Dark Color Options for iPhone 17 Pro Face Early Backlash

Tech
By James Carter,  published 24 September 2025 at 9h04, updated on 24 September 2025 at 9h04.
Tech

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro has already sparked controversy as its dark color options draw criticism. Enthusiasts and critics alike are voicing their opinions on the new design choices, even before the device's official release.

TL;DR

  • Dark-colored iPhone 17 Pro models easily show scratches.
  • New aluminum design raises durability questions over previous titanium.
  • Launch faces bugs and user concern, but issues may fade.

    • Material Shift Puts Durability in Spotlight

    The unveiling of the new iPhone 17 Pro series has prompted debate not only about performance but also about how well the devices stand up to everyday use. This year, Apple has opted for a major materials shift: switching from a titanium frame to a unibody aluminum structure, combined with Ceramic Shield on the back. This combination was engineered to balance strength with reduced weight. Yet, some industry watchers are now openly questioning whether aluminum can truly match the robust reputation that titanium enjoyed in past generations.

    Color Choices and Early Surface Issues

    Particularly under scrutiny are the darker shades—Deep Blue and Space Black. Images shared across Chinese social media, where these phones hit shelves first, reveal units visibly marked by scratches even while still in-store. Reports from French tech site Consomac, as well as US journalist Mark Gurman, confirm these observations; even accessories like MagSafe chargers seem capable of leaving traces on the new finish. Interestingly, lighter variants such as “Cosmic Orange” or “Cloud White” appear far less prone—or at least less obviously vulnerable—to these cosmetic blemishes.

    Bumpy Start Amidst Software and Security Hiccups

    Unfortunately for Apple, these aesthetic concerns arrive alongside other launch headaches:

  • • The newly introduced Stolen Device Protection feature is complicating device trade-ins.
    • A rare but persistent camera glitch presents itself as black squares or white lines—an issue the company promises to resolve swiftly through a software update.

    • Such turbulence is not entirely unfamiliar territory; many still recall the rocky debut of last year’s iPhone 16, though most problems eventually faded with time and updates.

    User Experience: Perspective Needed?

    That said, it’s important to temper concern with perspective. Some testers report no visible flaws after days of real-world use with Deep Blue models—a stark contrast to demonstration units subjected to heavy handling in retail settings. As so often with high-profile launches, it will likely take several weeks before it’s clear whether these incidents point to a genuine material weakness or are simply teething troubles amplified by intense scrutiny.

    For now, questions linger over whether this bold move in design will meet user expectations—or if Apple’s loyal base will soon see cosmetic worries fade into memory amid stronger focus on features and performance.