iPhone 17 Pro Users Shocked by Camera Bump Scratches Under Microscope
Microscopic analysis shows iPhone 17 Pro camera edges scratch easily. Discover iFixit’s teardown findings and repair insights for Apple users.
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Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Pro models, featuring anodized aluminum bodies, are showing a recurring issue: scratches around the camera plateau. iFixit’s teardown and microscopic investigation highlight the problem in detail.
Images from iFixit display the scratches under high magnification, illustrating how minor surface damage can become highly visible on the camera area.
iFixit consulted mechanical engineering expert David Niebuhr to explain why the scratches appear more pronounced at the camera plateau than other areas of the device. Niebuhr attributes the problem to the sharp edge of the camera bump, where the anodized coating is less uniform. He noted that a smoother, more gradual curve could have reduced the likelihood of spalling damage.
The teardown also emphasizes practical usage concerns. iFixit warns that without protective cases, the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera plateau is likely to incur scratches over time.
On the repair front, iFixit highlighted Apple’s choice to use a screwed-in battery, which makes battery replacements straightforward. However, the firm criticized Apple for requiring users to remove the screen for many other repairs, a procedure not needed on the new iPhone Air series.
Experts suggest that while the anodized aluminum finish gives the iPhone 17 Pro a premium look, it may compromise durability around sharply defined edges. Users are encouraged to use cases and careful handling to reduce the risk of damage.
