iPhone 11 screen scratches

I have the same problem with my 11 Pro Max. I’ve had numerous prior iPhone models and never had a screen scratched from the car key fob in my pocket. Less than one day after buying my new phone, it has two large scratches on the center of the screen and numerous small abrasions along the edge of the screen. I’ve since installed a screen protector, but I’m mad that my new phone is no longer in pristine condition. I’m wondering if Apple will honor the AppleCare $29 screen replacement policy for deep scratches like these.

Same exact problem as others...within days of receiving my new iPhone 11 pro max, my screen is scratched while in my pocket...apparently from a key fob. I’ve owned numerous iPhones and never had this problem. Not happy at all

I have the same issue. Even though I protect it very well and just have the 11 pro for some days there are tiny scratches never had this problem before. 1300 Euro for this phone and this happens. Can't believe it

I have had the phone for a week and already two long scratches on the screen. Never dropped it. Never put it anywhere where it could get scratched. I had the XS Max for a year and only had 2 tiny scratches yet this one is already scratched so quickly yet apply markets this being a tougher phone.

I’ve had the same issue I’ve own several iPhones before and never encountered this issue. Light surface scratches shouldn’t be an issue (especially with no contact with sharp, hard areas) with the claims I how durable the phone is.

Also just found 2 noticeably deeps scratches on my iPhone 11. Upgraded from an iPhone 6S Plus which I've had for years with no scratches at all. The iPhone 11 has been in a case from day one that covers and protects the screen when it's in my pocket or not in use (note: not a screen protector, hate the feel of them).

I do feel it's odd that I've got 2 in one week when I've not had any scratches on previous phones with similar cases over much longer periods of time. That said, it could just be bad luck.

I had a 6S for years with no dings, scratches, anything. The iPhone 11 I've had for exactly one week, keep in a cloth pocket in my purse when it's not in my hand or face up on my desk or the Qi charger, and I have a 1" scratch on the top left. What the ****?

yep same problem with me in germany with my iphone 11. that * scratch came out of nowhere. it looks exactly the same as on the photos already put here. there are other minor scratches or hairline scratches that are really straight als well and might come from putting it in a pocket and out again. but come on: i have the phone since one week ... id experienced things like that in a two year period of usage on one of my older phones but not right from the start. actually my old iphone 7 has two bigger scratches and i remember they came from a sharp key. but this time its different. this is very confusing, seems a SCRATCHGATE is coming up for apple...

OK, this is crazy. I've been sitting here with the 11 on a cradle, facing me, since last posting at noon. I just looked at the phone, and it literally has 2 scratches it didn't have 3 hours ago when I posted - a small one on the lower center edge, and a really long one on the right side toward the bottom. THIS THING IS GETTING SCRATCHES FROM THIN AIR!

Yes!!! After third day--- HUGE scratches across the front of the screen. I haven't even taken it anywhere yet! It was on my nightstand, face down granted...but it's not like my nightstand is made out of diamonds! I am going to the Apple Store tomorrow to attempt a return. Severely disappointed-- and this is coming from an ex-employee of 6+ years. Rating: F

[Edited by Moderator]

Yes, I had my black iPhone 11 less than 24 hours (more like 12 hours) before noticing what appeared to be smudges in various places on the glass screen, but when I attempted to buff them away with a microfiber cloth, they didn't go anywhere. This is my first upgrade in over 5 years - from an iPhone 6 - and the 3rd iPhone I have had in my lifetime. I have never used a screen protector, and this time is no different. My new phone after a single day looks worse than my iPhone 6 after 5 years. I haven't had any incidents or usage which should lead to this sort of thing.

In the hopes that Apple would stand behind their product, I started by calling Apple Support. The rep I spoke with was very polite, but after asking whether I had taken off the plastic screen cover that is attached to the phone when brand new (my response was "yes"), she suggested I return to AT&T (where I purchased the phone) to see what resolution they could offer.

