How do I fix iPhone 17 Pro screen scratches under AppleCare Plus?

I was waiting for screen scratch threads since every year they happen in droves. Typically, screen scratches are not seen as a warranty issue (it is cosmetic damage) and would not be covered. You can contact Apple or go to your local Apple Store (or wherever you purchased) and see if they will let you exchange your device or if they think it falls under warranty as a defect. Otherwise if you want to eliminate any additional scratches you may want to consider a screen protector. I typically use a cheap PET film one (I get the Supershieldz ones that come in packs of 3 or more for less than $10) simply because I usually sell my devices and keeping them pristine gets the highest value. For some the idea of using a screen protector will be unacceptable to them but if the idea of scratches of any kind bother you enough it may be worthwhile.

KaeBFly wrote:

I was waiting for screen scratch threads since every year they happen in droves. Typically, screen scratches are not seen as a warranty issue (it is cosmetic damage) and would not be covered. You can contact Apple or go to your local Apple Store (or wherever you purchased) and see if they will let you exchange your device or if they think it falls under warranty as a defect. Otherwise if you want to eliminate any additional scratches you may want to consider a screen protector. I typically use a cheap PET film one (I get the Supershieldz ones that come in packs of 3 or more for less than $10) simply because I usually sell my devices and keeping them pristine gets the highest value. For some the idea of using a screen protector will be unacceptable to them but if the idea of scratches of any kind bother you enough it may be worthwhile.

I won't even turn on a new iPhone until I've installed a good quality screen protector. Glass is glass, no matter what is said about durability. And glass which is unprotected can scratch. If I were the Author, I'd put a good quality screen protector on, which will likely hide any scratches and avoid any future scratches.

And I've been waiting for a thread like this too. They are inevitable when a new phone is launched. Why anyone spends up to or more than $1000 on a phone and doesn't protect it out of the box is a mystery to me.

Jeff Donald wrote:

Go back in these forums 4 years to when iPhone 13 was introduced and read how their iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 3 years to when iPhone 14 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 2 years to when iPhone 15 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 1 years to when iPhone 16 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better.

Do you see a trend? Why do you suppose that is? Go on take a wild guess. Every year people scratch their new iPhones and every year their old iPhone was better. Why is that?

I’ve purchased a new iPhone every year since 2007. That means 18 years of iPhone ownership and I have no qualms starting the iPhone 17 has the most scratch resistant screen yet.

I don’t use a case or screen protector and never have and never will. If you’re that concerned about scratches purchase AppleCare Plus and stop worrying.

Except AppleCare+ doesn't cover screen scratches. If someone is really worried about getting scratches on their screen, they should put a good quality screen protector on their phone as soon as it comes out of the box. I'm sure the new Ceramic Shield 2 is tougher than the glass which came before it, but it is STILL glass and glass can be scratched. There really is no such thing as scratch-free glass.

Install a screen protector, AppleCare + does not cover cosmetic damage.

Sounds like a defect to me

If it was a manufacturing defect, you would have seen the scratch when you opened the box.

Take the phone in to the Genius Bar if you wish, but Apple is not going to replace the screen on your phone or replace your phone.

If you are still inside 14 days from the date of your purchase, you can return the phone for a refund.

Sorry, but you have come to conclusions about what I believe, which are false and honestly not much appreciated.

1. AppleCare covers it if the scratch interferes with the touchscreen operation. - Rarely do minor scratches interfere with touchscreen operation and rarely do people come here to complain about scratches on their screens actually causing touchscreen operational issues. Most people see minor scratches and are upset because they can't believe unprotected glass can be scratched.
2. Your argument sounds like Apple has no interest in making the glass less scratch resistant. - Nothing I said could be interpreted this way and honestly I find this offensive. Of course Apple wants to make glass less scratch resistant. And Ceramic Shield 2 is proof of this. What I said is glass can be scratched. That's a fact. It's an indisputable fact.
3. I don’t advocate for any third party products per se. - I didn't advocate for any third party products. And I don't have an argument. I said IF someone wants their screen to never be scratched they should use a screen protector. An iPhone screen can't be scratched UNDER a protector. You are welcome to not like screen protectors or cases. I am just as welcome to put a high quality screen protector and case on my iPhone. Why this really seems to have riled you up is a mystery to me?

