An iFixit teardown indicates that the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is having a scratchgate problem near the corner of the camera plateau area.
Microscopic observations and various tests show that the anodized layer in that corner can be confused and easily torn or cracked, exposing the underlying aluminum metal. The technical name for this action is spalling.
What Did the Microscope Say about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro?
iFixit employed a special microscope, the Evident DSX2000, to see the layer fraying in an extremely fine manner, a superficial layer of which ordinarily will not display such prominent flaking.
Mohs hardness test for level 4 was adopted for investigations, wherein the microscope evidence showed that the anodized layer was tearing very fast when hit on its corner.
The problem at that corner is because the anodized layer doesn't sit directly on the underlying aluminum; rather, there is a second relatively weak anodized layer beneath it that can be easily peeled away.
What Is Spalling?
Spalling is the peeling or cracking of a coating or metal that is poorly supported by the underlying metal.
In this current case, the sharp corners and absence of a proper integrated chamfer on the plate of the camera weaken the coating, causing it to slowly spall, either with a bit of a line or by small lines.
Observations under a microscope have shown that the region where the cracks were located was being held by the top coating, while the silver underlying metal was exposed due to the lifting of the coating.
Other Hardware and Highlights
This teardown also revealed:
-for the first time, a vapor chamber cooling system to rapidly dissipate heat and reduce overheating is used;
-the battery is mounted on a 'tray' or plate and held in position by Torx Plus screws;
-Many repairs now need you to take the screen off, as Apple has eliminated the prior dual-entry (front and back) design.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Scratchgate is a classic case of illustrating how important it is not only in the choice of new materials and finishes, but also in design geometry and angles are equally important. In the case of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, it is essential for users who are observing scratches or chips on the camera plate side to use a case. Choose the one that protects the camera angle.
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