Apple's bewildering advice: Salt the iPhone 17 Pro to fix scratches?

Apple's Bizarre Scratch-Fixing Advice for iPhone 17 Pro: Salt Water?

As soon as the iPhone 17 Pro hit the shelves, the internet was inundated with photos and videos showcasing unsightly scratches marring its rear panel. In a rather peculiar turn of events, it appears Apple might have stumbled upon a simple, albeit unconventional, solution to combat this widespread cosmetic issue. Early theories suggested the scratches were a result of the aluminum layer beneath the coating wearing away too quickly, a disappointing discovery for owners of premium devices who expect pristine condition, especially given the hefty price tag.

The Salt Solution: A Desperate Measure?

In response to consumer outcry, a surprisingly low-tech workaround has surfaced, reportedly originating from Apple itself. Reports indicate that retail staff have been advised to frequently wipe down the rear panels of the iPhone 17 Pro using a saline solution alongside standard cleaning agents. This rather unusual recommendation has even been tested by users, with Dylan McDonald from 9to5Mac sharing his own experiment. He described how a mixture of water and a touch of sea salt effectively masked the blemishes on his dark blue iPhone 17 Pro's glass surface.

"I mixed water and a little bit of sea salt, and it actually worked," he wrote.

A Temporary Fix with Long-Term Risks

While the salt-water method might offer a fleeting reprieve from the visual nuisance of scratches, it's far from a permanent or ideal solution. The efficacy of this approach is likely superficial, masking rather than resolving the underlying problem. More concerningly, prolonged exposure to saline solutions could potentially corrode the aluminum components of the iPhone's chassis. This highlights a significant design oversight or manufacturing defect that Apple seems to be addressing with stop-gap measures rather than fundamental fixes.

Beyond the Pro: Widespread Concerns for iPhone 17 Lineup

The issue isn't confined solely to the Pro models. Even the iPhone Air, featuring a titanium casing, has reportedly shown susceptibility to scuffs, with MagSafe accessories leaving noticeable marks. Apple assures users these can be easily removed, but the long-term durability and aesthetic integrity of the titanium material remain a question mark. The current consensus among tech enthusiasts and early adopters is that the most reliable method to safeguard the pristine condition of a brand-new iPhone remains a robust protective case.

A Pattern of Issues: From Scratches to Software Glitches

Adding to the smartphone's woes, the iPhone 17 lineup has also been plagued by reports of peculiar Wi-Fi malfunctions and a controversial redesign of iOS 26, which some users have derisively labeled an "optical nightmare." These accumulating problems cast a shadow over Apple's reputation for seamless product perfection. It's a stark reminder that even tech giants can falter, particularly when faced with production pressures, as evidenced by allegations of concerning labor practices at one iPhone assembly plant.