of people outside of Apple, their flaws are starting to become apparent. Specifically, durability testers say you might want to consider putting a case on your new phone.
Specifically, it turns out the iPhone 17 Pro has a serious flaw: its protruding camera. While the lenses themselves are fine, the edges of the protruding camera “platform” (as Apple calls it) can become scratched simply by being in a bag or pocket with household items like coins or keys. This is according to testing by trusted YouTuber Zach Nelson ( JerryRigEverything ), who criticized Apple’s decision not to add a bevel or other protective barrier around the protruding camera.
“I think it was done on purpose,” the YouTuber says in his video. “To make it look cooler.”
According to Nelson, the scratches are likely due to Apple’s decision to return to anodized aluminum for this model, rather than the titanium it began using in the iPhone 15 Pro. Aluminum provides better cooling and high scratch resistance in areas exposed to anodizing, but the problem is that without chamfers, these corners tend to be missed during anodizing.
For example, when Nelson tried to scratch the flat parts of the platform (as well as the entire back of the phone), only dust appeared, which could be easily wiped off, leaving the phone as good as new. However, the corners of the camera platform remained permanently scratched, even after wiping.
This follows from a similar Bloomberg report, which noted that the displays of the blue iPhone 17 Pro and black iPhone Air appear to be particularly susceptible to scratches, as well as user reports indicating scratches on all colors and several models of the new iPhones, especially after using MagSafe accessories . While some of these scratches may be removable, as demonstrated in Nelson’s video, scratches in the corners are particularly unsightly, and I’m not just talking about the camera bump.
How to Prevent Scratches on Your iPhone 17
While you shouldn’t assume your iPhone will get scratched without protection, there’s a simple solution: put a case on it. While it will hide your signature Apple logo, it will protect your phone from knocks from keys or coins and create a barrier around the edges of the camera.
This year, Apple offers three case options: clear plastic, silicone, and the new TechWoven fabric case. In testing by YouTuber Arun Maini ( Mrwhosetheboss ), the clear case scratches easily with common household items, but all other options hold up well. This is a relief for those who suffered with Apple’s previous fabric case, FineWoven, which also suffered from scratches when it debuted with the iPhone 15 lineup.
Alternatively, you can turn to third-party manufacturers. In this case, you have a variety of options. Lifehacker’s sister publication , CNET , has previously praised Otterbox , which I can confirm from my own experience. For a more premium look, you can also choose Nomad leather cases , which I also highly recommend.