After the release of iPhone 17 people have reported several problems. Users and tech experts tested the true potential of iPhone 17 and found some problems related to it.
Indeed some claims by companies are true and create differences in people’s lives.
The most common problems reported by people are:
“Scratchgate”/ Scratching & Chipping on the Frame (Especially on Pro Models)
Easy Scratches/Wear: Many users have reported that the anodized aluminium frame on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max (and the black iPhone Air) is susceptible to scratches. Particularly on the darker colourways like deep blue and cosmic orange, showing the silver aluminium underneath.
Camera Bump Chipping: The sharp edges around the camera plateau on the models seem to be particularly vulnerable to the anodized coating chipping off from minor abrasions (like contact with keys or coins).
Apple’s Response: The company has stated that marks seen on some retail display units are not scratches but material transfer from worn MagSafe display stands and are removable with cleaning. However, for the camera bump wear, Apple notes that users may see normal wear and tear over time, though some experts attribute it to the design’s sharp edges.
Cellular Connectivity Issues
A significant number of users have reported sporadic cellular signal drops and issues with dropped calls and undelivered texts. This has been reported across multiple carriers.
Apple’s support staff has reportedly confirmed that their engineers are working on the issue, suggesting it may be a software/firmware problem that can be patched with an iOS update.
Wi-Fi and CarPlay Connectivity Bugs
Some iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users are experiencing an issue where the Wi-Fi connection briefly drops and reconnects every time they unlock the device or view the Lock Screen.
This is also leading to CarPlay instability (lag, audio skips) since wireless CarPlay relies on Wi-Fi.
This is generally believed to be a software bug that is being addressed in upcoming iOS updates.
Related: iPhone 17 Pro Vapor Chamber Cooling Explained
Apple Intelligence Download/Access Bug
A small number of users have reported a bug that prevents Apple Intelligence features (like Genmoji, Writing Tools, etc.) from fully downloading or being accessible on their iPhone 17 models, even though the models may show as installed in storage. Apple is reportedly aware of this issue and working on a fix.
For the physical wear issues, many sources recommend using a protective case as the simplest solution. For the connectivity and software issues, patches via iOS updates are generally expected.
Based on user and expert reports, beyond the major “Scratchgate” and general connectivity problems, here is another key issue people are facing with the iPhone 17 series:
Rare Camera Glitch (Software Bug)
Some users and reviewers have reported a rare issue with the camera system, primarily on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models.
- The Problem: The camera may occasionally produce photos with strange artifacts, such as black boxes or white squiggly lines, especially when shooting directly at extremely bright LED light displays (like a stage backdrop at a concert).
- The Cause: Apple has acknowledged this issue and attributed it to a rare interaction between the ultra-bright LED lighting and the camera’s image sensor.
- The Status: This is confirmed to be a software bug, and Apple has promised to release a fix in a forthcoming iOS update.
Summary of Common iPhone 17 Issues
| Issue Category | Specific Problem(s) | Status / Solution |
| Durability / Cosmetic | “Scratchgate” (Visible scratching/chipping on the anodized aluminum frame and camera bump, especially on Pro models and dark colors). | Hardware/Design concern. Apple suggests cleaning may remove some display-unit marks, but users should use a case for protection. |
| Connectivity | Cellular Signal Issues (Dropped calls, sporadic 4G/5G switching). | Software/Firmware issue. Apple is aware and working on a fix via an iOS update. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi/CarPlay Bugs (Wi-Fi dropping upon unlocking, causing CarPlay instability). | Software bug. A fix is expected in an upcoming iOS update. |
| Functionality | Apple Intelligence Bug (Features not fully downloading or becoming inaccessible). | Software bug. Apple is aware and a fix is reportedly coming. |
| Camera | Rare Photo Artifacts (Black boxes/white squiggles in photos taken near bright LED lights). | Software bug. Apple has confirmed the issue and is preparing a fix in a future iOS update. |
iPhone 17 Repair and Mobile Repair Costs
For context regarding the above durability and component issues, here are the estimated out-of-warranty repair costs from Apple for the iPhone 17 series:
| Repair Type | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max |
| Cracked Screen (Front) | $$$329 | $$$329 / $$$379 |
| Back Glass Damage | $$$159 | $$$159 |
| Battery Replacement | $$$99 | $$$119 |
| Rear Camera Repair | $$$169 | $$$249 |
| Other Damage (mobile repair) | $$$599 | $$$749 / $$$799 |
Note: With AppleCare+ coverage, these costs are significantly reduced (e.g., screen or back glass repair for $$$29 per incident). For accurate iphone 17 repair cost, check here.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 brings impressive upgrades. But like any new release, it isn’t without its challenges. From durability concerns like “scratchgate” to software related connectivity and camera bugs, users have faced a mix of cosmetic and functional issues. Fortunately, most of these problems are expected to be resolved through software updates, while physical protection remains the best way to preserve the device’s look and longevity.
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