Has anyone noticed the screen on the new iPhone 16 pro max scratchign easily? Had mine for 1 full day and already has a semi deep scratch and another scratch on it.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18
DeloGs wrote:
I believe most of us, including myself, have already reported this issue to Apple. Posting here is meant to highlight the problem and inform other users about the decline in quality with the new phone, potentially saving trouble for those considering a purchase.
I also appreciate your efforts in recommending screen protectors. However, Joseph Corl’s comment about the leather analogy was spot on—I’ve never heard of a furniture manufacturer suggesting that customers wrap their furniture in plastic after purchase.
Expecting such measures for a flagship iPhone product is simply unreasonable.
The analogy still doesn't work. For one, nowhere does Apple say anyone needs to put a screen protector on their iPhone. NOWHERE. But Apple does sell and install screen protectors. Some people aren't bothered by scratches on their screens. Just like some people aren't bothered if their leather seats age, patina or get scratches. So no, seat manufacturers don't suggest you need a seat cover and Apple doesn't say you "need" a screen protector.
The iPhone 16 phones are NO MORE susceptible to scratches than previous iPhones. Every year for as many years as I can remember, there have been equally lengthy threads of people upset because their phones screen is scratching. iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and now 16 in particular, because that's when Apple went with the new glass formula, which they call Ceramic Shield (an unfortunate name in my opinion). Ceramic Shield is much harder to break. But to make glass harder to break, it has to be a bit softer. And softer means it can be easier to scratch. The tradeoff of course is, screens which are harder to break, save users $Hundreds in having to have their screen replaced because it cracked in a fall. I would hope you'd agree you'd rather not have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing your screen if it broke from a drop? No one has yet found a glass formulation, which is equally harder to break and equally harder to scratch. You'd become richer beyond your wildest dreams if you did! But a very small investment in a screen protector will ensure the screen on your iPhone doesn't scratch. It's a lot easier and less expensive to replace a screen protector than it is to replace the screen.
You are more than welcome to continue to alert other users. In fact, I hope people do read these posts and help themselves by putting a good quality screen protector on their phone the moment they get a new phone. They wouldn't be here complaining if they do. But to expect that glass shouldn't be able to scratch and this is something new, is simply wrong. As already mentioned, there are many many threads on just about every iPhone model released of people claiming they never got scratches until their new phone.
My iPhone 16 plus has a lot of scratches and I’ve been very careful with it. My last two iPhones never had scratches on the screen. I’m upset now and I want this fixed but I saw people said Apple won’t fix it even if you bought Apple care.
Unfortunately i also have a small deep scratch only after 12 days on my iphone 16 pro. I had my 12 pro for 4 years and never had any scratches. Im really upset since i saved this money up to buy the new iphone. I went back to the Apple store to try and return it since its within the 14 days but the guy didn’t wanted to do anything. Im always super careful with my phone i never have it in my pocket with anything else so i have no idea where this scratch is coming from. I still have a appointment with the genius bar upcoming friday hopefully i will get a nice person that can help me out
They must have changed something in the glass. My iPhone 15 pro did not scratch this easily. I had it for a year, fully uncased no screen protector.
my iPhone 16 has crazy scratches on it after a month.
I thought I was going crazy. I woke up today - two days after getting the iPhone 16pro - and there’s a scratch. How did my phone scratch over night? As the day has worn on it’s getting larger and larger. I’m just laying on my couch! I just traded in the iPhone 12 Pro. Not a single scratch!
Similar story with my iPhone 16 pro max
Less than a day and notices two scratches as I was preparing to install my screen protector
I think there a problem with packaging facing the USB-C metallic connector.
I installed my screen protector and as I was removing air bubbles, two more scratches appeared.
The screen also tends to freeze or not respond.
The screen on the iPhone pro max is going to become a serious issue for Apple.
This is a seriously abnormal situation and has to be addressed
Same here. As many scratches after day 2 as my 13 max pro after 2 years. The very least be a free screen protection and a swap of the screen when they produced the real glass.
[Edited by Moderator]
Hello~ I am only trying to help mitigate any further issues. Let Apple know about your displeasure as I am a fellow for member just like you are and have no more ability to “fix” this than you do. Click on below…
My thinking is this…I bought a very nice vehicle and so I do everything within my power to protect my investment. Regular maintenance and protective measures to keep it nice…does that make sense? That’s how I treat my Apple devices as well. Complaining here is a waste of time…it’s a technical forum not a complaint center.
~Katana-San~
I seriously regret upgrading now… they said screens are tougher but I have 4 random screeches and I kept it away from keys etc. My 12 pro max was bashed in my handbag with keys for 3 years and 0 scratches
I have had a new iPhone 16 Pro for less than a week and the screen already has multiple scratches. My old iPhone 12 didn't have a single scratch when I traded it in. Apple needs to correct this problem asap. Not a good look for Apple quality control....
Apple customer service looked at the forum and this thread today when I asked them to, the agent seemed to find them useful to make them aware it wasn’t an isolated issue - so apple will look at this but I agree do contact them
there are threads for lots of different issues - I have had many iPhones over the years and am not new to apple or the standards I have come to expect from a company that cares about design deeply - but from time to time products and production can have quality issue
the agent was pleased to see a forum that was sharing experience as that’s what is for
No one said that previous iPhones couldn’t be scratched. We know how glass works. We’re saying that it is EASIER THIS YEAR TO SCRATCH THE GLASS THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS. Some of us haven’t had to EVER use screen protectors and have never seen a scratch. Should your phone scratch when all you do is put it in your soft pants pocket and never drop it? Does that seem right to you?
Same here. Had the 12 Pro Max for 4 years with no screen protector the whole time. Had a couple micro scratches by the time I traded it in. Bought a 16 Pro Max and it is full of deep scratches already within a couple weeks. Will see if I can return.
I have had mine for less than 3 hours. has 4 noticeable scratches already. Annoyed as I had bought the screen protector at the same time ready to put it on at home. All screens get scratched eventually, but this does some absurdly quick for it to happen.
Same here! I recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro, and I have to say, I’m pretty disappointed with the screen durability! After just a week of light use, I’ve already noticed several noticeable scratches on the display. My previous device, iPhone 13, never showed any signs of scratches despite over three years of daily use without any screen protection. That makes me question whether Apple has made changes to the glass or coating that have impacted its durability?!
My 13 pro is in a better shape after 3 years of heavy use, than new 16 is after a month. The top of the screen is completely scratched just from sliding the phone to my pocket! The quality is just unbelievably poor! My new MacBook Pro has a keyboard imprint on the screen and now this.. I will have to start looking for an alternative as this becomes unacceptable for the price tag.
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
