Following the anticipated September 2025 launch of its latest products, Apple is facing early feedback from users on both its new hardware and software. Reports are emerging about durability concerns with the new iPhone 17 Pro models, while a key change in the iOS 26 Mail app is causing some confusion for users adapting to the new operating system.
iPhone 17 Pro Models Reportedly Suffer from Easy Scratching
Shortly after launch, concerns have been raised regarding the durability of the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Users and reporters are finding that the devices, particularly the Deep Blue models, may be unusually susceptible to scuffs and scratches.
A Bloomberg reporter noted that after just a few hours on display in Apple Stores worldwide, several iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max units in Deep Blue already showed visible cosmetic damage. The issue isn’t limited to a single color, as the black version of the iPhone Air has also been cited as being prone to scratching. Adding to this, some users have reported that using Apple’s own MagSafe charger can leave a circular imprint on the back of the new Pro models.
These initial observations have been amplified on social media. A post on the Chinese platform Weibo, which included photos of a scratched iPhone 17 series device, quickly went viral, with its related hashtag accumulating over 40 million views. Similarly, a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed a display model of an iPhone 17 Pro with noticeable scratches.
The root of the issue may lie in Apple’s decision to revert from a titanium frame back to an aluminum chassis for the iPhone 17 Pro series. Aluminum is a softer metal, and anodized finishes on darker colors tend to make scratches and scuffs more apparent. This situation is drawing parallels to the “Scuffgate” complaints that plagued the black iPhone 5 back in 2012, suggesting a repeat of past material challenges. While Apple has stated it implemented a new scratch-resistant coating, it appears it may not be entirely effective.
Further analysis from the popular YouTuber channel “JerryRigEverything” pointed out in a durability test that the sharp edges around the rear camera bump are especially vulnerable. This is attributed to the nature of anodization, where the colored aluminum oxide layer has difficulty adhering uniformly to sharp corners. However, the channel did note that some of these marks could be wiped away, suggesting they may not all be permanent scratches.
iOS 26 Mail App Causes Confusion with New Unread Count System
On the software front, the release of iOS 26 has introduced a visually refreshed “Liquid Glass” user interface and a host of new features. Among the most significant changes is a major overhaul of the native Mail app, which now automatically categorizes incoming emails to help users manage large volumes of messages across multiple accounts.
When users open a mailbox in the updated app, they are presented with new category buttons: “Primary” for important messages, “Transactions” for receipts and shipping info, “Updates” for news and subscriptions, and “Promotions” for marketing and sales emails. An “All Mail” button is also available for a traditional, unfiltered view.
However, this new system has led many users to believe their unread email count is inaccurate, often appearing lower than the actual number of new messages. The discrepancy arises from a new default setting in iOS 26. The red badge notification on the Mail app icon now only displays the number of unread emails in the “Primary” category. This design choice, likely intended to reduce notification clutter, has left many users thinking the app is failing to count all their new mail.
For those who prefer to see the total number of unread emails, there is a straightforward fix. Users can restore the traditional badge count by navigating to Settings → Mail → Notifications → Customize Notifications. In this menu, under the “Badges” section, selecting “All Unread Messages” will ensure the icon badge accurately reflects every unread email across all categories, resolving the confusion.
