iPhone Air Air Space Black Owner: scratches situation

[Jutah]

I have a Space Black iPhone Air, which is absolutely beautiful. Despite always keeping it on my desk and never together with keys or sharp objects, the glossy side frame already has numerous micro-scratches visible under the light. I didn’t expect it to be so delicate. This is so annoying for me!

I’d understand if I hadn’t taken care of it (for example, carrying it in my pocket with keys), but that’s not the case. Now I’m considering switching to the White version — the scratches would be less visible, but I like the black one more.

What’s your experience?

 

[arc of the universe]

I have a Space Black iPhone Air, which is absolutely beautiful. Despite always keeping it on my desk and never together with keys or sharp objects, the glossy side frame already has numerous micro-scratches visible under the light. I didn’t expect it to be so delicate. This is so annoying for me!

I’d understand if I hadn’t taken care of it (for example, carrying it in my pocket with keys), but that’s not the case. Now I’m considering switching to the White version — the scratches would be less visible, but I like the black one more.

What’s your experience?

i have the white Air: no case ever, except when i need to put it in my backpack, then i put it in a case.
but i don't really need to use my backpack so often; i just always put the Air in my front pocket (since its so light and thin). thats where it is most of the time.
i also don't have a preferred face to put down on the table. sometimes its display up, sometimes display down.
but for sure, i do not ever put it in a pocket with anything else, or in a backpack without a case.
there are no "micro" scratches "under the light" on the display side or the back side, or the frame.
maybe they are there, but i can't see any. and the easiest time to see scratches or minor imperfections on the screen is when you have the screen turned off. i see none. none at all.
the titanium frame is still just as perfectly shiny without imperfections. none.
note: i haven't dropped it yet, even one time. i rarely drop my phone. so i don't know about that kind of situation.
white is definitely the best option.
i love this Air. most enjoyable iPhone i have ever owned.

 

[zenmacx]

I have a Space Black iPhone Air, which is absolutely beautiful. Despite always keeping it on my desk and never together with keys or sharp objects, the glossy side frame already has numerous micro-scratches visible under the light. I didn’t expect it to be so delicate. This is so annoying for me!

I’d understand if I hadn’t taken care of it (for example, carrying it in my pocket with keys), but that’s not the case. Now I’m considering switching to the White version — the scratches would be less visible, but I like the black one more.

What’s your experience?

This may in fact be a normal characteristic of the Air.

Two of my colleagues bought theirs upon release, one is black, the other is white. Now a few weeks later they’re complaining about scratches.

I’ve seen each phone and can confirm that despite the owners due diligence to protect against such issues, both phones have minor yet highly visible scratches and scuffs.

iPhone Air is such a beautiful model it’s really a shame that despite being treated with care, they just don’t seem very durable.

 

[Jutah]

This may in fact be a normal characteristic of the Air.

Two of my colleagues bought theirs upon release, one is black, the other is white. Now a few weeks later they’re complaining about scratches.

I’ve seen each phone and can confirm that despite the owners due diligence to protect against such issues, both phones have minor yet highly visible scratches and scuffs.

iPhone Air is such a beautiful model it’s really a shame that despite being treated with care, they just don’t seem very durable.

thanks for the feedback. Are you talking about scratches around the frame? Even in the white model? They should be less visibile than the black one.

 

[MarkX]

Come on now people, some light micro scratches on a frame does not meant the air is not durable! They are superficial at best!

 

[Gregintosh]

I think a few micro scratches might actually look like a bit of patina on the phone, may not even look terrible. At the same time it will make you more relaxed about using it careless because you aren't worried about keeping it perfect.

That being said, the black is going to show chips and micro scratches easier. I had a deep blue iPhone 15 pro and the natural brightness of the titanium jumped out at me when I got some scratches on it.

With the Air, if you have one of the lighter color ones, it will be much less jarring, if not difficult to see except under some lighting conditions.

The black I would say is the worst color to get this year. It will age the fastest.

 

[Blaidd]

No scratches here yet. And if it happens it happens. I have a cape cod jewellery polishing cloth that probably would work too.

 

[MBHockey]

OP, you would have hated the original iPod

its entire back (and sides) was a total scratch magnet

 

[GDF]

I have a space black Air and go caseless and don’t notice any micro scratches. However, I do have a scratch on the camera part, not on the lens though. I have gone caseless previously on the 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro and never gotten one scratch.

Also have a 17 Pro and it just feels more solid, especially the back camera part. Today is the last today for me decide which one to keep and was going to with the Air as I like how light it is, but if gets scratched that easily that would be a negative. The 17 Pro just feels so much heavier/bulkier than the Air and even my previous 16 Pro.

 

[zenmacx]

thanks for the feedback. Are you talking about scratches around the frame? Even in the white model? They should be less visibile than the black one.

The scratches are on both the frame and back panel. On the white one the scratches are just a bit less noticeable.

The solution is simple, use a case. It’s just unfortunate because that defeats the purpose of this beautiful slim form factor.

Yet just like the well documented scratches on other 17 models, Apple has an opportunity for improvement on next years iPhones.

 

[GDF]

The scratches are on both the frame and back panel. On the white one the scratches are just a bit less noticeable.

The solution is simple, use a case. It’s just unfortunate because that defeats the purpose of this beautiful slim form factor.

Yet just like the well documented scratches on other 17 models, Apple has an opportunity for improvement on next years iPhones.

If I have to use a case, then I won’t be keeping the Air. Totally nixes the purpose of it. Like I said above never used cases on my last two Pro’s and no scratches. No scratches so far on my 17 Pro either.

