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.
dinapet1975 wrote:
It’s crazy and extremely disappointing I have a brand new iPhone 16 - a month old - it’s been in the otter case and screen protector since I walked out the store. I haven’t done anything wrong to it and last night I notice the TOP LEFT and BOTTOM RIGHT screen is scratched / chip.
I have had older models for years without any scratches.
@apple
do something!
[Edited by Moderator]
Apple isn't here, so they won't hear you here. This is a user to user only forum. Are you honestly suggesting the screen of your iPhone is scratched underneath a screen protector? Or are you suggesting your screen got a chip out of nowhere? Screens don't scratch or chip by themselves. But if you feel yours did, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and show it to Apple. No one here can help you at all.
Just picked up my new Apple 16 Pro phone traded in my old apple XS Pro and am not very happy. Had the phone only one day and have several DEEP scratches in the screen!!!. Did not get a screen protector since I did not have one on my old phone and had NO scratches in SIX years! What is going on with Apple, are they trying to loose customers? BTW also got the same type phone, on the same day for a Valentine gift for my wife. Hers also has deep scratches after one DAY and she is livid.
Kommanderson wrote:
Oh ok, so 15 prior years of iPhone ownership and never having a problem like this with any other model doesn’t count for anything?
I guess you were just very very very lucky. As there are threads on just about every phone model released, many many many others were clearly not as lucky. I doubt they were lying. And I'm not suggesting you are either. It's just that the data doesn't support anyones claims that previous phones didn't scratch just as easily. And the data also supports there is one sure way to not even need to be here complaining about ever getting a scratch and that is to install a good screen protector out of the box.
I use my iPhone very carefully and even wipe it with a cloth (Apple Polishing Cloth) almost daily. I don't use a case, because I love to feel the quality and heft of the device. It's also a little bit thinner this way, which I enjoy.
I have bought the latest iPhone every year, right after it becomes available. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I've noticed a lot more scratches than I've ever had on any iPhone before that I can think of. This is really sad, and I don't want to use a screen protector.
Apple says every year the screen is made of stronger more robust glass, and it would be more durable, but that's not my experience 😔
My son surprised me and bought me the new iPhone 16 pro max Titanium as I had the 11 and 6, 4 prior to this and am always last in the family to update my phone - I have always kept my phones very well protected and for a long long time hence being last to update. Never had issues with scratches.
I like other new 16 owners, even though I had a protector, on my first day I have scratches! In all my years of using apple phones I have never come across any product so disappointing and of poor quality! Technology is meant to be improving - not going backwards. I expect this of Apple in its primary stages, not a model more than a decade later! It seems to be affecting the clarity of the photos being taken too. The lens glass needs to be toughened or something done.
This is a serious flaw with the IPhone 16 Pro Max range.
Apple needs to change replace our phones as it’s their flaw, not ours!
Hello~ The Apple Store asked you what repeatedly? I have never owned an iPhone that didn’t have a screen protector place on it the moment it came out of the box and guess what? Absolutely no scratches…none. You last sentence…well explain?
~Katana-San~
I see your point, but my concern isn’t about whether Apple explicitly says a screen protector is needed—it’s that users who never needed one before are now noticing scratches from normal use. That’s a change in real-world durability.
I got an IPhone 16 pro yesterday evening. Set it up and used it this evening. Not dropped it or been anywhere with it. Small crack about an inch from the bottom of the screen in a central position. Cant see it unless close up with a light but I can feel the crack when scrolling.
Had my iPhone 15 pro max for over a year, been all over with it with no screen protector, dropped it a few times and no marks or damage.
Lol3204 wrote:
I just got the IPhone 16 plus less than 48 hours ago. I ordered a screen protector because there was nowhere near me that had it in stock. I was very careful with the phone, I practically didn’t touch it for the entire 48 hours to prevent cracks or scratches. I wen5 to put the screen protector on and noticed one decent size scratch on the middle left side and a couple big ones on the top right. How is this acceptable?
Hello!
Perhaps a good idea would’ve been to preorder the screen protector so you have it when you get the iPhone. You may even be able to get the people you buy the device from to place the protector on there, so there’s no dust or bubbles under the protector, since it was done by a professional.
Just some tips for next time.
Lol3204 wrote:
My other phone stopped working, so I got this one on a whim, therefore, ordering a screen protector was not in the picture at the time.
Fair enough.
This isn’t the issue of the protector, it’s the issue of the cheaply made screen.
Tell Apple here: Product Feedback - Apple
There are no bubbles or dust under my screen, so again, that isn’t the issue.
Nor did I say there are. The issue is scratches that seem to have jumped onto your screen, since you practically didn’t touch it for two days.
Katana-San wrote:
Hello~ A great screen protector saved my iPhone screen yesterday!! I had an extra with me and replaced immediately. Wonder why one would think you could get a scratch on your screen through a screen protector?
~Katana-San~
I have no idea why someone would suggest the physically impossible and expect anyone to believe it.
lobsterghost1 wrote:
Katana-San wrote:
Hello~ A great screen protector saved my iPhone screen yesterday!! I had an extra with me and replaced immediately. Wonder why one would think you could get a scratch on your screen through a screen protector?
~Katana-San~
I have no idea why someone would suggest the physically impossible and expect anyone to believe it.
Hello~ Well…we see that here sometimes…right?
~Katana-San~
Yes I’ve legit had mine for less 12 hours and it’s FULL of scratches around the screens outside
I wanna take it back. I still have 15 days to return ! Hmmmmm….
Had my IPhone 16 less than 3 weeks and this will be the 3rd screen protector I’ve had to use. Never had to use one in the past with previous IPhones!
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
