My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily

Hello~ Who’s on their high horse? When I purchase a new iPhone it gets a screen protector (about $8) a back glass protector, a camera protector and an excellent quality case right out of the box. Guess what? None of them have ever had a scratch on them. Add a screen protector or not …it is your choice.

~Katana-San~

Is Apple going to address this? Had iPhone 14 for two years no screen protector and hardly ANY scratches. Got my cases from Temu and traded that thing in for $830. Got my iPhone 16 pro and literally ONE day after had deep scratches from keeping my phone in my cotton sweatpants along with my lipgloss. Immediately went to get a screen protector. Just sucks I have horrendous scratches on my brand new phone only after a few days. Sometimes I even notice with the screen protector it doesn’t pick up every tap on the screen which is frustrating. What exactly is the difference between the 14’s screen compared to the 16 pro’s? Seems to not be as durable as I have dropped my 14 face first multiple times on concrete, cements, and other very hard/rough surfaces with no damage to the screen…

I just bought two iPhone Pro Max, when I saw this discussion I started to examine my phones and to my surprise they had scratches, I have the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the 15 Pro Max and they don't have a single scratch, I made an appointment to take them to the Apple Store, they made me wait two hours and then told me that the phones were very new and they didn't have parts to repair the screen, when I was waiting for my turn 6 people were there for the same problem.

My Phone comes from the Box with minor scratches in the ceramic 50X better screen. So disappointed, you buy something that comes with scratches; it would be better to purchase something second-hand because you pay less and expect it.

Hello~ When I purchase a new item that I paid a higher price for I will make a video of the unboxing. It has been beneficial for me on several occasions. I have never had a problem with any Apple device having any issues upon receipt. As soon as it’s out of the box a screen protector goes on…as well as other protective gear. Stuff happens… someone put a minor scratch in the side of my car shortly after I bought it. Yes, I was unhappy but it doesn’t rule my life. Put a screen protector on and enjoy your iPhone. If you are within the 14 day return window..return it.

~Katana-San~

Completely beg to differ who put resistance on iPhone 16 screen having scratch issues, because I can garauntee it does!

I have used almost every version of iPhone since 3G and NEVER used a screen protector AND never had scratches being a soft user. This is the first time ever 16 pro amongst all other pros I have owned that caused scratches after merely using for <48 hours WITHOUT any reason to having caused it. So people can ring the bell about screen protectors all day long, it does not make any practical sense whatsoever.

Will I use screen protectors from now on? Yes! Because I cannot trust Apple’s quality (sad to say).

I hate to add to the pile here but I too have had a bunch of spider cracking on the corner of my 16 Pro Max screen. Only have had the phone for +/- 10 days, in a good case since I got it and never dropped. My 12 Pro Max (!!!) had a spotless screen after 4+ years of heavy use. What are my options here? I love the phone, can I get another to replace the screen or do I have to go down the Applecare route?

stephenstruss wrote:

I hate to add to the pile here but I too have had a bunch of spider cracking on the corner of my 16 Pro Max screen. Only have had the phone for +/- 10 days, in a good case since I got it and never dropped. My 12 Pro Max (!!!) had a spotless screen after 4+ years of heavy use. What are my options here? I love the phone, can I get another to replace the screen or do I have to go down the Applecare route?

Cosmetic damage is not covered by AppleCare. Put a good quality screen protector on it and it will hide the scratches you have and avoid future scratches. Apple also won't replace the phone for screen scratches as it is again, considered cosmetic damage.

I’ve had my iPhone 16 pro max for almost a week now and it already has a micro scratch that I can notice in certain lighting conditions and when my finger nail hits it. I got a screen protector the other day. This is the first phone I have had to get a screen protector for.

Hello~ Yes…I understand perfectly and don’t have this issue at all…why?? Because I choose to use a screen protector…period. What I do not understand is coming here to complain about it. I do understand this…I am a proactive participant and I minimize my risk as much as I can under most situations as it makes my life so much easier therefore I spend less of my time just spinning my wheels.

~Katana-San~

Yet, as users who install screen protectors on your phones there is no way for y'all to know if the iPhone 16 Pro is softer than previous versions. Other folks here posting with real experiences do know the new phones are far easier to scratch.

Same !! Had scratches after a week while I barely had any with my previous ones. They are not deep, almost look like spider webs, shiny, multi directional and very superficial but still when the screen is off it’s horrible. Such a poor glass quality !!

Same here. I have a lot of scratches on my screen. Looks like a spiderweb. I really am upset. Paid so much for a phone and after a few days this happens. I hope Apple will do something about it. I’ve never had this before with other iPhones. And am a customer for 10+ years. Insane

Same here, 3 days old iPhone 16 pro with a big deep scratch across the screen. My 4 years old iPhone 11 is less scratched and never had any screen protectors. I must admit, i am really disappointed considering premium price you pay!

I have the same problem. I just got this phone today and around the sides I’m finding imperfections. I already had to wait long enough to get this phone so I don’t plan on returning it at all, but it’s upsetting that you pay so much money for it to come in imperfect condition at least a case will hide it though.