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.
Hello~ I have never had a scratch on any of my iPhone screens but I can attribute that to the fact as soon as they came out of the box a screen protector was applied. Sometimes being proactive is the best course of action.
~Katana-San~
My first iPhone was the 6. Since then I’ve had the 7, 8, SE, 12 and 14. All were phones issued through my company so I never really felt compelled to be overly cautious protecting the screen. That and because I never once…ever…had so much as a scratch, buff or blemish of any kind on any of those phones. I still have most of them, which by the way were handed down to my kids to use. They’re early teenagers and still no scratches. Just this month I switched my family to the same provider to take advantage of a deal to get the new iPhone 16’s. I got the Pro. On day 2, I noticed a 1.5” scratch on my screen. I have no idea how it came about since I hadn’t left the house or did anything I could think of that could possibly scratch it. Now it’s 3 weeks later and just today I noticed some small scrapes near the upper right corner. No idea what would even make those kind of wavy blemishes. That’s when I decided to research whether this 16 Pro glass was made from something different than previous versions.
I get that every version release may have similar threads, but my experience tells me something is different with this 16 Pro glass or coating. And it seems I’m not alone. Just wish I’d seen this forum a month ago.
Hello~ Doubtful that the majority feel that way as Apple sold an estimated 37 million iPhone 16 units during the first weekend of pre-orders reportedly. This site would have be absolutely flooded with more complaints than we as volunteers could possibly respond to. It’s the same with every series…some are very happy while others are not. Why not simply put a screen protector on and not face the possibility at all? One other thing of interest…we are fellow forum members just like you all …not Apple.
~Katana-San~
I've literally just noticed the same thing just now!
I'm super careful with it and haven't experienced any issue with my last few models
I will be getting a screen protector now but I hope the fact that Apple has been using substandard defective components will be factored in to the trade in price that is offered when that time comes!!
You’ve got 15 years? Well I’ve got nearly 18 years starting in June. Yes, I’ve owned an iPhone from the very first one in June 2007. In my opinion this is the most scratch free screen I’ve ever owned (iPhone 16 PM).
The only models I didn’t own were 5, 5S and 6. So, maybe it doesn’t count for anything. Think about.
I once owned a set of Goodyear tires and never had a problem in 80,000 miles. I owned a set of Michelins and had 3 flats in 30,000 miles. Therefore all Michelin tires are junk and all Goodyears are the best.
These comparisons are pointless. If you have an issue with your iPhone, take it to an Apple Retail Store. Show them the device and see what they say.
I got my phone and within 24 hours had a scratch. I was very careful I’ve had iPhones before and not a scratch ever. Went back to get it replaced, and because they had sent off my trade in phone they couldn’t replace it. Had to have my screen replaced within 24 hours of purchasing a NEW iphone. They keep making these phones worse and worse and charging us the same. Last year was the back of it cracked easily. Samsung starting to look good.
Sharoninwbay wrote:
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!
You can certainly tell Apple you think they need to replace your phone, but your chances are of them doing so are likely less than 0%. That said, saying so here won't get you anything, since this is a user to user only forum, NOT Apple Support. Show Apple your phone, but don't be disappointed or surprised when they tell you no.
I'd love to know how you even believe your screen has developed scratches UNDERNEATH a screen protector? There is literally no way a screen can become scratched under a screen protector. It is physically impossible. The screen protector itself can certainly be scratched however.
This is why I laugh (and laugh and laugh and laugh) whenever people say that cases and screen protectors aren't necessary. My 16 PM is in pristine condition because it's fully protected. I paid for the features and the phone, not to be able to feel glass and "titanium", so idc if it's fully covered in tempered glass/plastic/rubber. Because at the end of the day, when my phone is put up beside someone else's who didn't protect the way it looks, mine will have a much, much higher resale value. Besides that, I also don't have to worry about seeing millions of micro (or worse) scratches all over the screen.
TL;DR: Don't be goofy, use a screen protector and a case and you'll never have to worry about scratches again. If you're using those and still get scratches, then owning a phone just isn't for you.
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~
H1290 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~
You carry screen protectors around? 😆
Um, er, uh.........You don't?? LOL I have an extra really good one in my backpack, you know, just in case!
Yohoyohoyoho wrote:
My iPhone 16 Pro got 3 areas of shattering at the screen edge within 2 months of owning the phone. It seems that the glass is raised up in front of the edge of the sides. I got 1 shattering and held off getting a repair via apple care and then got 2 more areas of shattering. (1 on the right side, 1 on the bottom, 1 on the left side). And I have not had a severe phone drop with the iPhone 16 pro. I have owned iPhones from 2008 - 2025 and have had 3 screens crack when I dropped the phone over those 17 years. But I have not had 3 shatterings in 2 months when I have not dropped the phone. I will take it to Apple and see what they say and then get it repaired with my apple care.
Make sure you get a screen protector, and possibly a cover that raises above your screen, so that it takes any bumps or impacts, instead of your fragile screen which will chip. It’s glass after all. We all know the glass didn’t chip on its own. Maybe you bumped it when carrying it in your pocket, with the screen facing outwards.
Have a great day!
Normaly you have 14 days from the date of purchase to return the phone for a full refund, however there may be an issue if the screen is heavily scratched.
when I got the new phone, I had them put the Belkin one on with a lifetime warranty.
Better to return if you are in 14 days of period limit, I got refunded for this 🎉
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