 

[maka344]

Come on now people, some light micro scratches on a frame does not meant the air is not durable! They are superficial at best!

Apple loves you, too.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Micro-scratches visible only in light at a certain angle sounds like someone obsessing over normal use. It is a tool not an investment.

 

[nkgmd]

I have the black iPhone Air, I keep it in Apple’s case in Shadow which preserves the shiny and dark aesthetic and doesn’t add any weight or bulk. I only take it out of the case to show it off to others. Most people when I hand it to them say “wait, it’s in a case!?” I haven’t seen any scratches on it, including the bottom edge which is uncovered. I tried other cases including the Beats and bumper case options but they aren’t any better. No third party cases are any better. I haven’t carried a key or a coin in years and have more than one pocket on all of my clothes so I would never need to throw my phone case-less into a pocket filled with sharp metal objects (seriously?)

 

[Macdctr]

I have had my space black Air since preordering it and I did drop my iPhone once and luckily my new iPhone did not get any scratches on any part of the phone. It still looks pristine so I got a carbon fiber Pitaka case to continue protecting my new iPhone. One thing I love about putting this case on my iPhone is there are no awkwardness and when I place my iPhone on my desk or any flat surface I can easily type on it as the case puts the iPhone securely on the surface.

It is also very thin so when installed it does not take away just how thin this beautiful iPhone really is . . .

Below are a few pictures with my new Pitaka carbon fiber case installed

Now there are those who prefer not to put their iPhones into any type of case or put screen savers on them. I get it but for me with the amount of money these iPhones cost, I would prefer keeping mine as pristine as possible so I will use a nice quality case as well as put a privacy screen saver on. This is how I chose to protect the finish of my space black Air.

 

[Jackbequickly]

These phones are aluminum and will scratch more easily. My 17PM left the box and went directly into a thin shell case. They make Air cases that are nearly as thin a a piece of paper. It will stop the scratches. No way around it.

 

[NotApplicable]

These phones are aluminum and will scratch more easily. My 17PM left the box and went directly into a thin shell case. They make Air cases that are nearly as thin a a piece of paper. It will stop the scratches. No way around it.

The air is titanium

 

[Astuces iOS]

I have a Space Black iPhone Air, which is absolutely beautiful. Despite always keeping it on my desk and never together with keys or sharp objects, the glossy side frame already has numerous micro-scratches visible under the light. I didn’t expect it to be so delicate. This is so annoying for me!

I’d understand if I hadn’t taken care of it (for example, carrying it in my pocket with keys), but that’s not the case. Now I’m considering switching to the White version — the scratches would be less visible, but I like the black one more.

What’s your experience?

Imagine not having a case on it!

 

[youchew]

The best part about having the shiny silver edges on the white model is that you can polish out micro-scratches when you want; that’s what i do for my stainless steel watch and what i did for the 12 PM and 14PM

 

[Jutah]

The best part about having the shiny silver edges on the white model is that you can polish out micro-scratches when you want; that’s what i do for my stainless steel watch and what i did for the 12 PM and 14PM

With cape cod?

 

[Nom4d]

I think as iPhone owners, we all go through that “new iPhone honeymoon phase” — you know, treating it like a rare diamond, setting it gently on a soft tissue or microfiber cloth (guilty as charged 😅). Totally normal human behaviour.

Then there’s the other camp — the brave souls who slap on a case or bumper and just live their lives, letting the iPhone do what it was made to do: be used.

Honestly, don’t let a few micro-scratches ruin the vibe. They’re part of the journey. Take a deep breath, maybe do a bit of mindfulness, and remind yourself that perfection only lasts until the first day of real life.

Besides, now that it’s got its first micro-scratch, congratulations — your iPhone has officially developed character. It’s uniquely yours now. ✨📱

 

[Apple_Robert]

With cape cod?

Yes, a Cape Cod polishing cloth. It is made for that task.

 

[justmadeupname]

I have a Space Black iPhone Air, which is absolutely beautiful. Despite always keeping it on my desk and never together with keys or sharp objects, the glossy side frame already has numerous micro-scratches visible under the light. I didn’t expect it to be so delicate. This is so annoying for me!

I’d understand if I hadn’t taken care of it (for example, carrying it in my pocket with keys), but that’s not the case. Now I’m considering switching to the White version — the scratches would be less visible, but I like the black one more.

What’s your experience?

Any pictures ? I am curious too see the micro scratches on the black frame.

 

[Kendo]

I think as iPhone owners, we all go through that “new iPhone honeymoon phase” — you know, treating it like a rare diamond, setting it gently on a soft tissue or microfiber cloth (guilty as charged 😅). Totally normal human behaviour.

Then there’s the other camp — the brave souls who slap on a case or bumper and just live their lives, letting the iPhone do what it was made to do: be used.

Honestly, don’t let a few micro-scratches ruin the vibe. They’re part of the journey. Take a deep breath, maybe do a bit of mindfulness, and remind yourself that perfection only lasts until the first day of real life.

Besides, now that it’s got its first micro-scratch, congratulations — your iPhone has officially developed character. It’s uniquely yours now. ✨📱

Agree. I mean just think about how you feel and treated the current phone you owned before you got the 17 Pro.

My 14 Pro looks look it’s been through actual military battles. Yet here I am always washing my hands before I touch my 17 Pro.

 

[Nom4d]

Agree. I mean just think about how you feel and treated the current phone you owned before you got the 17 Pro.

My 14 Pro looks look it’s been through actual military battles. Yet here I am always washing my hands before I touch my 17 Pro.

Give it a week your handwashing will go back to normal behaviour before using your new iPhone haha just like how I will stop putting mines on a tissue paper.