I simply made a comment that AppleCare+ doesn't cover scratches in general. And I stand by my suggestion that if someone wants to ensure their screen can never scratch, a good quality screen protector will do that. I've NEVER seen a good quality screen protector which damaged an iPhone. Why do you suppose Apple installs screen protectors on iPhones in their stores all day long, every day of the week? Apple must also seem to think cases can be a good way to protect an iPhone. Or is the wall of cases for sale in ALL Apple Stores, just for show?

AppleCare covers it if the scratch interferes with the touchscreen operation.

It’s not my position to support third party products. I’ve seen screen protectors cause damage too.

Many people (loosely referred to as photographers) purchase filters for their lenses to protect the front surface of the lens from scratches. Don’t you think if Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus etc. thought it necessary they’ve had built it in or provided one?

Your argument sounds like Apple has no interest in making the glass less scratch resistant. After all, it’s about planned obsolescence with batteries, scratches on screens, bugs in new iOS, bugs in new hardware etc. Too many people believe that BS and I try not to support it.

I don’t advocate for any third party products per se. I don’t like cases, I don’t like screen protectors and much more. I’m enough of a realist to understand many users disagree and feel compelled to protect their devices. But to me it evokes memories of going to my grandmother’s and sitting on sofas and every cushion was covered in thick vinyl protectors. No thanks. But different horses for different courses.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

And I stand by my suggestion that if someone wants to ensure their screen can never scratch, a good quality screen protector will do that.

I've never used screen protectors, but I also don't stress over minor wear and tear. I know that not everyone is like that. I agree that folks who would be unhappy about tiny scratches should absolutely get a screen protector.

I think my dislike of them stems from my Verizon days, when we practically got in trouble for not pushing them hard.

I like cases because they make the phone a bit less slippery.

You know I am one of your BIGGEST FANS on the planet. But to have a dislike for something stemming from when you worked at Verizon, doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I am OCD and freely admit that I don't like scratches on my phone, so a new phone is screen protected and cased before it ever gets turned on. My current FAVORITE screen Protectors are ESR Corning Glass, Anti Glare and come with the most incredible installation method you can get. They feel amazing and are extremely durable.

absolutely on the same boat, I upgraded from 13pro to 17 and within 10 days, I saw a small scrach already. This never happened to my 13 pro for the 4 years without any additional screen. Sounds like a defect to me

Go back in these forums 4 years to when iPhone 13 was introduced and read how their iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 3 years to when iPhone 14 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 2 years to when iPhone 15 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better. Then go back 1 years to when iPhone 16 models were introduced and read how their new iPhone got scratched and their old one was better.

Do you see a trend? Why do you suppose that is? Go on take a wild guess. Every year people scratch their new iPhones and every year their old iPhone was better. Why is that?

I’ve purchased a new iPhone every year since 2007. That means 18 years of iPhone ownership and I have no qualms starting the iPhone 17 has the most scratch resistant screen yet.

I don’t use a case or screen protector and never have and never will. If you’re that concerned about scratches purchase AppleCare Plus and stop worrying.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

And I stand by my suggestion that if someone wants to ensure their screen can never scratch, a good quality screen protector will do that.

I've never used screen protectors, but I also don't stress over minor wear and tear. I know that not everyone is like that. I agree that folks who would be unhappy about tiny scratches should absolutely get a screen protector.

I think my dislike of them stems from my Verizon days, when we practically got in trouble for not pushing them hard.

I like cases because they make the phone a bit less slippery.

I bought mine for a trip to Spain. (For the camera). I already have a scratch. My 13 never had any issues. I would have expected a bit more from Apple. What can you do?