Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are drawing attention for how their finishes hold up to everyday use, particularly around the camera bump. Tests suggest the anodized aluminum coating on the sharp edges of the plateau is more susceptible to cosmetic wear, a trait linked to the nature of the anodizing process rather than an outright flaw.
YouTube reviewer Zack Nelson, in his JerryRigEverything durability series, demonstrated that sharp corners are more difficult for anodized layers to fully protect. With the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple opted for a clean, squared-off look instead of softening the design with a curve or chamfer, which leaves the corners more prone to showing scuffs. In Nelson’s test, keys or coins in a pocket could chip the finish on the edges, though the flat surfaces resisted scratches well and only showed removable dust-like marks.
This kind of cosmetic wear isn’t unique to Apple devices. Anodized aluminum is widely used across electronics for its strength and lightweight properties, but users often notice more visible marks on darker finishes and sharp transitions. Bloomberg also reported that some demo units in Apple Stores, especially in deep blue and black, were already showing light scuffs after frequent handling—a common occurrence for display devices exposed to heavy traffic.
For owners, the impact is mainly visual. The underlying structure and functionality of the iPhone remain unaffected, and many people address this by using a protective case or by simply accepting a natural patina that develops over time. Apple’s choice to emphasize sharp, defined edges contributes to the phone’s distinctive look, even if it makes cosmetic wear more likely in certain areas.
