iPhone XS screen prone to scratching ?

Something interesting. I posted in this chat about scratch issues previously. I had these same issues. I pre-ordered my device and got one of the first batches. Two weeks ago, the display became non-responsive. I sent the device back and it was replaced under warranty. 2 weeks into the new XS, zero scratches. At this point with the last device, I was frustrated at the money spent.

I feel like there was some sorts of factory defects with the XS that have been addressed since, or there are just some bad ones in circulation. Either case it is not a good look for Apple.

I actually thought that I was the only person experiencing this problem. Turns out that I developed scratches on my iPhone XS screen as well. I was forced to upgrade from iPhone X due to a series of ridiculous events which I won't get into. However, I owned the iPhone X for almost 2 years and the screen was pristine. I had my iPhone XS for about 2 weeks when I noticed the first hairline scratches. It's clear to me that the quality of glass has changed.

It is true that after my iPhone 6 Plus I stopped using screen protectors but I am not a person who mishandles my iPhones. I am very careful with them and I put then in clear and clean pockets. Otherwise my iPhone X and iPhone 7plus would have been a mess.

This thread has definitely convinced me that there's something going on with the glass although a fix doesn't seem to be forthcoming. Looks like the best thing I can do is try to get the screen replaced by potentially a 3rd party vendor and then maybe start using screen protectors again. Sucks. :-(

My experience is:

iPhone X 12 months: No scratches. Zero.

iPhone Xs 1 month: Scratches all over, some serious deep ones.

Conclusion1: The glass surface on the Xs is softer.

Conclusion2: The glass on my phone has a production fault.

I’ve had my XS a month now and it’s covered in scratches. I’ve had iPhones since the 4 and none of them are like this. My last 7plus looks immaculate next to my XS. I’ve not treated it any differently. I’m not happy!

Same as reported by others, never ever had screen protectors on my old iPhones and have never had problem with scratches. Only 2 months with iPhone XS and some rather very apparent scratches with phone only seating on my work/home desk or my pocket very very disappointed with the screen quality.

Apple should recognize the deffect and proceed to change the screen of affected people. This version has definetely not the strongest screen ever!

I thought we were the only ones...

I have my XS since day one and it has way more scratches than my iPhone 6 had AFTER 4 YEARS, a couple are also deep!

I keep it in my pocket, without anything else, or on my desktop, and ofc it never felt on the floor or anything that can be the reason for these.

On top of that my gf has an XR since a couple of months and she is complaining the same, with his old iPhone 5S with less scratches after 5 years!

This needs to be acknowledged by Apple and should be offered free exchange/repairs!

I also put my experiences into this discussion.

I have iPhones since the 3G came out and changed it every two years. So I have experienced 3g, 4, 5, 6, and 7 plus before I got my XS few months ago. I experienced scratches before but mainly a few after long and extensive use. This allows no comparison to the current situation. I am a normal user I guess. I use Apples silicone cover and I carry the phone in my pocket. Never in a bag, never together with keys or other harmful objects (no sand at all). After few weeks I noticed a first bigger scratch in my XS. Now you'll find tons of tiny ones. I hope Apple is reading this and starting to care about that problem. My XS with 256Gb was as expensive as a 13" MacBook Pro and I expect it to be as durable as all phones before.

Yes exactly the same for me I got my new Xs end of 2018 and within 2 weeks loads of scratches and I look after it. I concluded it was a cheap glass used or a dodgy batch. I then broke the glass back accidentally by dropping it and got a replacement on the insurance. I have had the replacement a month and not a single scratch. It has to be a dodgy batch fitted to a certain number of phones which apple must be aware of.

"I guess i’m gonna have to think about a screen protector moving forward?"

Don't think about it; use one.

Same things here. Googled it and lots of posts come up. Never had a scratch on previous phones and always looked after them. The XS clearly has a weaker screen.

In this case, you could contact Apple about this. The more complaints the bigger the chance on recognision as an issue, and potentially a solution.

Beyond that there’s not much you can do unfortunately.

Kind regards,

K

Hello,

Unless that insurance covers first party accidental damage, you’ll likely be out of luck. Hopefully for you the claim gets approved.

You put your iPhone in your back pocket, thats never smart. Your choice, but not smart.

The issue in this topic is “prone to scratches under normal use”, if this is the case people should contact Apple about this for recognition. The outcome/solution is completely on their end. As cosmetic damage is never covered under Apple’s warranty.

It’s sadly an issue on a larger scale than I expected, feels bad having a premium smartphone thats prone to scratches.

I find it weird, as founs scratch tests with similar results with the X, and below.

Hopefully Apple will take their responsibility to atleast adress this issue, or clarify wheter or not this is a mispick in the manufacturing process.

Kind regards,

K

I came here because I have the same issue. My iPhone XS screen 2.5 months in is already more scratched than my 6S was after three YEARS of use. (I can compare side by side.) The scratches are already visible in regular daylight (not just under sharp fluorescent light, etc.), which is troubling. I shudder about the Scratch City this will be like in a year or two.

No cover or screen protector, in a pocket on its own (maybe with Apple earbuds) or on a table, which is exactly how I’ve been treating the original iPhone, 3GS, 4S, 5S, 6S, and now XS. None of the previous iPhones I used felt scratch-prone.

Glad I’m not the only one! I’ve been an iPhone user since the original one came out. Never used a screen protector, always kept my phone in my pocket alone without anything else in it (keys, coins, etc). For some reason, the XS is the only phone screen that looks abysmal after a couple of months of use. It looks like I’ve been purposely scrubbing sand and into it. You’d think this wouldn’t happen at this price point. Would be nice if they switched to sapphire like the stainless steel Apple Watch.

Well first of all, yes, it does scratch easily, that is because of them testing out the new ELD screen that they are new. Once they get improved ones, i was informed that you can go back to the store to get the newer screen so it won't scratch as easily. But i have no problems with my iPhone XS so i think it is pretty prone to scratching.