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.
I’m gutted. Had my 16Pro one week. Just noticed a scratch on the screen. Had an iPhone 13 for three years with no screen protector and no scratches. Now paid £1000 and have to fork out another £35 for a screen protector. I didn’t “do” anything to the screen. It’s just obviously from being in my bag. I am very disappointed.
I have XS Max still working with mild scratch but when I bought this iPhone 16 pro max just 2 days I got 2 DEEP scratches and tail light scratch. What kind of glass now they use? So disappointed. Not recommend. Get screen protector once you buy IMMEDIATELY. ( Disappointed with this ).
I placed a JETech Tampered glass screen protector on mine on day one. This projects the iPhone screen underneath. It came with an extra one to replace this once it gets scratched up but I’ve rarely used the extra one.
Correct and Apple duly noted the change in glass strength in the official press release and at the event September 9, 2024.
”iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are beautiful and built to last. iPhone holds its value longer than any other smartphone thanks its industry-leading durability, including the strong back glass, a water- and dust-resistant design, regular software updates, and the latest-generation Ceramic Shield with an advanced formulation that is 50 percent tougher than the first generation and 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone.”
Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus - Apple
It’s at about 42:25 in the video when VP for iPhone Marketing describes the glass and a huge graphic is in the background.
https://www.youtube.com/live/uarNiSl_uh4?si=YVJrta6ybQrFByrm
So, yes it changed to a glass formulation that’s described as tougher. I take that to mean more break resistant and yes, probably more prone to scratches.
But if your primary goal is having a pristine museum piece for an iPhone. Then you should have taken steps to protect it. But as it is, it’s tougher, so less breakage and I think for the majority of users, that’s a good thing.
I agree with you 100%. It sounds like your screen isn't working as it should so you might have a case to get a $29 repair/replacement screen via AppleCare due to the scratches impacting usability and not being just cosmetic.
Goomfrugba wrote:
Here’s the point of my argument: I have had iPhones for 10+ years. I haven’t always used a screen protector but I have used them in the past, I know the value of having them. I did not have a screen protector on my 15 pro max, and I did drop it a couple times and there was not one scratch. 3 weeks into my 16 pro max, I have two scratches after having dropped my phone 0 times. It’s glass, I know it scratches. This is a new phenomenon this model year for me.
I understand your point. You were clearly lucky with your iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you opened the thread I linked above, many many many others weren't as lucky as you with their iPhone 15 model. You still have the opportunity to put a screen protector on your iPhone, which will likely hide any scratches you've gotten and prevent future ones.
Joseph Corl wrote:
So I've had an iPhone since the 3G, never used a protector, and have yet to see a scratch on any of them under normal use. Guess I should pick some lottery numbers! Seriously, though, that’s why it feels like something might have changed this time around. And with the 16 Apple announced it is far more "crack resistant" now. A change in the formula.
Actually, Ceramic Shield arrived with iPhone 12, which the formula has pretty much remained the same since. It was iPhone 12, where we stopped seeing people complain about their screen cracking from a fall and at the same time, people complaining more about scratches. Again, because if you make glass less likely to break, it's softer. And softer glass is easier to scratch.
Feel free to look for past threads on iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, which you'll find are just as vociferous on this topic.
Here is just one (there were many) about iPhone 15 screen scratches --> iPhone 15 Screen Scratching Easily? - Apple Community There were many threads on iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, Xs, X, 8, 7, 6 and so on and so on. This is NOT new. Every year people come here saying their new iPhone is scratching, when no previous model did. And again, the data on this very forum, suggests that's just not the case.
Hello~ If you put a screen protector on your iPhone you will get anymore scratches and be much happier.
~Katana-San~
To protect your device more, install a screen protector, as it is suitable and reduces damage.
My one got scratched in just 3 days of normal using how I have used previous iphone, I have chat with online chat support, they are happily take it as a return or replacement but when I went to apple store for faster procedure, they declined and was showing me the return terms and conditions that it should be in new condition, if its in new condition why I do return??? I want solution for this scratched screen as a return or replacement and they declined for that exact same reason that it has been scratched, no more apple 👎
Hmm. I got my 16 pro max almost 2 months ago. Before I even removed the protective strip on it. I had the glass protector out, my camera lens blower. Peel back the film, set the tray over the phone, and applied screen protector. Then put it in case.
People saying how they don't know how they got scratches after (X Amount of time). Yeah. Ok. Pocket. Wearing Jeans with rivets. I think it is just a matter of..."Oh..I don't like this color, or I hear black titanium scratches...blah blah blah. No, 16 Pro max glass is more resistant to scratches than previous iPhones.
Apparently the new "ceramic shield" glass is a bit softer, just enough where common sand easily scratches it now, such as even trace amounts in a pocket or attached to keys or on surfaces. Apple traded off hardness (scratch resistance) for a more crack resistant glass formula from what I read and the tests online of screen hardness on the 16 vs earlier versions.
A small difference probably, but right at the tipping point to be scratched by many common items in our everyday environment!
Scratch RESISTANT, not scratch PROOF. Scratches can and do still happen. So be a responsible phone owner and put a screen protector on it or deal with it looking scratched and worn sooner than it should. Mine has a screen protector and case; no scratches. Can I feel the "titanium and premium feel of the glass"? No. Do I care? No. I paid for a phone with nice features, not something to sit around and feel of. You should adopt that same mind-set, regardless if "you should have to" or not.
Well I got my iPhone 16 pro max on 20th and while playing a game, I started to notice my character won’t move, kept dying in the game. I wasn’t sure what it was until under sunlight I saw scratches on screen, from my nails probably. So I took screen lock off to test and when scratches are not there, no longer have the issue (control moved to scratch free area). So it is “NOT” a cosmetic issue for sure. I had my iPhone 14 Pro Max and played the same game for a year. No scratches and I was really surprised because I always believe in Apple is synonymous with quality.
I think this is quite funny considering the only reason you guys are having trouble with this is because you don’t use or apply a screen protector day of purchasing which is very recommended now I understand the people who go caseless but no screen protector?, you guys are practically asking for scratches.
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
