My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily

I thought I was the only one. I’m mad! 24 hours and 5 deep scratches already.

How big was your scratch? Mine is a hairline scratch

YES

i just came here to say the same thing. I have never really had scratches on my phone ever? I’ve had this one for a week??? And I’ve been home sick the whole time! It just doesn’t make sense.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I thought it was just me but I have has my 16 pro max for less than a week and it already has more scratches than the 13 I had for 2 years.

3 Scratches on my Iphone 16 Pro screen in a couple weeks by doing nothing. No scratches on iphone 11 screen after 5 years.

Well I got my iPhone 16 pro max on 20th and while playing a game, I started to notice my character won’t move, kept dying in the game. I wasn’t sure what it was until under sunlight I saw scratches on screen, from my nails probably. So I took screen lock off to test and when scratches are not there, no longer have the issue (control moved to scratch free area). So it is “NOT” a cosmetic issue for sure. I had my iPhone 14 Pro Max and played the same game for a year. No scratches and I was really surprised because I always believe in Apple is synonymous with quality.

I think this is quite funny considering the only reason you guys are having trouble with this is because you don’t use or apply a screen protector day of purchasing which is very recommended now I understand the people who go caseless but no screen protector?, you guys are practically asking for scratches.

It’s going to be deemed cosmetic so no it won’t be fixed or replaced (it doesn’t affect the functionality of the device). You could always go to your local Apple Store to see what they say (you may get lucky and get someone that will give a courtesy replacement but go understanding that is going to be highly unlikely. In order for it to have the type of scratches you’re describing it had to come in contact with something…even if it was microscopic particles that can cause scratching such as sand particles (that is just an example…don’t focus on sand if you feel adamant that you were never anywhere that a few abrasive grains of sand could be present. Just a random option). Lint, dust/dirt, rough material, slipped into the side pocket of a purse or bag, put in a charging cubby in a car that may have small debri you haven’t noticed, etc. But 30 deep scratches didn’t appear out of nowhere….you just may not have noticed the hazard available for it to happen. I have been using my device intentionally with my screen protector off and no case for 3 days because I’m curious how in the world y’all are getting this issues although most haven’t shared pictures of this extreme scratching. Either way, if you decide to take it in no matter what remains calm and kind. There is the old saying that you catch more flies with honey.

Me too.

I just assumed this is an Apple thing but I’m glad to hear it isn’t. I had Samsung phones for over a decade (I get the newest every year) and never used a screen protector. Honestly I shouldn’t have to for a 1500 machine. I scratched a screen in 2020 when my son dropped it. That’s it.

I had the 15 and it was great.

I’ve had the 16 for two weeks and the screen has scratches all over it (5 to be exact). This is unacceptable. I am not rough with my phone at all.

[Edited by Moderator]

I am starting to assume this will be a recall. There’s no way this can continue.

(those from my iPhone pro max 16 which now has a screen cover on it like some worn used piece of crap)

Apple needs to do something.

I’m trying to find out what I should do. I just got the phone and the cases were back ordered.. Going about my low-key day and the screen and sides look like my old iPhone 7 after getting run over. It’s like a tin can. I hope I can return it or at least return it for another phone after I get it repaired. Apple, t-mobile, assurant? Not sure it will last the month it would take for a replacement.

mditullo wrote:

Thanks. I have a Spigen case and am happy with it. Will try out their tempered glass screen protector to see if it helps hide the scratches in my screen.

You're welcome. They are very good screen protectors and quite affordable.

My one got scratched in just 3 days of normal using how I have used previous iphone, I have chat with online chat support, they are happily take it as a return or replacement but when I went to apple store for faster procedure, they declined and was showing me the return terms and conditions that it should be in new condition, if its in new condition why I do return??? I want solution for this scratched screen as a return or replacement and they declined for that exact same reason that it has been scratched, no more apple 👎

I recommend taking it back to trade out while you still have it within the 14-day return period and limited warranty. Then slap a screen protector on it because this release appears to have a softer screen.

I recommend taking it back to trade out while you still have it within the 14-day return period and limited warranty. Then slap a screen protector on it because this release appears to have a softer screen.

Normally I would attribute the scratches I’ve gotten on my iPhone 16 Pro Max to me being stupid like accidentally putting keys in the same pocket as my phone. However, it became extremely noticeable that new scratches keep popping up really fast despite me being quite careful with the phone. Fast to the point where something tells me something is wrong with the way Apple made this glass. I’ve had every iPhone generation since the iPhone 3G. I haven’t seen scratches form on the screen like this since the 3GS. If you have longtime users like myself saying “Man this screen scratches like nothing before it”, Apple has a problem. Hopefully more and more noise as people have the devices longer will get them to address this serious issue.