I did this, although I didn't really feel like it was AT&T's problem to deal with. The AT&T rep agreed that the scratches in my phone after one day of relatively gentle use didn't seem reasonable, but indicated that since I hadn't purchased insurance, my only option through them would be to return the phone for a $45 restocking fee (which I can do for up to 14 days after the day I purchased the phone). There isn't an Apple Store in my town, so the AT&T rep suggested that if I wasn't ready to pay the $45 fee, I could try visiting Best Buy, who is authorized to provide service for Apple products.

Also kind, the individual I spoke with at Best Buy indicated that I should A) try buffing the scratches out with a microfiber cloth; and B) purchase a screen protector to prevent more scratches from forming. I was also told that the 1-year warranty Apple provides doesn't cover "cosmetic screen issues," and that because I didn't have the insurance, my only other option through Best Buy would be to pay $300+ for a screen replacement.

My last step may be to drive the hour it will take me to get to the nearest Apple Store, if I choose to go through all of the necessary "steps." However, I might cut my losses now and pay the $45 restocking fee AT&T charges to save a few hours of my life (especially considering paying the $45 fee may very well be the path I am headed down even if I do pay a visit to Apple). I can't say what my experience would be if I were to visit the Apple Store, but in the meantime, I will share my thoughts here since it seems like I am not alone in my experience. I am very disappointed in the quality of my $700 investment. Having had the same phone for over 5 years (without insurance and never a service need except for an inexpensive battery replacement honored by Apple when the battery depletion issues with older iPhones surfaced a couple years back), I am clearly not one to be "hard" on phones. While not *technically* covered under warranty, the level of care that seems to be required to prevent scratches from forming on these new phone screens seems unreasonable. :( Had I known how "soft" the screen was going to be, I would have purchased a screen protector; however, I don't believe I am unreasonable to think that I didn't need one based on my prior (positive) experiences with screen durability in previous iPhone models. If that was the case, the phone should have come with some kind of "buyer beware!" warning! I fully understand that Apple may not completely be aware that there could be a quality issue or defect this early in the game; however, if such reports should continue to surface, I hope they stand behind their product (as they have done with other similar situations in the past). :)

former employee here- Apple took down my original post for not being “constructive. Not I’m really angry. Huge diamond level scratches across iphone 11 after 48 hours of ownership. Disappointed is an understatement.

Hey, I’m glad that I’m not the only one. I noticed the scratches on my new iPhone 11 in using just three days. I even don’t know when where and why I got those scratches. I’ve been using iPhone 7 for three years and never got any scratch except dropped once.

Besides, I feel the iPhone 11 screen is not as smooth as iPhone 7 screen, especially when you sweep fast on the screen you will feel the bluntness very obvious.

I never need a screen protector on iPhone 7. But when I see the scratch on my new iPhone 11, I realize that I need screen protector. So I went to Apple store and bought the $40 Belkin screen protector and have them applied for me in store. At first I’m happy with this protector since it feels smoother than the screen itself. However, it’s not stronger than the screen because I got minor scratch again without any known reason!

I got scratches in three days and then I went Apple store to buy and apply a $40 screen protector which I never need on my old iPhone 7. I should have thought about returning iPhone 11 in the first place like you did! Now if I return I will waste $85 ($45 for restock and $40 for the already purchased and applied screen protecter). Cry!

Besides, I can tell you that the $40 screen protector is not stronger than the screen, because I got minor scratch again without any reason!

I have a dime-sized smudge that has appeared today along with a few smaller scratches so I have an appointment at the Apple store tomorrow. This is a major inconvenience for me given the timing, but I want to get there ASAP.

like many others in the thread I have not dropped or been rough on my phone. This smudge seems to be a problem with the coating, you can feel it with your finger and when running water on the phone the smudge doesn’t repel water at all. It also looks like the smudge is under the glass so likely some kind of reflection from the coating not being right.

i haven’t used a screen protector since the iPhone 5 I think. This is ridiculous. Almost on principal I refuse to accept that a thousand dollar phone in 2019 requires a screen protector for normal use.

ill report back after my trip tomorrow.