### Does Your New iPhone 17 Already Have Scratches? Apple’s Genius Fix Will Blow Your Mind
Let’s face it, you’ve just spent the equivalent of a small country’s GDP on the new iPhone 17 only to find it already looks like it’s been through several rounds of MMA. Scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints—oh my! But don’t worry, Apple has a solution, and it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. Hint: It involves you doing the work.
### What Apple Wants You to Do About Those Scratches
In what can only be described as the most Apple-esque response ever, the tech giant suggests that *you* fix the scratches yourself. Yep, you read that right. According to an article from PCMag (source), Apple’s official stance on dealing with minor scratches on your new iPhone 17 is to grab a microfiber cloth and start polishing like your life depends on it.
Because clearly, after shelling out $1,200 for a phone, you’ve got nothing but time to play quality control inspector. Oh, and don’t forget to use “gentle, circular motions.” We wouldn’t want you damaging the device further, would we?
### The Art of “Polishing”
Apple’s suggestion is as specific as it is patronizing. They recommend using a “soft, lint-free cloth” to “gently” buff out those scratches. You know, because you’ve got a drawer full of premium microfiber cloths just lying around like you’re running a car detailing shop. And if that doesn’t work? Well, the scratches are “normal wear and tear,” and you should just accept it. Welcome to the club, where perfection is sold but not delivered.
### Pros & Cons of Apple’s Scratch Removal Advice
#### Pros:
– You get to feel like an artisan craftsman while polishing your phone.
– It’s free (assuming you already own a microfiber cloth).
– You’ll probably burn a few calories in the process. Who needs a gym membership?
#### Cons:
– You just paid a fortune for a phone that apparently scratches if you *look* at it wrong.
– The “fix” feels like a glorified DIY project.
– Apple’s advice doesn’t actually remove deep scratches, so you’re still out of luck.
### But Wait, There’s More!
If polishing doesn’t work, Apple has another suggestion: Use a case. That’s right, the company that prides itself on its seamless, gorgeous design is essentially telling you to cover it up. It’s like buying a Ferrari and then being told to keep it under a tarp at all times.
For anyone keeping score, this means Apple wants you to:
1. Pay a premium price for their “state-of-the-art” device.
2. Accept that it’s going to get scratched.
3. Cover up said scratches with a case, effectively hiding the phone’s design.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy Apple’s *official* cases, which cost more than some people’s monthly rent. Convenient, right?
### Why Is This Even an Issue?
The iPhone 17 is marketed as having “the most durable glass ever used in a smartphone.” Yet, here we are, talking about scratches after just a few weeks of use. It’s almost as if Apple’s marketing team forgot to tell the engineers to make it actually durable.
In contrast, other manufacturers seem to be doing a better job. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro have similar price tags but don’t seem to have nearly as many complaints about durability. Maybe Apple should take a page out of their book—or at least stop pretending that a microfiber cloth is a magical solution.
### Alternatives to Apple’s “Genius” Solution
If you’re not a fan of Apple’s advice, here are a few alternatives:
– **Screen Protectors:** These are relatively cheap and can prevent scratches from happening in the first place. Brands like Spigen or ZAGG offer excellent options.
– **Professional Repairs:** If the scratches are deep, consider visiting a repair shop. Sure, it’ll cost you, but at least you won’t feel like you’re scrubbing a stubborn stain off your kitchen counter.
– **Accept Imperfection:** Embrace the scratches as “character marks.” After all, nothing screams “luxury” like a phone that looks like it’s been through a war zone.
### Final Thoughts
Apple’s solution to scratched iPhones feels like the tech equivalent of “turning it off and on again.” It’s a quick, easy answer that doesn’t address the underlying problem: Why is a $1,200 device so prone to scratches in the first place?
If you’re tired of these half-baked “solutions,” maybe it’s time to explore alternatives. Brands like Samsung and OnePlus offer high-quality smartphones without the condescending advice. Or, you could just keep using that microfiber cloth and hope for the best.
### Call-to-Action
Have you experienced scratches on your new iPhone 17? Share your horror stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best smartphone accessories here for more tips on protecting your device. Because clearly, Apple isn’t going to do it for you.
