Apple iOS 13 has been the number one source of bad news for iPhone owners. But not any more. Now warnings are now being issued about the hardware in Apple’s new iPhones as well.
Users are reporting Apple’s new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max displays scratch far too easily
Apple
Picked up by 7News Australia, owners of Apple’s new iPhone 11 (guide), iPhone 11 Pro (guide) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (guide) are finding the company’s promise that they feature “the toughest glass ever in a smartphone” to be extremely far fetched. In fact, even keeping these phones in a pocket is resulting in damage.
Moreover, complaints are spreading across social media. For example, on Apple’s own official Communities forum, a 15-page thread has built up with owners taking photos of scratched displays on their new iPhone 11 series smartphones. And they are not impressed.
“My iPhone 11 looks worse after one week than my iPhone 7 did after three years. I’ll be going to my Apple store and complaining. I haven’t bought AppleCare yet but might have to at this rate. FWIW, it doesn’t take sharp or metallic objects to cause scratches. Simple normal usage or pockets, setting on tables, etc.” – source
“The screen feels like it can get scratches or smears when not even in contact with sharp or rough surfaces. Never had this issue with previous generation iPhones. Not impressed.” – source
“The same happened to my iPhone Pro. I just got it yesterday and kept it in a pocket with nothing else. Less than a day later and there’s already a scratch. I didn’t have this problem with the iPhone X.” – source
“I have the exact same problem. I have had my IPhone 11 for less than a day now and there are already noticeable scratches on the front of the screen. I have not dropped the phone or scratched it again anything metal… just normal use and putting it in my pocket” – source
“Same issue. 1/4” deep scratch on the front of the glass. I am going to try to get it replaced by Apple. I have had every phone since the first and have never had an issue with the front glass. I too have taken perfect care with it… I have talked to two other people with similar issues.” – source
In Apple’s defence, tests by popular YouTubers JerryRigEverything and EverythingApplePro did find that that the iPhone 11 series is highly durable in lab tests and controlled drops. That said, there is a significant difference between these kinds of tests and daily wear and tear and there does seem to be a serious issue with iPhone 11 display. This kind of wear, for example, is not natural.
All of which makes for uncomfortable timing. Just last month, Apple introduced a new policy of pushing lockscreen warnings to the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max if their displays are replaced anywhere except an official Apple supplier. And when Apple charges $199 to replace an iPhone 11 display, $279 to replace an iPhone 11 Pro display and $329 to replace an iPhone 11 Pro Max display, it’s hard not to feel cynical about the upsell potential for $199 AppleCare+ plans (which reduce the cost of new displays to $29).
Sceptics will also point to Apple’s move to lock down battery replacements in August. Even if official batteries are used, all unofficial repairs will also result in a warning notification for users. Something acclaimed repairer iFixit described as being “user-hostile”. It also sets up the potential for a new clash between Apple and Right to Repair advocates.
Yes, your loyalty to Apple and the size of your bank account will determine how much these reports concern you. But with iOS 13 seemingly determined to scare away users, I’d suggest it is the perfect time to delay your iPhone 11 series upgrade. For while product recalls seem unlikely, Apple quietly tweaking its new iPhone displays would not be a surprise in the slightest.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
More On Forbes
Apple iOS 13.1.2 Release: Should You Upgrade?
Read More
admin