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Why would the thickness of the cloth make a difference? If anything, a thinner cloth would provide less cushioning in case a particle gets trapped between the cloth and phone. The trouble with many microfiber cloths is that they are highly susceptible to trapping small particles, either by snagging between the fibers or static electricity which has a tendency to build within certain synthetic fibers like polyester.
 
I think what you're going to find out regardless of what you use to clean the iPhone Jet black with, is that particular model will scratch regardless with micro abrasions. Even if it's not technically deeply scratched, it's still will show swirls or slight abrasion's from contact with cloths or cases. It's just how that iPhone was designed with that specific anozidation process.

Apple even notated the iPhone jet black model to show Micro abrasions due to the shine, scratches will show more.
 
I think what you're going to find out regardless of what you use to clean the iPhone Jet black with, is that particular model will scratch regardless with micro abrasions. Even if it's not technically deeply scratched, it's still will show swirls or slight abrasion's from contact with cloths or cases. It's just how that iPhone was designed with that specific anozidation process.

Apple even notated the iPhone jet black model to show Micro abrasions due to the shine, scratches will show more.
It's not so much in the design or anodization process, the simple fact is that a glossy surface is achieved only by the absence of visible scratches. So the sustainability of a gloss surface is entirely dependent on its resistance to abrasion. The hard anodized surface of a Jet Black iPhone is exceptional in terms of a coated aluminum, but even stainless steel and many much harder steels will inevitably scratch. Glass is currently the only material common to cell phones that has the strength to withstand abrasion without damaging the "gloss" of it. I've had my JB 7 in a case since I got it, but the few times I've removed it, I've actually been pleasantly surprised at how scratch-free it has remained. Even the bottom of it that isn't covered by the case has remained pretty clean.
 
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It's not so much in the design or anodization process, the simple fact is that a glossy surface is achieved only by the absence of visible scratches. So the sustainability of a gloss surface is entirely dependent on its resistance to abrasion. The hard anodized surface of a Jet Black iPhone is exceptional in terms of a coated aluminum, but even stainless steel and many much harder steels will inevitably scratch. Glass is currently the only material common to cell phones that has the strength to withstand abrasion without damaging the "gloss" of it. I've had my JB 7 in a case since I got it, but the few times I've removed it, I've actually been pleasantly surprised at how scratch-free it has remained. Even the bottom of it that isn't covered by the case has remained pretty clean.

I'm Not questioning the resilience of anodization on the Jet Black, which is very durable. As I mentioned before, it's the high gloss shine that will inevitably show hairline scratches well over the other 7000 series aluminum models with reflectivity and it's the color black.

That said, the biggest culprit against the Jet black model, can be cases. Mainly because debris can be embedded in the cases that you can't see and it causes rubbing against certain angles of the iPhone in the case, which ultimately can scratch in certain areas where the rubbing is consistent.

There was even another thread prior to this one where another forum member used a brand-new microfiber cloth and wiped the Jet black iPhone and to find out, they had swirls all over it. It depicts that the specific model iPhone is subject to swirls, Micro- abrasions or scratches much easier than the other aluminum models. It's rather inevitable.
 
I got the 7+ Jet Black a month after launch date. Now, I've always been SUPER careful with my phones and have never had a scratch - not even a hairline scratch. Well, a few months later and it is all scratched up near the mic at the top and in a few areas in the back. I always had mine with the leather case, so I figured this happened when I cleaned it.

Well, a few months ago, my iPhone was experiencing an issue which couldn't be repaired so the Apple Store swapped it for another one. I thought "ok, I'll be *extra* careful. Won't even touch it."

Well, I had no scratches, until I had to clean my phone's screen (as I do as needed) with warm water and a microfiber cloth. Turns out... after wiping my phone with the thinnest/lightest/most non abrasive microfiber cloth, it got some scratches at the top and bottom of the phone.

What is odd is that the microfiber cloth has never scratched anything. I have a couple of them and if the thinnest one did this, I probably shouldn't use anything to wipe them, no?

Buying a iPhone that is so prone to scratching, when you are so sensitive to it looking perfect, is a recipe to disaster. I am afraid you set yourself up for this horror. I also agree with the others and a thicker cloth would be better but that no longer matters.
 
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I put my JB into Apple's genuine leather case, and have ZERO scratches anywhere since release. My friend was even trying to plug my phone with his lightening cable in the car in the dark and grazed around the lightening port, and didn't get any scratches.

When I put my phone in my pocket, I do it heads down so that the bare bottom doesn't rub against my jeans. And I use a long-haired microfiber cloth.

The long-hair MF cloth is key. It's not about being thin. The hairs trap and lock dirt/particles away so that they don't scratch the substrate surface. Thin MF cloths don't have long enough hairs to do this.
 
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I put my JB into Apple's genuine leather case, and have ZERO scratches anywhere since release. My friend was even trying to plug my phone with his lightening cable in the car in the dark and grazed around the lightening port, and didn't get any scratches.

When I put my phone in my pocket, I do it heads down so that the bare bottom doesn't rub against my jeans. And I use a long-haired microfiber cloth.

