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.
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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.
This is crazy! My new iPhone 16 screen has 10 scratches on it after five days of ownership. Apple canceled the case I'd ordered with the phone, and my new case won't arrive for two more days. I've kept the phone either in my shirt pocket, the soft, clean pocket of my sweat pants, or on the charger when I'm not holding it. I've never had a screen that scratched so easily, and cannot figure out from where. This is rediculous!
Well , I know, and I have those screen protectors (I own 2 iPhones 16s) on order and coming in tomorrow. This happened even before the protectors come in. I have never complained about screen scratches before. I have owned iPhone since first model and I have never have that issue.
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The first day of use not even in my pocket just use it scratched on the lower corner screen this “new Ceramic Shield” “50x stronger” is bs it shouldn’t scratch easier than my iPhone 12 which seen better days I’m disappointed on a $1500 phone
I have had mine for a week - it’s disappointing to spend this much for it to look older than my 15 Pro Max. I am tempted to return it and pay the restocking fee, the 50x stronger is clearly a lie or many of us got defective phones.
Me too.
I just assumed this is an Apple thing but I’m glad to hear it isn’t. I had Samsung phones for over a decade (I get the newest every year) and never used a screen protector. Honestly I shouldn’t have to for a 1500 machine. I scratched a screen in 2020 when my son dropped it. That’s it.
I had the 15 and it was great.
I’ve had the 16 for two weeks and the screen has scratches all over it (5 to be exact). This is unacceptable. I am not rough with my phone at all.
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I am starting to assume this will be a recall. There’s no way this can continue.
(those from my iPhone pro max 16 which now has a screen cover on it like some worn used piece of crap)
Apple needs to do something.
I think the biggest issue is I've had the newest iPhone every year since the 5. I never buy screen protectors for my phones since the iPhone 10 because the glass is supposed to be the most durable. The 16 pro max is the first one that I've had any scratches on since owning an iPhone without a screen protector.
If it is a trend then, there must be uderlaying cause. It's not that I compalin every model I got, this is the first time i seeing it since my iPhone 1. I think lots of people here are not lying either and just trying to complain. I got here because i searched and found this thread. As an enginner, I think there must be a batch in every screen production that goes bad. It doesn't matter how good Apple quality control is, no manufacting of a product is 100% yeild. Its not Apple fault either, and I don't think it is users fault either. Just the reality of manufacturing. So instead of saying people to buy a screen protector or whatever is uncalled for.
Replaced your screen or gave you an entire new phone? Did you have apple care or have to pay? I chatted with Apple and they said it wouldn’t be covered under the one year warranty because the scratches were considered “accidental” and unless I wanted to pay to have it replaced there was nothing they could do.
Ditto here. Had a 13 Pro Max for years without a screen protector and only a few mild scratches here and there, and that's with dropping the phone a few times.
Responses saying "this happens every release, people should put screen protectors, blah blah blah" are posted by people who believe screen protectors are absolutely necessary. If they were so necessary, one shouldn't have to pay the additional $65 on top of a $1,000 phone. Get off your high horse. A screen protector shouldn't be necessary for users who take care of their screens.
I also had a 15 pro and my 16 has a scratch already I am careful my phone and had the 15 pro for over a year and it had less scratches it seems like the screen isn’t as good as the 13 or 15. Apple need to address this - I also have apple care - also thought it was just me 😔
Same here. I had an iPhone 14 Pro for more than two years and not had a single scratch in the display. Now I have an iPhone 16 since one week and already have a deep scratch in the middle of the screen. I have no idea where it came from...
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.
From all comments here apart from yours, i gather that people are comparing new iPhone 16 to older generations where the screen really was scratch resistant. My 4 years old iphone 11 that i never used any screen protectors on is less scratched than my now 3 weeks old iphone 16pro that allegedly has a super tough screen.
Yes, we can all put a screen protector on but that's not the point here. The point is poor quality of the premium handset.
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.
My iPhone 16 had a deep scratch on screen right after taking it from the store before I could even reach another store where I normally get my screen protector and cases. Never had such issue with my old iPhone 12
Got this phone as a gift to myself on my birthday, but excitement quickly turned into disappointment 😔
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
