Apple is reportedly testing a more fragile aluminum design for the iPhone 17 Pro.
More scratches and dents than any other iPhone I've owned.
Apple promoted the iPhone 17 Pro series' redesigned aluminum casing as improving thermal management, which is accurate, but the phone's durability is questionable.
Despite careful handling, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models used for a short time already show significant wear and scratches. This is unexpected, given the toughness of earlier iPhones. The 16 Pro and 15 Pro lines used titanium frames, while previous Pro iPhones had stainless steel frames. After months of use, titanium and stainless steel iPhones showed minimal damage, aside from minor display scratches.
In contrast, the thinner iPhone Air remains pristine due to its titanium build, despite expectations of fragility.
Apple highlighted the iPhone 17 Pro series' redesigned aluminum casing as improving thermal management, which is accurate, but the phone's durability is questionable.
Despite careful handling, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models used for a short time already show significant wear and scratches. This is unexpected, given the toughness of earlier iPhones. The 16 Pro and 15 Pro lines used titanium frames, while previous Pro iPhones had stainless steel frames. After months of use, titanium and stainless steel iPhones showed minimal damage, aside from minor display scratches.
In contrast, the thinner iPhone Air remains pristine due to its titanium build, despite expectations of fragility.
Interestingly, the iPhone screens now have excellent scratch resistance, but the aluminum frame scratches easily.
This aluminum finish feels like a design flaw, unless Apple intends to promote a "worn" aesthetic. A premium phone should not require a case for basic protection.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, a major competitor, uses a titanium frame and maintains a pristine appearance even after heavy use.
Although the iPhone 17 Pro is not the only aluminum phone, Google's Pixel 10 Pro series also use aluminum frames, but do not appear as worn after a month as the iPhone.
The color and finish may be to blame. Scratches may be less noticeable on a silver iPhone 17 Pro because aluminum has a naturally silver hue.
However, scratches are very obvious on a dark, navy blue iPhone. The Cosmic Orange model shows scrapes just as easily.
Apple initially promoted titanium with the iPhone 15 Pro, but now appears to be backtracking.
Aside from titanium and aluminum, ceramic is another option. Some of the most durable phones have used ceramic backs, which resist scratches and feel luxurious. Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus have experimented with ceramic models that remain pristine for years.
The drawbacks include increased weight and expense. However, this should not be an issue for devices costing over $1,200.
Ceramic also provides a luxurious feel that aluminum cannot match. Apple is aware of this, as it used ceramic in the Apple Watch Edition for its "durability and elegance." However, it has reverted to prioritizing weight savings and thermal performance for the iPhone.
Currently, the only solution is to keep your iPhone 17 Pro in a case or use gloves when handling it.
Apple has alternated between a titanium phone with poor heat dissipation and an aluminum phone with bright colors that scratch easily.
A balance must be found to ensure that premium iPhones live up to their "Pro" designation in terms of durability.
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