The long-hair MF cloth is key. It's not about being thin. The hairs trap and lock dirt/particles away so that they don't scratch the substrate surface. Thin MF cloths don't have long enough hairs to do this.

I have been fortunate. I have never scratched any displays of all my Apple devices over the years. I use premium microfiber cloths, but I switch them out frequently to avoid being overused or dirty where they could potentially trap particles and scratch the display.

Another thing with cleaning displays, is you don't have to apply a lot of pressure when cleaning it. Applying to much pressure can make the situation potentially worse with a microfiber cloth.
 
They should have never released the JB in this form.
As soon as heard about how easily it gets scratched,I decided against it and moved on.
I wouldn't buy such flawed variant even with a great deal of discount.
 
Got the naked wrap by SlickWraps on my Jet Black and it looks like its not even on the device. Protects it from scratches and fingerprints. I still love the Jet Black color. It makes the iPhone look seemless and the Matte Black look outdated.
 
I basically meant that it was a super delicate cloth. I also wash them/clean them regularly and made sure there were no particles before I began cleaning it. As I've said, never had scratch. But hey, it's definitely sensitive. I will try using a thicker cloth or a lens cloth.



The funny thing is that this is the front part. Doesn't the Matte phone have the same front? The back is fine.



This was the front part near the mic, not the back. So if I had gotten a Matte phone, would it have done the same?



Nah, not sensitive. Just surprised that the front part scratched a bit when I've never had any scratches. Thanks for the assumptions though.

A longer cloth matters for the future, so I appreciate the people who gave constructive tips as opposed to "well, you knew it was prone to scratches!"



Where can I get a long hair MF cloth? And do you mean you put the phone with the screen facing down on your jeans - meaning the back part is to your front?



I do to. I clean them regularly and make sure there are no particles. Sometimes take tape to make sure there is no dust. I will try not applying too much pressure. Thanks for the tips.



Hopefully Apple fixes it for the next release...



With a tap of a brand new micro-fiber cloth.



Nah, it was a brand new one. If you're gonna give three tips as numbers, at least have your #1 be correct and not an assumption.

Again, it wasn't the microfiber cloth that scratched the phone. Who cares if it was a brand new one.

Are you going to whip out a new cloth to wipe your phone each time?
 
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I got the 7+ Jet Black a month after launch date. Now, I've always been SUPER careful with my phones and have never had a scratch - not even a hairline scratch. Well, a few months later and it is all scratched up near the mic at the top and in a few areas in the back. I always had mine with the leather case, so I figured this happened when I cleaned it.

Well, a few months ago, my iPhone was experiencing an issue which couldn't be repaired so the Apple Store swapped it for another one. I thought "ok, I'll be *extra* careful. Won't even touch it."

Well, I had no scratches, until I had to clean my phone's screen (as I do as needed) with warm water and a microfiber cloth. Turns out... after wiping my phone with the thinnest/lightest/most non abrasive microfiber cloth, it got some scratches at the top and bottom of the phone.

What is odd is that the microfiber cloth has never scratched anything. I have a couple of them and if the thinnest one did this, I probably shouldn't use anything to wipe them, no?

When I was born, I had very few wrinkles. Now...
 
And again - yes it was.

I care, because I was trying not to scratch it. And I have many microfiber cloths and rarely use them as my phone's screen never gets dirty, and it had no scratches previously. Anything new you'd like to add or is it your turn "get on with your life" now?


You got a color that is well known, even before it was out, to scratch by breathing on it. Get over it or buy a naked wrap or something to protect it.

If not, it's just a scratch. You got the most scratch prone color possible. Why complain about it? There were countless videos after videos and reviews detailing how rubbing a shirt can scratch it. It's like going to bad neighborhood and then complaining that someone stole your bike after you left it outside. It was to be expected.
 
And again - yes it was.

I care, because I was trying not to scratch it. And I have many microfiber cloths and rarely use them as my phone's screen never gets dirty, and it had no scratches previously. Anything new you'd like to add or is it your turn "get on with your life" now?

Believe what you want to believe. Know that few of us hold any credence that a microfiber cloth made those scratches.

Baby the phone, if you want. Croon over it, if it makes you feel better. Lavish it with tender loving care, in the forlorn hope of keeping it scratch-free.
 
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I wonder if people who obsess over micro abrasions carry this obsession into other devices in their life.

Do you meticulously turtle wax the car after every journey?

Are you placing 'shoe protectors, on your shoes to prevent stone scuffs and lace abrasions?

Is your T.V/monitor showing any marks?

Do your PS4/switch/Xbox controllers gleam like day one out of the box?

Funny how Apple have made people like this to keep their resale value up, although unless is battered to oblivion, I don't think people mind wear and tear in second hand devices.
 
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I was more of less looking for advice as to cleaning it. Few posters did give good advice though, so I'll take / laugh off at the scolding replies for the good ones. Maybe next time I'll just say "what are some ways to clean the JB iPhone and avoid it getting scratched" since personal anecdotes are seen more as complaining.

Oh I see.
I usually just wipe down with a damp paper towel.
I have a Matte Black 7 Plus and haven't noticed any light scratches.
I do have it in a Spigen Case most of the time though.
 
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