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iPhone 12 pro scratched screen

I've only had my iPhone 12 pro for 3 days, haven't left the house & yet I already have significant scratches on the 'super strong' ceramic glass front screen! Anyone else experienced this? #notveryhappy

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 14

Posted on Oct 29, 2020 2:13 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 11, 2020 6:45 AM

I had my IPhone X for over two years, and for the majority of that time I didn’t have a case or a screen protector. After a couple of years I definitely had a couple of scratches, but nothing major; it was so impressive! I got my iPhone 12 on release day and it hasn’t had any more than normal wear and tear that my X would go through. No drops, no cohabitation in pockets with keys, nothing like that - but I already have several significant scratches; easily as bad as anything on my 2+ year old X. I’m definitely disappointed; I’ve ordered a screen protector, and I’ll probably be ordering a case as well, but certainly the difference in performance between the X and the 12 seems pretty stark to me.

706 replies

Nov 13, 2020 2:57 PM in response to mcase3030

mcase3030 wrote:

Yes! I had the same problem with the 11 Pro and now the 12. Not happy either. I don't want to have to use a screen protector. That's ridiculous. Ugh.


That's what the current state of the art in glass is.


I've mentioned before the top of the line Samsungs come with a screen protector preinstalled from the factory, but it's still required.

Nov 15, 2020 10:36 AM in response to leefromfolkestone

I only have my phone for 24hrs, ordered screen protector and case straight away, put my phone inside my jacket pocket, soft fleece inside and plastic zipper while using wireless headphones, and I already got a scratch!! its like the screen is like butter! needless to say Im very disappointed.. is there anyway to repair this, as Im aware the warranty is not gonna cover for this? #unimpressed

Nov 15, 2020 3:03 PM in response to ester231

That is NOT literally the only thing that could have scratched your screen. Unless you have microscopic vision, you simply cannot see micro-granules of sand/quartz which is very common in pockets.


Bottom line, to avoid getting more scratches, invest in an affordable screen protector. I got my 12 Pro Max and a screen protector was put on before the phone was ever turned on. The same on iPhone X, iPhone Xs Max and 11 Pro Max.

Nov 16, 2020 9:10 AM in response to pieter64

That's because no one from Apple is on this user to user ONLY forum. You are NOT speaking with Apple, just other users. And we've been around long enough to know Apple doesn't replace phones with scratches. If you believe your new phone came with scratches on the screen you should have contacted Apple immediately and returned the phone.


That said, you have 14 days from original date of purchase to return a phone for any reason for refund. Return your phone for refund if you are within that date range. Purchase a new phone and before you even turn it on, put a screen protector on it.

Nov 16, 2020 9:13 AM in response to leefromfolkestone

Exact same thing happened to me! I've had my new iPhone 12 Pro for 3 days and already have a scratch on the screen. I haven't left the house or even put it in my pocket. Before the 12 I had my Xs for over 2 years with minimal scratches, 3 days into the 12 and I already have scratches....very disappointed. I'm seriously thinking of returning it.


Nov 17, 2020 8:00 AM in response to eduardodurazo

Do let us know how things go. I just got my phone two days ago and last night discovered what I consider some surprisingly deep scratches for a phone that has not been dropped or mishandled (have been waiting for a case to arrive so have been handling the phone with an abundance of caution).


Wondering what kind of response you will get from Apple regarding screen/phone replacement, advice on continued care, screen protectors, etc.


I have ordered a screen protector. I have an older iPhone that I discontinued using a screen protector on because I found it changed the accuracy and feel of the touch screen and never had issues with scratches because I'm quite careful with my phones (never face down, never in same pocket as keys, etc.).


The touchscreen has been nice and response with the iPhone 12, but curious if anyone has applied a screen protector and noticed any reduction in quality, sensitivity, typing accuracy, etc.?


Thanks all

Nov 17, 2020 4:12 PM in response to leefromfolkestone

Yes I had a XS Max for two years, beat the heck out of it with no screen protector with nair a screen scratch - perfect. Have had 12 pro max for 3 days and deep scratch shows up from I don’t know where. I have been very careful so far with this phone. Ceramic craperamic - this is a huge issue. Apple you have a problem. Own it and fix it.

Nov 17, 2020 4:46 PM in response to 12promaxscratchy

You seem to have completely misread and misunderstood the new Ceramic Shield screen on iPhone. Apple NEVER suggested it was harder to scratch. In partnership with Corning, Apple installed a screen on iPhone which is much harder to shatter. That does NOT mean it is much harder to scratch. And nowhere does the marketing materials from Apple say it is harder to scratch. In fact, the marketing materials simply say "4 times better drop performance."


Glass is glass and that means there is no glass which can't be scratched. If you want to avoid future scratches, you should invest in a reasonably priced screen protector as Apple will not replace your screen for a scratch, which they never suggested couldn't happen in the first place.

Nov 18, 2020 12:00 AM in response to leefromfolkestone

Purchased two iPhone Pros. Both screens have been scratched somehow. No drops, both have covers. No screen protectors. I can not tolerate the bump a screen protector has which you feel every time you swipe upwards to use your phone. Bought one and removed it immediately. If Apple knows there phone’s glass is prone to scratch and requires a screen protector, why not build it onto the screen itself which can be easily replaced??? This is very disappointing. These phones are not cheap, very expensive. You’d expect to sustain a scratch with a fall on a hard surface, not one that you just happened to notice with great surprise! Very disappointed. This experience humbles one and makes you wonder; should I just go back to the way of old; cheap phones you don’t give a **** about?

Nov 18, 2020 1:41 AM in response to salfromparramatta

So you just said you hate screen protectors then ask why Apple doesn’t build one in.


Samsung does include a factory-installed screen protector on their phones; Apple could do the same and raise the price of the phone $30 but instead they allow consumers to choose on their own.


If you don’t buy one and apply it immediately before you use the phone for the first time, well it’s your call and your risk.

iPhone 12 pro scratched screen

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