Despite this incredible reception, the iPhone 17 series phones are not perfect. Users have complained about various issues, from the “Scratchgate” fiasco early in sales to various performance and even durability issues. The aluminum chassis may be durable, but it’s prone to scratches and dents. Users also experienced cellular, Bluetooth, and CarPlay connectivity issues with some iPhone 17 models, speaker hissing while charging, and battery issues, including a severe case in which the phones charged only wirelessly. On top of that, some iPhone 17 users have complained about persistent software performance issues.
Apple has responded to some of these complaints through software updates that fix connectivity issues, explain some of the Scratchgate incidents, and improve performance. That said, some issues could continue to frustrate iPhone 17 owners.
Scratchgate with some twists
Concerns about Scratchgate subsided significantly, but build-quality issues resurfaced a few weeks later. Some iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max owners who chose the Cosmic Orange model, which is extremely popular in markets including Asia, found that the anodized aluminum frame turned from orange to pink. It’s unclear what caused the discoloration and how many users were affected. Some have speculated that prolonged exposure to UV rays and the use of peroxide-based cleaning products may be the cause of the problem. No solution is available to resolve the issue, at least for devices already sold to consumers.
Dents and scratches on aluminum
The problem with aluminum is that it can still warp if the phone is dropped, even with a case on. Various images and videos uploaded by frustrated users showed this type of cosmetic damage. The iPhone screen may not be cracked, but a stronger impact could damage the metal frame, especially at the corners. Combined with wear scratches on the camera bed, these issues showed that switching to aluminum led to unexpected durability problems. These issues, although sporadic, can directly impact users. A dented or scratched phone will be worth less in the future when you try to trade it in or sell it.
Unexpected battery issues
Long-time iPhone users may be aware of persistent battery life issues affecting all new devices after upgrading from an older model or installing a new iOS update. Battery life is less than expected, and the phone may heat up after initial setup or after a software update. This isn’t a problem to worry about unless it doesn’t resolve itself after a day or two. This happens with all iPhone models, not just the iPhone 17 series, as the freshly installed operating system runs in the background, indexing the handset’s contents.
While these battery issues are expected, some iPhone 17 users have also reported surprising battery charging issues in recent months. For example, some users experienced sound issues when using the device while it was charging. The speaker would make a hissing or static sound, as shown in the video above. Unplugging the phone would solve the problem, but it’s not enough for users who want to listen to music or play other content while the handset is charging.
There’s an even more annoying battery issue that may affect iPhone 17 users. Once the battery reaches 0%, it may no longer charge via cable, which is especially frustrating because some iPhone 17 models offer even faster charging than their predecessors. The solution is relatively simple, but it may require a panicked Google search for help. You need to charge the device using a wireless charger. People who don’t have MagSafe chargers on hand will need to purchase or borrow one to resolve this issue. It’s not clear what caused this, and it could happen again.
Slow iOS 26 Experiences
Rumor has it that one of the main features of iOS 27 will be improved stability and performance. These can resolve persistent software performance issues that some users have complained about, assuming the reports are accurate. After all, Apple has been fixing iOS 26 issues since the operating system’s rollout, which coincided with the iPhone 17 Pro’s launch. Apple fixed cellular and Bluetooth issues, CarPlay disconnections, and Apple Intelligence activation issues in iOS 26.0.1. The company has released 26 new iOS features since the original version and has fixed bugs along the way.
On the other hand, some iPhone issues may be caused by buggy iOS installations from older backups and may only affect specific users. A fresh install of iOS 26, although more cumbersome than restoring from a backup, can resolve these issues.
The iPhone Air
Taken together, these compromises affected demand for the iPhone Air, given the phone’s $999 starting price. For $799, the standard iPhone 17 offers a similar experience to the iPhone 17 Pro, which starts at $1,099. As a result, the iPhone Air was rarely sold out during BGR’s weekly iPhone 17 stock checks. The base model of the iPhone 17 was sold out until December in some markets.
There’s no real way to repair the iPhone Air, but rumors say Apple could release a second-generation model that could address some of the current criticism. The iPhone Air 2 is expected to feature dual rear cameras, but it might not launch until 2027.
